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G55, LM002, H1,
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150 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
The question is, what is better for our M117 engines?

Does anyone have any long term comparisons or opinions?

I LIKE the idea of using Synthetic because of temperatures...That makes me lean towards the Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 15W-50.

However, the additive package of the Brad Penn may be better, in the 20W-50 choice, even though it is a semi synthetic.

The latest 15W-50 Mobil Full Synthetic I purchased had the following quote on the container:

"Mobil 1 15W-50 contains extra anti-wear protection (zinc) for high performance engines. Its high viscosity provides a thick oil film to protect critical engine parts. Mobil 1 15W-50 race proven technology is suitable for a wide range of motorsports applications."

The label also says Mobil 1 15W-50 "Anti-Wear protection for performance vehicles"



Any thoughts on this, gentlemen?
 

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'89 560SEC, '90 560SEL
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702 Posts
I'm using M1 15W-50, and I think it's a good oil for the 117. It's got about 50% more zinc than most of their oils (1300 PPM), and it's a good weight for higher-mileage engines (especially in hot weather). That being said, it has more zinc, but I have no idea how much is truly ideal. One thing I like about Mobil is the amount of info they make available on their oils, I've found it almost impossible to find basic information on some companies oils. This link has more information specific to the oil in question. It may not be the best choice out there, but it seems like a good one to me.
 

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G55, LM002, H1,
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150 Posts
Discussion Starter · #4 ·
I love Amsoil, and use it in most of my vehicles. That being said, it was a surprise to me that the M117 in my G-Class seems to run best on the Mobil 1 product. I have had Amsoil 10W40, Amsoil 15W40, and Amsoil 20W50 in there. I ran the 10W40 for only 1000 miles and I used it as a flush, since it is thin compared to the 15 and 20 weight oils. It also has high levels of zinc, but I know that the weight is not ideal for our M117 motors.
 

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1989 560SEC
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2,065 Posts
I have a friend with an 89 Porsche 911 that swears by Brad Penn. I am going to give it a try on my next oil change. It's price and you have to buy it by the case but I'm told its worth it. Jono of Blueridge recommends it as well.

Mike
 

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'85 500SEL Euro (UAE spec) w/ ECE 560
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403 Posts
On the last oil change i put in Mobil Special 20W-50 into my Euro 560.

Mobil Special

Car seems to be happier and the oil significantly reduced a tapping sound that has come up on two cylinders as a result of incorrect oil usage in the past (Caltex Havoline 10w-40 and Shell Helix HX5 15w-40).

However i should also note that the car's driven rather hard rather often in Karachi summers with temperatures ranging between 32 and 38 degrees.
 

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1991 560SEL Black with gray
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251 Posts
Mobil 1 15w-50 good?

Getting an oil change Thursday - looking to buy the right oil. I have 86k miles on my 560SEL (NA spec). I see Mobil 1 15w-50 available at Pep boys.

Currently has whatever the dealer puts in (10w-30). And the dealer only has 10w-30 and I don't think I want that for summer driving. Thoughts? Suggestions? Need to source it local since my appointment is so soon.

Thank you!
 

· Registered
1966 200 1979 300TD 1991 560SEC Metris (1991 300TE-24, 1983 300SD, 2000 C280 in the family)
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310 Posts
The old stand-by was to use Chevron Delo 400 when most motor oils when API specifications were limiting the amount of Zinc in oil to prevent catalyst "poisoning". The newer formula you find at auto parts places is the "LE" formula with lower levels of Zinc, around 1100 ppm I think. What I use, and what was recommended at the time in the days of the API SG service rating is their "Multigrade" formula. It has 1450 ppm of Zinc and come in reasonably priced 5 gallon jugs at the trucker depot.

Its also nice that my Diesels and the M117 use the same oil :)
 

· Registered
1991 560SEL Black with gray
Joined
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251 Posts
The old stand-by was to use Chevron Delo 400 when most motor oils when API specifications were limiting the amount of Zinc in oil to prevent catalyst "poisoning". The newer formula you find at auto parts places is the "LE" formula with lower levels of Zinc, around 1100 ppm I think. What I use, and what was recommended at the time in the days of the API SG service rating is their "Multigrade" formula. It has 1450 ppm of Zinc and come in reasonably priced 5 gallon jugs at the trucker depot.

