– CLEAN: it is essential that the oil keep surfaces free of deposits. Scrapings, tars, deposits, condense, etc. can get in the engine decreasing its performances.
– SEAL: the motor oil covers the uneven surfaces with 2-3 microns of oil film. It is thin but enough to seal the engine and to prevent power loss.
– COOL: coolant or air are doing about 60% of the engine cooling. The motor oil assures the difference.
Despite the technology progress, the lubricants life is limited. Motor oil is contaminated with fuel, dirt, deposits and vapors. This causes the expiration of the additives, damaging the initial qualities of the motor oil. Traffic conditions and driving manners sways a lot the contamination level of the oil.
Generally all the mechanics recommend that the motor oil should be changed every 5 000 km. The automotive manufacturers recommend that the motor oil should be changed starting with 10 000 km mentioning “normal service”. For “severe service” they recommend 5 000 km. What means “severe service”?
– frequently short distance trips (under 7-8 km);
– heavy traffic trips (stop and go city traffic);
– trailer towing;
– driving in dusty conditions;
– driving in cold weather;
If you read the vehicle’s users guide you can find two types of driving conditions: normal service and severe service. Normal service means that the vehicles are driven under ideal circumstances. Unfortunately most of the cases are severe service driving and here are some examples:
Engine cold start– After ignition the engine needs a certain amount of time to reach optimum functioning parameters. During this time, the fuel is not burning entirely causing appearance of fuel residues. Dilution with unburned fuel residues is the most important oil contamination source.
Short distance trips– Your car’s engine works best on long trips made at a constant speed. Unfortunately, most of us perform short trips and quick. The city or repeated cycles of start-stops are extremely harmful for the engine and oil.
A loaded car– It is good to know that additional options installed on each vehicle comes with an additional surcharge for the engine, resulting in higher operating temperatures. Automatic gearbox, climate and air conditioning, each comes with an additional 10 to 15º C to the engine temperature, thereby subjecting it to further efforts to cool down.
Car driven occasionally– Cars left unused for longer periods are at risk of engine corrosion and rust, caused by the condensation developed inside the engine.
Towing– Towing a boat, campers, trailers, etc. requires extra work raising engine’s operation temperature. Engine’s operating high temperatures requires more oil to cool the engine.
Dusty conditions / bad roads (dirt)– In terms of dusty conditions, tiny particles of dust and dirt get into the engine. The air filters are not capable of producing perfect filtration; there will always be fine particles that will escape through the filter, developing a suspension in the oil, which will lead to premature engine wear. Each one of us are meeting these conditions every summer, on dirt roads or on roads that are under repair / maintenance.
The conditions listed above define the so-called “harsh environment”. A recent American study revealed that more than 90% of trips are taking place insevere conditions
“I used to use SAE15W-40, but dropped it in favor SAE 20W-50 for a better protection of my engine.”
But, is this really true?
The idea of using a more viscous oil (thicker) seems to have quickly emerged following the quick remedy offered to older engines, with a high rate of wear, which normally have a high consumption of engine oil. Switching from a more fluid oil (SAE15W-40 or SAE10W-30) to a thicker oil (SAE20W-50) may be a remedy that can save us an expansive repair. This is actually a delay. A SAE 20W-50 oil type has a thicker lubricating film that helps to separate metal parts, thus reducing wear.
Sounds good and is perfectly true. So oil should be as viscous (thick) as possible, isn’t it? Well not exactly so.
If oil is too viscous at ambient temperature it is very possible that it will not reach fast enough all engine’s surfaces, leading to faster and premature wear of the engine. Using high viscosity oil produces additional stress to the engine (the motion of the moving parts is more difficult in a more viscous ambient) and hence other shortcomings, such as: increased fuel consumption, and the additional engine stress, loss engine performance and in extreme cases even engine failures.
Some car manufacturers warned that the use of a very viscous oil could lead to engine damage. For example a SAE 20W-50 type oil used for General Motors LB4, L05 and L19 truck engines causes the so called “cold beat” phenomenon that seems to be a problem related to oil viscosity. Why? Because a SAE 5W-30 type removes this phenomenon.
The “viscosity” we have talked about before is actually a measure that tells us how “thin” or “thick” is a type of oil.
Bee honey, at low temperatures in January has a high viscosity and high resistance to flow (flows very slow). Water, on the other hand, at room temperature, has a low viscosity and low resistance to flow (flows easily).
Therefore, a low viscosity oil allows an easier start in cold weather. In addition, the more fluid oil (lower viscosity) will flow easier towards, and on engine’s components, and if well formulated, it will keep the viscosity even at high temperatures.
In summary, what would be the answer to the question “What kind of oil should I use for my car?” The simplest method to select the right oil for your engine is to comply with instructions given by the manufacturer in the user manual. There are loads of points of view regarding the right oil, of which, at least some of them, are acceptable, but always, it is wisest to choose the motor oil that meets manufacturer’s requirements.
