Specifications & approvals: we explain
What is the best oil for my car? What should I follow when choosing? What to pay attention to? Viscosity, specifications, standards, approvals, recommendations... How to find your way through this maze of strings of letters and numbers? Let us help to put these puzzles together.
Specifications
The specifications define the requirements for the chemical and physical properties that a lubricant must fulfil and the test methods. International, independent organisations define the properties of engine oils with their specifications. Only when all requirements are met and engine tests made are the engine oils assigned to a specification: e.g. ACEA and/or API.
The viscosity of an engine oil is described in the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) classification.
Example:
SAE 0W-30 motor oil - the first number indicates the low-temperature viscosity class (W comes from Winter). The lower the value of this number, the better a given motor oil behaves at low temperatures, i.e. it reaches important friction nodes in the engine fast enough. The second number indicates the oil's viscosity at high temperatures, i.e. the temperatures at which the oil works in a warmed-up engine.
The ACEA classification refers to the standards set by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) for engine oils. These classifications help ensure that engine oils meet specific performance and quality criteria suitable for different types of engines and operating conditions.
A3/B3
Obsolete, please contact us if you need to select a lubricant.
A3/B4
Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil intended for use in passenger car and light-duty gasoline & diesel engines and/or for extended oil drain intervals where specified by the engine manufacturer.
A5/B5
Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil intended for use at extended oil drain intervals in passenger car and light-duty gasoline & DI diesel engines designed for low viscosity engine oils with HTHS viscosity of 2.9 to 3.5 mPa·s. These engine oils are unsuitable for use in certain engines - consult vehicle-OEM’s owner’s manual/handbook in case of doubt.
ACEA A7/B7
Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil intended for use at extended oil drain intervals in passenger car and light-duty gasoline & DI diesel engines designed for low viscosity engine oils with HTHS viscosity of 2.9 to 3.5 mPa·s. Relative to A5/B5 these engine oils provide also low speed pre-ignition- and wear protection for turbocharged gasoline DI engines as well as turbocharger compressor deposit (TCCD) protection for modern DI diesel engines. These engine oils are unsuitable for use in certain engines - consult vehicle-OEM’s owner’s manual/handbook in case of doubt.
C1
Out of date, please contact us if you need to select a lubricant.
C2
Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil with mid-SAPS Level, for aftertreatment system compatibility. Intended for use at extended oil drain intervals in passenger car and light duty gasoline & DI diesel engines designed for low viscosity engine oils with a minimum HTHS Viscosity of 2.9 mPa*s.
C3
Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil with mid-SAPS Level, for aftertreatment system compatibility. Intended for use at extended oil drain intervals in passenger car and light duty gasoline & DI diesel engines designed for engine oils with HTHS viscosity of minimum 3.5 mPa*s.
C4
Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil with low-SAPS Level, for aftertreatment system compatibility. Intended for use at extended oil drain intervals in passenger car and light duty gasoline & DI diesel engines designed for engine oils with HTHS viscosity of minimum 3.5 mPa*s.
C5
Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil for improved fuel economy, with mid-SAPS Level, for aftertreatment system compatibility. Intended for use at extended oil drain intervals in passenger car and light duty gasoline & DI diesel engines designed and OEMapproved for engine oils with HTHS viscosity of minimum 2.6 mPa*s.
C6
Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil for improved fuel economy, with mid-SAPS Level, for aftertreatment system compatibility. Intended for use at extended oil drain intervals in passenger car and light duty gasoline & DI diesel engines designed and OEMapproved for engine oils with HTHS viscosity of minimum 2.6 mPa*s. Relative to C5 these engine oils provide also low speed pre-ignition- and wear protection for turbocharged gasoline DI engines as well as turbocharger compressor deposit (TCCD) protection for modern DI diesel engines.
C7
Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil for improved fuel economy, with mid-SAPS Level, for aftertreatment system compatibility. Intended for use at extended oil drain intervals in passenger car and light duty gasoline & DI diesel engines designed and OEMapproved for engine oils with HTHS viscosity of minimum 2.3 mPa*s. C7 is based on C6 performance levels, with the exception of enhanced fuel economy.
E4
Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing excellent control of piston cleanliness, wear, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly-rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV and Euro V emission requirements and running under very severe conditions, eg significantly extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for engines without particulate filters, for some EGR engines and some engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems. However, recommendations may differ between engine manufacturers, so driver manuals and/or dealers must be consulted if in doubt.
E6
Obsolete, replaced by E8.
