What oil to use

oscy · 04-22-2007

Hope someone will be able to answer my question really easily. I have an 06 SLK 200, i've done about 6000 miles in it so far and checked the oil today for the first time and it is on the minimum marker in the dip stick. Got a rather long journey coming up so think i should top it up, being female and not too clued up on this sort of thing could someone please advise what sort of oil i should use and any hints/tips on how often i should check this sort of thing so that i dont have to pay MB £100's to add a bit of oil!!!. Many thanks

DansSlk · 04-22-2007

Should say in your manual but from memory it should be the standard Mobil 1 0W-40 it should say on the container that it meets MB sheet 229.3 and 229.5

oscy · 04-22-2007

Thanks for that, i have read the manual but cant seem to find anywhere exactly which oil should be used.

DansSlk · 04-22-2007

Ah ok.

The Mobil 1 should be fine for the 200.

oscy · 04-22-2007

Brilliant, think i will be popping to Halfords tomorrow!!!

oscy · 04-22-2007

Ooooh, sorry, how much will i need to buy??? (just roughly - thanks)

mtiede · 04-22-2007

Be careful to check the oil AFTER the car has been sitting on a level surface for a while (perhaps overnight). Otherwise, oil can be up in the engine and not drained down yet and you might be OVERfilling. Just a thought...

Tslick · 04-22-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by oscy

Ooooh, sorry, how much will i need to buy??? (just roughly - thanks)

Out of curiosity, are you able to check the oil level from the instrument panel in lieu of the dip stick. Does it display the qty in quarts or liters low.

DansSlk · 04-22-2007

Capacity is 5.5 liters if you buy say 5 then you will have some spare if you need it.

Like mtiede says let the car sit for a while before filling it and don't fill the car to the max because it will expand when hot, 3/4 is plenty once you have added the oil run the engine until its warm and then switch off wait 5 minutes and check the level again it should not have risen to the max if it reaches that level/exceeds it call MB.

Tslick, You can use the computer to check the level but to get an accurate measurement needs the thing to be in service mode on the 200.

oscy · 04-22-2007

Dont think i'm able to check the oil on the instrument panel on the SLK200, I have checked it when it has been sat on my driveway (which is level) for a good 12 hours and is still on minimum. Just a thought - is this normal for the oil to be so low on a relatively new car, i have had it from new, do not drive it harshly??? If i cant get the oil from Halfords (apart from obviously MB - which is 45-1hr drive from me) are there any other obvious places that should stock it?? I have a few other car delerships near me (Saab, Honda, Volvo) any chance they may have it is Halfords doesn't??

ierax · 04-22-2007

A Mobil gas station or perhaps a Shell one. You can use Shell helix ultra 5w-40.It is suitable as well.It is crucial that you do not overfill.If you are at min level measuring with the dipstick, about 1/5 th of a 1 ltr oil bottle should suffice to top up. No need for the oil to be just below the max line. Halfway is fine,when cold. It is very easy to overfill this engine,better less oil than more. DANSLK and the others rightly provide the textbook approach, I give you the one that is actually used ..

Just remove the dipstick, clean its end with a piece of cloth (no tissues) and make sure you reinsert it fully. Leave it for 10-15 sec and then withdraw.You will now have an accurate reading on the oil level when cold.Bear in mind that with an engine that has not run for some time , oil tends to collect at the bottom of the engine. That's why the procedure calls for a warm engine that has been switched off for 5 minutes, in order for the oil to flow around the engine first .
All engines consume oil,not necessarily due to harsh driving.Refill and keep a small log on how frequent you top up and how much oil you have used.The oem oil of your car as it comes out of the factory is probably FUCHS,but they are not interested in getting the service/maintenance business and it is not very easy to locate a supplier ,so people usually recommend the vastly overrated (in my opinion) mobil 1 synthetic oil.
I use Philips 66 ful synthetic in all my cars, but using any premium brand synthetic oil for topping up before your first service will be fine.After your first service,ask them what kind of oil they used and always top up with that kind of oil. It is more crucial NOT to mix different brands of oil (once you can avoid it), even if they are both synthetic ,have the same ratings etc...Do not pay anybody to top up your oil, you can do it yourself!
And No,such knowledge does not come down upon men or women alike through divine intervention. The more clever of us , have asked around on what to do. On doing that , I congratulate you!!!!

DansSlk · 04-22-2007

Not sure how many places stock it apart form MB but i would expect Halfords to they have most of them.

Don't worry about the oil consumption does not sounds too bad for a new car people often ask at the shop about the cars using oil i tend to follow a slightly different approach to most they tend to think that if it burns oil its bad i think if it burns oil its always getting the clean stuff flowing around its veins and so long as its kept topped up will be fine, there is a limit of course but so long as your not filling it every month its fine.

You will need the car in service mode to get the reading on the 200 and if you happy using the dipstick then keep using its more than accurate enough.

ierax gives a good procedure there, MB themselves call for a stone cold engine to be checked then filled up then run until warm and allowed 5 mins to cool down then checked again to make sure its not maxed out, there should be Mobil 1 in it now and its the only oil approved for the engine by MBUK but ierax is right in saying MB do allow the use of others but they don't meet the correct datasheets (For warranty) in Blightly so i would recommend the proper stuff we (Dealers) use and thats Mobil 1 0W-40 Fully Synth the only exception to that rule here in the UK is if you have a Brabus engine and then you use Aral for your warranty.

As said its very easy to do and so long as you follow procedure and keep all the fluids approved it wont have any effect on your warranty MBUK are known for trying to use every possible way to get out of claims so you need to keep it legit if anything fails in the engine i guarantee they will test the oil.

The longest part of the whole thing is waiting for the engine to heat up after topping it up its a real simple job but if for any reason things don't go to plan or you cant find the oil i have not heard of any time MB has refused to top the car up under goodwill some dealers even give you the whole bottle free so they throw some in the car to get it up to normal then give you the rest since they claim it back anyways.

Also check tyre pressures and condition, the coolant level in the expansion tank, brake fluid level, the power steering fluid, any signs of leaks under the car and in the engine bay, v-belt condition and if you want the water level in the wash system but thats not vital.

If your tyres need air top them up if they are damaged then replace them before any long trips, the coolant and brake fluid levels can be checked visually without removing any covers if either is low go right to MB don't attempt to top up yourself unless you have the MB fluids because of your warranty, the power steering fluid tank has a cap you remove and a dipstick on the cap itself if its low not too much of a prob steering will be heavier but don't let it sit near the bottom for too long because the pump could be damaged, leaks and the v-belt are easy to check and the water level is real easy pour water into the tank neck until your car starts to pee from its wheel arch.

Sounds like a lot but its no more than 5 mins to check it all and well worth it.

412driver · 04-22-2007

Whats up??? Just cause she is a gurl, all this help??? I ask a question, maybe two or three words from ya'll. She asks and volumes???? I'm laughin ya'll. If you will post a pitur of you, I bet these guys will travel to UK and change the oil and filter for ya for free. Wish I waz a gurl,,, naw, heck I'm an ugly guy, as a gurl,,, OOOHHH nasty sight. These guys are really great, hope all this advice has helped, if you are still

, stop at the local garage and ask the mechanic to show you the proper level and other important stuff. Wear a short skirt and smile real big

(((((I'm a male pig)))))) but you are grinnin so I done guuuud.

oscy · 04-23-2007

Hey 412 i would rather ask and get a thorough response rather than mess up my engine by putting the wrong oil in it. As i am not close to my MB dealership this is my main source of information, and i would rather find out how to do stuff myself rather than act dumb and blond and get a MB mechanic to do it for me! I'm sure whatever you have posted in the past has been answered to the same degree as my original question!

412driver · 04-23-2007

Oscy, you are correct, my humor must have passed you by, sorry if you misunderstood. These folks are absolutely the best and will do whatever it takes to help us out. Enjoy and laugh alot, it makes the world a better place.

**F111F** · 04-23-2007

Before my 13000 mile oil change, my check oil message came on a couple of times. Since I have worked on cars, I add a small amount of oil. I guess the service tech knew this from the computer and my service person insisted that next time, I come in to MB. Since my oil change, no issues on oil level, and I have tracked my car and the level is still fine.

My guess is that it is normal for a new engine to use some oil, and then after being temperature cycled enough the seals and engine no longer "use" oil.

**tungster** · 04-24-2007

When i open the hood of my car it has a Mobil 1 sticker from the factory in the engine compartment.

Thats what I use.

DansSlk · 04-24-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by tungster

When i open the hood of my car it has a Mobil 1 sticker from the factory in the engine compartment.

Thats what I use.

Yeah they do that have been for a while.

BMW stamp it on the filler cap i think i prefer MB's way

oscy · 04-24-2007

Well i found somewhere to buy Mobil 1 Oil for my car - I'm sure all of you knowledgable guys have a good place to buy the oil but for those that may be interested i got 5 litres from Camberley Auto Factors £35 which i didnt think was too bad. Thanks for all of your advice.

04-22-2007	#1 (permalink)
oscy SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 64 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	What oil to use Hope someone will be able to answer my question really easily. I have an 06 SLK 200, i've done about 6000 miles in it so far and checked the oil today for the first time and it is on the minimum marker in the dip stick. Got a rather long journey coming up so think i should top it up, being female and not too clued up on this sort of thing could someone please advise what sort of oil i should use and any hints/tips on how often i should check this sort of thing so that i dont have to pay MB £100's to add a bit of oil!!!. Many thanks

04-22-2007	#2 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Should say in your manual but from memory it should be the standard Mobil 1 0W-40 it should say on the container that it meets MB sheet 229.3 and 229.5 __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

04-22-2007	#4 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Ah ok. The Mobil 1 should be fine for the 200. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

04-22-2007	#9 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Capacity is 5.5 liters if you buy say 5 then you will have some spare if you need it. Like mtiede says let the car sit for a while before filling it and don't fill the car to the max because it will expand when hot, 3/4 is plenty once you have added the oil run the engine until its warm and then switch off wait 5 minutes and check the level again it should not have risen to the max if it reaches that level/exceeds it call MB. Tslick, You can use the computer to check the level but to get an accurate measurement needs the thing to be in service mode on the 200. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

04-22-2007	#12 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Not sure how many places stock it apart form MB but i would expect Halfords to they have most of them. Don't worry about the oil consumption does not sounds too bad for a new car people often ask at the shop about the cars using oil i tend to follow a slightly different approach to most they tend to think that if it burns oil its bad i think if it burns oil its always getting the clean stuff flowing around its veins and so long as its kept topped up will be fine, there is a limit of course but so long as your not filling it every month its fine. You will need the car in service mode to get the reading on the 200 and if you happy using the dipstick then keep using its more than accurate enough. ierax gives a good procedure there, MB themselves call for a stone cold engine to be checked then filled up then run until warm and allowed 5 mins to cool down then checked again to make sure its not maxed out, there should be Mobil 1 in it now and its the only oil approved for the engine by MBUK but ierax is right in saying MB do allow the use of others but they don't meet the correct datasheets (For warranty) in Blightly so i would recommend the proper stuff we (Dealers) use and thats Mobil 1 0W-40 Fully Synth the only exception to that rule here in the UK is if you have a Brabus engine and then you use Aral for your warranty. As said its very easy to do and so long as you follow procedure and keep all the fluids approved it wont have any effect on your warranty MBUK are known for trying to use every possible way to get out of claims so you need to keep it legit if anything fails in the engine i guarantee they will test the oil. The longest part of the whole thing is waiting for the engine to heat up after topping it up its a real simple job but if for any reason things don't go to plan or you cant find the oil i have not heard of any time MB has refused to top the car up under goodwill some dealers even give you the whole bottle free so they throw some in the car to get it up to normal then give you the rest since they claim it back anyways. Also check tyre pressures and condition, the coolant level in the expansion tank, brake fluid level, the power steering fluid, any signs of leaks under the car and in the engine bay, v-belt condition and if you want the water level in the wash system but thats not vital. If your tyres need air top them up if they are damaged then replace them before any long trips, the coolant and brake fluid levels can be checked visually without removing any covers if either is low go right to MB don't attempt to top up yourself unless you have the MB fluids because of your warranty, the power steering fluid tank has a cap you remove and a dipstick on the cap itself if its low not too much of a prob steering will be heavier but don't let it sit near the bottom for too long because the pump could be damaged, leaks and the v-belt are easy to check and the water level is real easy pour water into the tank neck until your car starts to pee from its wheel arch. Sounds like a lot but its no more than 5 mins to check it all and well worth it. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

04-22-2007	#3 (permalink)
oscy SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 64 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for that, i have read the manual but cant seem to find anywhere exactly which oil should be used.

04-22-2007	#5 (permalink)
oscy SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 64 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Brilliant, think i will be popping to Halfords tomorrow!!!

04-22-2007	#6 (permalink)
oscy SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 64 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ooooh, sorry, how much will i need to buy??? (just roughly - thanks)

04-22-2007	#7 (permalink)
mtiede Founding Member #7 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Western New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 1,642 Thanks: 100 Thanked 55 Times in 45 Posts	Be careful to check the oil AFTER the car has been sitting on a level surface for a while (perhaps overnight). Otherwise, oil can be up in the engine and not drained down yet and you might be OVERfilling. Just a thought...

04-22-2007	#10 (permalink)
oscy SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 64 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dont think i'm able to check the oil on the instrument panel on the SLK200, I have checked it when it has been sat on my driveway (which is level) for a good 12 hours and is still on minimum. Just a thought - is this normal for the oil to be so low on a relatively new car, i have had it from new, do not drive it harshly??? If i cant get the oil from Halfords (apart from obviously MB - which is 45-1hr drive from me) are there any other obvious places that should stock it?? I have a few other car delerships near me (Saab, Honda, Volvo) any chance they may have it is Halfords doesn't??

04-22-2007	#11 (permalink)
ierax Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Vehicle: Obsidian black SLK Posts: 293 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	A Mobil gas station or perhaps a Shell one. You can use Shell helix ultra 5w-40.It is suitable as well.It is crucial that you do not overfill.If you are at min level measuring with the dipstick, about 1/5 th of a 1 ltr oil bottle should suffice to top up. No need for the oil to be just below the max line. Halfway is fine,when cold. It is very easy to overfill this engine,better less oil than more. DANSLK and the others rightly provide the textbook approach, I give you the one that is actually used .. Just remove the dipstick, clean its end with a piece of cloth (no tissues) and make sure you reinsert it fully. Leave it for 10-15 sec and then withdraw.You will now have an accurate reading on the oil level when cold.Bear in mind that with an engine that has not run for some time , oil tends to collect at the bottom of the engine. That's why the procedure calls for a warm engine that has been switched off for 5 minutes, in order for the oil to flow around the engine first . All engines consume oil,not necessarily due to harsh driving.Refill and keep a small log on how frequent you top up and how much oil you have used.The oem oil of your car as it comes out of the factory is probably FUCHS,but they are not interested in getting the service/maintenance business and it is not very easy to locate a supplier ,so people usually recommend the vastly overrated (in my opinion) mobil 1 synthetic oil. I use Philips 66 ful synthetic in all my cars, but using any premium brand synthetic oil for topping up before your first service will be fine.After your first service,ask them what kind of oil they used and always top up with that kind of oil. It is more crucial NOT to mix different brands of oil (once you can avoid it), even if they are both synthetic ,have the same ratings etc...Do not pay anybody to top up your oil, you can do it yourself! And No,such knowledge does not come down upon men or women alike through divine intervention. The more clever of us , have asked around on what to do. On doing that , I congratulate you!!!!

04-22-2007	#13 (permalink)
412driver Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Salisbury North Carolina USA Vehicle: 99 SLK230 Other Toys: TOO MANY TOYS Posts: 1,010 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Whats up??? Just cause she is a gurl, all this help??? I ask a question, maybe two or three words from ya'll. She asks and volumes???? I'm laughin ya'll. If you will post a pitur of you, I bet these guys will travel to UK and change the oil and filter for ya for free. Wish I waz a gurl,,, naw, heck I'm an ugly guy, as a gurl,,, OOOHHH nasty sight. These guys are really great, hope all this advice has helped, if you are still , stop at the local garage and ask the mechanic to show you the proper level and other important stuff. Wear a short skirt and smile real big (((((I'm a male pig)))))) but you are grinnin so I done guuuud.

04-23-2007	#14 (permalink)
oscy SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 64 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hey 412 i would rather ask and get a thorough response rather than mess up my engine by putting the wrong oil in it. As i am not close to my MB dealership this is my main source of information, and i would rather find out how to do stuff myself rather than act dumb and blond and get a MB mechanic to do it for me! I'm sure whatever you have posted in the past has been answered to the same degree as my original question!

04-23-2007	#15 (permalink)
412driver Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Salisbury North Carolina USA Vehicle: 99 SLK230 Other Toys: TOO MANY TOYS Posts: 1,010 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Oscy, you are correct, my humor must have passed you by, sorry if you misunderstood. These folks are absolutely the best and will do whatever it takes to help us out. Enjoy and laugh alot, it makes the world a better place.

04-23-2007	#16 (permalink)
F111F Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Plano, TX Vehicle: SLK55 Black Mocha Designo Posts: 290 Country: Thanks: 39 Thanked 22 Times in 10 Posts	Before my 13000 mile oil change, my check oil message came on a couple of times. Since I have worked on cars, I add a small amount of oil. I guess the service tech knew this from the computer and my service person insisted that next time, I come in to MB. Since my oil change, no issues on oil level, and I have tracked my car and the level is still fine. My guess is that it is normal for a new engine to use some oil, and then after being temperature cycled enough the seals and engine no longer "use" oil.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
What kind of Oil do you use, and do you agree with changing oil more frequently than	cyberdrakon	Caring for your SLK	15	09-15-2008 12:02 AM
oil	mazeka	SLK R171 General Discussion	19	09-02-2008 08:59 PM
oil change	mazeka	SLK R171 General Discussion	1	08-25-2008 05:53 PM
Quick question, oil gauge shows 9.0L after oil change	cyberdrakon	Ask DansSLK	8	03-06-2008 01:45 PM
SLK 230 Motor oil and oil filter	hellfire

04-24-2007	#17 (permalink)
tungster Founding Member / Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rowlett, TX Vehicle: 2002 C2DSLK32K Posts: 225 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	When i open the hood of my car it has a Mobil 1 sticker from the factory in the engine compartment. Thats what I use. __________________ C2D 2002 SLK32K C2Design and Kleemann Modified 360.0 rwhp 349.8 rwtq Check My vBGarage for all Modifications

04-24-2007	#19 (permalink)
oscy SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 64 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well i found somewhere to buy Mobil 1 Oil for my car - I'm sure all of you knowledgable guys have a good place to buy the oil but for those that may be interested i got 5 litres from Camberley Auto Factors £35 which i didnt think was too bad. Thanks for all of your advice.