American Petroleum Institute (API) is the national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. API provides the API’s Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS). A voluntary licensing and certification program that authorizes engine oil marketers who meet specified requirements to use the API Engine Oil Quality Marks. The American Petroleum Institute (API) classification system provides information about the engine oil.
Letter “S” stands for “spark” and followed by another letter (for example “SM”) indicates that the oil is appropriate for use in petrol engines or gas engines. SM oils are superior to SL oils in many performance criteria including enhanced fuel efficiency, also meeting the “energy conserving” classification and enhanced emission systems protection.
Letter “C” comes from the word “compression” and followed by another letter and/or number (for example CI-4) indicates that the oil is appropriate for diesel engines. The second letter in both the “S” and the “C” categories is assigned alphabetically. Generally the further along we move in the alphabet indicates the latest technology and quality enhancements in motor oil.
S series:
– SA – category until 1930
– SB – category until 1951
– SC – category until 1967
– SD – category until 1971
– SE – category until 1979
– SF – category until 1988
– SG – category until 1993
– SH – category until 1996
– SJ – category starting with end of 1996
– SL – category starting with end of 2001
– SM – introduced in 30 November 2004
– SN – introduced in 2010
As this classification evolves the oils belonging to the new generations meet the requirements of the old cars. Thus a API SL oil meets the requirements of a car manufactured in 1965.
C series:
– CA – category between 1940-1950
– CB – category between 1949-1960
– CC – introduced in 1951
– CD – introduced in 1955
– CD-II – introduced in 1987 for 2 stroke engines
– CE – introduced in 1987
– CF – category since 1994
– CF-2 – category since 1994 for 2 stroke engines
– CF-4 – category since 1994 for 4 stroke engines
– CG-4 – category since 1996
– CH-4 – category since 1998
– CI-4 – category since 2002
– CJ-4 – category since 2006
API classification subdivides all transmission, transfer cases and differentials oils into 6 classes:
GL series:
– GL-1 – oils for light conditions
– GL-2 – oils for moderate conditions
– GL-3 – oils for moderate conditions
– GL-4 – oils for various conditions
– GL-5 – oils for severe conditions
– GL-6 – oils for very heavy conditions
The classification SAE 15W-40 informs us on the lubricant viscosity in two conditions, as follows: the oil has the viscosity 15 measured at low temperature (W – winter) and 40 measured at high temperature.
“W” next to 15 means cold (winter), that is why the first number refers to viscosity at low temperatures, and the second refers to viscosity at high temperatures.
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (or Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles in French, hence the ACEA abbreviation) is an organization that represents the 15 most important European motor vehicle manufacturers. It’s the successor of CCMC (Comité des Constructeurs du Marché Commun). According to their statement, ACEA is an advocate for the automobile industry in Europe, representing manufacturers of passenger cars, vans, trucks and buses with production sites in the EU.
Among many other activities ACEA defines specifications for engine oils so called ACEA Oil Sequences. The sequences are usually updated every few years to include the latest developments in engine and lubricant technology. ACEA itself does not approve the oils, they set the standards and oil manufacturer’s may make performance claims for their products if those satisfy the relevant requirements.
The first ACEA oil sequences were introduced in 1996 when they replaced the former CCMC specifications. New ACEA oil specifications were issued in 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012. The 2014 sequences have not yet been introduced. According to ACEA’s website they are “delayed” but since it’s already 2015 the new sequences will probably not be called 2014 sequences any more. Each version of the ACEA oils sequences has or had a life cycle:
- First allowable use‘ defines the earliest date when claims againt this specification can be made
- Mandatory for new claims‘ defines the date from which onward claims for new products can only be made against the new specification
- Oils with this claim may be marketed until‘ means that from that date an oil can only claim to meet an ACEA sequence if it meets the following sequence version since meeting the earlier version does not qualify any more.
The following table defines the relevant dates for the ACEA sequences that were introduced so far:
| Issue year | First allowable use | Mandatory for new claims | Oils with this claim may be marketed until |
| 1996 | March 1, 1996 | March 1, 1999 | March 1, 2000 |
| 1998 | March 1, 1998 | March 1, 2000 | March 1, 2002 |
| 1999 | Sept 1, 1999 | Febr 1, 2003 | Febr 1, 2004 |
| 2002 | Febr 1, 2002 | Nov 1, 2005 | Nov 1, 2006 |
| 2004 | Nov 1, 2004 | Nov 1, 2005 | Dec 31, 2009 |
| 2007 | Febr 1, 2007 | Febr 1, 2008 | Dec 23, 2010 |
| 2008 | Dec 22, 2008 | Dec 22, 2009 | Dec 22, 2012 |
| 2010 | Dec 22, 2010 | Dec 22, 2011 | Dec 22, 2014 |
| 2012 | Dec 14, 2012 | Dec 14, 2013 | … |
| ACEA Timetable for Oil Sequences | |||
Every ACEA specification is made of a letter or letters that indicate the class (e.g. E stands for the heavy duty class) and a number that defines the category (e.g. the 9 in E9). There are separate categories for oils with different purposes or for different applications within the same class. If the ACEA sequence’s implementation year is specified then it follows the spec’s name after a dash (like ACEA E9-12).