E7
Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing effective control with respect to piston cleanliness and bore polishing. It further provides excellent wear control, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly-rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV and Euro V emission requirements and running under severe conditions, eg extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for engines without particulate filters, and for most EGR engines and most engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems. However, recommendations may differ between engine manufacturers, so driver manuals and/or dealers must be consulted if in doubt.
E8
Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing excellent control of piston cleanliness, wear, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly-rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV, Euro V and Euro VI emission requirements and running under very severe conditions, eg significantly extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for EGR engines, with or without particulate filters, and for engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems. E8 quality is strongly recommended for engines fitted with particulate filters and is designed for use in combination with low-sulphur diesel fuel. However, recommendations may differ between engine manufacturers, so driver manuals and/or dealers must be consulted if in doubt.
E9
Obsolete, replaced by E11.
E11
Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing effective control with respect to piston cleanliness and bore polishing. It further provides excellent wear control, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV, Euro V and Euro VI emission requirements and running under severe conditions, eg extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for engines with or without particulate filters, and for most EGR engines and for most engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems. E11 is strongly recommended for engines fitted with particulate filters and is designed for use in combination with low-sulphur diesel fuel. However, recommendations may differ between engine manufacturers so driver manuals and/or dealers should be consulted if in doubt.
The API classification (American Petroleum Institute) provides information on the requirements and quality criteria that a particular engine oil meets. Oil classifications for petrol engines have the first letter S, while those for diesel engines have C. The current highest API classifications for petrol engines are SP and for diesel engines CK-4/FA-4.
For gasoline engines, the latest API category covers the performance characteristics of each earlier specification and can be used to service older engines where oils of earlier standards were recommended.
API SJ
For 2001 and older automotive engines.
API SL
For 2004 and older automotive engines.
API SM
For 2010 and older automotive engines.
API SN
For 2020 and older automotive engines.
API SP
Introduced in May 2020, designed to provide protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), timing chain wear protection, improved high temperature deposit protection for pistons and turbochargers, and more stringent sludge and varnish control. API SP with Resource Conserving matches ILSAC GF-6A by combining API SP performance with improved fuel economy, emission control system protection and protection of engines operating on ethanol-containing fuels up to E85.
API SP RC
Often comes in combination with ILSAC GF-6A, combining the performance of API SP with improved fuel economy, protection of exhaust after-treatment systems and protection of engines running on fuel containing ethanol up to E85.
API CH-4
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 sulfur content up to 0.5% weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, and CG-4 oils.
API CI-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 sulfur content up to 0.5% weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4, and CH-4 oils. Some CI-4 oils may also qualify for the CI-4 PLUS designation.
API CJ-4
For high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2010 model year on-highway and Tier 4 non-road exhaust emission standards as well as for previous model year diesel engines. These oils are formulated for use in all applications with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 500 ppm (0.05% by weight). However, the use of these oils with greater than 15 ppm (0.0015% by weight) sulfur fuel may impact exhaust aftertreatment system durability and/or drain interval. API CJ-4 oils exceed the performance criteria of API CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, CH-4, CG-4 and CF-4 and can effectively lubricate engines calling for those API Service Categories. When using CJ-4 oil with higher than 15 ppm sulfur fuel, consult the engine manufacturer for service interval.
API CK-4
API Service Category CK-4 describes oils for use in high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model year on-highway and Tier 4 non-road exhaust emission standards as well as for previous model year diesel engines. These oils are formulated for use in all applications with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 500 ppm (0.05% by weight). However, the use of these oils with greater than 15 ppm (0.0015% by weight) sulfur fuel may impact exhaust aftertreatment system durability and/or oil drain interval. These oils are especially effective at sustaining emission control system durability where particulate filters and other advanced aftertreatment systems are used. API CK-4 oils are designed to provide enhanced protection against oil oxidation, viscosity loss due to shear, and oil aeration as well as protection against catalyst poisoning, particulate filter blocking, engine wear, piston deposits, degradation of low- and high-temperature properties, and soot-related viscosity increase. API CK-4 oils exceed the performance criteria of API CJ-4, CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4 and can effectively lubricate engines calling for those API Service Categories. When using CK-4 oil with higher than 15 ppm sulfur fuel, consult the engine manufacturer for service interval recommendations.
