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For what it is worth, here is what my dealer uses for me on the M156:
This is the oil Mobil 1 made exclusively for Mercedes: note the Formula M (M = Mercedes). I got this at my A service. But for the changes in between at 1875 (changed oil at Diff Oil change) and 5000, I used the European Car Formula 0W40.
-C
Thanks for posting.
Originally Posted by whoover
That same footnote is called out even more explicitly in the maintenance booklet. It's on page 7 of mine. I don't fault you for missing it, but the dealer really should know better. If it were me, they'd hear about it.
I don't know if I was clear in my original post but I told my Service Adviser that the car required either 0w-40 or 5w-40.
They said that they only had 229.5 spec 5w-30 and that it would be fine since it was just a top-off.
I decided to ask about 5w-30 on here because of knowledgeable members such as yourself.
My final question is this: Should I just wait until my 10,000-mile oil change and request 5w-40 then . . .
OR
. . . should I take the car in tomorrow and request a full oil change to 5w-40 on their dime?
Don't sweat it
Do the change you planned at 5000 miles
It's a good idea anyways on a new engine
Ask if they will do it goodwill or split it with you
DO NOT WORRY
IT IS NOT AN ISSUE
PERIOD
Don't sweat it
Do the change you planned at 5000 miles
It's a good idea anyways on a new engine
Ask if they will do it goodwill or split it with you
DO NOT WORRY
IT IS NOT AN ISSUE
PERIOD
You are the man Ingenieur.
I sincerely appreciate all of your input in the thread. That is why I love this community!
5W designation represents cold start temps during and/or for start ups. Meaning, oil will flow at temps as cold as 5 degrees. 0W designation means oil will flow as low as 0 degrees.
The 40 designation represents the weight/thickness of the oil once as it reaches operating temps.
Either oil will be fine, and mixing the two wont hurt a thing.
BTW, buy an extra quart or two can carry it in the trunk so you can always pull over and add when necessary. Always add at least 1/2 quart then check and continue adding as necessary...try NOT to overfill
5W designation represents cold start temps during and/or for start ups. Meaning, oil will flow at temps as cold as 5 degrees. 0W designation means oil will flow as low as 0 degrees.
The 40 designation represents the weight/thickness of the oil once as it reaches operating temps.
Either oil will be fine, and mixing the two wont hurt a thing.
Hope this helps
Many thanks for the reply! I definitely agree with everything that has been said regarding 0w-40 and 5w-40 being the recommended oils for the M156.
I just wanted to make sure that 1.75 quarts of 5w-30 wouldn't be a problem until my oil change (for the change I will ensure that 5w-40 is used).
You and Ingenieur have eased my mind quite a bit. And for that I am grateful.
After reading this thread, i checked my most recent Service A printout...dealership put in 9.5 quarts of 5w-30. I've put about 700 miles on the car since then. How urgently do I need to change to 0w-40?
After reading this thread, i checked my most recent Service A printout...dealership put in 9.5 quarts of 5w-30. I've put about 700 miles on the car since then. How urgently do I need to change to 0w-40?
As long as you're thinking about it why not do it this week? That's an annoying mistake on their part but I certainly wouldn't lose sleep over it. Good that you caught it though. I wonder how many others are out there.
After reading this thread, i checked my most recent Service A printout...dealership put in 9.5 quarts of 5w-30. I've put about 700 miles on the car since then. How urgently do I need to change to 0w-40?
I would change immediately
1.5 of 5W30 out of 9.5 is one thing
all 9.5 5W30 is entirely another
To all those members who have stated undying trust in their dealership/ oil change tech the above comments seem to verify that yes they can be incompetent and that trust is ill directed.
Was wondering how long before someone came on and reported the wrong oil being put in their AMG.
Walmart European car formula- Spec 229.5 0w-40 Mobil 1, 5 quart jug $22.66, no dealership required. Filter 13 bucks, so for about sixty bucks some time but the result and satisfaction is priceless.
Picking up a jug is also good for top ups.
As for putting in 5w-30 in your AMG, some may say by accident but in the long run it is your car and if you do not mind these seemingly minor mistakes then carry on with your trust. Bottom line it probably happens more than any dealership cares to admit, the oil jockey knows only to drain and fill is there really a difference between a 180 or 240 or 300 or 63, different filter, same bulk drum.
