5w-30? A quart or two okay?
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2012 C63 Coupe
My SA called earlier this afternoon, said I was right, they put the incorrect oil in. I'm taking the car in tomorrow afternoon to get 0W40. Ridiculous. What kind of potential damage might the 5W30 have caused?
I'm so glad I came across this thread and actually read through it. Thanks to OP and to everyone who contributed all the valuable info.
I'm so glad I came across this thread and actually read through it. Thanks to OP and to everyone who contributed all the valuable info.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,829
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'20 GLC300 SUV
7/18/14 UPDATE:
My "Service A" was due today (unbeknownst to me at the time I made this thread) so the whole 1.5-2 quarts of 5w-30 issue is now a moot point. The dealer changed the oil and filter today. The car passed all inspection points with flying colors.
The dealer gave me my choice between Mobil 1 Synthetic 0w-40 and Mobil 1 Synthetic 5w-40 and recommended that I choose the 5w-40 (Formula M) to to keep the lifters happy.
As stated by others on this board/in this thread, although 0w-40 is still an approved option, MB now recommends 5w-40.
My "Service A" was due today (unbeknownst to me at the time I made this thread) so the whole 1.5-2 quarts of 5w-30 issue is now a moot point. The dealer changed the oil and filter today. The car passed all inspection points with flying colors.
The dealer gave me my choice between Mobil 1 Synthetic 0w-40 and Mobil 1 Synthetic 5w-40 and recommended that I choose the 5w-40 (Formula M) to to keep the lifters happy.
As stated by others on this board/in this thread, although 0w-40 is still an approved option, MB now recommends 5w-40.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,278
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
7/18/14 UPDATE:
My "Service A" was due today (unbeknownst to me at the time I made this thread) so the whole 1.5-2 quarts of 5w-30 issue is now a moot point. The dealer changed the oil and filter today. The car passed all inspection points with flying colors.
The dealer gave me my choice between Mobil 1 Synthetic 0w-40 and Mobil 1 Synthetic 5w-40 and recommended that I choose the 5w-40 (Formula M) to to keep the lifters happy.
As stated by others on this board/in this thread, although 0w-40 is still an approved option, MB now recommends 5w-40.
My "Service A" was due today (unbeknownst to me at the time I made this thread) so the whole 1.5-2 quarts of 5w-30 issue is now a moot point. The dealer changed the oil and filter today. The car passed all inspection points with flying colors.
The dealer gave me my choice between Mobil 1 Synthetic 0w-40 and Mobil 1 Synthetic 5w-40 and recommended that I choose the 5w-40 (Formula M) to to keep the lifters happy.
As stated by others on this board/in this thread, although 0w-40 is still an approved option, MB now recommends 5w-40.
Thread Starter
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'20 GLC300 SUV
Cool. I don't understand the final comment. It's true that either oil is approved. The 5W-40 M oil is required by new diesels because it is a low ash formula that won't clog the particulate filter. Those engines can't use the 0W-40. Because all engines that use 0W-40 can use the 5W-40, most dealers are only stocking the "diesel" oil. My dealer switched to it exclusively a few years ago. It's fine for our engine, but no better for the lifters or any other component than the 0W-40. They both work equally well.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...0w40-5w40.html
See post #s 10 and 16.
As I understand it, the "diesel" formula 5w-40 is different than the non-diesel 5w-40 formula.
See this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...0-vs-5w40.html
See post #21.
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
Instead of me trying to articulate it, I did some searching and sure enough, found some info. on that comment here on the board:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...0w40-5w40.html
See post #s 10 and 16.
As I understand it, the "diesel" formula 5w-40 is different than the non-diesel 5w-40 formula.
See this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...0-vs-5w40.html
See post #21.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...0w40-5w40.html
See post #s 10 and 16.
As I understand it, the "diesel" formula 5w-40 is different than the non-diesel 5w-40 formula.
See this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...0-vs-5w40.html
See post #21.
