blair,

I'm not sure where you are getting your information? Mercedes does not currently approve many of the 0W30,10W30,5W30 motor oils for their engines... Talking with my local dealership, NA got 15W50 mobil-1 until the 0W40 stuff was avaliable. Are you going by your old owners manual or the currently approve lubricant list??

Go check your cylinder to piston wall clearances- I'm absolutely positive Mercedes has been tight since post WWII. Chevy might now be approaching these tolerance... but *I'd* be suprised.

Never heard a tick out of my 300E. The diesel when the valves are adjusted are quite except for the distinct combustion knock.

ciao,

Michael

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Michael McGuire
83 300d
01 vw A4 TDI
66 Chevy Corsa
68 GMC V6 w/oD
86 300E