Oil labelling explained

[oilman]

No, it makes no odds, both are fine. We only sell the 'normal' version as there is no point in having two identical oils. It's a pretty common thing for two oils to be the same, but one labelled as 'diesel' and costing a little more. 'Diesel' and 'petrol' oils are the same thing basically, all carry specifications for diesel and petrol, so are suitable for both.

There is one consideration though. In newer diesels (for some from about 2004 onwards from Merc) there may be a diesel particulate filter fitted, in which case a certain type of oil may be needed, a low ash one. In Mercs that's shown by the oil meeting the MB229.31 or 229.51 spec. It will say in the handbook of affected cars if a oil meeting those specs is required. Even though the diesels require those oils, they are still suitable for petrol engines as well.

Cheers

Tim

 

[mb virgin]

Thanks Tim, I think it requires 6 litres for an oil and filter change for the 220cdi engine what price does that come out at with delivery from your company?

 

[oilman]

Hi

Here is the filter

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-7044-oi...-filter-element-in-pleated-paper-2501300.aspx

and the oil

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-68959-mobil-1-0w-40-new-life-fully-synthetic-engine-oil.aspx

That makes a total of £62.11 if you use the code FREEPOST (free mainland UK shipping, valid for the next few days). Alternatively, go for something like the Fuchs Supersyn 5w-40 (which also meets the MB 229.3 spec) and the total comes to £43.02.

Cheers

Tim

 

[mb virgin]

Thanks Tim will have a look.

 

[RAYAU]

No, it makes no odds, both are fine. We only sell the 'normal' version as there is no point in having two identical oils. It's a pretty common thing for two oils to be the same, but one labelled as 'diesel' and costing a little more. 'Diesel' and 'petrol' oils are the same thing basically, all carry specifications for diesel and petrol, so are suitable for both.


Hi Tim
thanks for an oil education series.
I have a number of engines CAT, PERKINS, JOHN DEERE, MITSIBISHI, ROVER HONDA and I run FUCHS TITAN ULTRALUBE SAE 15W-40 which I find an excellent oil. I buy it by the 205 litre drum as a general use engine oil.
In my area of Australia we dont have much in the way of cold weather but plenty of the 30+ C in summer.

I have recently added a MB 200K powered unit to the fleet.
What do you think, is this oil up to the job for this engine or do I need to stock another oil.

Specifications
ACEA E3/E5/E7/A3/B3/B4API CI-4 SL

Thanks
Ray

 

[oilman]

In my area of Australia we dont have much in the way of cold weather but plenty of the 30+ C in summer.

Thanks for mentioning that. We have plenty of cold and mainly rain in the summer.

It could well be okay, but I'm not familiar with that oil. I guess it's one aimed at industrial applications (mineral based?), so you may want to go for a higher spec oil. Also, is the Mercedes under warranty?

Cheers

Tim

 

[RAYAU]

No Tim its out of warranty.

full details of the info on the oil.

• Advanced formula, heavy duty diesel engine oil.

• Suitable for European, American & Japanese diesel engines

• For use under the most arduous conditions in both on and off highway applications.

• Meets the latest API and ACEA specifications.

• Rationalises lubricant grades eliminating separate oils for American and European engines

• Excellent viscometrics result in a stay-in-grade and maintained quality

• Prevents any excessive increase in viscosity due to high temperature oil oxidation, ensuring oil flow to critical engine parts.

• Proven bore polish protection.

• Longer drain intervals.

• Compatible with all gaskets and seals.

Specifications
ACEA E3/E5/E7/A3/B3/B4API CI-4 SL


FUCHS Recommendations
CUMMINS CES 76
VOLVO-VDS-2
MACK EO-M PLUS
CAT ECF 1A
RENAULT RLD-2
ZF TE-ML 07C
MB 228.3, 228.1, 229.1

 

[oilman]

Hi Ray

As it meets the MB229.1 spec, it should be absolutely fine.

Cheers

Tim

 

[mb-liverpool]

Hi Oilman.
I have been trying to find a supplier of Petronas oil and have not been very successful. You only seem to sell 5ltr bottles too and I need 209 ltr drums.
Can you sourse Petronas oil in 209 Quanteties that meet 229.31 and 229.51 specs.
Regaurds Merf

 

[oilman]

I am not sure Petronas is even available in the UK?

We can do 205s etc.

Cheers

Guy

 

[shayes]

Lots to read on here and forgive me for skipping several pages but on the subject, has anyone used one of these on their Mercedes? Essential kit for boat engines though my diesel Merc Penta I suspect may be a bit sludgy for a very fine tube.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MANNESMAN...842?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2eb889f262

Quite like the idea of changing my own oil and filter without need for car to be on a ramp or over a pit.

 

[oilman]

One of our programmers used a Pela oil pump on his Smart and said it made an oil change very convenient.

 

[Silver_Star]

One of our programmers used a Pela oil pump on his Smart and said it made an oil change very convenient.

Did he give up looking for the sump plug :lol:

 

[obduro]

Thanks very much for the guide, all great info!

 

[Wheel]

This thread is great reading.

One thing I am sure I have heard before is that power steering fluid is the same as automatic transmission fluid... is that true?!

 

[oilman]

In most cases it's the same stuff, but not always. Sometimes it's a thinner fluid needed for the PAS fluid.

Cheers

Tim

 

[doski]

i have an ml420 cdi , what is the exact amount of engine oil.
with regards
Doski

 

[oilman]

Hi, Doski
You will need 11.5 ltrs of engine oil for your ml420 cdi
Regards
Matt

 

[Jonny Moore]

So what's better, semi or fully synthetic. What's recommended by Mercedes?

 

[oilman]

A full synthetic is the best oil for your car. I think in most cases, Mercedes use Mobil 1 0w-40 or ESP 5w-30, depending on the car.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-406-mobil-engine-oil.aspx

Cheers

Tim