Hi, can anyone advise the correct engine oil grade for the W463 G320 M104 straight six engine. late 1994 model. Thx
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W463 G320 M104 engine Oil Grade
- Thread starter Coolhandluke
- Start date
You can use the official Mercedes-Benz oil chart for guidance on this.
I have for many years used 15W-40 oil (diesel spec) in my M104 engines. These engines tend to like thicker oils than today's engines, due to their looser tolerances. My recommendation would be a 10W-30 oil in colder climates up to a 20W-50 oil in warmer climates.
A 10W-40 or 15W-40 weight oil would be the best "middle" compromise for all climates.
Let me know if you need me to post a copy of the official MB oil chart.
I have for many years used 15W-40 oil (diesel spec) in my M104 engines. These engines tend to like thicker oils than today's engines, due to their looser tolerances. My recommendation would be a 10W-30 oil in colder climates up to a 20W-50 oil in warmer climates.
A 10W-40 or 15W-40 weight oil would be the best "middle" compromise for all climates.
Let me know if you need me to post a copy of the official MB oil chart.
Hi Gerry, Firstly, many thanks for your reply, and Yes, if you don't mind posting the official MB chart that would be a great reference document on my journey. When I bought the car I only got the User manual and no other MB documents that show types of oils or when and what needs to be changed. This is why I joined the Forum to see if anyone could help find the Repair and Maintenance Manual. There is really nothing available, not even a Haynes Manual for this model and Year. I mentioned in my first post that I have already been scammed by someone claiming to have these manuals as PDF documents for a small fee. It just goes to show that you are never too old or wise to get conned!!!
Anyway, your recommendation fits with my own thoughts. I would like to use a Valvoline oil 15W40 Maxlife. Its designed for older vehicles and higher mileage. I also checked and it has received approval by MB and its a hell of a lot cheaper than the Mercedes Oil. Though I will not compromise on the filters.
Many thanks for your support.
CHL
Anyway, your recommendation fits with my own thoughts. I would like to use a Valvoline oil 15W40 Maxlife. Its designed for older vehicles and higher mileage. I also checked and it has received approval by MB and its a hell of a lot cheaper than the Mercedes Oil. Though I will not compromise on the filters.
Many thanks for your support.
CHL
I use Hengst, Mann or Mahle/Knecht filters (preferably Hengst) for the oil filters. Only Mercedes is available for the transmission filters, unfortunately. They are not horrendously expensive, though ($25-30 in the US). If you use the dino MaxLife oil, change it at 2,500-3,000 miles. I use Chevron DELO 400 oil 15W-40, which is diesel engine oil, but also rated for use in gasoline engines. It contains a lot of detergents (more than gas engine oils typically have) which helps for keeping the inside of the engine spotlessly clean.
I will post the engine oil chart.
I can help you with other factory materials for maintenance and such for the G320. It took me a couple of years of diligent work to find everything, but I eventually did with a LOT of searching and due diligence, and a couple of well-placed friends in high places in the G-wagen world.
If you need a copy of the factory owner's manual, please let me know. I printed it out years ago on a color laser printer (it is half pages), cut the paper to size, and then stapled it together. It makes a nice owner's manual bundle and the manual is specific to the G320 and G300 Diesel versions from the 1994-1996 time frame before MB moved the G-wagen over to the M112 V-6 engine in 1996 (retaining the G320 moniker).
I will post the engine oil chart.
I can help you with other factory materials for maintenance and such for the G320. It took me a couple of years of diligent work to find everything, but I eventually did with a LOT of searching and due diligence, and a couple of well-placed friends in high places in the G-wagen world.
If you need a copy of the factory owner's manual, please let me know. I printed it out years ago on a color laser printer (it is half pages), cut the paper to size, and then stapled it together. It makes a nice owner's manual bundle and the manual is specific to the G320 and G300 Diesel versions from the 1994-1996 time frame before MB moved the G-wagen over to the M112 V-6 engine in 1996 (retaining the G320 moniker).
Thank you
Hi Gerry,
That is really kind of you. That info about the filters and the oils is something that can make a fundamental difference from the start. I have already put that info in my document folder. Just as a quick ask, what are the part numbers for the Oil and air filters? I have tried to search that but there are so many conflicting numbers I'm not sure what are the right one's for this model.
