Oil labelling explained

[baldeagle]

So after many discussions elsewhere, what oil for my 2000 208cdi Sprinter? Been looking at this on Ebay, they say it's recommended for Sprinters but can't find it on any MB sites:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190328394056&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[oilman]

So after many discussions elsewhere, what oil for my 2000 208cdi Sprinter? Been looking at this on Ebay, they say it's recommended for Sprinters but can't find it on any MB sites:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190328394056&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Mercedes-Benz
Sprinter
Sprinter 208 CDi (901/902) (2000-2006)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Engine Mercedes-Benz OM611 DE22LA Capacity 7,5 liter

Use: Normal
Service intervals:
Change 22500 km / 450 hours / 24 months

TITAN Supersyn LONGLIFE 5W-30
TITAN Supersyn 5W-30
TITAN Supersyn 5W-40

I'd go for one of these from Fuchs. They are German, Approved by MB, do factory fill and represent good value for money.

You'll find them all here

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-394-fuchs-engine-oil.aspx

Cheers
Guy

 

[SmoothBall]

Castrol Edge Turbo Diesel 0W-30 okay for petrol engine?

Hi,
I have a 2003 W211 with E200 Kompressor engine (and auto transmission).
The owner's manual recommends engine oil to MB Service Product Sheet 229.3 or 229.5.

At my motor factors yesterday, I picked up some oil meeting 229.31 and 229.51, thinking "I'm sure that's near enough the same". (Feeling a bit embarrassed 'bout that! )

At home, I read the label: "Castrol Edge Turbo Diesel" (Approaching mortification now! :Oops

Grade: 0W-30.
Meets API SM/CF and ACEA A3/B3/B4, C3.

SM and A3 would indicate that it is suitable for a petrol engine, but I'd like confirmation from someone who knows. Is it okay to use this oil in my petrol engine?

One further question: what's the difference between 229.3 and 229.31, and 229.5 and 229.51? My hunch is 229.31 and 229.51 specify oils for diesel engines. If anyone can confirm, it'd be great.

Thanks,
Ken.

 

[oilman]

It will be fine to use, here are the diffrences here

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-716-mercedes-engine-oil.aspx

Cheers
Guy

 

[lulu]

One further question: what's the difference between 229.3 and 229.31, and 229.5 and 229.51? My hunch is 229.31 and 229.51 specify oils for diesel engines. If anyone can confirm, it'd be great.

Thanks,
Ken.

The 229.X1 denotes it's low ash and suitable for diesels with a diesel particulate filter. 229.X would be fine in diesels without a DPF.

 

[lutters]

Fleece Oil filters

Gentlemen, as a 2004 W211 320cdi owner i have read many threads on oil issues. Mike's reference to the need to use a fleece filter when using 229.5 spec oil is great, but try and find a supplier in Europe! The good old USofA yes but i have had no luck here. My solution, if I want to run the extended mileage when using 229.5 oils is to change the paper filter mid way.

 

[cleverdicky]

Any special deals these coming weeks?
I've got a small leak to sort and realy must do a full service.
Which is recommended performance / price Millers or Fuchs?
Petrol c class 1.8 komp w203 37ish K

Cheers

 

[oilman]

Hi

Keep an eye on our site and the forums for offers, we're still recovering from the Easter offer, so none planned at the moment to my knowledge, although that normally changes.

I really can't say who's better out of Fuchs and Millers, they are both top quality

These oils are all suitable

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-721-mb-2295-oil.aspx

Cheers

Tim

 

[RickStar007]

Can you help pls...

My Mercedes A140 Avantgarde, 2002, 1.4 Petrol Engine, Manual last had
Mobil 1 5W 40 Engine Oil Fully Synth....

Can I use Mobil 1 0W 40 Fully Synth in my car when I next do an oil change?

Which one is better / would you use?

Mercedes told me not to use the 0W 40 because that was really for AMG's, Smart Cars, ETC??? and would be too thin?

Thanks

Ricky

 

[oilman]

Its not too thin, it will be just fine. Both the Mobil and Castrol are very good. The Castrol 0w-40 is the equivalant of the Mobil 1 0w-40. I would have no issue using either.

Cheers

Guy

 

[Alex Crow]

any thoughts on GM dexos2 oilman? it claims to meet MB229.51 and is competetively priced?

 

[oilman]

If it meets the specs and not "the requirments of" then it will be just fine

Cheers

Guy

 

[Seabed]

Very Informative Simon.... brilliant! came over your place last week and bought oil from you for the merc. Got to ring and enquire about the filter as soon as I find the box with the number on!!! One thing I didn't understand was about synthetic oil and what is it exactly? The oil I bought last time was full mineral oil, but the guy on the desk said it was no longer available so I bought part synthetic (Fuchs) much to advice previously given about using synthetic oil in an old 20 year old car not designed for such?

