15W40 Vs. 10W40 Pro's/Con's, Which ones BETTER? - Page 6 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ProV1 · #76 11-15-2006, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jppowell

In my 97 E420 I have almost 8K miles on my last oil change to Castrol Syntec 20/50. I live in Houston so it doesn't get cold. (It will be a bitterly cold 42F tonight.) I previously used Castol GTX 20/50 and changed every 3K miles. The 20/50 Synthetic has the A3/B3/B4 ratings. The 5/40 flavor also adds MB 229.1 and MB 229.3 to it's list of ratings. A document I read said for MY1997 and earlier without FSS, basically any combination is OK but I am not sure if I am reading that right. And it doesn't mention oil change intervals. My intent is to extend the oil change interval beyond 3K miles. But to how many miles using synthetic oil? And should I change to the Castrol 5/40 synthetic or stick with the 20/50 synthetic? From the pressure chart previously posted, 5/40 seems compelling. This thread seems to be dancing right around the answers to my question, so I thought I would give it a shot.
Thanks,

what's wrong w/ using the dino oil with OCI of 3k miles??

haasman · #77 11-16-2006, 12:30 AM

I always run 10w40 Mobile in the cooler months and 20w50 in the warmer months. Great oil.

If I do a lot of of in-twon driving I change at 5k. If a lot of highway driving then close to 10k.

Haasman

jppowell · #78 11-16-2006, 10:50 AM

Thanks ProV1 and Haasman. The MB service brochure says to change the oil every 7,500. Far too long for dino oil in my opinion. Hence every 3K. But since I do the work myself, I would like to reduce that work which is why I want to extend the OCI. Synthetic is just a means to that end. I like the idea of 5K to 10K depending on driving. I initially changed it to synthetic this summer so I could drive to California and back (~4K miles) without having to change the oil. Now at 8K, it is starting to look dirty so I will change again. I was interested to see what other folks were doing and thinking. I'll check out Mobil 1 10/40. I think I saw it at Costco at a good price.
Thanks again both of you.

ProV1 · #79 11-16-2006, 01:23 PM

jjpowell, if you switched to synthetic already and if you are not having oil consumption, or leaking issues after 8k miles then keep using full synthetic. as far as oil choice, the most popular choices are Mobil1 0W-40 or German Castrol 0W-30 but anything on the MB 229.1 or 229.5 list will do.

Keep in mind that M1 synthetic turned out to be GroupIII oil, not PAO. So you're paying 2x for M1 and it's identical to the cheaper GIII oils.

Lastly, "dirty" oil doesn't necessarily tell you anything. Ppl always freak at dark oil. Get an oil analysis done if you really want to know the condition of the oil after 8k miles

Hatterasguy · #80 11-16-2006, 01:26 PM

Only certain M1's are group 3's. AFAIK and have seen 0w40 and Delvac are still PAO.

Its been known for a while that there Xw30's were group 3's. I am pretty sure 15w50 is now a group 3 as well.

You have to know what you are buying.

trueog · #81 11-19-2006, 06:46 PM

For all you canadians that want to test out 0W30 German Castrol, its avail only at Canadian tire...nationally. Thats the only place I've found it. Its sold as the syntec syn brand in 1 litre bottles, and you'll notice compared to the other castrol syn. 1 litre bottles, that the bottles totally different in apperance and lettering hence it being an import from germany. Its pricy, i beleive it was 8 dollars a bottle. But i've backed off of my experiment to try apparently the worlds best oil after Manny told me about the need for a fleeced filter.

Thought I'd give everyone this update,

take care

manny · #82 11-19-2006, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trueog

But i've backed off of my experiment to try apparently the worlds best oil after Manny told me about the need for a fleeced filter.

Maybe a slight misunderstanding?

229.5 and 229.51 engine oils must be used with fleece oil filter when used in engines with the Mercedes Maintenance System (MY2005+). With FSS paper filters are fine.

It's from 2005 up, that you use the fleece filters.
On your car you can use the oil you mentioned, in combination with a paper filter.

stephenson · #83 11-19-2006, 11:05 PM

God, I love oil threads.

Hatterasguy · #84 11-19-2006, 11:17 PM

You guys need something else to do, like a hobby.

LaRondo · #85 11-19-2006, 11:52 PM

I got a hobby ...

... or 2

ProV1 · #86 11-20-2006, 12:15 AM

i don't think i've seen the Shell Rotella T oils mentioned here yet. I really do believe the Rotella T synthetic 5W-40 is a *great* oil for MBs. and it's affordable for a broke guy like me!

trueog · #87 11-20-2006, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

You guys need something else to do, like a hobby.

You're the one with 11,244 posts ;-)....lol

trueog · #88 01-28-2007, 09:01 PM

maybe the answer to this whole thread is the new standard 5W40 syn. oil. Anyone know how much the dealer charges for this oil? and it would be awesome if anyone knew the canadian dealer price on it.
thanks

trueog · #89 02-27-2007, 03:37 PM

CLEAR WINNER! Quaker State SUV Semi Syntetic 15W40

I have switched over to this oil, and oh boy what a difference it makes! My car hasn't ran this well and felt so powerful in a long time. It's great for Dino car's and gives the added Synthetic properties. I personally have had a great experiance using this oil in my C-Class and would recommend it to everyone. The only odd thing is the bottle saying its a blend for SUV's, but 15W40 is what I need.

I only know one place in canada where they sell it: LORDCO $4.59/litre

For the US, I don't know.

fpharryc · #90 02-28-2007, 07:30 PM

I am not obsessed with oil. Walmart "supertech" oil is good enough for me.
Change it often.

None of my car has problem with Supertech. Go figure. In fact, they are all pretty happy with it. I do complain to walmart about the price hike thse days, though.