zesster

Newbie here. I'm picking up my 2010 ML350 Bluetec next Wednesday in Toronto, I also read about expensive MB oil changes. If I don't do the oil change at MB dealership, and add the Adblue (or MB certified equivalent) myself, will MB void my warranty? What are the DEF brands which are certified/recognized by MB? Thanks in advance.

listerone

If you keep evidence regarding oil changes (from,perhaps,an independent service shop) or receipts for the purchase of the correct oil,in the correct amount,with the correct filter you'd probably be OK.Regarding AdBlue (aka: "DEF"..diesel exhaust fluid)..here in the US local VW dealerships sell it in 2.5 gallon jugs for about $13US...and at least some WalMarts sell the same size for about $11US.And it's "approved".I understand that many truck stops sell it as well.It's not difficult to find it here...I'd be surprised if that wasn't also the case in The Great White North.

As for warranty issues I think they're determined by national and/or local (State/Provincial) laws.So what's true here may not be true up there.

zemun1234

The warranty is not mandatory but you can get hard time if you come in dealership to fix something big and no record of maintenance (i.e transmission is out and you never changed oil etc). If you get brand new car, I'd go from time to time in MB; for 10,000 km oil change you can find local shop. For sure, MB is going update transmission & ECU software what you cannot get it done outside.

But remember, those days cars are more electronic than old style mechanic ...

harkgar

DEF is available in Canadian Tire stores at CD$20 per 2.50 US gallons before tax. There is no difference in price if you buy the smaller container. According to the labeling on the bottle the company is the biggest supplier of DEF in the USA and I would not be surprised if this company supplies Mercedes Benz. There is another problem. Buy a bottle of MB DEF and keep the bottle. My friend who has a GL Bluetec cuts off the bottle into half so that he can use the part with the noozle as a funnel to pour the DEF into the tank. According to him it is difficult if not impossible to do this with an aftermarket bottle. Another MB trick to inconvenience diesel car owners.

zesster

Thank you everybody for your input and clarification. I really like to MB bottom as a funnel trick!! I just found a cheaper DEF distributor (Mid-Ontario Diesel Ltd for those of you who living around Toronto) at $10 per 2.5 Ga jug.

harkgar

$10 per 2.5 gallons is cheap. Please post seller information for all of us in Toronto. Canadian Tire does not carry DEF in every store. I guess truckers buy it elsewhere.

zesster

Okay, for you folks in the Toronto area looking for good deals on DEF:
- Mid Ontario Diesel Ltd (905)889-9822, located north of Richmond Hill. Terra Cair Ultrapure DEF selling $10 for 2.5 Ga jug.
- Anco Chemicals Inc, located in Maple. Selling $10.5 for 10L jug. (905)309-7334

listerone

More likely done to satisfy US/European government regulations and/or to minimize the number of warranty claims resulting from water,etc,being placed into the tank.

dougiebear

Remember it uses about 12 ltr of synthetic oil and you only change it about 15000 km.
small price for protection.

NoFoolyn

Remember that MB is **** about using THE CORRECT engine oil....they call it out in the owners manual, as a VERY low ash oil to help keep the ceramic soot filter in exhaust system clear. This is Mobil 1, but a special blend developed for the Bluetec diesel. It goes ( internet ) for about $7.50 per US quart, but, many Benz dealers buy it in bulk, and charge less at oil change time ... my west of Boston area dealer charges $5.95/qt.

Mobil 1 ESP M5W-40

If it reduces the high temp filter burn off cycles, that'll save potential problems later

DubVBenz

I've been using 229.51 Spec Pentosin, which is the correct spec and available in the states.

Carsy

MB sheet 229.51 approved oils; low ash long life
Mercedes pioneered this new spec for passenger cars with diesel engines with exhaust particulate filters, and gasoline engines, 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
Anglomoil RoadMaster 500 API SM 10W-40
Aral SuperTronic 229.51 0W-40 LOW SAPS
Aral SuperTronic Diesel 229.51 0W-40 LOW SAPS
Bizol New Generation SAE 5W-30 (added 09 July 2007)
Castrol EDGE Formula RS SAE 0W-40 (added 09 July 2007)
Castrol EDGE Turbodiesel SAE 0W-30 (added 09 July 2007)
Castrol Longtec Turbodiesel 0W-30 (229.51)
ELF Solaris LSX 5W-30
Fuchs TITAN GT1 229.51 SAE 5W-30 (first fill oil in OM 642)
megol Motorenoel New Generation SAE 5W-30
Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 5W-40 (to become available in the USA on 15 May 2006)
Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 Emission System Protection (Europe, from December 2005)
OMV BIXXOL special C3 SAE 5W-30 (added 09 July 2007)
Shell Helix Ultra AX 5W-30 Mercedes 229.51
Sunoco Synturo Xenon SAE 5W30 (added 09 July 2007)
Valvoline SynPower MST 5W-30 229.51 (added 01 June 2006)
BMW recommends Castrol.

NoFoolyn

Carsy ... great list of products. Looks like a nice wine list at high end restaurant.

One thing...when U compare tech items like the pour point, temperature stability, and other esoteric differences in products it become "slightly" obvious. From data I have seen the Mobil 1 ESP M5W-40 may be the best combination of parameters.

It's all likely very academic ( like how many fairies can fit on the head of a pin ) ...but, at least in the USA, MB puts the Mobil 1 stickers on several locations to drive the point home. Maybe Mobil paid them more money than others to do this... maybe not.

Love your cars and change the oil frequently, with whatever 'ya like.

listerone

I pay no attention to such endorsements.I *do* pay attention to the 229.51 spec requirement,however and here in the US one can (fairly) easily get access to at least a couple of brands that comply.I have a stockpile of Mobil 1 ESP,Fuchs (a major German brand) and Valvoline...all meeting the 229.51 spec.I bought the Fuchs in 5 litre jugs over the internet and paid just under $7/litre...including shipping.

KRQUOTE

Have 2010 ML-350 BlueTek.
Can Some one tell me where it's located. "Send Pic Maybe"
Will I need special tools to replace?

mikapen

KRQUOTE, you ought to start a new thread either in the Diesel or Technical Forum so it gets noticed.