I guess this thread is eventually going to start, so I started it. I found some Syntec 5w-40 today at a local Speed Shop. It was only $4.79, and smelled nice, so I bought one.
Interestingly, it said Volkswagen 502, 505 right on the FRONT! What struck me as an oil junkie is the fact that VW 503.01 and the other manufacturers specs were missing. Isn't that the long-life spec? It seems like a decent oil, as good as other 1998 ACEA A3-formulated oils or better. I'd use this oil in absence of GC, but GC is a newer and better oil holding more specs, right? It is nice to see this oil, one of only 2 IMPORTED otc oils and this one will be widely distributed. It shows a commitment to the Euro car oil market. Probally M1 5w-40 is the same generation of oil, that would be the other obvious comparison.