synthetic oil
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 13
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From: Ohio
2000 E320
synthetic oil
I have a 2000 E320, I used synthetic oil for high mileage at the last oil change. I had the oil changed today and my husband forgot to tell them to use synthetic. They used regular. What should I do???
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
Hello -
It depends on how you feel about using MB approved oils. The correct MB approved oil for your 2000 E320 is one that is a Spec. 229.3 or 229.5. The easiest oil to find in auto parts stores in the US that meets this spec is Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic 0W-40 European Car Formula.
In order to use the FSS (Flexible Service System) built into your car you must use an approved oil AND a special polyester (fleece) filter.
If you put in a good quality oil and a paper filter, you should change your oil every 3000 to 5000 miles. The default for the FSS is at least 10000 mi or 1 year whichever comes first. Ordinary oil and a paper filter may begin to form sludge (not a good thing) at that distance/time. Also, when you compare the cost of a proper oil change every 10K-15K vs. 2 or 3 ordinary oil changes during the same period it's cheaper to do it right.
You may want to find a shop which does service on MB cars if you plan to keep this one for an extended period. They will know what oil is needed and use it without being told.
So you have two choices -- have the oil/filter changed again but with the approved oil / filter or leave the oil in and go with a shorter service cycle. I don't think waiting until the next change (3-5K) would cause any damage to the engine.
But there is the worry factor.
Also, for next time, the correct place to post questions such as this is the W210 forum above.
It depends on how you feel about using MB approved oils. The correct MB approved oil for your 2000 E320 is one that is a Spec. 229.3 or 229.5. The easiest oil to find in auto parts stores in the US that meets this spec is Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic 0W-40 European Car Formula.
In order to use the FSS (Flexible Service System) built into your car you must use an approved oil AND a special polyester (fleece) filter.
If you put in a good quality oil and a paper filter, you should change your oil every 3000 to 5000 miles. The default for the FSS is at least 10000 mi or 1 year whichever comes first. Ordinary oil and a paper filter may begin to form sludge (not a good thing) at that distance/time. Also, when you compare the cost of a proper oil change every 10K-15K vs. 2 or 3 ordinary oil changes during the same period it's cheaper to do it right.
You may want to find a shop which does service on MB cars if you plan to keep this one for an extended period. They will know what oil is needed and use it without being told.
So you have two choices -- have the oil/filter changed again but with the approved oil / filter or leave the oil in and go with a shorter service cycle. I don't think waiting until the next change (3-5K) would cause any damage to the engine.
But there is the worry factor.
Also, for next time, the correct place to post questions such as this is the W210 forum above.
