They offer a 5w-40 "European" auto formula, a 0w-30 auto formula, and a 0w-40, but it is a Motorcycle formula.

My '01 Mercedes SLK 320 calls for 0w-40. Would the Motorcycle formula kill it? Their European may be too thick, the other auto formula may be too thin.

The first number only indicates how well the oil will flow at cold temperatures. A 0w40, 5w40, and 10w40 are all a 40 weight oil. The "W" number stands for winter and indicates what weight the oil behaves like at cold temperatures.

So to answer your question in an educated sort of way, use the European 5w40 Amsoil, and enjoy the protection and convenience level of a very good quality synthetic in your crankcase.

Hi prtdvl,

please make sure that you stick with these specifications (German data):

Engine M 112
Petrol, 4-stroke, 6 cylinder, V, 3 valves/cil., liquid cooled
Cylinder capacity: 3199 cc
Power output: 218 HP/160 kW at 5700 RPM
Capacity: 8 liter

year-round MB 229.5 SAE 0W-40
year-round MB 229.5 SAE 5W-30
year-round MB 229.3 SAE 0W-40
year-round MB 229.3 SAE 0W-30
year-round MB 229.3 SAE 5W-30
year-round MB 229.3 SAE 5W-40
year-round MB 229.1 SAE 5W-30
year-round MB 229.1 SAE 5W-40
year-round MB 229.1 SAE 5W-50
Above -20 MB 229.1 SAE 10W-30
Above -20 MB 229.1 SAE 10W-40
Above -20 MB 229.1 SAE 10W-50
Above -15 MB 229.1 SAE 15W-40
Above -15 MB 229.1 SAE 15W-50
Above -5 MB 229.1 SAE 20W-40
Above -5 MB 229.1 SAE 20W-50

Please do not use a motorcycle product or some local american oilsupplier who claims to have an approval for MB229.5/.3/.1. A lot of companies put the quality on their packages, but do NOT have the official approval. If you have a product in mind, I can tell you if it has the approval of DaimlerChrysler.

If you want I can send you a full OEM report (not biased by oil companies or Amsoil salesmen with very little on their hands...) on this SLK. Please send me your e-mail address.

Hope this helps you.

Kind regards,

.:EM:.

extra info on 229.5:
MB 229.5
MB sheet for energy conserving oils for certain car and van engines. Approved oils must meet ACEA A3, B3 and B4 specification and some additional demands by Daimler Chrysler AG. Oil must be on the approval list.

What do you think of the newest formula Castrol Syntec 5w-40 ? Only 3.99 per quart at Autozones when on sale makes it close to 1/2 the cost of some 5w-40 mail order oils .

I doubt 1/2 the performance though .

Castrol typical data sheet

Not going to Amsoil to cut costs, but maybe stop some of the clammer in my valves/lifters, and mainly to go to at least 12k oil change intervals.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: prtdvl,

I don't think you should expect an oil to cut the noise It might. The idea of picking an approved oil is the best way to go. The factory might know more about your oil needs than a salesman, no matter how educated that salesman may be. Synthetic oil may not be the answer for every situation. Longer oil change intervals should be monitored with a uoa. Don't confuse a uoa with just changing the oil. The oil change may be about the same cost but the uoa might give you more information about what is happening right now, inside the engine. You are doing one thing right, getting information before making a decision.

Others have said that the Amsoil doesn't thicken like Mobil 1 does in time. From Every oil analysis (not Amsoil's) I've seen, Amsoil seems to perform better. I'd like to go to yearly/12k oil changes. If the oil doesn't thicken, maybe the clammer will stop during start up in the cold.

quote:

Originally posted by prtdvl:
Not going to Amsoil to cut costs, but maybe stop some of the clammer in my valves/lifters, and mainly to go to at least 12k oil change intervals.

12 k oil change interval? So low? Making decision between 0W-40 and 5W-40 sugessts 35 or 25 k miles (or one year) oil change!

Amsoil's European Synthetic Motor Oil meets MB 229.31 and 229.51 specifications and it is for sure that is (much) better than lot of competiton brands.

We prolly won't put more than 12k on it in a year. It does say "25,000 or 1 year" on the bottle.

quote:

... It does say "25,000 or 1 year" on the bottle.

It does say 35.000 miles or one year too, for 2000 series synthetic motor oil!

Little bit more about specifications! Alongside with MB 229.51 and 229.31 Amsoil "European Car Formula" synthetic oil meets VW 505.01 and BMW LL-04 specifications and vast majority of European passenger vehicle lubricant specs.

Currently only Castrol and Motul are competing motor oil companies but neither are formulated to meet the low sulfate ash requirements (MB and BMW) and API SM/CF specs.

For financial effect you have to do some calculations by yourself. Just as input take that Amsoil competitive (suggested retail) price is $6.85 (US) per quart.

My local Amsoil guy sells it for 7.99 per quart.

quote:

Originally posted by prtdvl:
My local Amsoil guy sells it for 7.99 per quart.

He's passing on the shipping cost. A case of 12 is approx. $81.00 (U.S.) plus shipping & taxes. The product # is AFL-01 for the case, the only way I'd buy it.
RH

Do you buy right from the website, and with shipping does it average out to less than 8 bucks per quart?

If you plan to use Amsoil in more than one car or use any other products like 4-year air filter (!), (1 year) oil filter, Engine flush (if you switch from petroleum is a must) and transmission oil (100 K miles) or (some of) greases I would recommend you registration as preferred customer. Having that status allows you dealer prices for (paid) period. More purchased products – more savings for you.

For registration you need some of dealer’s data (as a contact) but I do not want to use this forum for advertising. To have my ZO or any other needed info there is a phone 1-888-AMS-1OIL or cymbeline@cogeco.ca

Off the topic a bit, Djordon, you are to be commended for presenting your product with integrity.
Information overload is easy with a "new way" of doing automotive lubricantion and related car care, especially with the 4 year air filter and one year oil filter concept let alone the lubricant that will last a year. Therefore give it time and do some arm chair or web research but beware of the source. There's two sides to everything.

With all due respect to you and all forum members I can state that I know what I am "talking" about. I suppose that mentioning filters (or any other product) is just giving an idea of car maintenance improvement based on my knowledge and experience. Particular purchases should be results of some following research either over internet or by collecting info from certain persons – professionals.