Hey Guys,

I know this has been debated endlessly, but everything I read has answers that contradict, so I thought I'd ask the experts (you guys). I know Mobile 1 ESP 0w40 is the oil of choice for Long Interval changes, but I really don't feel comfortable with the whole 12,000 mile change. So, my question is if I use a 5000 mile interval, can I use 5w30 instead? Is 0w40 preferred as it's a long interval oil ONLY, or is there a larger difference (sulfur ect..)

Thanks!

 

There is no contradiction here. You may use any 229.5 approved oil. 229.51 is the approval for diesel cars and is not for gasoline ones.

Also, the 1yr/13000 mile change interval is fine. You will waste money and resources changing it more often. My car has had 10 lifetime oil changes and will break 140,000 miles soon. At last oil analysis somewhere in the 125k mile range, the engine was in top shape and they suggested that I try 15,000 mile intervals.

 

I use 0w40 and change it every 5-6k miles for peace of mine cuz it looks pretty dirty every time i do...the dealer up here though puts in 5w30 i noticed when i was in there the other day...another reason why I don't go tot he dealer for anything but parts and major things I don't have the time to fix

 

+1 on that. Was told to try the 15k mark as well.

 

The only reason I would say always go with the 0w-40 is that you can find it in almost any town in the USA. The only other 299.5 approved oil I have actually seen in the USA is the Pennzoil 5w40 European Formula but I was only able to get that from my dealer (for a very nice price btw) But when my car was down a Quart I could not find it anywhere and finally just went to the dealer to get a few quarts. I have also heard that the Mobile One is a better oil from people on here but I am not an oil expert and won't get into that but I figure if Mercedes approves it and they come from the same base stock I will roll the dice on it. That said next oil change I will make sure I use Mobile One just for the convenience factor. Heck the dealer may have it dirt cheap too. I am sure Glyn will comment on this I can't remember what his opinion was on which oils are better.

Link about the Pennzoil
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ip-me-off.html

 

You can use any 229.5 approved oil. Just be careful. Some of the Mobil 1 5W-30's have approval & some don't.

 

What oil looks like has no bearing on anything, just as an FYI. You can't judge the life of the oil that way. I mean unless something is very obviously wrong, that is. But just because oil looks "dirty" means nothing.

 

If oil looks dirty it shows that the detergent pack is doing it's job. Modern oils should blacken very quickly.

 

Glyn,
Funny but I was just thinking to ask you that the other day.
What causes oil to turn black?
I'm still 5-6K away from the next change and it's turned black
as night, 0w-40 M1. So, I guess it's ok.

 

you are wasting your money by changing your oil that often, 5-6K mi is usually the standard for conventional oils but synthetic goes much longer, stay with what MB recommends as an interval

from the Mobil 1 site:

: If my motor oil turns black, does that mean it's time to change the oil?
Chinn: This is a myth we hear a lot. But the truth is the color of an oil has absolutely no bearing on its lubrication ability. Nor does it automatically signal that you need an immediate oil change.

In fact, many oils will turn black in the first few hours of operation due to contaminants generated by the combustion process and soot particles. The engine combustion process produces soot and other byproducts that then can spread throughout the oil, resulting in the oil having a dark, almost black color.

For cars that are in good condition, the resulting black color typically means that the oil is doing its job, cleaning out soot and other byproducts of engine combustion.

In addition, some additives used in modern oils can produce a dark color over time and this is normal

It is best to change your oil based on time in months or miles. To find the optimum oil drain interval, refer to your owners’ manual to get the vehicle manufacturers’ recommended oil drain interval.

For first time Mobil1 users, it may be possible that the black color of the oil indicates that the strong additive package formulated into Mobil 1 is actively removing deposits from the engine.

 

+1^

 

Is 5w10 the type of oil that only Mercedes Dealerships sell?

 

0w40 dealer sells

 

Depends on the dealer but all should sell 0w-40 since it is the only thing allowed in the AMG if I remember correctly or at one point it was. My dealer also has Pennzoil that is approved really cheap

 

No one sells 5w-10

 

If you were to use non-MB oil, I would recommend 5w-40. BTW, if you are not planning on driving 12K miles, 229.3 approved oils might be better choice...
We do use Liqui Moly 5w-40 and 0w-40 extensively, but always stock MB 0w-40. Mannheim 5w-40 is another choice for many MB owners and I always like to have couple cases of that in stock as well.

Igor.

 

Stick to 229.5 oils. They are superior in all regards to 229.3.

 

I know at least 4 dealers in NJ that use 5w40. I don't think they are uniform in that respect.

 

Dealers are cutting corners.

I really don't understand what all the constant debate is about personally. The 229.5 spec oil is easy to find and cheap. Yet people constantly are wanting to swap it up for no reason. I just don't get it.

 

I could not disagree - 229.5 all-the-way. Liqui Moly we are using is 229.5 and it is 20$ cheaper than MB OEM (per oil change). I never had any complains about Liqui Moly in my 10 years in MB business.

Igor.

 

Which Liqui Moly is 229.5 approved I could not find any that were not 229.3 or 229.51. I will say I could have just missed it.

 

Brand is Lubro Moly in Canada. Both Top Tec 4100 and Top Tec 4200 are 229.5. Motul is the other brand you might look at (It is French)

Igor.

 

One of those appear to be 229.51 oils from my research you may want to check on that

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...nts-usa-3.html

229.5
LIQUI MOLY 5W-40 LEICHTLAUF HIGH TECH x Liqui Moly GmbH, Ulm/Deutschland

229.51
Liqui Moly 5W-30 TOP TEC 4200 x Liqui Moly GmbH, Ulm/Deutschland
Liqui Moly Longtime High Tech x Liqui Moly GmbH, Ulm/Deutschland
Liqui Moly Pro-Engine M 500 x Liqui Moly GmbH, Ulm/Deutschland
Liqui Moly Top Tec 4600 x Liqui Moly GmbH, Ulm/Deutschland

 

I might be mixing it with Diesel as we order Lubro Moly for both - Diesel and Gas. Was just relying on my memory - I guess I am getting old and it does not serve me as well as it used to. I'll let you know for sure what we are using for Gas (might be 4100, but I am not sure) when I will get back to the shop on Tuesday. We've being ordering it for years so I do not even pay attention to what is written on the can.
Sorry, I took couple days off to make long weekend an extra long

Igor.

 

If oil is getting Black because it's "actively removing deposits",
Changing it more frequently cant hurt, I change mine every 5-6000 miles

160,000 miles and counting.