oil for a 97 E420
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Joined: Feb 2006
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1997 E420
oil for a 97 E420
I have seen a few posts on this but i am new here.I just got a 97 420 a coupple of weeks ago it is a high millage car[190,000] but it was cheap,looks good runs well it is my first benz so i am excited. I asked the previous owner what oil he used and he thought it was 5W-30W non syntetic. Does this sound right?
The engine does not burn oil or leak but i dont want to disrupt it to mutch.
thanks
The engine does not burn oil or leak but i dont want to disrupt it to mutch.
thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 274
Likes: 2
From: Georgia, USA
Honda Accord
mrbill222, here is a link to recommended oils. Scroll to Model year 1997 or earlier
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html
Since the car is a high mileage car and you don't have the service history, I would stick to using a conventional 5W-30 oil (Havoline, Chevron, Castrol, etc.) and do motor oil and oil filter changes every 5,000 miles or 6 months whichever comes first. I would also do a used oil analysis (do a search for Blackstone Lab) to see if there is a serious problem (head gasket leak). This will also help you in deciding what is the best oil change interval for your car.
If you are running the car at sustained Autobahn speeds, then you really should use an ACEA A3 rated synthetic oil. But for us in the USA (in general), we really don't do high speed driving (sustained speeds above 90 - 100 mph)
There is nothing wrong with using the recommended synthetic oils either. They are just more expensive and are designed for the current long drain intervals. In your case, I would prefer more frequent oil changes with a conventional oil.
If you have oil consumption issues, you can try one of the many high mileage motor oils on the market in a 10W-40 weight. 5W-40 and 0W-40 oils are very nice; they just are usually synthetic and thus more expensive.
Try posting your question (search the board first) at www.bobistheoilguy.com and you will get a lot more responses there, many of which will conflict with what I have told you.
Good luck an enjoy your car.
William
2003 E320
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html
Since the car is a high mileage car and you don't have the service history, I would stick to using a conventional 5W-30 oil (Havoline, Chevron, Castrol, etc.) and do motor oil and oil filter changes every 5,000 miles or 6 months whichever comes first. I would also do a used oil analysis (do a search for Blackstone Lab) to see if there is a serious problem (head gasket leak). This will also help you in deciding what is the best oil change interval for your car.
If you are running the car at sustained Autobahn speeds, then you really should use an ACEA A3 rated synthetic oil. But for us in the USA (in general), we really don't do high speed driving (sustained speeds above 90 - 100 mph)
There is nothing wrong with using the recommended synthetic oils either. They are just more expensive and are designed for the current long drain intervals. In your case, I would prefer more frequent oil changes with a conventional oil.
If you have oil consumption issues, you can try one of the many high mileage motor oils on the market in a 10W-40 weight. 5W-40 and 0W-40 oils are very nice; they just are usually synthetic and thus more expensive.
Try posting your question (search the board first) at www.bobistheoilguy.com and you will get a lot more responses there, many of which will conflict with what I have told you.
Good luck an enjoy your car.
William
2003 E320
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 274
Likes: 2
From: Georgia, USA
Honda Accord
Link to used oil analysis
https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-tech-talk/134644-used-oil-analysis-2003-e320.html
William
2003 E 320
https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-tech-talk/134644-used-oil-analysis-2003-e320.html
William
2003 E 320
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I have a high mileage e320, 130,000, and I am using Castrol GTX 20w50, recommended by Mercedes mechanic and mechanical engineer friend who builds car engines for a hobby.
I am in a climate where it rarely gets below 10 degrees.
Would not recommend switching to a synthetic oil at this point on a high mileage car.
I am in a climate where it rarely gets below 10 degrees.
Would not recommend switching to a synthetic oil at this point on a high mileage car.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
1997 E420
i used castrol gtx 20- 50 in my hot rods in high school. I think i might give it a try. I am also thinking about a engine cleaner to help silence the lifters.
i read in another post about draining out one quart of oil and puting in a quart of ATF for 500 miles.
thanks
Bill
i read in another post about draining out one quart of oil and puting in a quart of ATF for 500 miles.
thanks
Bill
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Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 1
From: Milford, CT
1987 300SDL aka the "Money Pit"
Originally Posted by mrbill222
iI am also thinking about a engine cleaner to help silence the lifters.
http://www.baxnet.com/merc/oilguides/story.htm
Think oil guides, M119's are famous for this.
Mobil 1 0w40 is my fill of choice.
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