Which oil for this Audi and Mercedes ?

[AccordMDX]

I am asking this on behalf of a friend who has a '97 Audi A6, and a '96 Mercedes S320.
I am not up to speed with the Euro/German oil specs and stuff so I thought I'd just ask the experts. This is in Minnesota weather(cccold most of the time).
Can you please recommend an oil - both weight and brand - for these cars ?
Thanks!

 

[forcedtalon]

I know castrol 5w-40 is a good german oil that guys run in these motors that can be picked up at your parts store. Or Amsoil now makes a euro 5w-40 specially designed for the german engine requirements. Check your owners manual for oil in severe cold but I see guys runnning the 5w40 synthetic year round.

 

[Audi Junkie]

10w-40 dino will work too. 5w-30 for winter if there is any doubt. I custom-blend my Havoline dino for seasonal applications.

 

[dB]

I have a '00 2.8 30V, and have been using M1 0W-40. I believe the Castrol 5W-40 is Belgian and not a group IV synthetic like GC 0w30. However, I think a good 5W-40 is a good choice, too. 5W-40 is a popular European oil weight.

 

[moribundman]

The '97 may still have the 12v engine. Even if it's the 30v, the same oils will work. Choose any oil that's rated VW 502.00, VW 504/507 oil, or ACEA A3 or ACEA C3. Due to those cold Minnesota winters, I would use a 0W-x oil that meets any of the above ratings.

- Castrol 0W-30 (GC)
- M1 0W-40

I don't know about the Benz.

 

[vwoom]

For year round use, ditto as well on the 5w40. If you ask me, I'd get any brand that is on sale...albeit it has to have the non-manufacturer specific ACEA A3/B3(or B4) rating. I have a Passat & a 190E. If both are currently out of warranty as I assume the above A6 & S320 are(Passat still has 10/100k intact), I'd go for at least this ACEA rating.

But if your friend wants something seasonal specific, GC 0w30(also A3/B3/B4) in gold or green would suffice for the present MN clime.

Esp. now when it's on sale at $3.99..he could buy two cases separately for both cars and as a bonus he'd get two freebie Hotwheels for the kids.

[ November 23, 2005, 08:32 PM: Message edited by: vwoom ]

 

[AccordMDX]

Ok thanks guys. Sounds like either Castrol SYNTEC 5w40 or Mobil1 0W40 would be a good suggestion.

BTW what is "GC" ? Is it the same as Castrol SYNTEC or something different ?

Thanks 'gain!

 

[pscholte]

GC is a version of Castrol Syntec that exists in only one weight to date: 0W-30 (with Red Label). To be GC, it must not only be a 0W-30 but it has to say Made In Germany on the back and have a batch number (found stamped on the bottom of the bottle) of M023XXXXX or above (the second digit refers to the year it was bottled so you will see batch numbers up to M05 right now). It is a superior oil as demonstrated in UOAs posted on this board and in the subjective experience of board members. I run it in an 2004 Audi A6 2.7T, a 1995 Ford Taurus 3.0, and a 1994 Nissan Pickup 3.0. I would run it in a 2003 Ford Focus but my daughter has all her service covered. Hope this helps.

 

[Dr. T]

5-40 traditinally or currently the vogue is 0-40's....synthetic of course....A3 rating (will come automatically with either of these grades)