sanf

still gonna try to reset yoru ride?

johndddd

I will try to change oil, filter and sensor over again on Saturday. I'm lucky I have another car to drive.

Moviela

Make sure your oil label says it meets Mercedes Sheet 229.5. Most oils do not. Prior to changing the oil, get a vacuum to take it out the top. It is so much easier, and faster. Warm up the car first, hot oil pumps so much easier. Loosen the cap on the oil filter and allow five minutes for the oil to drain into the sump. Replace the o rings on the filter, and lube them with a finger of new oil. Make sure they sell you the correct Mann fleece filter, not the old fashioned paper one.

You can use other oils and filters, but they require a shorter drain interval, and you run the risk of forming engine sludge.

C230 Sport Coup

You only need to remove about 1.5 quarts, so you could just drain it, and then pour it back in...synth oil gets expensive.

If the oil sending unit is bad, isn't it the same part thats telling you the level in dyno mode?

Glad to hear you're not driving it!
FYI: When I did my own oil change, I put in 7 quarts and in dyno mode it read 6 quarts. Do, as someone pointed out, it's off by quite a bit.

NOW ALL THAT SAID, there's a rule when it come to mechanical things.
Always go back to the last thing you did.
If it worked ok prior to the oil change, what happened to cause the sensor to get confused?
Is it truely just a coincidence (which it could very well be)
OR did you mess up something?

If you messed up something and the oil isn't flowing correctly, you could still have a problem.
Did you have any problems getting the filter in?
What type of oil did you use?
5w-30 synth should be ok...
but who knows?
Guess I'll find out soon enough, as I going to use
Valvoline Synth 10-30.
It's not specifically mentioned in the approved lubricants, though
10-30 weight is mentioned for other brands, so I figure it should be ok.
Kragen had it on sale for a buck a quart after rebate, $6+ a quart normal price! That means I can self change for about 20 bucks! Not bad considering the dealer charges like 300.

sanf

would 0W-40 be ok ? I'm gonna change my oil in a few weeks

johndddd

As I said earlier I used a 30 weight oil (the express lube center had no 0-40W). So this time I'm going with 0-40W I just purchased at lunch time.. I believe the weight of the oil is the problem. Thanks for your thoughts. I'm going to take care of it tonight.

As I said before I had a Honda that said to use 40 weight oil, I put 30 weight in at the express lube center (they had no 40 weight) the oil light came on when I was driving home. The next day I went back with 5 quarts of 40 weight. When I put the 40 weight into the motor the light went off.

I'm hoping for the same results here. I will say this, the dealership parts department stocks oil level sender units. They stock items they use frequently. When you have to order something that is a sign that part does not go bad to often.

johnand

Sanf, you are under warranty, so I would recommend to use nothing but the Mobil 1 0W-40 European oil the MB specs. CSK (Checker, Schucks, Kragen) has that oil on sale for $5.99/quart right now.

Johndddd, I don't think the oil viscosity is your problem, but I am watching this thread, as this is very unusual and interesting

johndddd

ME TOO(lol)

tommy

I agree with you - sounds more like wishful thinking than anything.

johndddd

Hello:
Are you ready for the latest news on my dilemma? After work I stop in at an EXPRESS LUBE and changed the oil and filter with the recommended 0-40W. I then drove around town for 45 minutes without any problems. Then I shut it down for an hour or so checked the oil level, which was okay. I decided to get out on the freeway and drive 10 miles out and back at 80mph. Still no problems. So I do believe that it was the oil weight. For my car a 2002 C240 I believe it was the oil weight. I cannot speak for any other models.

If you have been following this thread you will remember I had this problem with a HONDA. So this gave me a sneaky suspicion that this could be the same problem here.

