SLK 230k Oil Debate

[brakes508]

Right folks guess this has been covered a million times but here goes for a million and one! given I'm a stupid scotsman, the wisdom of the great and the good is always handy! Best oil? semi or fully synthetic? brand? viscosity? should you flush throught..........

 

[Blobcat]

Mobil 1 or equivalent, fully synthetic.

 

[tom7035]

You're right, this has been covered many times, but choice of oil is usually a personal thing. It is a known fact that fully synthetic oil currently gives the best possible protection, but it is also well known that an engine has to be properly 'bedded-in' before its permanent and continued use is recommended. Its protection is so good that using it in a new engine can actually prevent the degree of wear required to allow it 'run-in' adequately. Conversely, if your engine uses a litre of oil to every tankful of fuel then it would be a total waste of money.
As for manufacturer it's my opinion you will get what you pay for, and would recommend any of the well known brands. My own choice is 'Silkolene' (now owned by Fuchs Lubricants), but this is not always readily available on the forecourt or High St. 'Mobil' seems very popular with many forum members.
As for grade I think a 0W/30 grade if your engine is just run-in or a little heavier at 10W/50 perhaps if your engine is approaching its second 100k milestone. A nice compromise being 5W/40.
Flushing? A complete waste of money these days IMO, modern oils keep impurities in suspension and don't allow sludge to collect. Just ensure it's really hot before draining and keep the plug out as long as possible.

 

[brakes508]

Thanks for that, my engine will have 76k on it when I pick it up in a month will but can't garantee service by garage will have use fully synthetic! given the mileage I take it 5W/40 would be the best option? is it ok to just drain the current oil (whatever it is) be it normal / semi and just switch over to fully synthetic? does it say need to run for x mileage be it 500 or 1000 miles then redrain and refill? keen to give the remaining engine life the easiest time possible. What do teh main MB dealers use? semi/full or run of the mile?

 

[Blobcat]

Hi,
You can see what the dealers used as it is detailed in the service book. If it has been MB serviced then most likely Fully Synth and Mobil 1. Mobil 1 is 0-40W.
Your ASSYST service indiator (on trip computer) will let you know when it is due a service. You can change the oil early and reset the counter, alternatively topping up the oil can also extend the service intervals, (many threads on this, pls have a search).
If semi-synth or mineral oil in at the moment, do a full change then use it for awhile 1-2K and change again.
IMHO if you want to keep the engine for a long time change the oil 6 monthly.

 

[brakes508]

Thanks for that, in time gone by I used "slick 50" in my bikes does anyone use or would recommend the treatment for the 230k engine? just a thought if anyone had noticed any difference.......

 

[brakes508]

And another thing lol is it sraight forward resetting the service counter? would have htought than would have to be done be the stealership with some software after they had robbed you!

 

[Blobcat]

I do not use or recomend any 'Snake oil' at £35 for 4lts if Mobil 1 needed anything else it would be there already.
There are a few threads on service reset, or you could buy the same info from ebay
Servicing depending upon the age of the SLK is 'A' (minor - basically an oil change) and 'B' large. The Service book details all that is done at each service. 12K is around the norm for servicing using fully synthetic, however if you cover a lot of miles this can increase to >17K. However around the 13-14K mark the ASSYST can switch from a minor 'A' service to a larger 'B'.
You could undertake the 'A' service and have an Indie or MB undertake the larger servicing.

 

[dava]

Cheapist place for Mobil 1 0w40 is Costco, £23.50 for 4 ltr, they also sell Chevron semi synthetic 5w40 for 5 ltrs about £11.00.

 

[brakes508]

Thanks for that, would we say a 5w/40 would be better for an engine with 76k on it? take it the higher viscosity gives a bit better protection....

 

[television]

And another thing lol is it sraight forward resetting the service counter? would have htought than would have to be done be the stealership with some software after they had robbed you!

You can re set the service counter your self.
Press the adjusting button and hold, turn the key to possition 2, keep the button pressed, after 10 sec you will hear a bleep and the new starting distance will be displayed.

Malcolm

 

[tom7035]

Thanks for that, would we say a 5w/40 would be better for an engine with 76k on it? take it the higher viscosity gives a bit better protection....

Chuck some details in here for a recommendation from the 'professionals';

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/performance_lubricants/recommend_oil.aspx

 

[brakes508]

thanks for that have posted request and will wait for an answer.

 

[brakes508]

Got this reply from opieoils thought it was worth posting to let folks know:
Stephen,

Thanks for the mail.

For the Mercedes we would suggest as a top quality choice a 0w-40/5w-40 full synthetic for all year round use.

Go for a good one and they will be happy with the remap, have a look at Fuchs, Silkolene, Motul, mobil and Amsoil.

Regards

Guy.

Opie Oils

ORDER ONLINE at HTTP://WWW.OPIEOILS.CO.UK
or CALL GUY or SIMON on 01209 215164