Be very careful and accurate when quoting VAG oil specification numbers. They made the unforgivable mistake of releasing engineering specification numbers to the public (and the dealers) - both parties frequently getting it wrong because the numbers are unwieldy. Errors are costly.

An American or Japanese organisation would have clearly labelled the engine "PD" on top, and sell "PD" or "PD Longlife" oil - with a clear warning on the engine as to which to use. Our Teutonic friends cannot appreciate that errors will occur.

The current VAG position for the PD engine is as follows:

VAG specification 505.01 is specified for fixed interval sevicing, It's a semi-synth.

VAG 507.00 is for variable servicing and is a higher spec fully synth oil of viscosity rating 5W-30. It supercedes 506.01 which is now obsolete. It is further suitable for engines fitted with DPFs.

505.01 is not readily available outside the VAG/TPS network, and is far too easily confused with 505.00 - which is widely available. Mixing these specifications up will damage the engine.

My own experience suggests that a fully synth oil is of great benefit in a turbocharged engine. This is in terms of marginal lubrication performance and varnish formation during heat soak back, where the turbocharger spindle condition is at risk.

I use 507.00 (any make) in my 1.9 PD, changing it at about 7k mile intervals.

Wilkinsons were recently selling Castrol branded (I suspect they don't make it) 507.00 at £5.99 per litre. I stocked up.

659.

Edited by 659FBE on 24/03/2013 at 14:33