September 2010

Oil specifications are changing Comma explains the changes so you can fit with confidence! Engine oil standards are changing. The representative body for all the major European automobile constructors (ACEA) has introduced a new set of standards and classifications. All manufacturers claiming ACEA specifications must adhere. As always, Comma’s engine oils meet these standards. The latest engine oil specifications for European cars take full effect at the end of 2010. In this guide we explain the changes and their implications for technicians. ACEA sets the standards for and coordinates European engine lubricant specifications. Significant changes to the ACEA European Oil specifications – officially known as ‘the sequences’ – come into full effect on December 22nd 2010. Any products claiming ACEA specifications which are manufactured after this date need to meet the new standards. You’ll be familiar with the ACEA coding categories from the information appearing on most oil packaging labels – for example ACEA A3, B3, C3 etc. (see page 8 for a guide to engine oil claims and specifications). Derived from a series of demanding engine tests, the ACEA sequences have been updated a number of times since they were created in 1996 but the latest changes are by far the most significant and challenging to date.

Individual engine tests have been upgraded to keep abreast of: • developments in engine design and contemporary manufacturing technologies, e.g. finer machining tolerances • the use of new materials and more durable components • across the board increases in specific power outputs • European environmental policy regarding emissions and extended oil servicing intervals. These tests also play a crucial role in protecting exhaust after-treatment units such as 3-way catalytic converters (CAT) and diesel particulate filters (DPF), which is a critical factor in enabling manufacturers to meet strict EU legislation covering new vehicle emission control standards.

Contents

Page

MS01617

The Main Improvements to ACEA .......................................................... 2 Updates to Comma Ranges ..................................................................... 3-5 FAQs ............................................................................................................................................ 6-7 Specifications Explained .................................................................................... 8

Comma’s latest engine oil specifications explained inside…

The Main Improvements to ACEA In the following pages we show you how and where the new specifications relate to all the products in Comma's Performance Motor Oil, X-Flow, Commercial Vehicle and Consumer oil ranges. We have also included a comprehensive Q&A section, a guide to the full range of ACEA and API specifications, as well as a table listing all the most common manufacturer specifications that you are likely to encounter.

Wear Protection

A3/B4 (Chart 1)

Sludge Handling

Low SAPS

New

Old

Within the latest ACEA changes, the following areas have been significantly improved:

Piston Deposits

Fuel Economy

• Improved wear protection focussing on cam, tappet and cylinder protection • Sludge handling performance Oxidation

• Piston cleanliness. The spider charts shown on the right illustrate the improvements offered by the latest ACEA specifications. The A & B sequences have been merged and can no longer be claimed separately meaning that where you see A you will now always see B and vice versa. At a technical level, some new chemical restrictions have been applied to the newly merged A/B sequences that now clearly separate them from their low SAPS counterparts. In effect, ACEA has made it almost impossible to make A/B and C claims all on the same oil. The A2, B2 & E2 sequences have been discontinued and can no longer be claimed. E3 and E5 have also been phased out having been marked for discontinuation in a previous update. That leaves E7 as the lowest sequence for heavy duty diesel oils. The introduction of the new E9 sequence completes the picture for commercial vehicles.

Additional sludge handling, wear protection and piston deposits brought about by the merging of the A3/B4 sequences. Wear Protection

ACEA C3 (Chart 2)

Sludge Handling

Low SAPS

New

Old Piston Deposits

Fuel Economy

The engine test for wear has also been changed, requiring significantly improved protection against cam, tappet and cylinder wear. The jump from E2 to E7 also represents a significant increase in base performance in the heavy duty diesel oil category.

KEY Light colours – ACEA sequence protection, pre the latest revisions Dark colours – ACEA sequence protection, post the latest revision

2

Soot Handling

Oxidation

Additional sludge handling, wear protection and piston deposits on the Low SAPS C3 sequence. Wear Protection

ACEA E2 Vs E7 These diagrams illustrate the improved range of protections provided by each category. You will see improved sludge handling performance, wear protection and piston cleanliness in most A & B sequences.

