http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070307005263&newsLang=en

SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Chevron Delo® 400 LE™ Multigrade SAE 15W-40 has received formulation approval for Mercedes Benz (MB) diesel engine oil specification 228.31, covering all Mercedes-Benz diesel engines using Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs). Chevron Delo 400 LE, which already meets MB 228.3, was approved for the new specification without reformulation. MB 228.31 approval requires running the full suite of API CJ-4 tests, plus passing two additional engine tests developed by Mercedes Benz; MB OM611 and OM441LA.


Old news but relevant to us MB diesel owners. Delo 400 is the yardstick and the best value out on the market followed by Delvac Super.

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99 Gurkha with OM616 IDI turbo

2015 Gurkha with OM616 DI turbo

2014 Rexton W with OM612 VGT

15w40 oils flow like molasses in the temperatures we can see up here in the winter....thus I use a 5w40 oil, flows waaay better.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1109170

Delo 400 in a racing engine.......now thats torture test for sure.

I agree using 15W-40 on temps below 0C, in that case its better to use a synthetic formula, having said that, I had no choice but to take my Delo 400 filled Gurkha to extremes like LEH and Ladakh in India where it peformed OK. Starting was a bit sluggish but when warmed up, it stayed good.

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99 Gurkha with OM616 IDI turbo

2015 Gurkha with OM616 DI turbo

2014 Rexton W with OM612 VGT

Isn't the 228.31 the HD truck spec or that carry the car specs too?

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2004 Infiniti G35 3.5L 6mt Coupe 73K miles 25.6mpg ytd
2001 Green Audi TT 225 AWD Roadster 71K 6sp 30.9mpg >>STOLEN<<
1982 300D Turbo 231K 120hp? 28.1mpg YTD

I love my synthetic on cold mornings, engine turns over like its 100 degrees out.

Delo is a good oil, its quite popular in boats.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Check the specs for OM611 or 642 and you will see they recommend 228.31, MB diesels are multi purpose and like the OM616/617, all are used in commercial and domestic auto use.

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99 Gurkha with OM616 IDI turbo

2015 Gurkha with OM616 DI turbo

2014 Rexton W with OM612 VGT

COOL! Especially since that is what I've been using anyway....

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1984 300 Coupe TurboDiesel
Silver blue paint over navy blue interior
2nd owner & 2nd engine in an otherwise
99% original unmolested car
~210k miles on the clock

1986 Ford F250 4x4 Supercab
Charcoal & blue two tone paint over burgundy interior
Banks turbo, DRW, ZF-5 & SMF conversion
152k on the clock - actual mileage unknown

And keep on using it, your engine will thank you, it will outlast i\others.

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99 Gurkha with OM616 IDI turbo

2015 Gurkha with OM616 DI turbo

2014 Rexton W with OM612 VGT