Dexos D alternative

[CleanSump]

If you want to stay with 0W-20 use MB229.71, BMW LL-17FE+, = C5
0W-20 Euro oil certifications that are easy to find. Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Valvoline all make one.

 

[UNC196]

For folks that are willing to, it looks like a lot of GM owners are transitioning to a turbo diesel 5-30 and the results seem positive. Mobil 1 makes one as does Castrol EDGE Euro 5/30k.

Pennzoil Euro L looks to lack the LSPI rating.

 

[TijY_]

For folks that are willing to, it looks like a lot of GM owners are transitioning to a turbo diesel 5-30 and the results seem positive. Mobil 1 makes one as does Castrol EDGE Euro 5/30k.

Pennzoil Euro L looks to lack the LSPI rating.

Diesel and LSPI is not a thing.

It lacks API LSPI rating yes. Should have MB LSPI test depending on visc.

 

[WarEagle]

For folks that are willing to, it looks like a lot of GM owners are transitioning to a turbo diesel 5-30 and the results seem positive. Mobil 1 makes one as does Castrol EDGE Euro 5/30k.

Pennzoil Euro L looks to lack the LSPI rating.

I use Mobil 1 ESP 0w-30

 

[WarEagle]

HPL Euro 5W30 is in mine, and it hasn't burned a drop, or hindered mileage. used oil analysis soon...

Did you ever get a used oil analysis?

 

[Z28racecar]

For folks that are willing to, it looks like a lot of GM owners are transitioning to a turbo diesel 5-30 and the results seem positive. Mobil 1 makes one as does Castrol EDGE Euro 5/30k.

Pennzoil Euro L looks to lack the LSPI rating.

I've been using Amsoil's 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil in 5W-30 for a couple oil changes in my 3.0 Duramax. Wear metals went from 18ppm with 0W-20 to 8ppm with the 5W30. I'm going to be posting another UOA in probably a few weeks. The back of the bottle says it meets/exceeds DexosD specs.

After I drain that oil, I'm going to be switching to the Max Duty 10W-30 and seeing how that does.

 

[UNC196]

I’ve been doing used oil analysis on my 3.0 duramax. No major surprises, but also taking into account that my experience with 0-20 was when new and first free dealer change, so wear metals were inherently going to be higher. I ran Mobil esp 5/30 and it did fine…nothing spectacular, but ok. I’m presently running Castrol edge euro 5/30 k…have about a month or two until I change it and will do analysis again to compare to Mobil 1.

For my next 2, I have Castrol 0/20 turbo diesel Dexos D. I’m going to try it to directly compare the Dexos D spec Castrol to the Castrol 5/30 Euro K.

I can safely say the PPE oil filter is working well. The Silicon numbers with the PF66 weren’t great and went way down with the PPE filter.

I’m hoping to move to a different filter due to cost…FRAM has a Titanium and STP has an extended life that fit and should be good performers. Won’t change until I’m done with oil comparisons.

 

[edyvw]

Diesel and LSPI is not a thing.

It lacks API LSPI rating yes. Should have MB LSPI test depending on visc.

It has higher ZDDP, which suppresses LSPI, if used in gas engines.

 

[Z28racecar]

I’ve been doing used oil analysis on my 3.0 duramax. No major surprises, but also taking into account that my experience with 0-20 was when new and first free dealer change, so wear metals were inherently going to be higher. I ran Mobil esp 5/30 and it did fine…nothing spectacular, but ok. I’m presently running Castrol edge euro 5/30 k…have about a month or two until I change it and will do analysis again to compare to Mobil 1.

For my next 2, I have Castrol 0/20 turbo diesel Dexos D. I’m going to try it to directly compare the Dexos D spec Castrol to the Castrol 5/30 Euro K.

I can safely say the PPE oil filter is working well. The Silicon numbers with the PF66 weren’t great and went way down with the PPE filter.

I’m hoping to move to a different filter due to cost…FRAM has a Titanium and STP has an extended life that fit and should be good performers. Won’t change until I’m done with oil comparisons.

I've been using the Fram Titanium FS12447s and STP 45008XLs for my truck's entire life. The Titaniums are basically Synthetic Endurances in a black canister, they have the full synthetic media and wire backing. STP's are a blend with no backing, but the pleats have stayed arrow straight and are well made.

I am going to be switching to PPE's filter next oil change, though.

 

[UNC196]

Is there a clear “best” DEXOS D rated 0w20 oil? These engines seem to generate a lot lot of iron and wear metals…and there aren’t a ton of available 0w20s that meet the requirements. Of those that do, they all seem relatively similar on generating a lot of wear metals.


Even the used oil analysis on boutique oils like Amsoil wasn’t better.

Maybe Liqui Molly…or Ravenol?

 

[edyvw]

Is there a clear “best” DEXOS D rated 0w20 oil? These engines seem to generate a lot lot of iron and wear metals…and there aren’t a ton of available 0w20s that meet the requirements. Of those that do, they all seem relatively similar on generating a lot of wear metals.