Soot Handling

(Chart 3) Low SAPS

Bore Polish

E7 E2 Piston Deposits

Oxidation

Corrosion

Soot Handling

The rise from E2 to E7 brings about better soot handling, reduces corrosion, piston deposits and general wear.

Performance Motor Oil

Ecolife 5w-30 • Fully synthetic high performance

EcoRen 5w-30 • Fully synthetic high performance 5w-30 low SAPS oil.

5w-30 low SAPS oil. • Specially formulated for the latest petrol and diesel vehicles fitted with exhaust after treatment units that require an ACEA C1 grade. • Suitable for certain Land Rover, Mazda, Jaguar and Mitsubishi models. Pack sizes – 1L, 5L Specifications ACEA C1, Ford WSS-M2C934-B

• Specially formulated for the latest petrol and diesel vehicles fitted with exhaust after-treatment units that require an ACEA C4 grade. • Suitable for certain Renault models. Pack sizes – 1L, 5L Specifications ACEA C4, Renault RN0720

So how do these changes impact the Comma PMO range? PRODUCT

OLD SPECIFICATIONS

NEW SPECIFICATIONS

Prolife 5w30 Fully Synthetic

ACEA A3 B4 C3 VW 504 00/ VW 507 00

VW 504 00 / VW 507 00, BMW LL-04, MB 229.51

Ecolife 5w30 Fully Synthetic

ACEA C1 FORD WSS-M2C934-B

Pro-Tech 5w30 Fully Synthetic

ACEA A5 B5 C2, API SM CF PEUGEOT & CITROEN

ACEA C2, API SM CF PEUGEOT & CITROEN

Syner-Z 5w30 Fully Synthetic

ACEA A3 B3 B4 C3, API SM CF BMW LL-04, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00, MB 229.31 / MB 229.51

ACEA C3, API SM CF BMW LL-04, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00 / VW 505 01, MB 229.31 / MB 229.51, dexos-2

EcoRen 5w30 Fully Synthetic

ACEA C4 RN0720

Longlife 5w30 Fully Synthetic

ACEA A3 B3 B4, API SM CF GM-LL-A-025 / GM-LL-B-025, MB 229.3, BMW LL-01, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00

ACEA A3/B4, API SL CF GM-LL-A-025 / GM-LL-B-025, MB 229.5, BMW LL-01, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00, RN0700

Xtech 5w30 Fully Synthetic

ACEA A1 B1, API SL CF FORD WSS M2C913-B, ZETEC

ACEA A5/B5, API SL CF FORD WSS-M2C913-C, ZETEC, DURATEC & DURATORQ

Syner-G 5w40 Fully Synthetic

ACEA A3 B3 B4, API SM CF MB 229.1/MB 229.3, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00, BMW LL-98, Porsche

ACEA A3/B4, API SM CF MB 229.1/MB 229.3, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00, BMW LL-98, RN0700/RN0710, Porsche

Syner-D 5w40 Fully Synthetic

ACEA A3 B3 B4, API CF MB 229.3, VW 505 00, BMW LL-98

ACEA A3/B4, API SM CF MB 229.1/MB 229.3, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00, BMW LL-98, RN0700/RN0710

Diesel PD 5w40 Fully Synthetic

ACEA B3, API CF VW 505 01, FORD WSS M2C917-A, VW 505 00 / VW 500 00, MB 229.1

ACEA C3, API SM CF VW 505 01, FORD WSS-M2C917-A, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00, BMW LL-04, MB 229.31

