A few things about oils...

[gregozedobe]

I've found the new Shell helix Ultra 'Extra" has the VW 507 spec on it, so just wanted to get an idea if you rate the Shell oils at all??

I'll probably be using that oil for both of mine when I run out of Castrol SLX Professional LL3 vw 504/507 (the Castrol oil costs too much and is too hard to get these days). Some people prefer Fuchs oils.

[Transporter]

Shell Helix Ultra Extra is second cheapest oil after Penrite Enviro+ 5W30 which is fully imported oil (info from Penrite rep) difference between the two is probably $20 retail. Many voices from Czech republic (where there are VW and Skoda cars as common as Holdens here) are saying as long as it is approved for your engine, it doesn't matter what brand you use, some are saying stick with one brand of oil, I believe it is not that critical for the engine oil to be the same brand. I used Castrol LL2 in my T5 from the start and now I have Fuchs in it (bought it for good price from Motortraders). I started to use Fuchs since VW dealer no longer have Castrol LL2 in stock (current LL2 oil you can buy from VW dealer in Adelaide is made in Italy and doesn't mention Castrol at all).

I will do UOA in my T5 at 80,000km

[Transporter]

Engine oil selection advice.
Engine oil changes made easy.

Here is a bit of information about varnish deposit from engine oil.
http://www.machinerylubrication.com/...sludge-varnish

https://erwin.volkswagen.de/erwin/vo...0300_50601.pdf

https://erwin.volkswagen.de/erwin/volkswagen/files/oil/step_50400_50700.pdf

https://erwin.volkswagen.de/erwin/vo...0400_50700.pdf

[redline3345]

I was in at my local VW dealer booking both my Transporter and my Octavia in for "intermediate" oil changes (I do lots of short trips in one, and the other won't be used much for the next 3 months), and I had an interesting converation with the service person about frequency of oil changes.

She told me that VW now strongly recommend to owners of new VW vehicles (both diesels and petrols) to leave the original oil until it is 15,000km or 12 months old (whichever is the sooner). And that changing it sooner could lead to warranty problems, especially if related to oil consumption. Her explanation is that VWs now come with "special running in oil" that should be left in to help the engine to run in properly.

I asked for a copy of the bulletin to see exactly what VWA said, but was told "Sorry, it's for internal VW consumption only".

I'm still happy that I drove both of mine sensibly but with vigour on lots of hills in the first 1,000km to help the rings seal better in the bores, and also did an intermediate oil change, but it seems that VW don't want you to do the extra oil change before the first official oil change at 15,000km or 12 months old.

One can only assume they have good reasons for saying this, as it is reducing dealer income.

Anyone with access to the official bulletin that can add to what I was told ?

GregozedobeV late reply to this post, but info is always good no-matter. It’s an interesting point you’ve raised, especially in the light of my new 2.0TSI Octy being given a complimentary service at 1,500 (that’s ONE thousand, five hundred k’s), where the oil and oil filter were changed. The dealer said they offer the service to make sure all’s going ok with the car, and they are also a VW dealer, so I presume they do this 1500 oil change for the VW’s as well. Either they didn’t read the alleged bulletin, or maybe there isn’t one...........

[Dartiguan]

M 2011 Tiguan TDI had its 1500km service and there was no oil change, my car is now a month old. I was informed all they do is walk through a checklist to ensure everything is going OK and to come back at 15,000km. I must admit I would feel more easy with a change of oil in between.

[Transporter]

You can always have it done by the independent VW shop. Also you can demand the oil change if it was 12 months from the production date.

[Transporter]

Mixing mineral and synthetic oils.

Best to be voided and stick with the one type of oil, if you can.
Mixing Synthetics With Other Oils

http://advantage-environment.com/transporter/continuous-engine-oil-cleaning-2/

[5pot]

So, possibly a dumb question, but what if I used 505.00 or 507.00 in a PD TDI ('05 2.0 TDI Golf) when the user manual says to use 505.1 or 507.1?

Are they the same even though the VW approved stuff you can buy from supercheap, etc doesn't have the ".1" or ".01" after 505/507?

