Specifications for engine oils
In principle, all engine oils serve the same purpose. They lubricate the moving parts in the engine compartment, prevent wear and corrosion and ensure heat dissipation. However, each engine is composed differently and requires special oil properties to guarantee optimal lubrication. This includes, for example, special flow properties of the oil (viscosity), a certain temperature behaviour or compatibility with certain sealing materials. In this case, the additives of the oil are very important. Several institutions have issued various classifications and specifications to ensure that users retain an overview and vehicle manufacturers also have the option of approving certain oils for their engines. They are not comparable with the specifications for transmission oils.
SAE classes
Viscosity as a measure of the internal friction of a fluid is one of the most important oil properties. It determines how thin or viscous an oil is and how it behaves depending on the ambient temperature. Therefore, the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) has published a system that defines reference temperatures, viscosity limits and class assignments for engine oils. There are monograde oils that correspond to a certain kinematic viscosity at 100 °C, such as SAE 30, which were used many years ago when oil in cars was changed in winter and summer. Many classic cars are still dependent on monograde oils. Modern passenger cars operate with multigrade oils such as SAE 5W30. Multigrade oils have good flow properties in winter and summer and can be used all year round. The number before the "W" defines the flow behaviour of oil at low temperatures. The smaller the number, the more liquid the oil remains at low temperatures. This allows the engine oil to quickly lubricate all important parts in the engine even in winter with a cold start. The number after "W" defines the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100 °C. The higher the number, the more resistant the oil is to extreme loads.
| SAE class | Borderline pumping temperature in °C | Kinematic viscosity in mm²/s |
| 0W | -40 | ≥ 3.8 |
| 5W | -35 | ≥ 3.8 |
| 10W | -30 | ≥ 4.1 |
| 15W | -25 | ≥ 5.6 |
| 20W | -20 | ≥ 5.6 |
| 25W | -15 | ≥ 9.3 |
| 8 | - | 4.0 – 6.09 |
| 12 | - | 5.0 – 7.09 |
| 16 | - | 6.1 – 8.19 |
| 20 | - | 6.9 – 9.29 |
| 30 | - | 9.3 – 12.49 |
| 40 | - | 12.5 – 16.29 |
| 50 | - | 16.3 – 21.89 |
| 60 | - | 21.9 – 26.09 |
Specifications according to ACEA
ACEA stands for Association des Constructeurs Europeens de l'Automobile (Association of European Engine Manufacturers). It draws up the specifications for engine oils based on the strictest European test procedures. The ACEA specifications thus represent the largest common denominator of the requirements of European vehicle manufacturers for engine oils. These specifications are subdivided into sequences A, B and C. Sequence E exists exclusively for trucks. They are supplemented with numbers and thus further differentiated.
- Sequence A - describes the requirements for passenger car gasoline engines.
- Sequence B - describes the requirements for diesel engines in passenger cars, vans and pick-up-trucks.
- Sequence C - Vehicles equipped with state-of-the-art exhaust aftertreatment systems (such as diesel particulate filters) require special engine oils to prevent clogging of the diesel particulate filters. Depending on the permissible proportion of the ash-forming substances sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur, the suitable oils are divided into Low and Mid SAPS oils and classified according to the ACEA C specification.
- Sequence E - Describes the requirements for diesel engines for trucks.
Engine oils for passenger cars are always specified as a combination of petrol and diesel engines (e.g. ACEA A3/B4). The number after the letter describes the difference in performance of the engine oils. In the following table we have summarized all ACEA specifications still valid for you.