Eurolite 10w40 Semi Synthetic

ACEA A3 B3, API SL CF MB 229.1, VW 502 00

ACEA A3/B4, API SL CF MB 229.1, VW 501 01 / VW 505 00

Diesel Lite 10w40 Semi Synthetic

ACEA B3 B4, API CF

ACEA A3/B4, API SL CF MB 229.1, VW 501 01/VW 505 00

Eurodiesel 15w40 Semi Synthetic

ACEA B3 B4 E3, API CF CG-4 MB 228.3, MB 229.1, VW 505 00

ACEA A3/B4, API SL CF CG-4 MB 228.3, MB 229.1, VW 505 00

XT2000 15w40 Semi Synthetic

ACEA A3 B3, API SL CF

ACEA A3/B3, API SL CF MB 229.1, VW 501 01 / VW 505 00

Motorsport 5w50 Fully Synthetic

SUITABLE FOR REPLACING ACEA A3, B3, API-SL, CF, SAE-5W40, 10W40 & 15W40 OILS IN MOTORSPORT APPLICATIONS

SUITABLE FOR REPLACING ACEA A3, B3, API-SL, CF, SAE-5W40, 10W40 & 15W40 OILS IN MOTORSPORT APPLICATIONS

Specifications removed for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers’ update

Specifications added for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers’ update

3

X-Flow Oil Type F Plus • Fully synthetic to help keep engines clean, prolong engine life and reduce emissions. • Suitable for petrol and diesel vehicles including fuel injected, multi valved and turbo charged. • Suitable for Zetec, DuraTec and DuraTorq engines pre 2009.

Pack sizes – 5L, 25L, 199L Specifications ACEA A1/B1 API SL CF Ford WSS-M2C913-A/WSS-M2C913-B

So how do these changes impact the X-Flow Oils? PRODUCT

OLD SPECIFICATIONS

NEW SPECIFICATIONS

Type F Plus 5w30 Fully Synthetic

ACEA A1/B1 API SL CF Ford WSS-M2C913-A/WSS-M2C913-B (Suitable for Zetec, DuraTec & DuraTorq engines pre 2009)

Type LL 5w30 Fully Synthetic

ACEA A3/B3 A3/B4 API SL CF GM-LL-A-025 / GM-LL-B-025, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00

ACEA A3/B3 A3/B4 API SL CF GM-LL-A-025 / GM-LL-B-025, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00

Type PD 5w40 Fully Synthetic

ACEA A3/B3 A3/B4 API SL CF VW 505 01, FORD WSS-M2C917-A

ACEA C3 API SL CF VW 505 01, FORD WSS-M2C917-A

Type G 5w40 Fully Synthetic

ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF MB 229.1, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00

ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF MB 229.1, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00

Type F 5w30 Semi Synthetic

ACEA A1/B1 API SL CF SUITABLE FOR FORD ZETEC ENGINES

ACEA A1/B1 API SL CF SUITABLE FOR FORD ZETEC ENGINES

Type S 10w40 Semi Synthetic

ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF MB 229.1, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00

ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF MB 229.1, VW 501 01 / VW 505 00

Type MF 15w40 Mineral

ACEA A3/B3/E2 API SL CF CG-4 MB 228.1, MB 229.1, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00, Volvo VDS, MAN 271, ALLISON C4

ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF CG-4 MB 228.1, MB 229.1, VW 501 01 / VW 505 00

Specifications removed for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers’ update

Specifications added for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers’ update

Commercial Vehicle Oil So how do these changes impact the Commercial Vehicle Oils? PRODUCT

OLD SPECIFICATIONS

NEW SPECIFICATIONS

Ultra Diesel 10w40 Fully Synthetic

ACEA E4 E6 E7 Volvo VDS-3, MAN 3477, MB 228.5 MAN 3277, MTU Type 3, Renault RXD, RLD-2, MB228.51

ACEA E4 E6 E7 API CI-4 Volvo VDS-3, MAN 3477, MB 228.5 MAN 3277, MTU Type 3, Renault RXD, RLD-2, MB 228.51, Scania Low Ash

Advanced Diesel 10w40 Semi Synthetic

ACEA A3 B3 A3 B4 E3 E5 E7 API SL CF CI-4 Volvo VDS-3, MB 228.3, MB 229.1, MAN M3275, MTU Type 2, Renault RVI RLD, RLD-2, Cummins CES 20071 72 76 77 78, Mack EO-M+, Scania LDF-2

ACEA A3 B4 E7, API SL CF CI-4 Volvo VDS-3, MB 228.3, MB 229.1, MAN M3275, MTU Type 2, Renault RVI RLD, RLD-2, Cummins CES 20071 72 76 77 78, Mack EO-M+

