Oil additives such as Prolong...

[yambrovich]

Well everyone, let's see if we can start something here...

What is the downside (if any) to using the additive Prolong in my MB engine(s)? It sounds like a good thing, beneficial without any apparent downside.
Does anyone have any bad experience with Prolong (in particular)? I've seen their "info-mercial" and it sounds like a great product.

We have an '89 300E with 100K miles and a '92 190E 2.3 with 168K miles on it and I'm interested in extending the engine life as much as possible.

let's hear what you have to say!!!

Thanks in advance for the wise and passionate discussion that is sure to follow...

------------------
Jay Yambrovich
1989 300 E
1992 190-E 2.3

Remember Slick 50 several years ago?

[yal]

Do a search we've been through this a few times already.
The consensus was if its too good to be true it usually is! The crazy info-mercial with the car driving around in the California sun with no oil just a bottle of prolong is a joke. Come on! I dare you to do that to your car. Also a lot of these additives have not been through a lot of long term testing which means that the effect on an engine over time when they break down is unknown.

Finally, most of these companies are under investigation by local consumer affairs commissions, I suggest you call your local one up.

just my 2 cents. And get ready for some others.

[jeffsr]

Jay, spend the money on a good synthetic. Search the posts here. There is one I recall that linked to a site that had some research about this subject. Basically these additives are a waste of $$$...
Oops, I found the link, here it is.. http://www.bmwe30.net/tech/motor_oils.html

------------------
Jeff Lawrence
1987 300e
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

[This message has been edited by jeffsr (edited 08-23-2000).]

Wow Jeff, what a killer article! Recommended reading for all of you guys.

OK I have heard that after having a lot of miles on your car using regular oil that it is a no no to switch to synthetic. Whats the reason for this?

The reason I ask is that I would love to switch to synthetic oil, but have 150k miles logged on my car with regular oil. I try and change the oil every 2k to 3k, but dont know what previous owners did.

So is there anything I can do to safely switch to synthetic? Or am I better off staying with regular oil?

It's a 87 300E.

[yal]

The problem is the gaskettes and seals in your engine, after 150K, have gotten use to dino. Synthetic gets into every nook and cranny you can think off. If there is a weak area in your engine Synthetic will find it! I think sticking with the oil and change schedule you are keeping is fine.
As our fellow shop member Larry would say, change it hot and change it often!

[Zoonhollis]

I wouldn't pour that pseudoscience crap (Prolong, that is. Sounds like an erectile-dysfunction medication) in my engine if you held a gun to my head...

------------------
Matt
------
Grey/black '84 300D, 194K

[andy day]

If the oil is changed often enough, ANY additive is over the top I reckon !

[revbond]

Regarding the Prolong infomercial: The FCC ordered the manufacturer of Prolong to stop the claims in the infomercial because the claims were neither provable nor reproducible. So forget about having your car do laps n the hot desert sun sans oil (or anything close to that)! Betcha haven't seen that infomercial in a while.

John

[taaboo]

The best part of the Slick50 debacle was the class action settlement. From what I've read and confirmed through a friend who got the coupon, the lawyers got their big fees, and the class - you and I - got (drum roll please) a coupon for a free bottle of Slick50.

8^0

BEH

I just have to say, I have used Prolong in all my cars. MB 16V, Lexus SC400, Honda Civic and I also use fully syntheic motor oils in all my cars (Mobil 1). My 190E 16V, does have some engine noise. It does sound like a car with a carb in it. However, after adding Prolong in the engine. The engine noise decrease. And before adding Prolong, sometimes I have to crank my engine 2-3 times before starting. After using Prolong, the engine usally starts up on the first crank. I know many of you are against Prolong. However, I have use the product and strongly believe there is no harm but only benefits your engine. I use it and will use it again.

[Zoonhollis]

This is purely anecdotal evidence, and as such, is not very convincing to the rest of us. Show me some good, hard, OBJECTIVE research on the benefits of Prolong, and I'll rush out and buy a whole case...


--------------------------------------
1984 w123 300D, using Chevron Delo 400
--------------------------------------