Sharing some shearing test results about Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30...

[MultiLuxem]

As many have stated in other threads, the new ESP 5W30 is likely to have a different formulation compared to ESP 0W30 (Lower oxidation number, different additives, etc.).
In the meantime, the ESP 0W30, 0W20, and 0W40 have similar formulations (based on VOAs online).
What's interesting is that Mobil 1 has different marketing strategies across the world. In mainland China for example, the ESP series is marketed as the "top-tier" oil (sold at a higher price), and the ESP there only contains viscosity grades of 0W20, 0W30, and 0W40. The ESP 5W30 equivalent in China is called "Mobil 1 Classic Euro 5W30", and it's marketed as a slightly lower-tier product. The ESP series is claimed for 25,000KM OCI while the Classic Euro 5W30 (ESP 5W30 equivalent) is claimed for 20,000KM OCI.
https://www.mobil.com/en-cn/passenger-vehicle-lube/pds/ap-xx-mobil-1-esp-0w-30
https://www.mobil.com/en-cn/passenger-vehicle-lube/pds/ap-xx-mobil-1-classic-euro-5w-30

In addition to this, in one of the Chinese oil forums (BITOG equivalent over there), there are some oil tests (including shearing tests) for both US Market ESP 0W30 and Chinese Market ESP 0W30. Both showed very good results with excellent shearing stability.
Here's the original post: (link removed - MOD)
Both the US and Chinese market ESP 0W30 have an HTHS of 3.53. ESP 0W30 (US) has a shearing loss (SH/T 0505, similar to ASTM D2603) of 4.77% and volatility loss (ASTM D5800) of 8.12%.
They have not done tests on ESP 5W30 (US) or Classic Euro 5W30 (China), but for reference, they did perform similar tests on the US market Mobil 1 EP 5W30. Here's the link: (link removed - MOD)
The Mobil 1 EP 5W30 showed a shearing loss of 7.61% and a volatility loss of 7.97%.

Motor Oil Geek has posted a video earlier of various Mobil 1 oil. In that video, the ESP 0W40 has shown incredible shearing stability compared to other Mobil oils. Considering ESP 0W30 and 0W40 have similar formulations (based on VOA), despite I could not find shearing test results on ESP 5W30, the ESP 0W30 is probably one of the most shear-stable Mobil street oils in 30-grade. What are your thoughts?

 

[buster]

I think what you said is correct. The ESP 0w line is the top tier. I'm inclined to think now that the 5w30 may be a tier lower since the reformulation, but I don't know if that is true. The ESP 0w30 is definitely the most shear stable Mobil street oils in a 30 grade. Mobil 1 EP 5w30 (US) drops out of grade very easily. It's the type of VM they use. On the Russian oil site, they also found the ESP line to be very shear stable. Min vis loss.

 

[Glenda W.]

I agree. ESP is the top M1 performance line.

 

[ChrisD46]

As many have stated in other threads, the new ESP 5W30 is likely to have a different formulation compared to ESP 0W30 (Lower oxidation number, different additives, etc.).
In the meantime, the ESP 0W30, 0W20, and 0W40 have similar formulations (based on VOAs online).
What's interesting is that Mobil 1 has different marketing strategies across the world. In mainland China for example, the ESP series is marketed as the "top-tier" oil (sold at a higher price), and the ESP there only contains viscosity grades of 0W20, 0W30, and 0W40. The ESP 5W30 equivalent in China is called "Mobil 1 Classic Euro 5W30", and it's marketed as a slightly lower-tier product. The ESP series is claimed for 25,000KM OCI while the Classic Euro 5W30 (ESP 5W30 equivalent) is claimed for 20,000KM OCI.
https://www.mobil.com/en-cn/passenger-vehicle-lube/pds/ap-xx-mobil-1-esp-0w-30
https://www.mobil.com/en-cn/passenger-vehicle-lube/pds/ap-xx-mobil-1-classic-euro-5w-30

