R-Class (W251) Produced 2006-2013: R320CDI, R350, R420CDI, R500

R 320 oil changed to Castrol TD 5w40

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Old Jan 3, 2025 | 08:49 AM
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R 320 cdi
R 320 oil changed to Castrol TD 5w40

I recently switched my oil from Mobil 1 to Castrol TD 5w40. https://www.castrol.com/en_us/united...0-turbo-diesel

Overall my engine is smoother and quieter. I was never impressed with Mobil 1 in this car but the MB 229.51 options are limited especially in a 5w40 which I prefer.

I plan on doing O&F change around 5k miles with an oil sample to see how the oil life is given my driving patterns. At nearly 200k miles, I think that 5k O&F changes are probably well worth it.
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Old Jan 4, 2025 | 10:50 AM
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R350
I use Total Quartz Ineo Efficiency as it is rated MB 229.51, $10.50 plus tax and shipping. Total Quartz INEO Efficiency 0W-30 - 1 Liter better buy than Mobil 1 and Castrol in my area.
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Old Jan 11, 2025 | 01:08 PM
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W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
Originally Posted by Giancarlof
I use Total Quartz Ineo Efficiency as it is rated MB 229.51, $10.50 plus tax and shipping. Total Quartz INEO Efficiency 0W-30 - 1 Liter better buy than Mobil 1 and Castrol in my area.
pay attention to viscosity:
A 0w30 oil shears to become a W20 lubricant with lost protection!

these engines need good oil viscosity that means frequent oil service or higher quality w40/w50 ester oils.
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Old Jan 12, 2025 | 04:22 AM
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If you're worried about Viscosity over the life of the oil, take. sample at the next change abd get it tested. They'll compare the actual viscosity of the sample against that stated from the manufacturer. I had a recent sample tested and the analyst I spoke to was surprised to see that my oils viscosity was as stated by the manufacturer, even after 6,000km.
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Old Jan 12, 2025 | 12:57 PM
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R 320 cdi
I plan on OCI around 5k miles from now on. I agree with the comment on shearing and viscosity. Originally, the truck was getting M1 5w40 ESP but along the way (perhaps due to availability) the oil was changed to 5w30 or 0w30 which is silly IMO even if it meets the MB 229.51 specification. The difference between the M1 5w30 ESP and the Castrol TD 5w40 is night and day in my truck. I plan on taking an oil sample at my next O&F change.
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Old Jan 12, 2025 | 06:09 PM
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R350
MB Approved 229.5

Just to be clear there is a difference between an MB approved 229.5 motor oil and one that meets the specification.


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Old Jan 12, 2025 | 07:34 PM
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R 320 cdi
Yes. The Castrol TD 5w40 meets the MB 229.51 spec which is why I selected it for my use. I had a difficult time finding a 5w40 229.51 oil as it appears as though Mobil 1 no longer has it available.
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Old Jan 13, 2025 | 01:12 AM
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W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
the difference is not only approval paperwork its about effective viscosity.
Meaning two "MB Approved" 5w40 lubricants age differently... far from being equal!

Viscosity loss is what you want to avoid to preserve baseline performance.
When the engine gets laggy, the tranny gets confused.... stable oil viscosity is essential.

Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Jan 13, 2025 at 01:13 AM.
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Old Jan 13, 2025 | 05:15 AM
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The MB229.51 spec has a lower ash content than 229.5, which MB says is critcal to the DPFs on diesels, so the extra cost and effort of the .51 is warranted for diesel owners.
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