Fair question so I'll give you a controversial answer.
Oil technology changes faster than a book eg; manual stays trapped in time. as in history it's a reference only pertains to the specific time frame. Example I have a 313 and from the first oil change used Mobil Delvac extra 15w-40 MB 228.3.229.1 new Cl-4 formula
switched and stayed with BP Vanellus 15W-40 MERCEDES BENZ SHEET 228.3/229.1
THESE OILS ARE FOR H/d USE AND THE SPRINTER IS CLASSIFIED WITHIN THE RANGE for long service oil change intervals in 4 years not once has the van failed or ever had injection or fuel issues not once.
The last scan European set for my Sprinter zero trouble codes.
As the van is no longer being used full time I'm switching to Mobil 1 gold super synthetic 0-40
I have a relationship with both Mobil and BP techs Quote Oil standards vary as to ASTM standards based on the grade of oil used as to six base crude oils available for re-processing to a formula.
I asked both techs this question define the grade of oil for a Sprinter!..AS to Chrysler Australia MB's specifications as to where an oil grade suggested is no longer applicable as to it's tonnage rate.
There of course was no answer.
I re-defined the question,as to what is written on the sheet as to vehicles using the said oils this is the standard Mobil1 oil
Answer from Techs Porche MB sedans light commercial usage,etc.
I then asked for the limit of tonnage! there was no answer until I directed this to MB Germany and it stops at 3.2 Tonne.
Our vans are two tonne through to 6 tonne and there is no way those basic oils can handle the high Australian temps we have from 45C to minus 20C in the outback the values of the basic oil will not perform in the longer term where the H/D 15-40 mineral or semi syn and full super syn 0-40 will.
It's not a glitch in the system or even a mistake, as this is the prescribed formula to MB service personnel at most outlets as to fast short range oil changes with a 50% mark-up on oil 50% on parts and high labour rates. this is not on for a MB owner as MB states the higher value oils are for extended oil change ranges for fleet operations, hence less than 50% of Sprinters are actually serviced at a franchise outlet. 40thousand plus between oil changes is available not 15 or 20 thou.
However I was the Guinea pig and the principle of long range oil change usage is proven as the van over a 4 year period is mechanically perfect. not a leak not a squeak from the engine.
If you link up to any Australian lube service chart from any of the oil manufactures every one uses a as similar reference chart even authorized MB mechanics not affiliated to a MB franchise use 15-4 in the three ranges available and 90-W gear oils.and again there are three grades in the same range.
Each of the three oils I have used are Sprinter designated after 3.5T.
I do use an upper cylinder lubricity agent as a fuel enhancer, as BP backed the product and guaranteed the fuel as both being comparable as to MB Australia saying Quote: ask your local refinery for additional information.
If an oil matches MBs specks use it, as there are varying qualities you get what you paid for as Castrol says Oils ain't oils.
please search the Australian oil sites and look for yourself then make your decision.
Richard