Engine Oil - Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operating Instructions Manual

Service products and capacities
302
Engine oil viscosity
! Select the engine oil according to its SAE
class (viscosity), depending on the season
and the average outside temperature. If the
SAE class of the engine oil does not suit the
outside temperature, change the engine oil in
good time, before on the onset of the cold
season. Using an engine oil that does not have
adequate temperature characteristics can
lead to engine damage.
The temperature range information of the SAE
classification always refers to that of fresh oil.
The temperature characteristics of the engine
oil may deteriorate significantly as a result of
ageing during vehicle operation, especially at
low outside temperatures.
For this reason, Mercedes-Benz recommends
that the engine oil be changed before the
onset of the cold season. Use an approved
engine oil of the specified SAE class.
Engine oil SAE classification
Viscosity indicates the flow characteristics of a
fluid. If an engine oil has a high viscosity, this
means that it is thick; a low viscosity means that
it is thin.
Depending on the respective outside tempera-
tures, select an engine oil according to SAE
classification (viscosity). The table displays the
SAE classification to be used. The low temper-
ature characteristics of engine oils can notice-
ably deteriorate during operation, e.g. from age-
ing, soot and fuel accretion. For this reason,
regular oil changes using an approved engine oil
from the suitable SAE classification are urgently
recommended.
Additives
! Do not use any additives with the engine oil.
This could damage the engine.
Miscibility of engine oils
! Mixing oils reduces the benefits of using
high grade engine oils.
When topping up, Mercedes-Benz recommends
that you only use engine oil of the same grade
and SAE class as the oil filled at the last oil
change.
If, in exceptional cases, oil of the type in the
engine is not available, top up using another
approved mineral or synthetic engine oil.
Engine oils are differentiated according to:
engine oil brand
R
quality grade (Sheet Number)
R
SAE class (viscosity)
R
Subsequently, have the engine oil changed at
the earliest possible opportunity.
Oil change
Oil change intervals depend on the vehicle's
operating conditions and the quality of the
engine oil used. The on-board computer auto-
matically shows the date for the next oil change
as an event message in the display.
Only by using engine oil with a particularly high
quality grade, e.g. according to Sheet Number
228.51 of the Mercedes-Benz Specifications for
Service Products, can the maximum interval for
oil change be achieved.
Mercedes-Benz recommends having the oil
changed at a qualified specialist workshop.
Capacities
! Do not add too much oil. Topping up with too
much engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off.