the manual specifies for:
1-the engine: only synthetic engine oils approved to MB 229.3 or MB 229.5, such as Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40 (notice that here it calls engine oils.)
2-automatic transmission: only use ATF approved to MB 236.10, MB 236.12 synthetic dextro III transmission fluid may be substituted. (here says transmission fluid. never says oil).
3-manual transmission fluid: only use fluid approved to MB 236.2. SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting API SL or GF-3, may be substituted. (here is fluid-and engine oil). so manual uses oil..
4-rear axle fluid: only synthetic SAE 75W85 axle lubricant that meets MB 231.1 (here is called lubricant)
so, which is oil and which is not? and rear axle takes lubricant, so does not say oil.
so, which has to go with which SAE? there is no mention on which.
and the manual is the bible.
i must add that am not criticizing anything. neither am attacking or defending anything. just trying to understand what is what and therefore reach conclusions and act accordingly.