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So after checking the oil I've always used namely Mobil1 0w-40 it conforms with API SN,SM,SL and is Porsche A40 approved. So as we do not as yet have a GPF, we don't need the ESP x3. As to the vanilla flavored ESP it is not A40 approved. Please see pics below
A40 & API SN approved Mobil 1 0w-40 ESP Formula not approved
Even though I have a UK car I’m happy to stick any 0-40 in the car that comes from a reputable manufacturer. Still got a load sitting around from my M5, plus the spares the dealer gave me.
Can you post a picture of the back of the bottle to see if it's A40 or C40, API etc. approved? Thanx
siberian
This particular oil is does not carry the API SN classification. I am trying to avoid SN because of its relatively high calcium content.
Calcium and magnesium sulfonate are part of a detergent additive package in motor oil. However, it is now realized that calcium is a contributor to low speed pre ignition (LSPI) in turbocharged gasoline direct injection engines. The detergent package has been re-jiggered in this particular oil to reduce the amount of calcium and, thus, ward off LSPI.
Notably, API within the past couple of years has added a new category called SN PLUS. The SN PLUS category has a lower calcium content than SN, and lower calcium in the additive package will mitigate LSPI.
Jason
But that's just the point we covered lucycan. We don't have any GPF's in the US which is the reason for the C40 spec which on top of that (for Mobil1) isn't sold outside of dealers at this time.
I think this FUD (fear uncertainty and doubt) is way out of proportion. In terms of C40, according to @Bluehighways it could simply be general worldwide information from Porsche and not wanting to correct for a NA market, given as he says it can only hurt your pocket book if you do run the x3 flavor which no doubt is what comes from the factory. Another take is my CT dealer's tech stating it's OK to use the vanilla ESP in a pinch. Others mention as long as it's API SN and meets A40 we're OK.
Motul 0w-40 is not a C40 approved lubricant but does meet the API SN rating as a A40 spec, please see:
From all I've read and found out the only reason to use C40 ESP x3 lubricants is for those engines with a GPF, for the rest we should be OK with A40 and API SN or better certification. As to whether Motul, Royal Purple, Mobil1, Castroil etc. that's a religious discussion IMHO as long as the above is met for our engines sans GPF.
We don't have any GPF's in the US which is the reason for the C40 spec
siberian
It's a bit more complex than that. Quoted from "LN Engineering Tech Tuesday" by Charles Navarro: The new "C" specification oils provide protection against LSPI, or low speed pre-ignition, and protect emissions control devices. The C30 and C20 standards are provided for shared VAG platform engines that call for 30 and 20-weight oils, with thinner oils used primarily for improved fuel economy.
It used to be that motor oil had a simple objective: to help prevent wear and corrosion of an IC engine. Now days in addition to protecting the engine, there are additional requirements centered around fuel economy and the environment. Chances are these new oil requirements compromise engine protection.
If you are at all concerned about LSPI use API grades "SP" or "SN Plus". Search Amazon for "SP Motor Oil". There are quite a number of 10W-40 choices available at around $4.00-$5.00/Qt. when bought in 5 Qt. containers. Of course that's not the 0W-40 or 5W-40 weights that are listed in our owners manuals, but as near as I can tell from a quick search, no one in the USA presently has either full synthetic (non-diesel) 0W-40 or 5W-40 weights that meet API grades "SP" or "SN Plus".
Last edited by Bluehighways; 05-19-2021 at 01:54 PM.
I wonder whether a catch-can wouldn't be part of the solution.
As it is, in the US, it depends what you want to compromise as ESP x3 doesn't seem to be available other than a dealer. You can sacrifice viscosity (meaning for those not needing the 0w-40) and go for an API SP or SN Plus in whatever flavor you prefer (Motul, Mobil...) or for those that are in cold climates get the 0w-40 but stay with the A40/SN. I doubt, unless you track the car, you're going to do damage to the engine.
As to lubrication, in my specific case I change oil every 3-5k miles (or about 150 hours on the diesel) Spring and Fall irrespective of mileage and though my other vehicles are not 992s I have a mix of VDub, Porsche and turbo diesel skid steer that work year round and have for over 12 years with nary a problem as probably a lot of the heavy machinery up here.
So unless someone can point to a serious issue with this train of thought, I'm staying with a proven oil for where I live: Mobil1 0w-40 full syntec.
So unless someone can point to a serious issue with this train of thought, I'm staying with a proven oil for where I live: Mobil1 0w-40 full syntec.
siberian
My concern about using Mobil 1 0W-40 SN oil is the high calcium content, which has been attributed to LSPI in our turbocharged direct fuel injected engines. Coming into to this topic I thought that SN PLUS was the latest API classification for lubricants designed for turbocharged direct fuel injected engines, but Bluehighways pointed out that API SP is actually the latest. However, I don't think there is a 0W-40 that is SP classified. It appears that 10W-40 SP is available, which is probably OK for south Texas, but not so good for Alaska. Since you are adverse to using Drivien 0W-40, your choices of oil for your climate are probably limited to the SN class.
Exactly which is why I mentioned the conundrum or decision to be taken depending on where you live. For northern climates 0w-40 API SN is IMHO preferable to 5w-40 with API SP. Conversely for those in warmer latitudes 5w-40 will provide ample protection with SN+ or SP. As to flavor (Royal Purple, Mobil, Motul etc.) that's a religious discussion... TBH, I never heard of Driven oils
05-18-2021, 03:13 PM
