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I just took delivery of a CLE 53 AMG and noticed there was no information about oil weight anywhere in the owners manual or under the hood. I plan on doing my own oil changes and would like to know the weight and capacity of the oil.
Just a comment. I also have a CLE 53 and loving it. I saw the above in the manual and the note 229.72 for best fuel economy. I would have thought, and I am not an oil expert, the 229.71 would have been a different weight, but what I found was both the 229.71 and 229.72 are 0-20w. I would have thought with a turbo you would want something like 0w40 or 5w-30. Anyone know the difference between 229.71 and 229.72?
MB 229.72 is understood as an updated, more oxidation‑resistant, slightly more fuel‑efficient evolution of MB 229.71. It appears to have been introduced around 2021 as a refinement rather than a wholesale change. I intend on 5K or less oil change intervals, and given that Mobil 1 meets the MB 229.71 standard, I am completely comfortable in it. MB 229.72 is harder to find.
Whatever you do, avoid most other oils standards because they usually have higher calcium (detergent) contents, which will cause preignition in these types of engines.
So, for turbo life, frequent oil changes with compliant high quality synthetic oils. To avoid preignition, use compliant high quality synthetic oils.
Just a comment. I also have a CLE 53 and loving it. I saw the above in the manual and the note 229.72 for best fuel economy. I would have thought, and I am not an oil expert, the 229.71 would have been a different weight, but what I found was both the 229.71 and 229.72 are 0-20w. I would have thought with a turbo you would want something like 0w40 or 5w-30. Anyone know the difference between 229.71 and 229.72?
I agree 0w-20 seems awfully light weight and not sure how comfortable I feel running that oil, I run 0w-30 in my Porsche which is also MB 229.51/52 and can’t imagine going any lighter than that
I agree 0w-20 seems awfully light weight and not sure how comfortable I feel running that oil, I run 0w-30 in my Porsche which is also MB 229.51/52 and can’t imagine going any lighter than that
One should use the oil that the engine was designed for. The oil passages were designed for a specific viscosity and the bearing journals are designed for specific oil film thicknesses.
One should use the oil that the engine was designed for. The oil passages were designed for a specific viscosity and the bearing journals are designed for specific oil film thicknesses.
If I was sure that MB totally redesigned the engine to accommodate the thinner oil, I’d be comfortable with it. I know they didn’t, and they are just trying to get more MPG to keep the government happy.
OW-20 oil is very thin for a turbo that glows cherry red when you’ve got your foot in the gas.
I'd check out what they use in Europe. For example, the BMW B58 engine is specced for 0w-20 here in the US, but 5w-30 is recommended for the same engine over there. The engines aren't any different, but the change in viscosity was due to our stricter fuel economy requirements.
The manufacturers don't really give a **** about your engine. They need to meet fuel economy regulations or else they can't sell their cars. They're happy as long as your engine doesn't destroy itself during the warranty period. They'll be even happier if it breaks outside of the warranty period, so you have to buy another car.
I'd check out what they use in Europe. For example, the BMW B58 engine is specced for 0w-20 here in the US, but 5w-30 is recommended for the same engine over there. The engines aren't any different, but the change in viscosity was due to our stricter fuel economy requirements.
The manufacturers don't really give a **** about your engine. They need to meet fuel economy regulations or else they can't sell their cars. They're happy as long as your engine doesn't destroy itself during the warranty period. They'll be even happier if it breaks outside of the warranty period, so you have to buy another car.
This is exactly what I’m referring to. Just trying to keep the EPA happy.
If I was sure that MB totally redesigned the engine to accommodate the thinner oil, I’d be comfortable with it. I know they didn’t, and they are just trying to get more MPG to keep the government happy.
OW-20 oil is very thin for a turbo that glows cherry red when you’ve got your foot in the gas.
It is not necessary to "totally" redesign the engine. Slight changes to oil channels and bearing designs is all it takes. I'll stick with the specified oil.
For the 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE53 Coupe, the oil specifications are as follows...
Note at the bottom of that reference : Reference Only: Always verify specifications with your official owner's manual. Oil specs may vary by trim level and engine variant.
Mercedes-Benz specifies the use of ONLY oils meeting MB 229.71 or 229.72 both of which are 0W-20. You may "feel" that is not the correct viscosity, but the engineers who designed the engine would tell you to use the oil that the engine was designed for.
I personally don't care what oil anyone puts in their vehicle, just sayin'.
agreed.... I have always used mobile 1 for all of my cars.... but some just use what is the cheapest that meets the spec.
The spec lists a bunch of brands, but they are all 0W-20. I don't even know who made the oil that is in my car now. Mercedes does all the maintenence, and they currently use "Mercedes-Benz" oil. They used to source Mobil One, but I guess now they have a number of sources?
I would never go 10K miles on a turbo engine. Even MB specifies 5K mile under severe driving conditions. So what does MB consider severe driving? Pretty much, how we normally drive.
1. Frequent short trips
Engine rarely reaches full operating temperature
Causes fuel dilution and moisture accumulation
Common in suburban stop‑and‑go driving
2. Stop‑and‑go traffic / idling
Heavy city traffic
Long idle periods (drive‑throughs, school pickup lines)
Increases heat cycles and oxidation
3. Extreme temperatures
Very hot climates
Very cold climates
Accelerates oil breakdown and viscosity shear
4. Dusty or sandy environments
Dirt roads, construction zones, beach‑adjacent areas
Increases particulate load and air filtration stress
5. Towing or heavy loads
Trailer towing
Roof boxes, cargo carriers, or full passenger loads
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