Does your Mercedes-Benz need an oil change? Are you confused about whether to use special oil or regular motor oil?
Mercedes-Benz requires special oil to operate. The three-star brand needs synthetic motor oil, instead of regular oil. Mercedes and most German vehicles use durable fully-synthetic motor oil that matches European ACEA standards. Additionally, Mercedes recommends its users use MB-Approved 229.51 multi-grade engine oils.
The MB-Approved 229.51 oil is more expensive than regular oil. However, it also has many advantages over regular motor oil. That’s why Mercedes recommends it to its customers. The oil in your Mercedes should be changed every 10,000 miles or once a year.
Synthetic oil vs. regular oil
Synthetic motor oil is different from regular motor oil in many ways. Synthetic oil is made up of base oil, powder additives, and a carrier oil that enables the additives to be evenly distributed.
Both types of oil are made from crude oils. However, the main difference between regular and synthetic oil is the level of refining that’s involved. Note that synthetic oil is refined, distilled, purified, and then broken down at the molecular level. That’s why it has many advantages over regular oil.
What is synthetic-blend oil?
Synthetic-bend oil is different from synthetic oil. This is because it combines the best features of both fully synthetic and traditional motor oil. Some people refer to it as part-synthetic or semi-synthetic. Despite having the characteristics of synthetic oil, it’s slightly cheaper than completely synthetic oil. It’s still more expensive than regular oil though.
Advantages of synthetic oil
Using synthetic oil has many advantages, including:
- Exceptional performance in extreme climates
- It has less friction because of similar molecule sizes
- The final product has fewer impurities
- It has reduced deposits
- It provides cleaner engine operation because of additives
Synthetic engine oils for Mercedes vehicles
Sheet 229.1:
- Mobil 1 Tri-Synthetic Formula 0w-40
- Mobil 1 Tri-Synthetic Formula 15w-50
- Castrol Syntec 5w-50
- Castrol Syntec 10W-50
- Valvoline Synpower Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5w-40
- 76 Pure Synthetic Motor Oil 5w-40
- Quaker State Full Synthetic European Formula 5w-40
- Pennzoil Synthetic European 5w-40
Sheet 229.3:
- Castrol TXT Softec Plus 5w-30
- Shell Helix Ultra 5w-30
- Shell Helix Ultra 5w-40
What does Mercedes oil service include?
In addition to making an oil change, a Mercedes dealership will carry out these services as a part of a regular oil change service appointment:
- Perform a Synthetic Motor Oil Replacement for model years 2009 and later as a part of Mercedes Service A or Service B.
- Perform a Mercedes oil change for model years 2008 and older.
- Perform oil filter replacement using genuine parts
- Recycle the old filter
Mercedes oil change FAQ
Can I put regular oil in my Mercedes?
No, you can’t. Mercedes-Benz requires a special type of oil. Mercedes-Benz vehicles use long-life fully-synthetic motor oil that matches European ACEA standards. Additionally, the type of oil used should meet an ACEA rating of A3/B3 or A3/B4. Mercedes highly recommends the use of 229.51 multi-grade engine oils.
Why is a Mercedes oil change so expensive?
This is because Mercedes-Benz uses Euro-spec synthetic motor oil. Apart from that, Mercedes-Benz are manufactured with bigger fuel tanks, meaning they need more oil to fill up the tank. The process of changing the oil in a Mercedes-Benz is also quite cumbersome, and that’s why you are charged more.
Another reason why a Mercedes oil change is so expensive is that it involves more than just changing the motor oil. Other services that the mechanic will provide include inspecting the oil filter, fuel filter, and the cabin air filter. Additionally, Mercedes dealers who are authorized to do maintenance and repairs on Mercedes vehicles are quite expensive.
When should I change the oil in my Mercedes?
Unlike other car brands that need an oil change after every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, Mercedes don’t require an oil change until after 10,000 miles. This is thanks to its large fuel tank that holds more oil than other car brands.
Additionally, this means fewer trips to the dealer or mechanic for an oil change. For instance, if you own a Toyota, you might need to do an oil change at least 3 to 4 times a year. But for Mercedes, you will only have to do an oil change once.
Even though changing the oil in Mercedes-Benz is expensive, you only have to do it once a year. If you have another brand that needs to be changed 3 times a year, you will spend more money and time than you would with a Mercedes.
Will my Mercedes tell me when I need an oil change?
Yes, it will. One of the things that make Mercedes special is its high-tech features. Mercedes-Benz is fitted with extremely accurate sensors that will alert you if your car has a problem or something needs to be changed. So, if your Mercedes needs an oil change, the sensor will alert you on your car’s dashboard.
Can I change the oil in my Mercedes by myself?
Yes, you can. However, you will need specialized tools and to follow a strict procedure that is somewhat challenging. That’s why it’s recommended to get an oil change from an authorized Mercedes dealer. Although Mercedes dealers are expensive, they’re usually worth every penny.
Unlike in a standard vehicle where you simply drain the oil, replace the oil filter, and refill the motor with fresh oil, Mercedes oil changes are quite different and cumbersome. The process is quite challenging and requires special tools to do so.
Changing the oil in a Mercedes-Benz involves sucking or vacuuming out the oil. You will have to use an expensive and specialized vacuum tool, which can typically be found in a Mercedes dealership shop. If you don’t want to visit a Mercedes dealership, ensure the garage you’re visiting has this specialized equipment.
Changing your Mercedes oil
If the check engine light on your Mercedes is telling you to change oil, make sure you use the type of oil recommended by Mercedes. Mercedes cars require a fully-synthetic motor oil that meets European ACEA standards. To be more specific, they recommend the use of MB-Approved 229.51 synthetic oil.
Unlike regular oil, MB-Approved 229.51 motor oil is quite expensive. However, this oil has many advantages over regular oil, such as reduced deposits, fewer impurities, and less friction. You will also need to visit a Mercedes dealership for a proper oil change.
