I noticed that the oil level is low on my wifes 1994 E320. The shop I go to put in 15W40, but I can't find that in my local auto parts store. What does Mercedes recommend?

 

If the oil pressure light comes on you WILL wreck the engine so put something in for god sake. The first number is the viscosity when its cold , the second number is its apparent viscosity when its hot. If you live in a really cold place then 10W? is better as the oil will be thinner for cold starting. If you live in the desert then cold starting may be less of an issue but it may run ut of viscosity if it gets too hot, so a ?W50 would be better.
On some modern diesels its supposed to be fully synthetic otherwise the sulphur is supposed to block up the diesel particulate filter. Quite honestly i would just buy a medium priced oil 15W40 to 15W50, dont run it empty, change it regularly. Hope this helps.

 

There doesn't appear to be anyplace in town that has a 15W40, but there's 20W50, which is what I use in my Jaguar. And since it rarely gets below 30 degrees (except for this week), I'll use that.

 

I don't recommend to use synthetic on your 1994 E320 at all. Your car takes a regular conventional oil 10W-30. By you using synthetic oil 5W-40, you'll have a possibility of an oil leak because your 1994 seals are not design for it...they are too old. Fully synthetic engine oil are very slippery and NOT DESIGN for 104 Engines!! Fully synthetic Mobil 1 did not start until 1998 with FSS (Flexible Service System).

 

"Forceinduction," you obviously don't understand how molecules are being broken down on synthetic oil, and what it can cause on old cars if used!!

 

It's not a myth...it's a proven fact! You must not have been to any Mercedes-Benz training...synthetic came out in 1998 for all FSS (Flexible Service System) and ASSYST PLUS, and anything before that, Mercedes-Benz Engineers say to use Conventional oil. Don't tell me that they are also wrong??? I think you're misunderstanding the difference between SEALS and ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS.

Your quote...
"Synthetic oil is safe and advised to be used in ALL engines, transmissions and differentials. No matter the age, make or type of engine. The car will run cleaner, live longer, be more reliable and cheaper to operate.
There is NO benefit to using conventional oil."

I agree with your quote, but on the older cars the SEALS are not DESIGNED for it...unless it has been replaced and UPDATED!

Come check out my credentials on my ALBUMS PICTURES!

 

Hello,
Im not trying to be in the middle I just want to make sure that I am correct. What I read on page says 10W40 is proper weight. Would that also be true of a 1999 e320?