AMSOIL European Vehicles

[howellaz]

Hey I just purchased a 2006 VW TDI Jetta and I want to change the oil in it. I know it's a diff process and I'm new to diesels but I talked a neighborhood mechanic into showing me the ropes. I purchased AMSOIL Synthetic 5w-40 European engine oil. http://www.amsoil.com/catalog.aspx?code=AFLQT-EA They said on their website that it is made specifically to meet the VW 501.5 (or whatever the code is) specification and I just want to make sure that putting this stuff in isn't going to screw up my new sweet and fuel efficient ride.

[howellaz]

Scratch that it's AMSOIL European 100% Synthetic 5W-40 Motor Oil that I purchased and I want to make sure this stuff is kosher. Any help would be greatly appreciated. The web link is:

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/afl.aspx

[Vincent Waldon]

Yeah, the labels are confusing, aren't they.

There's lots of really good discussion over on www.tdiclub.com.... the proper oil is very very important for your pump-duse engine due to the cam design:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=158788

You need a 505.01 oil... your owner's manual will say "the bottle must say "505.01" on the label", and the oil you've bought says 505.1... not quite the same so worth doing some further research.  505.01 has particular additives to combat cam wear, among other things.

There are also several threads with debates raging about AMSOIL oil... the general concensis is that they have not submitted their oil to VW so can only say "meets VW standards" but are not able to say "approved", as in warranty coverage.  

If you want to freak out even more check out the threads on premature PD cam wear... not pretty.  Here's one with some good pictures:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=253790

Bottom line... if you're still under warranty it's probably worth considering being squeaky clean on your labels so that you can hold VW accountable... if you're not, some reading over on TDIclub might be worthwhile so that you can make an informed choice.

BTW... most engines (including most diesels) are not particularly picky about oil... the PD engine you have just happens to be one that warrants special consideration due to the design of the cam.

[jtanguay]

considering castrol has a 505.1 certification, i think amsoil is a perfect oil to use.  i've even read on TDI club that they will actually warranty engine work if you can prove their oil was the failure point (keep all receipts)

amsoil is actually 100% synthetic, which other 'full' synthetics are not.  they were the first synthetics in the business, and are the best in the business to this day.  browse the internet for all the third party testing that has been done, and you'll realize how good of an oil amsoil really is.

coupled with their EAo filters, you could get 25,000km's out of a single oil change!  couple that with their bypass filter, and you could probably go 50,000km+

[howellaz]

Well thanks a ton for the info I really appreciate it. I bought the car used with 76000 miles already on it, but I know for a fact that about 80 percent of those miles were highway. The previous oil was synthetic so no worries. There's no warranty and I plan on doing the majority of preventative maintenance myself. I read good things about AMSOIL and I'm going to give it a whirl. I also purchased a MANN filter for the change, I heard they're decent and they're german. So anyways, as long as that AMSOIL for European vehicles won't harm the engine I'm not particular on the whole 505.1 spec by VW. I think AMSOIL makes a good lubricant and honestly I wouldn't be suprised if it surpassed the VW specs they just don't want to front the money to get a certification from VW. Again, thanks a lot I appreciate it.

[jtanguay]

i equate vw's oil spec to the health check system... just without the fraud  (google it) companies who can't afford to get it simply do without, and companies who don't think the really need it save a bit of cash.

i personally believe any castrol oil to be mediocre at best (yet they somehow got the VW 505.1??? just increase the moly in the oil or what...) they put a lot more money into shoddy advertising... anyone see the new need for speed???    i'd love to see some UOA's after their race and how much Fe, and Al are present  .

amsoil's TBN is higher than most oils on the market, and i can only think of a few that might come close or possibly higher...

[Rat407]

The AMSOIL European oil 5w-40 will work just fine.  I several individuals that run it with no problems for over 50k miles.  Running the EaO oil filter will help keep the inside of the engine clean to where if you want to extend your oil changes you can go the distance.