Is Repsol Semi Synthetic Oil OK for a GTI

[glenn1959]

Hi Everyone,
I just put my GTI for its first, (15K), service. Whilst overall the dealer seemed to do a good job I was concerned to see that they had used Repsol Semi Synthetic oil rather than a full synthetic. I queried them on this and they maintained it met the standard and that the Long Life Castrol the car came with is not available in bulk. From some research I did on the net I presume the oil they used is 10/40 'Repsol Elite Multivalulas. If so it does meet VW standard 500/505. Does anyone have any feedback on this oil? I am wondering if I should do an early change to Mobil 1 or the Castrol Long Life oil it came with?

[boris]

You learn something new every day!

I was not aware that repsol have an oil to suit. I spent days trying to find an oil I could use for topping up and only Castrol, Valvoline and Q8 would confirm suitability. I would not be concerned if the oil is not fully synthetic as long as it meets the specification.

I actually bought the Castol oil from the spare parts at my dealer in a 5 litre container. Was not cheap but at least I could be confident the right oil was going in & my warranty would not be Jeopardised.

[SoVeReIgN]

So they put semi synthetic oil in your car rather than the fully synthetic normally recommended/used by VW because presumably it was cheaper (Not available in bulk = more expensive for them)

Poor form, i'd be more than just questioning them about it..

[Lima]

I don't have our GTI's manual in front of me, but isn't 502.00 the relevant VW standard for oil to be used in the GTI engine?

[zedder]

Yes 502 is the recommended oil for current VWs. Register (free) and Log onto the German VW site and there you can find a free downloadable list of all the oil brands they approve. Many Synthetics and semi synthetic listed.

https://erwin.volkswagen.de/erwin/showHome.do;jsessionid=EDECA87F4B2E477EC9BC0BA20A42D896.ASTPVWE1

[zedder]

Repsol Multivalvulus is listed as a VW approved oil. I noticed that my local dealer, McCarrols at Waitara are carrying the Repsol brand. The other brand you may like to consider is FUCHS, a German brand , some of their product is also listed. http://www.fuchs.com.au/home.asp

[glenn1959]

Thanks alot for your input guys, I have really been giving the dealer and Volkswagon some stick over this as it this oil does not appear on the current oils list of approved oils and I assumed that it would damage the car.

Today I got both your input and also feedback from Volkswagon Australia that the oil was suitable for the car but that the oil standard has been raised since the cars release and the semi synthetic does not meet the new standard.

I am still a little unhappy that they are putting in a virtually outmoded oil and not at least giving me the choice of choosing a quality synthetic. Subaru always gave me this choice with my previous cars even when they were not turbos. To be on the safe side I had my oil changed today to full synthetic as I want to really look after my car. I think VW has shown little understanding of the fact that a performance car owner will generally want the best for their car. Thanks again for all who gave feedback.

[hrb93]

Wisdom/Advice i'm not sure what you would call it.

I have had 5 Subaru WRX's in various states of tune over the past 7 years and always changed the oil myself every 5,000kms and a filter at the same time. I only ever used semi Synths, Motul Turbolight, Mobil Synth S, ELF etc. Never had one issue and some of those cars i had travelled more then 80,000kms with me owning them and hard driving.

I think people get over cautious about oil, so long as it's changed often with a suitable rating (Brand irrelavent) it will be fine, The WRX is notorious for being hard on bearings and i never had an issue.

PS: Change it yourslef and it only costs $30-40 for the oil and whatever a filter is worth for a VW.