oil consumption
 

I never followed FSS. After the first 1,000 miles, I changed to Mobil 1 (the factory fill was a dino 10w40). I use 0w40 with a filter and oil change at 5,000/7500 miles. Since new, my 1999 (8/98) does not perceptively consume oil.

Interesting Followup!
 

Greetings! Well, looks like my ML does not burn any oil at all or at least not any appreciable amount. Since I thought it was almost a quart low based on the measurement on the dipstick, I took my ML into the MB Dealer even though it has only been 4000 miles since my last A Service. Turns out I was checking the oil level at the wrong time! The oil level (pulling the dipstick) should be done at normal operating temp! Nobody ever told me or I didn't read that anywhere, so I was checking it first thing in the morning before I even cranked up. So when the MB Tech checked the oil level as I had just drove in, the oil was almost full! Since I was already there, I asked the Service Advisor to go ahead a perform the A Service but he advised against it! Hmmm...He said it was a pure waste with only 4000 miles since the last service. So, I took his advice and drove away free of charge. Interesting, huh?

God Bless!

Rick

All Mercedes that I know of are calibrated for measuring the oil at operating temp after the oil has had time to return to the sump. Also, not checking the oil on perfectly level ground can make an appreciable difference on the oil level on the dipstick.

Good Knowledge!
 

Thanks, Ali! Here I was all "concerned" about my ML burning oil and being almost a quart low and I was measuring wrong! Amen. Now I know!

Hey, I notice that you have a Klein bike. Great! I have an 2001 Klein Adroit Race, one of the last bikes built by Gary Klein when he was still in Chehalis, Washington and Klein was Klein, not Trek. Awesome bike. It is still in mint condition and I consider it a piece of artwork. The Adroit Race was painted with that Chromalux paint (at $1000/gallon) that changes colors as you view at different angles or light.

God Bless!

Rick

Yeah, the Kelin is a great bike but a pretty stiff riding frame. I have pretty much beaten the hell out of it by now and don't ride it too often.

I mostly tool around on the Merlin now. I am a believer in titanium.

I must echo many others in that I change oil on my 2002 ML 270 CDI half way between the Service Assist interval - roughly at 11,500 km (approx 7,000 miles).

I use Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 as that is what the dealer uses.

Good luck on THAT warranty!
 

Good luck getting Mercedes to honor that warranty. Depends on your regional MBUSA rep and whether or not his coffee was acceptable that morning. My local rep has basically told the dealership to tell me to pack sand. He says that if there is no sludge present, then I will be responsible for the repairs and the cost of cracking the case. They've told me that since it's got 130000 miles of synthetic oil usage, that any sludge that MAY have been present will be gone by this point. The truck burns a quart every 600 miles, and has burned oil since 45000 miles, gradually worsening. They know and I know that the damage was caused by their own reccomendations when the vehicle was new, but they refuse to do the right thing. I'm not willing to let them crack the case and then tell me there is no sludge present or it doesn't meet their specifics. The cost of that will be more than the vehicle is worth. It's very disheartening to buy a vehicle based on reputation and end up with the shaft because of the companies unwillingness to stand behind their reputation and product. Again, good luck to you...

Nice to know that Mercedes lost a class action lawsuit and is still trying to weasil out of paying for their own self-induced problem.