MB Enthusiast

I understand Mobil 1 has changed the fomular and the viscosity has changed for my car according to their site . Should I follw the new 0W40 recommendation?

1997 E320

Rafael Grullón

You certainly could. Be sure the oil says is MB approved. There´s a code number in the bottle. Something like MB 226.xx.

stickygreen

How many miles on the car? What have you been using? I started with 10w30 (green cap), now use 15w50 (red cap) in my '97 E320 with 170k miles.

Raj
'97 e320
'05 e320 cdi
'85 535i

E55AMG99

All Mobil 1 0w-40 is the same regardless of the wording on the bottles.

hadam

Be carefull, with older engine and higher mileage, you will see lots of leak with Synth. oil.

I don't recommend to use Mobil one 0-W40. Good oil, but not for 97 MB. I have been using now 20-W50 as my car getting older with higer mileage.

MB Enthusiast

I was using 15W50 which was recommended on the Mobil 1 site and it did not leak anymore than conventional oils but now they say 0W40.

The job was done by the dealer so I will have to watch to see if this increases the leaks.

What do you think?

lexrex

This is not true. I have 115k miles and run Mobil1 0W-40 with zero leaks.

If you have leaks with synthetic oil, you'll have leaks with quality conventional oil too. Yes, the detergents in synthetic oil are very good, and will clear away gunk that is plugging holes in your seals. But so will the detergents in most conventional oils these days. If you've been using decent oil and changing it regularly, there won't be any sludge.

Also, 0W-40 Synthetic and 0W-40 conventional oil (if such a thing exists) are the same thickness. Viscosity is an objective measure; it makes no difference whether the base stock is synthetic or conventional. Regardless of whether you use synthetic or conventional, you should follow the viscosity requirements Mercedes specifies.

Mobil1 0W-40 is currently the Mobil1 oil that meets current Mercedes 229.5 oill specs. Your M119 motor will work fine with any SJ/SL/SM oil. You might also want to consider using Mobil1 5W-40 Truck & SUV oil, since it's available in the gallon containers, unlike 0W-40.

E-Klasse

Because Synthetic oil was not a standard on the 97, I would go with the same weight of coventional oil but in a true synthetic like AMSOil. I use 10w-30 AMSOil in my 96.

MB Enthusiast

So I had been using 15W50 in the past with the old Mobil 1 mix.

Should I use that viscosity - 0W40 or 10W40

stickygreen

Stick with 15w50 as it seems to be working so far. If the dealer put 0w40 in, just ride it out and switch back to 15w50 next time around.

Raj
'05 e320 cdi
'97 e320
'85 535i

ccmbduong

I've used both 10W-30 and 15W-50 Mobil 1 for 4 years now and no leaks , none... in my '96 E320 with 67K miles, and I change at 10K interval ( I don't believe that you need to change more often than that with syn oil).
Althought I've read somewhere that 15W-50 oil is the recommended , but not sure for what year. Change oil yourself if you have time to do it, at least you know that it's done right

hadam

This is what I found on Mobil 1 web site. Which one I can use for 1997 W210 , 5W-30,10W-30, 10W-40 or 15W-50 ??? Any one.

Product Description
Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-30,10W-30, 10W-40 and 15W-50 are advanced performance synthetic engine oils designed to provide protection and performance at extended oil change intervals of up to 15,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. Mobil 1 Extended Performance features extra performance additives that provide outstanding protection during today's longer oil change intervals.

Features & Benefits
Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-30, 10W-30,10W-40, and 15W-50 are made with a proprietary blend of high performance synthetic basestocks fortified with an advanced additive system, designed especially to deliver performance and protection during longer service intervals. Mobil 1 Extended Performance oils are uniquely designed to provide outstanding levels of performance, cleaning power and engine protection, even during longer oil change intervals. Mobil 1 Extended Performance oils are available in a wide range of viscosities. The 5W-30 viscosity is the number one recommended viscosity grade for newer vehicles. The 10W-30 and 10W-40 viscosities provide excellent all-season performance and protection. Mobil 1 Extended Performance 15W-50 is also well suited for weekend racers who are interested in outstanding engine protection for racing engines and are looking for a higher viscosity oil.


