Why Does Mobil 1 ESP x2 Lack API Starburst and Donut?

[BHopkins]

I am preparing to do the first service on my daughter's new-to-her 2018 Honda CR-V, with the 1.5l engine. I selected Mobil 1 ESP 0W-20, and picked up a jug at Walmart. Taking it off the shelf, I notice that while it states that it meets API SP engine test requirements, there is no API starburst or API donut on the jug.

With the VW 508 00 / 509 00, Porsche C20 and MB 229.71 approvals, and considering the many recommendations of Mobil 1 ESP, here on BITOG, I'm not concerned about using it in my daughter's CR-V. But I am curious what it is about ESP that it does not carry the API approvals. I suspect it may exceed API limits for certain elements? Can anyone state for sure?

 

[OVERKILL]

I am preparing to do the first service on my daughter's new-to-her 2018 Honda CR-V, with the 1.5l engine. I selected Mobil 1 ESP 0W-20, and picked up a jug at Walmart. Taking it off the shelf, I notice that while it states that it meets API SP engine test requirements, there is no API starburst or API donut on the jug.

With the VW 508 00 / 509 00, Porsche C20 and MB 229.71 approvals, and considering the many recommendations of Mobil 1 ESP, here on BITOG, I'm not concerned about using it in my daughter's CR-V. But I am curious what it is about ESP that it does not carry the API approvals. I suspect it may exceed API limits for certain elements? Can anyone state for sure?

It exceeds the API/ILSAC limit for phosphorous:

 

[dubber09]

May be simply 'cos the oil is targeting different users and they didn't have a need to license it with API?

 

[JavierH19]

Looking at a voa it goes beyond the 800ppm phos limit of SP. Credit to Rstcso

Thread 'Three 0W-20 VOAs - Mobil 1 ESP X2, Motul Specific 508, and Ravenol VSE'

May 7, 2025

On a quest to find "the best" oil for my Audi 2.0L engine with 36,000 miles, I've sent multiple virgin oil samples to Speediagnostix for analysis. The car was purchased new with regular oil changes at the dealer. The only used oil analysis sample sent was when I jumped down this rabbit hole head first and started sending all these VOAs. Now it's almost become a hobby.

The first oil I sent was the Ravenol. Thinking it would be my new "forever" oil, and before getting the results, I changed to it. When the results came back, Lake Speed Jr said "PS - Is your engine turbocharged direct...

• rstsco
• Replies: 40
• Forum: Virgin Oil Analysis - PCMO/HDEO

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[BHopkins]

Thanks, @OVERKILL. That helps. I am curious though. Am I correct that the reason for limiting phosphorus is to protect the catalytic converter? But Mobil has printed on the jug "Protects Particulate Filters and Catalytic Converters." Is this Mobil just trying to comfort the consumer? Or has Mobil done something else in the ESP formula, so extra phosphorus doesn't damage the catalytic converter?

 

[OVERKILL]

Thanks, @OVERKILL. That helps. I am curious though. Am I correct that the reason for limiting phosphorus is to protect the catalytic converter? But Mobil has printed on the jug "Protects Particulate Filters and Catalytic Converters." Is this Mobil just trying to comfort the consumer? Or has Mobil done something else in the ESP formula, so extra phosphorus doesn't damage the catalytic converter?

The API/ILSAC limit on phosphorous is claimed as being for catalyst protection, but the Euro standards require protection of even more sensitive GPF's. However, the Euro standards also generally have tighter restrictions on Noack, so in theory, less oil should make its way into the exhaust in the first place. API limit is 15%, ACEA C5 is 13%, but 229.71 brings that down further to 11%.

 

[edyvw]

All of the above.

 

[HighHy21]

https://www.infineuminsight.com/en-gb/resources/api-certification-marks-and-symbols/
From the first licencing date of March 31 2025, oils meeting the engine protection standard and fuel economy requirements of ILSAC GF-7A are licencable and must display the API Certification Mark also known as the 'Starburst'.
From March 31 2026, oils meeting ILSAC GF-6A will no longer be eligible to display the API ‘Starburst’ and will no longer appear on the online EOLCS Directory. From this point, ILSAC GF-7A will provide the only basis for issuance of a licence to use the API ‘Starburst’.

 

[edyvw]

https://www.infineuminsight.com/en-gb/resources/api-certification-marks-and-symbols/
From the first licencing date of March 31 2025, oils meeting the engine protection standard and fuel economy requirements of ILSAC GF-7A are licencable and must display the API Certification Mark also known as the 'Starburst'.
From March 31 2026, oils meeting ILSAC GF-6A will no longer be eligible to display the API ‘Starburst’ and will no longer appear on the online EOLCS Directory. From this point, ILSAC GF-7A will provide the only basis for issuance of a licence to use the API ‘Starburst’.

View attachment 307717

X2 is API SL oil, like many other Euro oils.

 

[HighHy21]

X2 is API SL oil, like many other Euro oils.

Castrol Edge 0w-20 LL IV is API SP licensed.
Motul & Liqui Moly 0w-20 has API Licenses for SP and SQ throughout their range
Motul & Liqui Moly also has products with SN, SN-Plus, and SP also

 

[edyvw]

Castrol Edge 0w-20 LL IV is API SP licensed.
Motul & Liqui Moly 0w-20 has API Licenses for SP and SQ throughout their range
Motul & Liqui Moly also has products with SN, SN-Plus, and SP also

Depends on the phosphorus levels. Castrol’s premier product, Edge 0W30 is API SL.

 

[OVERKILL]

X2 is API SL oil, like many other Euro oils.

Yup, it's listed as SL, due to the phosphorous level, but Mobil runs it through the SP engine tests, as they indicate.

 

[edyvw]

Yup, it's listed as SL, due to the phosphorous level, but Mobil runs it through the SP engine tests, as they indicate.

Absolutely. And it will meet also SQ performance requirements.

 

[kschachn]

It’s also important to mention that the phosphorous won’t passive the catalyst if it doesn’t get there in the first place. Unless you’re burning a relatively large amount of oil the level in the oil isn’t relevant.

 

[SMEasyDetails]

Absolutely. And it will meet also SQ performance requirements.

Where is that info?

 

[GW.]

Where is that info?

 

[SMEasyDetails]

Ok. You mean 0w-30. I meant 0w-20 ESP x2

 

[GW.]

Ok. You mean 0w-30. I meant 0w-20 ESP x2

Oops sorry. My bad. The new SQ packaging is being released now so I’ll keep an eye out.

 

[edyvw]

Ok. You mean 0w-30. I meant 0w-20 ESP x2

Doesn’t matter. It exceeds anything API.

 

[Jango]

My car calls for 0W30 SL+ or SP. I am using Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy. ESP is SN and SQ for OW30. Still smart move to switch to ESP in a turbo V6?