First time Oil Analysis
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From: Raleigh, NC
2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
No, it is 99.99 percent clearly Mobil 1 Formula M 5w40.
The calcium is too low to be the 0w40 formulation.
I have ran repeated reports of 0w40 and the 5w40.
This report is the 5w40 Formula M (for gas cars).
It is a 100 percent perfect and acceptable oil to use. It just isn't the 0w40 oil.
Calcium will go down some during the oil life, but not by 1000 ppm in just 5000 miles. You will see my calcium between the 138 mile check and the 4000+ mile checking didn't change at all essentially on my report below.
The calcium is too low to be the 0w40 formulation.
I have ran repeated reports of 0w40 and the 5w40.
This report is the 5w40 Formula M (for gas cars).
It is a 100 percent perfect and acceptable oil to use. It just isn't the 0w40 oil.
Calcium will go down some during the oil life, but not by 1000 ppm in just 5000 miles. You will see my calcium between the 138 mile check and the 4000+ mile checking didn't change at all essentially on my report below.
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From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
Yes, this below is great for a Mercedes diesel.
I have a virgin analysis of this oil for you attached.
You can see how low the Calcium and other things are in it compared to the 5w40 Formula M (non-ESP) in the right two columns of my report above and the original posters' report. This oil below is for diesel only.
I know it's very confusing that there is also a Formula M for gas cars.
Look at the low TBN (5.5) of this oil, again just for diesel. Wouldn't last long enough in the gas car.
The original post and the older two analysis of my report above is this gas product:
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lub...a_M_5W-40.aspx
They don't even put it on the regular Mobil site. It's only at the Mercedes dealers. It's very confusing. It was designed just to meet Mercedes spec. I think many dealers started using this (the gas version Formula M 5w40) around 07 or 08, previously they did use 0w40, so many of them might still call it that.
I have a virgin analysis of this oil for you attached.
You can see how low the Calcium and other things are in it compared to the 5w40 Formula M (non-ESP) in the right two columns of my report above and the original posters' report. This oil below is for diesel only.
I know it's very confusing that there is also a Formula M for gas cars.
Look at the low TBN (5.5) of this oil, again just for diesel. Wouldn't last long enough in the gas car.
The original post and the older two analysis of my report above is this gas product:
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lub...a_M_5W-40.aspx
They don't even put it on the regular Mobil site. It's only at the Mercedes dealers. It's very confusing. It was designed just to meet Mercedes spec. I think many dealers started using this (the gas version Formula M 5w40) around 07 or 08, previously they did use 0w40, so many of them might still call it that.
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That does not seem to be 0w40. It's not bad that it isn't, it just isn't. I don't know if you mean the report from the oil change? Blackstone simply puts the oil down as whatever you list it when sent in.
Go pull up any other Mobil 1 0w40 at the oil guy site, you can see. None will have your Calcium number.
The only way around it I can see if you put the bottles in yourself, and they were some very old formula that I have never seen before.
However, your numbers match up perfect to Mobil 1 Formula M 5w40, which is what most dealers have been using the past few years. Penske dealers have now switched to the Pennzoil 5w40 product.
Last edited by mac911; Nov 18, 2011 at 08:43 PM.
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2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
I was going to say that I changed the oil myself, but this time I didn't. The stealer changed the oil because I took it in since it's a CPO and I forgot to tell them that it didn't need to be changed! I assumed they used Mobil 1 0w40 because that's what I use...
You may be right! Pretty observant!
You may be right! Pretty observant!
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C300 Sport/Palladium Silver on Black/P2
I was going to say that I changed the oil myself, but this time I didn't. The stealer changed the oil because I took it in since it's a CPO and I forgot to tell them that it didn't need to be changed! I assumed they used Mobil 1 0w40 because that's what I use...
You may be right! Pretty observant!
You may be right! Pretty observant!
I thank you again because your analysis is one more confirmation that hopefully we'll all have pretty good luck from these engines (still knock on wood here).
I don't know how smart it is for us to spend the money on analysis, but it is interesting, and perhaps it does prevent us from foolishly thinking we need more frequent oil changes, which saves some money and the environment.
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From: Raleigh, NC
2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
This was from my wife's car which is susceptible to the cam sprocket deteriorating. It's not quite got 60000 miles on it yet, but I wanted to monitor the situation so hopefully we could be proactive about it (not sure how the stealer would deal with a request to fix a motor that isn't really broken yet!).
LILBENZ230 figured out the optimum oil change interval (at least for his car) was about 12,000 miles. It is nice to keep that for reference...
LILBENZ230 figured out the optimum oil change interval (at least for his car) was about 12,000 miles. It is nice to keep that for reference...
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Mac911 is absolutely correct.
If we want to be picky - The viscosity of the 5W-40 has sheared out of grade. It should be >12,5 cSt at 100 deg C to fully meet the 40 grade spec. The extra Calcium in Mobil 1 0W-40 Eurograde gives greater overbase & thus better TBN & TBN retention. It will also provide better protection of the valvetrain & better piston scuffing protection. The 0W-40 is the better product of the two. The difference between meeting & exceeding specs.
Remember that TBN is less important in Gasoline engines than in Diesel engines. Diesel fuel contains more sulphur, the byproducts of which requiring to be neutralised. The real benefit of extra Calcium in the M1 0W-40 is the better wear performance.