| ACEA sequence | Area of application/requirements |
|---|---|
| A3/B3 | HTHS viscosity of ≥ 3.5 mPas, less evaporation losses, high piston cleanliness and oxidation stability, expires 2023 |
| A3/B4 | HTHS viscosity ≥ 3.5 mPas, meets requirements for direct injection diesel engines |
| A5/B5 | HTHS viscosity of 2.9-3.5 mPas, other standards correspond to A3/B4 |
| A7/B7 | High SAPS with low speed pre-ignition and wear protection for turbocharged DI gasoline engines as well as turbocharger compressor deposit (TCCD) protection for modern DI diesel engines |
| C1 | Low SAPS, sulfated ash content max. 0.5%, HTHS ≥ 2.9 mPas, expires 2023 |
| C2 | Mid SAPS, sulfated ash content max. 0.8%, HTHS ≥ 2.9 mPas |
| C3 | Mid SAPS, sulfated ash content max. 0.8%, HTHS ≥ 3.5 mPas |
| C4 | Low SAPS, sulfated ash content max. 0.5%, HTHS ≥ 3.5 mPas |
| C5 | Mid SAPS, sulfated ash content max. 0.8%, HTHS ≥ 2.6 < 2.9 mPas |
| C6 | Providing low speed pre-ignition and wear protection for turbocharged DI gasoline engines as well as diesel turbocharger compressor deposit (TCCD) protection for low SAPS class, being compatible with catalyst & GPF/DPF exhaust aftertreatment systems |
| E4 | Based on MB 228.5, long oil change intervals, suitable for EURO III engines |
| E6 | Recommended for EGR engines and SCR NOX engines with diesel particulate filter in combination with sulphur-free fuel, sulphate ash content ≤ 1%, expires 2022 |
| E7 | Recommended for EGR engines and SCR NOX engines without diesel particulate filter, sulphate ash content ≤ 2% |
| E8 | Replaces ACEA E6, UHPD (Ultra High Performance Diesel), Low SAPS, for DPF, HTHS ≥ 3.5 mPas |
| E9 | Recommended for a variety of EGR engines and SCR NOX engines with/without diesel particulate filter in combination with sulphur-free fuel, sulphate ash content ≤ 1%, expires 2022 |
| E11 | Replaces ACEA E9, SHPD (Super High Performance Diesel), Mid SAPS, for DPF, HTHS ≥ 3,5 mPas |
HTHS viscosity
Modern engines require oils with reduced high-temperature viscosity. This property is summarized by the term High-Temperature-High-Shear-Viscosity (HTHS). With these oils, the viscosity is reduced at high temperatures, which reduces the friction loss in the engine. The fuel is used more effectively, which means reduced fuel consumption for the same engine output.
Specifications according to API
API stands for American Petroleum Institute. The API classes describe the American requirements and quality criteria for engine oils. The specification for engine oils is divided into API S, API C and API F.
The letter "S" (Service) stands for petrol engines in passenger cars. The code letter "C" (Commercial) defines requirements for diesel engines in commercial vehicles and trucks. At the end of 2016, the API F standard was additionally introduced for commercial vehicles. The current specification API CK-4 was developed for backwards compatibility and for oils whose HTHS value is > 3.5 mPas. The oils with API FA-4 release are used in more modern engines. The HTHS value is between 2.9 and 3.2 mPas. The focus is clearly on further emission reduction.
Passenger car diesel engines are not classified via API, as these are hardly ever used in the USA. Letters S and C are continuously added with additional letters or numbers to update the standards. Currently API SP and API CK-4 are the most modern specifications. They are backwards compatible with earlier standards.
Specifications according to JASO
JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization) is an organization in Japan that defines its own oil specifications. For its part, the focus is on oils for two-stroke engines as well as four-stroke petrol engines and motorcycle engines. For example, special requirements are described for motorcycle oils used in engines with integrated transmissions (oil bath clutches). There is class JASO MA for oils recommended for oil bath clutch and class JASO MB for oils not recommended for oil bath clutches.
| JASO class | Engine type | Operating conditions |
|---|---|---|
| JASO MA1 | 4-stroke engine | Suitable for oil bath couplings |
| JASO MA2 | 4-stroke engine | Higher standard than MA1 |
| JASO MB | 4-stroke engine | Not suitable for oil bath couplings |
| JASO FA | 2-stroke engine | Light load |
| JASO FB | 2-stroke engine | Medium load |
| JASO FC | 2-stroke engine | Medium load and low smoke |
| JASO FD | 2-stroke engine | High load and low smoke |
Specifications according to ILSAC
ILSAC stands for International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee. The organization was founded by representatives of the American and Japanese vehicle manufacturers' associations and issues oil specifications primarily for Asian and American cars. The oil standards are based on the API, with the focus on petrol engines. The standards currently in use are ILSAC GF-5 and ILSAC GF-6, which is divided into 6A and 6B.
| ILSAC specification | Area of application/requirements |
|---|---|
| ILSAC GF-5 | corresponds approximately to the specifications of API SN |
| ILSAC GF-6A | for modern engines looking to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, backwards compatible with older specifications, handles viscosities 0W20 and above |
| ILSAC GF-6B | for modern engines that are looking to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, not backwards compatible with older specifications, handles viscosities below 0W20, e.g. 0W16 |
OEM approvals
Certain automobile manufacturers issue additional requirements to the international classifications and specifications. These are named after manufacturer-specific standards (e.g. BMW Longlife-04, MB release, Porsche A40 etc.).