There are ACEA specifications for passenges car motor oils (the A/B class) for catalyst compatible motor oils (the C class) and for heavy duty diesel engine oils (the E class). The classes are further devided into categories to meet the requirements of different engines. The A/B class’s A1/B1 and A5/B5 oils have lower HTHS viscosities, which means that they provide better fuel economy but they may not provide adequate protection in engines that are not designed for them. ACEA A3/B3 and A3/B4 on the other hand require oils with higher HTHS viscosities that may not provide as good fuel economy as an A1/B1 or A5/B5 oil but may offer better engine protection in certain engine designs. The categories within the C class are devided along SAPS limits and along HTHS viscosities. C1 and C4 are low-SAPS oils, while C2 and C3 are mid-SAPS oils. On the other hand C1 and C2 oils have lower HTHS viscosities, while C3 and C4 oils have higher HTHS viscosities. In case of the E class the SAPS content and the drain interval make the difference. E4 and E6 oils offer longer drain intervals where the engine manufacturer allows it while E7 and E9 are designed for medium drain applications. E6 and E9 have limited SAPS content so they can be used in engines that require this including Euro VI engines.
Below we are presenting the ACEA categories in “Consumer Language”.
A/B: gasoline and diesel engine oils
- ACEA A1/B1- Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use at extended drain intervals in gasoline engines and car & light van diesel engines specifically designed to be capable of using low friction low viscosity oils with a high temperature / high shear rate viscosity of 2.6 mPa*s for xW/20 and 2.9 to 3.5 mPa.s for all other viscosity grades. These oils are unsuitable for use in some engines. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt.
- ACEA A3/B3 – Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use in high performance gasoline engines and car & light van diesel engines and/or for extended drain intervals where specified by the engine manufacturer, and/or for year-round use of low viscosity oils, and/or for severe operating conditions as defined by the engine manufacturer.
- ACEA A3/B4 – Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use in high performance gasoline and direct injection diesel engines, but also suitable for applications described under A3/B3.
- ACEA A5/B5 – Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use at extended drain intervals in high performance gasoline engines and car & light van diesel engines designed to be capable of using low friction low viscosity oils with a High temperature / High shear rate (HTHS) viscosity of 2.9 to 3.5 mPa.s. These oils are unsuitable for use in some engines. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt.
C: Catalyst compatibility oils
- ACEA C1 – Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance car and light van diesel and gasoline engines requiring low friction, low viscosity, low SAPS oils with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 2.9 mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life and maintain the vehicles fuel economy. Warning: these oils have the lowest SAPS limits and are unsuitable for use in some engines. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt.
- ACEA C2 – Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance car and light van diesel and gasoline engines designed to be capable of using low friction, low viscosity oils with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 2.9mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life and maintain the vehicles fuel economy. Warning: these oils are unsuitable for use in some engines. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt.
- ACEA C3 – Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance car and light van diesel and gasoline engines, with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 3.5mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life. Warning: these oils are unsuitable for use in some engines. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt.
- ACEA C4 – Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance car and light van diesel and gasoline engines requiring low SAPS oil with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 3.5mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life. Warning: these oils are unsuitable for use in some engines. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt.
E: Heavy Duty Diesel engine oils
- ACEA E4 – Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing excellent control of piston cleanliness, wear, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV and Euro V emission requirements and running under very severe conditions, e.g. significantly extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for engines without particulate filters, and for some EGR engines and some engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems. However, recommendations may differ between engine manufacturers so Driver Manuals and/or Dealers shall be consulted if in doubt.
- ACEA E6 – Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing excellent control of piston cleanliness, wear, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV, Euro V and Euro VI emission requirements and running under very severe conditions, e.g. significantly extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for EGR engines, with or without particulate filters, and for engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems. E6 quality is strongly recommended for engines fitted with particulate filters and is designed for use in combination with low sulphur diesel fuel. However, recommendations may differ between engine manufacturers so Driver Manuals and/or Dealers shall be consulted if in doubt.
- ACEA E7 – Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing effective control with respect to piston cleanliness and bore polishing. It further provides excellent wear control, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV and Euro V emission requirements and running under severe conditions, e.g. extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for engines without particulate filters, and for most EGR engines and most engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems. However, recommendations may differ between engine manufacturers so Driver Manuals and/or Dealers shall be consulted if in doubt.
