What engine oil to use for Mercedes R 320 CDI. I called my local Mercedes Dealer and found out they would use Mobil 1 0w40.

Searching the internet I found different oil types and viscocity: mobil 1 0w30 or mobil 1 5w30, castrol slx 0w30.

I would like to know what your dealer use for your 320 CDI.

 

Viscocity numbers are not what you should be concerned with.

Your car requires very special motor oil that meets Mercedes specification MB229.51. 229.51 MUST be printed on the bottle or otherwise the oil withing does NOT meet the specification. 229.5 is NOT the same as 229.51

Anything else will poison your very expensive diesel particulate filter and if you do that with the wrong motor oil it will NOT be covered under warranty. Read "anything else" to mean don't add ANY QUANTITY of anything else, for example a quart between oil changes. My GL has an underhood sticker with this warning, but not sure about R. It applies whether sticker is there or not, of course.

For all intents and purposes in the USA you are limited to Mobil 1 Formula M ESP 5W-40, which is available at Mercedes dealers and PepBoys and hardly anywhere else. (ESP means emissions system protection)

BTW, your dealer must have misunderstood that you have a diesel, because the 0W-40 Mobil is the wrong oil for your car. It's only 229.5

 

The parts manager at Mercedes dealer is telling me that according to my vin number the engine fit to my car model 2006 R-class 320CDI does not have diesel particulate filter. That is why he recomend this engine oil.

There are some diesel engines that have DPF that need mobil 1 ESP.

 

Oh, you don't live in USA. Couldn't tell.

 

My dealer in Madison Wisconsin puts Mobil 1 type "M" 5W-40. It's the same year round. (2008 R 320 CDI with 52,000 miles)

I go for 10,000 miles between changes and maybe add 1.5 - 2 quarts between changes.

I've had no issues.

 

I have been reading that R class burn oil, I would like to know if only 320CDI or all other engines.

If only 320 CDI is that the same case with all 320 CDI on all other models of mercedes.

 

You know - most diesel engines are expected to burn some oil.
I do not think my 1.5 - 2 quarts for every 10,000 miles is excessive.

To add a question to yours, does synthetic oil have the same consumption rate as conventional oil?

 

Valvoline SynPower MST 0W40 "european formula" is also rated MB229.51

 

There are a few different brands that offer the correct oil, Total/ELF, Fuchs, Motul, Quaker State (only european formula), Valvoline, They do exist but mostly only wholesale level not available to the average consumer at a local gas station or autoparts retailer.
The thinner the oil the more it is likely to burn, 0W30 being the worst. I try to use 5W40, it is the thickest available in low saps around here. I have never had to add oil yet, almost through two services so far. I don't use much power either though and always plug it in when cold.

 

You have a block heater? Was it stock? Whats the deal on this one?

My C240 had a block heater stock but was just missing the cord/plug. It was cheap at the dealer.

 

Def a factory installed one on mine, located just above the oil pan on the front of engine. The cord is routed up to the pass side headlight area. It is a nice alloy housing integrated with hose fittings etc, not just a hose heater but not a frost plug heater either. I will someday install an oil pan heater also...and maybe a webasto diesel fired heater to heat it when there is no power available.

 

I'm not sure what it looks like yet, but the dealer assures me my new 2012 R350 BlueTEC diesel will include a block heater. I could not find it specifically listed on the order sheet so we asked. May be included within "460 - Canada-Specific Equipment"? Expecting the car late March.

 

Sounds like standard in Canada--definitely not in USA. Probably not in Aruba, either.

 

I would use mobil 1 5w-40 diesel oil, not the 0w-40, and especialy not the esp oil. The mobil 1 5w-40 diesel oil will be better for your diesel engine.

 

2007 R320 CDI Oil Info: Forums like this are very helpful to me, so I thought I'd share my oil selection experience as well. If I suggest something does not correspond with your understanding, please let me know. Now to the OIL ... so, I've come to understand that our 2007 R320 CDI has a 'Diesel Particulate Filter' (DPF) and this model engine calls for a fully synthetic oil with the Mercedes specification "MB229.51" on the rear label. Take note of the ".51". This spec must not be confused with unapproved "MB229.5" -- ".5" -- which is NOT designed for vehicles with a 'Diesel Particulate Filter' (DPF). Again, the correct spec is "MB229.51" and not "MB229.5". The typical "MB229.51" recommendation I've found "Mobil1 ESP Formula M 5W-30 Fully Synthetic Motor Oil" in one of the following weights: 0w30, 5w-30, or 5w-40. There is not a Mercedes dealership in our town and the NAPA, AutoZone, Advanced & O'Reilly stores do not carry, but will order the correct oil. It may also be ordered online from places such as Amazon and OIL CHANGE KITS (.com). NOW SOME POSSIBLE GOOD NEWS ... There is a BMW dealership in our town that performs routine Mercedes service. They carry "Castrol Edge Professional OE Full Synthetic 5W-30", which is clearly labeled with the "MB229.51" spec AND they sell it for $7.49/QT (their list price is $10.64). Since I no longer mess with oil changes at home, I take my own "MB229.51" spec oil and "Mann filter (HU 821 X Metal-Free) to my reliable quick change shop, where I pay $25 for the oil change and oil disposal. Knowing that R320 oil pan cover removal can be a pain, I've gotten in the habit of speaking directly to the pit tech before the work starts and explaining to him that I understand the cover removal removal is a pain -- and I'll hand him $10 and thank him in advance for getting it right -- and they always do. I've never had an issue. --So, in summary, my oil changes run $119 + $10 tip or $129, broken down as follows:
- 9.5 Quarts of Castrol Edge Professional OE Full Synthetic 5W-30, MB229.51: $81.08 (tax included for 10-quarts)
- 1 Mann oil filter - HU 821 X Metal-Free: $12.21 (all in from Amazon)
- 1 Oil Change fee for carry-in: $25.50 (tax included)
- $10 tip to the pit tech to properly manage the pan cover and drain plug removal and re-install
I hope this is useful info. Again, if you have info to add or see any issues with my oil selection, please let me know.
Good luck and enjoy your 2007 R320 CDI
-FIBERTOWNER

 

just found a great site that lists MB spec and oil
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevoli...51&suchbegriff=