G350 Blue tec 2011 Oil issue

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Gw4mike
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Hi,

I am looking at purcasing a 2011 G350 Blue tec.From other forums there seems to be an issue with oils sludge building up in the sump and causing engine failure.The sugested modification done by MB is enlarging the sump from 9L to 14L  and modifications to the drag link and the auto hoses.

Only after contacting MB germany did the South African gentleman have the issue resolved.In some cases engine replacements

The SM is 1003 code1204P01A81    Check engine oil capacity and modify

I have spoken to my local dealer Winchester, and MB UK and MB Germany all deny any knowledge of such a service notification.

Is there a way that I can check that the vehecle that I intend purcasing isn't not affected.

http://www.mb4x4.co.za/forum/showthread.php/1942-G350-Motor-problems

http://australiangelandewagenownersassociation.yuku.com/topic/1256/G350-....

I am ceptical because of the experience that othe owners have had.

All help would be appreciated

 

Pistonhead
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Re: G350 Blue tec 2011 Oil issue

Every since the 350 GTD came out it had oil issues due to reason you have stated. If this carries on to the 350 Bluetec, I am not surprised. A Lot of information to this matter came out at the time and although other countries had recalls; UK dealers never acknowledged any issues. 

Tell me if there are no know issues how come modified sumps and hoses are available, sure M/Benz did not do it fo rthe fun of it - obviously there is an issue here but financially the issue is not recoknised. 

My alternative solution would be is to go for a dry sump or hybrid of it add an additional sump reservoir and scavanging pump to circulate the additional capacity of oil, you then do not need to do any modifications to the hose. But parts to do this has to be adapted from the Rallying world. Only my untested opinion and not proved.

bigblock
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Re: G350 Blue tec 2011 Oil issue

If you open this link and scroll down to the 350 Bluetec data it will give you the last chassis numbers for the 9 litre sump and the first chassis numbes for the 14 litre sump for the 2012 production run (shown as 8 litre and 12.5 litre actual fill capacities).

Unfortunatley it doesnt help with identifying which of the 2010-2011 G's fitted with the 9 litre sump had the 14 litre modification. It does prove however that Mercedes did enlarge the sump capacity on the later models so there must have been a problem.

https://oil-change.info/mercedes-benz-g-class-engine-oil-capacity/

There was apparently  no recall but mercedes issued a Service Measure. 

When the car was in for a service the oil would be checked for metal particles and if found then the sump would be replaced with the larger 14 litre one and the the crank bearings would also be replaced. In some cases a larger oil cooler was also fitted.

It appears that most owners were taken by surprise when they put their G in for a normal service and were told they couldnt have it back for two weeks ! 

Gw4mike
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Re: G350 Blue tec 2011 Oil issue

Thank you for the feedback

 

bigblock
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Re: G350 Blue tec 2011 Oil issue
Theo
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Re: G350 Blue tec 2011 Oil issue

I own an early (11 plate) G350.  The sludge is a bluetec issue, therefore neither engine nor Mercedes specific.  The NOx emission issue of Euro 5/6 diesels appears to be linked (the software reduces the bluetec injection to protect the engine).

On my car the Mercedes dealership increased the oil capapcity and fitted an oil cooler whilst the car was serviced (on subsequent services). Mercedes dealers are instructed to check before each service whether addtional measures are mandatory but they do not recall a car between the service intervalls. I have noticed no side effects of the modifications.  Judging from my experience Mercedes is very diligent servicing the Gs, there are detailed instructions how to proceed and it is my impression that they would have not hesitated to change the engine if heavy sludge or metal pieces were found in the oil prior to increasing the oil capacity. 

If I were in the market for a used G350 my main concern would be a) that the modifications have been undertaken (i.e. car serviced by Mercedes) and b) the car had not been used on short runs, it takes nearly 10 miles for the oil to reach temperature.  It is easy to check whether a car has been modified, there will be a metal plate underneath the front protecting the oil cooler:

syncropete
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Re: G350 Blue tec 2011 Oil issue

We have a 2012 Bluetec which was purchased from Northampton Mercedes about a year ago. I believe it left the factory with the larger sump and had the oil cooler added later. The part no. sticker was still on the under guard plate. However after doing some offroading (Car is now with us in Tanzania) this plate is caved in. Not a good mod, but probably ok for road use.

We have also done an EGR delete, SCR (adblue) delete, DPF delete and switched to a decent Valvoline oil. The oil that is used (low ash) is also killing these engines.

Just changed the timing chain tensioner due to slapping on cold start up and all is now good.

They really are a good car and dont really deserve the bad press they get. Just check the larger sump is fitted (should be a new steering link with this as well)

prwales
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Re: G350 Blue tec 2011 Oil issue

All this does is act as a recommendation for a 606a conversion to an older vehicle