MERCEDES-BENZ engine oil diesel and petrol

What are the types of motor oil for Mercedes-Benz?

You can use synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral oils in these cars. The latter are inferior to the others in performance characteristics and are used only in older models. These oils do not provide enough protection for modern high-performance engines.

Does Mercedes-Benz approve any products?

Yes, it does. There are many products approved by Daimler AG for usage in petrol and diesel versions of Mercedes-Benz cars. The most common are:

• 229.1: for passenger cars produced before 2002. High SAPS. Incompatible with particulate filters.
• 229.3: can be used in vehicles built after 2002 including those that are fitted with particulate filters. Compatible with a turbocharger and direct fuel injection system.
• 229.31: for passenger and commercial vehicles made in 2003 or later with particulate filters and catalytic converters. Characterised by low sulphur, phosphorus and ash content.
• 229.5: energy-efficient lubricant for vehicles made after 2003. It has an extended service life of up to 40,000 km.

229.52 was offered specially for diesel versions. This oil is designed for modern engines fitted with BlueTEC technology and is compatible with catalytic converters.

Do I have to flush the engine before changing the oil in a Mercedes-Benz car?

Not always. If you comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations for car maintenance, it’s enough to just change the lubricant and filter. It’s necessary to flush the system in the following cases:

• Engine has overheated.
• If you’re planning to use lubricant of another viscosity or brand.
• Engine was disassembled and repaired.
• Coolant got into the system.

How do I choose the right lubricant?

Always buy products with the viscosity specified by the automaker. If your vehicle has covered a lot of kilometres or is exposed to high loads, consider choosing products with a higher HTHS viscosity. For vehicles driven in regions with cold winters, it is better to opt for products that retain good flow characteristics at low temperatures. Choose products made by trustworthy brands such as Castrol, Total, Elf, Mobil, Motul, Liqui Moly, Aral, and Orlen.

When is it time to change the motor oil?

It depends on the model, version, and year of production of the vehicle. Replacement intervals vary in a range from 10,000 to 40,000 km. The exact information is specified in your vehicle’s technical documentation.

Sometimes, oils can lose their properties before the expiry date. Signs this may have happened include:

• white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe
• emulsion on the dipstick
• low coolant level
• “check engine” light coming on
• engine overheating
• unusual sounds when the engine is running