uberwgn

That should not come as a surprise. However, as others noted, some mfrs do want the oil changed at 12 months, regardless of miles, to maintain warranty coverage...I don't know what MBUSA's position is on this. I guess you could ask.

One of my cars is driven only a few thousand miles per year. I've had the oil analyzed at 18mos (mostly out of curiosity) and the oil (TBN) was nowhere close to being depleted...there was nothing of concern in the report. In reality, I was dumping perfectly good oil.

Assuming one was running a compliant 229.xx oil, there are not likely to be any concerns going for 18 - 24 mos unless you're still under warranty.

Goatman

Amsoil is the finest synthetic oil on the planet, bar none, including MB's own. They say after a year, chuck it. That's all the proof I needed...

TMAllison

The owners manual usually tells you. Paraphrasing, mine states using FSS, the max allowable change interval is 16k miles OR one year, whichever comes first.

Goatman should disclose he is an amsoil dealer and has a vested interest everytime he promotes their (unaproved) products.

vettdvr

Correct.

From what I remember:

I have also read the blackstone test on LS1 motors used in Corvettes and Camaro's. The test ran 14,000 miles before any tested item went out of limits. Then as part of the test they changed the oil filter and added enough fresh oil to bring the level to full. A retest of the oil after the filter / oil added (engine had been run of course) showed all items in the oil back to acceptable levels. Prediction from the new level of contaminates indicated that it would be possible to make 20,000 total miles or more but at 20,000 the test ended.

moondust

I guess that M-B have amended the instructions in their OM over the years, as both engines and oils have made technical progress. I drive a 2004 CLK, and use a synthetic oil with a fleece filter, and use the basic 12K mile period - as adjusted by the car's computer for usage, etc.

Older cars with paper filters may well have to change oil & filter more frequently, I concede...

TMAllison

Oil adn change intervals are a moving target for sure. Mines older than yours, also uses SYN, burns Diesel, uses a paper filter and pending driving style FSS was set to allow up to a max of 16K miles.

I've tested mine at 16K (I drive lots of freeway miles) and M1 still tested out with better than 50% TBN left and less than .5% insolubles. Most other FSS owners seem to trip at 8-10k.

Goatman

25K miles or one year with the Amsoil. Nothing better out there for gas or diesel.

SL2003driver

I've heard good things about Amsoil and it gets good us ed oil analysis. You need to get a MB dealer using it

softgenious

Amsoil also states one year then change... I do disagree with 25K miles on one oil change though, why take a chance with an expensive car . You do have to change the oil filter every 10k or so miles(less if it is not a high quality synthetic filter).

Goatman

There's no "chance" in it at all. Mobil 1 made a 15k mile oil and was marketing it heavily untill the OEM's told them to knock it off or lose their factory backing. Amsoil has repeatedly stated the Mobil 1 15K could go 25k under the right circumstances, but the OEM's would lose their minds. Imagine all those 3000 mile oil changes going away from the service department?

Amsoil has 25K filters for most autos now....


Been using it for years changing at 25K on my "fleet" of 3 domestic work trucks. Sold my 94' GMC Sonoma with 298K on it and still not burning any oil.

vettdvr

Do they have a 25,000 fleece filter for Mercedes?

Goatman

I'm not aware of any filter made of lamb's wool.

Goatman

BTW, I just sold the last of my "fleet" I'm selling this afternoon. My 94 Chevy C2500 extended cab. 240,000 miles, no oil burn, running like a top, worked HARD all its life. Got book value for it too. People hear Amsoil and know you gave it the best!

KV3BLUE

Mercedes says to replace Mobil 1 oil every 10k miles has many reasons, maybe some we could not think of.

To make more money.
Some drivers idle or drives their cars on very short stops and trips.
Some race their cars.

So Merc's recommendation is based pretty close to all the above.

Goatman

Short trips also leave some water in the oil, which isn't good sitting.

softgenious

I agree.

You also need to run any car at least an hour to get rid of any moisture/fuel in the oil. It's amazing how the oil really cleans up after a good one hour run.

KV3BLUE

Today I ask the Merc dealer what type of oil does my 08 E63 used. He said 5W40 Mobil 1. Then I ask another and said to use 040 Mobil 1 at $7.50 a quart. Which is correct?

Goatman

Either will work. In hot climates or under "hard" conditions, you'd want the 5 weight. Either way, a switch to Amsoil would do you good. The dealers recommend Mobile 1 because they get deals on it. For that kind of money, you could have a much, much better oil.

uberwgn

Do you want to look at the service product guide that came with your car?

Both the 5W40 and 0W40 will have the same viscosity at operating temperature...they're both xW40 oils The 0W40 oil will have superior flow characteristics in extreme cold, think Canada.

The 5W40 product at the dealership is a one-off created by Mobil for MBz. It only meets 1 spec: 229.51. It's the oil that MUST be used in the newest diesels to protect the emissions system. You cannot buy this oil at Wallmert's, etc. I'm quite certain the M1 0W 40 (which meets 229.5) is suitable for your car. Verify in the booklet that came with the car.

uberwgn

"Better" is relative, Mr Goat. There's a reason Mobil is a world leader in lubricants.

Goatman

If they were identical, they'd be identically named. I guarantee I know more about it than you do.

Yep, because they give all the OEM's deals...

KV3BLUE

Thanks for the replies guys. I looked at my manual and it says to ask the dealer. I just wan to make sure, because I'm planning to replace the oil only every 5000 miles and at oil and filter at 10000 miles, because I drive short trips often. All my other vehicles I replace my oil at 2500 miles and all of the engines are in top shapes. Maybe I'll ask several more dealers and see what they say.

TMAllison

Goat Pellets! Most Amsoil product lines aren't API certified; you only get their "good word" as a merchant they meet or exceed those certifications.

KV - I agree that you'll want a MB229.5 spec oil. There are lots to choose from. M1 is most avail in the US. Viscosity should always be determined based upon operating environment. Fairbanks at -40f will differ from Death Valley at 115f. In the last 12-13 yrs, most MB factory fills for Europe and No Amer have been either 0 or 5W/40.

Goatman

All Amsoil motor oils meet or exceed all OEM standards, as they always have.



Same guy who said MB didn't have their own synthetic trans fluid ladies and gents. Awful sketchy...

TMAllison

Good job tip toeing through the goat pellets.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsoil

"Today AMSOIL, INC., markets the XL line of API certified synthetic motor oil [2] as well as many other oil formulations which, although not certified by API, are claimed by AMSOIL to meet or exceed current API requirements."