My mechanic is telling me that I shouldn't wait 10,000 miles to have my oil changed (as recommended in the owner's manual). He suggests that should change it every 3,000 miles to keep the engine running in top shape. Also, if I change the oil myself, will I need to reset the onboard computer or will it reset itself? BTW, I have a '99 E320 with 4,000 miles. Any help will be appreciated.

My first oil change wasn't until the service message came on at about 11,000 miles. I changed itagain myself at 15,000. I did not reset anything. At 20,000 miles the service message did not light up. I think that by changing the oil myself the system knows that the oil is not dirty enough for another change. BTW be sure to keep up with the other maintenace that should be done every 10,000 mile

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Peter L. House
1998 Sport E430
Azure Blue

Thanks for your help Peter! I think I will change my oil more frequently just to be on the safe side!

Peter, What brand and type of oil do you use in your car? Do you use synthetic or just regular oil?

Jack

I used the same one that the dealer used, which was Vavoline 10w30. I never used it before, I just switched from Penzoil to Vavoline because that's what they used. I have never tried any synthetic oils, I figure if you change it often enough it won't get that dirty. Even after 10k miles the oil still looked fairly clear. Changing the oil was very easy, by the filter being on top of the engine. The filter had four o-rings that I replaced with the new paper filter. The bottom oil pan bolt was just like any other car after you remove the plastic bottom covers... Have fun

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Peter L. House
1998 Sport E430
Azure Blue

Hey PHOUSE, My 98 E430 came from the factory with Mobil 1 Synthetic 15-50W. I thought all MBZ's came from the factory with Mobil 1 Synthetic. Why are you and your dealer using Valvoline/Pennzoil fossil lube?

Kevin- I believe the AMG cars come with Mobil 1, but the rest of us low lifes have to use the "fossil" substitute. My dealer uses Pennsoil in barrels. I was told if I wanted Mobil 1 to bring it with me and they would put it in.

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Bruce R. 98 SLK
MBCA
Greater Washington Section

I guess there is no way to tell what was in there from the beginning. Would there be any harm in switching over to the Mobil 1 at this point? It would be expensive to change 8 qts every 3k miles, even though the Mobil 1 should last longer..... Why the 15w 50? Is yours a sport? The AMG is not the same as the Sport.. I think..

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Peter L. House
1998 Sport E430
Azure Blue

There was a big discussion about oil, and oil changes a little while back, but think about it this way: Oil is the cheapest thing your car requires in order to run. Why put less then the best you can afford into it?
Cheap insurance!



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Bruce R. 98 SLK
MBCA
Greater Washington Section