C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

C32 oil change - Mobil One 0W-40 European Formula

Old Aug 17, 2005 | 04:42 AM
  #1  
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C32 oil change - Mobil One 0W-40 European Formula

I'm about to do an oil change for the first time on a C32. Warranty ended and I want to do my own oil changes.

Quick question. I always see Mobil One 0W-40 European Formula mentioned as the recommended oil for this car. I just dropped by Kragen today and saw Mobil One 0W-40. It doesn't say European Formula on the bottle. Is there such thing as Mobil One's 0W-40 non-European Formula? What does the European Formula stand for or what is the difference between that and the non-European Formula (if it exists)?...or is it just a name tacked onto the 0W-40 grade to say that that is a recommended oil for most european cars? Should the bottle have the words European Formula on it?...I just saw Mobil 1 brand logo and in a black rectangular shape with white words 0W-40.

Just want to make sure I'm buying the right oil. Thanks guys.
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 10:46 AM
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i'm surprised you found it. i cannot find 0w40 anywhere except the dealer. i have not heard if there is a difference between European vs. non euro formula. quick google showed this though: http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lub...bil1_0W-40.asp

only two types: European Car Formula (NA) or Protection Formula (EU)
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 11:18 AM
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How 'bout going Royal Purple for that beast?

flip
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by mig888
How 'bout going Royal Purple for that beast?

flip
Seconded.
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 12:20 PM
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I'm in the midst of prepping to do an oil change on my C55. So far I haven't found differences between AMG models for oil specifications.

MB is extremely specific to note that the oil must meet MB spec 229.3 / 229.5. "Factory Approved Service Products" book (S0473-04B) is specified as reference by MB, and should list detailed information for you.

Mobil 1 0W-40 Super Syn European Formula (it's says that specifically on my bottle) notes on the back of the container that it meets MB spec 229.5. That statement is not on the other formulations of Mobil 1.

Also look into the fleece filter requirement. I believe you can use that filter which was introduced in Sept. 03. (versus the paper element)

Hope this helps.
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 12:36 PM
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I think I checked one of the web site..... it only mentioned that Mobil 1 0W-40 meets MB 229.5. I was also recommended to use AMSoil. From several websites, AMSoil results are better than Mobil 1. Yet, I still stick with Mobil 1.

If you can find Kragen in your area, you could special order them. Took them 3 days to get.

What's Royal Purple?
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 01:49 PM
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I guess the one at Kragen wasn't European Formula because it have it written on the bottle. Is it in large words or in some of the text on the back?

A bottle quart was 5.99 at Kragen I believe. How much is it at the dealer? Maybe I'll just buy it from the dealer when I pick up the filter also.

I might look into Royal Purple or Amsoil sometime, I've also heard those mentioned a few times.
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Old Aug 17, 2005 | 08:25 PM
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Royal Purple or Amsoil may perform well and in their tests out perform Mobil 1. However, what would need demonstration is how it performs in a MB AMG application. Given that AMG hand built the motor and certified Mobil 1 as factory fill - I'd be hard pressed to use anything else.
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Old Aug 18, 2005 | 07:14 PM
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So now that we know what oil to use, how do you turn off the service reminder once you have changed the oil in a C55? In other words, my car says I have 27 days until I need service A, which I checked is just an oil change plus a lot of senseless labor. Well, at least at 300+ dollars it is senseless. I know how to change the oil, I just can't figure out how to reset the service interval.
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Old Aug 18, 2005 | 08:56 PM
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Originally Posted by kjb55
Royal Purple or Amsoil may perform well and in their tests out perform Mobil 1. However, what would need demonstration is how it performs in a MB AMG application. Given that AMG hand built the motor and certified Mobil 1 as factory fill - I'd be hard pressed to use anything else.
That's the best piece of oil advice I've seen yet on this forum. Oil analysis from one vehicle does NOT apply to all. For instance, some car's engines put more sheer stress on oils while some others are heavy diluters. Not all synthetic oils react the same way to these situations.

The best thing to do is try it for 5000 miles and have a used oil analysis done. Only then can you make an informed decision as to what is right for your engine and driving habits. Or, stick with the Mobil 0-40 and play it safe.

That being said, if you really want the good stuff, Castrol green oil from Germany is better than all others for holding up in extended drain intervals.
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Old Aug 19, 2005 | 12:20 PM
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Update on the Mobil 1 Oil - I ordered my oil on the internet after not being able to find 10quarts at one store. Autozone only had 2 the day I went. The oil I received had all the correct markings (MB 229.5 spec, etc.), however, it didn't specify 'European Formula'!!. I called the Mobil 1 Tech Line and they advised that Mobil has dropped the 'European Formula' wording from the bottle, but that it remains the correct oil as was the factory fill and as recommended by MB.

Sorry for the confusion before - Mobil hasn't updated their website yet.

The spec calls for 9 quarts, I filled with 8, then ran the engine for 5min., then topped it off to end up using exactly 9 quarts which read exactly 160mm on the dipstick. 160mm is the TSB spec figure by MB.

As far as the service reminder goes... I have these intructions from MBUSA - (it notes to see the owner's manual for details)

1. Ignition key in position 2.
2. Use the page button to select odometer readout in cluster.
3. Use the scroll button to display FSS indicator.
4. Press 'R' button on cluster for approximately 2 seconds.
5. Display in cluster will advise "to reset service reminder - press 'R' button for approx. 3 seconds.
6. Press 'R' button on cluster for approximately 3 seconds.
7. Service reminder is reset.
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