I'm just amazed at the differences in dealer quality on this issue. My dealer sells and services a ton of AMGs (I've bought 5 from them over the years) and I could never imagine them making a mistake like this. My SA knows what parts are different versions in AMG cars (sometimes it can be surprising) and will add a couple of days to a scheduled appointment to allow for getting such a part, without having to look it up.
My guess would be that these 5W-30 shops are small dealerships that just don't have enough experience with AMG models. It's good to know.
So true Whoover, if the dealership does not service a ton of AMG's then this issue could be widespread. When I had my first oil change in Mobile Alabama, while watching the "tech" for future DIY oil changes he was surprised when another tech ask if he drained the oil cooler, at which time he was answered "OH there is a oil cooler" where is it.* Mercedes of Mobile AL*, which thankfully allowed me to see where it was ha ha . Oil arrived for the car in a bulk jug (2) which he verified was 0w-40 by being shown the drum by the other tech who seemed quite knowledgeable on the car. Alex was his name and if any service was needed he would be my first and only choice.
when a service order is entered with tasks (service A, etc.) and the VIN isn't the material list automatically generated?
it tells the parts guy what stuff to pick for the tech?
After reading this thread, i checked my most recent Service A printout...dealership put in 9.5 quarts of 5w-30. I've put about 700 miles on the car since then. How urgently do I need to change to 0w-40?
I would get it changed at your earliest convenience.
Have you noticed any difference(s) with respect to oil temperature, etc.?
Originally Posted by Ingenieur
I would change immediately
1.5 of 5W30 out of 9.5 is one thing
all 9.5 5W30 is entirely another
+1
Originally Posted by whoover
I'm just amazed at the differences in dealer quality on this issue. My dealer sells and services a ton of AMGs (I've bought 5 from them over the years) and I could never imagine them making a mistake like this. My SA knows what parts are different versions in AMG cars (sometimes it can be surprising) and will add a couple of days to a scheduled appointment to allow for getting such a part, without having to look it up.
My guess would be that these 5W-30 shops are small dealerships that just don't have enough experience with AMG models. It's good to know.
Actually, my dealership is outstanding.
I'm annoyed with this issue but otherwise, they stock and service numerous AMG models and everyone on the staff is very polite.
No difference felt, temperature seems normal and usual hovers around the 228 range.
I just called the dealership, and at first, the SA I talked to said that 5W30 is the correct weight for Southern California temperatures. He put me on hold and spoke with a tech, then came back and told me that they always use the correct oil for AMG engines, and that it might be a typo on the service sheet printout. He's going to have my SA call me back to confirm.
I should have known that this dealership didn't know their AMGs when my SA told me last month that there was a new C63 coming out that wasn't in the US yet, one with 507 horsepower. I told him that I actually have the 507 wheels on my car, and he didn't believe me.
No difference felt, temperature seems normal and usual hovers around the 228 range.
I just called the dealership, and at first, the SA I talked to said that 5W30 is the correct weight for Southern California temperatures. He put me on hold and spoke with a tech, then came back and told me that they always use the correct oil for AMG engines, and that it might be a typo on the service sheet printout. He's going to have my SA call me back to confirm.
I should have known that this dealership didn't know their AMGs when my SA told me last month that there was a new C63 coming out that wasn't in the US yet, one with 507 horsepower. I told him that I actually have the 507 wheels on my car, and he didn't believe me.
This may help ease your mind a bit:
As an update, I just spoke to my Service Manager at the dealership. The Service Manager at my dealership is the epitome of a professional. He has been there for years and I thoroughly trust him.
He spoke to both Mobil 1 and Mercedes-Benz Service Engineering and informed me that I have absolutely nothing to worry about. He basically told me the following: Drive the **** out of the car (he couldn't believe how low my mileage was), have fun, and that they would absolutely use either 0w-40 or 5w-40 (whatever I prefer) when it came time for my oil change.
One of the reasons why the Service Manual and other documents state that only 0w-40 and 5w-40 should be used is because 5w-30 is gradually being phased out so there can be more "homogeneity," for lack of a better word, in terms of oil choices.
