2011 ML350 BlueTech sludge??
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
08 ML 320 CDI
I don't see how oil filter changes help.
The issue is more about oil dilution with fuel and filters don't address that .
VW says to watch for an increase in oil level, so I am doing that, but being as my GL leaks/burns a little between changes unless it is significant, it will be hard to tell.
I am just going to stick with 10K changes for now, and buy as much fuel out of state as I can.
Given the mileage we get and the tank size, I bet more then 1/2 the fill-ups are out of state.
The MB service advisor said he has not seen any problems with well maintained diesels, but has seen some where people start getting lazy about "normal" maintenance.
The issue is more about oil dilution with fuel and filters don't address that .
VW says to watch for an increase in oil level, so I am doing that, but being as my GL leaks/burns a little between changes unless it is significant, it will be hard to tell.
I am just going to stick with 10K changes for now, and buy as much fuel out of state as I can.
Given the mileage we get and the tank size, I bet more then 1/2 the fill-ups are out of state.
The MB service advisor said he has not seen any problems with well maintained diesels, but has seen some where people start getting lazy about "normal" maintenance.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
VW and Audi went first, I think BMW followed, and FINALLY MB come in with a rather weak statement.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...61725948,d.aWc
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...61725948,d.aWc
Last edited by N_Jay; Feb 21, 2014 at 02:06 PM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 140
Likes: 4
From: California
2010 GL350, 2005 BMW X5 4.8is, 2015 BMW 328d
Never another Diesel from MBUSA
In 2012 I purchased a 2010 CPO GL350 BTC with 29K mi. After two months of local driving car would not start. cause was clogged fuel filter and failed low side pump. Replaced both and 19K mi later again car failed to start. this time clogged filter, failed low side pump, but get this, dealer blames me for "metal particles" contaminating the entire fuel system. I ask how is it possible with a filter between the tank and the high pressure fuel pump? Dealer then says the fuel pump may have seized from bad fuel causing metal particles to spread throughout the entire system. I call him out on his "theory/explanation" saying fuel pump fins are made of HDPE plastic not metal. Then dealer says it "MBUSA policy" to replace entire system if ANY contamination is present. Insurance adjuster agrees to my claim but never found any metal, just extensive sludge on the low side, never found any sludge on the high pressure pump or common rail.
MBUSA's "policy" to replace the entire system at owner's expense is a gold mine for all of the dealerships. It is a common problem for all diesels to attract water condensation and occasionally an algae/sludge build up. That's the reason for a water separator in all diesel trucks. Yet you dont see truckers replacing their entire fuel systems. This is a big scam and I filed a complaint with NHTSA and the FTC regarding MB fuel pump failure and the Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel fuel here in the USA. Water and algae/sludge is the nature of the diesel beast and it is ripping off the consumer to replace the entire system.
MBUSA's "policy" to replace the entire system at owner's expense is a gold mine for all of the dealerships. It is a common problem for all diesels to attract water condensation and occasionally an algae/sludge build up. That's the reason for a water separator in all diesel trucks. Yet you dont see truckers replacing their entire fuel systems. This is a big scam and I filed a complaint with NHTSA and the FTC regarding MB fuel pump failure and the Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel fuel here in the USA. Water and algae/sludge is the nature of the diesel beast and it is ripping off the consumer to replace the entire system.
Last edited by drgeeforce; Feb 21, 2014 at 06:12 PM. Reason: grammar
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
I saw on another thread you mounted a filter water separator.
What type did you use?
Where did you mount it?
Did you run into any issues?
Being as my goal is to get my GL over 200K miles (Bought a year ago at 96K, at 112K now) I figure I will be adding a few life extending accessories.
What type did you use?
Where did you mount it?
Did you run into any issues?
Being as my goal is to get my GL over 200K miles (Bought a year ago at 96K, at 112K now) I figure I will be adding a few life extending accessories.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 9
From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
Here is some guidance that may help others.
I bought my ML320CDI new April 2007, in Illinois. Had to teach the dealers about Mobil1 ESP 5W 40, Formula M (FYI, the M stands for Mercedes according to Mobil). They had no idea what 229.51 spec was, or where to buy it. I found one dealer far away that had it in drums, and was happy to show me the supply drum and paperwork to support. They did the oil changes till I was able to get it on line and do myself.
The vehicle now has 140000 miles. I have NEVER had a sludge, or fuel related issue.