Super Diesel 15w40 Advanced Mineral

ACEA A3 B3 B4 E5 API SL CF CH-4 Volvo VDS-2, MAN 3275, MB 228.3, MB229.1, Cummins CES 20071 72 76 77 78, Renault RLD, Mack EO-M+, MTU Type 2, CAT ECF-1a

ACEA A3/B4/E7, API SL CF CI-4 Volvo VDS-3, MAN 3275, MB 228.3, MB229.1, Cummins CES 20071 72 76 77 78, Renault RLD, Mack EO-M+, MTU Type 2, CAT ECF-1a

Super Diesel SHPD 20w50 Advanced Mineral

ACEA A3 B3 E3 API SL CF CG-4 MB 228.3, MB 229.1, MAN 3275

ACEA A3 B3 E3-level, API SL CF CG-4 MB 228.3, MB 229.1, MAN 3275

Multilube 10w30 All purpose lubricant

ACEA E3 API CG-4 GL-4 MB 227.1

ACEA E3-level API CG-4 GL-4 MB 227.1

Specifications removed for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers’ update

4

Specifications added for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers’ update

Consumer Oil

MAX Longlife 5w30 • Fully synthetic to help keep engines

MAX PD 5w40 • Fully synthetic to help keep engines

clean, prolong engine life and reduce emissions. • Specially formulated to meet the needs of GM/Vauxhall/Opel petrol and diesel vehicles operating with extended drain intervals.

clean, prolong engine life and reduce emissions. • Specially formulated to meet the needs of VW/Audi group vehicles fitted with PD or unit injector engines

Pack sizes – 1L, 5L Specifications ACEA A3/B3 A3/B4 API SL CF GM-LL-A-025 / GM-LL-B-025, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00

Pack sizes – 1L, 5L Specifications ACEA C3 API SL CF VW 505 01, FORD WSS-M2C917-A

So how do these changes impact the Consumer Oils? PRODUCT

OLD SPECIFICATIONS

NEW SPECIFICATIONS

Max Longlife 5w30 Fully Synthetic

ACEA A3/B3 A3/B4 API SL CF GM-LL-A-025 GM-LL-B-025, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00

Max PD 5w40 Fully Synthetic

ACEA C3 API SL CF VW 505 01, FORD WSS-M2C917-A

Ultra Lite 5w40 Fully Synthetic

ACEA A3 B3 API SL CF MB 229.1, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00

ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF MB 229.1, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00

Eurotech 5w30 Semi Synthetic

ACEA A1 B1 API SL CF SUITABLE FOR FORD ZETEC

ACEA A1/B1 API SL CF SUITABLE FOR FORD ZETEC

Lite 10w40 Semi Synthetic

ACEA A3 B3 API SL CF MB 229.1, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00

ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF MB 229.1, VW 501 01 / VW 505 00

Turbo Diesel 15w40 Semi Synthetic

ACEA A3 B3 API CF-4 CF MB 228.3, MB 229.1, VOLVO VDS2

ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF CF-4 MB 228.3, MB 229.1, VW 505 00

Super 15w40 Enhanced Mineral

ACEA A3 B3 API SL MB 229.1, VW 505 00

ACEA A3 B3 API SL MB 229.1, VW 501 01

Sonic 20w50 Enhanced Mineral

ACEA A2 B2 API SL CF

ACEA A3 B3 API SL CF

Specifications removed for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers’ update

Specifications added for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers’ update

5

Remove the confusion with Comma’s FAQ’s Significant changes to ACEA’s European Oil specifications will come into full effect on December 22nd. The latest changes are the most demanding since the ACEA specifications were created in 1996. This is not the first time improvements have been made to specifications: the previous set took effect in 2007. Any engine oils making an ACEA claim and leaving the manufacturer from December 22nd 2010 onwards must be compliant with the new specifications. The significance for independent distributors and workshop technicians is to underline yet again the vital importance of accurate and up-to-date application data, an area where Comma leads the aftermarket.