There's only one Mobil 1 5W-40 Formula M, and it's ESP (low ash).
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...a_M_5W-40.aspx
It's the oil we're talking about. Mercedes recommends it for diesels and AMG engines.
There is a "Mobil 1 5W-40 Turbo Diesel Truck" but it's not certified for any Mercedes engine. It may have caused some confusion in the early days of Formula M adoption, which is when that thread is from.
Oh, and on the other thread, about bleed-down of the lifters, that happens when the hot engine sits idle after a run. If anything, a thinner oil at startup will refill them faster. In reality, the difference in cold viscosity is so slight that there's not going to be any real difference.
MB "prefers" the 5W-40 Formula M for only one reason: it simplifies stocking. But as long as you're happy with it, everything's good.
Last edited by whoover; Jul 18, 2014 at 12:50 PM.
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Thread Starter
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'20 GLC300 SUV
You can't always believe everything you read on the internet.
There's only one Mobil 1 5W-40 Formula M, and it's ESP (low ash).
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...a_M_5W-40.aspx
There is a "Mobil 1 5W-40 Turbo Diesel Truck 5W-40" but it's not certified for any Mercedes engine. It may have caused some confusion in the early days of Formula M adoption, which is when that thread is from.
Oh, and on the other thread, about bleed-down of the lifters, that happens when the hot engine sits idle after a run. If anything, a thinner oil at startup will refill them faster. In reality, the difference in cold viscosity is so slight that there's not going to be any real difference.
MB "prefers" the 5W-40 Formula M for only one reason: it simplifies stocking. But as long as you're happy with it, everything's good.
There's only one Mobil 1 5W-40 Formula M, and it's ESP (low ash).
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...a_M_5W-40.aspx
There is a "Mobil 1 5W-40 Turbo Diesel Truck 5W-40" but it's not certified for any Mercedes engine. It may have caused some confusion in the early days of Formula M adoption, which is when that thread is from.
Oh, and on the other thread, about bleed-down of the lifters, that happens when the hot engine sits idle after a run. If anything, a thinner oil at startup will refill them faster. In reality, the difference in cold viscosity is so slight that there's not going to be any real difference.
MB "prefers" the 5W-40 Formula M for only one reason: it simplifies stocking. But as long as you're happy with it, everything's good.
Why do you think the Private Lounge recommends 5w-40? Same reason? Stocking?
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
I don't think you'll find an official statement anywhere saying 5W-40 M is better than 0W-40. But it's no worse for any AMG engine so, yes, they are happy to help the mother company save a few bucks and so assure owners that the 5W-40 is fine to use. It's a recommendation that the oil is as good, not that it's better.
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C63 AMG
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lub...a_M_5W-40.aspx
There is a non ESP 5W40
MB spec 229.5
Not sold retail in the US apparently
There is a non ESP 5W40
MB spec 229.5
Not sold retail in the US apparently
Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 223
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C63 coupe P31, '11 G37s, '12 RR Evoque Prestige '10 QX56
You can't always believe everything you read on the internet.
There's only one Mobil 1 5W-40 Formula M, and it's ESP (low ash).
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...a_M_5W-40.aspx
It's the oil we're talking about. Mercedes recommends it for diesels and AMG engines.
There is a "Mobil 1 5W-40 Turbo Diesel Truck" but it's not certified for any Mercedes engine. It may have caused some confusion in the early days of Formula M adoption, which is when that thread is from.
Oh, and on the other thread, about bleed-down of the lifters, that happens when the hot engine sits idle after a run. If anything, a thinner oil at startup will refill them faster. In reality, the difference in cold viscosity is so slight that there'ks not going to be any real difference.
MB "prefers" the 5W-40 Formula M for only one reason: it simplifies stocking. But as long as you're happy with it, everything's good.
There's only one Mobil 1 5W-40 Formula M, and it's ESP (low ash).
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...a_M_5W-40.aspx
It's the oil we're talking about. Mercedes recommends it for diesels and AMG engines.
