jrtor

Hi to all. I have a 2007 GL 320 and just had my first oil change. I was driving home and I notice that the tech attached a sticker remainder on the window that says the type of oil used. He used castrol syntec 10W-30. I knew that this vehicle needs the Mobile 1 ESP formula M oil. I try to avoid going to the dealer because of past bad experience. My concerned is the shop is closed this Saturday and Sunday. Can I use this vehicle this weekend? I drove the car home about 10 –13 miles and feel no difference. I went to Autobahn Mercedes Benz – BMW service center.

tbenz

you`ll be fine, don`t worry you`d have to leave in long term to do any harm, it may even be an approved oil. the most important thing is it is synthetic

mbslk350

Umm...don't want to scare you, but MB specifies a very particular type of oil for the diesel engine. Castrol isn't it. It's some certain Mobil 1 oil specifically for 2007 and later diesels. I don't have the manual handy with the details.

Check your receipt to see what they used. Maybe they put the rights stuff in there but wrote the wrong name on the window sticker.

Either way, a few miles with the wrong oil should not matter too much. But you could always use this to get some leverage out of the dealer, like a free oil change next time.

AsianML

These are the approved oils:
http://whnet.com/4x4/oil.html

jrtor

I think I will not drive it this weekend just to be on the safe side.... Thanks

tbenz

i found this in the mb manual hope this helps
4

229.5 or MB229.511 approved synthetic
motor oil as listed in the charts below for
all vehicles equipped with the Mercedes-
Benz Maintenance System. Conventional
petroleum-based oils must not be used for
vehicles equipped with the Mercedes-Benz
If the engine oil used does not meet the
above mentioned standard, engine
damage is possible, which is not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
recommended by Mercedes-Benz USA and
may result in damage to the engine which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
MB-Approved Synthetic Engine Oil MB Sheet
Mobil 1 0W-40
Mobil 1 Formula M 5W-40
Castrol Syntec European Formula 0W-30*
Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra 5W-30*
ELF Excellium 229.5 5W-30*
Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 5W-40*1 (Diesel only)
Valvoline SynPower MST 5W-30*1 (Diesel only)
ELF Solaris LSX 5W-30*1 (Diesel only)
229.5
229.5
229.5
229.5
229.5
229.51
229.51
229.51
!
229.5 or 229.511 engine oils must be
used in conjunction with fleece oil filter
( page 14) in vehicles with Mercedes-
Benz Maintenance System (as of
MY2005). Using other oil filters may lead
to engine damage which is not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!
1 As of model year 2007 diesel engines must only use 229.51 approved
engine oil.
229.51 is only approved for diesel engines.
* Not approved for use in AMG engines.
U.S. Vehicles Model Year 2005 to the Present Engine Oils
i
MB Sheet numbers are printed on the outside of
oil containers.

jongaines

TBENZ- When I perused the manual, I did not find a direct reference to recommended oil. Is your list from the manual provided by MB in the vehicle or a supplement? If I was going to use Mobil One, should I be selecting Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 5W-40*1 (Diesel only), and does the season matter?

I have about 3500 miles on my 320 cdi, and the oil remains on the lower portion of the middle of the dipstick. That said, i am currently on a moderately lengthed road trip and want to be prepared if it goes below minimum.

AsianML

Tbenz's list and the list in my link (they list the same oils) are exactly what MB recommends. List of oils should be in the service booklet iirc, not the regular manual.

Don't think seasons really matter in these cars. Heck, MB dealers used to do Mobil1 0W-40 all year long as the standard oil for services.

ima55r2

If you want to follow the list, Walmart carries Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 5W-40*1 (Diesel only). Call yours to verify.

gordongl450

jrtor,

In November my wife and I picked up a GL320 and a ML320.

I have followed the treads on this forum that have discussed the fact that the diesel engines have been using up some oil early on. So I asked my saleman for 2 quarts of oil to go home with, one to keep in each truck. He was happy to do that. So he went to the service department asked for 2 quarts of oil for the 320's and came back and put them on the desk.

I have attached a picture of what they gave me so there is no question what you should be using if you want to use what the dealerships would use. I hope this helps you out.

Gordon

Danno4x4

If you need to use an oil different than the Mobil 1 ESP as specified, you just need to make sure that it is CJ-4 rated...

For example, Chevron Delo Low Emissions formula is CJ-4 rated. (This rating is for 2007 and newer diesels that use a particulate filter) The major difference between the Delo and Mobil 1 is that the Delo is conventional dinosaur oil, whereas the Mobil 1 is synthetic.

jrtor

I went to castrol website to look for the syntec 10w-30 , This "SAE 10W30:
is the leading consumer grade. Exceeds all car and light truck manufacturer's warranty requirements for the protection of gasoline, diesel and turbocharged engines where API SM, SL, SJ, SH, CF or CD is recommended. Exceeds European ACEA: A1, A5, B1, B5, GM 6094M and all requirements of ILSAC GF–4 for API Certified Gasoline Engine Oils and meets Energy Conserving Standards" It dosent show CJ-4. Anyway found out that my wife took the truck out to get a hair cut. I just cant wait till monday to get the oil fix.

AsianML

The oil must be synthetic in a Mercedes. The last time conventional was put in Mercedes engines MAJOR sludge problems developed and a class action lawsuit had to be filed against MBUSA for not telling customers that synthetic had to be used.

ima55r2

MB forgot the instructions to use synthetics with FSS and underestimated the oil quality reading of the system. Dino oils were not replaced at the typical 3000 miles and were used beyond their capabilities, resulting in sludge. Now even with synthetics, MB wants the oil changed out at one year or 10k miles, whichever comes first. The FSS is now just a glorified mileage countdown and a one-year timer.

lkchris

There's a sticker on the radiator support stating to not use ANY quantity of nonapproved oil.

This means don't add a quart or partial quart of something else between changes.

Your use of an uninformed independent may cost one of you the warranty on your particulate filter.

jongaines

Very helpful. Thanks to all-with a photo, even I can't get it wrong.

oinick

I wouldn't even think to question the dealer about the oil they used on a change. I mean, if they put the wrong oil in the car, it's on them. They could never defend their mistake and claim it's the customer's fault.

My dealer has been outstanding for service.