my 300TE oil analysis results - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ps2cho · #1 08-10-2011, 02:55 PM

Hey I saw a bunch of bumped threads....so figured why not throw mine up.

Right before the oil change, my radiator hose burst and temps rose to the red mark before I was able to pull over. Could that be the noted higher than normal copper wear?

I figure I will pay for the analysis once more next oil change just for peace of mind.

Here it is:

S124300 · #2 08-12-2011, 04:53 AM

Surely a large proportion of those elements would be present in the new oil anyway, esp as it isn't top notch fully synthetic, low ash, etc, that you would put into a modern Benz car.
I suppose it might be your warmer climate, but 15W40 is thicker than recommended in the GB and European markets for an m103 engine. Factory fill was 10W40. Two different dealers filled our m103s with Mobil 1 0W40 for years (sedan filled from 88 k miles) and Shell 5W40 (Wagon filled from 175 k miles). At 208 k miles the wagon is filled with Mobil 1 and doesn't seem to use any between changes, apart from out of that perennial timing cover leak.

ps2cho · #3 02-24-2012, 10:44 PM

Just did a second one....same metals wear it seems...

Anybody know if this just how my engine is wearing, or can it have anything to do with running condition? (I have a very, very small rough idle)

It would be GREAT if someone else with a M103 could post up their results to compare?

Something VERY interesting about my analysis -- The first oil change was Shell Rotella-T, 2nd change was Chevron Delo 400....seems Delo has more Zinc (anti wear) in it?!
Also, same with Phosphorus (anti-wear) and Magnesium (detergent) and even Boron (detergent)
so, can we conclude Delo is greater than Rotella?

duxthe1 · #4 02-24-2012, 11:47 PM

I've never found any use in these type analysis. I'm from the school of thought that if its right its right. If its not right there's really not much you can do about it. If the bores, bearings, pistons and rings are failing then the engine will be condemned soon enough. Given the price involved in a Mercedes rebuild, it makes much more sense to just replace. So I'm a "change the oil on time" and "run it till it blows and drop in another" kind of owner. From my perspective you're spending money to worry about something you cant change.

That said, its your peace of mind, and your money so my opinion doesn't really count for much. I'm sure the guys that get paid to do it would rather I just keep my mouth shut.

JamesDean · #5 02-26-2012, 08:09 AM

I still have to send in my sample from the 300SD. I took it back in October/November!

I think they're interesting analyses.

ps2cho · #6 02-27-2012, 08:03 PM

I agree with you duxthe1....But I think that the analysis probably has its place in a non-overemphasized fashion.

I think that the higher-than-average aluminum, chrome, and iron is probably from the fact I have the pre-hardened M103 camshaft + rocker arms since those elements typically come from the upper-end according to Blackstone. I asked Blackstone the question on "how elevated" are we talking with my readings -- give it to me in laymans terms!