| VW approvals | Field of application |
| VW 501 01 | Multigrade oils for petrol engines with normal replacement interval (max. 15,000 km or 1 year) with low performance, only for older models |
| VW 502 00 | Multigrade oils for gasoline engines with normal change interval (max. 15,000 km or 1 year) and high engine performance |
| VW 503 00 | Obsolete, replaced by VW 504 00 |
| VW 503 01 | Obsolete, replaced by VW 504 00 |
| VW 504 00 | For petrol engines with and without Longlife-Service |
| VW 505 00 | Multigrade oils for diesel engines with and without turbocharging |
| VW 505 01 | Multigrade oils for pump nozzle diesel engines |
| VW 506 00 | Obsolete, replaced by VW 507 00. |
| VW 506 01 | Obsolete, replaced by VW 507 00, but still mandatory for some older diesel engines |
| VW 507 00 | For DPF diesel vehicles with and without Longlife Service |
| VW 508 00 | For modern, fuel-efficient petrol engines with and without long-life service, not backward compatible with older specifications |
| VW 509 00 | For modern, fuel-efficient diesel engines with and without long-life service, not backward compatible with older specifications |
| Porsche approvals | Field of application |
| A40 | SAE 0W-40, SAE 5W-40 and SAE 5W-50 engine oils for all gasoline engines except gasoline Cayenne V6 and Hybrid |
| C30 | SAE 5W-30 engine oils for all diesel engines as well as gasoline engine Cayenne V6 and Hybrid |
| C20 | SAE 0W-20 engine oils for modern, fuel-efficient machines with long-life character |
More information about Porsche approvals.
| Mercedes Benz approvals | Field of application |
| MB 226.5 | M 281, M 200.71 Citanium |
| MB 226.51 | Diesel engines with particulate filter: OM 607 (passenger cars), 622 (Citan and Vito), 626 |
| MB 228.1 | Multigrade oil for diesel engines |
| DTFR 15B110 (MB 228.3) | Diesel engines without particulate filter: OM 640, 642, 646, 651 |
| DTFR 15B120 (MB 228.5) | Diesel engines without particulate filter: OM 640, 642, 646, 651 |
| DTFR 15C110 (MB 228.51) | Diesel engines without particulate filter: OM 640, 642, 646, 651 Diesel engines with particulate filter: OM 629, 640, 646, 651, 654, 660 |
| DTFR 15C130 (MB 228.61) | Diesel engines for commercial vehicles, low SAPS |
| MB 229.3 | Petrol engines: M 122, 272, 273, 113, 132, 266, 270, 271, 274 (except 213053), 276, 278, 281, 200.71 Citanium Diesel engines without particulate filter: OM 640, 642, 646, 651 |
| MB 229.31 | Petrol engines: M 132, 266, 271 Diesel engines without particulate filter: OM 640, 642, 646, 651 Diesel engines with particulate filter: OM 607 passenger cars, 626, 629, 640, 646, 654, 660 |
| MB 229.5 | Petrol engines: M 122, 132, 266, 272, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274 (except: 213053, 213153), 276, 278, 281, 200.71 Citanium Diesel engines without particulate filter: OM 640, 642, 646, 651 |
| MB 229.51 | Petrol engines: M 132, 256, 264, 266, 270, 271, 274 (except: 213053) Diesel engines without particulate filter: OM 640, 642, 646, 651 Diesel engines with particulate filter: OM 607 passenger cars, 626, 629, 640, 646, 651, 654, 660 |
| MB 229.52 | Petrol engines: M 176 in BR 222 and BR 217, 132, 256, 264, 266, 270, 271, 274 (except: 213053) Diesel engines without particulate filter: OM 640, 642, 646, 651, 660 Diesel engines with particulate filter: OM 607, 626, 629, 640, 642, 646, 651, 654, 656, 660 |
| MB 229.6 | Gasoline engines: M 270, 274 (except: 213053, 213153), 276, 278 |
| MB 229.61 | Petrol engines: M 176 in BR 222 and BR 217, 256, 264 Diesel engines with particulate filter: OM 654, 656 |
| MB 229.71 | Petrol engines: M 256, 264 Diesel engines with particulate filter: OM 654 |
| BMW approvals | Field of application |
| BMW Longlife-01 | Engine oils for selected gasoline and diesel engines (excluding DPF) from 2001 onwards |
| BMW Longlife-01 FE | Engine oils for selected gasoline engines |
| BMW Longlife-04 | Engine oils for selected engines with particulate filter and Euro 4 emission standard |
| BMW Longlife-12 FE | Engine oils for selected gasoline engines from MY 2002 onwards and selected diesel engines from MY 2014 onwards |
| BMW Longlife-14 FE+ | Engine oils for selected gasoline engines from MY 2014 onwards |
| BMW Longlife-17 FE+ | Oils with low HTHS viscosity of 2.6 mPa*s for special petrol engines from MY 2014 onwards |
Complete list of BMW specifications.
