Engine in question is a Mercedes-Benz 5.0L V8, found in a '05 ML500 SUV. This engine's had a diet of Fuchs Titan 5W-30 full synthetic, up until it was recently switched to Mobil 1 0W-40 at 60,000 km (37,500 miles).
The new oil has started turning pretty dark in just 650 km (406 miles). Having done some reading on this engine, sludge appears to be one of its known problems. Two bottles of ARX are ready to be used (8.5L slump), but I have one question before I proceed with the application.
Castrol GTX appears to be the best oil to use with ARX, but it is only available as a 20W-50 grade in this market and I'm somewhat hesitant to use it as a result. That said, Pennzoil Yellow Bottle 5W-30 is available, although double the price of GTX ($3.30 vs. $.5.94 per litre). Would this be an acceptable oil to use for this application? Thank you.
Thank you, Frank. Mercedes-Benz have their own solvent to clean the internals of their engines, but I'm going to stick with what's proven...especially since ARX does not wear out or damage any seals, gaskets, etc.
I haven't read the final fleet taxi tests just yet, but I will do in a moment. Thanks for pointing that out. :)
Something I forgot to include. According to the owner's manual, all engine oils must meet a minimum specification of MB229.3. Would it matter that the ARX oil meets this spec or not?
Cheers, Frank. That is exactly why I prefer to use ARX, as opposed to the manufacturer's own engine flush. Much safer alternative, and has proven to work better.
