Mobil 1 0W-40
 

My wife picked up 2 cases of Mobil 1 0W-40 oil today for my 98 E320. Thanks to Kuan, who listed several sources of Mobil 1 0W-40, I purchased it from Boncosky Oil Company in Elgin Il (847)741-2557. They are located 30 minutes from my house and only sell by the case at $4.22/qt.

I noticed that the Mobil 1 0W-40 label states "superior sludge and wear protection under severe, short trip operation" which the Mobil 1 15W-50 does not state. Last winter I used non-synthetic 10W-40 weight oil in the winter and noticed that on short trips in freezing temperatures that a white sludge would form under the oil cap.

Time will tell how the Mobil 1 0W-40 will perform on short trips in freezing temperatures.

Any one have experience with synthetic oil on short trips in freezing temperatures?

The white sludge in the crankcase in the winter time is common for a car driven on short trips. There are additives in modern oil that minimize the negative effect of this situation.

If the car is driven about 20 miles or more on each hop, the oil temperature reaches a point where the moisture is boiled off so the sludge is not seen. Changing the weight of the oil would have very little, if any effect on this.

For your climate and usage, I expect 0W40 to be ideal.

Because of your short hop usage, I would highly recommend your oil change interval be based on time rather than mileage, unless of course, you take a long trip or something that runs the mileage up before the time period calls for an oil change. Also, because of this moisture in crankcase situation, it would be very worthwhile to drive the car at least 20 miles to get the oil hot, and then immediately drain it. This way the moisture will be at least partially boiled out, and what has not been boiled out will be stirred up in the oil, rather than sticking to everything inside the engine. Also, short hops, combined with this moisture allows acids to form, the hot oil changes will help greatly in removing the acids.

Good luck,

Seems odd that a MB dealership would use something different from what is actually put in the car during production, particularly if that product is considered to be either the best or of equivalent quality to the best.

Also odd that their costs are that much different - I can't imagine there being more than a few cents involved either way ...

Finally, M1 is a known quant, V Syn may be OK ... but, certainly not in the same usage league.

I have seen 0W40 at a few stores, but I wouldn't get hung up over the specific use of 0w40. For your climate 5W30 would work quite satisfactorily and is very easily foundin Mobil 1. Your engine will never know the difference.

Good luck,

Larry,

I prescribe to the Larry Bible school of oil changes. I changed the oil after my 50 mile trip from work yesterday. I also let the oil drain for a good 5 hours. Due to the fact that I put on only 5000 miles/year, I change the oil twice per year. Once in the fall (winter oil OW-40 & install snow tires) and once in the spring (summer oil 15W-50 & remove snow tires).

I do all of my maintenance so that I can inspect my cars for any potential problems. Yesterday I found a second dead mouse in my E320 stuck under a rubber flap next to the head light assembly. The first one I found two years ago was traped in a frame rail. That car has proven to be a good mouse trap.

Muskie531,

You can mail order Mobil 1 0W-40 from http://shop.store.yahoo.com/parkplacemotorcars/mob1trismoto.html. It will send you back $5.37/qt plus shipping. Another approach is to look up fuel oils in you local phone book and let your fingers do the walking.

I found it unusual that my local MB dealer (parts dept.) doesn't carry Mobil 1 0W-40.