DIYourselfers… Oil preference?
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GLE 450
DIYourselfers… Oil preference?
I just got a ’26 GLE 450 and learned that the approved oil 229.51 (typically a thin 0W20). Is this what DIYs are using? Could the 229.5 Mobil 1 FS European Formula 0W40 be used instead and still satisfy warranty?
Note for reference - I have owned multiple MB SUVs starting with the original ML and never used such a thin oil, especially in hot climates as the Southwest.
Note for reference - I have owned multiple MB SUVs starting with the original ML and never used such a thin oil, especially in hot climates as the Southwest.
Last edited by GLE450Owner; Jan 10, 2026 at 01:19 PM.
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GLE 450
Mobil 1 ESP XP 0W20 link.
I much prefer the Mobil 1 FS European Formula 0W40 which is 229.5. Is that a no, re warranty coverage?
Last edited by GLE450Owner; Jan 10, 2026 at 06:24 PM.
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From: Colorado
You can run this Mobil 1 0W40, it meets 229.51
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/...1-esp-x4-0w-40
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/...1-esp-x4-0w-40
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GLE 450
You can run this Mobil 1 0W40, it meets 229.51
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/...1-esp-x4-0w-40
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/...1-esp-x4-0w-40
Right. But that is an Extended Service oil… Any reason not to use the recently (3-4 years) reformulated M1 FS European Formula 0W40 (rated 229.5) used by Porsche BMW and others, and also used by MB in the past?
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The difference between the two specifications is 229.51/71 is a Mid-Low SAPS (Sulfated Ash Phosphorus Sulfur) additive formulation and MB 229.5 is a Full SAPS additive; the key difference is compatibility with emissions systems. Over the years, in theory, a high SAPS formulation "might" or possibly "can" clog modern exhaust after-treatment systems, whereas low SAPS oils are designed to be "catalyst-compatible" for cleaner operation. In the end, the specification is called out in your owner's manual (screen capture above) and if you incur any emission system issues using a 229.5 formulation, it might be on you to fix.
I am using MB 229.71, but to each their own.
I am using MB 229.71, but to each their own.
Last edited by newtonc_gle450; Jan 10, 2026 at 07:40 PM.
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2014 C300 Sport / 2022 GLE 450
I’ll be doing an oil change on my 22 GLE 450 in the coming days and I plan to use Liquimoly TopTec 4110 which is a 5w-40 229.52 spec.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/5w4...qui-moly-22120
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/5w4...qui-moly-22120
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2021 GLS580 | 2011 ML350 BlueTec | 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
I've used 5w-30 Motul EFE 8100 and Valvoline European XL-III (Both carry the 229.52 spec and are reasonably priced) for 175k miles in our diesel 164 with DPF and SCR with no issues. Our GLS is out of warranty and I don't believe the thinner is better mentality so I've switched it to Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0w-40. If you want to go with a 40 weight oil and still have the 229.52 spec the above mentioned Liquimoly seems to be a good option.
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GLE 450
Introduction: Long term MB owner now with a ’26 GLE450.
Update on my quest for a good motor oil:
Owner’s Manual approved oil - 229.51 or 229.52.
Called local dealer - they use 0W20. I think that will survive warranty...
I do DIY and at least in-between annual oil changes I self replace oil anf filter - keep that at 5000 miles or so.
Someone suggested Liqui Moly. I used LM in previous MBs and other German cars. Contacted my LM contact re the ’26 450 and he said:
"The only oil we recommend is Top Tec 6600 SAE 0W-20, which has the required MB 229.71 specification. The MB 229.71 specification is required for warranty and is only available in a 0W-20 viscosity.”
I think he’s wrong. The Owner’s Manual refers to 229.51. Interestingly, Maybachs and the GLE 580 use the classic M1 FS European Formula 0W40 which is what I use in other German engines.
There is a M1 ESP X4 0W40 which passes 229.51 and 229.52 but I can’t find it. What I find online is a ESP X3. What’s up with these Mobil X3/X4 designations? Anyone knows?
Update on my quest for a good motor oil:
Owner’s Manual approved oil - 229.51 or 229.52.
Called local dealer - they use 0W20. I think that will survive warranty...
I do DIY and at least in-between annual oil changes I self replace oil anf filter - keep that at 5000 miles or so.
Someone suggested Liqui Moly. I used LM in previous MBs and other German cars. Contacted my LM contact re the ’26 450 and he said:
"The only oil we recommend is Top Tec 6600 SAE 0W-20, which has the required MB 229.71 specification. The MB 229.71 specification is required for warranty and is only available in a 0W-20 viscosity.”
I think he’s wrong. The Owner’s Manual refers to 229.51. Interestingly, Maybachs and the GLE 580 use the classic M1 FS European Formula 0W40 which is what I use in other German engines.
There is a M1 ESP X4 0W40 which passes 229.51 and 229.52 but I can’t find it. What I find online is a ESP X3. What’s up with these Mobil X3/X4 designations? Anyone knows?