Changes in engine oil standards

Q A

I’ve heard that new engine oil standards are about to be introduced. Is that true? Yes. Significant changes to ACEA’s European oil specifications become effective on December 22nd 2010. The latest changes are the most demanding since the ACEA specifications were created in 1996.

Q A

I’m not sure I understand ACEA. What does it stand for?

Q A Q A Q A Q A

Q A

6

It’s the representative body of all the major European Automobile Manufacturers, officially entitled Association des Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles.....ACEA And what does ACEA do? A major area of its work is to set the standards for and to coordinate European engine lubricant specifications, officially known as the ‘sequences’. You’ll recognise the ACEA coding categories from the information appearing on most oil packaging labels – for example ACEA A3, B3, C3 etc. Why does ACEA keep changing them? Because lubricants have to keep pace with advances in engine technology such as finer machining tolerances, the use of new materials, greatly increased specific power output and, increasingly, EU legislation demanding strict vehicle emissions control standards for new vehicles.

Q A

Q A Q A

Do ACEA’s changes in any way affect the API (American Petroleum Institute) claims that also frequently appear on oil containers alongside the ACEA categories? No. Not at all. How does ACEA decide on and arrive at a new set of standards? By defining a series of stringent engine tests. The tests are actually carried out by a technical association of members representing the major European oil producers called ATIEL – officially entitled l’Association Technique de l'Industrie Européenne des Lubrifiants. To claim ACEA, it is necessary to manufacture engine lubricants to ATIEL standards, which Comma rigorously observes in all its blending and production processes. For complete authenticity and traceability, samples of every Comma production batch are retained for at least a year after blending. Do the new ACEA standards apply only to new vehicles? All new cars and LCVs manufactured in Europe will be factoryfilled with engine lubricants conforming to the new standards, and should be serviced/re-filled accordingly in the future. The new ACEA standard oils are also 100% suitable for use in all vehicles manufactured prior to the introduction of the new standards.

So what are the new changes? ACEA has focused on creating higher quality lubricants with the introduction of more stringent testing, for example some tests now have to be run with fuel containing a biodiesel component. The sludge handling performance, diesel wear protection and piston cleanliness targets of most oils in the “A” and “B” sequences have been significantly increased. This is achieved by higher levels of oxidation stability in the oils. The engine test that examines engine wear has also been changed, with the new test requiring significantly higher levels of protection against cam, tappet and cylinder wear. Anything else I should know? Yes, the detail of the changes are very technical, and for that reason, probably best left to the oil chemists! For aftermarket distributors/the professional workshop technician the important things to know are that the changes make it impossible to claim “A” and ”B” separately and (almost) impossible to claim “A”/”B” and “C” on the same oil. What about the “E” category Heavy Duty Diesel Engine oils. Any changes there? All oils employ the more demanding wear test, but perhaps the biggest impact on the “E” sequences is that the E2 category has been dropped. E7 was introduced some years ago to replace and incorporate all the benefits of E1, E3 and E5. Therefore, E7 is now the lowest level of Heavy Duty diesel oil performance recognized by ACEA. Meantime, E4 is an early version of a high performance long drain product which has been largely superceded by later developments. E6 is a ‘low SAPS’ version of E4. (Note: Comma also sells a product defined as ‘E3 Level’, which is not an ACEA specification, but has been formulated to service some older HD diesel engines still widely in service in some – mostly East European – countries).

Manufacturer specific oils

Q A Q A

Will the new sequences have any influence on ‘manufacturer specific’ oils? Yes, some, but not very many in terms of applications. Various OEMs have taken the opportunity to update some of their specifications and the ACEA levels needed to meet their compliance requirements. For example? VW now only consider 0W or 5W oils meeting the revised ACEA A3/B4 for their 502 00 claim. The relevant VW specification for 10W and 15W oils in petrol applications is VW 501 01. This affects all current manufacturers and for Comma will mean that some 10W products will no longer carry the VW 502 00 claim but will have VW 501 01 instead. Overall however, there are very few changes in the new Comma application data.

