Shell Rimula motor oil!!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

190D22 · #1 10-19-2002, 11:01 PM

I changed my oil yesterday with Shell Rimula 15W40. It's made especially for diesels. The API service rating on it is a CH-4. And with the filter only cost me 13 bucks for 6 quarts. On the back it has all of the major diesel manufactorers listed that it is ideal for, Mercedes-Benz included. So far it has made that cold start up ticking not last as long, and the oil pressure comes up quicker as well. Though... I'm not so sure about the viscosity... The parts store dude was kinda pissing me off because he kept saying "15W40 is what you're supposed to use in diesels, and this here book says that mercedes diesels of that vintage should use 15W40." I had the intention of going to a lighter weight oil for the winter. But I actually just went to a hair heavier weight.

I was going to go with the Mobil 1 'Higher Mileage' formulation, but he said that he's always heard that you shouldn't switch to synthetic on a high mileage car and that it turns to sludge... Never heard the sludge part before.

But this Rimula oil seems pretty good, since it's recommended for the big rig diesels.

Any thoughts you all may have are greatly appreciated.

Joe Blowe · #2 10-20-2002, 02:27 AM

I'm know there are more highly qualified "oil nuts" on this board than me, but from I what I read at http://www.shell-lubricants.com/Trucking/products.php3 I don't see the point. Why not choose Rotella 15W40?

https://thegenesisnetwork.equilon.com/genesis/prodinfopdf/out/RIMULA%20PREMIUM.pdf

https://thegenesisnetwork.equilon.com/genesis/prodinfopdf/out/ROTELLA%20T%20MG.pdf

190D22 · #3 10-20-2002, 10:44 AM

They didn't have Rotella. All they had was SAE30 in rotella. They did have 10W40 rotella in gallon jugs, but it was more expensive for the same ammount and had a lower API service rating.

ck42 · #4 10-20-2002, 01:03 PM

I recently just made the switch to synthetic....after hearing of all the reports of leakage after switching too.

The car didn't leak a drop before the change and so far after my first change with the synthetic...it still hasn't leaked a drop.

Also, I've NEVER heard of sludge being created after switching to synthetic!! If anything, switching to synthetic will CLEAN OUT any sludge in your motor!

If the extra cost of synthetic isn't an issue with you and you still want to make the switch for whatever other reasons, then go ahead and give it a try.

190D22 · #5 10-20-2002, 02:33 PM

Well I figured that guy was just an idiot. Things he's told me in the past, when I've shopped for various things, I've gathered that he doesn't know what he's talking about. So it appears this is the case again. He was clueless when I asked about the API service rating.

I think next time I'll go with the mobil 1. With the synthetic can't I just change the filter at the usual oil change intervals and change the oil half as often? Or is it wise to just go ahead and change the oil at the same time to keep the engine running its best?

ck42 · #6 10-20-2002, 03:14 PM

From what I've heard, the MB oil filter is good for 10-20Kmi...except for extreme conditions.

As for change intervals using synthetics, the limiting factor here will be the soot suspension capacity of the oil....even if the oil only has 100mi. on it, if the soot levels in the oil are higher than what the oil is rated for, it will need to be changed!

CF rated oils are rated for for about 2%. CH-4 oils can suspend about 4.2%....this would seem to indicate that the CH-4 4 rated oil should last about twice as long.

on a side note, MBZ has rated Mobil 0W40 as an extended drain interval oil....apparently, not even Delvac1 carries this label...so it seems that Mobil 1 0W40 would be superior to Delvac1...not sure of the 0W40's soot capacity, tho it should be up there.
Mobil 1 15W50 is only rated as an ordinary drain interval oil but once again....it's soot capacity should allow it to go longer.

ANyway...the more you ask and listen, the more opinions you'll get on this matter. Bottom line, I've heard enough reports from those using Mobil synthetics who've done oil analysis to feel totally comfortable DOUBLING the change interval. Many of the reports actually show the oil within all tolerances even after 10Kmi.

If you're paranoid, after switching, at some interval like 5kmi., 7kmi., etc., get an anaysis done on the oil.

Chris
'85 300SD

190D22 · #7 10-20-2002, 10:47 PM

Well I'll change the rimula at 3K (that's my usual interval) and keep using it. I feel it's safer to change it more often than I should since I want to keep this car a while.