- ACEA E9 – Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing effective control with respect to piston cleanliness and bore polishing. It further provides excellent wear control, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV, Euro V and Euro VI emission requirements and running under severe conditions, e.g. extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for engines with or without particulate filters, and for most EGR engines and for most engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems. E9 is strongly recommended for engines fitted with particulate filters and is designed for use in combination with low sulphur diesel fuel. However, recommendations may differ between engine manufacturers so Drivers Manuals and/or Dealers should be consulted if in doubt.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specification was introduced by vehicle manufacturers, in order to define their internal quality standards, used in manufacturing various components and spare parts. Lubricants domain use this concept also. It defines the lubrication recommended by manufacturer in their own produced engines and transmissions. The concept is specific to the most prestigious car manufacturers in the world. In almost every case, OEM specifications are correlated with the general oil specifications: API and ACEA.
Cars specifications
Volkswagen Specifications
Volkswagen introduced its own specifications in mid ’90s. Since then this classification system is the starting point for selecting the technically suitable products for all vehicles manufactured by the VW group (Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda).
Motor Oil Specifications
VW 500.00
Volkswagen specification for multigrade engine oils for gasoline engines with SAE 5W-X/10W-X viscosity. This is an “old” oil specification and is applicable to engines built before model year 2000 (up to August 1999). Oils with an approval made post March 1997 were given an alternative, later VW specification.
VW 501.00
Conventional motor oils suitable for some VW engines built before MY 2000. This is an “old” oil specification and is applicable to engines built before model year 2000 (up to August 1999). Oils with an approval made post March 1997 were given an alternative, later VW specification.
VW 502.00
Oil for gasoline engines. Successor of VW 501.01 and VW 500.00 specification. Recommended for those which are subject to arduous conditions. It must not be used for any engines with variable service intervals or any which are referred to under other specifications.
VW 503.00
Long-life gasoline engine oil for VW cars with WIV (system for longer service intervals). Also meets ACEA A1, SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 specification.
VW 503.01
This specification is specifically for Audi RS4, Audi TT, S3 and Audi A8 6.0 V12 models with outputs of more than 180bhp, running with variable service intervals (30,000km or 2 years). Now superseded by the VW 504.00 specification.
VW504.00
The VW 504 00 specification supersedes the VW 503 00 and VW 503.01 specifications. VW 504 00 oils are suitable for engines meeting the demands of Euro IV emissions standards.
VW 505.00
Passenger car diesel engine oil specification, minimum performance level CCMC PD-2. Lists viscosities SAE 5W-50, 10W-50/60, 15W-40/50, 20W-40/50 requiring 13% max. evaporation loss and SAE 5W-30/40, 10W-30/40 requiring 15% max. evaporation loss.
VW 505.01
Special engine oil for VW turbodiesel engines with pump-injector-unit and for the V8 Commonrail turbodiesel engines. Meets ACEA B4 SAE 5W-40 specification.
VW 506.00
These oils are suitable for diesel engines with extended service intervals of up to 50,000km / 2 years. Not for use on engines with a single injector pump. Oil change is indicated by the electronic service indicator. Viscosity is SAE 0W30.
VW 506.01
These oils are especially for “Pumpe-Düse” (unit injector or “PD” engines) running on extended service intervals (30,000 – 50,000km / 24 months). Oil change is indicated by the electronic service indicator.
VW 507.00
Low SAPS oils suitable for Euro 4 engines and almost all VAG diesel engines from 2000 onwards with extended service intervals, unitary injector pumps and also Pumpe-Düse (“PD”) engines. Excludes V10, R5 engines and VW Commercial vehicles without fitted DPF (diesel particulate filters) – these must use a 506 01 specification oil.
VW 508.00
This standard is not yet released. It will probably require a low SAPS oil with energy conserving properties.
Gear Oils
VW G 009 317
Gear oil for mechanical and automatic 6 gear transmissions.
VW G052 145 A2
Special synthetic gear oil with SAE 75W90 viscosity for front and rear differentials, including limited slip differentials.
VW G 052 162 A2
Special ATF with viscosity modifier. Suitable for 4 and 5 gear ZF automatic transmissions. Not suitable for 6 gear transmissions.
VW G 052 171
SAE 70W75 viscosity gear oil.
VW G 052 171 A2
Special gear oil designed for the manual transmissions of cars with transverse engines.
VW G 052 175
Special working fluid for Haldex clutches. Developed by Haldex and Statoil.
VW G 052 178
Gear oil with SAE 75W viscosity.
VW G 052 180 A2
Special gear oil for Audi Multitronic transmissions.
VW G 052 182 (VW TL 521 82)
Special gear oil for certain DSG dual clutch transmissions.
