talkinghorse43:
Mine is a 2005, so I don't have a copy of the 2006 manual. But I do know that there were essentially no differences of consequence between the 2005 and 2006 models. However, there may very well be a computer programming difference in the 2006 models that let the OQS (Oil Quality Sensor) give more accurate readings to the ASSYST computer when using any and all of the Approved Oils.
There's a Chrysler TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) out there (pertaining to 2005 models, tho) that discusses the ASSYST and the 229.5 oils, and it mentions Rotella as being one of the 228.3 dino oils that yields accurate Oil Quality Sensor readings for use with the ASSYST computer. It's not on the 229.5 list because it's not a 229.5 oil type. For a 2006 model, I'd check with a knowledgeable Sprinter tech somewhere. Actually, I'd talk with 2 or 3, since at least one will be less-than knowledgeable. hehe
Basically, anything on the MB Approved Oils List can be used. With or without the ASSYST, actually. The only difference is how accurate the ASSYST will in conjunction with the Oil Quality Sensor (OQS). Any of the synthetic oils listed under 229.5 will give you accurate readings. In the 2002-2004 models, all of the ones with the ASSYST had the Mobile 1 as the initial fill, and the ones without the ASSYST, some had Rotella T for the initial fill, some had Mobile 1.
Since the OQS was calibrated and designed specifically for the Mobile 1 0W-40, and that's the only oil that is mentioned by name (multiple times) in the Service Manual, that's the one I'm going with. But, certainly, any other oil on the 229.5 list would be likely just as well.
Oils on the Approved List, but not part of the 229.5 or 229.51 MB Sheet can be used with the ASSYST, but other than the Rotella, the readings won't be as accurate. And by not as accurate, that simply means that the ASSYST computer will tell you to change the oil a few hundred miles sooner than it otherwise would. It's not like it's gonna tell you to change the oil at 15,000 miles when it really should have been changed at 11,000 miles. More likely, it will tell you to change it at 10,000 when it could have easily gone 12,000 miles.
The way the OQS works, when it errs, it will err on the side of sooner rather than later. The ASSYST monitors many parameters including driving habits, the frequency of cold starts, fuel quality, ambient temperature, air intake temperature and a plethora of other factors, and it works in conjunction with the OQS which monitors the viscosity, conductivity, contamination (i.e., water or coolant), temperature and electrical parameters of the oil itself.
The big one insofar as dino versus synthetic is the electrical conductivity of the oil, as dino oil will have less conductivity a little sooner than synthetic oil will.
Any approved oil on the list will be fine for the engine itself, but the ASSYST, on advice from the OQS, may tell you to change the oil a little sooner with a non-229.5 synthetic. Rotella T Multigrade 15W-40 being an exception because it has the same electrical conductivity properties as 229.5 oils.
As far as I know at present, Rotella doesn't meet the requirements for 229.51 oils that are required in the 2207 models, as it's still a 228.3 oil. Just wanted to make that clear.
Don't want anyone with a new 2007 to make a boo boo. Stick to the list. Always stick to the list.
Again, pick one from the list, and stick with it. Forever.
Panthervanman, with yours, not having a Maintenance ASSYST, it's a Moot point. hehe Just use whatever oil that's been in there, and keep on using it, provided it's an oil from the list. If there has been many different kids of oil in there, if it were me, I'd switch to Rotella T and never look back. Even without the ASSYST, you know it will give you ballpark 10,000-15,000 miles between oil changes, as long as you top it off as needed.
Incidentally, I change my oil
filter every 7,500 miles like clockwork. Then I add enough oil to top it off. With frequent filter changes and topping off as needed, you can get some really long life out of the oil. Just keep an eye on the Maintenance ASSYST and it will watch the oil for you.
Tests have shown, unambiguously, that most engine wear occurs within the first 3000 miles after an oil change. So the folks who religiously change their oil at 3000 or 5000 miles would be better off taking the car out back and shotting it. Older cars and cars that use single-grade oil, and non-detergent single-grade oil, are about the only ones that need frequent oil changes. (The only other exception is the Saturn S series which requires oil every 3000 miles to keep the timing chain working properly.)
More important than frequent oil changes is frequent filter changes. Much more important. If you notice, the most vocal proponents of frequent oil changes are those who make money from oil changes, and of course, those who have had the 3000 mile myth beaten into their head for decades. New engine designs and synthetic oils mean much longer oil change intervals, but again, you need to keep the oil clean, so frequent filter changes are needed.
In Europe, where obviously the specs on oil are much more strict, to match the engines, between 25,000 and 30,000 kilometers (15,534 and 18,641 miles) is the norm, and the Sprinter is no exception. If you change your oil in the Sprinter, the ASSYST will tell you to change the oil somewhere around the 11,000-12,000 mark, give or take. If you change the oil filter at about 7,500 miles (12,000 kilometers is what is recommended in Europe, which is 7,456 miles) and top it off as needed (half a quart here, a quart there) the ASSYST will likely take you to somewhere in the 18,000 mile range.
The trick is to stop thinking American, and start thinking European. The German versions of the Sprinter Owner's Manual and the Technical Service Manual both recommend the procedures outlined in the above paragraph. One can only speculate as to why MB recommends 10,000 oil changes for identical vehicles in the North American market. I'm guessing the Dodge Service Departments had something to do with it. I know the Freightliner dealers openly questioned the frequent oil change practice, and most Mercedes dealers here in North America recommend filter changes between longer oil changes (depending on the car).
Just make sure you top it off as needed. If it's half a quart low, don't wait until it's a full quart low before adding the oil. It's important. The longer you wait, you have less oil trying to do more work, and it breaks down faster. The additives wear out and the conductivity weakens quicker. The added few ounces to top it off make all the difference in the world. Just make sure you don't over fill it, cause that's way worse than waiting a little too long to top off.
In any case, whatever you do, don't forget to change the fuel filter often, even if at the recently revised MB-recommended 10,000 mark. I have found that, for the most part, I can get by with changing the fuel filter at the same time I change the oil. Every now and then you'll get a bad tank of fuel from someplace. When that happens you'll know it, and when it does, make a point to have the fuel filter changed as soon as practical. Even if the van smooths out with the next fill up, go ahead and change the filter soon.
