There wouldn't be any difference between a 97 non-FSS and a 98 FSS - both 119.980s. The impetus for the FSS lawsuit was the new-in-98 112/113 motors, not the carryover 119s or 104s. But the class was defined as all FSS equipped cars, hence the language on the approved oils list.

FSS Lawsuit??? Tell me more.



BOBB

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'98 S500 W140.051 119.980

Just an example lol dont take it so serious. Pretty straight foward if a car has been run on conventional oil then contiune with conventional oil. If it has been running on synthetic from day 1 then use synthetic oil.

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

The 2001 suit alleged that the extended oil change intervals of FSS were causing excessive oil consumption, rod bearing wear, oil sludge and other internal engine failures. It was settled in 2003 with MB agreeing to provide some service coupons and an extended warranty covering oil related engine wear. In return the class, which was all FSS car owners of the era that did not opt out, agreed to the synthetic oil requirement. The FSS approved oil list for the U.S. is a product of that settlement. The rest of the world is still approved for conventional oils in the same cars. Again the whole thing was a 112/113 motor issue. The 119 motors just went along for the ride.