[ML 320 CDI]

What Maintenance Book ?

I read all the material provided in the owner manual packet and never
discovered a specification for the correct oil to use in the 320 CDI. Still does not ecplain the 229.31 and 228.51 stickers with 1/2" lettering that says to use this type of oil...

Why are things so hard lately ?

 

[CJzBenz]

You should have a thin manual of "approved products" for your ML. In that manual it states that 229.51 is the specification for diesel ML engine oil. Maybe there is some explanation for the stickers on WIS or in the service DVD package. Nowhere in the approved products list does it give those two specs. Originally I thought maybe it had something to do with the air filters or turbo or something I was not familiar with. Now I think they are a carry over from some other use M-B had for the passenger side air filter housing and should have been removed at the factory.

 

[Wolfgang]

The 228.51 and 229.31 are somewhat older Mercedes-Benz oil specs, which are also suitable for diesel engines with particulate filter and could be used instead as well without encountering problems. The 228.51 is for Mercedes-Benz commercial trucks with diesel engines, while the 229.31 is for Mercedes-Benz passenger diesel engines. But the newer Mercedes oil spec 229.51 for Mercedes-Benz passenger diesel engines is preferable, and that is why 229.51 is the current recommendation. Until such time the Mercedes-Benz engineers are thinking up some new specs.

 

[wadesalot]

Sorry I have not replied. I have been travelling and away from the computer! I got the
5w-30. The 229.51 spec is shown on the back of the bottle. It should be available at any NAPA store in the USA anyway.
More to the story, I had stopped by my selling MB dealer and asked the parts folks for a quart of Mobil 1 for the 2008CDI and they handed me 0w-40 not approved for 229.51. I handed it back. Haven't had time to go back and interrogate the service mngr (whom I have known 30yrs) as to what they are REALLY using in the shop.

 

[wadesalot]

From the MB website there are currently 3 brands approved for the 229.51 spec.
Mobil 1 ESP formula M 5w-40
Valvoline Synpower MST 5w-30
ELF Solaris LSX 5w-30 1
ONLY oils meeting the 229.51 spec are approved for 2007 and up diesels EXCEPT AMG versions.

 

[rick]

Do not trust the MBZ dealer to use the correct oil. I had my oil change performed by the dealer. I knew a mistake was always possible so I taped a 3x5 card on the engine on top of the filler cap with a note reading "caution- Diesel-- you must use the 229.51 spec oil. They still put the wrong oil in. Apparently the mechanic asked the service mgr about my note and the mgr told him to ignore it because all mbz's use the same oil. I had to bring it back for them to drain it and re-do it. I only caught it because I paid close attention the the service receipt.

 

[wadesalot]

I agree! Trust but verify! I will be getting an early oil change before year-end and even though the service folks tell me they use the right stuff, I am going to ask to see the drum they are using. I already know that the parts dept does not carry 229.51 Mobil in qts.
For the DYI folks, Valvoline Synpower is available at your local NAPA store.

 

[LAREDOTEXAS]

soo my i added two quarts of oil today cause it was low.. but used Mobil Devac 228.31.. will this affect my engine?

 

[CJzBenz]

I would recommend having an oil and filter change done as soon as possible. I'm pretty sure that it woun't kill it immediately but if there could be issues with the filter and sensors. It could affect your warranty if something breaks and Mercedes determines or finds out you used the wrong oil and didn't take action to correct it. I do my own changes and order oil from AV Lubricants. get my filters from German Filters.com.

 

[rick]

Delvac is a high quality Diesel oil. It is not what is recommended for Mercedes and the correct answer is to change it immediatly. But-- the difference is minor and relates to additives, it will mix just fine with what was in the engine and being it was diluted and only a top-off, letting it remain just will not make a difference. Oil changes at sooner then recommended intervals never hurt, but there is no rush to do it.

 

[lkchris]

The 229.51 specification describes oil with properties that will not damage the diesel particulate filter. Your engine won't be damaged, but the filter will. It's surely a minimum $1500 item that will not be covered under warranty if damaged by owner error. Adding ANY quantity of non 299.51 oil between changes is prohibited.

 

[LAREDOTEXAS]

The 229.51 specification describes oil with properties that will not damage the diesel particulate filter. Your engine won't be damaged, but the filter will. It's surely a minimum $1500 item that will not be covered under warranty if damaged by owner error. Adding ANY quantity of non 299.51 oil between changes is prohibited.

ok.. so here is where i stand.. 2 quarts will damange or not damange ? I'm at 9K miles and planning on taking it for oil change on Monday... and the truck has not been driven since the oil was added last night.

 

[CJzBenz]

I think you are making the right decision. At 9K you are close to being due for an oil change anyway and now you don't have to worry about it.

 

[am_beagle]

Well after ordering Mobil ESP M formula 5w-40 and the proper oil filter
on line and delivered to my house, today was the day to perform the first
oil change on my wife's ML 320 CDI. I used a pump system to draw the
factory oil out, it did a very good job and pulled all 9 quarts out. I then pulled
the plastic engine cover and changed the oil filter... easy too. It was then
time to add the new oil. What do I discover at the oil fill area (not exposed
when the engine plastic cover is on) but two stickers that say 229.31 or
228.51 approved syn. oil only !

Well the special ESP M formula 5w-40 is (229.51) like the internet says I need to use.... I ended up using the ESP formula since I have about $9/QT already invested and it took exactly 9 quarts. Mileage was 1645 and I like to
change the factory oil soon because of the initial break-in and increased contaminates that are usual for a brand new engine.

Just proves that you can't always believe what you read on the internet.

To add salt to the wound. I recently discover two recommend tire pressure labels on the driver side. One from Continental saying 38 lbs for rear tire , other form MB saying 39 lbs.

 

[CJzBenz]

For normal driving (loads) I don't think either one of those tire pressures are what you want to use. I use the psi's labeled inside the fuel filler door which is either 32 or 35 psi (but I really cannot remember at the moment - sorry). I got pretty good mileage and even wear on the Conti's before switching to Yokohama's.

 

[wadesalot]

To add salt to the wound. I recently discover two recommend tire pressure labels on the driver side. One from Continetal saying 38 lbs for rear tire , other form MB saying 39 lbs.

Do you really think your tire gage is dead accurate to 1psi???

 

[am_beagle]

Do you really think your tire gage is dead accurate to 1psi???

I mean MB provides conflicting numbers. :surrender:

What do I discover at the oil fill area (not exposed
when the engine plastic cover is on) but two stickers that say 229.31 or
228.51 approved syn. oil only . In the manual, they said 229.51

 

[am_beagle]

For normal driving (loads) I don't think either one of those tire pressures are what you want to use. I use the psi's labeled inside the fuel filler door which is either 32 or 35 psi (but I really cannot remember at the moment - sorry). I got pretty good mileage and even wear on the Conti's before switching to Yokohama's.

In the fuel filler door : 32 psi front, 38 psi rear.
In real life, I use 32 f and 36 r and get a nice ride.

 

[zak]

My MB dealer ( MB of Morristown NJ)only uses 229.51 spec Mobil One on all MB's in there shop- so they tell me.
But when I asked to see the emptys , they show me the empty bottles with the correct spec.