Yep, another oil thread Synthetic for Northern Climates....

[Zeus]

Originally Posted by LandYaghtLover

Well finally decided to get the oil change done. Found Castrol 5W-40 full syth for 4.99/quart. Wanted Mobil 1 but got sick of running around looking for the right stuff.

Mobil 1 0W40 and Castrol 0W30 are the ones I'd recommend. Both Group IV synthetics, both meet or exceed MB 229.3/229.5.

Mobil 1 0W40 is the highest spec Mobil 1 oil for gas engines (MB 229.5). You don't want to use the MB 229.51 spec oil, it's for diesels and Euro IV engines. Different additives and SAPS levels designed for cars with sensitive catalytic systems and post-exhaust treatment (Bluetec). Apparently, 229.51 can have issues with the ethanol found is gas (obviously not an issue for diesel).

Castrol Syntec 0W30 (referred to as German Castrol) is an excellent oil, group IV synthetic, made in Germany. Not sure how available it is in the US?

Anyway, those are the two I've used extensively year-round. All IMHO.

[Hatterasguy]

Originally Posted by Zeus

Castrol Syntec 0W30 (referred to as German Castrol) is an excellent oil, group IV synthetic, made in Germany. Not sure how available it is in the US?

Anyway, those are the two I've used extensively year-round. All IMHO.

Its usually on sale at the big auto parts chains. I just bought 5 quarts plus a K&N oil filter for $27.99. I think its the best deal going on a good synthetic, I run it in my truck.

Its a very heavy 30 weight that doesn't share down, while Mobil 1 0w40 shares right down to a 30 weight. So after a couple thousand miles both oils are about the same viscosity.

Castrol Syntec 5w40 is also a very good oil, I believe it meets some sort of MB or VW spec.

[LandYaghtLover]

It was hard finding 5W-40 much less a 0W. I need to pick a couple "trunk" quarts up before the sale ends. Mine does not burn much oil, but it does and I have no clue how the switch the synth will go.

The Castrol stuff I bought does say its "ok" for MB vehicles. But they could all say that.