Mercedes Driver Says It Costs Hundreds for a Dealership Oil Change. Then He Goes to Walmart and Does It For $61
TikTok user
@tyshawn.elijah
posted a 38-second video from the motor oil aisle at Walmart, breaking down the math on DIY oil changes versus dealership pricing—and the numbers might surprise you.
The Walmart Discovery
In his viral TikTok, tyshawn.elijah films himself standing in front of Walmart's motor oil selection, pointing out specific products and prices. The video, shot entirely from his point of view, shows rows of oil bottles on steel shelves as he breaks down the cost comparison.
'See, look, I'm in Walmart, right? I just want you to see something real quick,' he begins, before focusing on a bottle of Mobil 1 synthetic oil. 'So that's European car formula, 5W40, $24.97.'
He explains the basic math for European luxury vehicles: 'Most European cars just need two of those, you know what I'm saying? Or you get the full synthetic, which I don't see here, but you can get that one. That runs in most of them, benzene and [expletive] like that.'
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Breaking Down the Numbers
tyshawn.elijah's cost breakdown is straightforward and reveals a significant price difference. 'So what I'm showing you [...] is that two of those, $25, that's $50, plus the oil filter for $11. That's it,' he explains in the video.
His final calculation: '$60-something at the most. He's trying to charge you $300 for a [expletive] oil change. Just want you all to see.'
The stark contrast—$61 for DIY versus $300 at the dealership—represents a nearly 500% markup.
The European Car Oil Factor
tyshawn.elijah specifically focuses on European car formula oil, which is typically required for Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and other luxury German vehicles. These cars often require specific oil viscosities and certifications that meet European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) standards, which
are more rigorous
than American Petroleum Institute (API) standards.
The 5W-40 viscosity he mentions is
indeed common for many European engines
, particularly those designed for higher performance or operating in varied climate conditions. This type of oil typically costs more than conventional motor oil but is readily available at major retailers like Walmart.
Community Response
The comment section reveals a mix of agreement and practical considerations. Many viewers support the DIY approach, with one simply stating, 'Always get my oil from Walmart.'
However, others point out the value proposition of professional service. User KLB offered a different perspective, writing, 'You paying the 300 for a professional who might be doing your oil but might notice your whole front end about to come off. It's food for thought.'
tyshawn.elijah, who also goes by the handle 'dually_to_bagger_to benz,' pushed back against this argument, emphasizing his automotive expertise. 'So ur new here,' he wrote. 'I fix these cars and drive them every day. I can feel and spot a problem way faster than ur average tech…. and oil change at Jiffy Lube is wild crazy! Stop it!!! U can drive ur car and notice something is off… You're not selling me a $300 oil change… that takes 30 mins!!!'
Some commenters suggested alternative solutions for those who want to save money but lack the ability to perform their own maintenance.
User 'B' shared, 'I would love to be able to change my own oil but I'm handicapped. So I have to accept getting screwed over. If more able-bodied people would change their own oil, we would see a difference in these rip off quick lube shops.'
Another commenters offered practical advice: 'Need to find you a friend who does their own. Even if you have to pay them, they will take better care of your car than quick lube.'
The Oil Capacity Question
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One commenter raised an important technical point about tyshawn.elijah's calculation, specifically questioning the two-bottle requirement: '2 of those….what [expletive] car takes 10Qts…I have a Tiguan..only 5Qts.'
The creator stood by his assessment, responding, 'Just because u haven't experienced it doesn't mean it dont exist.'
Indeed, larger Mercedes engines, particularly V-8s in models like the
S-Class
, can require eight-10 quarts of oil, making the two-bottle calculation accurate for certain vehicles.
User 'Captain Spaulding' confirmed this, commenting, 'My s550 takes 10q.'
Others suggested cost-saving alternatives like Costco's bulk oil options.
The DIY Vs Dealership Debate
While tyshawn.elijah's math is compelling, the decision between DIY and dealership service involves more than just cost. Dealership oil changes often include multi-point inspections, proper disposal of waste materials, and warranty considerations that DIY maintenance doesn't provide.
However, for mechanically inclined owners comfortable with basic maintenance, the potential savings are substantial. The key is ensuring you're using the correct oil specification for your specific vehicle—something that requires checking your owner's manual or consulting with a knowledgeable parts specialist.
For Mercedes owners specifically, using the wrong oil can void warranties or cause long-term engine damage, making it crucial to verify that any oil meets Mercedes-Benz specifications before making the switch to DIY maintenance.
tyshawn.elijah's video highlights a broader conversation about automotive service pricing and whether luxury car owners are paying premium prices for routine maintenance that can be performed safely and effectively at home.
Motor1
contacted tyshawn.elijah for comment. We'll update this if he responds.
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