In addition to this, in one of the Chinese oil forums (BITOG equivalent over there), there are some oil tests (including shearing tests) for both US Market ESP 0W30 and Chinese Market ESP 0W30. Both showed very good results with excellent shearing stability.
Here's the original post: (link removed - MOD)
Both the US and Chinese market ESP 0W30 have an HTHS of 3.53. ESP 0W30 (US) has a shearing loss (SH/T 0505, similar to ASTM D2603) of 4.77% and volatility loss (ASTM D5800) of 8.12%.
They have not done tests on ESP 5W30 (US) or Classic Euro 5W30 (China), but for reference, they did perform similar tests on the US market Mobil 1 EP 5W30. Here's the link: (link removed - MOD)
The Mobil 1 EP 5W30 showed a shearing loss of 7.61% and a volatility loss of 7.97%.

Motor Oil Geek has posted a video earlier of various Mobil 1 oil. In that video, the ESP 0W40 has shown incredible shearing stability compared to other Mobil oils. Considering ESP 0W30 and 0W40 have similar formulations (based on VOA), despite I could not find shearing test results on ESP 5W30, the ESP 0W30 is probably one of the most shear-stable Mobil street oils in 30-grade. What are your thoughts?

Good detective work ! This sheds light on the popular question of: “Forget the cold temp rating - is 0W30 ESP an over all better quality oil than 5W30 ESP” ? Conversely , do we know if the two 5W30 oils discussed above are actually the same formulations (i.e. ESP ?)

 

[ChrisD46]

I think what you said is correct. The ESP 0w line is the top tier. I'm inclined to think now that the 5w30 may be a tier lower since the reformulation, but I don't know if that is true. The ESP 0w30 is definitely the most shear stable Mobil street oils in a 30 grade. Mobil 1 EP 5w30 (US) drops out of grade very easily. It's the type of VM they use. On the Russian oil site, they also found the ESP line to be very shear stable. Min vis loss.

Based on your post - even with shearing, would you still run M1 5W30 ESP for a 5K mile / 6 month OCI in a Kia 3.3L V6 GDI engine with a 7 qrt. oil sump ? *In hindsight , I should have grabbed the 0W30 ESP off the shelf as both ESP oils were side by side at WM for the same price ($27) .

 

[buster]

Based on your post - even with shearing, would you still run M1 5W30 ESP for a 5K mile / 6 month OCI in a Kia 3.3L V6 GDI engine with a 7 qrt. oil sump ? *In hindsight , I should have grabbed the 0W30 ESP off the shelf as both ESP oils were side by side at WM for the same price ($27) .

Definitely.

 

[scrllock]

X3 looks nearly identical to X4 on FTIR. Seems like it was drop-in replacement for updated SP approval and C40 GT split? Who knows until someone does real testing.

 

[MultiLuxem]

Based on your post - even with shearing, would you still run M1 5W30 ESP for a 5K mile / 6 month OCI in a Kia 3.3L V6 GDI engine with a 7 qrt. oil sump ? *In hindsight , I should have grabbed the 0W30 ESP off the shelf as both ESP oils were side by side at WM for the same price ($27) .

No problem going 5K on that oil. Although we don't know how ESP 5W30 exactly performs when compared to 0W30, its VOA and specs look pretty good. It also carries a bunch of German car certifications.

 

[MultiLuxem]

Good detective work ! This sheds light on the popular question of: “Forget the cold temp rating - is 0W30 ESP an over all better quality oil than 5W30 ESP” ? Conversely , do we know if the two 5W30 oils discussed above are actually the same formulations (i.e. ESP ?)

