Fina First 5W-40 full synthetic

[bar1]

Anybody have knowledge of this oil? I can get it at USD 7.7 pr liter and that's 1/4 of Castrol SLX 0W-30 at USD 32 pr. liter and 1/3 of Mobil1 0W-40 at USD 23 pr. liter here. The Fina First has API SL, ACEA A3/B3/B4, VW502.00 (and more) and some MB approvals. Since Castrol and Mobil is so expensive here, I think I will make a swith. That do you think? The engine in question can use all VW502.00 approved oils.

 

[bar1]

It should read: What do you think?

 

[Primus]

Fina First 5W-40 is the same stuff as Elf Excellium and Total Quartz 9000 (Activa 9000 in France). All made using "Synthetic Technology": since 2000-2001 they are not more "Full Synthetic". However, the quality is very decent among 5W-40 brand oils that in 99 % of cases are not "Full Synthetic" too now. Fina 0W-40 is far better, but more expensive. Fina First was very popular with BMW owners in 80-90th when Fina supplied to BMW Motorsport. As for the price, it's very often does not fully reflect the quality.

 

[bar1]

Not full synthtic? Is it group III blended with some grp. IV or V, or is it only group III?

 

[Primus]

Don't be disappointed, in Europe there are only some few true synthetic oils in 5W-40 grade now and they are all sport oriented: Motul 300V, Silkolene, Marly Black Gold Bio Carat and, may be, another 1-2 names. If Fina 0W-40 is expensive like Castrol Formula SLX or Mobil1 0W-40, then try Fuchs Titan SL 5W-30. This grade is still "full synthetic" (think it may be soon discontinued) and usually not too expensive like all Fuchs. There are other Titans 5W-30, but I'm not sure about their compositions.