alexb76

Ok, so after just about one year of ownership, went for my first oil change. My local shop recommended 10W60 oil that they use for their race cars, but since it wasn't Porsche approved and probably too heavy for DD + DE, I went for 5W40.

My options were (all Porsche A40 approved):

• Mobil-1 0W-40
• Total 5W40
• Lubro Moly 5W40 (Liqui Moly in US)
• Motul Xcess 5W40

I then did a lot of research, and compared specs and it doesn't look like Mobil-1 had any advantage whatsoever and heard some feedback that many preffered the other above mentioned oils. Also, Mobil-1 was pretty much double the cost of others!

So, I was to choose between the other three (pretty much same price), and I chose Lubro Moly... mostly cause it's 100 degree viscosity was the best (very slightly), and that I've never tried it before (have had both Motul and Total in the past).

8.5 litres later, picked up the car. My guy said he kept the oil level in the middle as the electronic oil gauge is not as accurate and when engine is heated up it can overflow (I've seen 997s burn oil due to over-fill). When cold it was right up to 2nd last bar, but after some long hard drive, it showed 100% full.

Very interesting observation, IMMEDIATELY the car felt different, noticable change in engine sound, sounding like it is running smoother, and it's not as loud as before (very slightly). So far, so good. Seems like the right oil and probably better than what was in there (must have been Mobil-1 0W40, as it was CPOed at 6K).

Anyone else has noticed the engine sound to change after oil change?

I am planning to do an oil analysis when due for oil change to see how it does.

PS. Also did a brake flush with Motul RBF600, feels very solid, we'll see how it does at my DE day on Monday!

Fahrer

I would definitely stay with Mobil 1 0W-40.

mambodoc

+1 . Mobil 1 here costs $6.40/qt. My new (34mi) MY09 C4S PDk Launch Coupe had its first oil & filter change at 2,500 mi. Now has 14,200 mi and oil & filter change every 5k mi. All Mobil1 0-40 at change and top off between with Mobil1 15-50. Never noticed any change in engine tone though I feel better after every change?!

alexb76

Here Mobil-1 is $18/quart, others are $9-$9.50. Also, based on my research they are actually BETTER than mobil-1. Mobil-1 used to be great when it was fully synthetic, no more. My shop ran both Mobil-1 and Liqui Moly in Daytona 24hrs, the Lubro Moly could run many more laps than Mobil-1.

I haven't seen any evidence to say Mobil-1 is any better, just read it up on Bobstheoilguy... my oil analysis will show how this one does.

alexb76

Why? What you're reason/logic? The 5W40 FULLY synthetic oils I mentioned are all Porsche approved.

axhoaxho

Just FYI -- I had an oil change at my Porsche dealer about a month ago, and my dealer told me that now they use Mobile 1 (ESP Formula M) 5W-40.

Regards,

mambodoc

Mobil 1 isn't fully synthetic?

mambodoc

How do we suppose Porsche ended up with Mobil 1...business deals/marketing ?...or true attention to quality. My allegiance to Mobil 1 only goes as far as it coming new in my C4s and being recommended by Porsche. I hope it's because of quality and performance versus a giant corp. deal. O well.

inverterman

Why are we questioning this? Run the Mobil 1. Drop the fluid more often if there is a concern. Some things to consider with respect to internal engine pressures. These are Porsche vehicles folks. The wheel has already been invented. IMO.

alexb76

Ofcourse Marketing and business deal has something to do with it! BMW runs Castrol, Ferrari runs Shell oil, etc... is Shell better than Mobil-1? probably not!

Porsche has specified certain criteria for their oil, and Mobil-1 and many other approved oils HAVE MET those conditions, that were tested by Porsche and certified... however as sponsored Oil supplier, Mobil-1 pays Porsche some sweet dollars!

Alfaguy2

I am seriously considering a change in oil type too. This article seems to say that Mobil 1 isn't the best oil to guard against IMS failures and seems to support your views.

http://www.lnengineering.com/ims.html

utkinpol

I would recommend actually 5w50 mobil 1. it is approved and is bit better than 0w40. mobil also makes racing oil 0w50 if you interested.

I run now on a mix of 6qt 15w50 + 2qt 5w50. When it will get colder in October I will change it for 5w50 pure.

Quadcammer

placebo is a helluva drug

kosmo

thats funny!

Alexb, why is the Mobil so expensive in CA vs the other brands? I figure its the tax but wouldnt it be applicable to the other brands also? How much is Castro?

Fahrer

The one oil presumably contains molybdenum disulfide. It is a good lubtricant but I would not want that ( such particles floating ) in my engine. I am not sure what the effect will be.

The term synthetic is a loosly use term in lubricants.

Some are blends of synthetic and mineral oil. Some are "gas to oil" which use natrual gas to produce a "synthetic" oil. Mobil 1 is a polyalphaolefin. It is a an oligomer ( short chain ) of alpha olefins. It also contains a small amount of polyol ester to swell oils seals slightly. In addition, all of these oils use typical dispersant/inhibitor packages to protect the oil and protect your engine. Finally, to achieve the wide temperature range for oils ("multi vicosity") they use viscosity index improvers. To achieve a 5W-40 the formulator will use polymers ( typically ethylene-propylene elastomers) to keep the viscosity of lower viscosity lubricants from falling too much as the temperature increases. These polymers are fully dissolved in the oil. With less VI improver, a 15W-40 would theortically be more shear stable than a 5W-40 oil.

I would prefer an oil that would flow better at startup ( 0W-XX) which is when most of the wear occurs and one with a minimum of undissolved additives such as "moly" ( assuming it is actually in that oil).