SL/R231: Oil consumption.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 48
Likes: 20
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2020 E350L - 2018 SL450
Oil consumption.
I just noticed my oil was a bit low in my 2020 E350 (no notification/another problem). I checked my SL which is OK in this case. This lead me to look up the oil section in the SL manual to see what they recommended for oil replacement.
I noticed it mentioned that the engine could use .9 quarts per 600 miles.
Doesn't mention the engine though. DUH. I have the 3.0?L.
Seems a bit high to me, any empirical data available on this topic
I noticed it mentioned that the engine could use .9 quarts per 600 miles.
Depending on your driving style, the vehicle consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 liters) of oil per 600 miles (1,000 km). The oil consumption may be higher than this when the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at high engine speeds.
Seems a bit high to me, any empirical data available on this topic
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
I have owned three SL’s, Two 550’s and one 450 and none of the three use any oil between changes. I drive spiritly but am not abusive.
Last edited by Utopia Texas; May 12, 2022 at 07:47 PM.
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Engine size usually is NOT a factor in oil consumption as some four cylinders consume as much or more than the amount specified. I would guess that is a worst-case scenario. Honestly, that amount seems like a LOT to me. Unless you have an oil leak somewhere, high consumption would be a sign of bad piston rings or an excessively worn engine or bad turbo bearing seals. My 2004 Audi TT225 with the original engine and turbo has almost 250,000 miles on it and does not consume any significant amounts of oil, maybe ½ quart between changes (every 5000 miles).
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
The oil consumption data is not important for the US.
Oil consumption only really happens in Germany when you push the engine for sustained periods.
The last SL we drove in Germany was a newish (3 months old) 2018 SL450 and that engine used a liter of oil in about 1500km during our trip.
This is normal. You should see fuel consumption at full speed
Oil consumption only really happens in Germany when you push the engine for sustained periods.
The last SL we drove in Germany was a newish (3 months old) 2018 SL450 and that engine used a liter of oil in about 1500km during our trip.
This is normal. You should see fuel consumption at full speed
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Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 165
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From: Stockport UK
SL 350 R231
There has to be tolerance's in bearing / piston rings etc otherwise the motor will seize / freeze up. All engines that do high mileages / cars and indeed trucks will use a a certain amount of oil. I had many years ago a Opal Manta that was in beautiful condition with low mileage, but it did use a slight bit of oil between services which I had no problem with.
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Some engines are known to have higher consumption than "normal". I had a VW 2.0L AEG engine that seemed to require topping off a few times between changes.
