Does it matter if I use 30 or 40 W oil?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,340
Likes: 22
From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
The major difference in oil wieghts even among the same brand is what additives/modifiers, etc. have been added.
Mobil 1 0w40 was formulated to withstand the abuse these engines over 10,000 miles create. They contain additives that are simply not in other weights. If you do a search you will find this issue discussed at length on the forum.
With that said, you would be surprised at what some Mercedes dealers bulk stock in their drums and use in cars.
Will 30 weight cause issues? More than likely not, but it will break down faster than the 0w40 due to the modifiers added.
Mobil 1 0w40 was formulated to withstand the abuse these engines over 10,000 miles create. They contain additives that are simply not in other weights. If you do a search you will find this issue discussed at length on the forum.
With that said, you would be surprised at what some Mercedes dealers bulk stock in their drums and use in cars.
Will 30 weight cause issues? More than likely not, but it will break down faster than the 0w40 due to the modifiers added.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 410
Likes: 1
From: Northern VA
CL55, SL500, E350
Interesting post. If one changes oil at 5K miles, could they use the 0W-30 instead? How about 10W-40? It's hard to find 0W-40 in my area. Some places have them but they stock only like 3 qts so it would take me several places to get enough for one oil change.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,340
Likes: 22
From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
Changing oil at earlier mileages does circumvent breakdown and sheering. It gets technical to exactly how much however.
If you look at the oil specification for your vehicle, there will be several choices between brands and weights. The specification is updated from time to time.
The latest spec sheet is here:
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevoli...&language_id=1
Simply find your oil spec # from your manual and click on the spec # to see what is recommended. For my 2003 CL55 it is spec # 229.5 (you will notice below for my engine type 113, spec #229.5 shows you can use four different viscosity types depending on your climate.
The list above will show what brands by viscosity are approved by Mercedes.
Engine Type - 113
MB Approval Number - 229.5
Approved Oil Viscosity Range - 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40
If you look at the oil specification for your vehicle, there will be several choices between brands and weights. The specification is updated from time to time.
The latest spec sheet is here:
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevoli...&language_id=1
Simply find your oil spec # from your manual and click on the spec # to see what is recommended. For my 2003 CL55 it is spec # 229.5 (you will notice below for my engine type 113, spec #229.5 shows you can use four different viscosity types depending on your climate.
The list above will show what brands by viscosity are approved by Mercedes.
Engine Type - 113
MB Approval Number - 229.5
Approved Oil Viscosity Range - 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40
Last edited by awiner; Nov 9, 2012 at 01:54 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 106
Cars
I talked with Mobil/Exxon and they told me that the best oil to use for my area is the Modified 5W-40 Since we have never been below 40 degrees 0 w isn't necessary. My service adviser told me the same thing and I called around to several dealers and they said the same thing 0w -40 is for back East and places that get below freezing. The Modified is to be a better formulation so Mobil told me. Thanks guys.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,340
Likes: 22
From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
I talked with Mobil/Exxon and they told me that the best oil to use for my area is the Modified 5W-40 Since we have never been below 40 degrees 0 w isn't necessary. My service adviser told me the same thing and I called around to several dealers and they said the same thing 0w -40 is for back East and places that get below freezing. The Modified is to be a better formulation so Mobil told me. Thanks guys.
Spec 229.5 lists Mobil 1 Formula M 5W-40 as Mercedes approved.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
The 5w40 is likely the diesel version. You are better using the 0w40 unless you know you have the right oil.
You can get 0w40 from Walmart. Order online and they ship it to the nearest store, free.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mobil-1-0W-40-1qt/17034373
You can get 0w40 from Walmart. Order online and they ship it to the nearest store, free.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mobil-1-0W-40-1qt/17034373
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 106
Cars
Thank you!
Thank you for the link. I just went to MBZ and bought the oil for 7.35 a quart and I got the 5W 40M. I was told for where I live it is a better formulation than the 0W-40. We never get colder than 40 degrees at night, so the 5W 40M is a better formulation for my particular area of the country, so Mobil 1 told me. I thank you. Yes, you are right they make a 5W 40 for diesels but the 5W 40M is for cars
Last edited by 2014CL600; Nov 26, 2012 at 04:46 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
Unfortunately, no, the 5W40M is probably not right.
Is this what you bought?:
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...a_M_5W-40.aspx
Note how it says it is for diesel motors. Also the 229.51 throws people. 229.51 is for diesel, 229.5 is for gas. Most people assume it's 229.5.1, meaning a subset of 229.5. It's not, it's spec 51 instead of spec 50, meaning totally different.
There is apparently a 5w40 that is made for gas engines, but I have never seen it and it isn't listed on Mobil's website.
Is this what you bought?:
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...a_M_5W-40.aspx
Note how it says it is for diesel motors. Also the 229.51 throws people. 229.51 is for diesel, 229.5 is for gas. Most people assume it's 229.5.1, meaning a subset of 229.5. It's not, it's spec 51 instead of spec 50, meaning totally different.
There is apparently a 5w40 that is made for gas engines, but I have never seen it and it isn't listed on Mobil's website.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 106
Cars
Yes, it is right and yes I have been told by Exxon Corporation, the department that actually formulates the oil told me that it is the best for my application in my location. Again, thank you but I am using exactly what I was told. I also spoke with many other techs and that is what they use for ALL MBZ engines in my part of the world. It meets the 229.5 list.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 106
Cars
They say its a better formulation to the 0-40 has more anti friction factors so I'm told. I think its all a bunch of hoopla to be honest. We just don't need any oil for winter weather at all. I was born and raised in this area and NEVER in my life have I seen it colder than the high 30's.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 410
Likes: 1
From: Northern VA
CL55, SL500, E350
They were $4.99 apiece so I got about 70 qts including 2 cases of 5W-30 (the rest was 0W-40). Some didn't have enough so they gave me the 5qts jugs in substitution for the 5 1qt bottle. I think I will use them up in 3-4 years.
I am shopping for another MB so that should help
I am shopping for another MB so that should help
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 106
Cars
Your car doesn't use 5W-40 it uses 0W-40. Do not mix them. I tried the Modified 5W-30 and I got black soot from the tail pipe, many years ago, so I went back to the 0W-40. You can find 0W-40 anywhere, even Wally world.
