Using Castrol SLX Professional LL03 for a PD engine

is it safe to use the Castrol SLX Professional LL03 which meets VW 504.00 / 507.00 specification on a PD which needs VW 505.01 specification oil ??
Is it true that a newer specification covers ALL previous ones ?
Also what is different from this newer one G0521951L ??

Ive used it twice in my PD jetta, it meets the specs so its okay to use. I dont think theres much of a difference between that and the regular castrol spt synthetic which I usually use. Just different colouring to make leaks easier to spot

I wouldn't use it. Most recommend a good 5w40 oil in 505.01. Read the threads here on oils for a better choice. The cam and lifters need all the protection they can get in a PD engine.

but mine is one of the rare PD engines which has a DPF fitted so ...

Then 507.00 oil is the only option for you. Seriously, unless you live in an extremely hot country, 5w30 507.00 should not be a problem at all.

The 505.01 spec was updated to Mid-SAPS in 2005 for use in PDs with DPF. Look for an oil where VW 502.00/505.01 is paired with MB 229.51 and BMW LL04.

right, just wanted to make sure that 507.00 covers 505.01

Vw10 said:

right, just wanted to make sure that 507.00 covers 505.01

Click to expand...

According to VW, with some very specific exceptions, it does.

Bob_Fout said:

The 505.01 spec was updated to Mid-SAPS in 2005 for use in PDs with DPF. Look for an oil where VW 502.00/505.01 is paired with MB 229.51 and BMW LL04.

Click to expand...

yeah but 507 is low-saps so i find it a better choice

VW10, is the Castrol Professional LL03 you are referring to a 5w30 full synthetic?

Lightflyer1 said:

I wouldn't use it. Most recommend a good 5w40 oil in 505.01. Read the threads here on oils for a better choice. The cam and lifters need all the protection they can get in a PD engine.

Click to expand...

I guess I found it estrange that there has not been more widespread cam failures in Europe with Pumpe Duse engines using 507 oils (which have been used earlier over there than here in North America). I went on a search on a couple of UK forums (one being http://www.ukpassats.co.uk/) and I could not find evidence that the use of 507 oils has caused failures (such as premature wearout) in PD engines. I also contacted a well known online oil seller in the UK (www.opieoils.co.uk/‎) and their response was that they have not heard any reports of PD cam failures with the 507 oils they sell.
There is also this chart from VW showing the relationship and compatibility of the various VW oil specs. It shows the 505.01 being superseded by the 507 spec:

Maybe, here at TDIClub, we have developed a rejection/uneasiness of anything 5W30 for a PD engine based on all the problems of VW dealers either using the wrong Castrol synthetic oil (non-505.01) or that the Castrol 505.01 used in the past was not of a good quality/robustness (as compared to other 505.01 5W-30 oils).

I would find a 5w40 that has the MB 229.51 compliance, as that will work well to keep your PD's camshaft intact and is low ash. We've got Sprinters with over 400k miles on them and the DPFs are working fine still.

oilhammer said:

I would find a 5w40 that has the MB 229.51 compliance, as that will work well to keep your PD's camshaft intact and is low ash. We've got Sprinters with over 400k miles on them and the DPFs are working fine still.

Click to expand...

That's a good suggestion too Brian. Interesting how Mobil 1 is discontinuing their popular ESP 5W-40 (MB229.51) and replacing it with Mobil 1 ESP X1 0W-30.