Definitive Approved Engine Oil Requirements - USA
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2004.7 C180 Kompressor, BMW X5, Chevrolet Camaro LT, Mercedes S, Cesna 152.
The non-ESP version has a grey label, is marked for compliance with 229.3/229.5 specs ... it appears to be a special "model" of the oil tweaked for Mercedes, and I can only find it for sale at the dealership.[QUOTE=jkowtko;5388580]Be aware -- Mobil 1 Formula M 5w-40 and Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 5w-40 are two different oils! I went to the dealership yesterday and they pulled out both bottles so I could look at them and compare.
The ESP version has a green label, is clearly marked as "low ash content" and complies with 229.31/229.51 specs ... they use this exclusively on diesel engines.
Agree 100%...MB like all manufacturers is constantly testing through R & D,
what was great yesterday maybe superseded by a better one tomorrow, you have to move with advances IN technology OILS ARE NO DIFFERENT.
The ESP version has a green label, is clearly marked as "low ash content" and complies with 229.31/229.51 specs ... they use this exclusively on diesel engines.
Agree 100%...MB like all manufacturers is constantly testing through R & D,
what was great yesterday maybe superseded by a better one tomorrow, you have to move with advances IN technology OILS ARE NO DIFFERENT.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Carolinas
2005 C230K SS
Found it
In case you don't have a dealer near you, here is an MB dealer in PA offering the non ESP 5w40 Mobil 1 formula M. I'm gonna give it a shot for my summer oil change and see what the hype is all about. It gets quite toasty in south TX anyway, 5w40 should be good...
Last edited by RWDlifer; Jan 28, 2014 at 11:23 PM.
Senior Member
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Posts: 311
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2004.7 C180 Kompressor, BMW X5, Chevrolet Camaro LT, Mercedes S, Cesna 152.
I would be changing service people, those F#@k-wits should be avoided like the plague. They need to pay for a new Alternator.
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From: Austin, TX
2005 C230K(sold), Mk7 Jetta
In case you don't have a dealer near you, here is an MB dealer in PA offering the non ESP 5w40 Mobil 1 formula M. I'm gonna give it a shot for my summer oil change and see what the hype is all about. It gets quite toasty in south TX anyway, 5w40 should be good...
Mobil 1-CASE 5W-40 Formula M Motor Oil - 1 Quart Bottle, (Pack of 6) : Amazon.com : Automotive
Mobil 1-CASE 5W-40 Formula M Motor Oil - 1 Quart Bottle, (Pack of 6) : Amazon.com : Automotive
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
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From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
Can anyone say what is the difference (other than cold weight) between Mobil 1 0w40 and 5w40 Formula M? The former can be found at most auto stores, the latter only at the dealership.
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From: Carolinas
2005 C230K SS
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From: Lewes DE
'99 E320 4matic Wagon
Huh. Still seems some room here for misunderstanding:
Glyn's "dump" from 2011 shows these 3 as fine:
Mobil 1 0W-40 x Exxon Mobil Corporation, FAIRFAX, Virginia/USA
Mobil 1 Arctic 0W-40 x Exxon Mobil Corporation, FAIRFAX, Virginia/USA
Mobil 1 Formula M 5W-40 x Exxon Mobil Corporation, FAIRFAX, Virginia/USA
(What "Formula M" might mean is an open question: perhaps "M" = "Mercedes"?)
On the other hand, the more recent document supplied by Ontmiss, mentions only the following for pre-2005 cars under the 229.5 spec:
Mobil 1 Formula 0W-40
Mobil 1 SuperSyn European Car Formula 0W-40
Mobil's site makes no mention of any "SuperSyn" product. But it does show both "Mobil 1" and "Mobil 1 Extended Performance" -- but this product is not available in 0W-40 or 5W-40.
Clicking on the Mobil 1 page, there is a 0W-40 available. But the only 5W-40 shown is an ESP product specifically intended for diesels/229.51.
The 0W-40 page describes this oil as the "European Car Formula." This would appear to be the only appropriate oil and identical to the "SuperSyn" designation.
It's like you need a navigation system for the world of motor oils!
Glyn's "dump" from 2011 shows these 3 as fine:
Mobil 1 0W-40 x Exxon Mobil Corporation, FAIRFAX, Virginia/USA
Mobil 1 Arctic 0W-40 x Exxon Mobil Corporation, FAIRFAX, Virginia/USA
Mobil 1 Formula M 5W-40 x Exxon Mobil Corporation, FAIRFAX, Virginia/USA
(What "Formula M" might mean is an open question: perhaps "M" = "Mercedes"?)
On the other hand, the more recent document supplied by Ontmiss, mentions only the following for pre-2005 cars under the 229.5 spec:
Mobil 1 Formula 0W-40
Mobil 1 SuperSyn European Car Formula 0W-40
Mobil's site makes no mention of any "SuperSyn" product. But it does show both "Mobil 1" and "Mobil 1 Extended Performance" -- but this product is not available in 0W-40 or 5W-40.
Clicking on the Mobil 1 page, there is a 0W-40 available. But the only 5W-40 shown is an ESP product specifically intended for diesels/229.51.
The 0W-40 page describes this oil as the "European Car Formula." This would appear to be the only appropriate oil and identical to the "SuperSyn" designation.
It's like you need a navigation system for the world of motor oils!
