I hate to start an oil thread, but I've heard that the OM603 is a "modern" engine. I am going to do an oil change on one of these and wonder if I should choose an engine oil with a high zinc and phosphorus content or use an additive as I do with my OM617.

On another note, do these engines require valve adjustments, or do they have hydraulic lifters? If the valves require adjustments, will the bent wrenches used on the older diesel engines like the OM617 work on the OM603?

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1967 W110 Universal Wagon, Euro, Turbo Diesel, Tail Fins, 4 Speed Manual Column Shift, A/C
1980 W116 300SD Turbo Diesel, DB479 Walnut Brown, Sunroof, Highly Optioned, 350,000+ Miles

The oil discussion I'll leave to someone else, at least the details. However I have noticed that most here use synthetic 5w-40 diesel oil (like Rotella T) and seem happy with it.

However, they are indeed hydraulic lifters that do not need manual adjustment.

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1979 300D 040 Black on Black - 1985 300D Maaco job (sadly sprayed over 199 Black Pearl Metallic) on Palamino

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Yay for hydraulic lifters! The owner probably just wants a cheap oil for now, but I am wondering if I should add a ZDDP additive.

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1967 W110 Universal Wagon, Euro, Turbo Diesel, Tail Fins, 4 Speed Manual Column Shift, A/C
1980 W116 300SD Turbo Diesel, DB479 Walnut Brown, Sunroof, Highly Optioned, 350,000+ Miles

I wouldn't bother... just use 5w40 and be done with it. These engines load the oil up with soot way before the oil itself wears out.

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

I know that older vehicles require a high zinc and phosphorus oil, or at least ZDDP additive because they removed the zinc and phosphorus from the oil and it causes the engine parts to wear prematurely. I wonder if the OM603 is in the same category, or if maybe somehow it's like newer engines that supposedly don't require it.

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1967 W110 Universal Wagon, Euro, Turbo Diesel, Tail Fins, 4 Speed Manual Column Shift, A/C
1980 W116 300SD Turbo Diesel, DB479 Walnut Brown, Sunroof, Highly Optioned, 350,000+ Miles

I would not worry about zinc / phosphorus / ZDDP. Any modern diesel-rated oil is FAR superior to the oils that were available when that engine was new.

90% of engine wear occurs during and immediately after a cold start, while the oil is too thick to properly lubricate. Using a 0W-40 rated oil will reduce engine wear immensely.

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Respectfully,
/s/
M. Dillon
'87 124.193 (300TD) "White Whale", ~392k miles, 3.5l IP fitted
'95 124.131 (E300) "Sapphire", 380k miles
'73 Balboa 20 "Sanctification"
Charleston SC

I believe the Mobil 1 0w40 oil is even type approved for our engines

-J

__________________
1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Hmm... I used 5W40 in an OM617, and it seemed to leak a bit. The next time I used 15W40, and it didn't leak.

__________________
Stop paying for animal enslavement, cruelty, and slaughter. Save your health and the planet. Go vegan! I did 18 years ago. https://challenge22.com/

DON'T MESS WITH MY MERCEDES!


1967 W110 Universal Wagon, Euro, Turbo Diesel, Tail Fins, 4 Speed Manual Column Shift, A/C
1980 W116 300SD Turbo Diesel, DB479 Walnut Brown, Sunroof, Highly Optioned, 350,000+ Miles

I would say that's not the oil's fault. A leaky engine will of course leak more with thinner oil, but that doesn't mean the thinner oil caused the leak.

__________________
1979 300D 040 Black on Black - 1985 300D Maaco job (sadly sprayed over 199 Black Pearl Metallic) on Palamino

http://i.imgur.com/LslW733.jpg

The Baja Arizona Oil Burners Send a message if you'd like to join the fun
Left to Right - UberWasser, Iridium, Stuttgart-->Seattle,, mannys9130

Visit the W123 page on iFixit for over 70 helpful DIY guides!

My (now sold) '85 wagon with OM617.912 (non-turbo) engine would use about 1 qt per 800 miles when I filled her with M1, but consumption would drop to about 1 qt per 2000 miles when using dino oil.

Sometimes you just have to see what works, but I can assure you that ANY diesel rated oil that you can buy today will protect your engine just fine. Some will do better than others, my preference is M1 0W-40. No additives required...

__________________
Respectfully,
/s/
M. Dillon
'87 124.193 (300TD) "White Whale", ~392k miles, 3.5l IP fitted
'95 124.131 (E300) "Sapphire", 380k miles
'73 Balboa 20 "Sanctification"
Charleston SC

Any oil that's diesel rated (Rotella, Delvac, etc) will have a high ZDDP component. Unless you're using spark-rated oil, I don't see a problem.