VW G 052 190 A2
Special VW gear oil for Multitronic CVT transmissions.
VW G 052 726
Monograde gear oil with SAE 75W viscosity.
VW G 052 798
SAE 70W75 viscosity gear oil.
VW G 052 911
Audi specification for transmissions used with longitudinal engine configurations. Products meeting this specification are of SAE 75W90 viscosity and also meet API GL-5 criteria.
VW G 052 990
Special ATF for automatic transmissions combined with differentials.
VW G 055 005
Special ATF for VW automatic transmissions and transaxles.
VW G 055 145
Transmission oil with 3% Sturaco additive.
VW G 055 162
Special ATF for VW automatic transmissions and transaxles.
VW G 055 175 A2
Special working fluid for Haldex clutches. Developed by Haldex and Statoil.
Ford Specifications
Motor oil specidications
Ford WSS-M2C913-A
Engine oil, Initial and service fill, SAE 5W-30. This specification meets the ILSAC GF-2 and ACEA A1-98 and B1-98 and additional Ford requirements.
Ford WSS-M2C913-B
The Ford M2C913-B specification is released in Europe for initial fill engine oils used for lubrication of spark ignition engines using gasoline and for compression ignition engines using diesel fuels. The specification is also used to define engine oils for servicing Ford engines where applicable. The oil shall meet all the requirements of the ILSAC GF-2 and GF-3 specification, the ACEA A1-98 and B1-98 specification and additional Ford requirements.
Ford WSS-M2C913-C
Fully backwards compatible and is strongly recommended for all applications that currently require the specification Ford M2C913-B. The new engine oil provides various benefits to the customer such as improved fuel economy benefits and high robustness to biodiesel fuels.
Ford WSS-M2C913-D
Introduced in 2012, oils meeting this specification are recommended for all Ford diesel engines except Ford Ka TDCi models manufactured before 2009 and Ford Galaxy 1.9 TDi models manufactured between 2000 and 2006. A product meeting this specification is especially recommended for diesel engines where M2C913-B or M2C913-C oils were initially required. An oil meeting this specification must be used in Ford Transit vehicles manufactured from 2012 onward with Duratorq 2.2 engine. Oils meeting this specification can be used with extended oil change intervals and are also suitable to be used in engines running on biodiesel or high sulfur diesel.
Ford WSS-M2C917-A
Viscosity SAE 5W40 engine oil for pump injector diesel engines.
Ford WSS-M2C934-A
Extended drain engine oil for vehicles equipped with diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Ford WSS-M2C937-A
Special engine oil for Ford Focus RS. Viscosity should be SAE 0W-40.
Ford WSS-M2C948-B
Largely based on the ACEA C2 oil sequence this spec requires a low SAPS 5W20 oil and is primarily designed for the 1.0 liter, 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine. Contains in-house tests for fuel economy and piston deposit control. Oils meeting this spec must provide a 0.9% fuel economy improvement over regular 5W-20 oils.
Ford WSS-M2C950-A
Special engine oil for Ford Focus Diesel 2.0 manufatured from September 2014 and Ford Mondeo Diesel 2.0 manufactured from 2015. Viscosity should be SAE 0W-30.
Manual Transmission Fluids
Ford 8U7J-19G518-BA
Special gear oil for Ford Kuga’s transferbox.
Ford 8U7J-8708687-AA
Special gear oil for Haldex clutches.
Ford M2C104-A
SAE 90 mechanical gear oil with EP additive and friction modifier.
Ford M2C175-A
API GL-4 grade, SAE 80W90 gear oil for Ford Type N transmissions made before 1990.
Ford M2C186-A
Friction modified transmission oil for Ford MT75 transmissions.
Ford M2C192-A
SAE 75W140 grade hypoid gear oil for regular and limited slip rear differentials.
Ford M2C192-A + M2C118-A
Synthetic hypoid gear oil with friction modifier.
Ford M2C197-A
Hypoid differential oil with EP properties.
Ford M2C197-A + M2C118-A
Special formula Trac-Lok for rear axles.
Ford M2C200-B
Synthetic, SAE 75W90 grade, API GL-4 or GL-5 level hypoid gear oil with extreme pressure (EP) properties.
Ford M2C200-C
Polyalphaolefine (PAO) based, synthetic gear oils.
Ford M2C200-D
Polyalphaolefine (PAO) based, synthetic gear oil with viscosity modifier and extreme pressure (EP) additive.
Ford M2C201-A
Thermally stable hypoid gear oil for front differentials. Meets MIL-L-2105D and API GL-5.
Ford M2C918-A
SAE 75W90 grade synthetic gear oil for rear differentials.
Ford M2C936-A
Special gear oil for certain dual clutch transmissions..
Ford M2C94-A
SAE 80W90 or 80W grade multifunction hypoid gear oil. Meets API GL-5 and MIL-L-2105C.
