Oil Specifications

Honest John Back Room » The Back Room Archive
View Threaded
Wed 21 Nov 2001 11:10
Oil Specifications - Charles
There is a constant debate over what oil to use on this Forum. The information below should help everyone assess what quality/spec an oil is irrespective of brand. You can pay a lot for a branded make of oil and still not be filling your vehicle with the best oil for your hard earned cash.

The CCMC specs have been replaced by the ACEA specs which are harder for oil companies to achieve.

As engine oils are being developed and improved all the time it is important to check what the latest recommendation is for your vehicle as the details in the handbook may be out of date.

One last point I DO NOTwork for an oil company!

API (American Petroleum Institute) Classifications:
Gasoline Performance
SA Obsolete
SB Obsolete ?64
SC Obsolete ?68
SD Obsolete ?72
SE Obsolete ?80
SF Obsolete ?89
SG Obsolete ?94
SH Obsolete Jan ?98
SJ Effective Oct ?96
SL Effective 2001/02

Diesel Performance
CA Obsolete
CB Obsolete
CC Obsolete
CD Obsolete
CDII Obsolete
CE Obsolete
CF
CF II
CF4
CG4
CH4

Comite des Constructeurs d?Automobiles du Marche Commun (CCMC)

Gasoline Performance
G1*
G2*
G3*
G4**
G5**
Diesel Performance
PD1*
PD2**

Association des Constructeurs Europeens de l?Automobiles (ACEA)

Gasoline Performance

ACEA:A1-98
Fuel economy version of A2-98

ACEA:A2-98
Basic Performance sequence

ACEA:A3-98
Higher performance sequence

Diesel Performance

ACEA:B1-98
Fuel economy version of A2-98

ACEA:B2-98
Basic Performance sequence

ACEA:B3-98
Higher performance sequence

Hope this helps
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 21 Nov 2001 18:04
Re: Oil Specifications - Moosh
According to VW handbook recommended oil for a VW Tdi [90bhp] is 'VW 505 00'. What is a propriety brand for this engine? Does VW manufacture its own oil?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 21 Nov 2001 18:13
Oil Specifications - David Lacey
VW505 00 is the VW oil specification. Most cans of oil will state which manufacturers spec the oil reaches. Otherwise use the manufacturer packaged oil (VW=Quantum MGRover=Unipart etc)

David
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....