Musikmann

I didn't either until just recently. I started looking for the non-ESP as soon as I got that reply from MBUSA, as worthless as the info apparently is. I'm sorry I wasn't more clear about the difference in my earlier post. But I did say you have to call them because it is not shown on their website. The woman with AV explained that they have it in the Cleveland warehouse, and the website only reflects the inventory in the one in Columbus. Plus the invoice says that branch is named PetrOLiance (800-392-7834).

SebringSilver

I'm so confused.

220S

You can use Motul or Amsoil.

There are some MB229.5 that are not "approved" by AMG (but okay in other MB motors) http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html

Mercedes only recommends M1. Under warranty you need to use a MB229.5 oil. But sure, if you want to be 'safe' then use what they say to use.

Besides 229.5, the only other thing MB requires with AMG motors is that you use the correct viscosity.

btw, here's what Mobil says about mixing oils:

"Mobil 1 is fully compatible with conventional motor oils, semi-synthetic motor oils and other synthetic motor oils, should it be necessary to mix them. However, it is important to note that the superior performance of Mobil 1 will be reduced by diluting it in any way.'

Every oil mfg say the same thing: "superior performance will be reduced." Primarily because they don't want you using other brands and they have to keep within their own liability parameters.

As far as ESP or not ESP, ESP is a MB229.31 and 229.51 oil which is required by MB for their diesel engines. That has primarily to do with ash content (for particulate reduction.) But it still falls under 'approved' and is not (yet) listed as "unapproved" for AMG motors. I think MB dealers started using ESP to cover all their bases as it is also approved for gasoline engines.

But some say that it has reduced additives. Check the bobtheoilguy.com forums. Most dealers will (should) have both. The dealer here uses M1 and ESP, but I'm guessing a lot of dealers might want to save some $$ and will just stock ESP.

I guess if one is really concerned, then just use reg M1 or Amsoil for peace of mind.

edit: p.s., I just noticed you drive a 2001 E320. I wasn't paying attention. Anyway, you aren't held to using 229.5 and can also use 229.3 which gives you a lot of choices (see link above)

bushburninc63

good stuff, i guess the 6 quarts i ordered won't go to waste then. thanks 220s.

Musikmann

Thanks again for all your information 220S.

Merc_F1

if you're from SoCali, here's a $69 synthetic oil change coupon have your local dlr price match it

lyotomachida

damnit, so which is best for our cars, 0w-40 or 5w-40 non ESP?

lyotomachida

Is the 0w-40 that is sold in stores (in the US) the same as the 0w-40 used in dealerships?


I just called a bunch of dealerships and the Mobil 1 they use varied from 5w-30, 5w-40 to 0w-40.

bushburninc63

i'm not sure lyoto, I just got my oil changed from the dealership and i ask the service advisor what oil they used. He said they used 0w-40. I didn't know they had another type of 0w-40. I just looked on my receipt and it states they used an ESP formula, but didn't state the weight.

rantarC63

Wrote AMG last night and here's the response:

Dear Mr ******,

Thank you for your inquiry.

We only recommend the following oil for all our engines:

Mobil 1 OW40

Best regards

Mercedes-AMG GmbH
Daimlerstr. 1
71563 Affalterbach

bushburninc63

I guess it all depends on who you talk to at your dealership or AMG, 0w-40 or 5w-40.

Jen_Kenne

Wonderful information. Should be used for a new Sticky.

I note that Valvoline offers a 100,000 warranty if you switch to them before you hit the 40,000 mark, but I have no idea if this is worthwhile. I also note that some other segments of the high-performance segment swear by Royal Purple synthetic - but I don't see it in the chart.

iblaho

I appreciate the research, guys. My dealership work invoices don't match the dealership's website statement about type of oil used. Gets to a point when I just have to trust what they are doing. My guess is that the dealerships' choice of oil is decided by corporate buyers. Petroleum is a commodity, after all, and prices do vary over time. If regional technical auditors approve it, that's that.

Even Money

Does MB have a special factory "break in" oil or is it really the Mobil 1 oil from day one? If it is some break in oil, then is it a synthetic or conventional?

220S

See post #13 in this thread..... when people say "break-in oil" they usually mean the factory fill oil.

Even Money

Thanks.. I had seen Fuchs somewhere but couldn't remember.

I was asking about the break in oil as I'm researching how to best break this car in. Synthetic oil from the factory is probably too slippery for the piston rings to seat properly. Has anyone replaced the factory fill with a break in oil such as Valvoline 30W for the first 500 miles or so, then switched back to a synthetic?

azlane

Just curious how common this is for C63 owners to need to add oil all of the time? Do you think this is this happening across the board for all owners?

I will be receiving mine next week.

bushburninc63

Depending how hard you drive it. I didn't need to add oil until @ 3,500 miles, but I don't drive it hard as often. My oil light actually came on when I did three pulls hard pulls on the highway. Others I've read had to add oil every 1,500 or 2000 miles.

If you track it, it's a different story.

Jen_Kenne

Check the 'other' oil thread and the link in 220S's post.

Sincity

Confusing and frustrating. So it is ok to use M1 0w/40 SPEC 229.5??

Even Money

P. 394 Restriction: Only SAE 0W-40/SAE 5W-40 engine oils may be used.

M1 0w/40 is 229.5 MB approved. Best I can tell M1 doesn't have a 5w/40.

So you can use any oil as long as it is one of the two weights above and 229.5 approved.

Even Money

For example:

http://www.motul-oil.co.uk/pdfs/synt...0_TDS_(GB).pdf

Even Money

This is a link to some great information about oil analysis and oil in general.

http://my350z.com/forum/engine-and-d...-and-info.html

Jen_Kenne

Originally Posted by 220S
fwiw, doing a UOA will give you the info you need and peace of mind. It's not expensive. When I used to track my cars (not MBs) oil quality was imperative esp with air cooled dry sump motors (theoretically 'oil cooled' motors.)

Here's some info from someone with whom I have had personal experience. Although it's Porsche-centric, it's still a worthwhile read (and also someone who can do your UOA for you) He is a Northwestern grad engineer and well-known in Porsche motorsports. (LN Engineering mfgs custom cylinders, rods, and pistons all in-house.)

Click on "lubricants." http://www.lnengineering.com/index.html

gsrjc

Best I would tell too was that M1 doesn't have a 5w/40 that is not the diesel version which is the 229.51 MB approved.

I wondering what my dealership has been using in my AMG since they have been telling me they were using 5w40. Then again, I've only had 1 oil change in a year.

So bottom line is, use the M1 0w40?