Last time MB released any new oil specs was what, 2005? I guess it's about time they did a revamp.
Mercedes Tightens Oil Specs
- Thread starter buster
- Start date
- Status
EURO versions of GF-5/SN? looks like biodiesel dilution isn't as harmless as once thought.
Hi,
Originally Posted By: cp3
Personally I think it makes perfect sense for a car manufacturer to have engine oil specs. They designed the engine they should know what is required for lubrication and to keep it operating optimally.
After nearly 50 years being involved in the processes (from both sides) I agree of course!!
Typical of this was CAT in the 1950-1960s where their (and MB) specs were the real World! These specs saved many engines of all Brands (especially diesels)!
This was a time when the API was a "leader" with their standards ML> and DG etc. These were primarily driven by the Oil Industry and did NOT reflect the needs of many engines in production!
Manufacturers really do know best IME
Originally Posted By: cp3
Personally I think it makes perfect sense for a car manufacturer to have engine oil specs. They designed the engine they should know what is required for lubrication and to keep it operating optimally.
After nearly 50 years being involved in the processes (from both sides) I agree of course!!
Typical of this was CAT in the 1950-1960s where their (and MB) specs were the real World! These specs saved many engines of all Brands (especially diesels)!
This was a time when the API was a "leader" with their standards ML> and DG etc. These were primarily driven by the Oil Industry and did NOT reflect the needs of many engines in production!
Manufacturers really do know best IME
One should also consider that Benzes aren't designed around a 3000 or 5000 mile OCI, either.
Originally Posted By: buster
I suspect MB will start using a 5w30. Maybe something similar to Mobil 1 ESP 5w30.
I'm anxious to see if Germany institutes a nationwide speed limit as I think that would negate the need for high HTHS oils no? With that out of the way I would think it would be easier for MB to reach their goal.
I suspect MB will start using a 5w30. Maybe something similar to Mobil 1 ESP 5w30.
I'm anxious to see if Germany institutes a nationwide speed limit as I think that would negate the need for high HTHS oils no? With that out of the way I would think it would be easier for MB to reach their goal.
Originally Posted By: buster
I suspect MB will start using a 5w30.
Xw-30 grades are already permitted by MB, as long as HT/HS is at 3.5 cP or higher.
I suspect MB will start using a 5w30.
Xw-30 grades are already permitted by MB, as long as HT/HS is at 3.5 cP or higher.
Hi,
Quattro Pete -
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Xw-30 grades are already permitted by MB, as long as HT/HS is at 3.5 cP or higher.
Correct - the original Castrol Formula SLX 0w30 (GC on here)was API SH/CF compliant and met ACEA's A3-96, B3-96 specifications required (by MB) and was used here by some MB Dealerships during the mid-late 1990s. However,it had "issues" in use at that time!!
Quattro Pete -
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Xw-30 grades are already permitted by MB, as long as HT/HS is at 3.5 cP or higher.
Correct - the original Castrol Formula SLX 0w30 (GC on here)was API SH/CF compliant and met ACEA's A3-96, B3-96 specifications required (by MB) and was used here by some MB Dealerships during the mid-late 1990s. However,it had "issues" in use at that time!!
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: johnachak
Another reason to buy American. Use 5w30 or 5w20 depending on which you own and call it a day (for 95% of applications). Anx people complain about Ford and Gm specs...
You could buy certain kinds of new cars and not have to deal with so many complicated specifications.
Mitsubishi
Mazda
Suzuki
Kia
Hyundai
Volvo
And now that 0w20 synthetics are easy to find, servicing Honda and Toyota models is not too difficult either.
Another reason to buy American. Use 5w30 or 5w20 depending on which you own and call it a day (for 95% of applications). Anx people complain about Ford and Gm specs...
You could buy certain kinds of new cars and not have to deal with so many complicated specifications.
Mitsubishi
Mazda
Suzuki
Kia
Hyundai
Volvo
And now that 0w20 synthetics are easy to find, servicing Honda and Toyota models is not too difficult either.
Hi,
artificialist -
Originally Posted By: artificialist
You could buy certain kinds of new cars and not have to deal with so many complicated specifications.
Mitsubishi
Mazda
Suzuki
Kia
Hyundai
Volvo
And now that 0w20 synthetics are easy to find, servicing Honda and Toyota models is not too difficult either.
You are off Topic - this Thread by Buster is a legitimate one about Mercedes Oil Specs!!
artificialist -
Originally Posted By: artificialist
You could buy certain kinds of new cars and not have to deal with so many complicated specifications.
