MB GENUINE ENGINE OIL 5W-40 MB 229.5
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Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 107
Likes: 1
2010 GL350
MB GENUINE ENGINE OIL 5W-40 MB 229.5
My 2010 GL350 is due for Service A at 58k miles. Local dealer told me Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 5W-40 229.51 is no longer available instead they gave me MB GENUINE ENGINE OIL 5W-40 MB 229.5 (989-83-01-USB6). Replaced with 229.5 oils right away noticed lower viscosity and engine seemed lighter when I hit the accelerator. I read from other posts that this might cause problems to the bluetec engine. Any advice?
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 711
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From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
I just searched for Mobil I ESP 5W40 Formula M and find that it IS available at Amazon, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and Pep Boys (and many others). Looks like the dealer is blowing smoke.
The OM642 engine and all its associated emissions controls was EPA qualified and certified using that oil (it is the equivalent of the Fuchs oil actually used in the certification but is not available in the US). If your dealer is willing to certify, in writing, that he will replace/repair, free of charge to you all emission related parts which might be damaged by using the 229.5 oil he now recommends - including but not limited to DPF filter(s), sensors, catalytic converters, etc then it is OK to use. If he is reluctant to do that then go shopping for the correct stuff. My local source, a Mobil Jobber, is still able to get it for me and tells me there is no indication it has been discontinued.
EPA required Mercedes to make a suitable qualified oil available throughout the US when they approved the certification. This forced Mercedes to make arrangements with Mobil to continue to produce and sell the oil in the US as long as the emissions warranty is active on any car sold.
The OM642 engine and all its associated emissions controls was EPA qualified and certified using that oil (it is the equivalent of the Fuchs oil actually used in the certification but is not available in the US). If your dealer is willing to certify, in writing, that he will replace/repair, free of charge to you all emission related parts which might be damaged by using the 229.5 oil he now recommends - including but not limited to DPF filter(s), sensors, catalytic converters, etc then it is OK to use. If he is reluctant to do that then go shopping for the correct stuff. My local source, a Mobil Jobber, is still able to get it for me and tells me there is no indication it has been discontinued.
EPA required Mercedes to make a suitable qualified oil available throughout the US when they approved the certification. This forced Mercedes to make arrangements with Mobil to continue to produce and sell the oil in the US as long as the emissions warranty is active on any car sold.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 437
Likes: 84
From: Espoo, Finland
2012 GL 350
Not to mention that other European diesel vehicles (specifically guys running VW TDI's) typically prefer this oil too, it's not just run in MB's.
I've been buying mine off of Amazon by the case whenever I find a rebate, which keeps the cost pretty reasonable. I keep a 2-change supply on hand all the time so I have plenty of time to renew my stock.
I've been buying mine off of Amazon by the case whenever I find a rebate, which keeps the cost pretty reasonable. I keep a 2-change supply on hand all the time so I have plenty of time to renew my stock.
I just searched for Mobil I ESP 5W40 Formula M and find that it IS available at Amazon, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and Pep Boys (and many others). Looks like the dealer is blowing smoke.
The OM642 engine and all its associated emissions controls was EPA qualified and certified using that oil (it is the equivalent of the Fuchs oil actually used in the certification but is not available in the US). If your dealer is willing to certify, in writing, that he will replace/repair, free of charge to you all emission related parts which might be damaged by using the 229.5 oil he now recommends - including but not limited to DPF filter(s), sensors, catalytic converters, etc then it is OK to use. If he is reluctant to do that then go shopping for the correct stuff. My local source, a Mobil Jobber, is still able to get it for me and tells me there is no indication it has been discontinued.
EPA required Mercedes to make a suitable qualified oil available throughout the US when they approved the certification. This forced Mercedes to make arrangements with Mobil to continue to produce and sell the oil in the US as long as the emissions warranty is active on any car sold.
The OM642 engine and all its associated emissions controls was EPA qualified and certified using that oil (it is the equivalent of the Fuchs oil actually used in the certification but is not available in the US). If your dealer is willing to certify, in writing, that he will replace/repair, free of charge to you all emission related parts which might be damaged by using the 229.5 oil he now recommends - including but not limited to DPF filter(s), sensors, catalytic converters, etc then it is OK to use. If he is reluctant to do that then go shopping for the correct stuff. My local source, a Mobil Jobber, is still able to get it for me and tells me there is no indication it has been discontinued.
EPA required Mercedes to make a suitable qualified oil available throughout the US when they approved the certification. This forced Mercedes to make arrangements with Mobil to continue to produce and sell the oil in the US as long as the emissions warranty is active on any car sold.
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Calgary AB Canada
2013 E350 4matic coupe, 2013 C300 4 matic
MB spec 229.5 is the wrong oil for a MB diesel. They require either 229.51 or the new 229.52 spec. Both are low ash as required. The dealer knows this as below is the Mercedes fluid spec sheet. Go to 223.2 and open the PDF file for the oil required for your engine and you will see its 229.51 or .52 then go to the appropriate spec for a listing of approved oils. The only difference between the two is that 229.51 is 5W-40 and 229.52 is 5W-30 for colder climates.
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevoli...ets-sort1.html
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevoli...ets-sort1.html
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 107
Likes: 1
2010 GL350
I agreed with you guys 229.5 is the wrong oil for my GL350. This mb parts sales man doesn't know sh**. I actually called him up to make sure the new oil he sold me was the replacement of the mobil 1 229.51 and he double confirmed. I am running with the wrong oil for about 500 miles and the dip stick showed extremely dark oil with different smell as compared to the Mobil 1 229.51. I called around and found the other dealer has the right oil. I am going to change them out this weekends.
Last edited by rich4368; Dec 16, 2014 at 06:13 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
I don't know how serious it is, but the instructions for CDI diesels say not to use ANY QUANTITY of non low ash oil, even for top up.
I would be tempted to do two changes and a filter change.
Time to have a very serious talk with the general manager.
I would be tempted to do two changes and a filter change.
Time to have a very serious talk with the general manager.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 107
Likes: 1
2010 GL350
Does anyone know who at Mercedes USA to call to confirm if the delaer sold me was the right oil? My CEL came on last week but went away after 3 days when I didn't use the car. Now the CEL just came back on, I know my filler cap is a little loose will replace the o ring when I go pickup the correct oil tomorrow. Will also have this other dealer do a read on this CEL... hope nothing major
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Calgary AB Canada
2013 E350 4matic coupe, 2013 C300 4 matic
I doubt that using non low ash oil for 500 miles will cause any problems because not enough burnt ash would have gone through the particulate filter to do any harm. Having said that I would go back to the dealer, show them the MB fluid spec sheet and demand a credit. They are too lazy to carry the proper oil and Mercedes in Germany would never tolerate that. I would be shocked if MB USA approved non low ash oil in writing. I know for certain my dealer would never use anything but 229.51 or .52 in a diesel. It's not worth the potential lawsuits.
