I admit it...I'm a heretic. I use mobil 1 0w20 extended fuel economy oil. I will never run this car on the autobahn so I don't need the heavier 0w40 shear protection, and the lower weight oil provides slightly better mileage and power due to reduced drag at operating temp. Some folks will now likely jump all over me and burn me at the stake for saying such heretical things :-) I checked this with Blackstone Labs test engineer who does professional oil testing and they confirmed that it will never be an issue as long as I keep it under 153 mph...

 

Not being an engineer, I need a technical answer. Are there any problems associated with going from regular oil to Mobile 1? I have a Chev. Impala, and was thinking of changing to the same oil I use in the Crossfire.

 

I switched my Avalanche and Tahoe to Mobile 1 .. but stayed in the recommended weight.

 

How old is the Impala?

 

It is a 2002 with 113000 miles, it doesn't use any oil.

 

I've been using synthetic oil in all my cars since 1979. That includes my 1969. My 2002 Honda Civic has 212401 miles and it doesn't burn any oil.
My Crossfire has had nothing but 0W-40 Mobil 1 in it since I purchased it new.

 

Think the dealer used Pennsoil synthetic but have 0-40 Mobil 1 in my generator - does that count ?

 

There should be nothing but benefits.

 

$23.99 at Walmart today for 5 qt jug 0w40.

James

 

Well, would you question all the manufacturers that recommend something else?

 

Here's the list of approved oils for our engine.
MB 229.5 - Multigrade engine oils (Specification 229.5) - Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Operating Fluids
If you prefer the 229.3 spec you can find it there too.
These are oils the MB says meet their requirements for our engine. I'd stick to one on the list even if you have a desire to be different. Our engine will run with just about anything in the crankcase as will most engines. They are lubricants after all. I just can't find a good reason to change. Perhaps other oils are better but Mobil 1 0w-40 has proven to be more than "good enough" IMO.

Les

 

No.
I believe that the builder of an engine knows best what oil should go in that engine.

 

The only logical reason besides price would be internal modifications to the engine. Who here has changed the bearing, piston, ring clearances? Perhaps Import. My car gets the worst kind of treatment. All short trips as a daily. Except driving to the track and WOT for extended periods on the race track. Not to mention the water temps after 20 minutes. My Blackstone oil reports are on here somewhere. Compression is within 2 PSI from the highest to the lowest cylinder. Mobil 1 oil is doing it's job despite the non stock hp, non stock temperatures at the track, abuse, etc. Now that I've given my testimonial, Justin uses Amsoil 5w-40 european in the Racefire which isn't approved by MB and it's getting the job done.

Les

 

The oil that is recommended is from the supplier who gives the best deal on the bulk oil put in the engines at the factory. From the suppliers point of view a cheap price on 8 litres, a sticker under the hood and a recommendation in the Owners Manual has got to be worth a lot. Heck they might even give it away free. The oil has to be a suitable oil, tried and tested by the engine manufacturer possibly.
Synical maybe but money talks and it is a win win for both parties.

 

Maybe naïve on my part, but I believe that Mercedes recommends Mobil1 because they think it is the best for their engine regardless of whether they pay for the oil or not. If they can parlay that recommendation into a price break - more power to them. I don't pretend to be smart enough to second-guess them.

 

I agree, $$$$ talks. I'm sure that there are many oils that would do the job in most situations and while my Royal Purple isn't on the list, it is widely used in NASCAR, where it is subjected to some extremes. I have no second thoughts about using it. On the other hand, cheap oil is CHEAP oil and has no place in these engines.

 

I am a believer in Mobil1 0W-40 and used it for most of the 10 years I owned my 2003 Audi A6 2.7T. At 236k it runs great and does not burn a drop of oil between 8k changes. Same game plan for the roadster since 2005 and the SRT6 since 2008, plus my daughter's 2003 A4 3.0 and my 2011 A4 2.0T. I have noticed that the two indie shops I use sometimes use QS or Bizol, which are also European spec 0W-40 synthetics. If there is a difference, I cannot tell. I think as long as you use a quality synthetic is the correct viscosities, and change it regularly, you should be fine.

 

Cynical as well as a realist. Whenever money is involved questions arise as to why a product is recommended. Dollars or sense? Having the Mobil 1 sticker in the engine compartment from the factory is a powerful/valuable incentive/marketing. I suggest the bulk oil is from a supplier that meets MB specifications as well as sells at a competitive price. Fiat Chrysler now specs Pennzoil Ultra 5w-40. From what I've read it's as good as Mobil 1 but for me that's not enough reason to move away from Mobil 1, that I know from personal experience, is excellent. But I won't hate on anyone that disagrees with me.

Les

 

112,000 miles. Runs like or close to new. No engine issues ever. Always used 0-40 Mobile 1. You could try something else, but for me it's just easier not to chance it and then have my mind thinking i messed the engine up by changing. I think it's just a matter of trust, and reputation of the Mobile 1 oil.

 

After owning my 04 with 111,000 miles for 5 weeks now I decided to change the oil myself. I bought an oil extractor from Amazon to remove the oil thru the dipstick tube. Never done that before...it worked great. No mess and I got to sit for about 5 mins. while it extracted all 8.5 qrts of oil. Glad I did it myself because whoever changed the oil last time did not replace the o- rings. Not only did they not replace them...they removed the old ones...none of them were there??? Why they were removed but not replaced is beyond me. Other than that fact that the oil filter cap was on extremely tight, everything went smooth. Used Mobil 0-40.