Part 2

BB00.40-P-0221-00A Requirements In Respect Of Engine Oils

Area VIII - Environment

52. No negative effects on health and environment
The health and environment area is naturally a factor of major importance. With regard to manufacture, use and disposal, special care must be taken to ensure that there are no detrimental effects on health and environment.

53. No negative effects on exhaust after treatment systems (particulate filters, three way catalytic converters and oxygen sensors)
Exhaust after treatment systems for reducing the emissions of gasoline engines such as the oxygen sensor and the three-way catalytic converter must not be detrimentally affected by engine oils or the combustion products thereof. In modern diesel engines, exhaust after treatment systems, such as e.g particulate or soot filters, CRT, SCR systems, etc. may not be negatively influenced by basic oil components and additives of the engine oil. Likewise the oil consumption should therefore not increase.

54. No contribution to particulates
Further developments in diesel engines are geared towards major efforts being undertaken to ensure that the level of particulates is significantly reduced. Because a significant portion of these particulates originates from oil, oil-consumption levels have been successfully cut back in recent years. However, the basic oil components and additives still require to be analyzed and optimized in terms of bringing about further particulate reductions.

55. Does not emit odors
Engine oils must not emit any unpleasant odors even at high temperatures. In this context, consideration should be given to drivers and passengers as well as the people who work in factories, workshops and warehouses.

56. No disadvantages when disposing off and recycling
Until such time as lifetime oil is available oil will always need to be changed. Naturally, it is sensible to drain off this oil, collect it and to convey it to a reputable recycling plant. Right back at the initial conception of the engine oil, consideration must be given to ensuring that no problems will arise later on when it needs to be disposed off or recycled.

Engine-oil tests
For the evaluation of engine oil quality there are both absolute dimensional units and comparative assessments and judgments. The fastest and most economical method of testing is that of a chemical-physical analysis conducted in the laboratory. Laboratory analysis enables several important properties to be determined, e.g. viscosity, alkalinity, sulfate ash content, corrosion behavior, etc.; however, for the purpose of a final quality evaluation, tests must be conducted in specific test machines and engines. For these tests there are a number of methods and test equipment available which enable one or at the same time several characteristics in the engine oil to be analyzed.

The following test equipment is used in the appraisal of engine oils:
- testing machines with simple components
- test sets for inspecting oil on individual engine components
- single-cylinder engines on test rig
- multiple-cylinder engines on test rig
- engines in operation.

Because of the fact that these test methods differ significantly in outlay, the tests are conducted as each situation demands.

With regard to the overall assessment of an engine oil various countries and many different institutions have compiled specifications comprising of a series of test methods.

The best known internationally are the classifications of the American Petroleum Institute (API, information on the Internet under www.api.org), as well as the test sequences of the European automotive manufacturers ACEA (ACEA = Association des Constructeurs Europe�ns de L�'Automobile; information on the internet under www.acea.be). The ACEA test sequences were presented for the first time in December 1995. As of January 1st 1996, these ACEA test sequences replaced the CCMC test sequences valid until then.

In the Mercedes-Benz engine oil specifications listed on the following pages the ACEA test sequences are taken into account as basic requirements. However, to some extent our requirements for modern engine oils in the Mercedes-Benz engine oil specifications go significantly beyond the requirements in the ACEA test sequences.

Due to the needs of current and future production engines, such as extension of oil change intervals, greater fuel saving, lower wear, better engine cleanliness, further reduction in emissions, better environmental compatibility and many more, a higher performance from the engine oils is required. In other words, in the Mercedes-Benz engine oil specifications more tests or additional test criteria and to some extent more stringent limits are required than those by the ACEA in order to achieve the objectives stated.

Break-in engine oils
Break-in engine oils are suitable for running in and continued operation of engines beyond the prescribed maximum mileage or service life. They are likewise used for function test and preservation of engines.

They are charged with the task of exerting a favorable influence on the engine's running-in process. In addition to this they must have good corrosion protection. They must be capable of protecting the inside of the engine against corrosion even at high humidity conditions (sea or tropical climates), of bonding small quantities of condensed water, or preventing it from coming into contact with the metal and of neutralizing the acidic combustion and aging products in the engine. Sufficient additives must be used in order to prevent or reduce wear, deposits, sludge, aging (oxidation) and in order to further reduce the fuel consumption of the engines. When using these oils no disadvantageous changes are allowed to occur to the engine.

