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  #1  
Old 03-27-2001, 05:31 AM
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Location: Northumberland, UK
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Just completed 6,000 miles since my last oil change. The car had a "B" service 10 January 2001 at 38,232 miles. It is now 27 March and it has done 44,200. I know the secret to longevity is to change the oil at 3,000 mile intervals, but that would mean every 5 weeks for me!

The ASSYST service interval indicator suggests I will need a service in 5,000 miles. However, I checked the oil level at the weekend and it was starting to look a little dark in colour (although no oil consumption at all since the last change).

I'll probably keep the car for a couple of years at least, maybe more. Should I have an oil change service?

If so, should I change to a fully synthetic oil. My father always uses Mobil 1. At present the car contains Mobil S. I have heard that unless a car has run on synthetic all its life, you should not use synthetic oil as the oil seals will shrink slightly and some minor oil leaks will develop. Is this so? Should I run with some kind of oil flush product for a few hundred miles before the change? Should I change to semi-synthetic first before moving on to a fully synthetic oil, thus making the change gradual?

I know this is an old chestnut...

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Old 03-27-2001, 05:46 AM
David C Klasse's Avatar
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I am sure others will have more accurate information on this, but I will help you with what I can.

Yes, change oil ever 3,000 miles, or 5,000 if you drive a lot, whatever is 'convenient' for you. But I would not wait 10 thousand plus miles for an oil exchange, I don't care if it's synthetic.
I would suggest synthetic oil. To my knowledge, it would be ok for you to put synthetic oil in your car because it does not have that many miles. I think it usually matters at 100 thousand plus miles, and this is even debatable. I hope this helps for now.
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2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
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2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
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  #3  
Old 03-27-2001, 07:16 AM
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All our MBs average 3000 miles a month, and we change our oils once every three months. For the age of our MBs, we use semi-synthetic as I found out that the oil "evaporates" on fully sync. However, if your MB is able to adapt to the Mobil 1 (which happens to be a good oil), then go for it. Do check frequently on the oil consumption if at all you're unsure. Otherwise, semi-synthetic does just as fine.

There is no need to add any oil additives.

Whether you should flush it, I'm incline to say no. Flushing involves a tearing down of some protective layers of the gaskets that may promote leaking, and thus other repairs works coming your way. Its fine to drain the old oil out and add in the new. Do, however, remember to always change your oil filters.

Why is the oil dark brownish? After some running, there would be some form of carbon building up in the engine. Thats normal. Thats why the choice of oil is important for the engine. A good oil will lubricate as well with all the carbon soot than one average one. The viscosity stays intact, and thus protects the engine life and efficiency.

Infact, running an average of more than 15 km non-stop does well in keeping the engine in top-condition than short trips. Long trips will serve to break down the oil and sludge and thus you're have a cleaner engine.

And please, don't add the engine flush and drive unless you really want to strip your gaskets.




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Old 03-27-2001, 08:04 AM
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No engine flush for me, then!

My average trip is about 20 miles or 30km. I'm careful to warm up the car before really hoofing it.
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  #5  
Old 03-27-2001, 02:18 PM
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Switching to a synthetic should pose no problems. I switched our 89 & 93 300E with no problems. I service the cars now every 7500 mi. No flush or gradual introduction is necessary.
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  #6  
Old 03-27-2001, 02:44 PM
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I only change the motor oil on my C250D every 15-20.000km. The car is still running great and my former 190D was satisfied with the 15-20.000km as well, since I sold it (in a perfect shape) with 600.000km.

...changing oil every 3.000miles...4.800km...every 2,5 week...no way...

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Old 03-27-2001, 08:03 PM
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Motor Food For Thought...

I would not hesitate to change directly to Mobil 1 synthetic immediately. Of course, a filter change is expected. I don't think a flush is in order for your engine, as the mileage is quite "young", and the synthetic is completely compatible with regular motor oil.

Never drive a car with an engine flush in the motor! It's not the gaskets you have to worry about, it's the reduced lubricity and solvent characteristics of the motor flush not allowing proper cushioning and lubrication under load! The only exception might be using a quart of ATF as an engine flush to utilize the detergent qualities of the ATF to clean out the varnish build up in the motor on a higher mileage car that may have had neglected maintenance.

More info on synth oils:

http://www.mobil.com

http://www.redlineoil.com

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