Hi All,

This time I took my 2011 E-350 to a new mechanic for Service A and he changed the oil with the 0W-20 grade, whereas in the past it was always replaced with 5W-40. When I asked for the reason he said it's way much better and due to the Southern California weather you don't need thick oil. This one is lighter and will give me a better performance. I am not sure if it's ok to replace the oil grade or not and really need help to make sure it will not create some major issues in the future.

He also changed the Spark Plugs at the same time, but somehow he is not able to reset the Service light. He said he tried all the options (using the key fob to reset) and nothing is working and most probably needs the re-calibration. I am not sure if it's due to the Spark Plugs or something else or why he is not able to reset the Service light.

Any input will really be appreciated.

 

I'd use 5w30 in California.... Maybe 5w40 in the heat of the Southern California desert summer. Full synthetic, always.

On my 2016, I can reset the service A, B reminders from the steering wheel control menu.... I think it's as simple as pulling up the reminder, pushing OK, and following the menu. Dunno if the pre facelift are the same.

 

owner's manual has chart in back about ambient temp and what weight oils are acceptable.
As rule of Thumb:
Lower the number the thinner the oil viscosity.
First number is used to to determines this cold temp rating.
Second number is when at operating temps...

You will see many different weights of oil are acceptable for same starting temp since first number maybe 5w20, 5w30 & 5w40.

For warm weather you would want a higher second number since oil viscocity is reduce as its temp goes up.

He gave you 0W20 which per my 2015 manual is not listed in acceptable chart

Heck I dunno I might make him change it...
Was oil MB approved for your car? different specs based on engine model.

Also, you should not mix grades inside engine.... unless stranded.... I say.

 

2011 = M272 Engine

https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com

0W-30; 0W-40 or 5W-40.

The key fob to reset the service reminder, and a re-calibration? Here's one of the many YouTube videos to reset the maintenance minder...

 

I run 0W-40 year round in the North East.

 

Basically the engine calls for MB 229.5 and the only grades that meet that spec is 0w30, 5w30, 5w40 and 0w40. I pretty much run Mobil 1 0w40 or Castrol 0w40. At the dealer it's Mobil 1 5w40.

I'd switch to a different mechanic, he clearly doesn't know what he's doing if he can't even reset the service minder.

https://operatingfluids.mercedes-ben...sheet/229.5/en

 

Not just any Mobil 1, has to be the full synth stuff, and should say MB-Approval 229.5.

 

SMH