Does anyone know what the limits of zinc, phosphors, and moly are in the newer MB 229.3 engine oil specification?

My understanding is that the newer 229.3 spec really should NOT be used in MB's that DO NOT have FSS or that are on a 3K-5K miles oil & filter replacement program.

Supposedly for emission protection of the catalytic-converter and
marginally higher gas-mileage, the new 229.3 spec is calling for lower levels of wear additives (e.g., zinc, phosphors, and moly/ZPM), but still having a high interval rate (e.g., 8-10K miles between oil changes).

Speculation has it that MB doesn't WANT their products to last past the 1st or 2nd owner (designed obsolence, and out of warranty), and wants to keep the maintainence level low (e.g., long-life oil and never-fill trannys) at the expense of overall product longevity.

Comments on the two issues ?

Perhaps we need some virgin oil-analysis of 229.3 oils against the late 1980's early 1990's MB oil specs.

Initial MSDS specs I've seen show lower ZPM's in the 229.x compliant engine oils.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

Neil, I'm not getting a virgin analysis done but I will be getting an oil sample done on some 0W-40 Mobil 1 within about a month. I received several kits from Blackstone Labs the other day so I can do my car and my wifes car. The oil will have 5k miles on it but if the sample comes back good I'm thinking about running it to 10k miles with just a filter change at 5k. No sense in changing it if it's still within spec. I almost feel guilty changing at 5k miles if it's supposed to be good for 5 times that!!! We will soon see. I will post the results when I get them back.

JetForeman

Last time I " analyzed " a virgin, i ended up marrying her.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

your quite a character manny, funny guy!!!

I just noticed you have a 00 C230K too. Did you get the special edition?

No.........just a cheap " Classic ".
But I keep seeing a C 43 in my ( wet ) dreams.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

Mo power huh? Just turn off the ESP and do some smoke shows, that might dry up your dreams a bit

We will discuss this further over a few beers.........whenever I make it to Atlanta.
I am actually contemplating visiting MB Autowerks sometime for a little " Pep Kit " ( Booster kit ).
Have to send the wife shopping in the mall that day, to keep her occupied.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

sounds good, just let me know and I'll have some chilled when you arrive. Maybe I'll have my wife take her shopping, then there's no drinking interuptions!!!