Oil Change Questions. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

GradyService · #1 01-01-2007, 06:13 PM

I am about to do my oil change on the 560. I have a few questions that I would love to get answers on before I do it. For starters, what is the best oil to run in these cars. I have ran Shell Rotella 15W-40 ever since I bought it. I understand that MB recommends Mobil 1, but is Delvac 15W-40 acceptable in place of the Rotella (It has just become readily available in my small town). I have used different filter brands over time, Purolator, Carquest (Wix), Napa Gold (Wix), and MB. Does it really matter much about which one I use? I have read some threads from the Diesel discussions, and they say that Baldwin is pretty good? Also, my car never reads full with 8.5 quarts. Is it permissable to add a half-quart more to get it between the two marks on the dipstick?
Thanks for your information, and God Bless,
Dave.

Roncallo · #2 01-01-2007, 06:36 PM

Go to this sight for a list of approved oils. Non of yours are on the list. However MB does say that if approved oils are not available API service SJ can be used for your car.

I use Mobile 1, 0- W40

John Roncallo

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html

GradyService · #3 01-01-2007, 06:53 PM

Well, the reason that I came up with the two I mentioned, was that that is the commonly used oils by the area's MB dealerships on older models. I've always ran 15W-40, and as much oil as my car leaks, I'd be scared to go synthetic, (at least until I replace the rear main seal

) so I run these. I found both the Shell Rotella 15W-40 and Mobil Delvac 1300 Super 15W-40 under MB Sheet 228.3 oils. I have been told that 10W-40 or 5W-40 would be better for cold weather startup, but here in NC, its usually pretty warm, and I rarely run the MB in the sub-freezing temperature (still don't have all of the heater bugs worked out

). I might be wrong, but I've heard lots of stories about synthetics causing older, higher mileage, engines to leak or burn more oil. Also, as I read the list, I couldn't find anything that was locally available in the weight mentioned, except for the aforementioned oils and some synthetics (like your Mobil 1).
Thanks, and God Bless,
Dave.

Ferdman · #4 01-01-2007, 07:30 PM

Dave, give Mobil 1 15W50 a try in your 560. I revently bought a 1995 E320 (with 130,000 miles) and switched to Mobil 1 15W50 without any problems ... no leaks before or after using synthetic oil. Mobil 1 has swell agents so that there is no reason for gaskets to leak any more than with mineral oil. Living in NC it's certainly warm enough to use Mobil 1 15W50 year round.

Hatterasguy · #5 01-01-2007, 07:44 PM

Delvac 1300 is a fine oil, good as anything.

GradyService · #6 01-01-2007, 08:00 PM

Well, I will seriously consider the Mobil 1, but as far as my two other questions, (Dipstick fill level, and filter brand), does anyone have some ideas?
Thanks, and God Bless, Dave.

Roncallo · #7 01-01-2007, 08:10 PM

I always put in 9 qt. That brings me right up to the bottom of the top red mark. My car was purchased at 100K miles with a leaking head gasket and using regulare oil. I switched it to Mobil 1 after fixing the head gasket leak and no problems ever since. I probably add about 2 qt between oil changes with a 7K to 8K service interval.

John Roncallo

GradyService · #8 01-01-2007, 08:17 PM

Well, I religiously change my oil, albeit Mineral, every 3,000 miles. I am checking everything out this time, because the car will be down for a while, because I'm having to replace starter, lower (sump) oil pan gasket, probably both valve covers and gaskets, and then the regular Oil and Filter change. Another question comes to mind. Are the MB filters any better than the aftermarket, and what are the "Fleece" Oil Filters I've heard of here.
Thanks, and God Bless,
Dave.

Roncallo · #9 01-01-2007, 08:37 PM

3000 mile intervals should be fine with mineral oil. I use Mobil 1 only because I'm lazy. I dont think there is any significant difference between the aftermarket oilfilters from Germany and a genuine MB. However if you buy a Fram oil filter it will not come with the o rings you need. I'm not sure if the same is true for Purolator, Wix, etc. The ones Fastlane or the MB dealer sell all come with the o ring kits.

You cannot get a Fleece oil filter for your car. I tried. Fleace filters were required to get very extended oil change intervals out of the newer MB's using synthetic oil. No need for Fleace at 3000 mile service intervals.

John Roncallo

GradyService · #10 01-01-2007, 08:43 PM

Thanks, John. The Purolator and Wix kits have all came with the same o-rings and washers as MB, so I'll just keep using them (only cost 5.00).

Thanks, and God Bless,
Dave.

Will_w202 · #11 01-01-2007, 10:20 PM

If I'm not mistaken, Purolator has been proven to be junk. Either buy the Mann or Hengst filters that you will find here for sale, OR try the Napa filter. I heard good things about it, and when I went to Napa, I bought one. Seemed to be a very good quality filter for $6 retail. In your car dino oil is fine. If you go to syn, definitely go 15w50 M1. I wouldn't even bother until you fix all the leaks. Plenty of people have gotten plenty of miles on Rotella. I like syn (had been using 15w50, now using MBs own 5w40) because my head gasket was don at 80k. I figured it was a great opportunity to use the best oil since I have no leaks, and every seal is tight and my motor was just barely broken in at 80k

GradyService · #12 01-01-2007, 10:31 PM

Well, I saw some disturbing info on Purolator on the Diesel forum, on that long Oil Filter thread there. It did disturb me a touch, so I think I'm going back to NAPA-Wix. But, correct me if I am wrong, but didn't that same thread have some less than complimentary things to say about Mann and Hengst, as well as MB's own filter. That thread said that Baldwin filters were good, has anyone here used them in a gas model?
Thanks, and God Bless,
Dave.

Will_w202 · #13 01-01-2007, 10:35 PM

I'm not sure if anyone has found a good source for Baldwins on our cars. If so, I'd love to know. The Mann and Hengst had some suspect filter material if I remember, but it sounded worse than it was - and these are, after all, MB OEM, so they've passed the test. I really like my Napa Wix.......and it came with the seal and crush washer

GradyService · #14 01-02-2007, 12:25 PM

Well, I have found a good source for Baldwin's in my area. The local heavy truck parts store can get them overnight, for 9.99 plus tax

. Sounds like thats whats going into my benz.
Thanks, and God Bless,
Dave.