How the changes affect the Comma range

Q A Q A

Is Ford policing its latest WSS-M2C913-C specification? Yes, and very closely. Comma’s fully compliant product is Xtech 5w-30. Ford introduced WSS-M2C913-C to give blanket application coverage for virtually all its petrol and diesel models. The very few exceptions include the PD (Pumpe Düse) diesel-engined Galaxy and some high performance Ford models intended principally for motorsport. WSS-M2C913-C is fully backward compatible (with WSS-M2C913-B applications). What about GM’s dexos 2? Earlier this year, GM introduced dexos 2, its own oil specification for all petrol and diesel engined models in its European ranges – Vauxhall, Opel, SAAB – to provide the same sort of blanket coverage as Ford’s brand-specific product (above). Syner-Z 5w-30 is Comma’s fully compliant dexos 2 product. GM’s dexos 2 is fully backwardly compatible (with GM-LL-A-025 and GM-LL-B-025 applications).

Servicing issues

Q A

Q A

Q A Q A Q A

If I don’t use the latest ACEA spec. oil, will it invalidate a warranty? Many vehicle manufacturers now make the use of their own vehicle or engine specific oil(s) a warranty-critical requirement. This will be indicated in the vehicle’s service manual and – for your own protection – should be systematically complied with. Wherever a manufacturer/engine specific oil is required, it will in any case also meet ACEA’s updated sequences, so best practice is always to use an oil that meets the vehicle manufacturers’ specifications. By using Comma oils as specified in our 2010/11 application guide, your customer’s warranty will not be invalidated. What does low SAPS mean?

Q A

I have an older version of the Comma Application guide, can I continue to use this? Whilst there are no application/service issues, it is always recommended that you use the latest guide which would provide you with the greatest number of vehicle applications up to model year 2010. Also Comma’s written guarantee covers you for using the latest guide.

What to remember

Q A

How can I remember everything? You can’t possibly be expected to! Our intention in this Q & A is simply to keep you informed about the important changes that are taking effect. Our more important mission is to supply you with the appropriate ACEA products and application tools to ensure that you continue to service and care for your customers’ vehicles in line with best practice and in compliance with vehicle manufacturers’ requirements. We repeat, many vehicle manufacturers now make the use of oils that meet their strict vehicle/engine specific specifications a warranty-critical condition. So, not only does Comma provide you with the aftermarket’s most comprehensive and up-to-date oils application data* (we do the same for coolants as well, by the way) we also cover over 6,500 applications with our written guarantee. Application Comma offers extensive application data in various formats, including printed guides, electronic and online at www.CommaOil.com, helping you to select the right products for your customers’ cars. Product Guarantee

It’s the category of oils defined as ‘Catalyst Compatible’ – i.e. the ACEA “C” class in the case of petrol and diesel engined cars and light vans. SAPS is the acronym for Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus and Sulphur, all of which pose a severe threat to the efficiency and longevity of expensive catalytic converters (CATs) in petrol engines and diesel particulate filters (DPFs) in diesel engines. I have some older stock: is this an issue? No. There are no application/servicing issues. You can continue to use your current stock and Comma’s guarantee will continue to cover you. What if I use a new application guide with existing stock? There are no application/servicing issues.

Comma stands behind every product listed in its application guides with a written performance guarantee. This guarantee provides you and your customers with complete confidence in the quality and suitability of our products. If you would like a copy of the guarantee to display in your premises simply contact Comma Customer Services. * Comma’s application data has been fully updated to reflect all the latest ACEA changes. It will be available in hard copy form in the 2010/11 Comma Workshop Application Guide & Product Catalogue, available in November and online through the vehicle registration look-up facility at www.CommaOil.com

When will the website and electronic application systems such as ‘AutoCat’ be updated?

For more information, Comma has produced an updated training module. We are available to train your staff to give them a detailed understanding of the latest technologies so that they can help you to sell Comma oils confidently and profitably. Contact Comma Customer Services for further details.

New application data will be available on www.CommaOil.com and other electronic data systems from November 2010.

