43sqd,
I am truly sorry for any confusion that my original post caused to you, or any others on the forums. I posted the kit with the Mobil 1 because of its excellent price for a complete differential service kit, especially a kit with all of the items coming directly from the Mercedes-Benz Dealership. I was unaware that so many people took issue with Mobil 1, especially since it is a product recommended by Mercedes-Benz, and meets API GL-5 specifications. I doubt Mercedes-Benz would sell this oil at their dealerships if it caused damage to customers vehicles.
As far as the 85W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil (
000 989 28 03) that you mentioned as being for the ML, you are indeed correct. This oil, which again, is an 85W-90 can be used in the ML. In fact, in the WIS (Document No. BB00.40-P-0231-01A), there are two circles filled in for 'Front axle (4Matic)' and its recommended fluid specifications, as well as SAE grades that can be used noted to the side under SAE grade. One of which is 85W-90 for the Can Be Used oil. On the sheet you will notice the two circles, one is an empty circle (meaning CAN BE USED), which corresponds to Specification Sheet 235.0 (which, by the way, is the specification sheet on which you will find
000 989 28 03). The other circle is a solid circle (meaning SHOULD BE USED), which corresponds to Specification Sheet 235.74 (which is the sheet on which you will find
001 989 33 03). That is for the 'Front Axle (4Matic)' only.
As for the rear differential / 'Rear axle model 163' (Per Document No. BB00.40-P-0231-01A), there is only one circle, a solid one (meaning SHOULD BE USED), and it is under Sheet No. 235.74 (Once again, the sheet that shows
001 989 33 03 as being the only genuine Mercedes-Benz oil to be used).
As was pointed out in my previous post, you will do no damage to your differentials by using a 75W-90 vs. an 85W-90. In fact, you will be offering protection to the gears and bearings at lower temperatures, and covering a broader temperature range.
I am not trying to talk anyone out of using any grade of oil that they choose, from any manufacturer that they choose. After all, it is your car and it is your choice what products you use and who you buy them from. I am only trying to offer the products that Mercedes-Benz recommends for this vehicle. If you would prefer to use the 85W-90, which again, Mercedes-Benz approves for use (Per Document No. BB00.40-P-0231-01A), by all means, do so. We carry it, along with many, many other Genuine Mercedes-Benz service products. You can find it on our site
HERE.
Attached to this post, you will find the WIS Document BB00.40-P-0231-01A. Notice that under 'SAE grade' it list 85W-90 as well as 90 (indicating that it is not a multi-grade oil suitable for Winter use), and an empty circle under 'Sheet no. 235.0, meaning that the 85W-90 oil (
000 989 28 03) CAN BE USED, and also notice that there is a solid circle under Sheet no. 235.74, meaning the 75W-85 (
001 989 33 03) SHOULD BE USED. Again, also notice that there is ONLY A SOLID CIRCLE under 'Rear axle model 163' (Meaning the Rear Differential in W163 Chassis M-Class vehicles) for Sheet no. 235.74, once again, meaning that
001 989 33 03 SHOULD BE USED in this application. Notice also that under 'Rear axle model 163' there is no empty circle for Sheet no. 235.0 meaning that oils on Sheet 235.74 are the ONLY oils that should be used for the rear differential in the W163 Chassis M-Class. The only genuine Mercedes-Benz branded oil on Sheet no. 235.74 is
001 989 33 03. The only other product on this sheet is a Mobil 1 product.
Please have a look at Oil Specification Sheet No. 235.74 as provided by bevo.mercedes-benz.com
HERE.