I use Mobile 1 in all my cars. For my 1988 560SL I use Mobil 1 0W-40 European Formula. I belive this is recomended for all MB's even the older ones. I was able to purchase the latest oil requirments sheet from MBUSA and this is what they recommend for year round use.

On all my cars I change the oil 2 times a year. This has averaged over 8000 mile intervals for both my 88 560SL and my 92 3.0L V6 Ford Taurus.

My Taurus now has 211,000 miles. At about 185,000 miles I had a transmission front seal leak. To replace the seal the either the transmission or engine needed to be pulled, (about the same amount of effort). Since I was concerned about a timing chain with 185,000 miles one it I elected to pull the engine and replace the timing chain as well. When I removed the timing chain It was clear that there was absolutly no need for replcaing the timing chain. This was the first time I have seen an American V style engine over 80,000 miles this tight. So I am a beliver in Mobile 1.

Now that being said all oils have become better over the years. the previous time I pulled a timing chain on an American V style engine was probably 1988.

John Roncallo