[Transporter]

You can't use VW505.00 in your 05MK TDI. You can use VW507.00 and I don't think that there is VW507.01, at least wasn't the last time I checked. Other than that when there is a number mentioned I always follow it to the last digit. Asuming that it is only different by 1 and I could use it because it's close enough, would be really dumb.

...and also made to, meets or exceeds VW specs, doesn't mean approved. To me it means that the oil is not approved by VW and you using it at your own peril.

[Diesel_vert]

So, possibly a dumb question, but what if I used 505.00 or 507.00 in a PD TDI ('05 2.0 TDI Golf) when the user manual says to use 505.1 or 507.1?

Are they the same even though the VW approved stuff you can buy from supercheap, etc doesn't have the ".1" or ".01" after 505/507?

There is no such thing as '505.1' or '507.1'. That is either a misprint in the manual or a misquote of the manual.


505.00
For diesel engines without unit-injector (i.e. pumpe düse; PD) or common-rail (CR) systems.

505.01
Must be used for PD or CR diesel engines without a diesel particulate filter (DPF).
May also be used in place of 505.00.

507.00
Must be used for PD or CR diesel engines with a DPF; supersedes all previous diesel standards.


In summary, for your particular vehicle, you may use 505.01 or 507.00 oils. In regards to availability, you may find it easier to use 507.00 oils as 505.01 has been superseded.

[5pot]

OK cool. I got the 507 stuff but was wondering about the .1 suffix and it significance.

[greymad]

My first (15,000k) service on the T5 132kw camper was an interesting experience, thanks to $olitaire...
I realise they have to make a profit, but the 8 litres of Castrol EP LL 5W30 cost me a cool $180 - $22.50/litre(!). The oil filter $36.53. Windscreen additive $5.41. A "screw" (that's as exact as I was given) $4.24. Add to those the Environmental waste levy ($7.50) and "VW W/S consumables" (rags?) and I can see how they're managing to maintain their profit margin.
Grand total was $449.50
I welcome comments and as well any suggestions as to how some of these rip-offs (as I see them) can be cut down or even done away with.
For a start, next time I'm going to make sure the washer bottle is full, and put a sticker on it saying do not touch!

Addendum: take a look at this for comparison ... http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/320771524722 ... and yes, I do realise it's in Germany, but it indicates we're being ripped off over here.

[Diesel_vert]

My first (15,000k) service on the T5 132kw camper was an interesting experience, thanks to $olitaire...
I realise they have to make a profit, but the 8 litres of Castrol EP LL 5W30 cost me a cool $180 (!). The oil filter $36.53. Windscreen additive $5.41. A "screw" (that's as exact as I was given) $4.24. Add to those the Environmental waste levy ($7.50) and "VW W/S consumables" (rags?) and I can see how they're managing to maintain their profit margin.
Grand total was $449.50
I welcome comments and as well any suggestions as to how some of these rip-offs (as I see them) can be cut down or even done away with.

You can use any oil that is on VW's approval list for 504/507. It's quite a long list, but I've noted which oils I believe are distributed in Australia, here.

[greymad]

I've been in touch with Castrol Australia & they tell me that Castrol Edge Professional Long Life III 5W-30 is available from
Truckline
J Blackwood
Totaol Trade Supplies (sic)
Autopro
Autobarn
Repco
Mitre 10

In quantities of ...
1L, 5L, 20L and 208L

My next step will be to see if Solitaire will allow me to provide my own 20 litre drum (which I can get at trade price) at the next service.
It wouldn't surprise me if they come up with a limp "reason" for it not being acceptable.

[greymad]

I've been in touch with Castrol Australia & they tell me that Castrol Edge Professional Long Life III 5W-30 is available from
Truckline
J Blackwood
Totaol Trade Supplies (sic)
Autopro
Autobarn
Repco
Mitre 10

In quantities of ...
1L, 5L, 20L and 208L

My next step will be to see if Solitaire will allow me to provide my own 20 litre drum (which I can get at trade price) at the next service.
It wouldn't surprise me if they come up with a limp "reason" for it not being acceptable.

UPDATE.
Called by Duttons in Murray Bridge today on the way up to the River: they are quite prepared to have me bring along my own 20 litre drum of Castrol EP LL III 5W-30.