Originally Posted By: Jetronic
What I find most worrying with the diesel engines, is that the oil recommendations went from 10w40 to 5w40 B4, then 5w30 C2. Except for the 2.4, who always was kept on 5w40. Good mileage is not a concern for anyone considering a 210 bhp 2.4 though... Intervals went up from 12,000 to 21,000 miles or more.
The bottom end never changed, but there were a few changes in the design of the heads. I fear the longevity of the old units will not be matched by the newer ones if you stick to the recommendations. What will be left of a 2.9 hths and 10.x cst (kv100) oil after 10,000 miles, not even half of the current interval? Add to that fuel dilution and you'll have an engine ready for the scrapper at 150,000 miles. Also got stop start fitted now, which is even worse for long bearing life.
Engine will serve first owner just fine on C2 oil, but second hand market could easily end up like those 02-05 Renault diesels with every other car without engine.