Just discovered this board recently. It is great! I leased a 98 ML320 when the flexible service interval called for infrequent oil changes. Being an old car buff, this seemed too long an interval. I changed it instead at 5500 mi intervals since new . Vehicle now has 41000 and uses no oil. Since almost new has a slight valve train noise. Dealer says it is nothing . I have a good option to buy shortly. I have always used regular oil. Would it be wise to switch to synthetic oil if I decide to keep this vehicle? If I do purchase I would get an extended warranty. Which one is best? Thanks for any help Danny

Even though you are a little far away, I could do the service on the ML. I would get the Warrentech warranty. The reason is the Starmark extended warranty locks you into the dealer.

With the Warrentech, you can go to any MB shop (MB Autowerks is the best and have repairs done. Don't get the least expensive one, they don't cover anything. Also, shop around. Some dealers are less expensive on the extended warranty.

I read a service information that was sent to ML owners. It urged them to change to synthetic oil. If I had one, I would use synthetic and change it at 5k intervals.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

Donnie is right on.

If you only plan on short term ownership, its a draw. use synthetic at a higher cost to you with no short term gains, or use regular dino oil at a reduced cost, stick with short change intervals.

If you do plan on keeping this car for a long time, synthetic is a must. I'd jump for a high quality synthetic and, at a minimum change it every 7500 miles. I currently run 15,000 mile intervals with Mobil-1 in all my gas vehicles (ranging from 122,000-260,000 miles) with oil analysis to prove its safe. Its up to you, but if you plan on keeping the car, go synthetic! Better yet, take it to MBAutowerks and let them do the work!

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Matt
2003 Jetta Wagon TDI 145,000MI
1999.5 Jetta TDI 287,000MI
2001 Suzuki SV650S 26,000MI
2008 Yamaha Vino 125 11,000MI
http://www.crazymatt.org