Forum Discussion

Silas_Carpy's avatar
Silas_Carpy
Explorer
Apr 28, 2022

Oil change

I’ve read a million posts, am I over thinking this? My sprinter calls for mb 229.51 oil spec. P.o. Used pentosin hp 2 5w-40. It is no longer available in 5w-40. In fact, I can’t find 5w-40 locally, would have to order. The new 229.52 spec can also be used but they have even fewer at this weight. I see all kinds of recommendations for Mobil 1 esp 5w-30. I live in upstate n.y. But rv is not used in winter, buttoned up oct. and not started since. I read it is better to leave sit than to start up if you can’t take out for 35 miles or so. Why are all the mfg getting away from 40 weight? For this rv only used in summer it would seem that 40 would be beneficial but everything seems to be going to 30 recommendation. I can get the Mobil 1 esp 5w-30 locally, if I want to stay with 5w-40 I would have to order liqui moly from rock auto with an extra 25 bucks for shipping. Is everyone going to 5w-30 even for hot weather use?
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Apr 28, 2022
    BurbMan wrote:
    The lower viscosities lower internal resistance in the rotating assemblies and help with MPG, but the engine has to be designed to use them. I would call the MB dealer and ask what they use...you can't have the only 2008 Sprinter on the road.

    FCA spec'd Pennzoil 0W40 for my 2016 Challenger, and while you could buy Mobil 1 locally in 0W40, Pennzoil brand was the only one that met the FCA specs, so I had to order by the case from Amazon.

    I would also keep a couple qts in the rig for topping off on trips since you know you can't buy the stuff locally.


    And yet, my 06 SRT8 clocked over 150k miles, almost 100k of it with 15W40 dino diesel oil in it. No idea what the original owner ran, but they had it serviced religiously at the Chevy dealer, so maybe it got Chevy oil, lol. Burned no oil and ran like a top.
    2016 6.4 SRT been getting a steady diet of 15W40 or 5W40 diesel oil as well. Under 50k on it still , but don't expect issues.

    Point being, you aren't going to hurt the engine with any diesel rated oil and if you want to continue with synthetic, that's no an issue.

    Not a chance you can go wrong with any quality 5W40 or 15W40.
  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer II
    Apr 28, 2022
    The lower viscosities lower internal resistance in the rotating assemblies and help with MPG, but the engine has to be designed to use them. I would call the MB dealer and ask what they use...you can't have the only 2008 Sprinter on the road.

    FCA spec'd Pennzoil 0W40 for my 2016 Challenger, and while you could buy Mobil 1 locally in 0W40, Pennzoil brand was the only one that met the FCA specs, so I had to order by the case from Amazon.

    I would also keep a couple qts in the rig for topping off on trips since you know you can't buy the stuff locally.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Apr 28, 2022
    Call up an official Sprinter dealer and ask them what they're putting in it.

    Personally I'd use the Mobile 1.


    Bill
  • road-runner's avatar
    road-runner
    Explorer III
    Apr 28, 2022
    I just went through this ordeal and want to stay with 5w40 if for no other reason that it has worked ok for the last 14 years. I ended up with Motul from here https://www.rallysportdirect.com/part/engine-oil/mou-102051-motul-8100-x-clean-engine-oil-5w40-5l. If you magnify the front of the bottle picture you can barely make out the 229.51 approval, and it's a comparatively good price.

    The reason for the lower viscosities is to let the manufacturers claim more mpg. We're down to 0w16 in some cars this year.
  • Silas_Carpy's avatar
    Silas_Carpy
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2022
    2008 sprinter with the om642 3.0 turbo diesel. In as much as this is 14 yrs old, the oils listed in manual are no longer even produced so I am using the bevo chart recommendations. The mobil 1 euro car is not listed for this engine. The manual doesn’t give a specific weight recommendation, just choices based on ambient temp usage. It confuses me because the only change is at the low temp, all from 0w-30 to 20w-50 show the same upper temp range. So what’s the point in the differences? Like I said, I must be over thinking it, I guess either the 30 or 40 will work equally as well.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    Apr 28, 2022
    Ordered from Amazon, and it will be there in a could of days
    https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-5W-40-Advanced-Synthetic-Motor/dp/B01KGCO4QW/ref=asc_df_B01KGCO4QW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312181776237&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6138553868992448158&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032476&hvtargid=pla-584019255962&psc=1
  • bmwbob's avatar
    bmwbob
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2022
    Mobil One has 5W40 synthetic oil available now. It is called “European Car Formula”.
    I see it in Walmart, Auto Zone, and Advance Auto Parts stores.
    I needed it for my former Vespa scooter.
    Bob
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Apr 28, 2022
    IMO you should follow your manufacturer's recommendation.
    BTW Chevrolet specifies 0W-20 for my Silverado.

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