My FSS Compared to Oil Analysis Results 1998 E300
 

When I got my 98 E300, I was intrigued by the FSS and wondered how reliable/trustworthy it was. Most seemed to think it could be trusted and thus be relied upon for oil service intervals.

But I wanted to see for myself. So I changed the oil at 8200 actual miles....the FSS said I was on pace for 14,900 miles. My oil analysis is below.

FWIW the oil analysis tech said he'd be comfortable with a 15k drain interval based on my results. I may be a bit more conservative and drain at 10k, which would put soot at 1%.

Anyway, just wanted to share the results and see what comments anyone had on the data.

My 99 typically went 16-18k between changes. It was heavy on highway miles so easy on oil. Blackstone labs always showed the oil had plenty of life left even at that useage.

You can't find this oil which meets spec locally?
0W-40 Synthetic Oil | Mobil 1™ 0W-40

Yes, it's readily available. But I have no concerns about the 5w40, in part because of the following note from my OA tech when I raised the question:

Spec sheets are significant for new vehicles to maintain warranty, but typically once a vehicle or component ages, the lube technology advances, but the original spec does not. I make dozens of recommendations every week, and try to always understand the mechanical reason behind the spec and what demands are placed on the oils. Automatic transmissions can be tricky due to friction modifiers, and the Detroit Diesel spec from years ago was very specific regarding low ash oils. GM introduced Dexos 2 years ago and it was brilliant for them from a licensing standpoint, but has no real lubricant value. Oil companies typically will test and pay for OEM approval if the potential sales will pay off in the long run. In the Mercedes case, not too many manufacturers are going to chase the MB spec, because the sales aren't there....especially Mobil where they are always evaluating the payoff. (A few years ago Mobil introduced one of the best 2 stroke gas engine mix, I have ever used, but the market wasn't there so they discontinued).

In your case, I feel the 5w40 will perform exceptionally in your engine, and I like that product in gas engines as well because it has exceptional anti-friction additives and high detergent.

M1 0W/40 is the same oil that was used as the factory fill originally. At the time it was named M1 European Blend.

FWIW: I run the 5-40 TDT in the om617, an 86 civic, a 95 odyssey, and a GY6 clone scooter. It's nice to have one oil to rule them; and the stuff has the benefits mentioned above, just look at the Ca, Zn, and P on that chart. You won't find any gasahol oil boasting those numbers...

IF you're not using 100% full-synthetic oil - do so. FSS seemingly got caught with it's pants down via a lawsuit on a sludged-up W210 or other MB, that was using approved conventional engine oil, 14-years ago or so.

TMAllison, may remember (if he bought his 99 E300 new) the letter from MBUSA assigning a; 10-years or 150,000 miles engine warranty, IF 100% full synthetic engine oil was being used in our cars. (Other MB models of that general vintage may also have received the MBUSA warranty/offer information too - however I owned my W210 99 E300 from new, so it gave me the information directly from MB as the 1st owner of record - as well as giving me a strong incentive for me to actually keep the car for at least 10-years or 150,000 miles, which I had planned to since buying the car new.

Bottom line is that the conventional engine oil will not perform as well as the 100% full-synthetic. -A word to the wise is sufficient.

That's very interesting, thanks for sharing the results of the analysis. One thing I noticed when I rebuilt the injection pump is that the calculated load is much lower since the throttle position for a given engine output is lower.

I immediately noticed that the oil change interval went up by about 30%. Consequently, I have moved over to changing oil when the FSS still says there are 2000 miles to go. Next time around, I'll make a note of the mileage and see how long it takes to go one change cycle.

To me your analysis looks outstanding. Interesting it was pointed out to me that the moly and boron were noted as wear and contaminants respectively, where in fact they should be listed under additives.

The other thing I find interesting is the zinc level is a bit higher than what Mobil 1 nominally list TDT at, 1250, in the product guide. I wonder what a virgin oil analysis with the same lab would come up.


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I guess my only lingering concern about going, say, 15k miles is the fact that M1 is not Group IV base stock and that it might start to shear at some point. Since I have a large supply of M1 from that ridiculous Autozone sale, I may just so somewhere in the 10-12k range.

I wouldn't be concerned about shearing, there is speculation TDT has group 4 and 5 additives and has been proven to go 20k with good UOA results. 15k should be just fine for you.

Just think, your original estimate of 7 years supply can now be stretched to 11 years! :eek:

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