We have 6300 miles on our car YTD. The manual says replace oil at 12/13K I'm good with that although I've been checking the level in 1K mile intervals for any level changes, color etc... For the first time I've noticed my level hasn't changed since new but the color has gone from a clear transparent yellow to slightly darker brown. In the past the darker the color the older the oil thus needing changing. I can't see it going 12K should I be worried or change it?

-Ryan

 

no, you're fine going the recommended 13.5K/1yr

 

Darker oil doesn't necessarily mean it is going bad. It simply means the oil is doing it's job. The filter picks up all the crap.

If you're concerned about the color, take a sample and send it to Blackstone or Dyson labs to get it analyzed. It'll tell you if the oil is wearing out or still has protective/lubrication properties left in it.

 

You should be good for 800 miles on the highway. If it was mine, I would change the oil right after the trip.

Heck, if it was mine, I would have changed it at 1000 miles. Oil is cheap.

 

no need to change the oil that often. The full synthetic Mobil1 used by MB has been independantly tested to provide adequate protection through 13K miles.

 

The techs at my dealership actually commented that there is absolutely no issue waiting until the 13K mark but realistically could even go upwards of 20K!!

 

dont waste your money or natural resources; the additive package in that oil will protect the engine way past 13k miles....wait until that point before you even consider changing it..