Well I can get good nights sleep tonight (lol). I guess this thread is closed (smile).

mleskovar

Interesting outcome. On one post you said you put in 30 weight......I didn't know you could even get straight 30 weight synthetic oil. Hopefully it's solved for good.

johndddd

Hey man, I don't even want to think about this anymore (lol). You know I just bought it in March and last week spent 5K on a facelift (with labor) and then this happened. I thought I had the beginning of many bad things to come. You know when you buy a used car it's a roll of the dice.

johndddd

no no no I used 5w30 which is what they had at the EXPRESS LUBE, and my M-3 takes that very oil so I told them "go ahead and use it" MISTAKE (lol)

mleskovar

No mistake, in fact 5-30 is recommended in my owner's manual equally with 0-30 and 0-40. I agree with the poster who said viscosity is not the problem. I'm betting whatever was done this time corrected a problem caused by the last change. I have a love/hate relationship for problems that disappear without knowing exactly what caused it to go away. You're glad the problem is gone but worried it might come back again.

johndddd

Not to beat this topic to death here, however the only thing different that was done to the car is the use of 30 weight oil. Now I'm back with 40 weight and everything is normal..................but stay tuned!!! (lol)

C230 Sport Coup

I'd tend to think the express lube place screwed something up, that got fixed when you took it back.
But, within the next month or so, I will defy the gods of Stutgard
and put 10-30w syth, not listed for my car, but shown as being ok
outside of the FSS system and also ok with other brands, and ok with the oil itself but at a different weight.

So, if I have that problem, I'll let you know.

johndddd

Hey man, I don’t want that headache again (smile)

moondust

Here's some relevant data about MB spec oils 229.1, 229.3, and 229.5. Note the different drain periods & filter requirements.

MB sheet 229.1 approved oils
For passenger cars with gas and diesel engines, used to be minimum spec for latest (98+) engines, high detergent, dispersant spec suitable for normal drain intervals. Based on ACEA A3, B3. Note 229.1 oils are not recommended for MB's latest (2002+) 4 valve gas M271, M275, M285 and diesel OM646, OM647, OM648 engines.

Aral Super Elastic 0W-40 Unal
Aral Extra Turboral 0W-40 Unal
Aral BasicTronic 10W-40
Aral SuperTronic 0W-40
Aral HighTronic 5W-40
Aviasynth 5W-40
Avia Turbo CFE 10W-40
BP Visco 5000
Castrol GTD Magnatec 10W-40
Castrol GTX5 Magnatec 10W-40
Castrol GTX3 15W-40, 15W-50, 20W-50, 10W-40
Castrol GTX2 15W-50
Castrol GTX 15W-50
Castrol GXL 10W-40 ACEA A3/B3
Castrol Formula RS 0W-40
Castrol GTX3 Professional 15W-40 (Castrol's best mineral oil)
Castrol GTD 505 01 TOPUP 5W-30
Chevron Supreme SAE 5W-40
Chevron Supreme Semi-Synthetic SAE 10W-40
Elf Excellium 0W-40
Elf Synthese
Esso Ultra
Esso Uniflo
Fuchs Titan Supersyn SL 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-40
Fuchs Titan UNIC MC 10W-40
Fuchs Titan UNIC Plus MC 10W-40
Havoline Synthetic 5W-40
Havoline Formula3 X1 Extra 10W-40
Havoline Formula3 X1 Diesel Extra 10W-40
Hellas Super Synto 0W-40
Hellas Hermes Plus 15W-50
Kendall Motor Oil Elite 0W-40
Liqui Moly Diesel Synthoil 5W-40
Liqui Moly High Tech 5W-40
Liqui Moly HC7 5W-40
Mobil 1 with SuperSyn 15W-50
Mobil 1 TriSynthetic 5W-50, 15W-50, 0W-40, 5W-40 (100% synthetic)
Mobil Super M 15W-40 (mineral)
Mobil Super S 5W-40 and 10W-40 (mineral w/ synth additives)
Motul 6100 Synergie 10W-40
Motul 4100 Turbolight 10W-40
Pentosin Pentosynth TS 10W-40
Pentosin Pentosynth 5W-40
Pentosin Pentoturbo 15W-40
Pentosin Diesel 10W-40
P.O. Zirve
P.O. Zirve Ekstra
Pennzoil Synthetic European Formulation 5W-40
Performanx Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-40
Schaeffer Micron Moly 5W-30
Schaeffer Micron Moly 10W-40
Schaeffer Supreme 7000 10W-30
76 Pure Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-40
Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30
Shell Helix Plus 5W-40
Shell Super Motor Oil 10W-40
Sunoco Forza SAE 15W-40
Ultra Turbo Semi-Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-40
Valvoline All Fleet Extra 15W-40, 20W-50, 10W-40
Valvoline SynPower
Veedol SUPER X-TRON 10W-40
Veedol SUPER X 15W-40