An overview of which break-in engine oil is allowed to be used with which engine can be found on sheet 223.1.

Sheet 225.5 (multigrade oils SAE 15W-40)
These break-in engine oils are only approved in exceptional cases for older diesel engines in model series 300 and 400 for oil distances of up to max. 5000 km and oil operating periods of up to max. 100 h. They have been superseded by the break-in engine oils described in sheet 225.6 and 225.12. The use of break-in engine oils described in sheet 225.5 is only permitted in exceptional cases where no other approved break-in engine oil is available.
For use, see sheet 223.1.

Sheet 225.6 (multigrade oils SAE 10W-40 and SAE 5W-30)
Break-in engine oils as specified in sheet 225.6 are approved for certain diesel engines in model series 300, 400, 500, (600) and 900 for oil change intervals up to max. 100,000 km (vehicle-dependent, as specified in the maintenance booklet) and up to max. 2000 h. (for use, see sheet 223.1).

Sheet 225.8 (multigrade oils SAE 10W-40)
Break-in engine oils as specified in sheet 225.8 are only approved for certain older engines in models series100 and 600 (see sheet 223.1) for oil change intervals up to max. 15,000 km (without ASSYST)/30,000 km (with ASSYST) or up to max. 300 h. Currently, they are gradually being superseded by the break-in engine oils as specified in sheet 225.10, 225.11 and 225.12.
For use, see sheet 223.1.

Sheet 225.10 (multigrade oils SAE 5W-30)
Break-in engine oils as specified in sheet 225.10 are approved for certain passenger-car engines in model series 100, 200 and 600. Exceptions are engines in vehicles with diesel particulate filter, in AMG vehicles or certain older engines.
For use, see sheet 223.1.

Compared with Sheet 225.8 these engine oils exhibit the following features:
- higher quality with regard to wear and cleanliness
- better cold-starting properties
- even further improved fuel saving potential
- potential for longer oil change intervals (in combination with new oil filter elements)
- better environmental compatibility

Sheet 225.11 (multigrade oils SAE 5W-30) with low sulfur content, low phosphor content and low content of ash forming components - "Low SPAsh oils"
These "low SPAsh" break-in engine oils are approved for passenger-car diesel engines in model series 600 and passenger- car diesel vehicles which are equipped with a diesel particulate filter.
For use, see sheet 223.1.

Compared with Sheet 225.8 these engine oils exhibit the following features:
- higher quality with regard to wear and cleanliness
- better cold-starting properties
- even further improved fuel saving potential
- improved environmental compatibility.

Compared with Sheet 225.10 these engine oils exhibit the following features:
- better environmental compatibility
- better compatibility with exhaust after treatment systems such as diesel particulate filters by having a lower sulfur content, lower phosphor content and lower content of ash- forming components.

For certain diesel engine model series, the specification 225.11 is superseded by the new specification 225.17. Additional information on these low SPAsh oils can be found in the description in sheet 229.31 and 229.51.

Sheet 225.12 (multigrade oils SAE 10W-40) with low sulfur content, low phosphor content and low content of ash forming components - "Low SPAsh oils")
"Low SPAsh" break-in engine oils specified in sheet 225.12 (and sheet 228.51) currently represent the highest oil grade with low sulfur content, low phosphor content and low ash-forming component content (low ash) for commercial-vehicle diesel engines. "Low SPAsh" break-in engine oils with specification SAE 10W-40 are currently only approved for selected commercial- vehicle diesel engines that are equipped with particulate filter systems such as DPF and CRT.
For use, see sheet 223.1.

Additional information on the "low SPAsh" break-in engine oils as specified in sheet 225.12 can be found in the description in sheet 228.51 ("Low SPAsh" engine oils for oil service). For certain commercial-vehicle diesel engine model series, the specification 225.12 is superseded by the new specification 225.18.

In all cases, the oil change specifications, as specified in the maintenance booklet for the respective vehicle, apply.

Engine oils (Service)
These engine oils are for service purposes, in other words for the continued operation of engines after the first oil change and for all subsequent oil changes. There are service engine oils for individual engine types (e.g. only for gas engines, for all diesel with and without diesel particulate filters, but also universal oils for passenger car gasoline and passenger car diesel engines) in several grades. As a general rule, the higher the oil quality is, the longer the oil change intervals can be.