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ACEA C3 / C4 -> X3: Stable, stay-in-grade oils for gas and diesel engines requiring a minimum High Temperature/High Shear (HTHS) viscosity of 3.5.
ACEA C4 -> X4: Designed for high-performance European vehicles. specifically Mobil 1 ESP 0W40 X4, and challenging conditions offering even higher HTHS viscosity (>=3.5).
Both X3 and X4 are catalyst friendly.
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GLE 450
The C3 or C4 is an ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers' Association) specification. Mobil has translated the ACEA spec as follows:
ACEA C3 / C4 -> X3: Stable, stay-in-grade oils for gas and diesel engines requiring a minimum High Temperature/High Shear (HTHS) viscosity of 3.5.
ACEA C4 -> X4: Designed for high-performance European vehicles. specifically Mobil 1 ESP 0W40 X4, and challenging conditions offering even higher HTHS viscosity (>=3.5).
Both X3 and X4 are catalyst friendly.
ACEA C3 / C4 -> X3: Stable, stay-in-grade oils for gas and diesel engines requiring a minimum High Temperature/High Shear (HTHS) viscosity of 3.5.
ACEA C4 -> X4: Designed for high-performance European vehicles. specifically Mobil 1 ESP 0W40 X4, and challenging conditions offering even higher HTHS viscosity (>=3.5).
Both X3 and X4 are catalyst friendly.
Thanks! I think M1 X4 ESP 0W40 is a reasonable choice.
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2022 GLE 450
I'd stay away from 0W-20. Check out youtube about it. I had great experience with film strength and ultra low temperature (-40 and colder) cold starts using Pennzoil Platinum Euro 0W-40 in my audi. I also use PP Ultra 5W-30 in my other car and it has been great for the same conditions.
Based on my favorable experience with PP, I use PP Euro LX 0W-30 for my GLE450. PP has been the only oil to not cause metal to metal screeching that I used at such an extremely low temperature. If it can protect at -40, it can protect at any cold start-which is where the majority of wear occurs. I used to be a M1 user but haven't touched it in 11 years. I also used other brands but not long enough to judge their performance.
Based on my favorable experience with PP, I use PP Euro LX 0W-30 for my GLE450. PP has been the only oil to not cause metal to metal screeching that I used at such an extremely low temperature. If it can protect at -40, it can protect at any cold start-which is where the majority of wear occurs. I used to be a M1 user but haven't touched it in 11 years. I also used other brands but not long enough to judge their performance.
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2024 GLE450, 1998 LEXUS GS400
As someone who is completely new to the world of MB and a non DIYer when it comes to oil changes, I'll be taking my 24 GLE450 to an independent Euro shop and not the dealership.
When looking for a shop, should I ask them if they use 229.51 or will they already know what this is? I used to just drop my Lexus off at my local indy and tell them "synthetic oil change please" and just get my car back and pay. Now that I have my first MB, I feel more concerned about this since I still have a bit of that mindset that German cars aren't built as well, so they require much more attention versus a Japanese car.
When looking for a shop, should I ask them if they use 229.51 or will they already know what this is? I used to just drop my Lexus off at my local indy and tell them "synthetic oil change please" and just get my car back and pay. Now that I have my first MB, I feel more concerned about this since I still have a bit of that mindset that German cars aren't built as well, so they require much more attention versus a Japanese car.
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2021 GLS580 | 2011 ML350 BlueTec | 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
Yes if they are competent at all they will understand the specs and which ones are recommended for your vehicle. If they don't you don't want to use that shop. You can go the other way, ask them what oil they recommend and why. If they don't talk about the specs in the manual then you don't want to use them.
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Most of that video is sensationalized, and I don't believe many of the claims.
The failures listed were not related. For instance we know that GM built a large number of engines that were Out of Tolerance, and their "fix" was to put a less appropriate oil in engines.
Hyundai just did a poor job of engineering. (And received Consumer Reports "Most Reliable" accolade, with the highest percentage of recalls in recent history, if not ever.)
Each manufacturer's engine failures are unique.
0W8 is going to be a more stable oil than 10W40, because it has less Viscosity Improvers. 0W20 will be more stable than 0W40, as a general rule.
Metallurgy and engine designs are much more advanced than the days of 80 horsepower per liter.
I am now getting my oil analyzed, and it essentially shows no wear at 50,000 miles. I've used 10,000 mile oil changes since new.
Notice that there were no German cars used as bad examples....
The failures listed were not related. For instance we know that GM built a large number of engines that were Out of Tolerance, and their "fix" was to put a less appropriate oil in engines.
Hyundai just did a poor job of engineering. (And received Consumer Reports "Most Reliable" accolade, with the highest percentage of recalls in recent history, if not ever.)
Each manufacturer's engine failures are unique.
0W8 is going to be a more stable oil than 10W40, because it has less Viscosity Improvers. 0W20 will be more stable than 0W40, as a general rule.
Metallurgy and engine designs are much more advanced than the days of 80 horsepower per liter.
I am now getting my oil analyzed, and it essentially shows no wear at 50,000 miles. I've used 10,000 mile oil changes since new.
Notice that there were no German cars used as bad examples....
