bkfastwagon

I went on a trip to New Hampshire yesterday with my 16' E63S wagon (which is a fantastic long trip cruiser), and on the way back 'Check engine oil level: Add 1 liter' light came on to my surprise. Maybe I shouldn't have been surprised. I should've had a quart of 0W-40 with me on the trip but I didn't and that was my fault. Anyhow, I checked the dip stick and the level is indeed below the minimum line. Now, it was late at night and the only gas station I found did not carry 0W-40 or anything that had MB approved 299.5. The closest thing I could find was Castrol Edge 5W-40 which MB 299.3. I had a choice of driving it with low engine oil level or put in this oil (which I did). Next day I checked with service manager about this to which he says not to worry about it (which all the service managers say all the time).

In short, I put in a quart of 5W-40 oil which is MB 299.3. Is this not a big deal or should I have engine oil changed?

Thanks
BKfastwagon

BerndV

One quart of Castrol 5W-40 mixed in with eight quarts of M1 won't hurt anything. Leave it until your next oil change.

looney100

I vaguely recall one of our tech guys telling me that different grades of oil wouldn't mix, but would stratify. If I were you, I'd change the oil. Quality oil is cheap insurance in my opinion.

sloanbj

I didn't realize these things burned so much damn oil.

Fairbird

16 E63amg asking for oil , great , unbelievable ****

BerndV

This is nonsense. Different grades and different brands are fully compatible. Educate yourself about Tribology basics:

https://bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/

MTV10

Surprised?

Fairbird

no , have an idea about amg quality

Astolfo

My 2015 with 11k miles never needed one drop, but then I do not do the break in as recommended...always drive the engines hard (after proper warm up) from the minute I get them.
the 2016 has only 500miles.

bkfastwagon

I bought the car with 6K miles so I don't know how it was broken in. I certainly have not babied it and the car performs flawlessly. I myself use aggressive break-in method on new purchases. From what I've read, most engines are designed to break in slowly over time so that optimum efficiency would be achieved around 25K miles. Most AMG owners do not own their cars that long though...

looney100

Nothing in the link you have provided contradicts my point.

I simply questioned whether the two oils would mix into a homogeneous solution, or remain separated.

I also suggested a $50 oil change would be cheap insurance to protect a $20K motor, since the oil pan contained oil that did not meet specifications.

You consider these points to be nonsense?

Is it your position that all engine oils, regardless of brand, grade or certification are compatible and safe to use in an AMG? Someone has stated that they've put oil in that doesn't meet the required specification needed to maintain warranty, and you suggest that advising a change is nonsense?

bkfastwagon

True story: I stopped by my dealer the other day and spoke with a guy running around in a white coat (he must know something right?) in the service area. I asked him what the difference is between MB 299.3 and 299.5, and his answer was "the amount of oil." He told me I shouldn't worry too much because the difference is only a tiny amount. I don't think this guys was a tech, and I certainly hope not. For those who don't know, 299.X is the code for types of oil approved to use in certain MB engines ( 299.3 I believe were for previous gen engines). For instance diesel engines use 299.31 or 299.51.

looney100

+1

The numbers are very important. My E63 uses 299.5, my wife's E250 Bluetec 299.51. Two very different applications, despite 1/100th difference in spec. number.

Fairbird

where is this price for oil change came from ?

BerndV

What is nonsense is the notion from the tech you referenced that the oil would "stratify". I seriously doubt that he has had much formal education in chemistry. The page I linked is the first page of dozens on that site that would provide you with a relatively comprehensive non-specialist understanding of lubricants.

homeofstone

In the case stated above I doubt oil would stratify. However, in cleaning out an old garage which had some cans of oil that had been sitting on the same shelf for over 35 years; when I opened a can of the oil it had stratified into several layers.

fastlife23

hi po engines burning oil is nothing unusual and nothing to be worried about. especially boosted motors which have rings which allow a bit of oil by into the combustion chamber

chiromikey

+1

looney100

I can buy 5L of Mobil 1 0W40 from my local Canadian Tire for $30 Canadian. I do most of my service myself, as I can do it better, faster, and cheaper than any local shop.

looney100

Actually, the tach I referred to was a pHd chemist that worked in the tech department of one of the world's major lubricant brands - he was beyond reproach. What may have been iffy is my memory, as the conversation occurred 15 years ago.

Also - thanks for the bobistheoilguy link. It's actually quite good. I did some further reading, and found - in chapter eight - this tidbit which would seem to further support my position that the oil is best changed ASAP: "For optimal results you are not supposed to mix synthetic oils of different brands." it appears as if additive packages used between manufacturers may not play well together.

BerndV

Mobil 1 FAQ:

Can different synthetic engine oils be mixed together?
Mobil 1 is fully compatible with conventional engine oils, semi-synthetic engine oils and other synthetic engine oils if you need to mix them.

http://www.mobil1.com.sg/academy/faq.aspx

kponti

And in most cases, the oil is not in the engine long enough to matter, stays hot to prevent separation if that was even possible to begin with, etc etc.

alland30

wondering how come you have a dip stick on that car?

fastlife23

Wow so does that tech with PhD have some mind blowing students loans to pay? Also was he/she an honor roll student who was never in trouble with the law?

omega_jeff

Would doing an oil analysis on the mixture give you the answers you're looking for? It sure couldn't be any worse than some of the internet engineering that's happening here!

http://http://www.blackstone-labs.com/