What's the most stringent oil approval(s)?

[Ed_Flecko]

I'm not sure if it's technically called an "approval", "specification", or "certification"...???

When comparing 0W-20 oils, I'm just curious which manufacturer has the most stringent approval? Is it BMW LL-17FE, MB 229.71, VW508.00/509.00, Porsche C20, etc., etc.?

Are the testing methods to achieve these approvals published somewhere? I'd find it very interesting to know what type of testing criteria is required. As motor oil technology advances, is there a way to stay current on the latest approvals?

Finally, when shopping for oil(s) and comparing the Product Data Sheets, what's the difference between "approvals" and "recommendations"?

Thank you,
Ed

 

[Quattro Pete]

Here is one comparison tool, for starters:

Relative Performance Comparison Tool for Passenger Car Specifications - Engine Oil Additives - The Lubrizol Corporation

online.lubrizol.com

 

[Ed_Flecko]

Here is one comparison tool, for starters:

Relative Performance Comparison Tool for Passenger Car Specifications - Engine Oil Additives - The Lubrizol Corporation

online.lubrizol.com

Very cool!...thank you Pete!



Ed

 

[kschachn]

I'm not sure if it's technically called an "approval", "specification", or "certification"...???

When comparing 0W-20 oils, I'm just curious which manufacturer has the most stringent approval? Is it BMW LL-17FE, MB 229.71, VW508.00/509.00, Porsche C20, etc., etc.?

Are the testing methods to achieve these approvals published somewhere? I'd find it very interesting to know what type of testing criteria is required. As motor oil technology advances, is there a way to stay current on the latest approvals?

Finally, when shopping for oil(s) and comparing the Product Data Sheets, what's the difference between "approvals" and "recommendations"?

Thank you,
Ed

The difference in an actual approval and a recommendation is just as the word(s) say.

If you find a copy of the Afton Specification Handbook online you can see many of the specific requirements for most approvals, specifications and licenses. It was available online for free for a while but I don't see it now.

 

[Quattro Pete]

If you find a copy of the Afton Specification Handbook online you can see many of the specific requirements for most approvals, specifications and licenses. It was available online for free for a while but I don't see it now.

Afton Specification Handbook -- September 2019

Afton has finally updated its very nice specification handbook. Afton Specification Handbook -- September 2019

bobistheoilguy.com

 

[kschachn]

Afton Specification Handbook -- September 2019

Afton has finally updated its very nice specification handbook. Afton Specification Handbook -- September 2019

bobistheoilguy.com

Thanks I was just about to post that

 

[simple_gifts]

All you need is straight 50 weight; thicker protects better. I learned that on BITOG.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Very cool!...thank you Pete!



Ed

It's a great tool.

Just a FYI the certs IIRC are pass/fail so you'll never truly be able to compare performance differences. BITOG members get hung up on those differences and we try to flesh them out but it's next to impossible. However the most recent revision of a cert is typically consitered the most stringent. Ex BMW LL01 vs BMW LL01 (rev. 2018)