To answer your original question,

It is not hard if you do it like this:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8214/8...e1d46355_z.jpg
Disclaimer: That jack stand shown under rear suspension is not holding up any weight of the car. It is there just in case the main jacks on the jack points fail.

I have always changed my own oil & filter to insure the most old oil gets out & pre fill the new filter with new oil to minimize time for new oil to circulate. This prevents oil light from coming on during initial startup.

not hard for me, I bought a lift. Best investment you can make.

Dig a hole in your yard, about 2 feet wide. Park over it.:D

My 5,000 mile oil change (Castrol Full Synthetic) is coming up, so exactly how deep should the hole be?

And will the city inspector require a permit to be pulled.

ByProDriver,

How is the plenum upgrade going?

PM me or call (714) 213-9911, so we can hook up, I'm very interested in the extra 'S' intake manifold.

I live in OC

Really? How did you come to this conclusion? Folks can debate the merits of vacuuming oil vs a traditional drain, but I assure it works, even on a 986 (though I'd not recommend it as there is the potential for getting the hose stuck).

I will say it has worked great on my other cars. I do it hot and suck it out. Can change the oil & filter in a suit in the current BMW as the filter is on top of the engine. I have 3 different sized lines for my extractor, but will go the manual method before I even try it and inspect afterwords. Also, don't use a crappy extractor..it won't work on cars it is meant for, either. On the BMW, it leaves it bone dry. I pulled the plug and not a drop. I think the key is that the oil HAS to be hot. I wouldn't expect the same results from cooler oil. That being said, I'm not going to risk it for now....

I love my Rhinos. Had 'em for years.
My driveway has just enough slope that the Boxster sits level with the rear of the car backed up on the ramps. Yeah, it's a little cozier than working under my Accord DD, but it's not like I'm camping out under the car, just spinning off the filter housing and unscrewing the drain plug and buttoning it back up.
It would be great if I could convince the wife I really need a 4-post lift, but I've got a feeling it would be a tough sell...