If we want to be picky - The viscosity of the 5W-40 has sheared out of grade. It should be >12,5 cSt at 100 deg C to fully meet the 40 grade spec. The extra Calcium in Mobil 1 0W-40 Eurograde gives greater overbase & thus better TBN & TBN retention. It will also provide better protection of the valvetrain & better piston scuffing protection. The 0W-40 is the better product of the two. The difference between meeting & exceeding specs.
Remember that TBN is less important in Gasoline engines than in Diesel engines. Diesel fuel contains more sulphur, the byproducts of which requiring to be neutralised. The real benefit of extra Calcium in the M1 0W-40 is the better wear performance.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Nov 21, 2011 at 11:23 AM.
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2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
Thanks, Glyn. That's good to know. At least the oil (and motor) are in good shape, but I hope not to make that mistake again - not only did it cost me money, but I would feel better with Mobil 1 0w40 (especially now).
While I "have you on the line", you might have some insight into the cam sprocket situation. I understand MB will take care of me should it fail, but would they take my Blackstone oil analysis as evidence that it was GOING to fail and then fix it for me? Are they going to want to verify my analysis with one of their own? Or are they going to make me wait for something bad to happen.
While I "have you on the line", you might have some insight into the cam sprocket situation. I understand MB will take care of me should it fail, but would they take my Blackstone oil analysis as evidence that it was GOING to fail and then fix it for me? Are they going to want to verify my analysis with one of their own? Or are they going to make me wait for something bad to happen.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I would believe that if Benz saw a really bad oil report they would react. They might want to check it but that is their prerogative. Remember not all sintered sprockets have given trouble. Sintering these components from metal powders is common practice. Something went wrong in the hardening process. Benz went back to normal machined steel as a belt & bracers approach.
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I would certainly expect them to verify the analysis, and would have no complaint if they wanted to. I'm surprised they were sintered. I guess it helps for oil retention (I guess being similar to a casting process it is less expensive - in volume, too), but I wasn't aware that it was common practice - pretty much all the motors I've built are ancient now! 
Johnand said that my VIN was in the "bad" range but of course, that is only an indication that it is much more likely to bite me than that it will bite me. I would feel a lot more comfortable with a machined steel sprocket, though!
Johnand said that my VIN was in the "bad" range but of course, that is only an indication that it is much more likely to bite me than that it will bite me. I would feel a lot more comfortable with a machined steel sprocket, though!
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I wish you guys all the best with the sprocket issue.
Was this an issue only with the 2.5 liter M272? What about the 3.0 liter and 3.5 liter from the same years?
It seems with any good we purchase, there ends up being something to watch out for!
Was this an issue only with the 2.5 liter M272? What about the 3.0 liter and 3.5 liter from the same years?
It seems with any good we purchase, there ends up being something to watch out for!
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From: Northeast PA-Poconos
2014 E350, 2006 C350 Sport(made it to 280k, loved it!), 1990 300E
God, I have read this post from the beginning and now I am curious. I am up to 83k miles at this point. The first 58k miles was done in New Jersey(Weehawken). Occasional trips into NYC. Mostly stop and go traffic. Smog, etc. Now that I am in the mountains of PA, it seems to run better. I don't know if it's because I use mostly open roads, interstates, etc. to get where I am going or what. I keep up with the suggested fluid intervals MB advises. I just had my rear brakes done. My indy mech. told me my car takes off as soon as he puts it in drive. I reach 80 mph without a hiccup. I just feel I can hold onto this car for another 10 years at least. Where can I find the info to get a Blackstone report? I guess that is my question.
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Nevermind I found Blackstone. I am going to look into this when I get my next oil change. I don't mind, on occasion, paying for peace of mind.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
You might also find this thread of interest.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...time-help.html
There is no reason whatsoever why you should not get another 10 years out of your car.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...time-help.html
There is no reason whatsoever why you should not get another 10 years out of your car.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Nov 20, 2011 at 12:36 PM.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Johnand has the affected VIN range I believe for the US - hopefully he will comment.
If you Google you will probably find there is a class action going.
In a nutshell some M272 engines have balancer (Lanchester) shaft chain drive sintered sprockets that were supposedly not hardened correctly. Thus the chain & sprockets wear out on the balancer shaft drive. Benz will repair even outside warranty. Sintered sprockets have been replaced with machined steel ones.
If you Google you will probably find there is a class action going.
In a nutshell some M272 engines have balancer (Lanchester) shaft chain drive sintered sprockets that were supposedly not hardened correctly. Thus the chain & sprockets wear out on the balancer shaft drive. Benz will repair even outside warranty. Sintered sprockets have been replaced with machined steel ones.
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2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
I did a search and found this: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ml#post4569933. Maybe this will help.
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
Johnand has the affected VIN range I believe for the US - hopefully he will comment.
If you Google you will probably find there is a class action going.
In a nutshell some M272 engines have balancer (Lanchester) shaft chain drive sintered sprockets that were supposedly not hardened correctly. Thus the chain & sprockets wear out on the balancer shaft drive. Benz will repair even outside warranty. Sintered sprockets have been replaced with machined steel ones.
If you Google you will probably find there is a class action going.
In a nutshell some M272 engines have balancer (Lanchester) shaft chain drive sintered sprockets that were supposedly not hardened correctly. Thus the chain & sprockets wear out on the balancer shaft drive. Benz will repair even outside warranty. Sintered sprockets have been replaced with machined steel ones.
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
No reason to apologize.
I did a search and found this: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ml#post4569933. Maybe this will help.
I did a search and found this: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ml#post4569933. Maybe this will help.
Last edited by johnand; Nov 21, 2011 at 07:26 AM.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