Mitsubishi
Mazda
Suzuki
Kia
Hyundai
Volvo
And now that 0w20 synthetics are easy to find, servicing Honda and Toyota models is not too difficult either.
You are off Topic - this Thread by Buster is a legitimate one about Mercedes Oil Specs!!
Sorry.
I just felt the need to correct an error made by johnchak.
I just felt the need to correct an error made by johnchak.
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: johnachak
Another reason to buy American. Use 5w30 or 5w20 depending on which you own and call it a day (for 95% of applications). Anx people complain about Ford and Gm specs...
So you are against the continual improvement of oil quality?
Everyone complained when GM came up with Dexos and when Ford went to the new xx45 specs. So why not complain when other manufacturers do it? BTW Oil is continually improving. We just went to GF5 and SN. pretty soon each car is going to have its own oil. Is it getting that tough for the manufacturers to make cars that can use existing or "mainstrean" oils? Wouldn't you figure Mercedes could if anyone could?
Originally Posted By: johnachak
Another reason to buy American. Use 5w30 or 5w20 depending on which you own and call it a day (for 95% of applications). Anx people complain about Ford and Gm specs...
So you are against the continual improvement of oil quality?
Everyone complained when GM came up with Dexos and when Ford went to the new xx45 specs. So why not complain when other manufacturers do it? BTW Oil is continually improving. We just went to GF5 and SN. pretty soon each car is going to have its own oil. Is it getting that tough for the manufacturers to make cars that can use existing or "mainstrean" oils? Wouldn't you figure Mercedes could if anyone could?
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: johnachak
Everyone complained when GM came up with Dexos and when Ford went to the new xx45 specs. So why not complain when other manufacturers do it? BTW Oil is continually improving. We just went to GF5 and SN. pretty soon each car is going to have its own oil. Is it getting that tough for the manufacturers to make cars that can use existing or "mainstrean" oils? Wouldn't you figure Mercedes could if anyone could?
Mercedes is doing what it has done for about 120 years. Leading technological innovation in cars and trucks.
Charlie
Everyone complained when GM came up with Dexos and when Ford went to the new xx45 specs. So why not complain when other manufacturers do it? BTW Oil is continually improving. We just went to GF5 and SN. pretty soon each car is going to have its own oil. Is it getting that tough for the manufacturers to make cars that can use existing or "mainstrean" oils? Wouldn't you figure Mercedes could if anyone could?
Mercedes is doing what it has done for about 120 years. Leading technological innovation in cars and trucks.
Charlie
Originally Posted By: Garak
One should also consider that Benzes aren't designed around a 3000 or 5000 mile OCI, either.
Isn't that partly due to the huge sumps?
One should also consider that Benzes aren't designed around a 3000 or 5000 mile OCI, either.
Isn't that partly due to the huge sumps?
The proliferation of oil weights and specs are causing the oil shelves to get incredibly confusing and since there are so many new oils, we dont have one or two oils used by "most" anymore that is supplied in bulk and gets cheaper. As more and more different oils are developed, the prices go up and up. Hopefully it will at least be in a weight that many other cars use so there won't be others bounced from the shelves. It's already getting tough to find some old standbys because of all the different weights and specs.
Last edited:
Actually my first post was meant more tongue-in - cheek...
Mercedes could certainly choose to build an engine that will run on any oil you feed it. However, they have other design goals, and meeting them is much easier if they can specify an oil with certain properties they want.
Originally Posted By: johnachak
Isn't that partly due to the huge sumps?
Certainly, but the Germans were pushing what we'd call extended drains even under conventional and with sumps with less than five litres capacity. Remember that there is nothing magical about the specifications. The important things they're calling for tend to be a certain HTHS (instead of a viscosity like in NA) and long drain capabilities, along with a couple things that are related mostly to emissions.
I know where you're coming from. It's obviously easier to grab a 5w30 or 5w-20 in SN/GF-5 and go. But Benz and others specify longer drains and expect harder driving. It's for the owners' benefit (along with their own of course) that they specify lubricants that are up to the task.
Isn't that partly due to the huge sumps?
Certainly, but the Germans were pushing what we'd call extended drains even under conventional and with sumps with less than five litres capacity. Remember that there is nothing magical about the specifications. The important things they're calling for tend to be a certain HTHS (instead of a viscosity like in NA) and long drain capabilities, along with a couple things that are related mostly to emissions.
I know where you're coming from. It's obviously easier to grab a 5w30 or 5w-20 in SN/GF-5 and go. But Benz and others specify longer drains and expect harder driving. It's for the owners' benefit (along with their own of course) that they specify lubricants that are up to the task.
- Status