FSS Questions
 

1) Is there a time limit with the FSS System despite mileage? For example, would there be a limit of 12 or 13 months even if the system wouldn't otherwise specify an oil change?

2) Is there some alternative to 0W-40 Mobil 1 that would work with the FSS system? For example could you use 15W-50 Mobil 1 or 10W-40 Redline?

3) How much are dealers charging for 0W-40 Mobil 1?

TIA,
Bud

The owners manual & service book explain it further. depending on car model year, limits can be from 10K to 20K miles or 365 to 730 days between services. Important to note that there are brake fluid services that your service booklet demands at every two years- when at the dealer for this service and check dealer will go over oil service with you.

Mercedes has a booklet that specifies all the different oils you can use and at what ambient temps the oils work best in. call 1-800-MERCEDES (or your dealer) to order a copy.

Dealers are independent and can charge what ever they wish for labor and supplies - call and compare

Thanks for the Info. Two years between oil changes is insane, especially here in Arizona. The so-called free service doesn't cost Mercedes (or BMW) much of anything. Three oil changes, one air filter and one cabin filter. BMW adds one set of front brake pads.

I'll call Mercedes and the dealer to see what they say.

Bud

The latest NewsFlash from MB calls for Mobil 1 15W 50 .
This should work great for you in Arizona. ;)

Thanks Manny, that's great news! I've been using 15W-50 Mobil 1 for years.

I know that when Porsche starting putting 0W-40 in their cars at the factory, they recommended 15W-50 as a replacement because 0W-40 wasn't available in the U.S.

I guess I should buzz down to Walmart and buy more of those 5 gallon containers of 15W-50 now that I know I can use it in my next car:D

Oops, I obviously meant 5 quarts, not 5 gallons.

what model of Benz do you have that takes only five quarts?
My C's take very near the six and one half quarts that is the crank capacity when I do a change.
Did you know that the mercedes crank case can have thei oil withdrawn through the dip stick tube?
I change my 15W50 every 4K to 5K miles.

Those fill for life transmissions seem by many to enjoy fluid changes every 50K to 60K miles for longevity.

Seems like a new car for you that is why I mention it.

I buy Mobil 1 in 5 quart containers from Walmart for around $3.60 to $3.80 a quart. I use 6.3 quarts in my 300E.

If I bought the oil in quart sizes, it's $4.77/quart.

Walmart doesn't have the 5 qt. containers all the time so whenever they do, I usually buy at least 10 quarts. I've been worried lately that if I had too big a supply of the 15W-50, I'd get stuck with it if I bought a new Mercedes. Now that they apparently approve 15W-50 for the FSS system, I'll buy more of it when I can get a good deal.

I still do maintenance the old fashioned way and it's no big deal. The only hassle is putting that cover back on under the engine.

Of course if I got a new MB, I'd have to get a way to suck the oil out.

I believe 0 W 40 may have served as a " break-in " oil at one time, for some OEM's. ;)

When I change oil on my C280 I can always get another quart of oil out the drain by jacking up the right side of the vehicle. Thus I can actually add 7.4 qts. of oil per the owners manual. Of course I use a magnetic drain plug.

I switched to Mobil 1 0W-40 two years ago, mainly due to the cold Chicago winters. Since I switched to 0W-40 I havn't had the "white sludge" build-up under the oil fill cap which occured in freezing weather on short trips which didn't bring the engine up to temperature.

I use to switch to Mobil 1 15W-50 during the summer months but this year I decided to stick with 0W-40. 0W-40 is rated for year round use with the "newer" (112) Mercedes engines because of the tight tollerences.

Well, nothing wrong with 0W 40 in the winter, that's what my dealer uses/recommends for winter driving.
I would be very hesitant to use it on extended trips, or high speed driving in the summer. ;)

As for what the dealer charges for Mobil 1.......

I began using Mobil 1 at my first FSS oil change at 12,000 miles even before the bulletin came out to get away from dino oil. I always put a case and a half in the trunk before heading to the dealer and then one day I forgot. Do it once and I guarantee you will never forget again. $9 per quart at nearly 8 quarts.

Do the math.