2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. (3.0 liter V6).
On the factory fill (Shell Synthetic 5w30) a couple years ago I went 13,000 miles. I regret that now, but hopefully it did ok. It was the approved interval.
The last two oil changes I thought my dealer had used the wrong Formula M ESP (ESP for protetion of DIESEL emissions). Many dealers are using this incorrect diesel oil, spec 229.51 in GAS cars like mine.
The Gas spec 299.5. The close numbers don't mean they can be used interchangeably and I have confirmed that with manufacturer, though they don't seem to stay on top of that with dealers.
Well, my dealer claims though my car doesn't have the ESP version, but actually another Formula M that is approved and that you don't see on store shelves. Confusing isn't it? TWO Formula Ms, one ESP, one not.
Here is the spec sheet for the non-ESP one, it is approved:
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/glxxenpvlmomobil1_formula_m_5w-40.pdf
However, how do I know the dealer used this one when so many dealers have been putting the ESP one into EVERY car to save hassle of carrying two oils and admit this to customers.
Could my oil analysis shed any light? Well, here it is from Blackstone.
One thing I know for sure is that it is 5w40, just don't know if it is the ESP version or the approved non-ESP version.
Miles on OIL - 5,999
MILES ON UNIT - 29,671
Aluminum - 4
Chromium - 1
Iron - 16
Copper - 5
Lead - 1
Tin - 0
Molybdenum - 84
Nickel - 1
Maganese - 5
Silver 0 -
Titanium - 0
Potassium - 2
Boron 120
Silicon 11
Sodium 12
Calcium - 1722
Magnesium 42
Phosphorus 887
Zinc 1032
Barium 0
SUS Viscosity 210F - 71.7
cSt Viscosity 100C - 13.39
Flashpoint in F - 405
Fuel - less than 0.5%
Antifreeze - 0
Water - 0
Insolubles - 0.1
TBN - 3.0
Not a bad result I guess? Iron is a few clicks above average, but I suspect nothing too alarming?
Should I feel pretty confident with the engine?
I may take in my own Mobil 1 0w40 at the next change in a couple thousand miles so I don't have to worry about which 5w40 they are using anymore.
Thanks for any thoughts. I'm new here. I have read a couple dozen reports from other members. One thing seems clear, most engines seem to bring back very similar results, don't they? Sure, different additives, but the wear seems very similar from unit to unit after break in.
On the factory fill (Shell Synthetic 5w30) a couple years ago I went 13,000 miles. I regret that now, but hopefully it did ok. It was the approved interval.
The last two oil changes I thought my dealer had used the wrong Formula M ESP (ESP for protetion of DIESEL emissions). Many dealers are using this incorrect diesel oil, spec 229.51 in GAS cars like mine.
The Gas spec 299.5. The close numbers don't mean they can be used interchangeably and I have confirmed that with manufacturer, though they don't seem to stay on top of that with dealers.
Well, my dealer claims though my car doesn't have the ESP version, but actually another Formula M that is approved and that you don't see on store shelves. Confusing isn't it? TWO Formula Ms, one ESP, one not.
Here is the spec sheet for the non-ESP one, it is approved:
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/glxxenpvlmomobil1_formula_m_5w-40.pdf
However, how do I know the dealer used this one when so many dealers have been putting the ESP one into EVERY car to save hassle of carrying two oils and admit this to customers.
Could my oil analysis shed any light? Well, here it is from Blackstone.
One thing I know for sure is that it is 5w40, just don't know if it is the ESP version or the approved non-ESP version.
Miles on OIL - 5,999
MILES ON UNIT - 29,671
Aluminum - 4
Chromium - 1
Iron - 16
Copper - 5
Lead - 1
Tin - 0
Molybdenum - 84
Nickel - 1
Maganese - 5
Silver 0 -
Titanium - 0
Potassium - 2
Boron 120
Silicon 11
Sodium 12
Calcium - 1722
Magnesium 42
Phosphorus 887
Zinc 1032
Barium 0
SUS Viscosity 210F - 71.7
cSt Viscosity 100C - 13.39
Flashpoint in F - 405
Fuel - less than 0.5%
Antifreeze - 0
Water - 0
Insolubles - 0.1
TBN - 3.0
Not a bad result I guess? Iron is a few clicks above average, but I suspect nothing too alarming?
Should I feel pretty confident with the engine?
I may take in my own Mobil 1 0w40 at the next change in a couple thousand miles so I don't have to worry about which 5w40 they are using anymore.
Thanks for any thoughts. I'm new here. I have read a couple dozen reports from other members. One thing seems clear, most engines seem to bring back very similar results, don't they? Sure, different additives, but the wear seems very similar from unit to unit after break in.
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