Does anybody have a list of the different VW/Audi-approved oil specs?

[moribundman]

For example:

VW-500 00 is "energy conserving" synthetic oil

VW-501 01 seems to be the same as API- SF/SG multigrade oil

VW-505 00

VW 502.00

For examle, Amsoil 5W-30 fulfills the requirements for VW 500.00, 501.01, and 505.00, while Amsoil 0W-30 fulfills VW 505.00 and 501.00, and Amsoil 10W-40 and 20W-50 fulfill VW 501.01 and 505 00.


So, what EXACTLY do these specs mean?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Hey, I found something for ya:

vwvortex

Oh, and

[ June 03, 2003, 06:38 PM: Message edited by: rugerman1 ]

 

[moribundman]

Hey Pete!

Good find there. So most of the oil specs for my car are now obsolete? Jeez...

 

[TooSlick]

The Amsoil formulations are now all VW 502/505 - this requires a high temp/high shear viscosity of at least 3.5 Cp and is based on the ACEA A3/B4 specs. VW 502 is the most current spec oil available in North America for VW/Audi gas engines. VW 505 is the most current spec oil available in NA for VW turbodiesel engines ....

There is a newer generation of VW gas/diesel oils available in Europe, called VW 503/506 - this spec calls for oils with HT/HS from 2.9-3.4 Cp. These are primarily thinner, 0w-30 grades formulated to maximize fuel efficiency over 30,000km to 50,000km drain intervals, in gas and diesel engines, respectively. Some design changes have been made to the current generation VW engines in Europe to accomodate these thinner oils, such as the use of roller type valve lifters. These oils are not backward compatible to older VW engines ....

I would recommend sticking to the heavier, VW 502/505 oils for North America spec Vw/Audi engines. For example, my 2002, 225 hp Audi TT calls for a 0w-30, VW 502 spec oil, so I'll be running the Amsoil Series 2000 oil in it year round. The Mobil 1, 0w-40 also meets all these relevant specifications ....

Tooslick

 

[moribundman]

Thank you very much for all the information!

I am currently using M1 0W-40 in my '96 2.8 12v Audi engine.

 

[Mark in NY]

After some dealer-doubletalk, I questioned some manufacturers about what exact products of theirs pass the A2, A3 specs called out in the owners manual for a 2002 Passat 1.8 turbo.

The emails are beginning to arrive-

Mobil 1 in SAE grade 0-40 only
Penzoil 5-40 Euro formula full Synthetic

pretty slim list so far.

So much for the VW dealer being the "best" place to have your car serviced. One dealer uses the generic 5-30 dino oil because " the synthetics cost too much".

It's anybodys guess what double talk would ensue between owner, dealer, and VW customer service if the turbo cokes up.

 

[moribundman]

My Audi dealer wanted to give me 20W-50 dino during the included maintenance. I brought my own synthetic along...

 

[TooSlick]

Mark,

You can add these to your list, for VW 502/505 and ACEA A3/B3/B4:

The VW 502/505 specs actually require additional testing in VW gas/diesel engines, so its more specific than the more generic ACEA A3/B4 specification on which it is based.

Amsoil 0w-30
Amsoil Series 3000, 5w-30
Amsoil 10w-30
Amsoil 10w-40

I'm running the 10w-40 right now in my 2002, 225 hp Audi TT, but will probably switch to the 0w-30 eventually. VW specifically calls for either 5w-40 or 5w-30 for the Passat to keep things simple, but any of the above grades will work fine year round. For example, the borderline pumping temp of the Amsoil 10w-40 is approx -40F, so no problem with cold climates. I've been running Amsoil in VW/Audi engines since 1980, so a fair amount of experience in this area.

TooSlick
Dixie Synthetics

 

[Ken2]

Interesting note: Schaeffer #700 15W-40 synthetic blend oil "meets or exceeds" VW 502 & 505, as well as ACEA E5-99, E3-96, B3-98, B4-98, A3-98, D-C 228.3 & 228.5, etc.

Schaeffer's #701 5W-30 and 10W-30 "meet or exceed" ACEA A1-02, A2-96, A3-02, A5-02, D-C 229.1, 229.3, etc.

So, why would the only Schaeffer oil to meet VW 502 be the diesel/gas lube? 40 wt. required?

By the way, don't pay much attention to ACEA A1-02 & A2-96. A1 is the modern minimum, and A2 is pretty much outdated. A3 has the higher HT/HS viscosity, and A5 (and A1) has the energy conserving test.


Ken

 

[YZF150]

The 0w-30 German Syntec meets those specs, but good luck getting anything out of Castrol USA about it.

Patman got some addtional specs from Castrol Germany, but I cannot recall that post.