Ford N052145 VX00
VW G 052 145 equivalent Ford specification. Fully synthetic, meets API GL-4 and SAE 75W90.
Automatic Transmission Fluids
Ford Mercon
Automatic transmission fluid specification for use in Ford automatic transmissions.
Ford Mercon V
Ford Mercon V specification. An automatic transmission fluid with improved protection against rust, corrosion, deposits and wear. It improves low-temperature shifting and guards against transmission shudder. Mercon V is fully backwards compatible with Mercon.
BMW SPecifications
BMW Longlife-98 (BMW LL-98)
Special long-life engine oil, approved by BMW. Also meets ACEA A3/B3, API SJ/CD, EC SAE 5W-40. Usually required for BMWs manufactured before MY 2002. Obsolete since 2009.
BMW Longlife-01 (BMW LL-01)
Special BMW approval for fully synthetic long-life oil. Product meets ACEA A3/B3 and API: SJ/CD EC-II. Usually required for BMWs built after MY 2002. Can also be used where a BMW Longlife-98 oil is recommended.
BMW Longlife-01 FE (BMW LL-01 FE)
Fully synthetic long-life oil with fuel economy properties. Oils meeting this specifications must have a low HTHS viscosity to meet the manufacturer’s fuel economy requirements. These oils are only suitable for the following engines: N1x, N2x, N54, N55, N63, N74.
BMW Longlife-04 (BMW LL-04)
Special BMW approval for fully synthetic long-life oil. Viscosities are SAE 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30 and 5W-40. Usually required for BMWs equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Can also be used where a BMW Longlife-98 or BMW Longlife-01 oil is recommended.
BMW Longlife-12 (BMW LL-12)
Special motor oil for certain approved gasoline engines and the following diesel engines only: Nx7K1, Nx7U1, Nx7O1 from model year 2013. Not suitable for engines with 2 or 3 turbos.
BMW Longlife-14+ (BMW LL-14+)
Special motor oil for the following gasoline engines only: N20, Bx8 from model year 2014. Not allowed for diesel engines.
General Motors Specifications
Motor oil specifications
GM-LL-A-025
Special GM approval for long-life engine oil for gasoline engines. Viscosity is SAE 0W-30. Product meets ACEA A3/B3. Drain interval can be as long as 30 000 kms.
GM-LL-B-025
Special GM approval for long-life engine oil for diesel engines. Viscosity is SAE 5W-40. Product meets ACEA A3/B3/B4. Drain interval can be as long as 50 000 kms.
Automatic Transmission Fluids
Dexron Type A, Suffix A
Specification introduced in 1957. It requires the oil to meet certain limits regarding its kinematic viscosity.
Dexron IID
General Motors Dexron®-IID Specification. ATF issued in 1975. Contained ATF cooler corrosion requirements not listed in Dexron® – II.
Dexron IIE
General Motors Specification Dexron®-IIE. ATF issued in 1991 requiring improved low temperature performance compared to Dexron®-IID, 20 000 cP at minus 40 °C.
Dexron IIIF
GM specification for Automatic transmission oil introduced in 1994. Successor of Dexron IID and IIE.
Dexron IIIG
Successor of Dexron III(F) automatic transmission fluid. This has the same low temperature characteristics as Dexron IIE, but with modifications to anti-oxidancy and friction material. Introduced in 1997.
Dexron IIIH
Dexron III licence H was introduced in June 2003 to replace the Dexron III G fluid. It has an oxidatively stable base oil (group 2 or group 3). Oils according to this specification have longer maintenance of friction properties and anti-shrudder properties, better foam control and a longer fluid life.
Dexron VI
Specification introduced in 2005 to replace Dexron IIIH. This specification requires better stay-in-grade properties, oxidative stability and anti-foam characteristics. Oils meeting this specification can be used with extended drain intervals and are energy conserving.
Specificații Fiat
These qualifications define the characteristics to be complied with by the lubricants used in engines with Otto and Diesel cycle for the first time of filling and during service. The standard is formed of a series of tests in the laboratory and on the engine to assess the performance level of lubricants. The laboratory tests qualify the lubricant evaluating the viscosity, cold yield value, tendency to produce foam, corrosion on copper reed, behavior with rubbers and resistance to oxidation. The engine tests assess the performance levels of lubricants in terms of sticking rings, deposits on pistons, wear and also oil consumption of certain diesel and petrol engines which are the most representative of Fiat Auto’s most advanced technologies.
Fiat 9.55535-G1
Qualification for gasoline engine lubricants granting fuel economy and extended drain.
Fiat 9.55535-G2
Qualification for gasoline engine lubricants with standard characteristics.
