What oil does a r350 take?
The R350 typically requires a full synthetic engine oil that meets Mercedes-Benz MB 229.5 (or MB 229.51) specifications, most commonly in a 5W-40 viscosity. The engine’s oil capacity with a filter change is roughly 6.5 to 7 quarts. Always verify the exact specification and capacity in your owner’s manual or on the vehicle’s under-hood placard for your year and engine variant.
The R350 sits in the Mercedes-Benz R-Class lineup and uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine (the M272 family). While MB 229.5/229.51 oils are designed for long-life service on this platform, climate, driving style, and model year can influence the best viscosity choice. Use only oils clearly labeled MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 to ensure compatibility with the engine’s tolerances and emission-control systems.
Oil specification for the R350
Before listing concrete options, note the core requirement you should look for on the oil bottle:
- Approval: MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (Mercedes-Benz approval for gasoline engines with long-life service).
- Type: Synthetic base oil (fully synthetic is preferred for longevity and cold-weather performance).
- Common viscosity: 5W-40 is the most frequently recommended grade for the R350, though climate can influence the best choice.
Concluding: For the R350, choose a synthetic oil that carries MB 229.5/229.51 approval; 5W-40 is the standard recommendation, with 0W-40 acceptable in very cold climates. Always confirm with the manual or a Mercedes dealer.
Viscosity options and climate considerations
Climate can affect which viscosity is most appropriate. The following viscosities are commonly used with MB 229.5/229.51-approved oils, depending on ambient temperatures and service intervals:
- 5W-40 synthetic (the default choice for most regions and driving conditions).
- 0W-40 synthetic (useful in very cold climates where winter starting and cold-start protection matter).
- 5W-30 synthetic (sometimes used in specific markets or under certain service regimes; verify MB approval on the bottle).
Concluding: In typical conditions, 5W-40 is the safest, most versatile option for the R350. 0W-40 is worth considering in extreme cold; 5W-30 may appear in some markets but must carry the correct MB approval on the label.
Brand and product recommendations
Several major brands offer MB 229.5/229.51 certified oils that are commonly stocked in North America and Europe. Look for oils that explicitly state MB approval on the bottle.
- Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-40 (MB 229.5/229.51 approved in many regions).
- Castrol EDGE 5W-40 (meets MB 229.5/229.51 requirements).
- Liqui Moly Synthoil Long-Term 5W-40 (MB 229.5/229.51 approved).
- Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 (MB 229.5/229.51 compliant).
- Motul 8100 X-40 5W-40 or similar (MB 229.5/229.51 certified).
Concluding: Always verify the label shows MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 approval. The exact product line may vary by market, but these brands regularly list the Mercedes-Benz approvals on their packaging.
Oil capacity and maintenance notes
Oil capacity can vary slightly by year and whether the vehicle has an oil cooler or auxiliary systems, but expect roughly 6.5 to 7 quarts (about 6.2 to 6.6 liters) of oil with a filter change. Maintenance intervals for MB 229.5/229.51 oils are designed for longer drain periods, but you should follow the service schedule recommended for your vehicle, and consider more frequent changes if you do heavy driving or operate in extreme conditions.
Summary
The Mercedes-Benz R350 uses synthetic engine oil that carries MB 229.5/229.51 approval, with 5W-40 being the most common viscosity. The typical oil capacity is about 6.5–7 quarts with a filter. Always verify the exact specification and capacity from your owner’s manual or dealership, and choose a bottle clearly labeled with MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 approval. In cold climates, 0W-40 is an alternative; in other regions, 5W-40 remains the standard recommendation.