He found another document that said the M156 motor could take 0w-30, 5w-30, 5w-40, and 0w-40. Interesting stuff.
Anyway, all of the information in this thread has been excellent. Many thanks to everyone that has participated.
As it stands now, 0w-40 and 5w-40 should be used for complete oil changes. However, if you happen to get topped off with a quart or two of 229.5-spec synthetic 5w-30, there is no need to panic.
The dealer doesn't give a shi+. Service managers want to get you the hell out of their face or off the phone as fast as possible. No one does a thing to my car that I'm not comfortable with and if they do I freak the hell out. 0w 40 or nothing and if they try to schmooze, I just get madder.
I waited a longgggg time to afford a c63 and unless they are making my monthly payment, don't **** on my shoes and tell me it's raining. Put the right damn oil in my car or the tow truck drives further....... And if you put the wrong oil in it. Drain it. Order the right oil, and take YOUR wallet out to reimburse the dealership for your jackass mistake. Cause I just got a free oil change because you f'ed up. Not a Honda.
One of the reasons why the Service Manual and other documents state that only 0w-40 and 5w-40 should be used is because 5w-30 is gradually being phased out so there can be more "homogeneity," for lack of a better word, in terms of oil choices.
He found another document that said the M156 motor could take 0w-30, 5w-30, 5w-40, and 0w-40. Interesting stuff.
I'm not sure "interesting" is the word I'd use. They're phasing out 5W-30 so they're using it all up in the non-AMG engines? That's not a very believable reason for MB prohibiting in only in some AMG engines.
And I don't suppose he could share the other document, since it doesn't seem to be in any place that us poor *******s who own the cars have access to?
Most times a grade of motor oil can be used if the car is driven in say cold or extremely cold climate. 5w-30 is probably okay for and AMG operated in Alaska or Greenland where the day time high is like 45 degrees. For the 100-110 degree climate stick with the heavier weight oils.
Agreed with the 0w rating for cold starts and the 40 aspect will give improved protection with the thicker weight oil when hot. The beauty of synthetic oil.
Still would not be happy with dealership addition or change to another weight oil "just because they did not have the right weight".
Our engines run hot. Some of us regularly see 250 degrees oil temperature (especially in facelift cars). On the track, the car gets past 270. This has little to do with ambient temperature and more to do with high power demand driving.
The high-temperature viscosity of 5W-30 is significantly lower than 5W-40. The chances are great that this is why AMG engineers specified -40 oil. The spec sheet shows 3.1 at around 300 degrees for Mobil 1 5W-30 and 3.8 for 5W-40. http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...l_1_5W-30.aspx
That's around a 20% loss in viscosity at very high oil temperature. AMG engineers write specs for reasons.
Yes you are also correct implying the need for heavier weight oil for the track. Would never dream about beating a AMG with 30 weight oil in it. If that was the designation of my car as a track car then I would be actually be looking into a heavier weight oil like something with a 50 designation and another cooler. 15w-50 if you need to play with the big boys.
If you run the standard 40 weight then a change after track day will at least give peace of mind.
I'm not sure "interesting" is the word I'd use. They're phasing out 5W-30 so they're using it all up in the non-AMG engines? That's not a very believable reason for MB prohibiting in only in some AMG engines.
And I don't suppose he could share the other document, since it doesn't seem to be in any place that us poor *******s who own the cars have access to?
I'm just relaying the information that was passed along to me.
Originally Posted by Critter
Most times a grade of motor oil can be used if the car is driven in say cold or extremely cold climate. 5w-30 is probably okay for and AMG operated in Alaska or Greenland where the day time high is like 45 degrees. For the 100-110 degree climate stick with the heavier weight oils.
I'm going to ensure that 5w-40 or 0w-40 is used for my first oil change.
At this point, I'm merely agreeing with what Ingenieur, whoover, and other knowledgeable board members have expressed: 1.5-2 quarts of 5w-30 out of 9 is not going to make an impact; it's a non-issue. I still have 7+ quarts of 0w-40 or 5w-40, whatever was poured in at the factory.
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