Originally Posted By: Solarent
Originally Posted By: Bryanccfshr
I agree with this. Pass the sequence testing required by the manufacturer. Everything else is just Marketing speak.
I'd also add that the BMW certification process is not easy nor cheap. SO just because an oil has some good physical properties does not mean it will stand up to the required testing.
One thing I have learned about dealing with OEM certifications, they each require some unique and expensive tests - in addition to charging licensing fees and in some cases royalties. This makes it hard to get a single oil that is on the official list of a long group of OEMs. and in some cases the certifications of one OEM make it impossible to meet those of another.
The more complex new engine designs get - the more complex the oils that service them will be. I attended a conference recently where Lubrizol hypothesized that within 20 years engine oil will no longer be an interchangeable part - but specifically engineered to be matched only with the equipment it was designed to work with.
I agree, I was thinking about how many varieties of engine oils that have already expanded in the past 10-15 years. The applieed technology engines are using today, require specific performance, and properties from engine oil. Those specifics would need to address the particular stresses an engine design puts its lubricant through.
Increasing power density for consumer satisfaction, and economy for environmental compliance push things even harder for the engines and their service fluids.
Originally Posted By: Bryanccfshr
I agree with this. Pass the sequence testing required by the manufacturer. Everything else is just Marketing speak.
I'd also add that the BMW certification process is not easy nor cheap. SO just because an oil has some good physical properties does not mean it will stand up to the required testing.
One thing I have learned about dealing with OEM certifications, they each require some unique and expensive tests - in addition to charging licensing fees and in some cases royalties. This makes it hard to get a single oil that is on the official list of a long group of OEMs. and in some cases the certifications of one OEM make it impossible to meet those of another.
The more complex new engine designs get - the more complex the oils that service them will be. I attended a conference recently where Lubrizol hypothesized that within 20 years engine oil will no longer be an interchangeable part - but specifically engineered to be matched only with the equipment it was designed to work with.
I agree, I was thinking about how many varieties of engine oils that have already expanded in the past 10-15 years. The applieed technology engines are using today, require specific performance, and properties from engine oil. Those specifics would need to address the particular stresses an engine design puts its lubricant through.
Increasing power density for consumer satisfaction, and economy for environmental compliance push things even harder for the engines and their service fluids.
