Call it the car culture clash. German luxury met Japanese practicality when a Toyota technology company tried to change the oil in a Mercedes-Benz SUV and discovered that even routine maintenance can turn into a design showdown.
The clip from South Carolina lube tech Austin Regalado (@austen.regalado), which has been viewed more than 845,000 times, shows him tackling the underside of Mercedes-Benz GLS 450s, and the higher time and labor threshold for a routine oil change in the German model.
“We’ve got these weird little bolts,” he points out as his camera pans around the skid plate that must be removed to access the drain plug and remove the oil. “People say, ‘Oh, changing the oil in a Mercedes, it’s too expensive.’ Yes, that’s why.”
Explaining the $200 oil change
Under the GLS 450 and many other vehicles of the Stuttgart brand, there is not only the engine oil pan and filter, but also a skid plate or plastic cover, which must be removed before starting the actual oil change work. This means removing multiple fasteners, sometimes eight or more screws, to gain access. one Forum topic It even refers to a “skid plate charge” to remove the bolts as part of the oil change.
According to A Joint breakdown By FCP Euro, the cost of a Mercedes oil change at the dealership can range “between $180 and $450” depending on the model, engine size and region. The reason for this premium is not only due to higher employment rates; Bundled servicesExcessive amounts of oil, and sometimes multiple draining or filter changing points.
In other words, when Regalado jokes that “it’s all for the drain plug,” he’s touching on the reality of servicing luxury cars: more time under the car, more disassembly up front, and inevitably More dollars On the invoice.
Why does a luxury SUV require the removal of a large skid plate just for routine maintenance? The answers lie in the overall design philosophy. Covers the bottom Improve aerodynamics, reduce noise and protect powertrain and engine components from road debris and water spray. However, they also increase the complexity of service: technicians must Removedoften using lifts, before reaching the oil pan or filter.
Moreover, many modern Mercedes cars Requires motors Full synthetic oil meets stringent MB specifications, such as MB 229.5, and often requires higher volumes due to twin-turbo or V-mounted configurations. Combine that with dealership labor rates and higher expectations for tools and training, and you have a recipe for sticker shock at the service counter.
As one of the commentators said Reddit community He put it: “They have drain plugs but…the filter is on the top…they drain the oil from the top so you don’t even need to go to the bottom.”
This observation underscores how the servicing process has evolved, and how it differs from simpler models where you lift it up, unscrew a bunch of screws, drain the water, replace the filter, and fill.
Caution for DIY oil change on Mercedes
It’s worth noting that as well Quick lube shops He may not be using the correct oil specifications or not have the right equipment. one Blog warns “Many Mercedes-Benz vehicles have multiple drain points…which means more time to make changes.”
For gearheads or casual owners, the idea is clear: understanding what’s going on under the car helps interpret the bill. That $200+ Mercedes Oil change It is more than just oil and filter, and includes work to remove the shield, drain complex systems, replace disposable plastic drain plugs, and ensure correct fluids.
DIYers may save money, but they need to weigh the complexities: Is a lift required? Do you have access to the correct filter cartridge? Are fasteners recycled properly? Those with a warranty may use oil with the wrong specifications May be invalid Your coverage.
If you drive a Toyota or another simpler model, the comparison is stark: fewer underbody covers, fewer bolts, easier access, lower cost. Next time you hear someone say, “My oil change costs $XX,” you’ll know more about what went into that.
Engine1 She reached out to Austin via direct message on TikTok and Facebook. We’ll be sure to update this if he responds.