If it is really no trouble for you to share your G320 Manual, well I really don't know what to say or how to thank you. I cannot understand why its so difficult to obtain. I don't know of any other vehicle on the planet where the Technical info is not readily available, It seems MB has completely restricted that data. Probably what finances their huge posh show rooms and why the labour costs over a 100 Eur/Hr!!
Its things like how to remove parts of the dash board and consul to replace the bulbs and so on. If you don't know the correct procedure then there is a chance to break things. I don't want that to happen, as the car I have bought is in pretty good condition for a 27 Year old. I also need to see if I can repair the Aux heater control on this model. The LED is not working and I know its possible to fix it, but I first need to get it out of the centre lower consul.
It seems this is going to be a long learning experience, but its worth it when you get in the car with the wife and kids and set off on an adventure and that's what its all about for me!!
I really appreciate your support and also from any other G320 owners. I hope I can repay that favour.
Regards,
CHL
That is really kind of you. That info about the filters and the oils is something that can make a fundamental difference from the start. I have already put that info in my document folder. Just as a quick ask, what are the part numbers for the Oil and air filters? I have tried to search that but there are so many conflicting numbers I'm not sure what are the right one's for this model.
If it is really no trouble for you to share your G320 Manual, well I really don't know what to say or how to thank you. I cannot understand why its so difficult to obtain. I don't know of any other vehicle on the planet where the Technical info is not readily available, It seems MB has completely restricted that data. Probably what finances their huge posh show rooms and why the labour costs over a 100 Eur/Hr!!
Its things like how to remove parts of the dash board and consul to replace the bulbs and so on. If you don't know the correct procedure then there is a chance to break things. I don't want that to happen, as the car I have bought is in pretty good condition for a 27 Year old. I also need to see if I can repair the Aux heater control on this model. The LED is not working and I know its possible to fix it, but I first need to get it out of the centre lower consul.
It seems this is going to be a long learning experience, but its worth it when you get in the car with the wife and kids and set off on an adventure and that's what its all about for me!!
I really appreciate your support and also from any other G320 owners. I hope I can repay that favour.
Regards,
CHL
HI @gerryvz
In thinking more, 5w50 is listed here and 5w50 would seem to be great foe extreme hot weather. 5 for start ups when car is cold. Oil gets spread out quicker. Then 50 for when engine is hot 95 to 100 degrees.
Thoughts? Thank you
I'm not GVZ nor do I play him on TV YouTube, but anyway:
In general, a wide viscosity spread like 5W-50 or 10W-60 typically requires a lot of viscosity improvers (VI's). This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's not a good thing either. Oils with a lot of VI's will shear down more rapidly, and may need to be changed more often.
I prefer oils with a narrower viscosity range, like 10W-40 or 15W-40.
That said, if you change oil frequently anyway, it likely doesn't matter. But for extreme hot weather, any full synthetic will flow well enough at cold start - no need for a "thin" cold viscosity. 0W/5W oils are generally needed for extreme cold weather - below 0°F/-20°C.
In general, a wide viscosity spread like 5W-50 or 10W-60 typically requires a lot of viscosity improvers (VI's). This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's not a good thing either. Oils with a lot of VI's will shear down more rapidly, and may need to be changed more often.
I prefer oils with a narrower viscosity range, like 10W-40 or 15W-40.
That said, if you change oil frequently anyway, it likely doesn't matter. But for extreme hot weather, any full synthetic will flow well enough at cold start - no need for a "thin" cold viscosity. 0W/5W oils are generally needed for extreme cold weather - below 0°F/-20°C.
that is great information @gsxrI'm not GVZ nor do I play him onTVYouTube, but anyway:
In general, a wide viscosity spread like 5W-50 or 10W-60 typically requires a lot of viscosity improvers (VI's). This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's not a good thing either. Oils with a lot of VI's will shear down more rapidly, and may need to be changed more often.
I prefer oils with a narrower viscosity range, like 10W-40 or 15W-40.
That said, if you change oil frequently anyway, it likely doesn't matter. But for extreme hot weather, any full synthetic will flow well enough at cold start - no need for a "thin" cold viscosity. 0W/5W oils are generally needed for extreme cold weather - below 0°F/-20°C.
I forgot about that fact, the lesser to gap of numbers, the better and more consistent the oil as things heat up!
thank you.
