I purchased my 1998 GLE six months ago, it had 75k one owner not abused but not maintained like I would of done. One of the first things I did was to change the oil with Mobile-1 and a good filter. After 1k miles I changed the oil filter after 2k more miles I changed the oil filter again. Today at 5k miles I changed the oil and the filter. I found the oil to be very dark. Is this because the synthetic oil has been cleaning the engine? or ??? I ask this because I here people who say they change there oil and it is the same color as when they put it in.
Thanks for your replies

HoldTight.......

P.S. this is car does not get driven hard but mostly short tirips. It is my wifes grocery getter.

 

All oil becomes dark with use...your experience could be because of the cleaning effect of the oil, combustion by-products, the fact that you live in a cold climate, short trips, and most likely a combination of the above. I wouldn't be too concerned about it...use a good filter, do an oil change every 6-months or so and you will be fine.

 

i tend to find my oil is dark after around town use, but lightens up after a highway drive, i have no explanation for this. if you suspect a dirty engine you may want to give lube control or auto-rx a shot

 

All oil gets dirty after it's been run for a bit. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Given you had reservations about the maintenance of the car, I would have been inclined to do an AutoRX treatment (3,500 miles in total) before switching to synthetic oil.

 

If the oil is dirty that means its doing its job. Just don't leave it in there for real long.