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I divulged my bona fides, perhaps you can do the same? What is your background and expertise that allows you to make such a claim?
Even a $35 oil analysis from Blackstone will tell you if the viscosity is holding up, not just metal content. What does the color of the oil have to do with it's design purpose (to keep friction from wearing down engine components)?
As I said further up in this thread, do what your heart desires and live with the results.
Hey man, do what ever you please. Change it at 20,000 miles if it makes you happy. I just know that it all depends on where you live and how you drive. Winters are insanely harsh here and the terrain is mountainous, and I drive faster on highways than most people. That being said, an oil analysis on my old E400 said that the oil was more contaminated @ 10,000 miles vs 8,000 miles when I tried both. Oil filters don't pick everything up, and the color does tell you a lot. Like drinking colored water from a stream vs drinking clear water from a natural water source. But to each their own. I'm happy with the internals of my engine (borescoped it a while back) changing it every 5,000 miles with the way I drive and the climate i live in.
Also... Thank you for your service. I just re-read the thread and noticed you mentioned you were in the Army.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by JettaRed
With the M276 engine, as with most every other Mercedes, the oil filter is on the top of the engine and the oil drain method is by suctioning from the dipstick tube. That allows you to do everything without lifting the car. Using a Mityvac MV7300 Fluid Evacuator and an air compressor, you can reduce those 2 hours to less than a ½ hour. However, that means less quality time with your new mistress.
I Stand Corrected: Jetta Red has a valid point
Just checked some youtube videos, see below and realized how easy it is to change your own oil and filter using an extractor, especially when you have an air compressor as I do. At 50K miles when I will change the two engine air cleaners, I have a 2019 E450 V6, with the engine cover off, I will also change my oil and filter. If everything goes as I think it will, changing both engine air filters, oil and oil filter should not take more than one hour. Two Fram filters @$17.75 each, $35.50,Mann oil filter, $11.50, 7 quarts Mobil 1 oil, $49A, total less than $100. Savings should be several hundred vs. the dealer.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by JTK44
...just checked some youtube videos, see below and realized how easy it is to change your own oil and filter using an extractor, especially when you have an air compressor as I do. At 50K miles when I will change the two engine air cleaners, I have a 2019 E450 V6, with the engine cover off, I will also change my oil and filter. If everything goes as I think it will, changing both engine air filters, oil and oil filter should not take more than one hour. Two Fram filters @$17.75 each, $35.50,Mann oil filter, $11.50, 7 quarts Mobil 1 oil, $49A, total less than $100...
If you are going with Mobil 1 0W-40 or 5W-40, be sure to get the new stock which is API SP rated. There is some old stock still out there that is rated API SN. API SP is recommended as protection against LSPI.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by JettaRed
If you are going with Mobil 1 0W-40 or 5W-40, be sure to get the new stock which is API SP rated. There is some old stock still out there that is rated API SN. API SP is recommended as protection against LSPI.
I completely agree on suctioning the oil through the dipstick tube. It's MUCH quicker and I've confirmed it fully evacuates the used oil. Additionally, you don't even have to stick the suction tube down into the oil pan. The dipstick tube itself does that and you only have secure the suction to the top of the dipstick tube. This further reduces mess and clean-up.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by OTEKAJ
I completely agree on suctioning the oil through the dipstick tube. It's MUCH quicker and I've confirmed it fully evacuates the used oil. Additionally, you don't even have to stick the suction tube down into the oil pan. The dipstick tube itself does that and you only have secure the suction to the top of the dipstick tube. This further reduces mess and clean-up.
Only if the suction tube is big enough to cover the top of the dipstick tube, as you said. Otherwise, use a smaller diameter tube and put it in all the way to the bottom of the oil pan.
About the same price/quart as Walmart's standard price -- 5 qt. jug for $28. Walmart recently had most of its synthetic oil brands on sale at $25/jug. Sam's Club's standard price is always higher than Walmart's -- go figure(?).
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Mobil 1 0W-40 rated API SN is old stock. New stock is API SP rated. I've switched to 5W-40, so I probably won't go back. And for years I ran Mobil 1 API SN before API SP became prominent. Still, I'd go with another brand if I had to get 5W-40 API SP and it wasn't available in the brand I like.
Mobil 1 0W-40 rated API SN is old stock. New stock is API SP rated. I've switched to 5W-40, so I probably won't go back. And for years I ran Mobil 1 API SN before API SP became prominent. Still, I'd go with another brand if I had to get 5W-40 API SP and it wasn't available in the brand I like.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by streborx
About the same price/quart as Walmart's standard price -- 5 qt. jug for $28. Walmart recently had most of its synthetic oil brands on sale at $25/jug. Sam's Club's standard price is always higher than Walmart's -- go figure(?).
Thanks!
Another excellent choice.
I keep wondering why the "A" service, with coupon is $225 and my Indy shop $150. The oil is $40, the filter $12, total at most $55 - the rest is labor.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by JettaRed
Mobil 1 0W-40 rated API SN is old stock. New stock is API SP rated. I've switched to 5W-40, so I probably won't go back. And for years I ran Mobil 1 API SN before API SP became prominent. Still, I'd go with another brand if I had to get 5W-40 API SP and it wasn't available in the brand I like.
Thanks and I remembered your prior post about API SN being old stock and AP SP being new stock. Interesting the "European" blend is the old stock.
I am comfortable with 5W-30 and taking your advice, API SP.
From the Internet:
API SP motor oils boast advancements in managing sludge and varnish, preserving engine cleanliness and operational efficiency. When compared to the previous API SN standard, API SP represents a leap forward with notable improvements in aspects such as oxidation resistance, wear protection, and deposit control.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Honestly, I think changing the oil often probably avoids many of the negatives when comparing SN to SP. If you are running 10,000 to 15,000 mile change intervals, then it will make a big difference. Changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 probably less. Still, I want the best available (within reason), especially on a turbo car.
Honestly, I think changing the oil often probably avoids many of the negatives when comparing SN to SP. If you are running 10,000 to 15,000 mile change intervals, then it will make a big difference. Changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 probably less. Still, I want the best available (within reason), especially on a turbo car.
I followed MB's 3k mile recommendation on my new 1977 300d.
At that time I was commuting between Clearwater and Bonita Springs 5 days a week (1,500 miles).
Oil was changed every other week. IIRC I put 500k miles on it.
I forgot to mention that other than routine maintenance the only other items were batteries, brakes, tires, wiper blades and a windshield.
(never get behind a gravel truck)
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