Seabed...

ps just realised I didn't get my 10% discount...Lol..

 

[oilman]

I think it was me who you saw and I think there was more than the members discount, although I can't remember to be honest.

Here is a bit about basestock categories

Basestock categories and descriptions

All oils are comprised of basestocks and additives. Basestocks make up the majority of the finished product and represent between 75-95%.

Not all basestocks are derived from petroleum, in fact the better quality ones are synthetics made in laboratories by chemists specifically designed for the application for which they are intended.

Basestocks are classified in 5 Groups as follows:

Group I

These are derived from petroleum and are the least refined. These are used in a small amount of automotive oils where the applications are not demanding.

Group II

These are derived from petroleum and are mainly used in mineral automotive oils. Their performance is acceptable with regards to wear, thermal stability and oxidation stability but not so good at lower temperatures.

Group III

These are derived from petroleum but are the most refined of the mineral oil basestocks. They are not chemically engineered like synthetics but offer the highest level of performance of all the petroleum basestocks. They are also known as “hydrocracked” or “molecularly modified” basestocks.
They are usually labelled/marketed as synthetic or semi-synthetic oils and make up a very high percentage of the oils retailed today.

Group IV

These are polyalphaolefins known as PAO and are chemically manufactured rather than being dug out of the ground. These basestocks have excellent stability in both hot and cold temperatures and give superior protection due to their uniform molecules.

Group V

These special basestocks are also chemically engineered but are not PAO.
The main types used in automotive oils are diesters and polyolesters. Like the group IV basestocks they have uniform molecules and give superior performance and protection over petroleum basestocks. These special stocks are used in all aviation engines due to their stability and durability. Esters are also polar (electro statically attracted to metal surfaces) which has great benefits. They are usually blended with Group IV stocks rather than being used exclusively.

It is common practice for oil companies to blend different basestocks to achieve a certain specification, performance or cost. The blending of group IV and V produces lubricants with the best overall performance which cannot be matched by any of the petroleum basestock groups.


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Semi/part synthetics are all group II and are therefore all just modified mineral oils, so chemically fine for the engine. In most cars a synthetic is a better choice as they give better protection. Mineral oils are the basic choice and old fashioned. There is usually a synthetic or semi-synthetic option that is going to be better for the car. If there was a decent, suitable synthetic on the market when your car was produced, Mercedes whould have specced that, as they do with all their modern cars.

 

[Seabed]

Fascinating Stuff.....

I'm more the wiser now, thanks for your very good information!

Seabed....

 

[noppy]

i have a brand new can of AC delco 10w40 in the shed and my A140 needs an oil change but i rang mercedes who said 0w40 but also had a look around on websites with a few ppl saying that they have put 10w40 in?

so would it be ok to put 10w40 semi synthetic in instead of 0w40 fully also 0w40 is like twice the price.

the oil has the approvals mentioned at the beginning of this thread, and i think its mb 229.1

tbh aslong as it works fairly well i aint fussed i just dont want to put in the wrong oil and screw up the engine.

car spec:
a140 2000 (v)
112000miles

any advice greatly appreciated

 

[oilman]

The MB229.1 spec is pretty basic and is met by a few 10w-40 semi-synthetic oils. I don't know if the AC Delco stuff meets it or not, but it may well do and as the car is out of warranty, with only a fairly basic oil requirement, it will be fine to use. There is a reason that the Mobil 1 0w-40 costs more, it's because it's a much better oil. On the list above, semi-synthetics are in Group 2, the Mobil 1 is group 4.

Cheers

Tim

 

[Colin_P]

It will be fine to use, here are the diffrences here

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-716-mercedes-engine-oil.aspx

Cheers
Guy

Guy,

I know it's quite an old post, but I thought I'd point out an error in one of the links on that page. The text "Mercedes engine oil recommendation." below the page tabs points to http://www.opieoils.co.uk/product-finder/car/engine-oil/volkswagen/product-finder-2.aspx instead of the page for Mercedes.

Colin

 

[oilman]

Ooops, sorry about that, here's the Merc one

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/product-finder/car/engine-oil/mercedes/product-finder-2.aspx

 

[mb virgin]

Does the Mobil one have to be the Turbo Diesel variant for the CDI engine or will any Mobil 1 fully synthetic be ok? I have been looking at buying some and have noticed two types for sale with the turbo diesel one being more expensive.