An overview of which engine oil is allowed to be used with which engine in the case of the oil service can be found on sheet 223.2. Additional information can be found in the maintenance procedures.

Engine oils (service) for commercial vehicles with natural-gas engines and industrial engines (natural gas) in the commercial vehicles' sector Sheet 226.9 (multigrade oils)
Engine oils as under Specification 226.9 have been approved for all stationary and non-stationary commercial vehicle natural-gas engines based on BR 300, 400 and BR 900 (e.g. also applies to CNG buses).

These engine oils are subject to certain requirements that are specifically geared towards natural-gas engines. These oils are not approved for gasoline and diesel engines.
For use, see sheet 223.2.

Engine oils (service) for all commercial-vehicle and passenger-car diesel engines, and industrial engines (diesel) from the commercial-vehicle and passenger-car sectors (BR 300, BR 400, BR 500, BR 600, BR 900)
These engine oils can be used as a continued operation oil in certain Mercedes-Benz diesel engines. These oils are not approved for gasoline-fuel engines.

Sheet 228.0 (single-grade oils) and Sheet 228.1 (multigrade oils)
Engine oils as per Sheet 228.0/.1 are approved for certain diesel engines. The basic requirements of ACEA E2. apply to these engine oils. Additional Daimler AG requirements also apply.
For use, see sheet 223.2.

Sheet 228.2 (single-grade oils) and Sheet 228.3 (multigrade oils)
Engine oils as per sheet 228.2/.3 are approved for certain diesel engines. The basic requirements of ACEA E7 (previously ACEA E3 or E5) apply to these engine oils. Beyond this are the more comprehensive specifications of Daimler AG.
For use, see sheet 223.2.

Sheet 228.31 (multigrade oils with low sulfur content, low phosphor content and low content of ash-forming components - "Low SPAsh oils")
"Low SPAsh" engine oils as per sheet 228.31 are only specified for certain diesel engines at this time.
For use, see sheet 223.2.

What is sheet 228.31?
- A commercial-vehicle engine specification for "low SPAsh" engine oils at medium performance level (corresponding to the performance level of sheet 228.3).
- An engine oil specification, which is geared (as was Sheet 228.51) to excellent compatibility with exhaust after treatment systems, such as diesel particulate filter (DPF) and three- way catalytic converters for NOx reduction (SCR).

What are the backgrounds for the introduction of Sheet 228.31?
- Future common Heavy Duty Engine Platform (HDEP) in North America and Europe with similar demands with regard to engine oil performance.
- The specification of Sheet 228.31 corresponds to the common understanding of Mercedes-Benz (MB) and Detroit Diesel (DDC), with regard to engine oil requirements that are necessary for complying with the emission standards in the USA (EPA 2007) and Europe (Euro 5).
- This new engine oil specification should simultaneously improve the acceptance and availability of "Low SPAsh" engine oils and do so specifically for the American market.
- Oils in sheet 228.31 represent a low-cost alternative for customers to the previously available oils in sheet 228.51.
- Harmonization of Daimler-internal European and American oil specifications (based on ACEA & API) - initial global commercial-vehicle engine oil specification for HDD (GEOS HD 1).

What are the most important requirements and tests for a release as far as sheet 228.31 is concerned?
- Basic performance: API CJ-4 and testing to sheet 228.3 (corresponds to perf. level of ACEA E7) + Daimler-specific requirements:

- Laboratory tests: Sulfur pockets < 1.0 % by weight,
Sulfur < 0.40 % by weight,
Phosphor < 0.12 % by weight,
TBN (neutralization capability) < 7.0 mg KOH/g
MB sealing tests
Pass acc. 228.31 limits = DB supply specification 6610

- Engine tests: OM 646 DI 22 LA test
Pass acc. 228.31 limits
OM 501 LA Euro 5 test
Pass acc. 228.31 limits

Sheet 228.5 (multigrade oils)
Engine oils in accordance with Sheet 228.5 are approved for certain diesel engines (see Sheet 223.2) and we highly recommend them. These low-friction engine oils enable commercial-vehicle diesel engines to have the longest oil-change intervals. These engine oils currently represent the highest grade for commercial-vehicle diesel engines. The basic requirements of ACEA E4. apply to these engine oils. Additional Daimler AG requirements also apply.
For use, see sheet 223.2.

