Norsk_Johnson

Hello all, I recently bought a 2005 Mercedes C230 I4 Kompressor. I changed the oil last Saturday with 0W-40 Mobil 1 Synthetic engine oil with a MANN oil filter.

Car runs fine but in the morning or when the car sits for a longer period of time, I noticed it has a 5-15 second engine knocking sound when I start the car. I've done my research on it and the only conclusion I've come up with is that the cars lifters are making the noise due to the oil settling to the lower pan causing a short "Dry" start.

I've contemplated on using "Lucas Synthetic Oil Stabilizer" to better lube the engine when it's sitting for longer periods of times. I've gotten A LOT of mixed reviews on this stuff and I'm wondering if it's ok for Mercedes W203?

On every car, this additive seems to work wonders on these type of symptoms, but I know Mercedes are very finicky about what you put in them so I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

Anyone successfully using this additive?

Thanks,

CJ

Norsk_Johnson

Or should I use Mobil 1 15w-50 Synthetic instead, since it's an older engine?

chazzz

Lucas stabilizer stuff isn't going to fix your problem (you can check Bob is the Oil Guy on the website for more details about Lucas and other products).

Also, I would not put 0w-40 motor oil in engine, especially in high mileage engine. 0w-40 weight is "lightweight" type. I don't understand why people use them in their cars. Read the story by Consumer Reports:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/n...cars/index.htm

I buy Mobil 1 5w-40 Formula "M" motor oil from Mercedes dealer. Mobil 1 Formula "M" meets Mercedes' specifications 229.3 & 229.5. I don't think you can find that kind of oil from your local auto parts store. The only place you can buy is from Mercedes dealer and sometimes you can find them online. My dealer sells them at $7.95/quart. It isn't that bad price, but it gives me peace of mind knowing that I'm using the RIGHT type of oil for my Mercedes.

Seriously, I think 0w- weight oil is way too thin for our engines, the oil can go past the oil rings (on the piston) and burn the oil.

Maybe that is why extremely thin oil won't stay in your valve/camshaft area while the car sitting for a long period of time.

Norsk_Johnson

Thank you, Chazz - Real good information! Only problem is I JUST did the oil change, so unless I burn money and drain the 0W40 oil to refill with 5W40 Formula M, are there any other cost-effective suggestion you have to help thicken the existing oil in the engine?

Another reason why I think these symptoms are related to oil is because it will not make the noise if the car is warm or been driven within 4 hours or so. So, it only seems logical that the oil is just seeping to the pan after sitting.

Thanks for the help, btw. Love the car, got if for 9K with 87k miles on it. So far I've replaced the following myself:

-Spark Plugs (Bosch Platinum) ($38 - Ebay)
-Changed the Cabin/Main Air Filter MANN Brand ($40 for both AutoZone)
-Replaced Parking Lamp Bulbs/Licence Plate Bulbs ($10 AutoZone)
-Hood Release Replaced ($9 eBay)
-Driver-Side Main Window Switch Replaced (Chinese Part for $33 eBay - Which looks and operates 100% like OEM part)
-Fixed Rattling Shift Manual Knob (nadda)
-Window washer pump Replaced - ($10 eBay)
-Main Air Filter Rotted Hose w/ Housing Kit from AutoZone ($20)

-Found a service Campaign on MBWorld.org on the Camshaft Solenoid Wiring harness replacement, got that done on Saturday from the Stealership for FREE.

This car has turned me into a DIY nut, if you have any other preventative maintenance advice please let me know, since you have the same car.

Thanks!

samaritrey

Keep an ear out for the timing chain noise as you should probably replace it soon.

Norsk_Johnson

Trey,

Thanks for the heads-up. To be honest, I don't hear any "ticking" just a short 10 second (mild) ping noise when I start the car. Oddly enough, If I turn the key to the second position, wait for about 8-10 seconds, then crank, the sound isn't as bad. Weird.. I guess I'm being super paranoid.

I cringe thinking about what the cost of a timing chain will entail, since it'd require engine "Surgery". What's the average cost to have it replace? I thought a chain was supposed to last longer than a belt? Thanks man.

Thanks,
Christian

Norsk_Johnson

Here's a video of the noise I was talking about fellas, I'm thinking it may be timing chain...

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...hain-help.html

cvx

I always used 0W-40 and that is what our dealers also use. Never any problems and no need for additives. My old W202 had 250k miles and my current W203 240k+. ESP5w30 is commonly used for MBs with particle filters though.

Other formulas will work okey elsewhere but please come here to the arctic circle so you will understand the need for 0W- formulas.

The chain is supposed to last very long. Mine's been okey for 14 years now and 22 years for old W202 which still runs in the family.

The only times I hear weird noises coming is when I start the car @ -30c without using block heater