I could use some advice on oil - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Cal Learner · #1 10-03-2011, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1991 300SE Owne

I am in Northern CA, Sacramento area. I can't find my manual at the moment, and after I found the old bottles of 20W 50 in my trunk, I decided to do the post. I used the 20W 50 when I lived in Los Angeles. I'm not sure now that Kragen's advice of 5W 30 is the best? I do change my oil every 7,500 miles, probably earlier than that. I used to change it every 3,000 like I do with my Miata...

I purchased my 1988 260E from Von Housen Motors in Sacramento. It was delivered with 15W-50 Mobil1 and always filled with the same at every service there. The temperature range/viscosity table in the owner's manual suggests that that's the right viscosity oil for your climate. I have long since changed from synthetic oil to Castrol GTX with no ill effects at all.

engatwork · #2 10-03-2011, 10:20 AM

Quote:

I have long since changed from synthetic oil to Castrol GTX with no ill effects at all.

Are you running it to the same change intervals?

oldsinner111 · #3 10-03-2011, 10:22 AM

I also run 15w40 in my M104.Diesel oil is just better I change mine every 3500miles.

deanyel · #4 10-03-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cal Learner

I purchased my 1988 260E from Von Housen Motors in Sacramento. It was delivered with 15W-50 Mobil1 and always filled with the same at every service there.

1988 Mercedes were not delivered with Mobil 1. Somebody is telling you stories.

Cal Learner · #5 10-03-2011, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deanyel

1988 Mercedes were not delivered with Mobil 1. Somebody is telling you stories.

No stories Dean. I'm the original owner, I have all the maintenance service records as well as the dealer's initial vehicle inspection report. Mobil1 15W-50 was in the crankcase from day 1 until I changed to dino oil in 1997.

deanyel · #6 10-03-2011, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cal Learner

No stories Dean. I'm the original owner, I have all the maintenance service records as well as the dealer's initial vehicle inspection report. Mobil1 15W-50 was in the crankcase from day 1 until I changed to dino oil in 1997.

I accept your claim that the dealer put in Mobil 1 from the beginning but that doesn't show what it came with from the factory. It's not something that can be documented - on the production card or anywhere else. But Mercedes wasn't putting Mobil 1 in from the factory for 1988 models - not even close. The O'Keefe litigation and settlement a decade later make absolutely no sense in that context.