Fiat 9.55535-H2
Qualification for gasoline engine lubricants, granting high performances and high viscosity at high temperatures. OEM recommended product also meets API: SM, ACEA A3-04/B3-04.
Fiat 9.55535-H3
Qualification for gasoline engine lubricants granting very high performances.
Fiat 9.55535-D2
Qualification for Diesel engine lubricants with standard characteristics.
Fiat 9.55535-M2
Qualification for lubricants with extended drain. OEM recommended product also meets ACEA B3-04/B4-04, GM-LL-B-025.
Fiat 9.55535-N2
Qualification for lubricants with a very good characteristics for turbocharged engines, Diesel and gasoline, with extended drain. Minimum requirement is ACEA A3/B4-04.
Fiat 9.55535-S1
Qualification for Diesel and gasoline engine, with exhaust treatment system, lubricants, granting fuel economy and extended drain. OEM recommended product is also approved to ACEA C2.
Fiat 9.55535-S2
Qualification for Diesel and gasoline engine, with exhaust treatment system, lubricants, with extended drain. OEM recommended product also meets: ACEA C3-04, MB 229.51 and API: SM/CF.
Mercedes Specifications
The name of the MB specifications derives from the Mercedes Bluebook scheme, divided by numbered paragraphs and pages. It is used by dealers to identify the products certified by the manufacturer and their correct application on the engines.
MB 229.1
For petrol and diesel engines. Minimum quality required ACEA A2/B2 with additional limits on engine.
MB 229.3
For petrol and diesel engines. Minimum quality required ACEA A3 / B3 / B4 and MB 229.1. It can only certify 0/ 5 W-x oils.
MB 229.31
Multigrade, low SPAsh engine oil, advised for both diesel and petrol engines of Mercedes Benz, Smart and Chrysler. Only low viscosity engine oils which can realize a 1,0% saving on used fuel in the M111 Fuel economy test (CEC L-54-T-96) can get this approval. In this test the fuel savings are compared to the performance of the Reference oil RL 191 (SAE 15W-40).
MB 229.5
MB sheet for energy conserving oils for certain car and van engines. Approved oils must meet ACEA A3, B3 and B4 specification and some additional demands by Daimler Chrysler AG. Oil must be on the approval list.
MB 229.51
Low SAPS Long Life engine oil for diesel engines with particle filter meeting emission EU-4 -> standards.
MB 229.52
Oils meeting this specifications must have lower ash content, at least 1% better fuel economy compared to the requirements of MB 229.31 and MB 229.51 and better oxidation stability for biofuel compatibility. Can also be used where an MB 229.31 or an MB 229.51 oil is required. Just like MB 229.5 and MB 229.51 this spec requires a long life oil.
Peugeot-Citroën Specifications
Motor oil specifications
The French PSA group issued a set of oil specifications in 2009 in order to exercise greater control over the motor oils used in their vehicles. All specifications are based on ACEA specs but also require further conditions to be met.
PSA B71 2290
Peugeot/Citroën engine oil specification introduced in 2009. B71 2290 is a low-SAPS oil intended for engines with diesel particulate filters and with Euro 5 emission standards. General specifications are: ACEA C2 or C3 with additional PSA tests.
PSA B71 2294
Peugeot/Citroën engine oil specification introduced in 2009. Main specification: ACEA A3/B4 with additional PSA tests.
PSA B71 2295
Peugeot/Citroën engine oil standard for engine before MY 1998. General specification: ACEA A2/B2.
PSA B71 2296
Peugeot/Citroën engine oil specification introduced in 2009. General specifications: ACEA A3/B4 + additional PSA tests.
PSA B71 2312
Peugeot Citroën has developed B71 2312 standard for oils able to endure the most severe thermal constrains along with most modern after treatment systems compatibility. The PSA B71 2312 standard applies to all Peugeot and Citroën vehicles equipped with “BlueHDi” Diesel engines fitted with SCR (Selective Catalyst Reduction) allowing NOx (Nitrous oxides) treatment through the use of AdBlue® additive or so-called “diesel exhaust fluid”. The standard also requires improved cold flow properties to reduce hydrodynamic friction of the oil, in order to obtain fuel economy benefits especially when the oil is cold. This extra requirement for cold flow properties allows excellent oil flow at start up, faster oil pressure build up, faster revs raisings and faster operating temperature reach. This type of low viscosity lubricant allows fuel consumption reduction and therefore reduces greenhouse gases (CO2) emissions.
Trasmission Oil specifications
PSA B71 2330
API GL-4 level gear oils with SAE 75W80 viscosity. Suitable for transaxles.
PSA 9730 A8
Special gear oil for the C550 transmissions used in Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107.
PSA B71 2315
API GL-4 level, SAE 75W80 viscosity gear oil made of API Group III base oils.
