Showing posts with label ACEA B4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ACEA B4. Show all posts

Friday, December 14, 2018

Understanding European Motor Oil Standards


European Motor Oil Specifications Explained

It’s important to use the right motor oil for your European vehicle, but the sea of specifications can make it a challenge. AMSOIL European Car Formula finds the sweet spot of emission compatibility and complete engine protection for every application.
AMSOIL European Synthetic Motor Oil


The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) establishes lubricant standards for Europe, similar to the American Petroleum Institute (API) in the United States. ACEA recognizes that European engines differ from U.S. engines in both design and operating conditions. European OEMs often maintain their own motor oil performance specifications and play a larger role in their development than their U.S. counterparts. Volkswagen* drivers, for example, must use an oil that meets the requirements of VW’s own performance specs. The same holds for Mercedes*, BMW*, Porsche* and other European vehicles. 

Many European vehicles available in North America today feature gasoline and diesel engines with emissions systems that are highly sensitive to the SAPS content of motor oil. These advanced emissions systems require lower SAPS formulations to properly function for a long period of time. The required formulations match the exacting engine oil specifications of ACEA and European OEMs to ensure they are compatible with current emissions systems while still providing engine protection.

EUROPEAN CAR FORMULA SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL

  • Engineered to meet or exceed European MANUFACTURERS.SPECIlCATIONS
  • Balanced formulations that consider the needs of modern exhaust treatment devices
  • Excellent protection for gasoline and diesel engines
  • Fights sludge for superior engine cleanliness

European Car Motor Oil
European Synthetic Motor Oil

Motor Oil for European and German Cars

*All trademarked names and images are the property of their respective owners and may be registered marks in some countries.No affiliation endorsement claim, express or implied, is made by their use. All products advertised here are developed by AMSOIL for use in the applications shown.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Understanding European & German Car Motor Oil Specifications or Requirements

What does "SAPS" stand for and what is the significance for German and European auto warranty requirements? If you own one of these higher performing autos you might find this very interesting.

 In this modern era of increasing differentiation it is important to understand why AMSOIL carries three different European oils. And why are two of them 5W-40? What’s the difference?

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) helps establish motor oil standards in the European market. ACEA recognizes that European engines differ from U.S. engines in both design and operating conditions. As a result, the demands on motor oil are different as well.

The differentiator between various makes and models of European cars has to do with the acceptable levels of sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur (SAPS) in the motor oil.

Sulfated ash is the by-product of metallic compounds as they are burned. It can improve an oil’s antioxidancy, anti-wear properties, Total Base Number (TBN), corrosion resistance, engine cleanliness properties and soot-handling ability.

AMSOIL Synthtetic European Motor Oil Bottles
Click for larger image
Phosphorus is present in motor oil for its antioxidant properties.

Sulfur provides antioxidancy, anti-wear and engine cleanliness properties.

SAPS makes up a significant portion of a motor oil’s additive content. Some emissions systems and aftertreatment devices, such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and catalysts, are sensitive to the SAPS content of oil and require lower-SAPS formulations to properly function for a long period of time.

So, how does an owner know which oil to use in their car? Check your owner's manual and use the chart below to match the correct oil with the proper specification your auto manufacturer listed in the owner's manual.

AMSOIL EFM 5W-40
Full SAPS
AMSOIL AFL 5W-40
Mid SAPS
AMSOIL AEL 5W-30 
Low SAPS
  • ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4
  • API SN/SM...
  • BMW LL-01
  • Mercedes Benz 229.5/229.3
  • Porsche A40
  • Renault 0710/0700
  • VW 502.00/505.00
  • ACEA C3
  • API SN/SM...
  • BMW LL-04
  • GM dexos2
  • Mercedes Benz 229.51/229.31
  • Porsche A40
  • VW 502.00/505.01
  • BMW LL-04
  • Mercedes Benz 229.51
  • Porsche C30
  • VW 504.00/507.00