Just got our Sprinter, and trying to understand the oil specs. My dealer did not know what API meant, and told me to use synthetic 0-40 weight Mobil one. The specs in the manual talk about MB 228.3, 228.5, 229.3, and 229.5. Are these available for owners?? What are they?

I looked at Mobil 1, and it has an API rating of CF. Does this mean any CF oil can be used?????????

Thanks for any help you can give me

Mike

 

MB means Mercedes-Benz.
228.3, 228.5, 229.3, and 229.5 would just be standards, just like ATF+3 and ATF+4.

Penzoil has an oil out that is approved MB 228.3. (PDF, first paragraph)
Mobil 1's Turbo Diesel Truck 5W-40 is approved MB 228.5 (Web page, about 3/4 the way down)
Mobil 1's 0W-40 is approved (MB) 229.3/229.5 (they say "DiamlerChrysler") (Web page, about 3/4 the way down)
Shell's Rotella multigrade 10W-40 meets MB 228.3/228.1 (PDF, page 2)
Shell's Rotella synthetic blend 10W-40 meets MB 228.3 (PDF, page 2)

Pretty much, you can use any diesel oil.

For reasons of engine break in, I would not recommend using synthetics until around 20,000 miles. I made a post where I provide a link to where Cummins does not recommend using synthetics for the first 20,000 for this very reason. I relize it's a Mercedes under the Sprinter's hood, but, I would follow the same.

 

Thanks, that was very helpful. Dumb me, MD= Mecedes-Benz, that was too easy! You did mention a web page, could you give me that address? Is there an API classification that covers the approved oils?

Thanks again

Mike

 

Hmm hmm hmm...
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Are you talking about Cummins not recommending synthetics for 20,000 miles? (Link 1 [answer #4], Link 2)
Cummins recommended change intervail? Link. (The Cummins guys can go 15,000 on CI-4 or CH-4, or 7,500 on CG-4)
These come from my post here.
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According to the Dodge website, the 2006 Sprinter, with the available ASSYST maintenance monitoring system, can extend your oil change intervails from 10,000 miles to 20,000 miles.
Since I don't know what the owners manual says regaurding the differant specs (Such as, if you use MB228.3, change the oil every 7,500 miles; if you use MB229.5, change the oil every 10,000 miles), I can't tell you.
From what I have found, the MB 22X.X does not cover a specific API class, because it is a manufacturer specification.
Your best bet:
Just go by the manual on drain intervail. Use regular oil until about 20,000 miles, than you can switch to synthetics if you want, and enjoy!