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The difference between .51 and .71 oil specs is that .51 was designed for diesel engines and .71 was designed for both diesel and petrol engines.
The everyday differences are negligible though the viscosity specs are slightly different. The higher .7x standards contribute to its lack of its availability.
For further info: Mercedes-Benz Passenger Car Specifications - Updates and Insights at Lubrizol.
Complete guide: Ready Reference Guide at Lubrizol.
The main difference between MB 229.51 and MB 229.71 oil specifications is that 229.51 is designed for diesel engines, while 229.71 is for low viscosity engine oils suitable for both petrol and diesel engines with exhaust gas aftertreatment systems. Additionally, 229.71 requires oils with low SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur) content to protect sensitive aftertreatment systems.The main difference between MB 229.51 and MB 229.71 oil specifications is that 229.51 is designed for diesel engines, while 229.71 is for low viscosity engine oils suitable for both petrol and diesel engines with exhaust gas aftertreatment systems. Additionally, 229.71 requires oils with low SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur) content to protect sensitive aftertreatment systems. The main difference between MB 229.51 and MB 229.71 oil specifications is that 229.51 is designed for diesel engines, while 229.71 is for low viscosity engine oils suitable for both petrol and diesel engines with exhaust gas aftertreatment systems. Additionally, 229.71 requires oils with low SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur) content to protect sensitive aftertreatment systems.The main difference between MB 229.51 and MB 229.71 oil specifications is that 229.51 is designed for diesel engines, while 229.71 is for low viscosity engine oils suitable for both petrol and diesel engines with exhaust gas aftertreatment systems. Additionally, 229.71 requires oils with low SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur) content to protect sensitive aftertreatment systems. The main difference between MB 229.51 and MB 229.71 oil specifications is that 229.51 is designed for diesel engines, while 229.71 is for low viscosity engine oils suitable for both petrol and diesel engines with exhaust gas aftertreatment systems. Additionally, 229.71 requires oils with low SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur) content to protect sensitive aftertreatment systems.
It's even more interesting that the online owner's manual incorrectly specifies 229.71 and 229.72 for the E53 Hybrid. Thankfully, the workshop menu in the car "knows" the correct oil grade for the E53. I have been corresponding with MBUSA since 7-May-2025 trying to get them to acknowledge the mistake in the manual. MBUSA claims they understand the importance of having the correct information for my 2025 E53 in the manual. Apparently its internal bureaucracy prevents it from correcting the error in a timely manner. I wonder how many oil changes have been done with the wrong oil.
Another interesting thing is if I go to the online manual in the M Me app, if I choose the manufacture date of July 2024 (which is the timeframe for my build), it states oil fill quantity of 10.5 qts. If I choose the date of January 2025, it states 8.5 qts. My physical owners manual also states 10.5 quarts. What changed? If it’s supposed to only hold 8 quarts, how many people have dumped 10 quarts in their engine?
Originally Posted by ua549
A few months ago my A service at a Mercedes dealer in Florida cost $179 labor plus parts & tax for a total of ~$250. Is this in Clearwater?[/QUOTE]
I'm due for my service A soon and my local MB dealer is asking for $750.[/QUOTE]
Wow, that is really high; even in NYC, the highest quote I got was $650. The large variation in price for the same Schedule A service (even within the same geographic area) reaffirms my thinking that, unlike repairs where there is some rough guidance on costs regarding parts and labor, MB dealerships just charge whatever they think they can get away with for regular schduled services.
Last edited by cruise2024; Jun 24, 2025 at 01:17 PM.
It is interesting that the manual for my E450 lists the oil specification as 229.71 and 229.72. I wonder what the difference is relative to the E53 specifying 229.51 and 229.52.
Since the E450 and E53 have the same M256 engine, I wonder if the difference has something to do with the engine start up characteristics of the oil since the E53 engine frequently starts and stops in Comfort mode while the car is in motion.
I'm due for my service A soon and my local MB dealer is asking for $750.
Wow, that is really high; even in NYC, the highest quote I got was $650. The large variation in price for the same Schedule A service (even within the same geographic area) reaffirms my thinking that, unlike repairs where there is some rough guidance on costs regarding parts and labor, MB dealerships just charge whatever they think they can get away with for regular schduled services.
I called up a different dealer and they quoted $550, I guess I just need to shop around but I guess that too proves your point, they charge whatever they think they can get away with.
Last edited by lelouch0202; Jun 24, 2025 at 01:50 PM.
I called up a different dealer and they quoted $550, I guess I just need to shop around but I guess that too proves your point, they charge whatever they think they can get away with.
Have you asked them what they are doing for that price? I did and found that the $700 they quoted me included a 2 hour deep dive diagnostic that cost $530. The required service from MB was just an oil change and safety inspection that cost $170. The deep dive diagnostic entailed hooking the car to a computer and going through a 2 hour exhaustive check of every system. I opted out of that and just got the $170 A service. Total was like $210 with taxes.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by L1Wolf
Have you asked them what they are doing for that price? I did and found that the $700 they quoted me included a 2 hour deep dive diagnostic that cost $530. The required service from MB was just an oil change and safety inspection that cost $170. The deep dive diagnostic entailed hooking the car to a computer and going through a 2 hour exhaustive check of every system. I opted out of that and just got the $170 A service. Total was like $210 with taxes.
I like what you did.
If there is something that needs correcting, it should be done free of charge under the new car warranty. You should not be charged for hooking up your car to a computer to see if something is not working or needs corrections: - one would have thought that was an initial step in the dealer prep - that in doing the dealer prep all computer codes were current!
Have you asked them what they are doing for that price? I did and found that the $700 they quoted me included a 2 hour deep dive diagnostic that cost $530. The required service from MB was just an oil change and safety inspection that cost $170. The deep dive diagnostic entailed hooking the car to a computer and going through a 2 hour exhaustive check of every system. I opted out of that and just got the $170 A service. Total was like $210 with taxes.
That is indeed what they said they would do. I was not aware that I could opt out of that. I'll try to check if they will let me do what you did.
If there is something that needs correcting, it should be done free of charge under the new car warranty. You should not be charged for hooking up your car to a computer to see if something is not working or needs corrections: - one would have thought that was an initial step in the dealer prep - that in doing the dealer prep all computer codes were current!
Just called Mercedes of Smithtown: this is slightly outside the NYC metro area - but not by much;
A service is now $500
Oil change and filter $335
As I posted, I have an extractor: 9 quarts of Mobil 1, $45 one Mann filter $11, my total cost less than $60!
]
Thanks for info. I think Mercedes Smithtown quoted $550 for Schedule A service when I called two weeks ago. For W214 E350/450, there is no oil dip stick, so I am not sure the extraction method will work (extraction suction tube can reach the bottom of engine through oil filter opening).
Last edited by cruise2024; Jul 11, 2025 at 04:09 PM.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by cruise2024
]
Thanks for info. I think Mercedes Smithtown quoted $550 for Schedule A service when I called two weeks ago. For W214 E350/450, there is no oil dip stick, so I am not sure the extraction method will work (extraction suction tube can reach the bottom of engine through oil filter opening).
Yes you are correct: For extraction you need a dipstick which neither the E350/E450 W214 has.
I thought when Rallye charged me $225 for an oil change, that was high. But $335?????
Come on! that is over $200 an hour for labor for changing oil!
I wonder how when you get the bill they hold and hide their laughing and snickering - wondering to themselves who are these people who are paying $335 for an oil change!
....As I posted, I have an extractor: 9 quarts of Mobil 1, $45 one Mann filter $11, my total cost less than $60!
The DIY parts cost for the W213 E450 may be $60, but the 0W-20 229.71 oil, filter, and drain plug will come closer to $90 for the W214 E450. The DIY parts cost for the E53 with 0W-40 229.51/52 oil will be closer to $135. The 0W-20 Mobil 229.71 oil is available for pick up at Walmart, but the 0W-40 229.51/52 oil does not seem to be available for pick up at Walmart or popular nationwide auto stores.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by LAZARU5
The DIY parts cost for the W213 E450 may be $60, but the 0W-20 229.71 oil, filter, and drain plug will come closer to $90 for the W214 E450. The DIY parts cost for the E53 with 0W-40 229.51/52 oil will be closer to $135. The 0W-20 Mobil 229.71 oil is available for pick up at Walmart, but the 0W-40 229.51/52 oil does not seem to be available for pick up at Walmart or popular nationwide auto stores.
Mobil 1 0-40 5 quarts from Walmart is now $24.97 for 5 quarts. I believe you will need 9 quarts. Total cost for oil will be less than $50.
Can you explain why your $.02 includes suggesting the wrong oil for any of the W214 models? The E350/E450 uses 0W-20 229.71/72 and the E53 uses 0W40 229.51/52.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by LAZARU5
Can you explain why your $.02 includes suggesting the wrong oil for any of the W214 models? The E350/E450 uses 0W-20 229.71/72 and the E53 uses 0W40 229.51/52.
Sure and it is easy:
The link I posted is for the oil for the E53 and in response to your post #40:
"The DIY parts cost for the E53 with 0W-40 229.51/52 oil will be closer to $135. The 0W-20 Mobil 229.71 oil is available for pick up at Walmart, but the 0W-40 229.51/52 oil does not seem to be available for pick up at Walmart or popular nationwide auto stores."