API FA-4
API Service Category FA-4 describes certain XW-30 oils specifically formulated for use in select high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model year on-highway greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards. These oils are formulated for use in on-highway applications with diesel fuel sulfur content up to 15 ppm (0.0015% by weight). Refer to individual engine manufacturer recommendations regarding compatibility with API FA-4 oils. These oils are blended to a high temperature high shear (HTHS) viscosity range of 2.9cP–3.2cP to assist in reducing GHG emissions. These oils are especially effective at sustaining emission control system durability where particulate filters and other advanced aftertreatment systems are used. API FA-4 oils are designed to provide enhanced protection against oil oxidation, viscosity loss due to shear, and oil aeration as well as protection against catalyst poisoning, particulate filter blocking, engine wear, piston deposits, degradation of low- and high-temperature properties, and soot-related viscosity increase. API FA-4 oils are not interchangeable or backward compatible with API CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4 oils. Refer to engine manufacturer recommendations to determine if API FA-4 oils are suitable for use. API FA-4 oils are not recommended for use with fuels having greater than 15 ppm sulfur. For fuels with sulfur content greater than 15 ppm, refer to engine manufacturer recommendations.
Approvals
Car manufacturers' engine oil approvals are specific standards and technical requirements that an oil must meet in order to be considered suitable for use in a given manufacturer's engines. Approvals ensure that the oil will perform optimally under specific conditions and will not cause damage to the engine.
In order to obtain an approval, the oil undergoes a number of tests to ensure that it meets the requirements of a given manufacturer. After passing these tests, the oil receives a 'certificate of conformity', or approval.
For example: designation such as MB-APPROVAL 229.51 means that the engine manufacturer has confirmed the suitability of the oil in writing to the lubricant manufacturer or granted a licence number. This means that the oil manufacturer can always document and prove that it has the original approval from the manufacturer.
Engine oils for petrol engines without particle filters up to model year 2002 and for diesel engines without particle filters up to model year 2003. All older engines except BMW M GmbH can run with this quality level. For BMW M GmbH engines, this quality level is only suitable for N55, S55, S58, S63 and S68 engine models without particle filters.
Due to the reduced HTHS viscosity compared to the BMW Longlife-01 standard, these oils are only suitable for petrol engines without particle filters up to model year 2002. Among others, for petrol engines N1x, N2x, N4x, N5x, N63, N74 and Bx8.
Engine oil for all diesel engines, except B47 TU2, with or without particle filters. It is also suitable for all petrol engines (including BWM M GmbH - N55, S55, S63) intended for the EU market. However, it is not suitable for petrol engines older than the 2021 model year.
Oil with similar parameters to Longlife-04, but with a lower HTHS viscosity, which contributes to lower fuel consumption. Not compatible with previous standards. Can only be used for engines where this standard is mentioned in the service manual.
Bx8 petrol engine oils without particulate filters and N20 from 2014, with low HTHS viscosity, resulting in significantly lower fuel consumption. This standard has been replaced by BMW Longlife-17 FE+.
Due to the reduced HTHS viscosity of 2.6 mPa*s, these oils are only intended for selected BMW petrol and diesel engines. Suitable for Bx8 and N20 as well as B47 TU2. Not suitable for BMW M GmbH engines.
Diesel engine oil, except B47 TU2, with or without particle filters. Especially recommended for the following diesel engines: B47x20T0, B47x20T1, N47 UL/OL, N47T1, B57D30TO, B57D30S0, N57, N57D30T1 and N57D30S1 as well as older engines requiring the BMW Longlife-04 standard. It can also be used in petrol engines without particulate filters within the European Union and in engines with particulate filters globally. BMW Longlife-19 FE fulfils all requirements of the BMW Longlife-04 specification.
Standard withdrawn and replaced by WSS-M2C 913-A.
Standard withdrawn and replaced by WSS-M2C 913-D.
Standard withdrawn and replaced by WSS-M2C 913-D.
Standard withdrawn and replaced by WSS-M2C 913-D.
The Ford standard WSS-M2C913-D was introduced in November 2011 and refers to engine oils which are recommended for all Ford diesel engines, with the exception of Ford Ka TDCi models produced before 2009 and Ford Galaxy 1.9 TDi models produced between 2000 and 2006. Oils that meet this standard can be used in engines with extended oil change intervals and are suitable for engines running on biodiesel or high-sulphur diesel. It is fully compatible with engines for which oils according to the following standards were previously recommended: WSS-M2C 913-B, WSS-M2C 913-C. It can also be used in spark ignition engines.
