you said....."Well, whatever it is, I'm going to keep using it based solely on my excellent experience with it."




You do that. Back in the day, I was on the VW TDI forums with some friends saying the same thing about using oiled-foam air filters, modifying ECUs, etc, all because WE KNEW BETTER than the VW engineers.

Sadly, I went through 5 airmass meters on my TDI, and ultimately melted - yes melted - the injection pump due to amateur foolery. Ah, but it was fun to think I had outsmarted the engineers. Throw in some Autozone tranny fluid while you're at it - hey, it's cheaper!

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former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL

Thanks for your concern. However, let me remind you that we are talking about two 300Es, almost 20 years old, each with close to 200K miles, one of which I opened up and it was super-clean inside. Neither engine has ever required anything more than routine maintenance, except the '90 did get new valve seals, which eventually led to a new oil pump because of the foreign object the mechanic dropped in the engine. My amateur foolery seems to be working out quite well.

These engineers you praise are the same ones who are responsible for radiators with necks that break off, evaporators that leak, valve seals that leak, head gaskets that fail, etc, etc.

If there had been negative consequences of my choices, I could better understand your holier-than-thou attitude, ya know? You may have torn up your VW with your modifications, but my two MBs are faring quite well. You are comparing apples and oranges.

And the fact is, I have always used WalMart transmission fluid, too. Both transmissions are fine. Amazing, isn't it?

And it's not because I can't afford "good" oil. It's simply foolish to pay extra for the same product.

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

Well for me, 3k a month in "severe" conditions, and plenty of redline runs makes me feel a lot better with a good additive package in an oil that can go 6k between changes - I suppose if you're an easy driver and also change it every 3k, sure, you'll get 200k out of it. You also don't have a 722.6 trans, like I do - so pardon the trans fluid statement.

I can't imagine how it would behoove MB not to put the cheaper oils on the list, unless they had a reason not to. I presume someone will come from the sidelines and say MB is in bed with certain suppliers and are being paid to list certain ones. If you value your vehicle and want the maxiumum durability over a lifetime, why would you not go for the best additive package, one that can suspend the most debris for under the worst conditions?

I've spent $300 in unexpected repairs over the last 48k miles. I also burn zero oil between 5-6k mile change intervals, and as far as using shell gas since 100k, I'm on the original fuel pump and injectors......never a stumble.

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former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL

I am an easy driver but I don't change the oil every 3K miles.

I'm sure your choices are appropriate for you, just as mine are for me.

Tell ya what, I won't criticize you for using what you like, and you show me the same respect. Fair enough?

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560