From MB to DTFR: Understanding the New Daimler Truck Specification System

Heavy-Duty

04/Jan/2026

DTFR, short for Daimler Truck Fluid Release, is a new system of fluid standards developed by Daimler Truck AG following its separation from Mercedes-Benz Group AG. It replaces the previous Mercedes-Benz (MB) specifications and introduces a more structured, technically detailed framework for fluids used in modern commercial vehicles. This article outlines what the transition means for workshops, fleet managers, and distributors, summarizes the key aspects of DTFR, and explains how Wolf Lubricants is supporting a smooth and transparent transition across the industry.

What has changed?

The heavy-duty sector continues to evolve, driven by tighter emissions standards, advancing engine technologies, and the growing need for operational efficiency. One of the most notable developments in recent years is the shift from Mercedes-Benz (MB) fluid specifications to the new Daimler Truck Fluid Releases (DTFR).

This change follows Daimler’s 2021 separation into two independent companies:

Mercedes-Benz Group AG (MBAG) – responsible for passenger cars and vans
Daimler Truck Holding AG (DTAG) – focused on trucks and buses

With this structural split, Daimler Truck AG introduced its own DTFR standard system, replacing previous MB specifications and adding new, application-specific ones where no equivalent existed before.

For fleet operators, distributors, and workshops, the introduction of DTFR means a clearer, more precise framework for fluid selection, and the need to stay informed as these standards are gradually rolled out across product categories.

Key Aspects of DTFR

Replacement for Old Specifications: DTFR replaces the former Mercedes-Benz (MB) fluid specifications, with a phased transition that began in 2023.
Unique Codes: Each DTFR code — for example, DTFR 15C110 — provides specific technical information about the product’s application, viscosity range, and formulation characteristics.
Application-Specific Standards: DTFR classifications apply to a wide range of fluids, including:
Technical Requirements: Each specification sets stringent performance and compatibility standards, covering aspects such as wear protection, thermal stability, oxidation control, and compatibility with aftertreatment systems used in modern heavy-duty diesel engines.

In practice, DTFR offers a more transparent and technically robust way to identify the right lubricant or fluid for Daimler Truck applications.

Original MB Specifications and the New DTFR System

The tables* below provide an overview of how some former MB specifications correspond to their DTFR equivalents. The products highlighted in bold are approved.

_{*Our tables are based on the conversion values published in Daimler Truck AG’s}_{DTFR Overview (PDF)}_{, which supplied the key data we referenced.}