Not much testing information I could find regarding ESP 5W30, but the Chinese market "Classic Euro 5W30" and US market "ESP 5W30" show the same properties/Specs on the Mobil website.
https://www.mobil.com/en-cn/passenger-vehicle-lube/pds/ap-xx-mobil-1-classic-euro-5w-30
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/for-personal-vehicles/our-products/products/mobil-1-esp-5w-30

 

[buster]

Not much testing information I could find regarding ESP 5W30, but the Chinese market "Classic Euro 5W30" and US market "ESP 5W30" show the same properties/Specs on the Mobil website.
https://www.mobil.com/en-cn/passenger-vehicle-lube/pds/ap-xx-mobil-1-classic-euro-5w-30
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/for-personal-vehicles/our-products/products/mobil-1-esp-5w-30

Take a look at the Chinese PDS for ESP 5w30 they give you the following:

While the ESP oil is good, notice how it doesn't necessarily exceed some tests as much as some of the EP oils, which was my point that in some areas, it's not as good as the boosted EP/SP counterparts. Still very good and when combined with the Euro specs even better (higher HT/HS than EP 5w30). 20% better sludge than Seq VH and 30% better on IVB. Decent but not exceptional.

So ESP does 30% better on API Seq IVB. Not bad. Also, notice they look for oxidation and max Fe of 400ppm.

Test Parts Evaluation • The volume loss due to wear on each of the 16 bucket lifters is measured using a 3D macroscope. The mass loss of each lifter is also recorded. • Average intake lifter wear volume and end of-test oil iron concentration are the primary evaluated parameters.

 

[Glenda W.]

The new ESP 5w30 snd FS 0w40 formulas seem to be a mystery. Honestly I’m not sure where they fall now. As a creature of habit I’ve stuck to the ESP 0W lineup.

With the HPL sale coming up I may make some changes on my new Jeep(Also considering Amsoil SS). The rest of my fleet will stay on ESP 0w30.

 

[buster]

The new ESP 5w30 snd FS 0w40 formulas seem to be a mystery. Honestly I’m not sure where they fall now. As a creature of habit I’ve stuck to the ESP 0W lineup.

Purely a guess but I think they may have cut costs a tad and made the 0w ESP line more premium. But who knows that's just a guess. Mobil 1 FS 0w40 now has a Noack of 10%. So it went up a tad.

 

[Glenda W.]

Purely a guess but I think they may have cut costs a tad and made the 0w ESP line more premium. But who knows that's just a guess. Mobil 1 FS 0w40 now has a Noack of 10%. So it went up a tad.

That’s what I’m thinking as well. With the official SP approval they’re looking to move some product in the US with an attractive price point.

 

[Patman]

Purely a guess but I think they may have cut costs a tad and made the 0w ESP line more premium. But who knows that's just a guess. Mobil 1 FS 0w40 now has a Noack of 10%. So it went up a tad.

I think I will switch my Corvette from 5w-30 ESP to 0w-30 ESP once I finish up with the last of the old formula 5w-30 that I have

 

[edyvw]

I remember times when ESP 5W30 was absolute gold of an oil. The version prior to the last one, up until maybe 2018.
It had Noack 5.6% and Sulfated Ash at 0.6%.
But, race to the bottom….

 

[Patman]

I remember times when ESP 5W30 was absolute gold of an oil. The version prior to the last one, up until maybe 2018.
It had Noack 5.6% and Sulfated Ash at 0.6%.
But, race to the bottom….

Yep! I’m running that exact older version in my Corvette right now but it’s the very end of my supply of it

 

[edyvw]

Yep! I’m running that exact older version in my Corvette right now but it’s the very end of my supply of it

I had some stash of it when I had BMW X5 35d. But I used it in Tiguan long time ago.

 

[MrStamper]

****, here we are with the new bitog darling, 0w-30 Esp.

 

[chris719]

This is why I use ESP X3/X4 in non BMWs. I feel like it’s their flagship product now. Would really like if this oil and the 0W-30 got some sort of BMW approval. BMW - harmonize your stupid oxidation requirements.

 

[kschachn]

This is why I use ESP X3/X4 in non BMWs. I feel like it’s their flagship product now. Would really like if this oil and the 0W-30 got some sort of BMW approval. BMW - harmonize your stupid oxidation requirements.

And it primarily is to allow long drain capability. If you’re not running (very) long OCI that doesn’t really matter.

If I still had my BMW that is the oil I’d use. VW 504 00 is good e enough for me.