fleece filters?

[synergy_58]

I have an 05 Sprinter van made by Mercedes with a 2.7 ltr. diesel (i don't know if its TDI or CDI, what's the dif?). MB calls for the use of a fleece filter, which my local dealership claims that only the dealer can get. Also, I'm suppose to use 228.3 or 229.5 imported european oil (9.5 qts). The dealership wants $201.00 per oil/filter change, and says they must do it to keep the van under warranty. 1.What's a fleece filter? 2. Is the dealership the only place to get it and the oil? How can I beat the system with regards to the warranty?

 

[synergy_58]

Okay, I'll check out the TDI club. When you say that 'Mobil 1 0W-40 Euro is available on the shelf', where can I find it? also the fleece filter? is the dealer the only place to get them?

 

[kanling]

Is it a Dodge or Freightliner dealer trying to hit you for a $200 oil change? That is utterly ridiculous.

As far as the fleece filter is concerned... if you can find an aftermarket brand that has a filter application in their catalog for the sprinter, you can probably use that aftermarket filter without warranty fears... Magnuson-Moss and all.

I notice Wix is recommending the 57038 for the Sprinter.

 

[synergy_58]

Yes, the dodge and Freightliner dealers are both charging this price.

Who makes and sells Wix filters?

 

[pmwalter]

synergy_58,

The FRAM filters are the OEM filters (Mann, "made in Germany") in a FRAM box. Wix makes their own that you can buy at filter1.com.

Rockauto.com has the FRAM version (Mann filter) for $7.27. They also have the Wix filter for $13.88. Make sure you receive three rubber O-rings with each filter. You need to change these O-rings every time.

 

[Andy H]

Synergy,

The fleece filter is used in all the Benz vehicles with long-drain capability. The Benz oil life monitor is calibrated with a full-synthetic (PAO - not US Group III) oil that meets their 229.5 spec. This allows for up to a 2 year or 30,000 mile OCI.

Benz got hit with a pretty large class action lawsuit a few years back because Americans filled their cars with API-spec petroleum oil built for a 6-month/7500 mile normal service OCI and ran until the change oil light came on. Horrible sludge and engine damage problems. I can't blame them for demanding a high-quality oil, as they got hit with a $32million judgement from the just the US class action. I don't know what the Canadian judgement was.

There are US oils made to the 229.3 and 229.5 spec. Mobil 1 0W-40 Euro is available on the shelf and used in Chrysler dealerships. AMSOIL has a couple of products, including their 5W-40 Euro, which is 229.3 today and will be 229.5 in January.

Bottom line here: Use a full-synthetic oil built to the required Benz spec, and the fleece filter, and you can run to the full oil change interval specified by the Owners manual and/or shop manual with complete confidence.

And come over to the VW TDI club - there's a ton of excellent info on Euro spec oil and diesels, and there are a lot of TDIers with Sprinters. www.tdiclub.com

Andy

Lube Tech, VW TDI owner/operator, student of Euro Specs

 

[vad]

GC (Castrol Syntec 0w-30) also meets MB 229.1, 229.3 and 229.5
It's being sold through the AutoZone chain. It's been on sale a couple of months ago for $4 qt.
The regular price is $4.99