Which fully synthetic oil would you run in your 2001 E320
 

recently purchased a 2001 W210 3.2L with 120k on the ticker, and I am changing ALL fluids to full synthetic and just wondering what brand to go with.
All omissions will be fully read so if you suggest somthing off the beaten path, please explain why you are recommending that.
thank you in advance for everybody's thoughts and comments

The only one you are likely to find with the MB approval is Mobil-1 0W/40

I'd go with what it says in the manual.

I agree, should have been used since the car was new.

wally world carries 5 qts jugs of Mobil1 0W40 and Castrol 0W40 for lower cost than others.

sometimes I find lower cost deals on oils like Kendall Euro etc and buy a case. I go a lot of miles on one oil charge - about 11,000 - you can change it earlier if you want.

I have also used Delo 400LE 5w40 in this engine with no issues (didnt have the dry startup noise with it)

Always buy a fleece type filter for the engine, its specified for later models but fits in this one too, also available as a purolator part (same german filter in different box)

It is also necessary to make sure the entire breather system on the engine is in top shape - there are no PCV valves but there are two chambers on the valve covers, if they are leaking or blocked your oil will degrade a lot quicker, start sludging and also may cause oil consumption.

I never run dealer reccominded oils.For one they pick it for fuel mileage and not engine protection.I have always used a diesel rated oil,because of extra anti wear properties,and detergents.

There's a sticker right under the hood on the radiator support that recommends using Mobil 1....

That sticker is just a pretty sight and tells nothing - its just a marketing gimmick.

There are about 10 different types of mobil1 on the shelves of any parts store or even wally world but only 1 of them is the correct oil for this engine.

You can look up the mercedes benz data sheet database online and look at the plethora of oil blenders around the world which are approved by MB themselves to use in this engine.

Mobil signed a deal with MB - just like Castrol with BMW, both are good stuff and similar products exist due to competition.

like valvoline synpower 5w40, Kendall Euro 5w40, Shell/Penzzoil ultra 5w40.

Lots of people throwing around recommendations, but the ONLY oil I would run in my 2001 E320 would be one that has demonstrated it meets the proper MB spec.

All of them may be found on the list at this link:

Mercedes-Benz Betriebsstoff-Vorschriften: Motorl, Getriebel, ATF, Khlmittel, Bremsflssigkeiten

If you're in the states and don't want to mail order, you'll have to work pretty hard to find spec oils beyond Mobil1 0W40 (regular or turbo diesel). My GF's 2001 CL55 has been running the Total Quartz 5W40 since her last change and it's been great. I ordered it from that oilchangekits place.

Side note: there are other flavors of Mobil1 (and Mobil Super) now on the list, too (see snip below, I couldn't get it to embed larger so you'll have to click it). The turbo diesel one I see pretty regularly on store shelves, though I've never heard of Mobil1 New Life until today, much less seen it.

And no, I'm not a stick in the mud about oil. However, I do generally concede that my research and engineering are lacking as compared with the folks who designed the engine and developed the oil specifications, and I'm not one to choose an oil based on a slick marketing campaign, either, so I know I'm good if I stick with an oil that is on the approved list (and bears the spec on the label).

Good luck, all.

Attachment 128241

My brother's E320 has Mobil 1 0w40 in it.....my wagon and my dad's E320 have been running M1 5w40 diesel truck oil for quite a while/more than 20k combined miles, with 0 issues.

True. When these cars were sold, the maintenance for the first 5 years or 60,000 miles (or something like that) was covered by the factory for free.

No telling what has been in the car since if you have no records, but these cars require synthetic oil.

Thanks for all the imput.

Mobil 1 0W40 and as a bonus there is a good rebate available.

https://mobiloil.com/en/promotion/mobil-promotions