I like to answer oil threads, now I want to start one
 

Hi,

As per my other post, my father bought a 96 E300D. We want to change the oil before too long, but I am trying to put some thought into it.

It appears that there is an electric oil level indicator, but no oil life computer, just a standard change interval of 7500 mi.

I assume that Synthetic oil is what is specified for this (606?) 3.0L non turbo engine.

That said, I am more or less convinced from my various studies, including MB literature, that for normal use from extremely low to say a bit over 100F, 5w-40 is the best viscosity of oil to use in any MB diesel engines.

I did not see any reference to an MB spec number for oil used in this engine. Is it safe to say that 229.3 was the spec at the time this car was built?

Is it advisable/necessary to use an MB229.5 oil in this car (M1 0w-40)? It would be an easy choice. If that or any MB spec oil is suggested, Ill use the M1 0w-40 oil. If not, I will use Mobil delvac1 or Mobil 1 truck and SUV oil (same thing).

I plan to stray from the M1 15w-50, although there are lots of users, because the tri-syn carried the MB 229.1 spec approval, but besides API CF, the new supersyn 15w-50, which has a different additive package, doesnt meet any MB oil specs.

Ill venture to guess that at the dealer, most every 1990 and newer, gasser and diesel probably gets M1 0w-40.

Thanks very much for any advice on oil specs for these cars.
JMH