There is a "Mobil 1 5W-40 Turbo Diesel Truck" but it's not certified for any Mercedes engine. It may have caused some confusion in the early days of Formula M adoption, which is when that thread is from.
Oh, and on the other thread, about bleed-down of the lifters, that happens when the hot engine sits idle after a run. If anything, a thinner oil at startup will refill them faster. In reality, the difference in cold viscosity is so slight that there'ks not going to be any real difference.
MB "prefers" the 5W-40 Formula M for only one reason: it simplifies stocking. But as long as you're happy with it, everything's good.
0w40 has lower viscosity at 104F than 5w40 (75 vs 81, info available on Mobil's site). I would imagine that difference would increase at lower temps. The issue isn't that the lifters need "refilled", the issue is the oil running off of them. The thinner 0w40 will bleed off of the lifters which generates the notorious "ticking". 5w40 is thicker at cooler temps, so does not bleed off of the lifters (as quickly).
After my first oil change (0w40 fill from dealer) I was getting the lifter tick. Switched to 5w40 and haven't heard it since. This is why 5w40 is now the recommended oil for the M156. That, and the sulphated ash % of the 5w40 is less than half of the 0w40 (0.6% vs 1.3%). Sulphated ash=not so good for engine.
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C63 AMG
The engine has hydraulic lifters
The faster they are pumped up the less 'ticking'
It is not related to the oil film between the lifter/cam lobe
Both oils when hot will drain off about the same
And it is not an oil bath, it is sprayed
So both will effectively do the same with the 0W40 performing slightly better when cold
The faster they are pumped up the less 'ticking'
It is not related to the oil film between the lifter/cam lobe
Both oils when hot will drain off about the same
And it is not an oil bath, it is sprayed
So both will effectively do the same with the 0W40 performing slightly better when cold
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C63 coupe P31, '11 G37s, '12 RR Evoque Prestige '10 QX56
The engine has hydraulic lifters
The faster they are pumped up the less 'ticking'[/B]
[B]It is not related to the oil film between the lifter/cam lobe
Both oils when hot will drain off about the same
And it is not an oil bath, it is sprayed
So both will effectively do the same with the 0W40 performing slightly better when cold
The faster they are pumped up the less 'ticking'[/B]
[B]It is not related to the oil film between the lifter/cam lobe
Both oils when hot will drain off about the same
And it is not an oil bath, it is sprayed
So both will effectively do the same with the 0W40 performing slightly better when cold
That coincides with how the lifter noise fades out while idling or after driving. 5w40 alleviates these "symptoms".
The higher sulfated ash content of the 0w40 is enough to make the switch to 5w40.
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lub...a_M_5W-40.aspx
There is a non ESP 5W40
MB spec 229.5
Not sold retail in the US apparently
There is a non ESP 5W40
MB spec 229.5
Not sold retail in the US apparently
All the MB dealers in this area at least switched from it to the ESP version years ago. I don't imagine that oil will be around for long.
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C63 AMG
Wouldn't that then explain why the 0w40 causes the tick. It will bleed out faster while the car is parked due to it's lower viscosity as it cools. No need to "pump it up" with the 5w40 as it's higher viscosity at lower temps keeps it "seated".
That coincides with how the lifter noise fades out while idling or after driving. 5w40 alleviates these "symptoms".
The higher sulfated ash content of the 0w40 is enough to make the switch to 5w40.
That coincides with how the lifter noise fades out while idling or after driving. 5w40 alleviates these "symptoms".
The higher sulfated ash content of the 0w40 is enough to make the switch to 5w40.
When hot the viscosity is the same (both are 40's) so they should drain the same
The only reason I can see for less tick with the 5W40 is since it is thicker when cold although it may not circulate/pump as well it should generate a higher pressure a bit quicker since it is thicker
May help at idle and low rpm's but when engine speed increases not so much since the pressure is regulated by a relief valve
But honestly after a few minutes no real difference imho
Ideally run the 0 in the winter the 5 in the summer but imo the difference is moot
Look at the low temp characteristics and pour points
With 10 qts of good synthetic oil and excellent filtration and cooling both are fine
The key is to not load the engine up until the oil AND engine metal is HOT
Last edited by Ingenieur; Jul 19, 2014 at 05:35 PM.
