Why must you use synthetic oil for a Mercedes Benz c230?

Answer 1

The service computer is pre-set for 10,000 mile oil change intervals(A service, B service). You can only get this milage using a synthetic engine oil. Also keep in mind new from the factory the engine has been serviced with a pure synthetic oil which is NOT compatible with a mineral based oil. Also all the engine seals are of a polymer rubber designed to withstand the chemical compound used in synthetic oils. I understand you are asking due to price of the oil, however considering you get 10,000 miles between changes, the engine is started with a lubricationg film still in place ( cylinder walls, bearing, etc..) which reduces the damaging impact cause during engine start, the synthetic oil is the way to go!! Use Mobil 1, you will be glad you did. My Benz, BMW and Porsche all use Mobil 1 as requested by the producer of the car.

Edit: I'm not going to overwrite the nonsense above, I'll just correct SOME of it. For one thing, synthetics are compatible with conventional oils. Feel free to verify this on mobil1.com or valvoline.com:

Mobil 1: "Mobil 1 is fully compatible with conventional motor oils, semi-synthetic motor oils and other synthetic motor oils, should it be necessary to mix them."

Valvoline: "Switching between synthetic and conventional oil does not cause problems. Because the oils are compatible, you can switch back and forth as often as you like."

Also note that some oils are "synthetic blend", which literally means a single product that is a mixture of conventional AND synthetic oil types. Not compatible? Yeah, uh... OK.