Big Service Tomorrow - Which Oil

Which Oil do I ask for in a Mercedes 208D - the manual sates W30 OR W40 and the garage say they use manufacturers recommendation. So I am confused

 

It will be that yellowy stuff in a plastic bottle:Rofl1:

is it the OM601 engine? I think it is 10w40

 

when you find the grade, buy your own and give it to the garage.

Or the Chances are they will use their own bulk oil which will probably be 10w30.

Many modern diesels, especially if they have a DPF, need specific oil.....and using the wrong one can damage the DPF

 

LOL Wouldn't call a 1990 208D a Modern Diesel!

Yes - it is the OM601 engine. I was expecting it to say W40 in the book, but it listed both and talked about different ambient temps and stuff, non of which made much sense to me if I am honest! lol

 

W40 will be a summer grade.....a bit more viscous when cold but thinning when hot.
W30will be winter grade....a bit thinner to aid cold weather cranking and overall colder conditions.

 

It was me, I'd use a 0W40, or 10W40, if they allow 30 or 40 grades. The 40 will reduce oil loss on an older engine. The W rating means it stays thin when cold, so offers cold start protection.

The main thing to check is the oil base stock. I'd always use fully synthetic, but would check compatibility with the particular engine first. Also, on older vehicles, check if the engine had flat tappet cams. If so, add ZDDPlus to the oil as well, as modern oils aren't allowed to have any, and your camshaft will soon be wrecked without it. It is banned from modern spec oils because it kills catalytic converters.

 

It is a good idea to buy the oil yourself. If your engine takes more than 5ltrs you could end up paying for 10, especially if you use a small garage that doesn't carry any stock. On the other hand, you'll have enough spare for about four years servicing:thumb:

 

Application Recommendation Capacity
Engine (D) MOBIL 1 TURBO DIESEL 0W-40 (a, g) 6.0ltr

 

Thank you ppj - I always wondered what the difference was!

No idea what a flat tappet cam is or how I would go about researching this on my old merc.....

Funny! When I asked about this last week I was advised to let the garage supply everything needed otherwise I was needlessly cutting in to their profits for no real gain, so that it what I have done. As the van is booked in for 8am tomorrow morning there is no chance I will be buying the oil! lol

 

Hi oddsocks,i always use 10w40 semi synthetic in our old girl 0m617 series,Alf.

 

If you go to this site find the oil check page , type in your reg it should come up with the correct one for your vehicle. http://www.commaoil.com/