MB sheet 229.3 approved oils

For passenger cars with gas and diesel engines with extended drain interval indicator FSS up to 20,000 km, or 40,000 km - 25,000 mi, current minimum spec for 1998+ MB engines, min. 1.0% fuel saving compared to 229.1, based on ACEA A3 B4. For gas engine of the M100 series, gas engines of the M200 series and diesel engines of the OM600 series (not models with Euro 4 diesel particle filters).

AGIP EXTRA HTS 5W-40
AGIP Synthetic PC 0W-40
AGIP Eurosport 0W-40
Amsoil 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
Amsoil 10W-30 Synthetic
Amsoil Series 3000 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel
Aral HighTronic 5W-40
Aral SuperSynth 0W-40
Aral Super Tronic 0W-40
Aviasynth 0W-40
Castrol DCO TOPUP SAE 0W-30
Castrol Formula RS Road and Track 5W-40
Castrol GTX7 DYNATEC 5W-40
Castrol Formula SLX 0W-30
Castrol TXT SOFTEC PLUS 5W-30
CIFAB Synthoil Hydrocrack HC7 5W-40
Elf Excellium LDX SAE 5W-40
Esso Ultron 0W-30 (fuel economy)
Esso Ultron 5W-40
Fuchs Silkolene Pro S 5W-40 - 100% Synthetic Oil For All Race Engines
Fuchs Silkolene Pro S 10W-50 - 100% Synthetic Oil For All Race Engines
Fuchs Titan SuperSyn SL 0W-30
Havoline Synthetic DS 0W-30
Kendall GT-1 Full Synthetic 5W-40
Liqui Moly Diesel Synthoil 5W-40
Liqui Moly High Tech 5W-40
Liqui Moly HC7 5W-40
LUKOIL SYNTEETIK 5W-40
Mobil 1 SuperSyn European Car Formula 0W-40
Mobil 1 SuperSyn 5W-40
Mobil 1 SuperSyn 5W-50
Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel 0W-40
Mobil Synt S 5W-40
Mobil Synt S Turbo Diesel 5W-40
Mobil Syst S 5W-40
Motul 8100 E-Tech 0W-40
Motul 8100 X-cess 5W-40
Pennzoil Synthetic European Formulation 5W-40
Pentosin Pentospeed 0W-30 VS
Q8 Formula Excel 5W-40
Quaker State Full Synthetic European Formulation 5W-40
Schaeffer Micron Moly 5W-30, 10W-40
Schaeffer Supreme 7000 5W-30, 10W-30, 20W-50
76 Pure Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-40
Shell Helix Plus S 5W-40 (Mercedes-Benz)
Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30, 0W-40, 5W-40
Sunoco Synturo Gold 5W-40 (introduced January 2002)
Total FINA First 5W-40
Total Quartz 9000 5W-40
Valvoline DuraBlend MXL 5W-40
Valvoline SynPower MXL 0W-30
Valvoline SynPower 5W-30, 0W-40, 5W-40
Veedol POWERTRON 5W-30
Veedol SYNTRON 0W-30

MB sheet 229.31 approved oils; LA "low ash" Oils

Mercedes pioneered this new spec for passenger cars with diesel engines with EURO 4 or Bluetec exhaust particle filters, e.g. W211 E200 CDI, E220 CDI. The spec was introduced 7/2003. They are called LA "low ash" or "low SAPS" oils, low on sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulphur to limit exhaust particle filter pollution. In 2004 the ACEA introduced the new C3 spec (mid SAPS, normal viscosity) based on it. Change intervals extend to 15,000 km.

