Synthetic oil...are they different? Is there science?

[NSYRS4]

Everyone seems to have a favorite synthetic oil. Are the differences significant? Is there any science?

[Swanky]

yes, do some research using google

[cam]

pentosin and total, whichever i can get my hands on quickest.................

[Audi0s]

Any good quality synthetic will work well. BMW use castrol 5-30 for 15-18k intervals, with no signifcant wear. Now Im not saying thats ok to do, as I usually stick to 5k, but its been done.

[UGwagen]

A lot of oil analysis which leads to the science of making a better oil:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...Number=1173821

[NSYRS4]

A lot of oil analysis which leads to the science of making a better oil:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...Number=1173821

thanks

[channad]

Make sure you choose a 100% synthetic oil, as some synthetics are blends. The premium oils are:

Lubro-Moly, Motul, Elf, and AMS

These oils cost a good amount. Just choose one of those brands and use only that brand for the life of the car. Don't forget to make sure they have the VW norm 502.00 and 505.00 rating.

[Ill 3.0]

Make sure you choose a 100% synthetic oil, as some synthetics are blends. The premium oils are:

Lubro-Moly, Motul, Elf, and AMS

These oils cost a good amount. Just choose one of those brands and use only that brand for the life of the car. Don't forget to make sure they have the VW norm 502.00 and 505.00 rating.

I don't believe Amsoil has been rated to 502.00 and 505.00 standards but is very good oil. Some companies just don't pay the certification fees

[channad]

I don't believe Amsoil has been rated to 502.00 and 505.00 standards but is very good oil. Some companies just don't pay the certification fees

They have a European line that's 100% Synthetic 5W40 and VW norm certified.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/afl.aspx

APPLICATION
AMSOIL 100% Synthetic European Car Formula is formulated to surpass the most demanding European specifications. It is recommended for European and North American gasoline or diesel vehicles requiring any of the following worldwide specifications:

* API SM/CF
* ACEA C3-04
* ACEA A3/B3-04
* ACEA A3/B4-04
* ACEA C3
* BMW LL-04
* Mercedes Benz 229.31, 229.51
* Porsche
* Saab
* Volvo
* Volkswagen 502.00, 505.00, 505.01
* DaimlerChrysler MS-10725

[Ill 3.0]

Thanks, good to know. I've been happy with my Elf/Total but have considered Amsoil.

[ClarkSJ]

They have a European line that's 100% Synthetic 5W40 and VW norm certified.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/afl.aspx

APPLICATION
AMSOIL 100% Synthetic European Car Formula is formulated to surpass the most demanding European specifications. It is recommended for European and North American gasoline or diesel vehicles requiring any of the following worldwide specifications:

* API SM/CF
* ACEA C3-04
* ACEA A3/B3-04
* ACEA A3/B4-04
* ACEA C3
* BMW LL-04
* Mercedes Benz 229.31, 229.51
* Porsche
* Saab
* Volvo
* Volkswagen 502.00, 505.00, 505.01
* DaimlerChrysler MS-10725

You should read that a bit more closely. Does it say that Amsol 5w-40 is VW 502-approved? No, it says that it is "recommended" for vehicles requiring VW 502-approved oils (and other spec'd oils).

If you ask them, I think they will tell you that their 5w-40 European meets VW 502 specs, but it has not been certified by VW/Audi because the certificaiton would require Amsoil to pay for the testing.

Nonetheless, a fine product I'm sure.

[Fizikal S4Avant]

Has anyone had any experience with Redline? I know they are certified by VW/Audi. I've always used Royal Purple in my previous vehicles and loved it. But I don't see them on the certification list. I've just used the Castrol supplied at the dealer but have been wanting to switch.

[ClarkSJ]

Make sure you choose a 100% synthetic oil, as some synthetics are blends. The premium oils are:

Lubro-Moly, Motul, Elf, and AMS

These oils cost a good amount. Just choose one of those brands and use only that brand for the life of the car. Don't forget to make sure they have the VW norm 502.00 and 505.00 rating.

The key issue for most motor oil nerds is whether the oil is Group III or Group IV based. An oil sold in Europe as "synthetic" will be a Group IV oil. You will, however, find some European oils sold as "synthetic technology" (Total Quartz 9000, formerly Elf Excellium is one, whereas other Total oils are labeled "100% synthetic" ).

In the US, synthetic oils can be Group III or Group IV, with the best-known Group IV being Mobil1 (but some say it has changed formulation). Both Group III and Group IV oils can meet VW 502 and 505 specs.

There are also "synthetic blends," which are blends of mineral oil with synthetic oil.


This link may be helpful: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthet...-synthetic_oil

[channad]

oh

[NSYRS4]

ok, but what I am trying to get from all of you is can you actually tell the difference between Mobil1 and Elf? For those who say they love what they use.... what is it that you love? I'm not trying to be a wise ass, just trying to make sense out of what is being said.

[40valve]

I'm just speaking from personal experience but after switching to Lubro Moly the engine just seems to be idling running a lot smoother. Chain chatter after start-up is completely gone. That is absolutely worth extra few bucks.

[poopypants]

I would guess of the rate the oil viscosity breaks down too? Depending on driving habits, which oil looks more watery and not "oily" over a set usage and/or mileage? But then again, some Lucas will take care of that.

[NSYRS4]

I'm just speaking from personal experience but after switching to Lubro Moly the engine just seems to be idling running a lot smoother. Chain chatter after start-up is completely gone. That is absolutely worth extra few bucks.

Very helpful... Thanks