Do dealers still use synthetic when changing oil in older MBs?
 

Howdy,

I know that MB dealers are supposed to use Mobil 1 when they change the oil. But, with there being some fear of leakage when switching to synthetic oil in older cars, will they still use the dino when changing the oil in older cars? If they do recommend dino for my car, can I specifically request Mobil 1? Thanks for any info

Simon
1979 280E 125k "KGB"

My understanding is that they only automatically use Mobil 1 when changing the oil in a car that is model year 1998 and newer.

I am sure they will use it if you request it, but be ready to pay through your teeth for it. The costs are reasonable if you change it yourself.

I just had my 82 in for trans (manny tranny) and differential changes. They used Mobil1 ATF in the manny tranny and Mobil 1 gear lube in the differential. I do my own oil changes, but when I asked, they said they would do Mobil 1 in the oil change unless otherwise instructed. Service manager said they would prefer to do Mobil 1. They would provide any other oil requested (at an additional price, of course). They did not have Delvac1, which I use.

Here's the deal on Mobil 1 oil:
In model year 2000, the maintenance is included (paid for by MB) during the warranty period (4 years/50,000 miles). Per MB, when performing the maintenance services on these cars while still under factory warranty, we are to use synthetic oil. Preferred is Mobil1 0W40, but there is a short list of other approved oil brands. Once the car is out of warranty, it's up to the owner to decide what to use, period. If the dealership takes it upon themselves to mandate to the owner what they will use for oil, and the owner is willing to allow this to happen, and everyone is happy about that, well.....fine.
MB did send out a notice to other MB owners as well about switching to synthetic, I am unsure if this is only to owners of the vehicles of 1998 and 1999 with the modular V6 and V8 engines or exactly who got these letters, but I do know MB wants synthetic ran in these engines in the worst way, but they aren't paying for it, except in the 2000 on up that are still under warranty.
Gilly

I recently had an oil change in my 97 W210 and the dealership did use synthetic oil. I don't know if it was Mobil 1 :( Should have asked. All the invoice says is 'Euro Synthetic Oil'.

The Service Tech said that since MB recommends an oil change every 12,000km, they are using synthetic to keep up with the prolong durations.