which oil to use

MikoDiesela

Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2021
Location
Copenhagen
TDI
2020 Skoda mk4 2.0TDI CR 150hp
Lots of good choices out there! As long as it's VW 507 spec, you're going to be in good hands. Just to list a few options:
  1. OEM - VW 0w30 507 oil.
  2. Liqui Moly - TopTech 4210 0w30 https://www.liqui-moly.com/en/us/top-tec-4210-sae-0w-30-p005106.html#22156
  3. Liqui Moly - TopTech 4200 5w30 https://www.liqui-moly.com/en/us/top-tec-4200-sae-5w-30-new-generation-p000323.html#2004
  4. Rowe - 5W30 https://www.rowe-oil.com/en/private.../hightec-multi-synt-dpf-sae-5w-30~p9p5Jo7vJz6
  5. Valvoline SynPower XL - 5W30 - https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en-au/synpower-synthetic-engine-oil-xl-iii-5w-30/
  6. Valvoline Euro Spec - 0w30. https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/european-vehicle-full-synthetic-motor-oil/
  7. Mobil 1 ESP - 5W30. https://www.mobil.com/en/sap/our-products/products/mobil-1-esp-5w30
  8. Castrol EDGE 5W-30 K
  9. Castrol EDGE 0W-30 LL
Cost for each is pretty close. At that mileage I would recommend having a good oil analysis done ahead of time. May also be worth doing a good engine oil flush. (Engine oil flush can be a polarizing subject on some forms.)

I'm sure I'm missing quite a few of others, but the ones above seem to be the most popular. Personally I've done OEM VW Oil, Rowe, and LiquiMoly. All seem to work great!

Fun bit of history - VW OEM oil used to be Castrol until a few years ago. OEM VW Oil is now made by ExxonMobil.
in EU VW OEM uses Shell not ExxonMobil :unsure: and VW OEM oil is not even close to Good oils, it can be more close to basic oils.
In the list above i will put it with number 9. If your car is well maintaned and you live in cold climate u can choose 0W30, if you live in hot climate u can choose 5W30. From that list above i will choose Liqui Moly, more quality oil for TDI. For me the best oil overall is Ravenol, maybe because they are also German brand and always show more proven characteristics of their oils.
 
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tikal

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Location
Southeast Texas
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2004 Passat Wagon (chainless + 5 MT + GDE tune)
in EU VW OEM uses Shell not ExxonMobil :unsure: and VW OEM oil is not even close to Good oils, it can be more close to basic oils.
In the list above i will put it with number 9. If your car is well maintaned and you live in cold climate u can choose 0W30, if you live in hot climate u can choose 5W30. From that list above i will choose Liqui Moly, more quality oil for TDI. For me the best oil overall is Ravenol, maybe because they are also German brand and always show more proven characteristics of their oils.
I believe Rowe - 5W30 is also German and is/was available through one of our long time TDIClub vendor sponsors 👍
 

tikal

Veteran Member
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Apr 18, 2001
Location
Southeast Texas
TDI
2004 Passat Wagon (chainless + 5 MT + GDE tune)
^^^ Personally I would not sweat it too much. If you have a common rail based TDI then 507 approved oils are all pretty much the same robustness. I would buy based on cost, TDIClub vendor sponsors, and so forth.
 

Rob420p

New member
Joined
Aug 5, 2020
Location
Baltimore
TDI
2013 Passat tdi
I used to use either esp or Valvoline euro both are 507.but blew a push rod at 107k idk how or why but I did buy the car used a few years ago at 62k miles but the oil looked watery as hell when I got it.bur anyway since my warranty engine replacement I've been using 5w 30 toptech and I feel it runs smoother but then again it could just be me.also I have used which isn't on the list motoul 5w 30 before this is with the ops motor and I like that even more but it's harder to get them moly is at least where I live noticed it wasn't in the list ether but it's 504-507 spec also.
 

turbobrick240

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Nov 18, 2014
Location
maine
TDI
2011 vw golf tdi(gone to greener pastures), 2001 ford f250 powerstroke
Pretty hard to blow a pushrod on an overhead cam engine. Must have been a connecting rod.
 

Funguy

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Joined
Jan 18, 2005
Location
Front Range of Colorado
TDI
2015 Golf Sportwagen dsg and 2015 Passat 6 M/T
New mechanic wanted to use Mobil1 ESP 0W-20 VW 509 spec oil in my 2015 Passat.
VW 509 is new to me. Any thoughts on whether that is okay from my TDI especially with summer coming?

I did bring my own 5W-30 VW 507 instead?
 

turbobrick240

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Nov 18, 2014
Location
maine
TDI
2011 vw golf tdi(gone to greener pastures), 2001 ford f250 powerstroke
New mechanic wanted to use Mobil1 ESP 0W-20 VW 509 spec oil in my 2015 Passat.
VW 509 is new to me. Any thoughts on whether that is okay from my TDI especially with summer coming?

I did bring my own 5W-30 VW 507 instead?
Unfortunately, your new mechanic is unqualified. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Bring your own 507 spec oil if you must use him. Engines that require the 508/509 spec can use 504/507, but not vice versa.
 
