300M and oil changes: always some oil dripping?

Does the design/layout/position of the oil filter on a 300m lend
itself to oil spillage during replacement such that some amount will
pool or accumulate somewhere during the change and later drip or run
onto the pavement, and also potentially onto a hot surface that will
result in an oil smell for a short period after the change?

 

I usually get some old oil on the front subframe of my 300M during a filter
change. I never smell oil burning.
Check the filler cap and make sure it is on tight, maybe the PCV valve and
dipstick too.

 

The LH cars have several tranny and engine oil cooler lines that have
clamped-rubber-hose-to-metal-line joints right at the radiator (driver's
side) that are famous for leaking (almost guaranteed to) after a couple
of years. They are hard to get to to tighten, but may be the source of
your leaking. Any oil/ATF that leaks gets blown back to cover the
underside of the oil pan, etc. Not sure that that is the source of what
you're observing, and I know you said that it is related to oil changes,
but worth considering/checking.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

If done at my dealer, there was always a mess. One time it was smoking so
bad I drove the 300M back to make sure a fire wasn't imminent.

 

Yes, that's my experience as well. I don't need to have my car
undercoated or oil-sprayed.

What exactly is the oil hitting that's so hot? Exhaust pipes?

 

I used to know but my in-laws have that car now, half a east coast away and
I don't remember exactly what got covered with oil.

 

UGH. Never had that but the fake chrome or plastic came off of the door
handle.

I also needed front brakes including rotors. I only had 26K miles. Is this
normal?

--
"Now Phoebe Snow direct can go
from thirty-third to Buffalo.
From Broadway bright the tubes run right
Into the Road of Anthracite"
Erie - Lackawanna

 

No, but not unheard of.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

I had rotors turned around 45k miles. There should have been enuf metal for
one turning.