| Ford approvals | Field of application |
| WSS-M2C 913-D | Otto and diesel engines except KA TDCi before 2009, Galaxy 1.9 TDi and 2.5 Duratec-ST/RS, backward compatible with M2C 913-A, -B and -C |
| WSS-M2C 917-A | Petrol and diesel engines KA 2009 and Galaxy 1.9 TDI, meets requirements for ACEA A3/B4/C3 |
| WSS-M2C 925-B | Low-viscosity engine oil for selected gasoline engines, complies with ACEA A5/B5 |
| WSS-M2C 934-B | Diesel engines with DPF, complies with ACEA C1 |
| WSS-M2C 937-A | 2,5 Duratec-ST/RS engine, especially for Ford Focus |
| WSS-M2C 948-B | Low-viscosity engine oil for selected gasoline engines |
| WSS-M2C 950-A | Diesel engines of Mondeo and Focus models from MY 10/2014 up |
| WSS-M2C 952-A1 | For 1.5l DV Neo Diesel from MY 08/2017 up |
| WSS-M2C 956-A1 | Modern Ford specification for use in Ford Transit Connect/Tourneo Connect (V761), developed in cooperation with VW 508.00/ 509.00 |
See all Ford approvals for ADDINOL products.
| Opel approvals (GM) | Field of application |
| GM-LL-A-025 | Petrol engines until MY '11 with long change intervals, HTHS ≥ 2.9 mPas |
| GM-LL-B-025 | Diesel engines since MY '02 with long change intervals, HTHS ≥ 3.5 mPas, also suitable for petrol and diesel engines before MY '02 |
| dexos 2 | Gasoline and diesel engines with new exhaust aftertreatment systems such as DPF from MY '10 with long change intervals, HTHS ≥ 3.5 mPas, also suitable for some gasoline and diesel engines before MY '10 (dexos 1) |
| dexos 1 Gen2 | Special gasoline engines like 1.0L (LE1), 1.4L (LUJ), 1.4L (LE2), 1.5L (LFV) and 2.0L (LTG) |
| OV0401547-D30 | Modern Opel specification, improvement of OV0401547 for diesel engines |
| OV0401547-G30 | Modern Opel specification, improvement of OV0401547 for gasoline engines |
| OV0401547-A20 | Modern Opel specification for energy efficient engines, affects gasoline and diesel engines |
All approved engine oils from ADDINOL for Opel.
| Peugeot approvals | Field of application |
| B71 2010 | Fuel-efficient oils with viscosity 0W20 for modern engines (petrol and diesel) from 2018 onwards |
| B71 2290 | 5W-30 synthetic environmentally friendly, models from Euro 5 (from ORGA/DAM 11788: see tyre pressure sticker) |
| B71 2295 | 15W-40 mineral, models from Euro 5 (from OGA/DAM 11788: see tyre pressure sticker) |
| B71 2296 | 5W-40 and 0W-30 synthetic, models from Euro 5 (from OGA/DAM 11788: see tyre pressure sticker) |
| B71 2300 | High SAPS, based on ACEA A3/B4, PSA Level 2 |
| B71 2312 | Low SAPS, based on ACEA C1/C2 |
All Peugeot approvals.