Last edited by tmandel; Feb 21, 2014 at 03:23 PM.
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From: Lewes DE
'99 E320 4matic Wagon
As well, in the "fluids.pdf" document, I find the following: 229.5 ...engine oils must be used in conjunction with fleece oil filter (�� page 14) in vehicles with Mercedes- Benz Maintenance System (as of MY2005).
and: The use of fleece oil filters is not mandatory on vehicles prior to MY2005.
And (in the first MB document in this thread): 229.5 engine oils must be used with fleece oil filter when used with the Mercedes Maintenance System (MY2005+) in M112, M113, M272 and M273 engines. With FSS paper filters are fine.
and: The use of fleece oil filters is not mandatory on vehicles prior to MY2005.
And (in the first MB document in this thread): 229.5 engine oils must be used with fleece oil filter when used with the Mercedes Maintenance System (MY2005+) in M112, M113, M272 and M273 engines. With FSS paper filters are fine.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
The 5W-40 Formula M might very well be for Mercedes distribution only ... the only place I have ever seen this for sale is at the local Mercedes dealership.
And yes, non-ESP for gasoline engines.
And yes, non-ESP for gasoline engines.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
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From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
Fyi, I haven't seen the approved oils web page posted anywhere recently ... here it is:
https://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolisten/229.5_en.html
It looks like there are at least a couple other somewhat-commonly found oils in the USA on the list:
* Valvoline SynPower 5W-40
* Pennzoil Platinum European Formula (5w-40)
I'd like to find a Castrol on the list that is also available but having a hard time finding this one in the correct weight:
* Castrol EDGE TITANIUM 5W-40
https://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolisten/229.5_en.html
It looks like there are at least a couple other somewhat-commonly found oils in the USA on the list:
* Valvoline SynPower 5W-40
* Pennzoil Platinum European Formula (5w-40)
I'd like to find a Castrol on the list that is also available but having a hard time finding this one in the correct weight:
* Castrol EDGE TITANIUM 5W-40
Last edited by jkowtko; Feb 21, 2014 at 06:05 PM.
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2007 c280
And to be even more slick I go to autozone and make them price match $25 for 5 qts. So there is no guessing when adding new oil. 1 jug 5qts + 4-1qt bottles.
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From: Austin, TX
2005 C230K(sold), Mk7 Jetta
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As well, in the "fluids.pdf" document, I find the following: 229.5 ...engine oils must be used in conjunction with fleece oil filter (�� page 14) in vehicles with Mercedes- Benz Maintenance System (as of MY2005).
and: The use of fleece oil filters is not mandatory on vehicles prior to MY2005.
And (in the first MB document in this thread): 229.5 engine oils must be used with fleece oil filter when used with the Mercedes Maintenance System (MY2005+) in M112, M113, M272 and M273 engines. With FSS paper filters are fine.
and: The use of fleece oil filters is not mandatory on vehicles prior to MY2005.
And (in the first MB document in this thread): 229.5 engine oils must be used with fleece oil filter when used with the Mercedes Maintenance System (MY2005+) in M112, M113, M272 and M273 engines. With FSS paper filters are fine.
If you want to run extended drain. i.e. 10,000 miles or more you need to run a fleece filter where available for maximum oil cleanliness. Not doing so is just plain dumb.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
Fyi at 110k mi I'm doing my oil changes at half intervals now ... 6k, about every 6 months. I know it may not be of much of a help, but having fresher oil in the system at all times certainly wont hurt the engine, and I also never have to worry about the integrity of the filter.
And at Walmart prices it really isn't going to hit the pocketbook that badly either.
And at Walmart prices it really isn't going to hit the pocketbook that badly either.
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From: Lewes DE
'99 E320 4matic Wagon
Glyn -- thanks, and yes I will certainly use the Mann Fleece filter. I assumed -- perhaps wrongly? -- that the Mann HU 718/5 filter is the fleece filter? If not, does someone have the correct filter part no.?
I don't believe FSS is turned off on my car. I've always used FSS on my W210 wagon -- should I discontinue using it? I.e. is it better simply to change oil @ 1yr/10K using the fleece filter?
I've never thought to change a full synthetic oil any more often than that? Always happy to be set straight!
I don't believe FSS is turned off on my car. I've always used FSS on my W210 wagon -- should I discontinue using it? I.e. is it better simply to change oil @ 1yr/10K using the fleece filter?
I've never thought to change a full synthetic oil any more often than that? Always happy to be set straight!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Austin, TX
2005 C230K(sold), Mk7 Jetta
Fyi at 110k mi I'm doing my oil changes at half intervals now ... 6k, about every 6 months. I know it may not be of much of a help, but having fresher oil in the system at all times certainly wont hurt the engine, and I also never have to worry about the integrity of the filter.
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C240 Avantgarde 2005
Friends & members. MB Approved Engine Oil questions frequently arise on the forum. I have attempted to research, clarify & collate all data in this regard. I take no responsibility for errors or omissions. This is public domain information with it's original source being MB. It applies to the USA only. Further products & recommendation can apply in the Rest Of The World.
I will endeavor to tackle coolants next.
I will endeavor to tackle coolants next.
Hi Glyn,
Please help me to answer these questions:
1. Can I use 229.3 oil for my C240 2005, or I must use 229.5?
2. How many miles I can run for 229.3 and 229.5?