Renault Specifications
Motor Oil Specifications
Renault RN0700
Renault engine oil specification; introduced in 2007 upon introduction of the Laguna III. General requirements: ACEA A3/B4 or ACEA A5/B5.
Renault RN0710
Renault engine oil specification; introduced in 2007 upon introduction of the Laguna III. General requirements: ACEA A3/B4 + additional Renault demands.
Renault RN 0720
Renault engine oil specification; introduced in 2007 upon introduction of the Laguna III. General requirements: ACEA C3 + additional Renault demands. RN0720 is designed for use in the latest generation diesel engines equipped with DPF.
Trasmission Oil Specification
Tranself NFJ (aka Tranself TRJ)
API GL-5 level mechanical gear oil for Renault J series transmissions built with bronze synchronizer rings.
Tranself NFP (aka Tranself TRX)
API GL-5 level, high performance gear oils for heavy duty transmissions. Excellent shear stability and anti-foam properties.
Tranself TRP
API GL-5 level mechanical gear oil for Renault PK6 series transmissions built with bronze synchronizer rings.
Tranself TRT
API GL-5 level mechanical gear oil for Renault JR5 series transmissions built with bronze synchronizer rings.
Commercial vehicles oils
Mercedes oil specifications
MB 228.0, MB 228.2, include monograde oils, intended for use in diesel engines in commercial vehicles and industrial equipment, which are not fitted with particle filters. These oils also meet the requirements of ACEA E-2 and API CF standards.
MB 228.1 includes multigrade oils, intended for use in diesel engines in commercial vehicles and industrial equipment, which are not fitted with particle filters. These oils also meet the requirements of ACEA E-2 and API CF standards.
MB 228.3 includes oils for use in diesel engines in on or off highway commercial vehicles fitted with advanced exhaust gas treatment, EGR, SCR NOx without DPF. These oils also meet requirements of ACEA E7-12 and API CI-4 standards.
MB 228.5 includes oils for use in diesel engines in on or off highway commercial vehicles fitted with advanced exhaust gas treatment, EGR, SCR NOx without DPF. These oils also meet requirements of ACEA E4-12 and API CG-4 standards.
MB 228.31 includes “low SAPS” oils for use in diesel engines in on or off highway commercial vehicles fitted with advanced exhaust gas treatment, EGR, SCR NOx and specially with DPF. These oils also meet requirements of ACEA E9-12 and API CJ-4 standards.
MB 228.51 includes “low SAPS” oils for use in diesel engines in on or off highway commercial vehicles fitted with advanced exhaust gas treatment, EGR, SCR NOx and specially with DPF. These oils also meet requirements of ACEA E6-12 and API CI-4 standards.
Volvo oil specifications
Volvo VDS includes mono or multigrade oils, intended for use in diesel engines in commercial vehicles and industrial equipment, which are not fitted with particle filters. These oils also meet the requirements of ACEA E-2 and API CF standards.
Volvo VDS-2 includes oils for use in diesel engines in on or off highway commercial vehicles fitted with advanced exhaust gas treatment, EGR, SCR NOx without DPF. These oils also meet requirements of ACEA E4-12 and API CG-4 standards.
Volvo VDS-3 includes oils for use in diesel engines in on or off highway commercial vehicles fitted with advanced exhaust gas treatment, EGR, SCR NOx without DPF. These oils also meet requirements of ACEA E7-12 and API CI-4 standards.
Volvo VDS-4 includes “low SAPS” oils for use in diesel engines in on or off highway commercial vehicles fitted with advanced exhaust gas treatment, EGR, SCR NOx and specially with DPF. These oils also meet requirements of ACEA E9-12 and API CJ-4 standards.
MAN oil specifications
MAN 270, 271 include mono or multigrade oils, intended for use in diesel engines in commercial vehicles and industrial equipment, which are not fitted with particle filters. These oils also meet the requirements of ACEA E-2 and API CF standards.
MAN 3275 includes oils for use in diesel engines in on or off highway commercial vehicles fitted with advanced exhaust gas treatment, EGR, SCR NOx without DPF. These oils also meet requirements of ACEA E7-12 and API CI-4 standards.
MAN 3277 includes oils for use in diesel engines in on or off highway commercial vehicles fitted with advanced exhaust gas treatment, EGR, SCR NOx without DPF. These oils also meet requirements of ACEA E4-12 and API CG-4 standards.
MAN 3477 includes “low SAPS” oils for use in diesel engines in on or off highway commercial vehicles fitted with advanced exhaust gas treatment, EGR, SCR NOx and specially with DPF. These oils also meet requirements of ACEA E6-12 and API CI-4 standards.
MAN 3575 includes “low SAPS” oils for use in diesel engines in on or off highway commercial vehicles fitted with advanced exhaust gas treatment, EGR, SCR NOx and specially with DPF. These oils also meet requirements of ACEA E9-12 and API CJ-4 standards.