If you open the link, you will see the Mobil 1, 0-40 that is : "MB approved 229.5": The cost is $24.97 for 5 quarts, 9 quarts less than $50 - not $135 as you posted.
Also see post #43 from ua549 above as to the cost of oil for the E350/450 is also $24.97 for 5 quarts.
I also assume, but I could be mistaken, that when Walmart sells the oil for less than $5 a quart Walmart is not losing money, but making money!
The link I posted is for the oil for the E53 and in response to your #40:
"The DIY parts cost for the E53 with 0W-40 229.51/52 oil will be closer to $135. The 0W-20 Mobil 229.71 oil is available for pick up at Walmart, but the 0W-40 229.51/52 oil does not seem to be available for pick up at Walmart or popular nationwide auto stores."
If you open the link, you will see the Mobil 1, 0-40 that is : "MB approved 229.5": The cost is $24.97 for 5 quarts, 9 quarts less than $50 - not $135 as you posted.
Also see post #43 from ua549 above as to the cost of oil for the E350/450 also $24.97 for 5 quarts.
I also assume, but I could be mistaken, that when Walmart sells the oil for less than $5 a quart Walmart is not losing money, but making money!
What you seem to be missing is that 0W-40 229.5 spec oil is not the same as the 0W-40 229.51 and 229.52 spec. Unfortunately, Mobil 1 0W-40 ESP X4 229.51/52 only seems to be available in quarts for around $10/qt.
The Walmart $24.97 0W-20 Mobil 1 products are not the 229.71/72 spec called for in the W214 E350 and E450. Walmart does offer the 0W-20 ESP X2 229.71 oil for $27.97/5-qt or $8.78/qt.
Hopefully, Mobil 1 0W-40 ESP X4 229.51/52 will eventually be offered in the more economical 5-qt containers.
Given the amount of confusion surrounding the oil specs for the three W214 models, both on this forum and in the MB owner's manuals, it's very likely that many of the W214 engines that will be sold in the used market in the next few years will have had non-compliant oil changes. Sadly, I don't think having the oil changed at an MB dealer will guarantee that the correct oil is used, especially in the E53.
Hopefully, using the incorrect 229.x(x) oil spec won't result in too many expensive engine failures.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by LAZARU5
What you seem to be missing is that 0W-40 229.5 spec oil is not the same as the 0W-40 229.51 and 229.52 spec. Unfortunately, Mobil 1 0W-40 ESP X4 229.51/52 only seems to be available in quarts for around $10/qt.
The Walmart $24.97 0W-20 Mobil 1 products are not the 229.71/72 spec called for in the W214 E350 and E450. Walmart does offer the 0W-20 ESP X2 229.71 oil for $27.97/5-qt or $8.78/qt.
Hopefully, Mobil 1 0W-40 ESP X4 229.51/52 will eventually be offered in the more economical 5-qt containers.
Given the amount of confusion surrounding the oil specs for the three W214 models, both on this forum and in the MB owner's manuals, it's very likely that many of the W214 engines that will be sold in the used market in the next few years will have had non-compliant oil changes. Sadly, I don't think having the oil changed at an MB dealer will guarantee that the correct oil is used, especially in the E53.
Hopefully, using the incorrect 229.x(x) oil spec won't result in too many expensive engine failures.
Really????
I just googled "What is the difference between Mobil 1 229.5 and Mobil 1 229.51": Here is what appeared:
The primary difference between Mobil 1 229.5 and 229.51 lies in their suitability for different engine types and emission control systems. Mobil 1 229.5 is generally designed for gasoline engines, while 229.51 is specifically formulated for diesel engines, particularly those with diesel particulate filters (DPFs).
The primary difference between Mobil 1 229.5 and 229.52 lies in their suitability for different engine types and their ash content. Mobil 1 229.5 is generally for gasoline engines and older diesel engines without particulate filters, while Mobil 1 229.52 is specifically designed for newer diesel engines with particulate filters. 229.52 oils are low-ash oils, which help protect the diesel particulate filter (DPF) from harmful deposits.
It does not matter what Google says. What matters is what's on your receipts when and if you need to demonstrate to MB that you followed its prescribed guidelines using the correct oil spec and adhering to the 10K mile maintenance schedule.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by LAZARU5
Yes, really.
It does not matter what Google says. What matters is what's on your receipts when and if you need to demonstrate to MB that you followed its prescribed guidelines using the correct oil spec and adhering to the 10K mile maintenance schedule.
I assume before posting you checked the links: there are numerous references and back ups clearly indicating that the 229.5 is for gas powered engines and the the 229.51 and 229.52 are designed specifically for diesel engines.
Can everyone be wrong?
Can you post where you have found that 229.51 and/or 229.52 is recommended. Perhaps that was a misprint and there has been an update?
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