I just bought a 2002 e320 with 88.5K miles but I have no information whatsoever on the past maintenance. I had a '99 e320 in which synthetic oil was always used and my mechanic said we needed to stay with it. I have no idea on this one and so wondered under those circumstances what would you do? (i.e. synthetic or regular). Thanks.

It requires a MB229.5 spec syn oil. Mobil 1 products are popular.

__________________
Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

Amsoil full synthetic, 5W-50 for winter, and 20W-50 for summer. Works great for me!

Mobil 1 recently reformulated, and not for the better. Took a lot of zinc out of their blends.

Thank you! This site is invaluable...

You'll find that most people here use Mobil 1 synthetic.

And there are only 2 Mobil 1 oils that meet Mercedes spec:

0W-40 European Formula
5W-40 ESP Formula M

The latter is mostly for diesels and you can't find it anywhere anyway.

__________________
Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

M1 0W40. Meets the spec required by the mfr and is easily purchased.

And use a "Fleece" oil filter, 0-40 Euro formula Mobil One. My dealer does oil changes at a somewhat reasonable price!