5w30 vs. 0w40 Mobil One
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 83
Likes: 2
5w30 vs. 0w40 Mobil One
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!
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!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 7
From: Va Beach, VA
05 C230K SS (sold), 06 C55 (sold), 08 Yamaha R1 (sold), 16 X5M
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,890
Likes: 6
From: Northeast PA-Poconos
2014 E350, 2006 C350 Sport(made it to 280k, loved it!), 1990 300E
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.
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.
. Was told to try the 15k mark as well.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
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
Link about the Pennzoil
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ip-me-off.html
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
You can use any 229.5 approved oil. Just be careful. Some of the Mobil 1 5W-30's have approval & some don't.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
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.
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
If oil looks dirty it shows that the detergent pack is doing it's job. Modern oils should blacken very quickly.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,265
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 11
From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
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
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.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 290
Likes: 1
From: Toronto
SpeedRiven SL600, ML320CDI
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.
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.
Last edited by AccelToronto; Jun 28, 2012 at 11:42 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
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 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.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 290
Likes: 1
From: Toronto
SpeedRiven SL600, ML320CDI
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.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
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.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
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
Last edited by samaritrey; Jun 28, 2012 at 05:25 PM.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 290
Likes: 1
From: Toronto
SpeedRiven SL600, ML320CDI
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
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
Sorry, I took couple days off to make long weekend an extra long
Igor.
Last edited by AccelToronto; Jun 28, 2012 at 07:05 PM.
