KYBRIGGS82

I have a 2012 GL350 with 1200 miles on the vehicle.
I have always changed the oil on a new vehicle at 1000 to 1500 miles to safeguard against metal shaving contaminants in a new engine.
What is the opinion of fellow forum members regarding this strategy to protect the long term operation of the GL's diesel engine?

alx

Follow the schedule created by the people that created the engine.

When was the last time you heard about a modern engine being the limiting module for the longevity of a vehicle?

KYBRIGGS82

It seems in the past I have always felt a new piece of equiptment contained small particles of contaminants which needed to be flushed after 1000 miles to help ensure longevity to an engine.
Whether American or European made vehicles, I have always serviced these automobiles early for piece of mind and for no other reason. Maybe it's time for a change of direction regarding early services on the GL350 but then again it's my wife's car not mine so I'll pass long the advice.
Thanks

mschirmer

It will certainly do no harm - except to your wallet. Plan on spending around $125 for DIY (MB filter is about $25 and Mobil 1 Formula M does for almost $10/quart). An MB dealer probably gets $200 to $250 to do it.

aeggroup

I changed oil first time at 5000 miles on odometer. Our dealer had promotion - oil change cost me $105 at that time. After that I did A service at about 11K miles and will follow MB notification in the future. There is no point to change oil every 5K miles anymore.

nynd

For piece of mind, you can do it early - I did. Oil capacity is about 9 quarts so yes, costs a bit, but if you do it yourself, not a big deal - cheap insurance for longevity.

stickygreen

Do not change the oil too early. These motors come with special break-in synthetic oil from the factory (forget the spec...something like 229.1) that should aid in a proper break in.

KYBRIGGS82

Regarding a break in additive to the engine from the factory then when is an early oil change appropriate ? I was thinking at 1500 mile to 2000 miles.

aggst1

As far as I know there is no early oil change appropriate for this type of engine. Such practice is a thing of the past. There is no such thing as metal shavings as in motors of early years. Wouldn't the manufacturer require it if it was an issue?

stickygreen

I'd leave it in until the suggested interval of 10k, but definitely no less than 5k. Any less would more-or-less negate the effects of the break-in oil (likely with higher ZDDP)

And the oil filter should pick up all th "little metal pieces"

KYBRIGGS82

Thanks.. I'll wait for 5,000 miles or if a service light indicates service prior to the first 5,000 miles.