My DIY formula:
1) Change my oil every 5000 miles, with a filter from the dealer. Always the ESP 5W 40 Formula M from Mobil1
2) Fuel filter every 20000 miles.
3) Air Filters every 20000 miles.
Also I have used bio fuels from 0% to 50% and the vehicle couldn't care less. Typically, I run the B11 that I buy here in IL, and that has been the main fuel for the vehicle for about 125000 miles.
For those with sludge issues, many dealers DO NOT use the proper oil. Ask them to show you what oil they use and be prepared to be amazed.
I was at a local dealer 2 weeks ago and saw parts had a few cases of the ESP oil, so I said to the parts guy, "Wow, this is the first time I noticed you are carrying the right oil for the diesels". His reply, "Oh, that's the oil for the 2013 and newer Blutecs, the older ones like yours run the regular 0W 40 oils" At that point I just got my parts and left. 7 years later and still ignorance...
I suspect this is the issue people are running into. Those non spec oils just cannot handle the EGR loads and produces a lot more contaminates in the high compression turbo diesel environment.
I bought my ML320CDI new April 2007, in Illinois. Had to teach the dealers about Mobil1 ESP 5W 40, Formula M (FYI, the M stands for Mercedes according to Mobil). They had no idea what 229.51 spec was, or where to buy it. I found one dealer far away that had it in drums, and was happy to show me the supply drum and paperwork to support. They did the oil changes till I was able to get it on line and do myself.
The vehicle now has 140000 miles. I have NEVER had a sludge, or fuel related issue.
My DIY formula:
1) Change my oil every 5000 miles, with a filter from the dealer. Always the ESP 5W 40 Formula M from Mobil1
2) Fuel filter every 20000 miles.
3) Air Filters every 20000 miles.
Also I have used bio fuels from 0% to 50% and the vehicle couldn't care less. Typically, I run the B11 that I buy here in IL, and that has been the main fuel for the vehicle for about 125000 miles.
For those with sludge issues, many dealers DO NOT use the proper oil. Ask them to show you what oil they use and be prepared to be amazed.
I was at a local dealer 2 weeks ago and saw parts had a few cases of the ESP oil, so I said to the parts guy, "Wow, this is the first time I noticed you are carrying the right oil for the diesels". His reply, "Oh, that's the oil for the 2013 and newer Blutecs, the older ones like yours run the regular 0W 40 oils" At that point I just got my parts and left. 7 years later and still ignorance...
I suspect this is the issue people are running into. Those non spec oils just cannot handle the EGR loads and produces a lot more contaminates in the high compression turbo diesel environment.
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 140
Likes: 4
From: California
2010 GL350, 2005 BMW X5 4.8is, 2015 BMW 328d
I saw on another thread you mounted a filter water separator.
What type did you use?
Where did you mount it?
Did you run into any issues?
Being as my goal is to get my GL over 200K miles (Bought a year ago at 96K, at 112K now) I figure I will be adding a few life extending accessories.
What type did you use?
Where did you mount it?
Did you run into any issues?
Being as my goal is to get my GL over 200K miles (Bought a year ago at 96K, at 112K now) I figure I will be adding a few life extending accessories.
Last edited by drgeeforce; Feb 22, 2014 at 03:28 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 56
From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
Sorry to hear about the troubles owning a diesel car in the US.
The Rest Of World seems to have the Bio % , water problems & MB Dealer problems sorted out.
We have strict fuel regulations her in Australia. I have owned a diesel since 1994 & never had any fuel problems & all the specified MB oils are always available.
How can the US problems be sorted out?
The Rest Of World seems to have the Bio % , water problems & MB Dealer problems sorted out.
We have strict fuel regulations her in Australia. I have owned a diesel since 1994 & never had any fuel problems & all the specified MB oils are always available.
How can the US problems be sorted out?
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 140
Likes: 4
From: California
2010 GL350, 2005 BMW X5 4.8is, 2015 BMW 328d
Sorry to hear about the troubles owning a diesel car in the US.
The Rest Of World seems to have the Bio % , water problems & MB Dealer problems sorted out.
We have strict fuel regulations her in Australia. I have owned a diesel since 1994 & never had any fuel problems & all the specified MB oils are always available.
How can the US problems be sorted out?
The Rest Of World seems to have the Bio % , water problems & MB Dealer problems sorted out.
