OM603 MB 229.3 Oil

[pilot53]

From what i understand from reading the forum, MB oil spec 229.3 and 229.5 was developed after the om603. Is 229.3 the spec to use for the om603, or is it better to use HD diesel oil? I live in a cold climate and just bought an 86 sdl, the previous owner used mobil 1 European car 0w-40 and the engine is running whisper quiet and smooth. Should I keep using it? It meets MB 229.3 but has no Cx rating. I also red something about the fact that HD oils hold more soot and this was not as beneficial to the valve train of the 60x engines.

[babymog]

The ability to suspend soot became less necessary with each engine generation, a stock 603 produces much less soot than a stock 616 for example. This change continues to drive oil rating changes, as do other environmental requirements imposed on engine oil.

[pilot53]

so does that mean a 229.5 oil without api Cx ratings will be ok? What about Cx rated oil with no mb approval?