My dealer says trust the new "Flexible Service" light -- its supposed to go on when you need an oil change. However, the dealer said it might be 10 -12,00 miles before it comes on.

No way! I'm not going to wait that long to change my oil after spending $40 K on this vehicle.

My question: Will changing the oil every 3,000 miles affect the "Flexible Service" monitor and/or computer??

I would follow the service light. For one, it does monitor oil quality, and two, your 320 engine hold about EIGHT quarts of oil. The biggest scam going is 3,000 mile oil intervals. My BMX 325ia went 9,000 miles on average between changes with ZERO oil problems. I have no fear the E320 I now own will be just fine at 10,000 mile intervals. Heck, the standard iron sold is recommended to go 7,500 miles with 5 quart sumps. If you're really worried, use a good synthetic oil such as Mobil one. Don't believe the service interval ? Have a lab check a sample of your oil. You'll find its fine.

rower30@globalsite.net

With the high quality of oil today no body with a vehicle less than 15 years should change the oil at 3000 mile intervals. But I wouldn't go over 8000 miles of city driving without changing oil either! YOU bought it so you make your own choice on mileage but at some point in time WE ALL need to conserve our natural resources!! & oil is one of them!

We are suggesting to roughly half the mileage you usually have between the light coming on. If you think it will be on at 10K, changing the oil at 5K will suffice.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I too have my doubts about the oil service reccommendations on the new Mercedes but considering the quality of oils today, I wouldn't worry too much about the extended change intervals. By the way, the computer does sense the addition of new oil and calculates the change intervals acordingly.

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I,ve seen the oil filters that have over 10k miles on them in the 112 engines that are in the ML320.They crumble in your hand when you change them.If it was my investment I would change my oil at least 5k intervals or whenever you rotate your tires.