Mercedes approvals are used when selecting engine oils for Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Maybach, Smart and Daimler Chrysler.
Mercedes Approvals
Mercedes Benz cars, trucks and buses have been renowned for more than 120 years for their quality and their position in the premium segment. That is why lubricants for Mercedes-Benz engines must meet the highest requirements of the modern market for engine oils.
Conformity of oils with the manufacturer’s requirements is expressed numerically and alphabetically and is defined by the word “tolerance”. This designation is fixed in the service book of any car and is marked on the canisters with lubricants, which allows the owner of the car to use their Mercedes motor oil of exactly this type.
In order to obtain Mercedes-Benz approvals as well as the right to place their designations on canister labels, the engine oil manufacturer has to work hard. The automobile manufacturer’s certificate certifies that the oil meets stringent standards. It is issued according to the results of thorough testing of lubricants.
This results in the assignment of specific tolerances to the engine oil, which determine the high quality of the product and its compatibility with the engine of a particular vehicle.
What is a Mercedes specification?
Mercedes specifications are symbolic designations for the properties of the engine oil for a particular type of Mercedes vehicle and are how you choose the oil for your Mercedes vehicle. By selecting oil according to the appropriate specification, you ensure that you are using the right oil for your Mercedes.
Mercedes Engine Oil Approvals
The name of the MB specifications derives from the Mercedes Bluebook scheme, divided by numbered paragraphs and pages. It is used by dealers to identify the products certified by the manufacturer and their correct application on the engines.
MB 226.5
This specification is required for Mercedes vehicles with gasoline engines supplied by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Specification requirements are similat to MB 229.5.
MB 226.51
This specification is based on RN0720 and is recommended for Mercedes vehicles with DPF fitted diesel engines supplied by Renault. Oils meeting this specification have very good thermal stability and aftertreatment compatibility.
MB 229.1
For petrol and diesel engines. Minimum quality required ACEA A2/B2 with additional limits on the engine.
MB 229.3
For petrol and diesel engines. Minimum quality required ACEA A3 / B3 / B4 and MB 229.1. It can only certify 0/ 5 W-x oils.
MB 229.31
Multigrade, low SAPS engine oil, advised for both diesel and petrol engines of Mercedes Benz, Smart, and Chrysler. Only low viscosity engine oils which can realize a 1,0% saving on used fuel in the M111 Fuel economy test (CEC L-54-T-96) can get this approval. In this test, the fuel savings are compared to the performance of the Reference oil RL 191 (SAE 15W-40).
MB 229.5
MB sheet for energy conserving oils for a certain car and van engines. Approved oils must meet ACEA A3, B3, and B4 specifications and some additional demands by Daimler Chrysler AG. Oil must be on the approval list.
MB 229.51
Low SAPS Long Life engine oil for diesel engines with particle filter meeting emission EU-4 -> standards.
MB 229.52
Oils meeting this specification must have lower ash content, at least 1% better fuel economy compared to the requirements of MB 229.31 and MB 229.51, and better oxidation stability for biofuel compatibility. Can also be used where an MB 229.31 or an MB 229.51 oil is required. Just like MB 229.5 and MB 229.51, this spec requires a long life oil.