Previous oil change / Mobil 1 5W-40 ESP
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 669
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From: North Bay Area, California
2001 E320
Previous oil change / Mobil 1 5W-40 ESP
About six months / 500 miles ago I did my own oil change. I bought the oil from my local M-B dealer, who told me the correct oil recommendation had changed per Mercedes-Benz, and was now Mobil 1 5W-40 ESP. Almost immediately, my '01 was routinely telling me that the level was too high, then too low, stop engine, etc, followed by 'malfunction'. Drove me wacko, as sometimes it would show me three or four malfunctions in the space of only two miles.
Since that oil change, I have been told by my local dealer that M-B has changed its mind, and that the 5W-40 ESP is now only recommended for diesel engines. The oil viscosity recommendation is now 0W-40 European Formula, and not to use 'ESP'. It sure doesn't seem like 0W vs. 5W would make any difference, and maybe it doesn't; changed the oil yesterday to 0W-40 European Formula and drove my car about five miles, and the 'malfunction' warnings never came on. Too soon to tell, but could the 5W-40 been causing the problem? Time will tell, and hopefully I'll be able to post soon if that really seems to have solved my problem.
Anyone else have a sensitive sensor that trips 'malfunctions'?
Since that oil change, I have been told by my local dealer that M-B has changed its mind, and that the 5W-40 ESP is now only recommended for diesel engines. The oil viscosity recommendation is now 0W-40 European Formula, and not to use 'ESP'. It sure doesn't seem like 0W vs. 5W would make any difference, and maybe it doesn't; changed the oil yesterday to 0W-40 European Formula and drove my car about five miles, and the 'malfunction' warnings never came on. Too soon to tell, but could the 5W-40 been causing the problem? Time will tell, and hopefully I'll be able to post soon if that really seems to have solved my problem.
Anyone else have a sensitive sensor that trips 'malfunctions'?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Lincoln, NE
2002 Mercedes Benz E320
When I first got my car after about a week I kept getting "engine oil level high" or something like that so drained a little bit and I got the message a couple more times and then it just stopped. 
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 669
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From: North Bay Area, California
2001 E320
Tried that too, twice... then I would get the oil level low, so I'd top off exactly to the full mark, nothing more, nothing less, but was still getting malfunction messages.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 35
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From: Mississauga, Ont
2006 Mercedes-Benz E-320 CDI
hmmm, i guess the 0w40 was the best choice after all, if your car went went wacko after using 5w40. Call some other dealers up, and get their opinions on this issue.
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Zaporozec heavily modded 36HP
In my 2000 E320 4matic the dealer always put in quaker state 15w-40 every 15 000 km,lately they told me MB wants them to use 10w-40.
I live in British Columbia,Canada.I am confused.So many threads on oil grades but I just can't find whats the right oil for this car.
The car runs great,not using oil.
Thanks for you help.
I live in British Columbia,Canada.I am confused.So many threads on oil grades but I just can't find whats the right oil for this car.
The car runs great,not using oil.
Thanks for you help.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 597
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From: Monterey, CA
'97 E320
5w40 ESP is not causing problems...we use the stuff in both our diesels with excellent results. THe only reason MB pulled 229.51 spec oil back from gasoline engines in the US is the supposed high sulphur and/or ethanol content (dont remember which one) in the US. The low-SAPS oils do not have enough TBN to content with "contaminated" gas. Your engine should run perfectly fine on the 5w40, but may not last out the entire FSS interval with our crappy gas.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 35
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From: Mississauga, Ont
2006 Mercedes-Benz E-320 CDI
5w40 ESP is not causing problems...we use the stuff in both our diesels with excellent results. THe only reason MB pulled 229.51 spec oil back from gasoline engines in the US is the supposed high sulphur and/or ethanol content (dont remember which one) in the US. The low-SAPS oils do not have enough TBN to content with "contaminated" gas. Your engine should run perfectly fine on the 5w40, but may not last out the entire FSS interval with our crappy gas.
I thought mine took the Mobil-1 0w40, but dealer told me, not to get it, it has to be low ash.
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From: Charleston, SC
GL450
The weight of an oil tells you very little about it. It only tells you the viscosity. It doesn't tell you anything about the additive packages, detergents, friction modifiers, lubricity, etc.
When you compare two bottles that have similar weight, it's tempting to think "these should be pretty similar because their weight is similar." In most cases, that's true, they basically use a similar formulation but modified slightly to change the viscosity and temperature range. There are some oils, however, that are different.
When synthetic oil was first becoming popular, Mobil 1 was expensive. And it was good. As more and more cars began to require synthetic, they needed to lower their price point because you can't sell Ferrari oil to a Jetta owner. I'm not a chemical engineer, but I have read the opinion of those who are that Mobil reduced the quality of the oil (and additive package) across most of their oils.
