2mbusa

Why is the Mobil 1 used at the Mercedes dealer a different viscosity than is available on the outside at retail supply stores? Does it make a difference, is the warranty in question if I use something different, and what is the best weight???? Does Mercedes have a deal with Mobil for a different viscosity just to keep you from changing your own oil?

wingless

Change your own oil. Use the right stuff. The MB spec'd oil is available. The procedures are straightforward. No rocket science here.

Kestas

As long as the oil is changed on a regular schedule, it's rare that any MB engine would suffer oil-related damage just from somebody using the wrong oil. This is assuming you don't do something extreme like using straight 30W in a Minnesota winter or using 10K oil changes on regular oil.

Don't lose sleep over shades of difference in viscosity of a Mobil 1 oil. Go ahead and change your own oil.

Kar don

0w40 can be found, just look.

azinn

Every Wal*Mart I've been in has the Mobil 1 0W-40, or you can pick from any of the other approved oils listed here http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html

Gregs210

It's worth noting that if you follow the link AZINN provided (nice info, BTW) it specifically states that the other grades of Mobil1 are NOT recommended (I cut and pasted it below for your enjoyment):
some oils which are not recommended:
Mobil 1 SuperSyn 0W-30 SL/SJ/CF A1/B1/A5 9.7 doesn't meet 229.1 nor ACEA A2 or A3
Mobil 1 SuperSyn 5W-30 SL/SJ/CF A1/B1/A5 9.8 doesn't meet 229.1 nor ACEA A2 or A3
Mobil 1 SuperSyn 10W-30 SL/SJ/CF A1/B1/A5 10.1 doesn't meet 229.1 nor ACEA A2 or A3

Since your car has to be at least 229.3 and you can get the 0-40 (meets 229.5) at Wal-Mart, you may as well stay with their recommendation unless you want to try one of the several other oils listed on that link that meet MBZ's strict standards.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

TonyG230

OK guys, what does meets 229.3 testing mean and why does only this type 0w40 to be used in a MB engine? Seems that they build a different engine then all other manufactures. From what I know of the internals of an engine, Synthetic oil changed at regular intervals and proper viscousity in different climates should work well in all engines. What makes MB engines different then others? I have been told they biuld them with less tolerences then others for extended Autobahn running. There are engines with high milage that don't even use Synthetic and are still running. Funny how some manufactureres call for 5w20 when 5w30 or even 5w50 would do the same job. The 5w is the pour point when cold and oil doesn't thicken to 20, 30 or even 50, it is supposed to lubricate as well as the latter numbers when hot. That was told to me years ago by an engineer. Anyone out there can clarify this, please do as. My only problem with 0w oil is on an engine with higher milage or a week seal.

Moviela

The Mobil 1 engineered for European cars has slightly greater shear resistence to better stick to the machined surfaces found in modern engine blocks. DaimlerChrysler and other manufacturers are running in front of the CAFE steamroller, and improving the surface finish of rings and cylinders reduces undesirable friction and increases mileage. There is a lot more to the 229.5 specification, and it appears to me that some of the specification is to favor Mobil.

GGM

None of the WalMarts around here (Orlando, FL) carries 0W-40.

GGM

Kestas

I'm not surprised.... you don't need the 0W- in Florida. Mobil Delvac or Truck & SUV (same specs as Delvac) 5W-40 should be widely available and more appropriate for your climate.

KC36AMG

Check this out. I have a 2 AMG vehicles and I have been using Mobil 1 0-40 oil. My C36 has a tapping and I have been trying to get rid or minimize the noise. I recently met a TECH that used to work for MB in Germany and he said that 15-50 should be used. This was also confirmed with Birds Automotive in England. It seems that the 0-40 is recommended for emissions in Europe.

azinn

They still might have it, they are not very good at keeping the shelves replenished. If not your might ask the department manager why they don't have it when most of the other stores carry it. My local Wal*Mart has it sometimes and at other times not. I just bought 4 quarts the other day @ $4.50 per quart because thats all they had, I'll be checking back in a few days to pick up 5 more quarts. It doesn't seem to stay on the shelves very long. As far Florida stores having it, I believe I've seen it during my winter stays in the Lakeland Wal*Marts.

SAMM

I thought the 15-50 was for motorcycles? I sometimes have a slight tapping and was thinking I should replace the 15-40 with 10-40 or 5-40. What would the 15-50 do to reduce the tapping?

I was told before that 10-40 would help reduce tapping. I change the oil in my car every 4000-4500 miles. Im pissed as hell about this noise. Its only done 59,000 miles. I always warm up the car whenever I get into it unless its already hot JUST SO THAT I WOULDNT HAVE THIS PROBLEM


Ive got a 1995 S320 with the 104 engine. I wander what Mercedes Service would recommend?


You guys have input, muuuuuch appreciated

Peace

KC36AMG

SAMM I have the mileage and the same situation. The dealership will only use 0-40. They will not use anything else. I change my oil regularly and do the same starting habits. I am going to see how the 15-50 works out.

TonyG230

Oil does help cushion some mechanical noise but remember that oil, whether it is 0w or 15w can only do so much. The 0w does flow faster when cold and that is at any starting temperature. That last number is what the oil has the ability to protect at higher running temps ( 0w40 or 15w 50 ) Hydrolic lifters are pressurized with oil to stop tapping noise and if noisy I would think something is wrong and thicker oil is only going to do just so much to quiet them down. I am wondering if the lifter noise is because of weak lifter springs or valve springs. Remember that springs are designed to take up the slack inbetween movements of the cams. Lifters are also under pressure with oil and at any viscousity should do the same job untill the pressure is released and the internal spring then does its job of taking up the slack.