Carlsson CLK LI

Just curious, I have seen some people on this site mention their using synthetic oil for their clk's. Can someone really explain some major advantages of going that route vs. the traditional motor oil?
Thanks.

karl k

Synthetic oils: Why?

They are better!

MB, Porsche, Corvette, just to name a few use Mobil 1. I have been using Mobil 1 since it came out - almost 30 years ago. Never had an engine problem!

http://www.mobil1.com/index.jsp

sorlo

Is it true I don' t need an oil change for a long long time if I use synthetic oil?? My dealer told me I don't need one when I brought my car there last time.

Lbenz1375

Check the computer to see when you need an oil change. i don't need one until i hit 10,500 miles.

chicagopizza

I have been using Mobile 1 for a long time and the best interval to change them is still 5,000 miles. No oil can last 10,000 so don't wait until the computer to tell you to change your oil. I still change mine every 5,000 miles and have a piece of mind.

chicagopizza

Is there any oil can last 10,000 miles without braking down???even synthetic Mobile 1 still need to change at 5,000 miles.

byip25

damn, 10000 miles to 1st oil change. i have synthetic oil in my car and im so damn paranoid, i still change it every 2500 miles!

B

Van_CLK430

Oh my god.......2500? 5000? 10000? My computer told me to change or "first service" at 18.000 Km. My first oil change will then be like 4-5 months later......can i phone in and ask for an oil change before my first service??

CLK 320

I firmly believe that synthetic oil is significantly better. My CLK was built in January 01, right about the time the factory was switching over to synthetic. Since I wasn't sure which oil it had, I waited until 1,000 miles and had it changed to synthetic at my own expense. Unfortunately, the policy of MBUSA is to only pay for oil changes when the FSS requires. The FSS will determine when a change is needed based on a number of variables, but at one point, it will base it on time. In other words, if you have a low mileage car, putting on say, 4,000 miles a year, it will, after two years, tell you to go in for an "A" or "B" service. Like many, I feel that 10,000 miles is too long to wait for an oil change. (This despite a lot of evidence to the contrary, do a search under oil change and you'll see MBTech208 discussed this at length) Hence, I bring the car in every 5,000 miles and have it done at my own expense. At about $138., I consider it insurance. The only downside, the FSS recognizes the new oil and prolongs your next service. (The one MBUSA will be paying for)

karl k

Not to appear glib; but if it makes you feel better, MB service will change your oil anytime - YOU wish for around $85.-

I trust MB & Porsche engineers/techs/labs - when they say: CHECK YOUR COMPUTER, which is usually every 10-12,000 miles for a synthetic oil change.

If it would be detrimental to their/your engine, there would be monumental costs to these mfrs., which I do not believe that they would welcome.

Hal H

There is a supplemental book (dated Oct 2000) that state: all Mercedes-Benz vehicles with FSS (1998 and newer) should only use full synthetic oils (and many different ones are listed).

The major reason is that with the extended period between oil changes (10,000 - 20,000 miles) conventional oils were producing sludge that would accumulate in the oil sump. Synthetics don't produce the varnish and sludge that is common with the conventional types. Plus, in high heat conditions (slow stop and go traffic, hot weather) the synthetics don't break down and become more tar-like.

I took delivery of my car in Feb 2001, and this booklet was mailed to me later by MBUSA.

***
So the byline is, if you're going to live by the FSS for oil changes, go synthetic. I'm going by what FSS tells me and my first "A" service will come up @ 11,000 miles.

If you're one of those types that like to change the oil sooner, go your own way.
**
I've used Mobil 1 for the past 8 years and I swear by it. My other car's engine starts up more quietly and I don't get the light bluish vapor on cold starts on hot starts like most cars do by 60,000 miles with conventional oil.

And, I don't use ANY oil at all - so the extra $$ for full synthetic is well worth it for me.

rp430

I, like Karl, have used Mobil 1 since it's inception in all my cars with no ill effects. However, I am a firm believer in changing oil and filter at 3,000 miles - synthetic or not. My reasoning is that contaminants find their way into the oil. Things such as raw fuel find their way into the crankcase (happens during cold starts) and cannot be trapped by the filter. To each his own, but I feel that oil is the lifeblood of the engine and as such it is cheap insurance to protect an expensive component.