Finally got an oil sample sent in for my '84 190D 2.2l. Our buddy Larry thoughtfully included results from tests back to '06 on my '85 190D.
So quick result, the oil was fine after 9,700 miles. I'd changed it anyway since it was the first fill of M1 (5w40) in this car. I'll sample this time at 12k. Larger result, the zinc was 1299ppm, back in '06 after 8200miles on the other car it was 1078. At other various sample intervals in '06 and '07 it was 1324, 1254, 1058, and 1043. This leads me to believe that the M1 5w40 sold today has similar zinc levels to M1 5w40 sold in '06 well before brouhaha about lowering zinc levels started. Information on BITOG suggests 1200 is where you want to be. The other one is phosphorus which Mobil says is actually the component people think they're talking about when they say zinc: http://www.mobiloil.com/usa-english/motoroil/car_care/askmobil/Zinc_Motor_Oils.aspx The level in this sample was 1066ppm, in the past its been between 1349 and 866 so again I'd say its within spec. Apparently 1000ppm is the upper limit for "new" oils so M1 5w40 AFTER 9,700 miles has more phosphorus than the "new" standard allows for. Deal with this as you will, you know where the delete button is ;) -Curt _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
