Originally Posted By: Tornado Red
I cannot recommend an Xw30 oil in any diesel engine. Yes, I know some owners have had good results and good used-oil tests, but they seem to be in the minority. Older MB diesels generate more soot, so they need a very robust oil with a high initial TBN.
Huh?? This would be BIG news to our friends north of the border in Canada, who run ZERO W30 Esso XD-3, sometimes year-round, in diesel trucks. Pretty much every manual I've read, from the 6.0 Ford Powerstroke turbo, to my old 7.3 IDI Ford, and the 6.2 GMs, recommend a 10W30 for winter use in below freezing temperatures. BTW, TBN depletion is caused by short trips & moisture buildup in oil, causing acid (which depletes the alkaline base, usually sulfated ash)-pretty sure it has NOTHING to do with soot! I can also state from personal experience-without a block or oil pan heater, conventional 15W40 or even 10W30 doesn't work well AT ALL in a HEUI engine in cold weather! Engines don't START very well in an old Mercedes with them either!