Mercedes-Benz engine oil specifications

In this article, you will find information about Mercedes-Benz engine oil specifications.

MB 226.5
This specification is required for Mercedes vehicles with gasoline engines supplied by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The specification requirements are similar to MB 229.5.

MB 226.51
This specification is based on the Renault RN0720 specification and is recommended for Mercedes vehicles with DPF diesel engines supplied by Renault. Oils meeting this specification have very good thermal stability and aftertreatment compatibility.

MB 229.1
For gasoline and diesel engines. Minimum quality required ACEA A2 / B2 with additional engine restrictions.

MB 229.3
For petrol and diesel engines. Minimum quality required ACEA A3 / B3 / B4 and MB 229.1. It can only certify 0/5W-x oils.

MB 229.31
Multigrade low SAPS engine oil, recommended for both diesel and petrol engines (Mercedes Benz, Smart and Chrysler). Only low viscosity engine oils that achieve a fuel economy of 1.0% in the M111 fuel economy test (CEC L-54-T-96) are eligible for this type approval. In this test, the fuel economy is compared to the performance of the reference oil RL 191 (SAE 15W-40).

MB 229.5
For certain energy-saving oils for passenger car and van engines. Approved oils must meet ACEA A3, B3 and B4 specifications and additional requirements from Daimler Chrysler AG. The oil must be on the approval list.

MB 229.51
Low SAPS long-life engine oil for diesel engines with diesel particulate filters (DPF) that meet EU-4 -> emission standards. Can also be used when MB 229.31 is required

MB 229.52

Oils that meet this specification must have lower ash content, deliver at least 1% better fuel economy compared to the MB 229.31 and MB 229.51 requirements, and offer improved oxidation stability for compatibility with biofuels.
They may also be used where MB 229.31 or MB 229.51 oils are required. Like MB 229.5 and MB 229.51, this specification also requires a long-life oil. It was originally developed specifically for BlueTEC diesel engines (those using AdBlue), as the SCR catalyst requires reduced levels of sulfur and phosphorus. Today, it is the primary recommendation for most modern diesel engines, often replacing the 229.51 requirement, as it provides better protection when using biofuels.

The Latest and Lowest-Viscosity Oils (Low Viscosity)

These are currently the fastest-growing oil category in new vehicles.

MB 229.71

• This specification is intended for the latest diesel and petrol engines that require very low viscosity (0W-20).
• Application: Widely used in new OM654 diesel engines and many modern petrol engines. This oil is designed for maximum fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. It is a Low SAPS oil, helping to protect the DPF. Note: It should generally not be used in older engines that require MB 229.51, as the oil film is too thin.

MB 229.72

• An evolution of the 229.71 standard, with even stricter requirements for fuel economy and emissions, also using 0W-20 viscosity.

Specifically developed for petrol engines with a GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter).

MB 229.61

• Designed specifically for petrol engines equipped with a particulate filter (OPF/GPF). Based on the ACEA C5 standard, it provides enhanced protection against LSPI (Low Speed Pre-Ignition) — a dangerous phenomenon for small-displacement turbocharged petrol engines, especially at low engine speeds.

Commercial Vehicles

For vans (such as Sprinter and Vito) or light trucks, there is a separate oil specification series starting with 228.x:

MB 228.51 This is a Heavy Duty diesel engine oil (Low SAPS) used in many heavier commercial vehicles with extended service intervals. Important: Passenger car oil specifications (229.x) and commercial vehicle oil specifications (228.x) are not always interchangeable and should not be mixed unless explicitly approved.

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