Mercedes Lawsuit

[Tony]

I wonder if anybody has heard of this lawsuit that's going on in the States. It's about failures relating to the use of the wrong oil in 1998 to 2001 cars. Apparently Mercedes have belatedly realised that the extended oil change intervals that ASSYST indicates are only compatible with the use of fully synthetic oil. The non-synthetic stuff that they (and most of their dealers) have been putting in tends to sludge up. Looks like MB have decided to extend the warranties of affected cars.

There's a thread on the benzworld.org web-site in the SLK R170 forum under the posting "MB Lawsuit" by "Jimzy"

(Edited by Tony at 12:56 pm on Sep. 5, 2002)

 

[Andy]

Hi

I have heard nothing. Although I am not sure if there would any substance as the Americans love to change their oil every 5mins. If see what I mean.

Also I havn't seen any problems with the oil  when changed after long periods. But the filter is a different story all together.


Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[simon]

Yes it was mentioned some time ago in a couple of USA
sites.Everyone was getting  upset because M-B USA suddenly changed the ground rules on ASSYST models & specified fully synthetic had to be used.
The wise posters"Changed it hot & changed it often"
Ernest Sidesman

 

[Tony]

I guess the point I'm making is that MB dealers in England don't seem aware of the need to use synthetic oil. I had a service a few weeks ago and I rang round 4 dealers to get the best quote ("A" service on an SLK320 varied from £120 to £310 - you can guess which I took). None of the dealers were using synthetic oil. I provided my own.

It's certainly true that the Yanks like changing their oil (it's a lot cheaper over there) and a lot seem to change their own in between services. This seems to be partly because they don't trust the dealers to do it properly - or even at all.

However, if MB have caved in and come to an out of court settlement then you can bet there's some substance to the complaints. It's more likely to come to the surface in the States because there are more of them, they drive higher mileages and they are much more likely than the Brits to complain when things are wrong. The cost of litigation is also much lower.

So, if you own your own car and intend to keep it for any length of time, and it's got ASSYST, I'd suggest that you use fully synthetic oil. If it's a company car or you intend to sell it in a couple of years, then  who cares.  

 

[imported_dieselman]

Although I agree with running the engine on synthetic oil and dealers not stocking it, you will find the reason why oil needs to be synthetic or changed more often in the USA is that the fuel contains more sulpher which causes more sludge in the oil.

 

[Andy]

Hi all,

Firstly I don't want to open up a can of worms. BUTTTTT, I have never had a problem with the use of mineral oil, semi syn or fully syn. Personally I am happy with mineral oil. In England anyway.(Not sure about the yanks, but WHO is??!!!) But semi syn there is no probs with using. If you want to use fully syn then by all means do. If you sleep easier. (Probably due to losing a few quid from under the pillow after buying Mobil1).

We use Mobil Super S 10/40, and offer Mobil 1 at extra cost if required. If the truth beknown I offer the oil at cost price if purchased at the time of service.

Thats me done.

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com