Shark

The oil consumption issues with the 3.5L V6 seem to be pretty well documented, at least early on when the engine was first introduced several years ago. If I recall correctly it have something to do with the rings not seating correctly. Anyone experiencing similar issues with the 5.5L V8?

konigstiger

Background:

“Add 1 quart when next refueling” (211 until production date 6/2005)
“Check engine oil level when next refueling” (211 as of production date 6/2005)

The M272 engine is equipped with an oil level switch. Therefore, no values relating to oil consumption can be read out using SDS or DAS. Oil refilling between oil change intervals is normal and does not necessarily mean oil consumption has increased. If oil consumption is less than 2000 miles/quart; e.g. 2500 miles/quart no further measures are necessary as that level of consumption is within specification. If oil consumption is greater than 2000 miles/quart; e.g. 1700 miles/quart oil the dealer will check for oil leaks and perform oil consumption measurement test and submit results to MBUSA.

If mileage is less than 6500 miles and the measured oil consumption is greater than 750 miles/quart; e.g. 600 miles/quart the oil level will be adjusted to MAX and oil consumption will be observed up to at least 6500 miles.

If mileage is greater than 6500 miles and the measured oil consumption is greater than 2000 miles/quart; e.g. 1700 miles/quart, the engine will be replaced.

Note, the engine break-in process depends strongly on the usage conditions and driving style, and in some cases the break-in process can extend to greater than 6500 miles.

Shark

Thanks. I've been a regular participant at the SLK (r171) forum for 3 years, and we've had the exact same issues with the 3.5 engines there too...to the point where numerous engines have been replaced by MB. But judging by the lack of discussion, it seems like the problem was solved by the '06 model year. I'm considering a new E550, and was just curious if the new 5.5 V8 has a similar problem, or any widespread issues for that matter.

MB Fanatic

Have an S550, and no oil burning issues at all. Get the E550, you will not be dissapointed one bit.

sjflett

I have an S550 purchased in June 08 and have put 11000 miles on the car to date. Unfortunately it has been burning oil and is currently being evaluated by MB as described below. Since new I have been burning 1 quart per 1000 miles. MB took the car for a day and drove it 150 miles at high RPMs with the intent of trying to seat the rings before measuring oil consumption.
MB service manager indicated that this engine has experienced some problems re oil consumption and that the break in period can be up to 20,000 miles - which seems ridiculous to me - talk about green house gas emission.. let alone trying to renew the emission control sticker . I am hoping they have corrected the problem but am concurned that a borderline pass of 3000/qt will ultimately haunt me in the later year ownership of the car...not good when you have just paid 90k for a car that is supposed to be top of the line.
PS: My previous car was an S500 and it had no problems what so ever. The MB manager indicated that the 500 engine was a workhorse with limited issues.

Suggest to be safe you look for a good E500

vettdvr

My E500 doesn't require adding any oil between changes. I drive about 13,000 miles based on the FSS change points. Only once in 80,000 miles did I have to add a qt and the plug was left loose at the dealer and dripping.

Barry45RPM

Zero oil consumption here on my E550.

NCE500

Mine consumed a little bit, dropped halfway between full and add on the dipstick, in the initial 2000 miles, but has consumed none since.

vettdvr

Probably while the rings were seating in,, sounds like you are not solid ready to go.!