MB229 vs. ACEA B3/B4 vs. API CI-4 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JHZR2 · #1 07-07-2003, 03:10 PM

Hi,

I have been running diesel rated dino oils for a while now with good results. However, since I tried delvac 1 this past winter, my car seems to run better. So, I think I want to use a synth all the time.

After reading the diesel list on mbz.org, my impression is that for mercedes-Benz vehicles. the MB229 spec is more important than any other. In lieu of that information, the ACEA rating is the next most important, namely the ACEA B4-02 rating for diesel engines.

I have been using delvac 1300S for the last change, because it is priced well, has a nice shot of moly, realy good HTHS rating, and I dont have to worry about additive clash if I want to mix it with delvac 1 for better low temp performance. However, it does not state its ACEA rating (I would guess it would be E3/E4/E5 for HD diesels), and it does say that it is good for MB 228.3, but thats a HD spec.

That said, I have to wonder about using it... Any universal oil in the xw-40 range should be good, particularly if it is a CI-4 spec oil (so that it is designed for use with an EGR engine). But, at the same time, MB does do significant oil testing, and I trust that very much. Because of that, I am considering using M1 15w-50 because of its CF (an inferior but still good spec) diesel rating and MB229.1 status. or, M1 0w-40 because of its MB229.5 ststus (Im leaning away form that one, because its quite thin)

I know oil has been debated lots of times before, and im not trying to start a debate. I know a lot about lubicants and lubricant design, etc. But what I do not know is the following:

-Is the MB spec the most/only important factor in these cars (partticularly the older ones like my 83), or can a high API/ACEA spec be substituted?)
-Do the MB 228 series specs cross to thge 229 spec for diesel engines? If so, how?
-Did the letter from MB stating the suggestion for use of synthetic in all MB cars, even those before the FSS pertain also to the older diesels?
-Does anyone have any substantial evidence that doing cold startups with a lower viscosity oil, in the summertime has an efect on overall wear, due to the thinness of the low viscosity oil?

I like to have the best oils for the money to usein my car, but at the same time, these cars hgave their own oils specs, so I want to be sure that teh best oil for the engine design is beiung used, not just an oil that meets good generic (API/ACEA) specs, if I can do better...

Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks

JMH