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2021 GLS580 | 2011 ML350 BlueTec | 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
You continue to bring this up and while you're right the VIs will potentially shear out of grade, they aren't going to shear that far. A 0W-40 might shear out to a 30 weight oil by the end of the OCI but it will likely never shear down to a 20 weight oil no matter how long the OCI is. I'll take a 40 weight oil that is slightly thinner at the end of its OCI before one that starts at 20 weight or less.
I'm interested in Penzoil Ultra Platinum in a non MB spec/weight. Yes 0W40, but no .51 or .71.
So how might that affect the warranty? I'd think a Dealer would overlook the spec, if it meant reimbursement for a big expensive job.
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2024 GLE 450, 2009 SLK 300
I'll have to check my sources, but 40 might shear to under 20, in the first thousand miles, depending on brand.
I'm interested in Penzoil Ultra Platinum in a non MB spec/weight. Yes 0W40, but no .51 or .71.
So how might that affect the warranty? I'd think a Dealer would overlook the spec, if it meant reimbursement for a big expensive job.
I'm interested in Penzoil Ultra Platinum in a non MB spec/weight. Yes 0W40, but no .51 or .71.
So how might that affect the warranty? I'd think a Dealer would overlook the spec, if it meant reimbursement for a big expensive job.
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From: Barrington IL
2015 E 250, 1999 BMW M Roadster, 1939 International Harvester, 2023 GLC
I use the Liquimoly TopTec 4110 in our 23 GLC. Does the GLE have a plastic oil pan & plastic oil plug like the GLC? If so it is wise to replace the entire plastic oil plug each oil change. O-ring is included
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
A major engine repair that may be related to oil is probably not approved at the dealer level. The corporate level that approves such a warranty repair could require an oil analysis before approving the job. Can they tell whether your oil met the Mercedes spec? If they can, you could lose warranty coverage. Same thing goes for fuel related issues. A sample can show you were running regular and void your warranty.
And I don't think there's a 10W-40 in Mercedes spec.
But my first oil analysis of the dealer fill, at 45,000 mi, showed lower than typical wear, with 10,000 mile service intervals up until that one.
I'm going to 7500 Mile intervals, while thinking about a different oil.
I'm out of factory warranty and am on a Fidelity Platinum exclusionary service policy, but still concerned about coverage.
I didn't expect to like this car as much as I do, so I'm planning on keeping it for a long time.
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I'll have to check my sources, but 40 might shear to under 20, in the first thousand miles, depending on brand.
I'm interested in Penzoil Ultra Platinum in a non MB spec/weight. Yes 0W40, but no .51 or .71.
So how might that affect the warranty? I'd think a Dealer would overlook the spec, if it meant reimbursement for a big expensive job.
I'm interested in Penzoil Ultra Platinum in a non MB spec/weight. Yes 0W40, but no .51 or .71.
So how might that affect the warranty? I'd think a Dealer would overlook the spec, if it meant reimbursement for a big expensive job.
Technically even if you were under warranty they would have to prove the oil was the direct cause of the failure to deny warranty. Could they claim it? sure. Would it turn into a court battle? Probably. Worth it? Depends on the everyone's individual situation.
Last edited by jkaetz; Mar 6, 2026 at 08:41 AM.
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2024 GLE 450, 2009 SLK 300
I started using Penzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40 in our GLS at the last oil change (~25k miles total, 5000 mile OCI). I have no warranty to worry about. Perhaps I'll do some oil analysis though I have a hard time believing that a quality oil (and by all reviews PUP is a quality oil) without an MB certification can truly cause catastrophic engine failure.
Technically even if you were under warranty they would have to prove the oil was the direct cause of the failure to deny warranty. Could they claim it? sure. Would it turn into a court battle? Probably. Worth it? Depends on the everyone's individual situation.
Technically even if you were under warranty they would have to prove the oil was the direct cause of the failure to deny warranty. Could they claim it? sure. Would it turn into a court battle? Probably. Worth it? Depends on the everyone's individual situation.
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2021 GLS580 | 2011 ML350 BlueTec | 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
Why would you not use the oil that the engineers specify for the car? Other than the design flaws of the earlier four cylinder that caused lubrication problems, how often is there an oil related problem with a vehicle using the recommended oil? Shear characteristics in your oil are critical to the performance of a high pressure fuel pump. In a diesel vehicle, the force required to get to 20,000 to 30,000 psi rail pressure makes the oil choice critical to the longevity of the fuel pump. I don't know what the fuel pressure for the direct injection gas engine is but I bet it is pretty high too.
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GLE 450
Why would you not use the oil that the engineers specify for the car? Other than the design flaws of the earlier four cylinder that caused lubrication problems, how often is there an oil related problem with a vehicle using the recommended oil? Shear characteristics in your oil are critical to the performance of a high pressure fuel pump. In a diesel vehicle, the force required to get to 20,000 to 30,000 psi rail pressure makes the oil choice critical to the longevity of the fuel pump. I don't know what the fuel pressure for the direct injection gas engine is but I bet it is pretty high too.