We have strict fuel regulations her in Australia. I have owned a diesel since 1994 & never had any fuel problems & all the specified MB oils are always available.
How can the US problems be sorted out?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 20
From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
I have been driving diesels in the US since the early 90's. I have never had a fuel related issue. The handful of reports do not scare me. It is likely it was poor service related, whether it was the dealer's poor service, or, the owner's neglect. There are just too many of these engines running in the US without these issues.
Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 122
Likes: 15
From: Montana, USA
formerly drove a 2010 ML350 BLUETEC, currently drive Mazda, Chevrolet, and Toyota
Regarding Bluetecs, correct oil and change intervals, and the OM642 diesel engine, has anyone here experienced catastrophic engine failure as I and others have? If so, please provide input in my thread here, https://mbworld.org/forums/diesel-fo...tml?styleid=19 , as we're currently compiling data of those with similar occurrences. Thank you!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
This is MB dealer offering special internet prices
http://www.mbdirectparts.com/
There is more, but this one had the best communication.
The website search engine did not work for me. What I did was googling part number and then their site had it.
http://www.mbdirectparts.com/
There is more, but this one had the best communication.
The website search engine did not work for me. What I did was googling part number and then their site had it.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 2
ML350 Bluetech 2011
Mine Sludge too
When will there be a class action lawsuit for this? Mercedes clearly is not recommending the correct oil for this car. Pulled the oil pan off mine after the engine seized and look what i found!
Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 122
Likes: 15
From: Montana, USA
formerly drove a 2010 ML350 BLUETEC, currently drive Mazda, Chevrolet, and Toyota
Because of how MBUSA mistreated me (and didn't acknowledge any accountability), I plan to never again drive a Mercedes.
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 140
Likes: 4
From: California
2010 GL350, 2005 BMW X5 4.8is, 2015 BMW 328d
Engine oil failure caused by fuel dilution is a known problem in the diesel engine industry. Telltale sign: engine oil level rises because diesel fuel adds to the volume. The fuel causes a drop in viscosity allowing engine oil to bake due to the loss of shear stability. This adds to the gunk with algae and wax. Since diesel is hydrophilic, water adds to the gunk. The gunk takes away the lubricating film which leads to higher friction/heat. Engine failure/seizure is the end result.
http://machinerylubrication.com/Read...l-contaminants
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 56
From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
How often (miles-time) have you been changing the oil?
What grade & brand of oil is used?
What fuel do you use ?
Long or short trips ?.
Who has been servicing the car?
Miles on car?
Any problems with cooler seals?
Good luck with MB.
JC
Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 156
Likes: 26
GLE350d, Porsche TE
Thats why some mechanics recommend 60 weight oil in these engines!.
This has problably been posted before but here you go.
http://www.stephensservice.com/bluet...ssuesproblems/
This has problably been posted before but here you go.
http://www.stephensservice.com/bluet...ssuesproblems/
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 110
Likes: 10
From: Northen California
2012 e350 bluetec
Before you potentially cause bearing/journal failure by using thicker than MB recommended oil you might want to read this oil tech article. Thicker oil doesn't equate to more lubrication. It does equate to less oil flow and possibly higher oil temps and bearing wear in engines not designed for it.
https://540ratblog.wordpress.com/
https://540ratblog.wordpress.com/
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 115
Likes: 5
97 s320
Thats why some mechanics recommend 60 weight oil in these engines!.
This has problably been posted before but here you go.
http://www.stephensservice.com/bluet...ssuesproblems/
This has problably been posted before but here you go.
http://www.stephensservice.com/bluet...ssuesproblems/
and i am ditching the bottom/top engine covers, 6000 mile oil changes and flushes every oil change.
mercedes "aint what they use to be"
my 84 300sd had over 300,000 miles when i got rid of it and it still ran great
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 56
From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
i am going to amsoil 5w40 and its not mercedes 229.52 spec but it is a top quality engine oil for diesels with great protection.
and i am ditching the bottom/top engine covers, 6000 mile oil changes and flushes every oil change.
mercedes "aint what they use to be"
my 84 300sd had over 300,000 miles when i got rid of it and it still ran great
and i am ditching the bottom/top engine covers, 6000 mile oil changes and flushes every oil change.
mercedes "aint what they use to be"
my 84 300sd had over 300,000 miles when i got rid of it and it still ran great
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 115
Likes: 5
97 s320