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oilhammer

Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Location
outside St Louis, MO
TDI
There are just too many to list....
508.00 is 0w20. That's what most all the newest (gasoline, of course) VAG engines spec. 509 is the new spec for diesels that we don't get. I've never seen a 508 that was a 30, and never seen a 507 that was a 20.

The dealers tend to just switch to whatever the newest oil that meets the spec for that engine, which sometimes does change weights. In this case, it went from a 5w30 to a 0w30. I suspect it won't matter to the engine one way or the other. However, as we've found out, the switch from 5w40 to 5w30 for the 505.01 spec did indeed cause accelerated camshaft wear... but that doesn't apply to the CR engines.

Given the trend towards VAG engines to use some oil, I tend to want to use whatever the thickest grade is that meets the spec for that engine (which is in the manual and on the tag under the hood). In the case of all the CR TDIs sold here, it is 507.00, and I would use a 5w30 that meets that. Plenty are available but you may have to proactively order it from an online source yourself.
 

MrCypherr

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2012
Location
Ontario
TDI
Mk6 Wagon
Then you get the people who are deleted using oil that doesnt meet 507 spec & 5w30 or 10w30. Thats a rabbit hole and a half to go down considering since they dont have a DPF, they can use whatever oil they want.
 

oilhammer

Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Location
outside St Louis, MO
TDI
There are just too many to list....
Yes, but quite a few cars with many hundreds of thousands of miles on them seem to show that the original spec oil also is perfectly fine in those, too.

At least that has been my experience.

Is there something cheaper to use? Certainly. There's also way cheaper cars to own and operate. If a cost differential on an oil change of five bucks has your George Costanza gland inflamed, then you probably shouldn't own a Volkswagen in the first place.
 

MrCypherr

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Location
Ontario
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Mk6 Wagon
Oh I agree. I usually use 0/5w30 depending whats on sale and easier to get. Brand wise I just stick to whatever VW uses. I know alot of people use T6 in there TDIs once they lose a few parts.
 

Dalon

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2006 Jetta TDI - 239k 2013 Passat TDI - 32k
If you find yourself missing the emissions equipment also, the Schaeffers 5w40 is excellent oil too
 

Funguy

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Location
Front Range of Colorado
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2015 Golf Sportwagen dsg and 2015 Passat 6 M/T
I would use a 5w30 that meets that. Plenty are available but you may have to proactively order it from an online source yourself.
Yeah that is what I did, I brought Castrol LL 5W30 with me. The new mechanic ordered some oil just in case I failed to bring my own. What he ordered (I told him 507) arrived same time I did so I don't know if mechanic made a mistake or the supplier???
I am trying to get away from using the dealerships because of the expense without any benefit I can see. I tried to find 507 oil from VW online and the website said unavailable. Makes me wonder what the dealers are putting in my cars???
THANKS YOU GUYS for clearing this up for me.
 

MikoDiesela

Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2021
Location
Copenhagen
TDI
2020 Skoda mk4 2.0TDI CR 150hp
What makes Rotella T6 not meet VW507 spec is that it's a 40 weight oil. That said, Rotella T6 is great oil and has the low emissions properties necessary to run in a vehicle with DPF filters, etc.

You may run it and be totally fine and have no issues but since all VW507 spec oils are 30 weight (0w30 or 5w30) it doesn't meet the OEM Spec. Therefore it's a use at your own risk. Might be fine, but not recommended by the manufacturer.
Rotella….Big NO!
 

turbobrick240

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maine
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2011 vw golf tdi(gone to greener pastures), 2001 ford f250 powerstroke
T6 doesn't meet the SAPS or NOACK requirements for the 507 spec either. Not that it isn't a decent oil.
 

MrCypherr

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2012
Location
Ontario
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Mk6 Wagon
I'm just confused on why its so hard just to follow the proper oil specs. If youre buying this cause its like $10-15 cheaper, than maybe you shouldnt be driving a TDI lol.
 

14BeetleCJAA

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Jun 24, 2024
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Corning, CA
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2014 Beetle TDI Hatchback
I’ve started using Castrol 5w-30 K the last two changes because my local store stopped carrying the Mobil 1 ESP. Anecdotally, I find no difference in performance or engine sound.
 

tlalokay

New member
Joined
Oct 15, 2024
Location
Mexico City
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2014 Sportwagen Jetta 2.0
This discussion helped a lot.

Amazon shipped the wrong oil and several types available advertise VW 50500 compliance but not VW 50700.

I almost went with the 50500 until I read these threads on TDI. I'm glad I waited.

There's also a warning sticker on the underside of the hood saying that damage to the engine could take place at highway speeds if any oil but VW 50700 is used.
 

CleverUserName

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Oct 25, 2014
Location
NorCal
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2014 OZ Cruze CTD & 2010 JSW 6MT & 2017 GMC Canyon CCLB ATX 2.8 Duramax
This discussion helped a lot.

Amazon shipped the wrong oil and several types available advertise VW 50500 compliance but not VW 50700.