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From: North East
2011 C63 AW
Glad the oil was changed all together. For me, my OCD wouldn't have settled until I drove away after the oil change.
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'20 GLC300 SUV
Thanks! And agreed, that is a great feature. On the LCI cars, the oil temperature is displayed in blue font until the temperature reaches 176 degrees F.
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2009 c63 amg
Type of oil
7/18/14 UPDATE:
My "Service A" was due today (unbeknownst to me at the time I made this thread) so the whole 1.5-2 quarts of 5w-30 issue is now a moot point. The dealer changed the oil and filter today. The car passed all inspection points with flying colors.
The dealer gave me my choice between Mobil 1 Synthetic 0w-40 and Mobil 1 Synthetic 5w-40 and recommended that I choose the 5w-40 (Formula M) to to keep the lifters happy.
As stated by others on this board/in this thread, although 0w-40 is still an approved option, MB now recommends 5w-40.
Original Post:
I know the oil topic has been beaten to death. Furthermore, I have conducted several searches. Most of the oil discussion has centered on 0w-40 vs. 5w-40. I found the updated list of approved oil for the M156/C63.
My question is a little different, as it does not pertain to an actual oil change.
Yesterday, a message came up telling me to check the engine oil at my next refueling.
I suspected that the car was merely a quart or two low on oil. Thus, I went to my local Mercedes-Benz dealer to have the motor's oil topped off as I was only minutes away at the time.
The only oil that they had in stock was 5w-30. They technician carefully and methodically alternated between checking the oil level and adding oil until the measurement/reading was satisfactory.
My question is this: Will a quart or two of 5w-30 cause me any problems?
Additional information: The car has roughly 4,000 miles and I plan on paying for my own oil change sometime around 5-6,000 miles. For the oil change, I will request 5w-40 oil that meets the required specification(s).
Many thanks in advance.
My "Service A" was due today (unbeknownst to me at the time I made this thread) so the whole 1.5-2 quarts of 5w-30 issue is now a moot point. The dealer changed the oil and filter today. The car passed all inspection points with flying colors.
The dealer gave me my choice between Mobil 1 Synthetic 0w-40 and Mobil 1 Synthetic 5w-40 and recommended that I choose the 5w-40 (Formula M) to to keep the lifters happy.
As stated by others on this board/in this thread, although 0w-40 is still an approved option, MB now recommends 5w-40.
Original Post:
I know the oil topic has been beaten to death. Furthermore, I have conducted several searches. Most of the oil discussion has centered on 0w-40 vs. 5w-40. I found the updated list of approved oil for the M156/C63.
My question is a little different, as it does not pertain to an actual oil change.
Yesterday, a message came up telling me to check the engine oil at my next refueling.
I suspected that the car was merely a quart or two low on oil. Thus, I went to my local Mercedes-Benz dealer to have the motor's oil topped off as I was only minutes away at the time.
The only oil that they had in stock was 5w-30. They technician carefully and methodically alternated between checking the oil level and adding oil until the measurement/reading was satisfactory.
My question is this: Will a quart or two of 5w-30 cause me any problems?
Additional information: The car has roughly 4,000 miles and I plan on paying for my own oil change sometime around 5-6,000 miles. For the oil change, I will request 5w-40 oil that meets the required specification(s).
Many thanks in advance.
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From: Rivers, Manitoba, Canada
2009 Mercedes C63 AMG, 2013 Mercedes C350 4Matic Coupe. 2012 GLK 350 4Matic
Oil consumption
I’m actually surprised with my 09 with 215000 kilometres uses less than 1/2 litre between 10000 kilometre oi changes, switched to 5-40 years ago with Ceratec
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W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
