Why is MB-certified oil so hard to find?
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C32 AMG
Why is MB-certified oil so hard to find?
Being a loyal forum dweller, I clicked the Pennzoil Platinum banner and navigated around to find out if the oil meets the MB standard. There is some reference on their web site that there are European formulations, but nothing specific. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that I'll not be able to find Euro spec oil at the local auto parts stores (or big-box stores).
Which leads to my general rant. It is unnecessarily difficult to find motor oil that meets the specs of modern cars. I own a Benz, an Audi and an Acura, and because I am loyal to the manufacturer specs, I am utterly unable to buy ANY motor oil for any of these brands at any retail locations. Even the bulk of Mobil 1 product out there fails to meet Benz/Audi spec. the Acura requires an on 5W20 or 0W20 weight that is difficult to find.
So I buy oil in cases via mail order. So who is buying the stuff at auto stores? The Chevy, Dodge, Ford customers? Or customers that ignore the manufacture standard?
Is it really uneconomical for retail stores to stock this stuff? Is there a market opening for higher-end cars (or people who actually care)?
Which leads to my general rant. It is unnecessarily difficult to find motor oil that meets the specs of modern cars. I own a Benz, an Audi and an Acura, and because I am loyal to the manufacturer specs, I am utterly unable to buy ANY motor oil for any of these brands at any retail locations. Even the bulk of Mobil 1 product out there fails to meet Benz/Audi spec. the Acura requires an on 5W20 or 0W20 weight that is difficult to find.
So I buy oil in cases via mail order. So who is buying the stuff at auto stores? The Chevy, Dodge, Ford customers? Or customers that ignore the manufacture standard?
Is it really uneconomical for retail stores to stock this stuff? Is there a market opening for higher-end cars (or people who actually care)?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 925
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From: Maine
Not an AMG :(
Being a loyal forum dweller, I clicked the Pennzoil Platinum banner and navigated around to find out if the oil meets the MB standard. There is some reference on their web site that there are European formulations, but nothing specific. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that I'll not be able to find Euro spec oil at the local auto parts stores (or big-box stores).
Which leads to my general rant. It is unnecessarily difficult to find motor oil that meets the specs of modern cars. I own a Benz, an Audi and an Acura, and because I am loyal to the manufacturer specs, I am utterly unable to buy ANY motor oil for any of these brands at any retail locations. Even the bulk of Mobil 1 product out there fails to meet Benz/Audi spec. the Acura requires an on 5W20 or 0W20 weight that is difficult to find.
So I buy oil in cases via mail order. So who is buying the stuff at auto stores? The Chevy, Dodge, Ford customers? Or customers that ignore the manufacture standard?
Is it really uneconomical for retail stores to stock this stuff? Is there a market opening for higher-end cars (or people who actually care)?
Which leads to my general rant. It is unnecessarily difficult to find motor oil that meets the specs of modern cars. I own a Benz, an Audi and an Acura, and because I am loyal to the manufacturer specs, I am utterly unable to buy ANY motor oil for any of these brands at any retail locations. Even the bulk of Mobil 1 product out there fails to meet Benz/Audi spec. the Acura requires an on 5W20 or 0W20 weight that is difficult to find.
So I buy oil in cases via mail order. So who is buying the stuff at auto stores? The Chevy, Dodge, Ford customers? Or customers that ignore the manufacture standard?
Is it really uneconomical for retail stores to stock this stuff? Is there a market opening for higher-end cars (or people who actually care)?
Thread Starter
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C32 AMG
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Des Plaines, IL
C32 AMG
I don't know where you are located but I get my oil Mobile 1 0-w40 for MB from Advance Auto Parts localy or order it from them on internet, and oil filter from Napaonline.com - Bosch filter direct replacement for OEM Flees filter.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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2003 C32 AMG & 2009 CTS-V
Good point! I get my Mobil 0W 40 from a particular Autozone, but I haven't seen it at other auto stores. Perhaps there isn't a real market for it just yet - one could argue that most people who own high-end cars that require uncommon oil formulations end up getting the dealership / shops to change their oil for them.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 538
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From: Silicon valley
Audi C7.5 S6
I have found the Mobil 1 0W-40 at Pep Boys, Walmart and Kragens.
In the SF bay area (Silicon Valley), there are so many Mercedes, Porsche, Audi and BMW, there is a large demand here for this oil.
In the SF bay area (Silicon Valley), there are so many Mercedes, Porsche, Audi and BMW, there is a large demand here for this oil.
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From: Keesler AFB, Gulfport, MS
C32 AMG
I have the same problem around here. I only needed a quart (half qt. low according to computer) and couldn't find it anywhere. I ended up getting a quart of 5W30 and added that. I know you're not supposed to mix and match but figured that was better than being low.
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From: New York City
95 Audi urS6 Quattro
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From: Mile High
C55 AMG
Does the oil even matter if you change the oil every 5-6k miles instead of the 12-15k that MB recommends. I mean still use Mobil. I just use the 0w-20 at Wal-Mart and I don't even know if it is approved because you have nothing on the back that says MB approved, it just says honda, ford and Chrysler approved. I change it 5-6k anyhow and it doesn't bother me any and I assume the oil doesn't get a chance to build up with dirt or etc.
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
a 20 weight may be too thin for the 5.5L engine...even if you are changing it out every 5-6k. The 20 weight might sheer down to a even thinner weight after some useage, as oils sheer with heat and use.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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C32 AMG
Does the oil even matter if you change the oil every 5-6k miles instead of the 12-15k that MB recommends. I mean still use Mobil. I just use the 0w-20 at Wal-Mart and I don't even know if it is approved because you have nothing on the back that says MB approved, it just says honda, ford and Chrysler approved. I change it 5-6k anyhow and it doesn't bother me any and I assume the oil doesn't get a chance to build up with dirt or etc.
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
Definitely can get by, its oil that lubricates but how well it lubricates the engine is another question. If it sheers to too thin of a weight or even starts at too thin of a weight, might not be performing or protecting the engine as well as it could with a more suitable oil.
