So very interesting debating the merits of US vs European fuel and oil specs.
Interesting about the debate over oil used in the PD TDI engines. The last oil change I got before owning my TDI was one by a VW dealer in the PHX area where I bought the car. They used Castrol SLX SYN 5W/30 (50501). Thats how its listed on my invoice. According to the wags on this forum, 505.01
should be 5W/40. Not even sure if this meaningful to the debate, the previous owner (of my new 2005.5 TDI) has left with a qt of Mobil 1 0W/40 euro (something) on the container and VW compliant for 502 506 (I think?). I believe for emergency top ups.
So for us newbes it all a bit confusing ;.
Bottom line. Don't want to put anything in the car that will cause harm,
but don't want to spend 70 bucks (or $50 it I can help it) for an oil change if I can do so for considerably less. Was assuming 5K oil changes. If buying 505.01 will allow 10K changes over Mobil 1 M1 Turbo 5W40, I'll spend twice as much, thank you. I bought a diesel to save money on running costs, as it is I 'm paying a premium for fuel that's cutting down the advantage over comparable gas Jetta's. None of my gas burners oil changes is costing me anywhere near what I expect my Jetta to cost me. I just want to keep some of the 45mpg savings rather than return it to anther oil company in a different way.