Not a complete step-by-step instruction manual but I took some photos on Friday when I changed my oil.

Anyone have any suggestions for how to deal with the horizontally mounted oil filter?

What's the best way to get it off without making too much of a mess? I've read about others that are covering the starter (right below the oil filter) with a cloth or tinfoil but there isn't a lot of room to get in there to turn the filter and direct the oil stream at the same time.

http://amsoil.nesser.org/2012/05/mit...er-oil-change/

 

Nesser,
I just changed my oil in the outtie for the first time last week, and I got the friggin splash of oil too. I had an acura before where the filter was mounted the same way, but it must have drained back into the block, because I don't remember getting dumped on when removing the filter... but I digress. I have not used one of these before, but might have to pick one of these form-a-funnels up for next time I change the oil.. that or just put a rag up there after I get it loosened
Form-A-Funnel® Flexible Draining Tool

 

I have the automotive one - you can see it rolled up in the tool box in one of the photos. I obviously don't have the dance right yet but I couldn't see or spin off the filter with the form-a-funnel in place cupped under the oil filter at the same time. So I spun the filter a bit and tried to jam the FAF in as fast as I could once I got some flow.

I'd choose the shorter lawn and garden version instead of the automotive style for the Outlander.

 

Changing the oil on the Outlander is a bit of a hassle compared to other cars for 2 reasons: The filter is not the easiest to reach and the dipstick is useless.

Re. how to deal with the horizontal filter, after draining the sump oil, I just unscrew filter slightly until oil dribbles out of the spout. Leave it for a few mins and most of the oil is gone. Not really particularly messy unless you rush it.

I never check the dipstick - I just drain all the oil, add the amount specified in the service manual and repeat 6000 miles later. Not ideal, but the dipstick is so unreliable.