Yes, there is a distinction.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand. Svc rep said this is the oil they are stoking now, for everything. This is what he put in my 97. So, safe to assume whatever it is is good enough for the CDI engines - per the TSB posted here.

Hmm.........5w40 is a grade I've only seen in Delvac 1, and that would make sense, sense the new CDI needs it. If so, I'm pretty happy! I might just keep running it. Makes for a near-sterile gas motor.

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former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL