What kind of Oil do you use, and do you agree with changing oil more frequently than

cyberdrakon · 10-18-2006

What kind of Oil do you use, and do you agree with changing oil more frequently than MBZ reccomends? I use Lubromoly in my other cars, which can run over 7000 miles, but i always change it around 3000 miles. Should i do the same for the SLK? do they use special 'break in' oil for those first 10k miles on the AMG engine? or should i change it earlier? Would it just be a waste of oil? any tips on performing the oil change (anything to do to preserve warranty?)

DansSlk · 10-18-2006

Hey mate with the oil i would only use the Mobil 1 stuff MB recommends if you want to keep the warranty its a must.

With the times between changes i don't bother on mine i leave it up to the computer but you can change it whenever you want to mate about 3000 sounds like a good number to me so i would stick with it.

No fancy oil gets used in it at all mate so not to worry about that its just the standard stuff.

Only tip is remember that there are 2 drain plugs and if your down there maybe consider changing the transmission fluid also but you do need to pump that back in so it might not be so easy.

*easty* · 10-18-2006

In the big 55 engine I think oil will last forever.. well maybe not literally. oil temps never seem raise even on silly hot days racing round the track. It's certainly not a tiny highreving sportsbike engine which also share the oil with the trans. then I'd change it every 3-5k

**-1-** · 10-18-2006

I follow the manufacturers schedule for changing oil. On the average, no more or less than 5000 miles between changes. The SLKs mileage is still too low to change until the manufacturers scheduled oil change. I like the synthetic oils available and I'm willing to pay extra for that quality oil. I'm not partial to any particular brand, but I wouldn't use the cheap off brands. I've never had a vehicle in my lifetime with ANY engine problems. Changing oil with less mileage than what's recommended is a waste of money in my opinion. I also prefer to do my own oil changes. The MB will be the exception while it's under warranty. I normally don't return to the dealer for scheduled maintenance on my other vehicles.

**etyu** · 10-18-2006

The service advisor at the local MB told me to change the engine oil/filter following what the MFD tells you. Changing it sooner, according to him, is a waste of money. I now have about 5100 miles and on checking the oil, it is a nice light to medium brown color and not dark, after wiping from the indicator stick.

V8SLK · 10-18-2006

if for no other reason than to maintain the warranty, i will follow manufacturer recs.

**Ynot** · 10-18-2006

I changed mine at 4000 miles, a year of ownership, even though the service manager said it wasn't necessary, at the rate I'm driving, it'll be 3 years before my first oil change, I don't want to wait that long, for $100 bucks/year it's great insurance, less than my other vehicle at $30/3 months. Only Mobil 1 for my car.

mtiede · 10-18-2006

I think the manual actually says something like change it when the MFD says or 1 year which ever comes first. (but its been a while since I read the manual

)

Baron7700 · 10-19-2006

im due for an oil change in the next month or so, thats when the mfd will tell me. at 11k miles. Mobil 1 synthetic oil is good from 10-15000 miles. Just go by your mfd, it knows the oil!

Topcatt · 08-12-2008

I have only used Mobil 1 for all cars. Hard to get out of the routine 3000 miles/change. New technology allows for longer. Stick with the mfd.

**Zeiser50** · 08-13-2008

Just for your information, i've asked to MB Europe why my dealer may not use Mobil1 for AMG engine (it was Castrol).
The answer has been (from MB europe):

"The car dealer is free to select for an SLK AMG, one of the 0w40 or 5w40 listed within the following list".
Note : i've translated the original french answer.

I've used another car dealer, which use Mobil1 (which has been recommended by Dan, but also by AMG during my visit). However, i'm quite confused because it seems that Mobil1 is not so mandatory in MB network.

Here is the 2 pages of the list:

ch7ckc · 08-28-2008

I use Mobil 0-40 and I will take it out to 8,000 miles even though the oil should be good to 10,000 miles.I really don't put a lot of miles on the 1999 SLK 230 anyway...2-3000 per year...but I will change the paper oil filter at 4,000.(just to be safe since it's not fleece)

I don't get the change oil on a calendar basis,anyway.The shelf life for oil has got to be many,many years.What diiference should it make if the same oil sits in the crankcase? If you're driving the car,combustion deposits,etc,get in the oil,of course.If the car sits a week,how does that contaminate the oil?

When you eventually drive the car,you should boil off the bad stuff(short trips being the exception).Correct me if I'm wrong.

best regards,ch7ckc

jd320 · 09-02-2008

The dealer who sold me my 2004 SLK320 told me not to worry about it until the A service... in about 9k more miles! Is this wrong?

**Cruzer 8** · 09-07-2008

I follow the manufactures and use Mobil-1 do mostly highway driving and have changed it for the second time at 24K miles 12k each change and the computer has never told me I was due yet. I have been using this oil for years and had an SC 3.6 Bonneville that had 115 K on it was still going strong. This new synthetic oil is not what our fathers used.

**Dolebludger** · 09-11-2008

I also use Mobil-1 as recommended by Mercedes. Also, I change oil twice as often as recommended. In other words, when the "miles until service" on the screen are approximately equal to my miles driven since last change, I have the oil changed. Most of my driving is suburban. We have a very dusty climate.

**cruising n coasting** · 09-15-2008

I read something many years back (10-15) that stated synthetic was good up to 25k miles. So I personally, not this forum's recommendation, change it the 1st time at 1,000 miles and then every 10k miles (10,20,30etc) thereafter. It's easy to remember 10x. I have been using this method for my last 6 or so cars and had great success, though I rarely keep a vehicle more than 2 years.
FYI, the 08 SMART car in my avatar is recommending the 1st oil change at 10k miles and the computer on the 07 X5 4.8i I sold a few months ago recommended it at 14k miles - though I decided otherwise and went and did it my way at 1k miles.
I ALWAYS USE MOBIL1 OIL + FILTER!!!

10-18-2006	#1 (permalink)
cyberdrakon Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SoCal, USA Vehicle: SLK55 2006 Other Toys: 560SEC 1990, CLK500 2005 Posts: 1,399 Country: Thanks: 24 Thanked 63 Times in 42 Posts	What kind of Oil do you use, and do you agree with changing oil more frequently than What kind of Oil do you use, and do you agree with changing oil more frequently than MBZ reccomends? I use Lubromoly in my other cars, which can run over 7000 miles, but i always change it around 3000 miles. Should i do the same for the SLK? do they use special 'break in' oil for those first 10k miles on the AMG engine? or should i change it earlier? Would it just be a waste of oil? any tips on performing the oil change (anything to do to preserve warranty?)

10-18-2006	#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	Hey mate with the oil i would only use the Mobil 1 stuff MB recommends if you want to keep the warranty its a must. With the times between changes i don't bother on mine i leave it up to the computer but you can change it whenever you want to mate about 3000 sounds like a good number to me so i would stick with it. No fancy oil gets used in it at all mate so not to worry about that its just the standard stuff. Only tip is remember that there are 2 drain plugs and if your down there maybe consider changing the transmission fluid also but you do need to pump that back in so it might not be so easy. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

10-18-2006	#3 (permalink)
easty Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montreal Vehicle: ///AMG Posts: 2,075 Country: Thanks: 17 Thanked 19 Times in 9 Posts	In the big 55 engine I think oil will last forever.. well maybe not literally. oil temps never seem raise even on silly hot days racing round the track. It's certainly not a tiny highreving sportsbike engine which also share the oil with the trans. then I'd change it every 3-5k __________________ "I'm not a roman mum, I'm a kike, a yid, a heebie, a hook-nose, I'm kosher mum, I'm a Red Sea pedestrian, and proud of it!" Life of Brian To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-18-2006	#4 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,224 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	I follow the manufacturers schedule for changing oil. On the average, no more or less than 5000 miles between changes. The SLKs mileage is still too low to change until the manufacturers scheduled oil change. I like the synthetic oils available and I'm willing to pay extra for that quality oil. I'm not partial to any particular brand, but I wouldn't use the cheap off brands. I've never had a vehicle in my lifetime with ANY engine problems. Changing oil with less mileage than what's recommended is a waste of money in my opinion. I also prefer to do my own oil changes. The MB will be the exception while it's under warranty. I normally don't return to the dealer for scheduled maintenance on my other vehicles. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

10-18-2006	#5 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	The service advisor at the local MB told me to change the engine oil/filter following what the MFD tells you. Changing it sooner, according to him, is a waste of money. I now have about 5100 miles and on checking the oil, it is a nice light to medium brown color and not dark, after wiping from the indicator stick. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

10-18-2006	#6 (permalink)
V8SLK Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Home of the brave Vehicle: 05 SLK55 AMG Posts: 1,071 Country: Thanks: 40 Thanked 48 Times in 26 Posts	if for no other reason than to maintain the warranty, i will follow manufacturer recs.

10-18-2006	#7 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,795 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	I changed mine at 4000 miles, a year of ownership, even though the service manager said it wasn't necessary, at the rate I'm driving, it'll be 3 years before my first oil change, I don't want to wait that long, for $100 bucks/year it's great insurance, less than my other vehicle at $30/3 months. Only Mobil 1 for my car. __________________ 06' SLK 350, Iridium/Ash all pkgs. 6-spd, 19" DCR. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-18-2006	#8 (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	I think the manual actually says something like change it when the MFD says or 1 year which ever comes first. (but its been a while since I read the manual )

10-19-2006	#9 (permalink)
Baron7700 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennyslvania Vehicle: 2006 Slk 350 Other Toys: Lots of ATV's Posts: 1,599 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	im due for an oil change in the next month or so, thats when the mfd will tell me. at 11k miles. Mobil 1 synthetic oil is good from 10-15000 miles. Just go by your mfd, it knows the oil!

08-12-2008	#10 (permalink)
Topcatt SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Winter Springs Florida Vehicle: slk350 Other Toys: clk350 Posts: 2 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have only used Mobil 1 for all cars. Hard to get out of the routine 3000 miles/change. New technology allows for longer. Stick with the mfd.

08-13-2008	#11 (permalink)
Zeiser50 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Paris Vehicle: SLK 55 AMG Other Toys: Bike : '84 Z1300-6 Posts: 506 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 18 Times in 14 Posts	Just for your information, i've asked to MB Europe why my dealer may not use Mobil1 for AMG engine (it was Castrol). The answer has been (from MB europe): "The car dealer is free to select for an SLK AMG, one of the 0w40 or 5w40 listed within the following list". Note : i've translated the original french answer. I've used another car dealer, which use Mobil1 (which has been recommended by Dan, but also by AMG during my visit). However, i'm quite confused because it seems that Mobil1 is not so mandatory in MB network. Here is the 2 pages of the list: __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ------Michel------ -SLK 55 AMG 2005-

08-28-2008	#12 (permalink)
ch7ckc SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Atlanta,GA Vehicle: 1999 SLK 230 Posts: 1 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	my oil changes I use Mobil 0-40 and I will take it out to 8,000 miles even though the oil should be good to 10,000 miles.I really don't put a lot of miles on the 1999 SLK 230 anyway...2-3000 per year...but I will change the paper oil filter at 4,000.(just to be safe since it's not fleece) I don't get the change oil on a calendar basis,anyway.The shelf life for oil has got to be many,many years.What diiference should it make if the same oil sits in the crankcase? If you're driving the car,combustion deposits,etc,get in the oil,of course.If the car sits a week,how does that contaminate the oil? When you eventually drive the car,you should boil off the bad stuff(short trips being the exception).Correct me if I'm wrong. best regards,ch7ckc

09-02-2008	#13 (permalink)
jd320 SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Vehicle: 2004 SLK320 black on black Other Toys: Many customized radios and computers. Posts: 37 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The dealer who sold me my 2004 SLK320 told me not to worry about it until the A service... in about 9k more miles! Is this wrong?

09-07-2008	#14 (permalink)
Cruzer 8 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Vehicle: 07 SL 550 Mars Red Posts: 572 Country: Thanks: 31 Thanked 57 Times in 27 Posts	I follow the manufactures and use Mobil-1 do mostly highway driving and have changed it for the second time at 24K miles 12k each change and the computer has never told me I was due yet. I have been using this oil for years and had an SC 3.6 Bonneville that had 115 K on it was still going strong. This new synthetic oil is not what our fathers used. __________________ GENE ---- See My Pic's To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.* SL 550 Mars Red

09-11-2008	#15 (permalink)
Dolebludger Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Yukon, OK Vehicle: '07 SLK 280; '04 C 320, '01 Honda S 2000, '98 Ford Ranger truck. Posts: 546 Country: Thanks: 39 Thanked 76 Times in 51 Posts	I also use Mobil-1 as recommended by Mercedes. Also, I change oil twice as often as recommended. In other words, when the "miles until service" on the screen are approximately equal to my miles driven since last change, I have the oil changed. Most of my driving is suburban. We have a very dusty climate. __________________ The SLK -- What the SL was supposed to be.

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09-15-2008	#16 (permalink)
cruising n coasting SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Miami Florida Vehicle: 08 SLK350 E10 Posts: 38 Country: Thanks: 12 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I read something many years back (10-15) that stated synthetic was good up to 25k miles. So I personally, not this forum's recommendation, change it the 1st time at 1,000 miles and then every 10k miles (10,20,30etc) thereafter. It's easy to remember 10x. I have been using this method for my last 6 or so cars and had great success, though I rarely keep a vehicle more than 2 years. FYI, the 08 SMART car in my avatar is recommending the 1st oil change at 10k miles and the computer on the 07 X5 4.8i I sold a few months ago recommended it at 14k miles - though I decided otherwise and went and did it my way at 1k miles. I ALWAYS USE MOBIL1 OIL + FILTER!!!