T: 01474 564 311 E: [email protected] www.CommaOil.com

7

A Guide to Engine Oil Claims and Specifications All engine oils manufactured by Comma are produced in accordance with the European Engine Lubricants Quality Management Systems (EELQMS) managed by ATIEL (Technical Association of the European Lubricants Industry) and covered by a strict auditing programme. ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles) or European Automobile Manufacturers Association, covers major manufacturers producing vehicles in Europe & Japan. ACEA specifications are more relevant to the European car parc. They designate engine oil applications with letters: A/B = For petrol and diesel engines in cars and light commercial vehicles. A1/B1

For use in petrol and diesel engines that have been specifically designed to use a low viscosity/low friction oil.

A3/B3

For general usage in a wide range of petrol and diesel engines. Typically used in older vehicles.

A3/B4

For use in high performance petrol and direct injection diesel engines, but also suitable for applications described under A3/B3.

A5/B5

For use at extended drain intervals in high performance petrol and diesel engines that are specifically designed to use a low viscosity/low friction oil. Offers 2.5% reduction in fuel consumption over a 15w40.

C = For cars fitted with exhaust after-treatment devices. Low SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulphur).

OEM Claims (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Vehicle Manufacturers are now demanding oils meeting their own specifications: Mercedes Benz Specifications MB 228.1

Multigrade engine oils for turbo-charged diesel engines.

MB 228.3

SHPD (Super High Performance Diesels) for highly turbo charged diesel engines. Extended service intervals up to 45,000 km. UHPD (Ultra High Performance Diesels) for highly turbo charged diesels. Extended oil service intervals in light duty diesels up to 45,000 km, Up to 160,000 km in heavy duty diesels with service interval displays. UHPD engines, particularly those fitted with diesel particulate filters on Euro IV engines.

MB 228.5

MB 228.51 MB 229.1

Engine oil for petrol & diesel engines. More stringent requirements than ACEA A2/A3 B2/B3.

MB 229.3

Fully synthetic oils for 100 & 600 engines. Similar to 229.1 but with extended service intervals – 30,000 km.

MB 229.31

Engine oils for cars with exhaust after-treatment devices. Low ash content required.

C1

For use in high performance petrol and diesel engines where Advanced after-treatment devices such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and 3-Way Catalysts are used. Low sulphated ash (≤0.5%).

C2

For use in high performance petrol and diesel engines where Advanced after-treatment devices such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and 3-Way Catalysts are used. Low sulphated ash (≤0.8%).

MB 229.5

Engine oils for cars with extended service intervals – 20,000km.

MB 229.51

Engine oils for cars with exhaust after-treatment devices and extended drain intervals 20,000 km.

For use in high performance petrol and diesel engines where Advanced after-treatment devices such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and 3-Way Catalysts are used. Low sulphated ash (≤0.8%).

BMW Specifications BMW Longlife-98

For all BMW vehicles from 1998 to 2000. Can also be used in place of BMW Spezial.

For use in high performance petrol and diesel engines where Advanced after-treatment devices such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and 3-Way Catalysts are used. Low sulphated ash (≤0.5%).

BMW Longlife-01

For all BMW vehicles from 2001 until 2003. Can also be used in place of Longlife-98 and Spezial.

BMW Longlife-04

For all BMW vehicles from 2004 with exhaust after-treatment devices & extended service intervals.

C3

C4

E = For Heavy Duty Commercial vehicles. E1

No longer valid.

Volkswagen (VW/Audi Group) Specifications

E2

No longer valid. Regular basic grade for heavy duty vehicles.

VW 501 01

E3

No longer valid. Improved protection / Long drain over E2. E3-Level can still be claimed in certain cases.

Multigrade engine oils without low viscosity characteristics for petrol and normally aspirated diesel engines.

VW 502 00

E5

No longer valid. Improved protection / Long drain over E3. Superseded by E7.

Low viscosity oils for petrol engines operated in difficult conditions.

E7

Higher performance version of E5. For engines without DPFs, most engines with EGRs & SCR. Suitable for EURO V engines.

E4

Improved protection / Long drain over E3. Suitable for EURO V engines.

E6

Low emissions version of E4, for vehicles with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGRs), with or without DPFs & SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction). Suitable for EURO V engines. Low emissions version of E7, for vehicles with advanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGRs), with or without DPFs & SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction). Suitable for EURO V engines.

