Which type of oil

[surebet]

After having my car serviced by Mercedes since new ,I have decided to start doing my own oil and filter change as I am only using car once or twice a week and covering 1500 miles per year. Have checked my service book and all previous oil changes,Mercedes mechanic has only written castrol , last one wrote mobile 10W-40. The owners manual states states see MB sheet 229.1 or 229.3 for correct oil. Also spoke to a mechanic who stated using 0w-40 on this age of car sometimes causes trouble with timing chain and advised 5w-40. Can anyone advise what spec. of oil and should I use fully synthetic, semi- synthetic or ordinary oil like castrol magnetic, taking into consideration the mileage I'm covering.
2002 C180K with 41K on clock.

When did oil changes become so technical!!!

 

[jaymanek]

I would use a 5w40 Fully Synthetic on your car. 5w30 or 10w40 ok too.

You need 229.3 or 229.5 not 229.1.

 

[EuroCarParts]

Oil is no longer about number! its about specs!

Don't be put off by the grade (0w30, 10w40, 5w40 etc) As long as the oil meets the required manufacturer specs (229.5 or below) then your covered!

Its a VERY common spec, which almost all high quality oils meet or exceed!

 

[Shellboie]

Oil is no longer about number! its about specs!

Don't be put off by the grade (0w30, 10w40, 5w40 etc) As long as the oil meets the required manufacturer specs (229.5 or below) then your covered!

Its a VERY common spec, which almost all high quality oils meet or exceed!

There is a a very good sticky on this i read somewhere, i think it may be on the other forum though... not sure we talk about that on here . Worth reading though

 

[StevenN]

Oil is no longer about number! its about specs!

Don't be put off by the grade (0w30, 10w40, 5w40 etc) As long as the oil meets the required manufacturer specs (229.5 or below) then your covered!

Its a VERY common spec, which almost all high quality oils meet or exceed!

Please can you elaborate on your answer?
A lot of oils state they are 5w40 but do not list 229.5 as a recommendation.
Because they are to the specified grade do they meet the MB specifications?

 

[Dieselman]

Because they are to the specified grade to they meet the MB specifications?

Not necessarily, but they may well do. Gaining the accreditation is about paying Mercedes ££££ and waiting.

 

[StevenN]

So will any good quality 5w40 be suitable?

 

[EuroCarParts]

So will any good quality 5w40 be suitable?

Strictly speaking no - you should always fill with an oil thats approved to the manufactures guidelines. (in terms of approval) This may be a 5w40, 5w30, 10w40........

Diesel man is correct - The approval (ie, being able to put meets/exceeds Mb229.1 etc) is about paying the vehicle maker to test and 'approve' your oil.

However alot of experienced members here, would of most likely found what their 'older' engines work well with (this may be an oil that meets the specs, or maybe just a good quality oil)