Sheet 228.51 (multigrade oils with low sulfur content, low phosphor content and low content of ash-forming components - "Low SPAsh oils")
"Low SPAsh" engine oils as specified in sheet 228.51 are approved for certain diesel engines. These "low SPAsh" engine oils currently represent the highest oil grade with low sulfur content, low phosphor content and low ash-forming component content for diesel engines. The basic requirements of ACEA E6. apply to these engine oils. Additional Daimler AG requirements also apply.
For use, see sheet 223.2.

Engine oils (service) for Passenger vehicle engines (BR 100, BR 200, BR 600), Commercial vehicle engines from the passenger vehicle sector (BR 100, BR 200, BR 600) and Industrial engines from the PC sector (BR 100, BR 200, BR 600)
The engine oils on Sheets 229.1, 229.3, 229.31, 229.5 and 229.51 can be used as continued operation oils (service engine oils for the oil service) depending on quality and use in certain Mercedes-Benz passenger car engines.
These oils are not approved for commercial vehicle diesel engines BR 300, BR 400, BR 500, BR 900.

General information
In 1997, Daimler AG introduced a new approval system for passenger-car engine oils which was considerably expanded compared to earlier approval procedures and demands detailed documentation of the oil quality. However, the specifications in sheets 229.1, 229.3, 229.31, 229.5 and 229.51 concerning the ACEA test sequences (introduced for the first time on 1.1.1996) go significantly beyond them with respect to the requirements.

This MB approval system for passenger-car engine oils has undergone consistent further development since its introduction. Today, our customers have an adequate choice of options with the engine oils on sheets 229.1, 229.3, 229.31, 229.5 and 229.51 of the Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Operating Fluids so that they can decide for themselves on a particular quality level and an optimum engine oil for their operating conditions.

The application of sheets 229.1, 229.3, 229.31, 229.5 and 229.51 in certain passenger-car spark-ignition engines and passenger-car diesel engines (model series 100, 200 and 600) is described in greater detail in sheet 223.2.

Which engine or which vehicle can use which oil quality over which oil change interval is listed in the continuously updated Service Information for passenger cars: "Engine oil change" SI18.00-P-0011A.

In all cases, the maintenance procedures which are stipulated individually for each vehicle model apply.

Sheet 229.1 (multigrade oils)
These engine oils are only approved for certain passenger-car engines (model series 100, 200 and 600), commercial-vehicle engines from the passenger-car sector (model series 100, 200 and 600) and industrial engines from the passenger-car sector (model series 100, 200 and 600). For use, see sheet 223.2.

The basic requirements of ACEA A3-04 or B3-04 apply to these engine oils. Additional Daimler AG requirements also apply.

Sheet 229.3 (multigrade oils)
These low-friction engine oils are approved for certain passenger car engines (model series 100, model series 200, model series 600), commercial vehicle engines from the passenger car range (model series 100, model series 200, model series 600) and industrial engines from the passenger car range (model series 100, model series 200, model series 600). For use, see sheet 223.2.

Approvals are possible for low-friction engine oils of SAE grades 0W-X, 5W-X and 10W-X. The basic requirements of ACEA A3-04 and B4-04 apply to these engine oils. Beyond this are the more comprehensive specifications of Daimler AG.

Compared with Sheet 229.1 these engine oils exhibit the following features:
- higher quality (with regard to wear and cleanliness)
- fuel saving potential
- better cold-starting properties
- better environmental compatibility (reduced chlorine and sulfur content).

Sheet 229.31 (multigrade oils with low sulfur content, low phosphor content and low content of ash-forming components - "Low SPAsh oils")
These "Low SPAsh" low-friction engine oils are approved for certain passenger car engines (model series 100, model series 200, model series 600), commercial vehicle engines from the passenger car range (model series 100, model series 200, model series 600) and industrial engines from the passenger car range (model series 100, model series 200, model series 600).

These "low SPAsh" engine oils from sheet 229.31 must be used for passenger-car diesel engines and passenger-car diesel vehicles that are equipped with diesel particulate filter.
For use, see sheet 223.2.

Approvals are only possible for low-friction engine oils that comply with the low limits with regard to sulfur, phosphor content and the content of ash-forming components. The basic requirements of ACEA A3-04, B4-04 and C3-04 apply to these engine oils. Beyond this are the more comprehensive specifications of Daimler AG.

