How often do I need an oil change? I drive a mercedes benz.?

Question

I heard that since MBs use a LOT of oil, they don't need oil change every 3000 miles. Is that true?

Answer 1

On my BMW I use 5000 miles as the guide about 2/3 the interval that BMW recommends


When should I get an Oil Change?

You will get every anecdotal argument under the sun about this kind of question.
I can picture them, like kids in third grade waving their hands in the air yelling….I know this, pick me……It's 3000 miles or eh..ehe 3 months…
Yeah that’s it…3000 miles…..darn she picked Elmer. And I knew it….

You will also hear the stories:

"Old Clem he drove his pick-up for 20 years using a toilert paper roll for a filter." "Never changed no earl."

And: The horror story of the guy who tried to make to 3500miles before, he "froze his engine like a pig in a frozen pond". And there was his mechanic, chewing on a toothpick, tellin' the TV reporter, " I told 'em he better get that oil changed at 3000 miles but "no... He had to push it to 3500, jus' dummer than a rock. umm-ummm"

Of course the car guys:

A lot of guys who 'like' cars, (I am one of them) Do what is called "Recreational Maintenance" They change the Oil, check the plugs, polish the chrome, modify the exhaust. (I did it and still do) But that is all it is,"Fun" It is recreation. (I enjoy working on my cars.) Ask one how often he changes his Oil. You will get a "Rational" reply. "I change my oil every XXXX miles because it gives the engine YYYY many miles of extra life. And I only use ZZZ brand of oil because it might cost more but it's worth the extra $12.00 a Quart.
But that’s what it is "Rationalizing". Making a case for what he does, because, that’s the way he does it and it must be right.
He won't tell you, "I change my oil because it's fun and I enjoy working on my car." And daddy says XXX miles were right.
It's the same for the 'I took my car to Jiffy lube' guys. IT is a ritual, "I had my car serviced over the weekend, right on the 3000-mile mark, 'my Daddy would be proud."
The guy he's talking to grunts a little and pats him on the back (Metaphorically) of course.


My truth is:
It really comes down to how you drive your car and where it is driven.

I keep my vehicles for 15-20 years, I currently have 3, I have 91 Jeep 121,000 miles and runs like new. I have 1999 Chevy that I bought new after giving my granddaughter my old 1980 BMW with over 200, 000 miles, she wanted the BMW and drives it at college. I still have a 1972 Chevy Nova 350 the odometer stopped at 230,000miles along while back. I bought it new when I came home from Vietnam, the original engine is in it. I have never had an oil related failure on one of my cars.
I use 5000 Miles as a good number, or every 4 months. If it has been shorter trips and idling in traffic for long periods or sandy/dirty conditions I just go ahead and change it at the next convenient opportunity.

I don't think you can stick a number out there and it's the rule or the correct number.
If you change too often you're wasting money,
If you never pay attention to your oil you will most likely damage or shorten your engine life.
The balance is finding what is right for your conditions. My number is 50%- 66% what some manufacturers recommend, however, it is 180% of the 3000 miles every one barks out at the first mention of changing oil.
But it works for me.
When in doubt: Follow what your car manufacturer recommends.
Check the oil often, keep it topped off.

Here is a really good article and argument for determining your oil service interval, And another Debunking of the 3000 Mile MYTH.

http://www.chris-longhurst.com/carbibles...
http://www.nordicgroup.us/oil.htm...




Yours: Grumpy

Answer 2

Being that it sits a lot without being driven, you should change the oil at least once a year, if not twice a year. The oil will break down over time and the additives would evaporate out of the oil. When oil gets old, it turns to a greasy sludge, and that's not good for your motor. Even though you don't drive the car often, it's probably a good idea to at least start the engine once every 2-4 weeks and drive it a few miles to get it up to temperature and circulate the oil and fluids throughout the engine and drive train. Seals can dry out quickly if they aren't kept lubricated. It may sound funny, but the worst thing you can do to a car is not drive it.

Answer 3

Normally you need to change oil every 3,000, but if I were you, I would use the Synthetic oil. It's not that much more expensive and you wouldn't have to worry about changeing oil until 6000 miles. The synthetic doesn't break down as fast, and if you can afford a Benz why not spring for the best oil to keep it in tip top shape?

Answer 4

What year and what model?

Yes, most Mercedes-Benz cars have 8 qts of oil, rather than 4 qts commonly used by domestic cars. BUT, the clearance between the piston wall and the ring is 10th of most other cars, so that keeping oil clean is far more important for MB vehicles than other makes.

You should see your manual for the exact maintenance schedule.

Answer 5

Depends how much you drive it, and which model / engine it is...... But I think roughly every 9000miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)..... remember to check the oil level once a week, keep a can of the stuff handy in case you need a top-up..... when the oil starts to get REALLY black it's probably time to start thinking about an oil change.

Answer 6

Oil change for any Mercedes is every 10,000 miles or once a year. I bought my 2003 c240 brand new and currently have 236,000 miles on it and have always used synthetic oil. Trust me, I know...

Answer 7

i just bought a c320 benz and it's recommended that i get an oil change once every year at the dealer (need a special tool to get the oil filter off). runs me $169 smackers.

Answer 8

First, understand manufacturer's recommended oil change interval is based on use of regular dino oil. Synthetic oil is superior in every way, including the fact that it does not break down as quickly as dino oil.

I use synthetic oil, and change the oil at 5,000 mile intervals based on odometer readings. (ie.. at 5,000 miles, 10,000, 15,000...etc). It's easy to know when it's time to change the oil.

I don't change less frequently, because even though synthetic does not break down as quickly as dino, your oil will pick up carbon from piston combustion, which is abrasive to engine parts.

Answer 9

rule of thumb for Jiffy Lube is 3000 miles....if you don't do that much city driving....5000 is fine

Answer 10

I'd stick with 3,000 if you drive it a lot.