VW 505 01

All season engine oil for Pumpe Düse (PD) engines.

VW 506 00

For diesel engines with extended service intervals 50,000km or 2 years.

VW 506 01

For PD engines on extended service intervals including some specialist applications.

VW 507 00

Latest diesel specification for vehicles with or without Longlife service and fitted with exhaust after-treatment devices.

E9

API (American Petroleum Institute) defines the American requirements and quality criteria. Specifications cover the petrol car market and commercial diesel market. There is no specification for diesel cars . Current API claims are SM for petrol and CI-4 for diesel. S = Service Classification Petrol Engines ("Spark")

VW 503 00

Surpasses 502 00, offers extended drain 30,000 km or 2 years.

VW 503 01

For turbo charged gasoline engines on extended service intervals including some specialist applications.

VW 504 00

Latest petrol specification for vehicles with or without Longlife service intervals.

VW 505 00

All season engine oil for diesel engines.

Ford Specifications Ford WSS-M2C913-A

For all automotive engines currently in use. Introduced in 2004, SM oils are designed to provide improved oxidation resistance, improved deposit protection, better wear protection, and better low-temperature performance over the life of the oil.

For Ford petrol and diesel engines from 1998. Superseded by Ford WSS-M2C913-B.

Ford WSS-M2C913-B

SL

For 2004 and older automotive engines.

Ford WSS-M2C913-C

For Ford petrol and diesel engines except the Ford Focus RS (2009 onwards), Ford Galaxy 1.9 TDI. Superseded by Ford WSS-M2C913-C. For Ford DuraTec and DuraTorq engines from 2009 onwards.

SJ

For 2001 and older automotive engines.

Ford WSS-M2C917-A

For Ford Pumpe Düse (PD) engine (Ford Galaxy 1.9 TDI).

C = Commercial Classification Diesel Engines ("Compression")

Ford WSS-M2C934-B

For certain Jaguar and Land Rover diesel engines from 2009 onwards - low SAPS.

SM

CI-4

CH-4

CG-4

Introduced in 2002. For high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet 2004 exhaust emission standards implemented in 2002. CI-4 oils are formulated to sustain engine durability where exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is used and are intended for use with diesel fuels ranging in sulphur content up to 0.5% weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4, and CH-4 oils. Introduced in 1998. For high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet 1998 exhaust emission standards. CH-4 oils are specifically compounded for use with diesel fuels ranging in sulphur content up to 0.5% weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, and CG-4 oils. Introduced in 1995. For severe duty, high-speed, four-stroke engines using fuel with less than 0.5% weight sulphur. CG-4 oils are required for engines meeting 1994 emission standards. Can be used in place of CD, CE, and CF-4 oils.

CF-4

Introduced in 1990. For high-speed, four-stroke, naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. Can be used in place of CD and CE oils.

CF

Introduced in 1994. For off-road, indirect-injected and other diesel engines including those using fuel with over 0.5% weight sulphur. Can be used in place of CD oils.

General Motors (Vauxhall/Opel/Saab) Specifications GM-LL-A-025

Engine oils for petrol cars, introduced for certain models from 2002. Maximum drain period 20,000 miles or 2 years.

GM-LL-B-025

Engine oils for diesel cars, introduced for certain models from 2002. Maximum drain period 20,000 miles or 2 years.

dexos 2

Latest specification for GM vehicles from 2010 onwards. Backwardly compatible with GM-LL-A-025 & GM-LL-B-025.

Renault Specifications RN0700

For petrol normally aspirated engines (used with 0 - 5W30, 0 - 5W40, 10W40).

RN0710

For petrol and diesel engines (used with 0 - 5W30, 0 - 5W40).

RN0720

For diesel engines fitted with exhaust after-treatment device (used with 0 - 5W30, 0 - 5W40).

Still confused? Contact your Comma Area Sales Manager for further details or contact Comma Customer Services on +44 (0) 1474 325 990

Comma Oil & Chemicals Ltd, Dering Way, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2QX UK www.CommaOil.com