Engine Oil

For Vehicles Without Flexible Service System (FSS or FSS PLUS) - U.S. vehicles Model Year 1997 and earlier

IMPORTANT: Engine oils are labeled on the container with various ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europ�ens d�Automobiles) and/or API (American Petroleum Institute) designations of quality. Mercedes-Benz requires the use of MB-approved engine oils listed in the Mercedes-Benz oil specification sheet 229.3 or 229.5. If a MB-approved or ACEA quality engine oil is not available, then an API quality engine oil meeting the below listed API classification can be used. Only engine oils (including synthetic) with any of the following classification grades, or combinations thereof, are approved. Always refer to the viscosity chart for the proper viscosity grade based on ambient temperature. Note: This chart supersedes ALL previously published viscosity charts. For additional information, please refer to the Operator's Manual.

U.S. Vehicles Model Year 1997 and Earlier Engine Oils
Engine MB Sheet
Gasoline 229.3, 229.5
Diesel 229.3, 229.5

Engine API Classification**
Gasoline SJ, SL
Diesel CF-4, CG-4

Engine ACEA Classification**
Gasoline A3, B3
Diesel B2, B3, B4

**Only if MB sheet 229.3 or 229.5 is not available

MB Sheet numbers are printed on the outside of oil containers

Using the chart below, select oil viscosity according to the lowest air temperature expected before the next oil change.


Approved engine oil viscosity in relation to temperature

Below -13°F/-25°C to Above +86°F/+30°C 0W-30, 0W-40.
Above -13°F/-25°C to Above +86°F/+30°C 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50
Above -4°F/-20°C to Above +86°F/+30°C 10W-30, 10W-40, 10W-50, 10W-60
Above +5°F/-15°C to Above +86°F/+30°C 15W-30, 15W-40, 15W-50
Above +23°F/-5°C to Above +86°F/+30°C 20W-40, 20W-50