Even the used oil analysis on boutique oils like Amsoil wasn’t better.

Maybe Liqui Molly…or Ravenol?

No.
Of those two, Ravenol will have better base stocks. Both are buying additive packages from others. Liqui Moly from Lubrizol.
Mobil 1 ESP 0W20 X2 before any Liqu Moly.

 

[GW.]

Is there a clear “best” DEXOS D rated 0w20 oil? These engines seem to generate a lot lot of iron and wear metals…and there aren’t a ton of available 0w20s that meet the requirements. Of those that do, they all seem relatively similar on generating a lot of wear metals.


Even the used oil analysis on boutique oils like Amsoil wasn’t better.

Maybe Liqui Molly…or Ravenol?

Highly debated online. The 0W-20 isn’t cutting it. ESP 0W-30.

 

[UNC196]

I wonder about this. https://www.blauparts.com/gmc-sierr...-2020-25-3-0l-duramax-diesel-0w20-dexosd.html

 

[edyvw]

Highly debated online. The 0W-20 isn’t cutting it. ESP 0W-30.

View attachment 316695

Absolutely. Turbo=ACEA C3.

 

[WarEagle]

Highly debated online. The 0W-20 isn’t cutting it. ESP 0W-30.

View attachment 316695

Wish I had found this forum sooner after buying my truck. Of course now I’m debating my current ESP 0w-30 vs switching to Amsoil 5w-30 diesel. Lol

 

[GW.]

Wish I had found this forum sooner after buying my truck. Of course now I’m debating my current ESP 0w-30 vs switching to Amsoil 5w-30 diesel. Lol

Both excellent options. Can’t go wrong with either!

 

[Z28racecar]

Is there a clear “best” DEXOS D rated 0w20 oil? These engines seem to generate a lot lot of iron and wear metals…and there aren’t a ton of available 0w20s that meet the requirements. Of those that do, they all seem relatively similar on generating a lot of wear metals.


Even the used oil analysis on boutique oils like Amsoil wasn’t better.

Maybe Liqui Molly…or Ravenol?

If anything is proof that the manufacturer's recommendation are to be taken with a grain of salt, it's the babymax and 0W-20

 

[Z28racecar]

Highly debated online. The 0W-20 isn’t cutting it. ESP 0W-30.

View attachment 316695

Was this graph in one of LSJs recent videos? I must have missed it, this makes me want to switch to a 40 grade.

 

[CleanSump]

Anecdotal endorsement of Mobil 1 ESP. My 2008 Mercedes sedan with OM642 diesel engine is known to have a DPF that is smaller and more delicate than American diesels. First 25k miles were on Fuchs and Pentosin. The past 140k miles have been exclusively on Mobil 1 ESP 0/5W-30 and it is spotless inside. Not one problem in all these years. No infamous timing chain wear many owners report either. So anecdotally, good for the DPF and good for engine protection.

 

[Neniod]

We just purchased a new 2023 Suburban with the 3.0 Duramax, our first diesel. GM calls for 0W-20 Dexos D certified oil, which sadly, is in short supply. I'd like to find an alternative oil that I can be confident in and that's readily available. I've tried cross-referencing certifications that are on Dexos D oils (such as ACEA C5) with other oils that have those certifications, but even that seems to get tough to track; some Dexos D oils carry the C5 certification, while others carry the C6. My ignorance to diesels and particulate filters means I can't confidently infer the right alternatives. Maybe I'm overthinking this! My questions:

1. What's a good diesel/particulate filter friendly oil? If the C5 and C6 criteria applies, then I'm looking for low SAPS.
2. Is 0W-20 the right weight? Or do I go heavier or at least an oil that is heavier on the 0W-20 range? I cringe at milage "efficient" oils. I'm in always-hot Texas.
3. Can I somewhat confidently follow a more readily available certification (e.g. C5? Porsche? Dexos 1?)?

The Suburban is used for lots of in-town miles, hauling the family. If we will ever tow, it will be a small trailer.

Thanks!

You are not overthinking it, Dexos D is picky by design. For that 3.0 Duramax, the safest move is still a Dexos D approved 0W20 because it is tuned for the DPF and fuel dilution control. Low SAPS matters more than chasing other specs.

If you cannot find Dexos D, ACEA C5 0W20 is the closest functional match. C6 is fine too if it also meets GM diesel requirements, but do not jump to thicker oil. The engine, emissions system, and oil pump are all calibrated around 0W20. Going heavier in Texas heat sounds logical, but it can actually hurt flow and DPF performance.

Using another certification like Porsche C5 or Dexos 1 is not something I would do long term. Short term is unlikely to hurt anything, but for regular use stick to Dexos D or ACEA C5 0W20 from a major brand. Availability is improving and it is worth waiting or ordering online rather than experimenting with viscosity or specs.