I've always used a Synthetic Oil in all my cars. Some people like them other prefer using regular oil.
Just wondering what weight oil you guys are using:

 

Most of the time MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDATION for California temperatures are 10-40. Since I am usually changing oil less, than once a year I don't do any seasonal changes.
Are you trying to find out how many members are ignoring the recommendations?

 

Kajtek,
I honestly think most people do ignore the recommendations base on what you said temperatures (or different climates). Or maybe what their mechanic tells them. This is just a question about what different MB owners put in their babies. I've been told by one person I'm killing my SL by using a man made synthetic oil. (This person also believes in the black helicopters, big foot and the fact that OJ will find the "Real Killers" someday).
It's just an opinion that's all, I'm just interested in what others do.
E

 

If you search this forum archive, you'll find some similar discussions.
One professional mechanic said, that his company used one oil for whole fleet of different vehicles and school buses for years.
The incentive was, that they bought oil in big tanks at discount.
I have 2 vehicles, that require unique oils.
2-cycle Detroit calls for low-ash, single grade oil
VW tdi wants 15-40 with some specification, that only dealers and Wallmart carry.
Do you think using any oil with similar weight would kill them?
Maybe instead of million miles on Detroit, it would make only 999.000, but than I am not going to live long enough to see it.
Having lot of supplier in California, I am using recommended oils, but when stuck on desert with oil leak I will not hesitate to put in whatever I could get. Even transmission fluid.