Obsolete standard. Describes the requirements for engine oil for 1.9 TDI diesel engines (Ford Galaxy). This is Ford's equivalent to VW standard 505 01.
Engine oils for passenger cars with 1.0 and 1.6 EcoBoost petrol engines. Backwards compatible for use in petrol engines (except for Ka 2009 (08/2008-) 2.5L Duratec-ST (V15) and Focus RS with 2.5L Duratec-RS (V15) engine).
Ford standard WSS-M2C950-A refers to engine oil with a viscosity of SAE 0W-30, which is particularly recommended for diesel engines in Ford Focus 2.0 models produced from September 2014 and Ford Mondeo 2.0 models produced from 2015, as well as petrol engines. This standard requires low-sulphur fuel (max. 50 ppm). It is a mid-SAP oil, making it compatible with DPF/GPF exhaust gas aftertreatment systems.
Ford standard WSS-M2C952-A1 refers to engine oil with a viscosity of SAE 0W-20. This standard requires low-sulphur fuel (max. 50 ppm). This oil is mid-SAP technology, making it compatible with DPF/GPF exhaust gas aftertreatment systems.
SHPD engine oils for compression ignition diesel engines, extended oil change interval up to 45,000 km.
UHPD (Ultra-High-Performance-Diesel) engine oils for turbocharged diesel engines, extended oil change intervals in light-duty up to 45,000 km. In heavy-duty, oil change intervals up to 160,000 km are possible (according to service interval).
Standard defining the properties of high-quality engine oil for Daimler Truck vehicles with special requirements for sulphated ash, sulphur and phosphorus content for use in engines with exhaust gas aftertreatment systems (e.g. with DPF).
Standard defining the properties of premium-grade engine oil for Daimler Truck vehicles with specific requirements for sulphated ash, sulphur and phosphorus content for use in engines with exhaust gas aftertreatment systems (e.g. with DPF).
DTFR 15C120 (formerly MB 228.52) is a low-SAPS engine oil for use in selected Euro VI / US Tier 4 engines used in buses and lorries with advanced exhaust gas aftertreatment systems such as diesel particulate filters (DPF).
DTFR 15C130 (formerly MB 228.61) is a low SAPS engine oil for use in high-performance medium- and high-speed diesel engines with advanced exhaust gas aftertreatment systems such as diesel particulate filters (DPF). With a HTHS viscosity of 2.9-3.2cP, this oil offers increased fuel economy benefits in the latest Daimler OM471A Euro VI engines. It is not backwards compatible with older engines.
DTFR 15C140 (MB 228.71) is a low SAPS engine oil for use in high-performance, heavy-duty diesel engines with advanced exhaust gas aftertreatment systems such as diesel particulate filters (DPF). With a HTHS viscosity of 2.6-<2.9cP, this oil provides increased fuel economy benefits in the latest Daimler OM471 Euro VI – 3rd generation engines, i.e. engines manufactured after June 2022. It is not backwards compatible with older engines.
Standards withdrawn:
- MB 229.1 in 2018
- MB 229.3 in 2022
- MB 229.31 in 2022
Engine oil for passenger cars with extended oil change intervals (20,000 km). Suitable for many MB petrol engines and various diesel engines without particulate filters.
Standard for premium low-ash engine oil for Mercedes-Benz vehicles with exhaust aftertreatment systems (e.g. DPF) and extended oil change intervals. Offers higher oil economy than MB 229.5.
Standardised low-ash premium engine oil for Mercedes Benz vehicles with BlueTec engines, for use in engines with SCR exhaust gas treatment systems (AdBlue) with higher oxidation stability and biofuel compatibility. It ensures a reduction in fuel consumption of more than 1% compared to MB 229.31 and 229.51 and allows for extended oil change intervals.
The MB 229.6 specification has been specially implemented for the M270, M274 and M276 series petrol engines to further improve efficiency, with the ultimate goal of minimising fuel consumption.
- Based on ACEA A5/B5
- Viscosity grades SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30
- Reduced HTHS viscosity to > 2.9 mPa*s
- Minimum fuel savings of 2.5% in the M 111 FE test
MB 229.6 is not backwards compatible with older specifications. However, products with MB 229.5 approval, such as TITAN Supersyn LONGLIFE oils, can still be used to service the above-mentioned engines.
Currently, this specification is intended exclusively for use in the OM654 diesel engine with a DPF filter, which can be found, for example, in the engines of the new E-Class cars produced since 2016. Once again, the aim is higher efficiency and, as a result, lower CO2 emissions.
