Engine oilE01000402530
To check and refill engine oil
The engine oil used has a significant effect on the
engine’s performance, service life and startability.
Be sure to use oil of the recommended quality and
appropriate viscosity.
All engines consume a certain amount of oil during
normal operation, and engine oil consumption is
greatly influenced by payload, engine speed, etc.
Therefore, it is important to check the oil level at
regular intervals or before starting a long trip.
This check must be made with the engine warm but
not running. Park the vehicle on a level surface,
stop the engine, and then wait a few moments to al-
low the engine oil in circulation to return to the oil
pan to ensure accurate measurement.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth.
Reinsert the dipstick as far as it goes. Remove the
dipstick and read the oil level, which should al-
ways be within the range indicated.
If the oil level is below the specified limit, remove
the cap located on the cylinder head cover and add
enough oil to raise the level to within the specified
range.
Be sure to use the specified engine oil and do not
mix various types of oil. Also, avoid mixing differ-
ent makes of oil together if possible.
After adding oil, close the cap securely.
Use only the recommended oils with an MB classi-
fication as specified in this manual.1100 models1300 models1500 models
NOTE
l The engine oil will deteriorate rapidly if the
vehicle is subjected to severe conditions (for
example, repeated operation on rough roads,
in mountainous regions, on roads with many
uphill and downhill gradients, or over short
distances). Consequently, the oil will require
earlier replacement.
l For handling of used engine oils, refer to
page 05.
Selection of engine oil
Maintenance
8-05
8
Except for vehicles with turbocharger (Engine
models 134910 and 135930)
l Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity
number according to the atmospheric temper-
ature.
l Use engine oil conforming to the following
classification: • “MB 229.1” or higher
Except for vehicles with turbocharger (Engine
models 3A91 and 4A90)
l Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity
number according to the atmospheric temper-
ature.
l SAE
0W-20 , 0W-30 , 5W-30 , and 5W-40 en-
gine oils can only be used if they meet
ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4 or A5/B5 and API SM
specifications.
l Use engine oil conforming to the following
classification: • API classification: “For service SM”
• ILSAC certificated oil
• ACEA classification: “For service A1/B1, A3/B3 , A3/B4 or
A5/B5”
NOTE l Use of additives is not recommended since
they may reduce the effectiveness of addi-
tives already included in the engine oil. It
may result in failure of the mechanical assem-
bly.
l The engine model is indicated on the vehicle
information code plate.
Refer to “Vehicle information code plate” on
page 9-02.Vehicles with turbocharger
l Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity
number according to the atmospheric temper-
ature.
l Use engine oil conforming to the following
classification: •API classification: “For service SG” or
higher
• ILSAC certificated oil
• ACEA classification: “For service A1/B1, A3/B3 , A3/B4 or
A5/B5”
NOTE l Use of additives is not recommended since
they may reduce the effectiveness of addi-
tives already included in the engine oil. It
may result in failure of the mechanical assem-
bly.
l SAE
5W-30 engine oil can be used to im-
prove engine startability in very cold weather
areas where the lowest atmospheric tempera-
Maintenance
8-06
8