30
Aral Tronic 229.31 5W-30
BP Visco 5000 MB 5W-30
Castrol FORMULA SLX Turbo Diesel 0W-30
Castrol TXT Softec MB 5W-30
Fuchs Titan GT 1 5W-30
Liqui Moly TopTec 7000 LA
Low SPAsh Motorenöl 5W-30 (DaimlerChrysler)
Midland Synqron 5W-30
Mobil SHC Formula LA 5W-30
Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 (from 3/2005)
Q8 Formula Special 5W-30
Pento High Performance 5W-30 LA
Shell Helix Diesel Ultra AE 5W-30
Shell Helix Ultra AE 5W-30
Wintershall ViVA 1 topsynth alpha LA 5W-30
40
Aral SuperTronic 0W-40 LOW SAPS (ACEA C3)
Castrol GTD Magnatec 5W-40
Fuchs Titan GT 1 10W-40
Liqui Moly TOP TEC 4100 5W-40
Midland Synqron 5W-40
Motor Gold Mid SAPS 5W-40
Motul SAE 5W-40 Vollsynthetisch
Pento High Performance 5W-40 LA

MB sheet 229.5 approved oils; "MB Longlife Service Oils"

For passenger cars with gas and diesel engines with extended drain intervals beyond 229.3 oils, to 30,000 km, min 1.8% fuel saving, first oils introduced summer 2002. ACEA A3 B4. For gas engines of the M100 series, gas engines of the M200 series and diesel engines of the OM600 series (not models with Euro 4 diesel particle filters).
229.5 engine oils must be used with fleece oil filter designed for use with 229.5 engine oils.

AGIP Formula LL DC 5W-30 (I)
Aral SuperTronic G 5W-30 (D)
Aral SuperTronic M 5W-30 (D)
Castrol DCO TOPUP 0W-30 (D)
Castrol Syntec European Formula 0W-30 (USA)
Elf Excellium 229.5 5W-30 (F)
FormulaShell Ultra AB 5W-30 (GB)
Fuchs Titan Supersyn SL MB 5W-30 (D)
Labo MB 229.5 5W-30 (F)
Liqui Moly Longtime High Tech 5W-30 (D)
Mobil 1 SuperSyn European Car Formula 0W-40 (USA)
Mobil 1 Turbodiesel 0W-40
Mobil SHC Formula MB 5W-30
Motorex Profil M-XL 5W-30 (CH)
OMV full syn MB 5W-30 (A)
Pennzoil European Formula Ultra 5W-30 (USA)
Premium Synthetik Motorenöl 5W-30 (DaimlerChrysler, D)
Quaker State European Formula Ultra 5W-30 (USA)
Shell Helix Ultra AB 5W-30 (Mercedes-Benz) (GB)
Shell Helix Ultra DC 229.5 (GB)
Total Quartz 229.5 5W-30 (F)
Valvoline SynPower MB 5W-30 (NL)

MB sheet 229.51 approved oils; low ash long life

Mercedes pioneered this new spec for passenger cars with diesel engines with EURO 4 or Bluetec exhaust particle filters and longer service life than the 229.31 oils. The spec was introduced in 2005. Change intervals increased to 20,000 kilometers. Based on ACEA A3 B4 and C3.

Amsoil European Car Formula 5W-40
Anglomoil RoadMaster 500 API SM 10W-40
Aral SuperTronic 229.51 0W-40 LOW SAPS
Castrol Longtec Turbodiesel 0W-30 (229.51)
ELF Solaris LSX 5W-30
Fuchs TITAN GT1 229.51 SAE 5W-30 (first fill oil in OM 642)
megol Motorenoel New Generation SAE 5W-30
Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 5W-40 (to become available in the USA on 5/15/06)
Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 Emission System Protection (Europe, from 12/05)
Shell Helix Ultra AX 5W-30 Mercedes 229.51
Valvoline SynPower MST 5W-30 229.51 (added 6/1/2006)