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0W-40 and 5W-40 are used almost exclusively in Europe. All synthetic, of course.
In the US, due to MUCH better base oil quality, people still use mostly non-synthetic oil. Since about 1993, US non-synthetics oils use Group II/II+ stocks, which makes them much more similar to Group III/IV/V synthetics. The first facility to make Group II stocks in Europe is scheduled to open in 2004 in Greece. To obtain adequate performace required by most European manufacturers (ACEA A3/B3), repair facilities use mostly synthetics oil. Also, the "standard" requirement of European automakers is ACEA A3/B3, which basically prevents the use of ??W-30 oils. Asia makes sold in Europe require ACEA A1/B1, which are mostly ??W-30.
I North America, European manufacturers accept oils that have API SH/SJ/SL rating for service. This is a COMPROMISE, given the fact that the only ACEA A3/B3 oils available in this market can be bought at their own dealers exclusively. For example, Mobil 1 OW-40 is available ONLY through Mercedes and Porsche dealers in the US.
Recently ??W-40 synthetic oils have become available for heavy-duty oil consumers. My guess is that heavy-duty engine requirements are such that a similar compromise cannot be made. Therefore, some diesel engine OEMs recommend using 5W-40 synthetic oils. Therefore, oils like Delvac 1 and Shell Rotella T 5W-40 have become quite widely available in the US. You can even buy Rotella T Synthetic 5W-40 at Wal-Mart.
ACEA A3/B3 oils ARE available in the US, they are just harder to find and your choices are severely limited. Commonly available are Mobil 1 15W-50, Valvoline Semi-Synthetic 10W-40, Quaker State 5W-50, Castrol Syntec 5W-50. These are avialable at any Wal-Mart. Others are a little harder to find. For example, Kendall 5W-40, Valvoline 5W-40, Liqui Moly 0W-40/5W-40... I believe that regular Mobil 1 5W-30/10W-30 does provide adequate protection, especially with frequent changes required by SAAB USA. However, the people who drive fast all the time would be better served by an ACEA A3/B3 rated oil. For these, you can go to your SAAB/BMW/Porsche/etc. dealer and buy their private label 0W-40 or 5W-40 oil. Or you can try mail order places. For example, ips-parts.com carries excellent Lubro Moly (Liqui Moly) 0W-40/5W-40 synthetic oil imported from Germany. It's more expensive, though.
posted by 66.152.24...
, Wed, 24 Jul 2002 14:49:49, Thu, 25 Jul 2002 08:37:36, Wed, 24 Jul 2002 14:55:06
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