Old (German) Castrol Syntec vs. New Syntec 0w30

[sjt78]

I'm new here and I'm curious to find out the differences between the old and new Syntec 0w30 oil. I had no luck finding the old (German) Syntec 0w30 in my area, but have read here that it is one of the best oils around. Is the new version comparable, or should I try something else? I'm especially interested in this oil as I have read it works well with the 2.5L turbo engine in my 2005 Forester XT. Thanks.
-Steve

 

[OriginHacker21]

There have been several tests comparing the two generations of 0w30 GC oils but in my opinion they are VERY similar. The UOAs are showing that they are both high performing oils. I would use both without any question - German Castrol (Made in Germany) 0w30.

 

[sjt78]

I guess I should clarify that the *new* Castrol Syntec 0w30 on the shelves of my Autozone is not made in Germany. If I remember it is not from one source, but made from oils from multiple countries. The new bottle is red, black, and white...no green on the label and it is the same shape bottle.

 

[SPITMAN]

Check the label and see if it still has all of the VW and MB spec approvals. If so, it would be GC if not, it is probably group III.

 

[XB70]

Does anything in this thread ring a bell?

Was it a black bottle with red and white lettering, and just a small rectangular yellow bar? Did you happen to look at the code on the bottom, and was it M01xxxxxx...?

If so, you found some "ancient" (pre-German) Syntec 0W-30 which, unfortunately, I've seen in over half of the AZ stores I've searched.

 

[sjt78]

XB70...the oil I saw at AZ was the bottle at the top of the picture with the 0w30 in yellow. So that means it is the old stuff and not new oil like I assumed. If they order new oil, what will the store receive?

 

[AndyH]

quote:

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Originally posted by sjt78:
XB70...the oil I saw at AZ was the bottle at the top of the picture with the 0w30 in yellow. So that means it is the old stuff and not new oil like I assumed. If they order new oil, what will the store receive?

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If the store orders more Syntec 0W-30, they will receive the new "gold" GC. Many stores out there still have this ancient non-GC 0W-30. Until someone purchases it, it will likely remain on the shelves.

 

[ZeroDynamic]

sjt78,

I used to live in tonawanda before I moved back to San Francisco.... I gotta tell ya, noone carrys it up there, I have tried. I had go to canada to pick me up the good stuff. I even asked the pep boys off of NFB if they could special order it... nope!

Good luck in your search, head north, and you will find some in canuckland!