Mercedes-Benz Passenger Car Specifications

Mercedes-Benz issues their own set of requirements for factory and service fill engine oils used in their passenger cars. These are compiled together into a single document which is periodically updated, either when testing requirements are changed or new specifications are added.

Each individual specification is known by its MB Sheet Number, which for passenger vehicles, begins with the number 229 or 226. The MB sheet numbers are all in a sequence beginning with the sheet number and ending with a two-digit suffix denoting the specific specification. For example, MB Sheet 229.5 is typically referred to as MB229.5.

The sheet number also tells users a little about the specification, with sheets beginning 229 having been developed to cover Mercedes-Benz own engines and those beginning 226 covering Mercedes-Benz vehicles fitted with a Renault engine. In the case of the MB229 sheets, the number of decimals also gives us a clue as to their focus with 1 decimal place indicating a high-SAPS specification such as MB229.5 and 2 decimals indicating a mid-SAPS specification, such as MB229.51

The specifications detail allowable viscosity grades, the ACEA or API level performance that must be met plus additional physical, chemical and engine testing that must be conducted. This includes engine tests that have been developed by Mercedes-Benz to assess a range of performance criteria alongside engine and chassis-dynamometer fuel economy tests.

All applications for approvals against the Mercedes-Benz specifications are made through the online BEAM system. Additionally, you can find the list of approved lubricants on the Mercedes-Benz website.