Its also nice that my Diesels and the M117 use the same oil :)
Is this it?

Chevron 5G-15W40 Delo 400 LE SAE 15W-40 Motor Oil - 5 Gallon : Amazon.com : Automotive

I don't think I can source any oil for my Thursday appointment. Not sure what I should go with now!
 

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1985 300SD 1988 560SEC 822 1976 450SEL 1981 300SD
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1,084 Posts
+1 on this..Rotella 15/40 too..

The old stand-by was to use Chevron Delo 400 when most motor oils when API specifications were limiting the amount of Zinc in oil to prevent catalyst "poisoning". The newer formula you find at auto parts places is the "LE" formula with lower levels of Zinc, around 1100 ppm I think. What I use, and what was recommended at the time in the days of the API SG service rating is their "Multigrade" formula. It has 1450 ppm of Zinc and come in reasonably priced 5 gallon jugs at the trucker depot.

Its also nice that my Diesels and the M117 use the same oil :)

..seems to work well in aircooled Suzuki GS1100E, wet clutch or not...you save big when you buy the big barrel!
 

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1987 560SEL Astral Silver/Silver blue leather,Michelins,SONY
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821 Posts
FWIW: Put the Brad Pitt oil in my 87' 560SEL about 8 months ago. Engine very contented. Never burned much oil and seems to burn less than that now. Starts right up, settles down in a few seconds and then just sits there at 5-600rpm and purrs so quietly you can't hear it running 15 feet away.
Awesome.
 

· Registered
1984 500SEC Euro, 1985 300TD, 1986 560SL, 1993 300TE
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240 Posts
FWIW: Put the Brad Pitt oil in my 87' 560SEL about 8 months ago.
This guy Brad Pitt makes motor oil? Awesome



Just messing around, of course:D

I tried out Brad Penn 20W50 on my last oil change, first time using it. Been probably 500 or less miles since changing, no complaints at all. There are times when my car will run very quietly as well, noticed it quiets down a lot especially right after exiting the freeway. I wonder if that has anything to do with the oil? Not sure, but don't have anything bad to say about the Brad Penn oil. Ordered it from Amazon, forget which seller but whoever was offering a case at the lowest price.
 

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'84 500 SEC Euro 040 black Lorinser 2005 sl500
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2,514 Posts
Getting an oil change Thursday - looking to buy the right oil. I have 86k miles on my 560SEL (NA spec). I see Mobil 1 15w-50 available at Pep boys.

Currently has whatever the dealer puts in (10w-30). And the dealer only has 10w-30 and I don't think I want that for summer driving. Thoughts? Suggestions? Need to source it local since my appointment is so soon.

Thank you!
Just picked up some Valvoline VR1 20-50 dino today at O'Reilly Auto Parts on sale for $3.99 a quart. I think it is at 1400 ppm zinc content but you may want to double check.
 

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1989 560 SEL ... and way too many Lincolns
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530 Posts
Sorry if I am hijacking but, I was about to start stocking up on some supplies for when Spring finally gets here for my 560 N.A. and Brad Penn 20w-50 was at the top of my list as I know alot of people here swear by it.

I just went to their site and it says the High Performance 20w-50 may harm Catalytic Converters and is not recommended for cars equipped with them ... the only other 20w-50 they seem to have is diesel rated and export only. Is the 20w-50 Racing Oil what everyone is using?

I'm a bit confused :confused:
 

· Registered
1989 560SEC
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2,065 Posts
Sorry if I am hijacking but, I was about to start stocking up on some supplies for when Spring finally gets here for my 560 N.A. and Brad Penn 20w-50 was at the top of my list as I know alot of people here swear by it.

I just went to their site and it says the High Performance 20w-50 may harm Catalytic Converters and is not recommended for cars equipped with them ... the only other 20w-50 they seem to have is diesel rated and export only. Is the 20w-50 Racing Oil what everyone is using?

I'm a bit confused :confused:
It's the ZDDP additive that kills the Cats. I am running Valvoline VR-1 20/50 Racing oil. The only reason it's rated racing/off road is because of emissions and the zinc is a Cat killer. I will try Brad Penn soon.

Mike
 
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