Differential oil for Viano Compact 3.0 Cdi.

[Droverunner]

As part of a gradual mid life all items service I want to change the differential oil. Is there a source of definitive Mercedes info for the 100% correct oil. Running my reg no. Opie come up with Febi 48785 75W-85 GL5 and I can see Fuchs do a Titan Sintopoid 75W-85 GL5. But I would like to see the Mercedes part or spec no. to be sure.

 

[oilman]

The Mercedes spec for it is 235.7 and the Mercedes part number is P/N 001 989 33 03

We have the Febi 75w-85 and as you say also the Fuchs Sintopoid 75w-85 that both meet that spec and ideal.

Cheers,

Guy

 

[Gazwould]

 

[M80]

The Titan was my choice

 

[Droverunner]

Appreciate the confirmation from Guy. I like Fuchs too... for no reason I can explain. I'll get it ordered from Opie.

 

[Droverunner]

Ordered from Opie now, funnily enough just noticed I have .75l left on the shelf from a gearbox change on my previous BMW.

Just for the chat... I'd read an article that commented Sprinters could benefit from a heavier oil than the same spec as above because the "gearbox" grade oil was really only in axles for fuel saving but not the best for noise/longevity of a diff??

 

[M80]

I'don't imagine 639 taxis with mega miles have 'upgraded'.
I would have thought they would just run on factory spec oil.

 

[Droverunner]

Yes I guess so and probably never topped up or changed.

 

[steveq]

I understood that the Fuchs "Sintopoid" is for the hypoid gear rear axles and the "Sintofluid" oil is for manual gearboxes.
I don't think they are interchangeable.

 

[Droverunner]

Yes understood... I was really making a generic comment as if the 75w-85 oils were a lighter type often seen in gearboxes whereas years ago you would often see a straight 90 grade in a diff. The article I read said were it not for the economy factor 85w-140 was a better Sprinter diff oil.

 

[steveq]

All oils seem to be lighter now.
I know that lighter oils = less drag = better economy.
I presume (hope) that the oil technology has developed to ensure that the lubrication qualities have been maintained or improved.

 

[M80]

When I was looking for the correct diff oil i remember reading from one Vito owner who had been through 2 or 3 diffs.
He was of the opinion that MB used a too light oil for economy so he opted for heavier. But he was going through diffs at a rate I find very surprising.

I'll be changing the diff oil in the Viano soon(ish). It'll be the Fuchs Sintopoid as post 3.
My usage is light anyway.
It's a cheap oil change for peace of mind.

 

[steveq]

I wonder what the Vito owner was carrying? If he was regularly carrying a couple of tons of concrete in the back it might be understandable!!

I have changed the diff oil in all my Mercs -- more for peace of mind than any tangible benefit.
MB only include it as a service item in the limited slip diffs in the real AMG models.

I also changed the manual gearbox oil in my C Class -- again, it's not an MB service item.
I did think the gear change was a bit smoother after that but it could just have been in my mind -- much the same as the car always runs better after a wash and wax!!

 

[Droverunner]

As usual great service from Opie with prompt delivery. Old oil was free of contamination and just a bit darker than the new.

Nice easy job with all the room under a Viano. Often with a car there can be problems with enough room to raise the oil bottle enough to drain so it's a squeeze it job. But on this vehicle there is room to lift the bottle to drain fully by gravity.

Another job of its 9yr / 60k mid-life check over completed.