Features
Advantages and Potential Benefits
Fully synthetic formula with Advanced SuperSyn System Prevents deposits and sludge build-up to enable long engine life. Excellent overall lubrication and wear protection performance under all operating conditions.
Extra levels of performance additives Provides outstanding engine protection at oil change intervals of up to 15,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first
Outstanding thermal and oxidation stability Exceptional control of oil breakdown ; Helps maintain stable oil viscosity
Provides exceptional engine protection Helps maintain long engine life
Excellent low temperature capabilities Quick cold weather starting for fast protection and extended engine life. Provides less stress on your starting system

Applications
Mobil 1 Extended Performance engine oils are recommended for all types of modern vehicles, including high-performance turbo-charged, supercharged gasoline multi-valve fuel injected engines found in passenger cars, SUVs, light vans and trucks.
Mobil 1 Extended Performance oils provide guaranteed protection of critical engine parts for 15,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. Excluded service includes: commercial and racing applications; frequent towing or hauling; extremely dusty or dirty conditions; or excessive idling.
If your vehicle is covered by a warranty, follow the vehicle's oil life sensor or the oil change interval recommended in your owner's manual. Proper maintenance practices, including frequently checking the oil level to ensure that the appropriate amount of oil is present, are required to ensure effective performance.


Back to Top

Specifications & Approvals

Mobil 1 Extended Performance meets or exceeds the following industry specifications:
5W-30
10W-30
10W-40
15W-50
API SL,SJ,SH/CF SL,SJ,SH/CF SM,SL,SJ,SH/CF SM,SL,SJ,SH/CF
ACEA A1,B1,A5,B5 A1,B1,A5,B5 A3,B3,B4 A3,B3,B4


Typical Properties

Mobil 1 Extended Performance
5W-30
10W-30
10W-40
15W-50
SAE Grade 5W-30 10W-30 10W-40 15W-50
Viscosity, ASTM D 445
cSt @ 40º C 57.3 66.57 91.07 133
cSt @ 100º C 10.25 10.5 14.2 18.2
Viscosity Index, ASTM D 2270 169 146 161 153
Sulfated Ash, wt%, ASTM D 874 1.35 1.38 1.35 1.42
HTHS Viscosity, mPa·s @ 150ºC ASTM D 4683 3.08 3.21 3.9 4.43
Pour Point, ºC, ASTM D 97 -45 -54 -42 -42
Flash Point, ºC, ASTM D 92 226 224 224 241
Density @15º C kg/l, ASTM D 4052 0.861 0.871 0.870 0.866

MB Enthusiast

I am realy trying to do the best job possible to keep my car running right and with your input I feel conbfident in my choices.

There are so many service providers today that just don't care to take the time to educate their clients and build confidence.

Thanks again

I hope I can do the same for you

zam2000

Woow !!, shop still use 5-30 Mobil-1 on my car ( more than 120K mile). And as far as I know, they're the best shop around SoCal for Benz (BestBenz in Manhanttan Beach). No oil leak whatsoever.

I thought you only use thick oil (viscosity 50 or more) if the engine wear is significant (measurable in cam & header), which is not the case in Mercedes engine til pass 250-300K mile. At least that's what I'm told.

Using thick oil when not required will reduce gas mileage and engine power significantly.

E55AMG99

This is the type of BAD information on these forums.

Not ALWAYS true. Leaking on older engines was more from incompatibility with the seals than anything else. While synthetic has more detergent properties than dino oil, the additives in dino oil make them about the same. In a properly maintained engine, the risk of oil leaks from the change is minimal.

Why did you switch to 50W? Was there a drop in oil pressure before the change? Did you do any oil analysis to determine the level of wear? In a well maintaied engine, going from 40W to 50W will only cause a drop in HP and MPG. Also, you are probably accellerating the wear by using such a thick oil. It takes longer for it to reach the top end of the motor allowing metal to contact metal.

E55AMG99

Now that's some good advice!

MAE

97 E320 w/126k.

Mobil 1 15/50 religiously every 5k miles.

Car never consumes/leaks any oil or have had any mechanical problems.

