97 Mercedes 320K miles Oil Recommendation Please?

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: Bandito440
I'd probably start using the M1 High Mileage 10w-40 variety myself to hopefully prevent leaks, but that's just me.

The Euro 0w-40 formula is a great choice too.


The so called Euro formula 0-40 is the same oil as M1 0-40 sold all over the world and the US. That is per XM.

 

[Dada5]

Very helpful, thanks.

 

[Lex94]

Mobil 1 0w40...MB 229.5...25 bucks a jug at walmart.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
The Mobil 1 0W40 at Walmart is the no brainer for about $25 a jug.

Unless you'd like to keep a few bucks in your pocket, in which case Castrol 0w-40 at $21 a jug is the no brainer.

 

[Kuato]

Originally Posted By: Dada5
Just bought 97 Mercedes e420 with 320K from friend who's used Mobil 1 on it for last 100K or so, but doesn't remember specifics. Can anyone please recommend a grade and type of motor oil to use? The manual doesn't recommend a grade and it's not written on the oil filler cap. I don't see any leaks on the driveway or anything, so I think things are running pretty well.


Whatever your friend has been using...have you checked with him?

 

[Dada5]

Yes, but he always had the car serviced by a mechanic to include oil changes. I'm trying to avoid asking the mechanic since i plan to keep using the same one for the tough stuff. My friend doesn't know much about the car other than how to drive it.

 

[aquariuscsm]

I'd just give him a call,tell him what/who's car you bought,and ask him what oil he'd been servicing the car with. That way you'll know for sure and won't be guessing.

 

[Benzadmiral]

Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
I'd just give him a call,tell him what/who's car you bought,and ask him what oil he'd been servicing the car with. That way you'll know for sure and won't be guessing.

Darn nice car. I never drove or owned a W210 E-Class; always liked their looks. Ask the mechanic too about the transmission, whether it's been serviced or {gasp!) replaced. 1997 was the first year of the electronic 5-speed auto transmission. It was in my '97 W202 C-Class, so I suppose it would have gone into the E-Class as well.

MB had some units cause trouble. At about 80K miles/10 years mine, which had been fluid-and-filter serviced twice, started refusing at random times to shift out of 2nd during normal driving, would shift with a slam, and then would behave perfectly until the next time. The MB dealer, a local tranny shop, and my regular mechanic couldn't be sure that their $1400 fix would solve the problem. So I traded the car, which had been fine up to then.

I don't want to scare you. If your E420 has made 320K miles, the transmission is surely one of the many good ones. But you might ask about its service.

 

[Dada5]

Very good suggestion, thanks. I will ask and look into at least swapping out the transmission fluid and filter.

 

[mcrn]

Pics?

 

[Dada5]

Not ready at this point. The interior is pretty clean, but all 4 doors and the trunk lid have rust. Will be looking for advice on repairing them or replacing them after i get things running like they should. Also need to take care of a misfire. Hoping new plugs, wires and coil packs will fix that and the check engine light too!

 

[loneryder]

I'd personally run M1 0w-40 and looks at leaks and consumption, then move to M1 HM 10w-40 if I observed either. [/quote]
Ditto here. Also get that mechanic to change the trans fluid/filter with the proper fluid. Those cars were tanks...just ask MB mechanics.