I almost went with the 50500 until I read these threads on TDI. I'm glad I waited.

There's also a warning sticker on the underside of the hood saying that damage to the engine could take place at highway speeds if any oil but VW 50700 is used.
That’s ridiculous. You can use any C3 rated 5w30 or HD ck-4 10w30 with an HTHS > 3.5 cP in the CR TDIs. If driven in hot climates 5w40 or 15w40 is also excellent and provides better protection than VW 507 oil.
 

MikoDiesela

Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2021
Location
Copenhagen
TDI
2020 Skoda mk4 2.0TDI CR 150hp
hello everyone just curious on what oil to use on my 2012 passat tdi 2.0, has 151,000 miles on it.
Best oil for your car is Total QUARTZ INEO LONG LIFE 0W-30

For EU cars use EU oil.... Total Energy produce the best motol oils on the market now ;).

See this and choose oil for your car:

You can also find specification datasheet there. I tested many oils, this one is the best so far, and its not so costly as the others.
 

tlalokay

New member
Joined
Oct 15, 2024
Location
Mexico City
TDI
2014 Sportwagen Jetta 2.0
That’s ridiculous. You can use any C3 rated 5w30 or HD ck-4 10w30 with an HTHS > 3.5 cP in the CR TDIs. If driven in hot climates 5w40 or 15w40 is also excellent and provides better protection than VW 507 oil.
Good to know. Thanks...

Found another option for Amsoil here in Mexico that will be cheaper than than the Pento I purchased.

Not a single Euro car part shop or conventional auto parts retailer carries oil for the TDI- at least not within a 100-mile radius.

When asked about any parts or liquids for the TDI, retailers in Mexico don't seem remotely interested in ordering it for me either.
 

tikal

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2001
Location
Southeast Texas
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2004 Passat Wagon (chainless + 5 MT + GDE tune)
For CR TDIs with the emissions intact you need to pay attention to being lower SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, and Sulphur).

"
What is Low SAPS engine oil?
Low SAPS oils are oils with low contents of sulphate ash (SA), phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S). Another term for Low SAPS is „low ash“ due to the low tendency to ash formation. The engine oils contain low-emission additives and are mainly used in vehicles with diesel particulate filters (DPF) and three-way catalytic converters (TWC). When sulphur and phosphorus are burned in large quantities, the residues clog the fine pores of the filters or the lamellas of the catalytic converters. Phosphorus and sulphur neutralise the surfaces of the catalytic converters and prevent exhaust detoxification.
Due to the low ash-forming content and the reduction of the catalyst poisons sulphur and phosphorus, the engine oils guarantee a longer service life and efficiency of the exhaust gas purification systems and lower pollutant emissions.
ACEA Class C1 - C6 specifications for diesel vehicles set limits for the sulphate ash content of lubricants. This must not exceed 0.5% (Low SAPS for ACEA C1 & C4) or 0.8% (Mid SAPS for ACEA C2, C3, C5 & C6).
"

Source: https://addinol.de/en/products/lubricants-for-the-automotive-sector/engine-oil/low-saps/

Using this handy tool https://online.lubrizol.com/relperftool/pc.html shows us that for CRs using the VW507 spec requires a maximum sulphated ash of 1% (taking the more stringent one). So if your diesel rated synthetic oil is ACEA C3 you are good to go in North America in my view.
 

CleverUserName

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2014
Location
NorCal
TDI
2014 OZ Cruze CTD & 2010 JSW 6MT & 2017 GMC Canyon CCLB ATX 2.8 Duramax
For CR TDIs with the emissions intact you need to pay attention to being lower SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, and Sulphur).

"
What is Low SAPS engine oil?
Low SAPS oils are oils with low contents of sulphate ash (SA), phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S). Another term for Low SAPS is „low ash“ due to the low tendency to ash formation. The engine oils contain low-emission additives and are mainly used in vehicles with diesel particulate filters (DPF) and three-way catalytic converters (TWC). When sulphur and phosphorus are burned in large quantities, the residues clog the fine pores of the filters or the lamellas of the catalytic converters. Phosphorus and sulphur neutralise the surfaces of the catalytic converters and prevent exhaust detoxification.
Due to the low ash-forming content and the reduction of the catalyst poisons sulphur and phosphorus, the engine oils guarantee a longer service life and efficiency of the exhaust gas purification systems and lower pollutant emissions.
ACEA Class C1 - C6 specifications for diesel vehicles set limits for the sulphate ash content of lubricants. This must not exceed 0.5% (Low SAPS for ACEA C1 & C4) or 0.8% (Mid SAPS for ACEA C2, C3, C5 & C6).
"

Source: https://addinol.de/en/products/lubricants-for-the-automotive-sector/engine-oil/low-saps/

Using this handy tool https://online.lubrizol.com/relperftool/pc.html shows us that for CRs using the VW507 spec requires a maximum sulphated ash of 1% (taking the more stringent one). So if your diesel rated synthetic oil is ACEA C3 you are good to go in North America in my view.
The ash limit for VW 507 is actually 1.5%.

 
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