Quote:
Originally Posted by Kestas
Hatterasguy, not everything we see is the result of the engineer's doing. Much of what we see is the result of what the managers, bean counters, and tacticians saw appropriate. Remember, this is the same company that released the disintegrating wiring harness insulation design onto the public. It is wise and prudent for us on the internet to second-guess the "engineer's" decision.
Personally, I think they spec'ced Mobil1 0W-40 synthetic for a number of reasons:
- The dealer can stock a "one-size-fits all climates and driving conditions" oil to simplify their shelves.
- Simplify the thinking it takes to pick the proper oil for a client's vehicle.
- Reduce the number of goodwill engine replacements because of owners who neglect their oil maintenance.
- Reduce the number of free oil changes during the warranty period.
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Completely agree with Kenstas.
I used to consult for a software company. I could not believe that the "technical guides" are written by folks in the marketing department. When it comes to disagreement with engineers, the sales/marketing folks actually have the final say, LOL.
The 0W-40 recommendation is not the gospel. It is to reduce user errors. It may not be the best for a particular situation but it is an overall better solution for most. In the middle east, a 15W-50 oil is more suitable than 0W-40. In Alaska, a 0W-30 is probably better. But that complicates matter and users might put the wrong viscosity oil in and cause more problems.
Along the same lines. MB removed some dispsticks so only the computer will tell users when to add oil.
The same goes with transmission oil. Somehow MB got some bad data that transmission fail because incorrect fluid level and contaminants were introduced when checking level and replacing fluid. So they figured out a solution: Sealed For Life. LOL, what a smart recommendation.