ps my OM does not say "0W-40 or..." What it says is "Only use synthetic engine oils, approved to MB 229.3 or MB 229.5, such as Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40." (07 OM page 280).

As previously mentioned, the current (Last update: 01/12/2015) MB 229.3 lists a large number (206) brands of oil of different weights just most are only available in Europe.

One which may be avaiable locally is Castrol GTX High Mileage 5W-40. "High Milage" usually has a different additive mix more suitable for a thoroughly broken in engine. With over 120k miles I suspect my XF qualifies.

So even if you are going to insist on going by the manual, you still have a number of choices.

Can we stop the holy war now ?