Two words: Castrol Syntec
07-25-2003, 11:39 AM
#1
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Two words: Castrol Syntec
All the ranting I've done about oil here and I was only 1/2 right. The Euro viscosity of 5w-40 is desirable and any oil co that produces it is definately worth considering. The reality is only two oils meet newer VW specs- the dealers just ignore thwem and are mostly unaware of their meanings. I planned on a long detailed post on oils and the new VW specs, but off the top of my head; this is what is required for our cars. VW 502/505 (about the same spec anyway) and if you are thinking about 10k changes or next year is 15k, the spec you want is VW 503.1 Not 503 and 506, although they are the long-life oil specs for Europe, you cannot use that oil in cars without VSI (variable service interval) technology. Those oils cannot be bought here anyway- no reason for them, they'll hurt you engine due to the low HT/HS figures. Blah blah. The ~regular~ long-life oil spec is the VW 503.1, dealers probally will be using it in the future for their free 15k services- nothing else will really do. BMW uses their own LL oil to go 15k now.
Anyway there are only two which meet specs:
Mobil 1 0w-40 European Car Formula- most widely available and very good. It's going into my friends cars in the future.
Amsoil Series 2000 - It is up-to-date on 505 and 501, but does not meet LL specs, sorry. (I've included this for comparison as Amsoil is fequently referenced-incorrectly)
Finally, the new Syntec. So many grades of Syntec, all are garbage except the NEW 0w-30. GERMAN MADE- look for it on the label. Meets all VW BMW Mercedes specs (except 503 & 506 VSI) This is not true of the old 0w-30 with the yellow on the label. If your AutoZone does not have the new stuff, ask the manager to order some fresh cases of 0w-30 and the German stuff will appear in a week. This *is* the best oil in the USA-period. Dyed green in colour, it smells sweet, not like a garage...ahh the esthers. Castrol is holding the line at $4.99 a quart, not bad for imported. Mine just came in and I am swithching out my SynPower 1500 miles early. Not that SynPower is bad- but you cannot buy the equivalent Valvoline oil here, their "XL" line. No doubt, this is the one. Let your friends and mom use Mobil 1 0w-40. Get the new Syntec for yourself.
Anyway there are only two which meet specs:
Mobil 1 0w-40 European Car Formula- most widely available and very good. It's going into my friends cars in the future.
Amsoil Series 2000 - It is up-to-date on 505 and 501, but does not meet LL specs, sorry. (I've included this for comparison as Amsoil is fequently referenced-incorrectly)
Finally, the new Syntec. So many grades of Syntec, all are garbage except the NEW 0w-30. GERMAN MADE- look for it on the label. Meets all VW BMW Mercedes specs (except 503 & 506 VSI) This is not true of the old 0w-30 with the yellow on the label. If your AutoZone does not have the new stuff, ask the manager to order some fresh cases of 0w-30 and the German stuff will appear in a week. This *is* the best oil in the USA-period. Dyed green in colour, it smells sweet, not like a garage...ahh the esthers. Castrol is holding the line at $4.99 a quart, not bad for imported. Mine just came in and I am swithching out my SynPower 1500 miles early. Not that SynPower is bad- but you cannot buy the equivalent Valvoline oil here, their "XL" line. No doubt, this is the one. Let your friends and mom use Mobil 1 0w-40. Get the new Syntec for yourself.
07-25-2003, 11:59 AM
#3
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The only place I saw M1 0w-40 was Wal*Mart and AutoZone, other places suck at Euro oils.
I believe using the same brand of oil consistntly is a good idea, so availability counts.
07-25-2003, 12:13 PM
#5
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See link inside for buying M1 0w40 online.
<ul><li><a href="http://shop.store.yahoo.com/parkplacemotorcars/mob1trismoto.html">http://shop.store.yahoo.com/parkplacemotorcars/mob1trismoto.html</a</li></ul>
07-25-2003, 12:20 PM
#7
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I've found actually found M1 at Kragen's. But not all Kragen's. Last time I found it...
It was onsale for $3.99 a quart, so I bought 3 cases. I'm good for now. But finding 0w40 is hard. I can always find 5w30 and in a pinch I can substitute that.
If I find a good regular supplier for Castrol Syntec, maybe I'll give that a whirl.
If I find a good regular supplier for Castrol Syntec, maybe I'll give that a whirl.
