Topsider Oil Extractor

[Mirko]

Got it in the mail a few days ago and decided to change my oil today since it was due. I searched the entire forum and didn't see any threads on it.

Fairly easy to use it, but I found I had to pump every 5-10min to keep the oil going. Think it took me 35-40min to fully drain it out.

Also believe I got all the oil out, logic behind that is I put back in 5.5litres of oil and the dip stick was showing between half and full. From what I've read on here our engine takes 5.5-6.0litres.

Why I like it
1. No mess
2. Easy to do
3. Don't have to lift the car or get under it at all



I have read on other forums that people dislike it for not getting all the oil out and others loving it for the reason's I posted above.

[ZStig]

cost?

[Finnegan]

^WHS

I'm interested in what happens after 6 months. Other extractors (Mitivac) have failed due to some interaction between synthetic oil and the seals.

[rsutoratosu]

I use similar on my non z car, love these things.. i did put a magnetic plug in my drain so once a while I do look forward to cleaning that out

[Mirko]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

cost?

Picked it up from Northern Tools for $50 plus shipping ($89 CAD total). They also ship to Canada. My package came from Burlington, so no duty but there is tax.

Will see how it holds up over the year as I use it and report back.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too..._390306_390306

I saw that Bimmian has one as well but they want $114 plus tax and shipping for it.

[DataStream18]

I guess i dont see the point of this? Is it just to save a mess? For example on post you're on authorized to change your oil in your driveway so I'm assuming you would use this then?

[Pheonix]

Originally Posted by DataStream18

I guess i dont see the point of this? Is it just to save a mess? For example on post you're on authorized to change your oil in your driveway so I'm assuming you would use this then?

Me neither. Two pieces of 2x6, jack and jackstands (for safety) i will be done in 15 minutes.

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by Pheonix

Me neither. Two pieces of 2x6, jack and jackstands (for safety) i will be done in 15 minutes.

Unless the car is placed on 4 jack stands (or you lowered the car back down to level ground during draining if only jacking up from the front), you may not be able to get as much oil drained if the car sits at an angle with just the front on jack stands. In this case, the extractor may get more oil out than the 2 jack stand method. I like the draining method much better as I feel that it gets more of the "crud" out from the bottom of the pan, but with the Z being so low, the extraction method is awfully tempting.

[Pheonix]

Originally Posted by XMetal

Unless the car is placed on 4 jack stands (or you lowered the car back down to level ground during draining if only jacking up from the front), you may not be able to get as much oil drained if the car sits at an angle with just the front on jack stands. In this case, the extractor may get more oil out than the 2 jack stand method. I like the draining method much better as I feel that it gets more of the "crud" out from the bottom of the pan, but with the Z being so low, the extraction method is awfully tempting.

Of course there are 4 jackstands to keep the car leveled. The 2x6 are for the front (to get the jack under the jackpoint)
As someone already mentioned, it is a good alternative if one has no access to jack, jackstand, etc.. My point was that I could do a much better and quick oil change by draining it.

[mhughett]

Originally Posted by Pheonix

Of course there are 4 jackstands to keep the car leveled. The 2x6 are for the front (to get the jack under the jackpoint)
As someone already mentioned, it is a good alternative if one has no access to jack, jackstand, etc.. My point was that I could do a much better and quick oil change by draining it.

I have the mitvac 7300 that works off of an air compressor (no pumping). With this unit, I can drain the full 5.5 liters of my M in about 2-3 minutes. It takes about 3 minutes to change the filter, and another 3-5 minutes to fill it back up. I can do all of this without a jack, ramps and can do it wearing whatever clothes I want as there is no dripping oil in the process. It cost about $85 shipped from Amazon and I've had it about 2 years. No issues with it so far. Best tool I have in my garage and it is perfect for BMW's that have dipsticks and oil filters on the top of the engine.

[Pheonix]

Originally Posted by mhughett

I have the mitvac 7300 that works off of an air compressor (no pumping). With this unit, I can drain the full 5.5 liters of my M in about 2-3 minutes. It takes about 3 minutes to change the filter, and another 3-5 minutes to fill it back up. I can do all of this without a jack, ramps and can do it wearing whatever clothes I want as there is no dripping oil in the process. It cost about $85 shipped from Amazon and I've had it about 2 years. No issues with it so far. Best tool I have in my garage and it is perfect for BMW's that have dipsticks and oil filters on the top of the engine.

Wow, that is really fast! What size compressor, psi and hose are you using? On of my buddy has a mitvac (dont know the model number) and i've seen more than 15 minutes to drain 5-6qt. He is a mechanic and has the compressor set at 115psi. Anyhow, glad it works out great for you. I will just stick to the old fashion way.

[mhughett]

Originally Posted by Pheonix

Wow, that is really fast! What size compressor, psi and hose are you using? On of my buddy has a mitvac (dont know the model number) and i've seen more than 15 minutes to drain 5-6qt. He is a mechanic and has the compressor set at 115psi. Anyhow, glad it works out great for you. I will just stick to the old fashion way.

The keys are using the biggest diameter hose that will fit in the dipstick tube and doing it when the oil is reasonably warm and flows better. It doesn't use that much air and runs at 80-90psi. In fact, once my tank is fully charged, it doesn't even kick on during the oil change process from the amount of air used to change the oil. One of the best garage tools I've ever bought.

[dubsesd]

both are great methods. my buddy has a shop so i just stop by and put it on a hoist. easy and convieniant

[Mirko]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

^WHS

I'm interested in what happens after 6 months. Other extractors (Mitivac) have failed due to some interaction between synthetic oil and the seals.

First oil change with it was in October 2011, my dad used it on my mom's car a month ago and I did my second oil change on my Z4 today with it.

No issue with seals. I think it went quicker this time around. It wasn't as cold out as it was in October. It sucked out all 5.5litres. Will report back again in 6 months when I expect to do next oil change. Hopefully it still works then . lol

[Caddyshk]

Mityvac = 10 minutes. Measured Oil removed = 5.5 L