- Basis ACEA C5
- Viscosity grades SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20
- Reduced viscosity HTHS to > 2.6 mPa*s
- Minimum fuel savings of 3.0% in the M 111 FE test
MB 229.71 is not backwardscompatible with older specifications. However, products with MB 229.51 or MB 229.52 approval can still be used to service the above-mentioned engines.
Standard describing the requirements for engine oils intended for petrol and diesel engines of OPEL and Vauxhall vehicles. Low-ash oil in SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade intended for engines that can operate with oil with a reduced HTHS value (≥2.6 mPas) and require protection against LSPI.
Standard describing the requirements for engine oils intended for diesel engines of OPEL and Vauxhall vehicles, in the SAE 5W-30 viscosity class.
Standard describing the requirements for engine oils intended for petrol engines of OPEL and Vauxhall vehicles, in the SAE 5W-30 viscosity class.
Standard based on ACEA C2 requirements, with SAE 0W-30 viscosity grade, along with additional tests for oxidation and deposits. The standard applies to Euro 6-compliant cars.
Standard based on ACEA C2 requirements, with SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade, along with additional tests for oxidation and deposits. The standard applies to Euro 5-compliant cars.
Standard based on ACEA A3/B4 or A5/B5 requirements, including additional tests for oxidation and deposits.
Standard for oils used in petrol engines, regarding the SAE 0/5W-40/50 viscosity grades. Requirements based on ACEA A3/B4 with additional PORSCHE tests.
Standard for oils used in compression ignition engines. The standard includes a requirement for a limited sulphated ash content. Increased requirements for wear, cleaning ability, and fuel consumption than for the Porsche A40 standard.
Standard based on ACEA A3/B4 requirements including the ‘TOC Oxidation Test’. Not for 2.2 dci FAP (G9T) engines.
Standard based on ACEA A3/B4 requirements, including the ‘TOC Oxidation Test’. Higher HTHS viscosity than for the RN0700 standard. Not for Laguna III 1.5 dci after 2008 (K9K engines without DPF).
Standard based on ACEA C4 requirements, including the ‘TOC Oxidation Test’ and special RENAULT requirements. Significant reduction of sulphate ash, phosphorus and sulphur. Not up to 2.2 dci FAP (G9T Motor) Laguna III 1.5 dci before 2008 (K9K engines without DPF).
Oils for petrol and naturally aspirated diesel engines. Only SAE 0W-XX, 5W-XX and 10W-XX oils. After 10/91, XX>40 oils are no longer considered. Standard withdrawn.
Conventional multi-purpose engine oil for petrol and naturally aspirated diesel engines. Standard withdrawn.
Oils for petrol engines operating under difficult conditions.
Standard for petrol engines in passenger cars with extended replacement intervals (WIV: 30,000 km, 2 years). Exceeds the requirements of 502 00 (HTHS 2.9 mPas).
Standard for oils for supercharged petrol engines in passenger cars with extended oil change intervals (WIV, e.g. Audi S3, TT; HTHS>3.5 mPas).
Oils for petrol engines with extended oil change intervals. Replaces VW standards 503 00 and 503 01.
Multigrade engine oil for diesel engines with and without turbocharging.
Multigrade engine oil especially for diesel engines with unit injectors.
Standard for diesel engines with extended service intervals (WIV: 50,000 km, 2 years, HTHS 2.9 mPas).
Standard for diesel engines with unit injectors with extended service intervals (WIV).
Diesel engine oil with extended oil change intervals, including diesel engines with particle filters. Backwards compatible to 2000. Not suitable for V10 and R5 engines manufactured before 2006.
VW Blue Oil for the latest VW engines. The specification requires an oil with a viscosity grade of SAE 0W-20, which also ensures a low HTHS viscosity of at least 2.6 mPA*s. The aim of the specification is to achieve a fuel economy level of 4%. The first engines of this series appeared on the market at the end of 2015, and large-scale production began in 2016. This engine oil is not backwards compatible with previous specifications. VW 508 00 is the specification for petrol engine oils, VW 509 00 for diesel engines.
FUCHS Recommendations
Recommendations occur where approval are not possible, a specification is obsolete or a specification is not met fully, but in the most relevant aspects.
Responsible lubricant manufacturers clearly state their recommendations for individual products based on extensive vehicle tests and the comprehensive experience of their partners.
Only by using these terms responsibly and clearly can the current intended purpose of a lubricant be identified.