Compared with oils from Sheet 229.1/ 229.3 / 229.5 these engine oils excel on account of their lower sulfur content, lower phosphor content and lower content of ash forming constituents. This means improved compatibility with exhaust after treatment systems such as diesel particulate filters.

Compared with oils from Sheet 229.1 these oils also excel on account of:
- improved environmental compatibility (reduced chlorine, sulfur and phosphor content)
- higher quality (with regard to wear and cleanliness)
- fuel saving potential
- better cold-starting properties.

Sheet 229.5 (multigrade oils)
These low-viscosity engine oils are approved for specific passenger car engines (model series 100, 200 and 600), commercial-vehicle engines from the passenger-car sector (model series 100, 200 and 600) and industrial engines from the passenger-car sector (model series 100, 200 and 600).
For use, see sheet 223.2.

The basic requirements of ACEA A3-04 and B4-04 apply to these engine oils. Beyond this are the more comprehensive specifications of Daimler AG.

Compared with Sheet 229.1 and 229.3 the engine oils are characterized by:
- highest quality (with regard to wear and cleanliness) for approved passenger car engine oils
- even further improved fuel saving potential
- potential for even longer oil change intervals (in combination with new oil filter elements)
- further improved environmental compatibility

Sheet 229.51 (multigrade oils with low sulfur content, low phosphor content and low content of ash-forming components - "Low SPAsh oils")
Now that with the sheet 229.31 the 1st generation of "low SPAsh" low-friction engine oils has been introduced in MB passenger-car diesel vehicles with diesel particulate filter, development progress in the additive and mineral oil industry should be taken into consideration and a new "low SPAsh" oil specification should be introduced at the highest performance level.

What is sheet 229.51?
Sheet 229.51 is a passenger-car engine oil specification for "low SPAsh" low-friction engine oils at the highest performance level (2nd generation "low SPAsh" low-friction engine oils, with a performance capability as described for sheet 229.5), i.e. with the most stringent limit values with regard to wear and cleanliness. These oils are outstanding because they provide the best possible protection from black sludge formation and deposits. They also have improved fuel economy potential (fuel economy benefit in the M111 FE test CEC SG-L54 > 1.7% = sheet 229.5 level) and improved environmental compatibility.

What are the most important requirements and tests for a release as far as sheet 229.51 is concerned?
Laboratory tests: Sulfur < 0.30 % by weight,
Phosphor 0.05 - 0.09 % by weight,
Sulfated ash < 0.8 % by weight,
Chlorine < 0.015 % by weight,
TBN (neutralization capability) > 6.0 mg KOH/g

Engine test:
M 271 Wear test Pass acc. 229.51 limits
M 271 Sludge test Pass acc. 229.51 limits
M 111 Fuel Economy test Pass acc. 229.51 limits (>1.7%)
OM 646 DE22LA test Pass acc. 229.51 limits
Plus other ACEA and OEM tests: Pass ACEA A3, B4, C3, VW TDI,VW T4, .....

The basic requirements of ACEA test sequences A3-04, B4-04 and C3-04 apply to these engine oils. Beyond this are the more comprehensive specifications of Daimler AG. Approvals are only possible for low-friction engine oils that comply with the low limits with regard to sulfur, phosphor content and the content of ash forming components. The detailed requirements for an approval of these high-performance engine oils are listed in the table "Mercedes-Benz specifications for engine oils (service fill)".

Compared to oils from sheet 229.1/229.3/229.5, these engine oils are characterized by a lower sulfur content, lower phosphor content and lower ash-forming component content. This means improved compatibility with exhaust after treatment systems such as diesel particulate filters.

Compared with oils from Sheets 229.1/229.3, these oils also excel as a result of:
- improved environmental compatibility (reduced chlorine, sulfur and phosphor content)
- higher quality (with regard to wear and cleanliness)
- improved fuel-saving potential.

Viscosity of service engine oils
Apart from quality the viscosity (SAE grades) must also be observed when selecting engine oils. Information on this can be found on Sheets 223.1 or 223.2 and on Sheets 224.1 or 224.2. Not every grade of approved engine oil is available with its respective viscosity grade. Single-grade engine oils are only approved for certain types of engine in summer. Today, they should only be used in pronouncedly warmer climes (in the corresponding SAE class).