First Oil Change on 2007 ML320 CDI
Why?
I believe that no matter how foreign matter may get into the engine, the sooner it is removed, the better.
There may be debris left over from the original castings, etc.
To my way of thinking, why not play it safe and get rid of that debris that may be left inside?
Also, during the first 1000 miles, there will be minute metal shavings created during the break-in process.
After you change it that first time, then go with your changes when
the computer says, and continue with the computer schedule.
My engines have never used oil - even after 100,000+ miles on the clock. If it works, don't fix it!
Did they say synthetic? If so what grade? Old diesels use 15W40 or higher. I used gravel truck grades, non-synthetic, in my VW TDi. Worked great.
Oil changes are a cheap insurance policies particularly if non-synthetic grades are OK. If you have a MB diesel regular 5,000 mile oil changes are a must. A lot of car makers recommend lower grade synthetics I think due to fuel economy reasons rather than long term engine protection.
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*2*. Whichever comes first. Requires use of 229.5-spec oil and high-performance fleece oil filter. Driver is responsible for monitoring fluid levels and tire pressure between service visits. See Maintenance Booklet for details.
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html
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Seems that "life" ended just after the warranty expired; and there were quite a few young (in life's terms) transmission failures. They have since changed their stand; and now recommend regular fluid and filter changes.
As someone else has already mentioned, regular oil (and fluid) changes are very inexpensive "life" insurance.
(I take delivery of mine tomorrow (12/18).
Last edited by DUTCH; Dec 17, 2006 at 08:36 PM.
Your Factory Approved Service Products booklet identifies motor oils which meet M-B requirements for your car. The short answer is Mobil 1 0w-40 synthetic, which is readily available here in Lansing, MI. There are other products on the list, but I've never found any of them on local retailer's shelves.
No doubt you'll get responses suggesting Mobil Delvac diesel motor oil. Delvac is NOT on the M-B approved list, and good though it may be, I'd avoid it for that reason. If you choose to use an unapproved oil, you're exposing yourself to possible denial of warranty claims.
Regards,
Last edited by khaug; Dec 18, 2006 at 03:58 AM.
"As of model year 2007 diesel engines must only use 229.51 approved engine oil."
So far MBUSA put those two 229.51 oils on their recommended list.
Presumably one can also use any of the other 10 or so 229.51 oils like the ELF Solaris LSX 5W-30. And if no 229.51 oil is available substitute a good 229.5 oil, in particular those where the vapor pressure is similarly low, like Mobil1 0-W-40, so the particle filter doesn't get polluted...
"As of model year 2007 diesel engines must only use 229.51 approved engine oil."
So far MBUSA put those two 229.51 oils on their recommended list.
Presumably one can also use any of the other 10 or so 229.51 oils like the ELF Solaris LSX 5W-30. And if no 229.51 oil is available substitute a good 229.5 oil, in particular those where the vapor pressure is similarly low, like Mobil1 0-W-40, so the particle filter doesn't get polluted...

Does this mean that the other oils shown on your oil page are not acceptable?
Mercedes pioneered this new spec for passenger cars with diesel engines with EURO 4 or Bluetec exhaust particle filters and longer service life than the 229.31 oils. The spec was introduced in 2005. Change intervals increased to 20,000 kilometers. Based on ACEA A3 B4 and C3.
Amsoil European Car Formula 5W-40
Aral SuperTronic 229.51 0W-40 LOW SAPS
Castrol Longtec Turbodiesel 0W-30 (229.51)
Fuchs TITAN GT1 229.51 SAE 5W-30 (first fill oil in OM 642)
Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 5W-40 (to become available in the USA on 5/15/06)
Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 Emission System Protection (Europe, from 12/05)
Shell Helix Ultra AX 5W-30 Mercedes 229.51
Valvoline SynPower MST 5W-30 229.51 (added 6/1/2006)
Last edited by DUTCH; Dec 18, 2006 at 06:24 PM.
But MB dealers should have it available by now. I've seen some reports where it was used already for oil changes, at P3.
Do you think there would be and warranty problems using another oil on the Sheet 229.51 list posted on your MB Oils website?
Just talked to Park Place. They have it only in bulk.
http://porsche.parkplacestores.com/mob1synoil.html
Last edited by Wolfgang; Dec 19, 2006 at 07:07 PM.
Just talked to Park Place. They have it only in bulk.
http://porsche.parkplacestores.com/mob1synoil.html
In the mean time, I've contacted an MB dealer who sells discount parts to see if I can get a good price on the Mobil 1 stuff from him.
Last edited by DUTCH; Dec 20, 2006 at 06:14 AM.
Just talked to Park Place. They have it only in bulk.
http://porsche.parkplacestores.com/mob1synoil.html
Last edited by DUTCH; Dec 20, 2006 at 08:39 AM.
The correct name for this oil is Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 5W-40. Here is the spec sheet from their info site. (It's not error free...)
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lub...la_M_5W-40.asp
There is also another Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 229.51 oil which is only available in Germany:
http://www.mobil.com/Germany-German/...mula_5W-30.asp
Luckily, I drive by that dealership when I travel to that state on business; so I can pick some up on my next trip. The other option was/is Amsoil; but during the initial warranty period I think it's probably prudent to use an oil that is in the MBUSA Maintenance Book.
Last edited by DUTCH; Dec 20, 2006 at 08:11 PM.
Personally I didnt feel comfortable with the computer numbers and did oil change with Mobil 1 synthetic 0-40 grade every 7500 miles.