Just pick a wieght and stick with it. I figure the older engines when designed never had the newer weights in mind (0/40). So I stick with the thicker oil. I know it may not be as efficient, but protection is my main concern.

Just my .02.

Green E-300 DT

15-50W is too heavy. Why not try 10-30W instead? How many miles on the odometer?

Also, changing that often is wasting money.
Oil analysis has shone that 10K mile changes are okay, and many including
yours truly go 20K miles. Of course, I'm using a better oil.

stickygreen

Switched from 10w30 to 15w50 after noticing a slight seep from the back of the head gasket, about 50k miles ago. Car is currently at 170k and still runs great on unopened motor with no measurable oil consumption/loss (oil changes every 7500mi).

Using a true synthetic 15w50 will cause no more harm on startup than 0w40 if in a relatively warm climate. And synthetic oil doesn't necessarily cause leaks...it cleans out all the sludge, some of which could be plugging leaks.

The way I see it, 15w50 provides the best protection and is more than sufficient for temperatures well below the 50 deg. it gets here at its coldest.

To each his own...

Raj

X72

You are so right. What feels right to you is an important factor. If the engine doesn't feel like it is running right, that is important information.

I can only add that if you are a motor oil fanatic, a used oil analysis (UOA) is probably a good idea. Look at the UOA forums at www.bobistheoilguy.com If you do a UOA for your car, it will give you some objective information about your particular situation to give you greater confidence in whatever oil change interval (OCI) you choose.

This link has been posted many times listing approved MB oils

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html

From the list in the above link, you can see that there are way more ACEA A3 oils available in Europe as compared to the US. I wouldn't recommend most xW-30 oils for this car because these oils tend to shear down to a 20W pretty rapidly, (unless you are using the oil during winter in a cold climate). You will also see that most recommended oils are at least 40W.

If you are going to change the oil every 3k to 5k miles, as long as the viscosity is good for your climate, you could probably run any conventional oil. Especially since the engine has an 8 or 8.5 quart sump capacity.

I cannot stress enough that a UOA is the way to go to help you get more objective information. UOA results are not everything; they are just a tool.

If you are using a good synthetic in a mild climate like Mobil 1 15W-50, changing the oil every 5 k miles is probably overkill, but I also say that it is cheap insurance. If you want to extend the OCI, do a UOA and see what it tells you.

The sludging problems in the USA happened mainly when MB instituted the free maintenance and some dealerships did not use Mobil 1 0W-40 synthetic with the 10k miles or longer OCI.

I use Mobil 1 0W-40 because it is recommended and readily available in my area. I plan on doing a UOA on my next oil change which is coming up in the next few months.
William
2003 E320

X72

Oh, and as far as Mobil 1 Extended Performance, I wouldn't trust their 15,000 mile claim for every situation. For example, I just did a UOA for Mobil 1 EP for a Lexus ES 300 at 6 months/5k miles, and the oil was pretty used up. In another engine or climate situation, it will likely make 15,000 miles. Again, a UOA can help you get past the marketing claims. with some objective data.
William
2003 E320

MB Enthusiast

What oil do you use

E-Klasse

A few reasons I would not use 15W-50 and use 10W-30 instead.

First, is 50 weight being thicker that 30. More drag on the engine.

Second, is the range from 15 to 50 is greater than 10 to 30. In order to get it to span such a range, more additives (polymers) are put in the base stock oil. It is these polymers that build up in an engine as sludge.

Third, is that 10 is less than 15 so it is initially better at lower temperatures.

** Did you know that the base stock that the oil is formulated from never actually breaks down. That is why the oil can be recycled. It is the added polymers that wear out. Plus the oil does get dirty from the combustion by products. That is why it is good to change it. Synthetic base oils are much better than Hydrocarbon based oils and can be left in longer. How long should be determined by oil analysis to determine when this is happening. It is more effected by the number of hours the engine is running rather than the number of miles.

Green E-300 DT

I've found Amsoil series 3000 to be even better than Mobil Delvac 1 for my E-300 DT.

E55AMG99

Did you do any VOA/UOA comparisons or does it feel better?