Walk into a Walmart and you'll notice you can buy most weights in a large, cheap jug. Except 0w40. Compare the back of a bottle of 0w40 to a bottle of 5w40 and notice how many specifications the 0w40 meets that the 5w40 doesn't. These are totally different oils. I've heard it suggested that 0w40 is the "original" Mobil 1, that they kept around for the brands that are picky about good oil (like MB, Porsche) and the other oils are reformulated to reduce cost. This would explain why you normally don't see 0w40 in the big jugs, and why it typically costs more.
With that said, using a different oil won't immediately brick your motor. But I wouldn't suggest it either. You only have to change it once a year. The difference between ok oil and great oil is pennies a day.
When you compare two bottles that have similar weight, it's tempting to think "these should be pretty similar because their weight is similar." In most cases, that's true, they basically use a similar formulation but modified slightly to change the viscosity and temperature range. There are some oils, however, that are different.
When synthetic oil was first becoming popular, Mobil 1 was expensive. And it was good. As more and more cars began to require synthetic, they needed to lower their price point because you can't sell Ferrari oil to a Jetta owner. I'm not a chemical engineer, but I have read the opinion of those who are that Mobil reduced the quality of the oil (and additive package) across most of their oils.
Walk into a Walmart and you'll notice you can buy most weights in a large, cheap jug. Except 0w40. Compare the back of a bottle of 0w40 to a bottle of 5w40 and notice how many specifications the 0w40 meets that the 5w40 doesn't. These are totally different oils. I've heard it suggested that 0w40 is the "original" Mobil 1, that they kept around for the brands that are picky about good oil (like MB, Porsche) and the other oils are reformulated to reduce cost. This would explain why you normally don't see 0w40 in the big jugs, and why it typically costs more.
With that said, using a different oil won't immediately brick your motor. But I wouldn't suggest it either. You only have to change it once a year. The difference between ok oil and great oil is pennies a day.
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From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
Good point. It is pennies to keep a good quality product on board. Most will simply look at the acquisition cost and make their determination from that. There is alot more that gets factored into it, your intended usage, spec requirements of the manufacturer, etc. A recommendation would be buy the best quality you can afford and take care of what you have and it will do likewise. Full synthetics are simply a better quality product. I think it wise to follow MB specs on oil use since they have put more engieering time into their considerations and more research dollars than most individuals would have. Also their reputation is on the line with each of their products on the road. A broken down MB due to poor oil spec would not speak well for their reputation. Just a thought.
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From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
Good point. It is pennies to keep a good quality product on board. Most will simply look at the acquisition cost and make their determination from that. There is alot more that gets factored into it, your intended usage, spec requirements of the manufacturer, etc. A recommendation would be buy the best quality you can afford and take care of what you have and it will do likewise. Full synthetics are simply a better quality product. I think it wise to follow MB specs on oil use since they have put more engieering time into their considerations and more research dollars than most individuals would have. Also their reputation is on the line with each of their products on the road. A broken down MB due to poor oil spec would not speak well for their reputation. Just a thought.
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CLS 55 AMG
I Buy my oil at local Walmart
I use the mobil 1 European formula 0w-40 buy at my local Walmart for 6.35 a quart. However for $24 i can buy the 5 quarts container 5w-40. This is what i found from the mobil site. I quess we can use this as well?
I have 2006 cls AMG the owners manual recomends 0w-40 european formula. Any thoughts on that?
Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 5W-40 is an advanced performance synthetic motor oil designed to help prolong the life and maintain the efficiency of Car Emission Reduction Systems in diesel powered automobiles that require oil that is approved against Mercedes-Benz MB 229.51 or MB 229.31specifications. Benefits of Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 5W-40:
<DIR><DIR>Approved against MB 229.51
Approved against MB 229.31
</DIR></DIR>Oil Change Interval: Oil change intervals can be as short as 3,000 miles or as long 15,000 miles on some new cars. We recommend that you follow the oil and filter change frequencies shown in your owner's manual. With Mobil 1´s high-performance reserves, you can have the confidence to go the full mileage or time frame recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Mobil 1 is especially suitable for the latest vehicles with extended drain intervals or vehicles with oil monitoring systems that vary oil drain intervals.
I have 2006 cls AMG the owners manual recomends 0w-40 european formula. Any thoughts on that?
Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 5W-40 is an advanced performance synthetic motor oil designed to help prolong the life and maintain the efficiency of Car Emission Reduction Systems in diesel powered automobiles that require oil that is approved against Mercedes-Benz MB 229.51 or MB 229.31specifications. Benefits of Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 5W-40:
<DIR><DIR>Approved against MB 229.51
Approved against MB 229.31
</DIR></DIR>Oil Change Interval: Oil change intervals can be as short as 3,000 miles or as long 15,000 miles on some new cars. We recommend that you follow the oil and filter change frequencies shown in your owner's manual. With Mobil 1´s high-performance reserves, you can have the confidence to go the full mileage or time frame recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Mobil 1 is especially suitable for the latest vehicles with extended drain intervals or vehicles with oil monitoring systems that vary oil drain intervals.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: the Netherlands
'01 W210 E320 CDI
My E220 Diesel took 10W-40 (semi synthetic)
My E320 CDI takes 5W-40 fully synthetic.
All I know is we have different fuel quality overhere in Europe and it must have an impact on engine lubricants.
Our regular unleaded gas is 95 octane, premium gas is 98 octane.
We have normal low-sulphur Diesel (i.e. Shell FuelSave Diesel), and performance Diesel (i.e. Shell V-Power Diesel). I always try to fill her up With Shell V-Power Diesel, or BP Excellium Diesel. This fuel looks almost transparant, burns cleaner, gets a few MPG more per tank and the engine runs smoother.
My E320 CDI takes 5W-40 fully synthetic.
All I know is we have different fuel quality overhere in Europe and it must have an impact on engine lubricants.
Our regular unleaded gas is 95 octane, premium gas is 98 octane.
We have normal low-sulphur Diesel (i.e. Shell FuelSave Diesel), and performance Diesel (i.e. Shell V-Power Diesel). I always try to fill her up With Shell V-Power Diesel, or BP Excellium Diesel. This fuel looks almost transparant, burns cleaner, gets a few MPG more per tank and the engine runs smoother.
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
I use the mobil 1 European formula 0w-40 buy at my local Walmart for 6.35 a quart. However for $24 i can buy the 5 quarts container 5w-40. This is what i found from the mobil site. I quess we can use this as well?
I have 2006 cls AMG the owners manual recomends 0w-40 european formula. Any thoughts on that?
I have 2006 cls AMG the owners manual recomends 0w-40 european formula. Any thoughts on that?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
Likes: 62
From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
About six months / 500 miles ago I did my own oil change. I bought the oil from my local M-B dealer, who told me the correct oil recommendation had changed per Mercedes-Benz, and was now Mobil 1 5W-40 ESP.
Since that oil change, I have been told by my local dealer that M-B has changed its mind, and that the 5W-40 ESP is now only recommended for diesel engines. The oil viscosity recommendation is now 0W-40 European Formula, and not to use 'ESP'.
Since that oil change, I have been told by my local dealer that M-B has changed its mind, and that the 5W-40 ESP is now only recommended for diesel engines. The oil viscosity recommendation is now 0W-40 European Formula, and not to use 'ESP'.
For the past two years the local dealership here on the mid-Peninsula has been recommending and using Mobil 1 5w-40 (non-ESP, but still has the "Formula M" designation) ... and they have also used Pennzoil Platinum 5w-40 briefly in the past.
Thanks. John
Last edited by jkowtko; Oct 9, 2012 at 09:20 PM.
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From: West Virginia
2001 E320 RWD - Brilliant Silver/Ash: 100,000+
John, you didn't address me but I have some information that might help. My dealer uses Mobil1 5W40 Formula M (non-ESP) in my car. They have it in their bulk tank and it is still nearly impossible to find it sold as quarts. This is a concern of mine because my car uses a quart or more between oil changes. The last time I bought any, AV Lubricants in Ohio had it in cases of 6.
I don't know if any of the Pennzoils meets the MB 229.5 spec but they do make something similar to a European Formula also.
I don't know if any of the Pennzoils meets the MB 229.5 spec but they do make something similar to a European Formula also.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
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From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
Thanks ... I ended up buying the 5w-40 Formula M (non-ESP) from the dealership ... they sell it over the parts counter for $7.50/qt -- a reasonable enough price. Reference this post/thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/5388580-post69.htm
A lot of other people continue to use the 0w-40 European Car Formula, which can be found at some auto stores (Walmart, for example) a bit cheaper.
A lot of other people continue to use the 0w-40 European Car Formula, which can be found at some auto stores (Walmart, for example) a bit cheaper.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,627
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From: West Virginia
2001 E320 RWD - Brilliant Silver/Ash: 100,000+
You're welcome but every time I have asked my dealer they tell me their distributor cannot get it. When I use my last quart I'm going to save the bottle and just pay that dealer to refill it. There is nothing wrong with using 0W40 and most members on here recommend it. Thanks for the link.
