Test drove a '00 230k

[fern]

In my quest for the ultimate c230k I took one for a drive today.

Very impressed with how smooth the trani was and how generally solid the car feels.

I do note that the sticker on the door indicated Quakerstate "15w40" was used on the last oil service with 1800 km remaining until the next service. (dealer says 15000- 20000 intervals as per the fss???? The car had 49500 km, which means 2- 3 oil changes to date???????- scary

I know the oil grade topic has been dealt with before, but currently I own a Lexus rx300 and my owner's manual says " the use of synthetic oil does not extend the oil change intervals". I have never questioned why but rather change the oil myself every 6000 km.

Back to the 15w40 topic- it doesn't appear appropriate that we are at the end of November and such a high grade of oil was in there. I did find the engine trying harder than usual to crank over, making what I suspect to be the starter and battery work overtime...

If I purchase the car I will be using Castol syntec 5w30, which is what I currently use in the Lexus.. every 6k km

Any thoughts,

Thanks in advance for your input.
Fern

[pnsji]

Mercedes and AMG recommends Mobil1 0W40

[manny]

Originally posted by pnsji
Mercedes and AMG recommends Mobil1 0W40

Here you go: http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html
If it was slow turning over with the " tropical " temperatures we've been having, there may be another problem. ;)

[fern]

Thanks Manny,

You confirmed my suspicion, the 15w40 oil is in fact the wrong grade...

[manny]

FWIW, I've been using Mobil I 0W40 for the past year and think it is terrific.
Buy it at my local M-B dealer, along with M-B oil filters, for about $ 8.50 ( CDN ) per liter. ;)