That $40 fluid evacuator paid for itself in one oil change on a BMW

I bought one of those manual pump fluid extractors off Amazon for $40 after my 3-series skid plate bolts rusted solid. First use I sucked out 7 quarts of oil through the dipstick tube without even lifting the car, no mess, no swearing at bolts. Anyone else find that these things are either genius or junk depending on the car?

3 comments

3 Comments

phoenix_thompson415d agoMost Upvoted

Wait, you stuck the tube down the dipstick hole and it actually pulled 7 quarts out? That thing really works on a BMW? I figured those extractors were fake or something, like they'd just pop off or leave half the oil in the pan. I tried one on my old Honda and it barely pulled enough to change the filter, but maybe BMWs are built different. Now I'm lowkey tempted to try it on my Audi, just scared it'll get stuck or suck up some seal.

terry_carter1515d ago

Lowkey tempted" but scared of a stuck tube, that's peak overthinking a $30 tool.

jessica_hall4915d ago

The suction actually works way better on cars with the filter on top, like BMWs and most modern Audis. Your Honda probably has the filter underneath so you're already down there anyway, these extractors are really meant for cars where you can do the whole job from above. The tube getting stuck thing is real though, I've heard of people losing the plastic line inside the engine if they push too hard and it snaps off. I always make sure to measure the old oil against what I pulled out just to be safe, and I've never had one leave more than half a quart behind on my BMW.