Fried Soon System

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Hello All,
A couple that I know, owns a '99 ML430.
The wife mostly drives this vehicle.
They have been following the FSS on oil changes and it has over 70,000 miles now. While talking to the husband tonight we determined that it's been over 10,000 miles since the last oil change. He's now complaining about intermittent valve noises.
He told me that he had to add oil before the last trip and his wife chimed in "The guy at the dealer said you're not supposed to do that!". Any opinions or suggestions?

What's the current consensus on ignoring the FSS and changing oil much more frequently?

Thanks in Advance and Happy Motoring,

Mark