| Renault approvals | Field of application |
| RN0700 | Production date after 08.10.2007: petrol naturally aspirated engine, E85 with naturally aspirated engine, engine K9K without DPF with maintenance interval 20,000 km/1 year, production date 01.01.2001 to 08.10.2007: Laguna III K4M, Laguna III M4R |
| RN0710 | Production date after 08.10.2007: Renault Sport petrol, petrol engine with turbocharger, diesel without DPF, engine G9T with DPF, Clio III K4M with more than 88 kW, production date 01.01.2001 to 08.10.2007: Laguna III M9R without DPF, Laguna III F4R with turbocharger Dacia Logan, Sandero, Duster: diesel engine without DPF produced from 12.01.2009 |
| RN0720 | Production date after 08.10.2007: Diesel with DPF, production date after 08.10.2007 and before 28.05.2008: Laguna III K9K, production date after 08.10.2007 and before 08.09.2008: Kangoo II K9K without DPF and more than 73 kW, production date 01.01.2001 to 08.10.2007: Laguna III M9R with DPF Dacia Logan, Sandero, Duster: Diesel engine with DPF |
| RN17 | Suitable for petrol engines and Euro 6 diesel engines. The specification has been developed for turbocharged direct injection petrol engines (TGDI) and includes protection of the petrol particulate filter (GPF). RN17 replaces the RN0700 and RN0710 specifications and is backward compatible. Designed for SAE 0W30. |
| RN17 RSA | Suitable for petrol engines with or without a petrol particulate filter. Similar to RN17 standard, but designed for SAE 0W40. |
| Renault VI RLD-2 | Engine oil for trucks with diesel engines. |
| Fiat approvals | Field of application |
| 9.55535 D2 | Standard engine oil for diesel engines, Euro 5 engines, 10W-40 or 15W40, HTHS > 3.5 mPas, change interval 20,000 km/1 year |
| 9.55535 DM1 | Mid-SAPS fuel-efficient oil with low viscosity for modern diesel engines |
| 9.55535 DS1 | For certain gasoline engines, corresponds to ACEA C2 |
| 9.55535 DSX | For modern diesel engines, corresponds to ACEA C2 |
| 9.55535 G1 | Low-viscosity engine oil for gasoline engines, Euro 5 engines, 0W-30 or 5W-30, HTHS > 2.9 mPas, change interval 30,000 km/2 years |
| 9.55535 G2 | Standard engine oil for gasoline engines, Euro 5 engines, 10W-40 or 15W-40, HTHS > 3.5 mPas, change interval 20,000 km/1 year |
| 9.55535 GS1 | For certain gasoline engines, corresponds to ACEA C2 |
| 9.55535 GSX | Fuel-saving engine oil that meets the requirements of the latest generation of gasoline engines with Euro 6 exhaust emission standard |
| 9.55535 H2 | High-performance engine oil for gasoline engines with large change interval, Euro 5 engines, 5W40, HTHS > 3.5 mPas, change interval 30,000 km/2 years |
| 9.55535 H3 | High-performance engine oil for gasoline engines, especially for Abarth models, 10W-60, HTHS > 3.5 mPas, change interval 20,000 km/1 years |
| 9.55535 M2 | Engine oil for petrol and diesel engines with large change interval, Euro 4 engines, 0W40 or 5W40, HTHS > 3.5 mPas, change interval 30,000 km/2 years |
| 9.55535 N2 | Engine oil for turbocharged petrol and diesel engines with large change interval, Euro 4 engines, 5W40, HTHS > 3.5 mPas, change interval 30,000 km/2 years |
| 9.55535 S1 | Engine oil for turbocharged petrol and diesel engines with large change interval, Euro 5 engines, 5W30, HTHS 2.9-3.5 mPas, Mid-SAPS oil, change interval 30,000 km/2 years |
| 9.55535 S2 | Engine oil for gasoline engines with large change interval, Euro 5 engines, 5W-40, HTHS > 3.5 mPas, Mid-SAPS oil, change interval 30,000 km/2 years |
| 9.55535 Z2 | High-performance engine oil for turbocharged petrol and diesel engines with large change interval, Euro 5 engines, 0W40 or 5W40, HTHS > 3.5 mPas, change interval 30,000 km/2 years |
Learn more about Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia approvals.
| Volvo approvals | Field of application |
| VCC RB20-2AE | Modern, energy-efficient car engines |
| VCC 95200356 | Low-viscosity engine oil for petrol and diesel engines |
| VDS-3 | Engine oil for selected diesel engines in trucks |
| VDS-4 | Engine oil for selected diesel engines in trucks |
| VDS-4.5 | Engine oil for selected diesel engines in trucks |
Learn more about Volvo approvals.
What you need to keep in mind:
Depending on the design, an engine has different demands on an engine oil. The oil quality and necessary replacement intervals are determined by the vehicle manufacturers in test procedures taking into account the oil filter system, metallurgy and the design of the engine components. Therefore, always follow the manufacturer's approvals and recommendations to avoid damage and to maintain warranty claims. The approvals can be found in the operating manual of your motor vehicle. An authorised workshop can also advise you in the case of uncertainty.
