I just brought my ml320 into the dealer to investigate excessive oil consumption. I was told, & confirmed w/mbna customer service, that MB recommends, within the mobil 1 family, 10w30 and 10w40 Trisynthetic. I have read on this board that mobil 1 15w50 has the best additive package. Does mb know something we don't or vice versa? Thanks

Sounds like they're attempting to deflect responsibility for your potential engine problems.

On the FSS equipped vehicles, MB goofed big time. They installed dino-oil from the factory, and then mandated 15,000+ kilometer oil change intervals. That's at least twice what most people feel is a comfortable interval.

Now, MB is experiencing some sludge-build-up problems with the engines in early FSS vehicles. They were sued in the US, and lost big time. Every 1998- FSS vehicle now has a 150K-mile engine warranty (US only).

Now the trick is to prove that your engine problem exists, if you are using too much oil. For starters, MB's idea of too much consumption is pretty high. It's something like 1 litre every 800 kilometers, or something like that. If you do meet that expectation, then you might have a claim.

The dealer may try to send you home thinking you goofed by using the wrong oil.

Go ahead and use 15-40 if that viscosity owrks in your climate, but 10-30 probaly works fine too. I've been using 10-30 Mobil 1 in our cars, and like it. It flows to a ridiculously low temperature (I live in the Frozen North) but seems to provide good warm weather protection too. The 20 "point" viscosity gap also means no viscosity enhancers, which break down before the oil.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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blackmercedes.......

Have you ever looked at the pour point of Mobil 1 15W 50 ?

Just for your info, it is - 45 F.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

There is no 10w-40 Trisynthetic.

The MB factory approved service products list includes 0w-40 and 15w-50 (and NOT 5w-30 or 10w-30).

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Brian Toscano

Well, the dealer did the oil change using my 15w50 mobil 1 and then did the oil consumption test, told me everything seemed OK & said to bring the car back in 1,000 miles so they could check oil consumption. I look forward to reading that dipstick!!