W204 V6 oil changes in SA
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: SA
2008 C350-Sport-AMG-Active Agility Pack(Not reliable) +Izuzu KB6 3L(It seems Reliable)+Mazda
W204 V6 oil changes in SA
This question is for any person, or Glyn Ruck, who has specific knowledge about oil changes for the W204-V6 in South Africa.
Question:Can I replace the engine oil myself without interupting the maintanance schedule, I will buy the correct oil, and don't mind paying.
1-Mercedes headoffice told me I can do it, no problem.I spoke to a senior technical person.
2-Two separate dealerships I regard as excellent, told me on the W203 you could, but not on the W204. They disagree with headoffice story, and both stick to their story. They recon not even they can do it. They also say topups could cause problems stepping on the service indicator.
Now what is the correct story ?
And exactly which oil is in my 350V6. I know it must be Mobil-1-Extended,
but which grade for SA ?
Question:Can I replace the engine oil myself without interupting the maintanance schedule, I will buy the correct oil, and don't mind paying.
1-Mercedes headoffice told me I can do it, no problem.I spoke to a senior technical person.
2-Two separate dealerships I regard as excellent, told me on the W203 you could, but not on the W204. They disagree with headoffice story, and both stick to their story. They recon not even they can do it. They also say topups could cause problems stepping on the service indicator.
Now what is the correct story ?
And exactly which oil is in my 350V6. I know it must be Mobil-1-Extended,
but which grade for SA ?
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Joined: Aug 2009
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I know I'm not the super oil expert but according to both Mobil1 and Mercedes you need 0W-40, but what do they know. Also you should do a full oil change, because the physical properties of your oil have changed in the last year due to thermal breakdown. I'd even change the filter for good measure, Mobil 1 Model M1C253. Why people would buy $40,000 cars and then try to save $40 a year taking shortcuts on maintenance boggles my mind.
ADDED: I'm probably also retarded but I according to the website, Mobil 1 extended doesn't offer a higher grade than 30, so I wouldn't use that.
You could alternatively use Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 5W-40. You should not however, use the 15W-50 grade which is the only higher grade offered by Mobil1 because it is not approved against MB 229.31 or 229.51
ADDED: I'm probably also retarded but I according to the website, Mobil 1 extended doesn't offer a higher grade than 30, so I wouldn't use that.
You could alternatively use Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 5W-40. You should not however, use the 15W-50 grade which is the only higher grade offered by Mobil1 because it is not approved against MB 229.31 or 229.51
Last edited by Peabody; Sep 14, 2009 at 06:11 PM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 604
Likes: 29
From: SA
2008 C350-Sport-AMG-Active Agility Pack(Not reliable) +Izuzu KB6 3L(It seems Reliable)+Mazda
After the service oil still blakish. I don"t want a washed out engine after 6 years/Mobilo Plan.
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Irvine, CA
GLE 450 2021, SLK 350 2013, Honda Civc Type R 2019, Suzuki GSXR 750 2014, Ducati Diavel 2018
Yeah, I do it on my CLK between services. The only way to interupt the maintenance schedule is to reset the maintenance schedule on your console. If you just change the oil it shouldn't be problem. MB uses Mobile 1 0w40. You're probably going to have to get 8.5 L of it. Changing oil is hard unless you have a lift to raise the car to take off the bottom cover to access the drain plug. I usually use the topsider thingy where you use a pump to suck up the oil from the dipstick. You're probably going to get a perfect sized fit oil filter cap to take off the oil filter.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 353
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From: Irvine, CA
GLE 450 2021, SLK 350 2013, Honda Civc Type R 2019, Suzuki GSXR 750 2014, Ducati Diavel 2018
Just to clear up, the car is receiving the services by dealer, but all I want to do is change the oil in between services which could be 20 000km apart.My 1st service was at 20 000Km/1-year, with the oil pitch black.
After the service oil still blakish. I don"t want a washed out engine after 6 years/Mobilo Plan.
After the service oil still blakish. I don"t want a washed out engine after 6 years/Mobilo Plan.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 964
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You can't judge oil by the color, especially synthetics. The coloring is determined by the additives not the oil quality. Look for excessive sludge on your oil filter as a sign that your oil needs replacing early, not the color of the oil.
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From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Early
Just to clear up, the car is receiving the services by dealer, but all I want to do is change the oil in between services which could be 20 000km apart.My 1st service was at 20 000Km/1-year, with the oil pitch black.
After the service oil still blackish. I don"t want a washed out engine after 6 years/Mobilo Plan.
After the service oil still blackish. I don"t want a washed out engine after 6 years/Mobilo Plan.
And, the oil at 5000 miles looks pretty dirty.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Delaware
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
Just to clear up, the car is receiving the services by dealer, but all I want to do is change the oil in between services which could be 20 000km apart.My 1st service was at 20 000Km/1-year, with the oil pitch black.
After the service oil still blakish. I don"t want a washed out engine after 6 years/Mobilo Plan.
After the service oil still blakish. I don"t want a washed out engine after 6 years/Mobilo Plan.
http://bevo.daimler.com/bevolistenma...b83a926a5b3dfd
In the USA, Mobil1 Formula M 5W40 is suggested for dealers.
I suggest you verify:
1) how your dealer changes oil (should be by MB suction tool, or drain plug removal). Sounds like they did not drain all the old oil, or forgot to change the filter.
2) what oil they use. The service parts counter person may know more about this than the service mgr or rep. It's best to use same approved oil for your mid-change.
Last edited by kevink2; Sep 16, 2009 at 05:33 PM.
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