Thread: Oil. Why should I use
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Old 10-04-2012, 06:19 PM
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Default Re: Oil. Why should I use
Originally Posted by velociabstract
Well, if 5w 50 or 15w 50 was so bad for our cars they wouldn't be on the recommended list. Granted that only one 15w 50 made the list but several 5w 50's did. I would never put 0w 30 in my car but I live in a hot climate. I might consider it if I lived in the Northwest Territories or Siberia. So don't be so harsh about 5w 50. It's an approved weight in Mobil 1. Stick with whats on the list and be happy. For most people 0w40, no doubt, is the best. For hot climates or racing conditions a 5w 50 is most likely more appropriate.

Les
This is from the 2005 Repair Manual.

Use synthetic engine oils, approved to MB 229.3 or
MB 229.5, such as Mopar part number 05127394AA.
Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or SAE 5W-40 engine oils
approved to API SL and/or GF-3 may be substituted.

I cannot see any 5W-50 oils in the above that are acceptable substitutes. It could be said to be a bit ambiguous, but just because an oil is on the MB list does not make it approved. The above specifically says 0W-40 and 5W-40.

My 2004 NA Owners Manual says to use Mopar or Mobil SAE 0W40 synthetic oils or equivalent only.

The 2004/2005 Owners Manuals downloadable from this site are less specific.
Engine Oil Selection
Only use synthetic engine oils, approved to MB 229.3 or
MB 229.5, such as Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40. The FFS may not
alert for an oil change at the proper interval if an
unapproved engine oil is used; engine damage and
reduced engine life may result.

It goes on to say that 0W-40 is the preferred grade.

The 2004 Repair Manual says something entirely different and only muddies the water and can be ignored as it says nothing about 0W-40 oil at all and mentions a lower viscosity and not synthetic .
SAE VISCOSITY
An SAE viscosity grade is used to specify the viscosity of
engine oil. Use only engine oils with multiple viscosities such
as 5W-30 or 10W-30. These are specified with a dual SAE viscosity grade which indicates the cold-to-hot temperature viscosity range. Select an engine oil that is best suited to your particular temperature range and variation.
 
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