MB dealer's use 5W-40 because they can buy it in bulk and that way they make more money from you.

The 0W-40 is the actual spec oil and is best for our engines. If you care to do the research the Mobil 1 0W-40 actually has a different special formula for anti-sludge, especially higher phosphorous, and with the very small oil galleys in the MB engine design (as well as Porsche, BMW HP, and the VW V-8's) that added anti-sludge component was the reason for the original MB spec.

I would guess a majority of DIY owners here (including me) stay with the original spec oil, the $35 or so higher cost in oil is justifiable over a 10K oil change interval and better with better piece of mind.

To be fair to all, there are those that have been comfortable running a off-spec oil such as 5W-40.

For me, at one time I went with Mobil1 ESP Formula 5W-40. I had a short weekend to owrk on my ML, local stock of 0W-40 was zero in my area that weekend, and I said what the heck.

In my story 3K miles later I hated the sound of my engine, and wneth thru the whole process agin to put the spec oil back in there. Maybe was psychological, but I am not that schitzy of a guy.

Do what you feel..

 

Cheaper and easier for the dealer to stock just 5W-40 since thats what the diesels and AMG require anyway.

 

I know it is just one opinion - probably wrong opinion - but i felt like when using 0w 40 it was using oil more then 5w40...i like 5w40 better.

 

Ditto for me, different car, same engine as some of the ML-Class. My consumption decreased significantly once I started using 5W40. But we have to remember there are 2 types: 5W40 ESP Formula M (229.5) and 5W40 Formula M (229.5). The ESP, unless something has changed, is only for the diesels.

In my area, the Formula M is impossible to buy in quarts but I found a case online from AVLubricants in Ohio. Even they had a hrad time locating it for me, it was in a different warehouse. But since the dealer put it in there I wanted to use the same thing for the make up quarts.

 

Without going into viscosity and flow capabilities, if you take the time to go to a MB dealer for service, you expect that service to be done using MB recommended hardware and software. I haven't looked at my service manual, but if 5-40 is not the recommended, then make get them the recommended oil. If it is, then there's no problem at all. Now if you are DIY or using an independent then I believe we can make an argument on oil weight & viscosity used. I use 0-40 but don't necessarily use factory recommended 10-30 on my Nissan.

 

Dealers have been hosing owner's for years 5-6 years on oil - ever since Mobil 1 stopped providing 0w-40 in 55 gal drums then boom, it was 5W-40 in drums in dealer bays only.

Since dealers change to 5W-40, then almsot all the indies did too.

It's off-spec, and not a crime per se, if questioned a dealer will pull up some old-old service bulletin (not the spec bulletin mind you) saying MBUSA "approved" the usage of 5W-40.

It's all bullshit that puts $15 more dollars in the picket of the dealer with lower cost oil.

 

if you guys are consuming a lot of oil in your ML's.
Would like to inform you that you can get your short block replaced at no cost. In other words - they will rebuild part of your engine. There was a class action law suite that MB lost. I had my short block replaced 3 years ago and I don't lose a drop of oil now. If you ask the dealer about it; he is going to look at you like you have been drinking all night. I had to speak to MB main office and get the service manger involved. You can research this and walk into the dealer with the print out. If your ML is consuming more than 1qt of oil within 3000 miles - you can get you short block replace at MB cost. They held my truck for about a month to do the job, but no more oil consumption.

 

The suit extended the engine oil sludging and burning to 10yr/150,000 miles so any
163s past that point are no longer covered.

 

My engine is fine with the 5w 40 .

 

I think you are likely to be late to the party for sludge warranty work. 10 years on, 1999 models with organic oil recommendation would be the target to be covered.

See my post here

I got an engine rebuild (not a shortblock replacement).
No oil usage since then, and engine runs quiet and clean.

 

Old thread but ti thought I would see if any new info is available.
I am taking my (07 CLK550) in for a oil change-firs since I have owned it (bought at 24k miles now has 27k) and need to bring oil to the shop(indie that does MB's but specializes in BMW and VW-he uses Total (INO LL ).
I have a friend in the parts business and he can't get Mobil 1 5W-40 unless its the ESP,I guess its 0W-40 is the only choice correct ? Suggestions?

thanks

 

Old thread but ti thought I would see if any new info is available.
I am taking my (07 CLK550) in for a oil change-firs since I have owned it (bought at 24k miles now has 27k) and need to bring oil to the shop(indie that does MB's but specializes in BMW and VW-he uses Total (INO LL ).
I have a friend in the parts business and he can't get Mobil 1 5W-40 unless its the ESP,I guess its 0W-40 is the only choice correct ? Suggestions? thanks

The Total comes in a 5w40 that is just fine for the ML specs and meet the MB approval spec.
It is called Total Quartz 9000. You can get it at a place called oilchangekits.com. If your indie gets Total for VWs then he can get the Total Quartz 9000 in the 5w40 weight.

Amsoil has recently made a European car 5w40 that is MB spec 229.51 and is also approved by MB at this list here.
https://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolisten/229.51_en.html

 

Either should be fine. I run 5w-40 in my ML and 0W-40ESP in my E320 CDI

 

No the 229.51 is different.
Our M113 and M273 V8s should be running 229.5 according to MB, but all the dealers in our area have been using 229.51 oils for these V8s.
I am confused by it all. I wish the dealers would be consistent with what the BEVO lists posted by MB say.
Check out post number 42 in this thread. It has a chart of what engine goes with each rating number.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211-e-class/1527535-amsoil-vs-mobil-1-a-2.html#post12311713

 

I would like to think I am a pretty technical guy but I am getting a bit confused as well,229.5 (and it must say "approved") 229.51 for the low splash diesels-and apparently the V8's that call for the 229.5. ,its almost like they are trying to make it confusing.

I have found these charts,and now think I may go with the (229.5 "approved) Total Quartz 9000 Energy 5w30 for my M273 (or your M113)

MB 229.5 - Multigrade engine oils (Specification 229.5) - Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Operating Fluids

now of we just do like the MB dealers do and use the same bulk oil for all with the 229.51

MB 229.51 - Low SPAsh multigrade service engine oils (Specification 229.51) - Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Operating Fluids

 

I have used nothing but 0W-40 in my ML55 and my CLS55 and its my understanding that this is an AMG issue because of the tolerances of those engines. I have no oil usage in either of mine to speak of and the ML has approx 130k and the CLS has 77K. If it ain't broke don't fix it. ;-)

 

Me too. Not to mention that we have some pretty brutal winters here in New York and that 0W really helps startup when its freezing out.

The only PIA for me is that none of my local stores carry the 5 gallon jug. (I've only seen this are animal once. It does exist!). So I have to lug 8 containers around.