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5w-30? A quart or two okay?

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Old 07-14-2014, 11:14 PM
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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.
Old 07-14-2014, 11:26 PM
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^ IMO no chance of damage. None.
Old 07-15-2014, 12:35 AM
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Agree. Unless you did a lot of driving full out with high engine oil temperatures, there would be no effect.
Old 07-18-2014, 10:20 AM
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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.
Old 07-18-2014, 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by zibby43
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.
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.
Old 07-18-2014, 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by whoover
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.
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.
Old 07-18-2014, 12:27 PM
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Originally Posted by zibby43
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.
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'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; 07-18-2014 at 12:50 PM.
Old 07-18-2014, 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by bhamg
^ IMO no chance of damage. None.
Yep, agree...NO DAMAGE would have taken place.
Old 07-18-2014, 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by whoover
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.
Oh trust me, I don't. I don't have a dog in the fight. I was just once again relaying information.

Why do you think the Private Lounge recommends 5w-40? Same reason? Stocking?
Old 07-18-2014, 12:55 PM
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Originally Posted by zibby43
Oh trust me, I don't. I don't have a dog in the fight. I was just once again relaying information.

Why do you think the Private Lounge recommends 5w-40? Same reason? Stocking?
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.
Old 07-18-2014, 09:05 PM
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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
Old 07-18-2014, 09:43 PM
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Originally Posted by whoover
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.

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.
Old 07-18-2014, 09:49 PM
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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
Old 07-18-2014, 11:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Ingenieur
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
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.
Old 07-19-2014, 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Ingenieur
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
That's an older oil that Mobil sold exclusively to MB dealers. It was essentially obsoleted when the particulate filters were added to diesel engines ten years ago. Note that the spec sheet says it's approved for gas and diesel engines, which is of course not true for late-model diesels that require 229.51.

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.
Old 07-19-2014, 05:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Vash
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.
If it is cold out the 0W40 should pump them up faster (build up pressure)
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; 07-19-2014 at 05:35 PM.
Old 07-19-2014, 07:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Ingenieur
The key is to not load the engine up until the oil AND engine metal is HOT
Words I've always lived by. I love the oil temp gauge that blinks as a reminder to chill out until 175 degrees F. Great feature of the C63.

Glad the oil was changed all together. For me, my OCD wouldn't have settled until I drove away after the oil change.

Old 07-19-2014, 08:57 PM
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Originally Posted by -Marlin-
Words I've always lived by. I love the oil temp gauge that blinks as a reminder to chill out until 175 degrees F. Great feature of the C63.

Glad the oil was changed all together. For me, my OCD wouldn't have settled until I drove away after the oil change.

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.
Old 09-18-2023, 02:12 PM
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Type of oil

Originally Posted by zibby43
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.
I use 5w 30 and it’s fine everything runs smooth but the only thing is I actually burn thru quite a bit of oil. I drive it hard and I have to always top it off after maybe a couple of weeks or after one week
Old 09-19-2023, 11:30 AM
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Oil consumption

Originally Posted by Ingenieur
You have 5W38 now lol
1.5 to 2 qts in 4000 miles is pretty high consumption
It is during break-in though, should taper off
Mine used less than 1.5 in a 7400 mile/11 month change interval
14k to >21k miles
1qt per 5000 miles, I'm good with that
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
Old 09-19-2023, 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by c63.peezy
I use 5w 30 and it’s fine everything runs smooth but the only thing is I actually burn thru quite a bit of oil. I drive it hard and I have to always top it off after maybe a couple of weeks or after one week
I stick forks in electrical sockets to wake up when I am out of coffee - but even then I generally don't resurrect 9-year-old threads on subjects that have been beaten to death and beyond.
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Old 09-20-2023, 07:47 AM
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Originally Posted by c63.peezy
I use 5w 30 and it’s fine....but the only thing is I actually burn thru quite a bit of oil.

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