Which oil for a Merc A Class

[JoG]

Guys, I have read some earlier threads and 'think' I know the answer to this question, but as I am 'green' in all things mechanical could someone just confirm the following for me please?

My (2 year old) A Class Diesel's oil needs topping up and I was told by the dealership that I should use Mobil 5W40. However, I cannot get hold of this locally and have been advised by a motor parts shop assistant that I can use 0W40 instead.

Can someone confirm

a) That it is ok to mix 5W and 0W 40 oils?

and

b) That the oil manufacturer makes no difference i.e I could mix Castrol and Mobil provided the type of oil is the same?

Thanks

 

[television]

Yes you can use the O 40. Its unclear if you can mix them as oil is very high tech these days. Your hanbook will tell you of the minimum spec like 229.3,4 or 5

You should have some Motor factors in your home town that supply the garage trade, they usually keep the Mobile oils, Opie oils send it through the post, details on the forum. Last but not least welcome to the forum

 

[mattkh]

Your hanbook will tell you of the minimum spec like 229.3,4 or 5

Hi
How do we then relate the 229.3 to the oil bottle? Is that shown on the bottles?
Regards.

 

[television]

Hi
How do we then relate the 229.3 to the oil bottle? Is that shown on the bottles?
Regards.

Yes all oil must have the spec on it if its worth buying, Oil specs improve all of the time so use the highest number that you can get.

In your case its now moved up a few numbers, my 2002 car said 229.1 as that was all there was then. Nothing wrong with the original oil spec. In think that 229.5 is the latest, MB now use Shell Helix oils

 

[JoG]

Your advice is very much appreciated I'll use the 0 40 for now as its due a service soon anyway.

Great Forum

 

[mattkh]

Hi
Thanks. I have learnt a lot.
Just looked at my oil bottle.

MB 229.1
VW 500.00 & 505.00
GM GM6049M

So it seems the car manufacturers do not use a Standard system.

Cheers

 

[television]

Hi
Thanks. I have learnt a lot.
Just looked at my oil bottle.

MB 229.1
VW 500.00 & 505.00
GM GM6049M

So it seems the car manufacturers do not use a Standard system.

Cheers

Correct, and this is becoming more and more a specific thing, the new Ford engine is a good example where only the exact oil can be used. Part of the reason could be with the sensors that measure the quality of the oil, and tell you when its time to change it

 

[dava]

Correct, and this is becoming more and more a specific thing, the new Ford engine is a good example where only the exact oil can be used. Part of the reason could be with the sensors that measure the quality of the oil, and tell you when its time to change it

With the Ford and specifically the diesel engine, it brings the engine management light on and when you read the codes it's normally the oxygen sensor.