Oil Change Interval Poll
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W221 S600, W220 S55 AMG Kompressor, W124 300E, W140 S320, W210 E3204M W164 ML320 Bluetec
Oil Change Interval Poll
My E320 CDI recommends (as well as the E320 gas engine) a 13k oil change interval, which I perform on schedule.
I am just wondering - what are other MB owners doing? Do they follow the FSS and change it when requested, use the old 3k mile interval, etc.
Just curious.
I feel this is a benefit of owning a modern car with an oil monitor and using good oil.
I am just wondering - what are other MB owners doing? Do they follow the FSS and change it when requested, use the old 3k mile interval, etc.
Just curious.
I feel this is a benefit of owning a modern car with an oil monitor and using good oil.
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W221 S600, W220 S55 AMG Kompressor, W124 300E, W140 S320, W210 E3204M W164 ML320 Bluetec
Are you not familiar with how the FSS works?
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W221 S600, W220 S55 AMG Kompressor, W124 300E, W140 S320, W210 E3204M W164 ML320 Bluetec
Perhaps I should clarify the reason for this question -
My 2001 E55 started the FSS off at 13k oil changes. However the FSS did not count proportionally to the actual mileage being driven, so the actual oil changes were about 15k, which was when the car requested service.
I just had my E320 CDI serviced and nearly a month ago (after is accumulated 13,500mi and the car requested service), and the service interval was reset to 13k. I just took the car in to have a glow plug replaced, and they updated some software, and not the car is requesting a Service C in 16,000k (!) miles. When I took the car in, it had about 12,300 miles left from the last service but when I picked it up it went to 16k. I think this is a cause for concern as I have never seen the FSS start off at such a high interval.
My 2001 E55 started the FSS off at 13k oil changes. However the FSS did not count proportionally to the actual mileage being driven, so the actual oil changes were about 15k, which was when the car requested service.
I just had my E320 CDI serviced and nearly a month ago (after is accumulated 13,500mi and the car requested service), and the service interval was reset to 13k. I just took the car in to have a glow plug replaced, and they updated some software, and not the car is requesting a Service C in 16,000k (!) miles. When I took the car in, it had about 12,300 miles left from the last service but when I picked it up it went to 16k. I think this is a cause for concern as I have never seen the FSS start off at such a high interval.
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Monterey, CA
'97 E320
Damn the FSS...Mobil 1 every 7500 miles on both MB's, and every 10k on my 1/2-ton Dodge gasser (OCI comes on at 5-6k miles in the truck).
Will likely stick to the scheduled 10k on the GL when it arrives, but I wouldn't go any longer then 10k on synthetic oil without at least one filter change/top-off in between. Not saying FSS is wrong...just my personal preference
Will likely stick to the scheduled 10k on the GL when it arrives, but I wouldn't go any longer then 10k on synthetic oil without at least one filter change/top-off in between. Not saying FSS is wrong...just my personal preference
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
I do a Mobil 1 oil and filter change between the MB recommendations, i.e., around 5000 - 6000 miles. I've had independent MB service advisors tell me that even Mobil 1 will build up containments from the engine operation and the oil should be changed more frequently than what MB indicates. This also applies to any vehicle manufacture, i.e., change the oil more frequently than the manufacturer indicates if you want the engine to last longer. I aso use Mobil 1 for my Volvo V70 station wagon......change the oil & filter every 5000 - 6000 miles.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Chicago IL
X166 gls450 2017
In 2000 miles my oil has turned from honey gold color to chocolate brown ... Obviously I wont let this oil stay in the engine till 13k no matter what MB specifies .... so if you ask me, I'd say monitor your oil's color/ condition, if its starting to degrade - might as well help out the engine and change the oil. I wont change the filter till 10k though
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 419
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From: NY
2014 E550; 2003 E500
007_e350: All oil will turn dark/darker in 2000 miles (if not earlier). Monitoring the color is really only true when using conventional oil. Based on my experience, Synthetic Oil changes color just as fast but Mobil still says it's good for at least 5,000 (non-special/German formula). Additives are what's different.
Changing oil before the service interval is a waste of money. Mobil1 has so many additives to the oil which in fact "age" over the interval - hence, it prolongs the interval. I've also heard that the aging additives in Mobil1 benefit the engine most during the middle of interval (I'm guessing its fully aged at that time). Therefore, it would be actually worse if you change the oil every 5,000 miles.
Changing oil before the service interval is a waste of money. Mobil1 has so many additives to the oil which in fact "age" over the interval - hence, it prolongs the interval. I've also heard that the aging additives in Mobil1 benefit the engine most during the middle of interval (I'm guessing its fully aged at that time). Therefore, it would be actually worse if you change the oil every 5,000 miles.
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W221 S600, W220 S55 AMG Kompressor, W124 300E, W140 S320, W210 E3204M W164 ML320 Bluetec
Changing oil before the service interval is a waste of money. Mobil1 has so many additives to the oil which in fact "age" over the interval - hence, it prolongs the interval. I've also heard that the aging additives in Mobil1 benefit the engine most during the middle of interval (I'm guessing its fully aged at that time). Therefore, it would be actually worse if you change the oil every 5,000 miles.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Chicago area
'06 E320 CDI,premium package, xenons,LED's,Nav. and '11 BMW 335 D, Nav, Sport, Premium, Cold, PDC
It is not the number of additives or how stable the oil is at extreme temperatures.
It is the carbon (especially for Diesels) that is reducing useful life of the oil.
I change my own oil every 7-8K miles, OEM filter and Mobil 1, 5W40 Turbo Diesel.
It's a cheap life insurance
It is the carbon (especially for Diesels) that is reducing useful life of the oil.
I change my own oil every 7-8K miles, OEM filter and Mobil 1, 5W40 Turbo Diesel.
It's a cheap life insurance
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
2011 BMW X5d, 2011 Nissan Leaf and Kubota L39 Tractor!
I follow the FSS. Lived in Germany for a number of years where it's very uncommon to change oil before the FSS says it's time. They view it as not only a waste of $$ but bad for the environment. Given how hard they run their cars they must know something about it...
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
Well To try to answer the question as to whether I should change my oil more frequently than the factory 13K I had my oil sampled at 8725 miles since it was last changed. I had topped it up once with a quart.
The results are as follows
Iron 8
Alum 1
Copper 3
Chrome 0
Lead 7
Tin 0
Sodium 11
Dirt 5
Engine Soot Light
Fuel ---
Water neg
Solids none
Glycol neg
Visc 76
TBN 7
As best I can tell it is ok to continue to run with this oil but informed expert interpretations are invited.
The results are as follows
Iron 8
Alum 1
Copper 3
Chrome 0
Lead 7
Tin 0
Sodium 11
Dirt 5
Engine Soot Light
Fuel ---
Water neg
Solids none
Glycol neg
Visc 76
TBN 7
As best I can tell it is ok to continue to run with this oil but informed expert interpretations are invited.
