MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Numero9 on June 13, 2022, 11:09:50 am

Title: Which Engine Oil
Post by: Numero9 on June 13, 2022, 11:09:50 am
New to GTi ownership and not sure what the previous owner had used, need to change the cam follower and thought I may as well do an interim service with some good quality oil.

Car is on 107k, last service was 104k. AFAIK it is standard and not been modified.

I've read the previous threads but they were a bit old so thought I would check if there is any new information and see if this oil would be okay?
https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-980-fuchs-titan-gt1-pro-c-3-xtl-5w-30-fully-synthetic-engine-oil.aspx?VariantID=91534
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: pudding on June 13, 2022, 12:20:35 pm
Standard answer on here is Quantum platinum from the dealer or TPS.  It's cheap (£20-£25 for 5 litres), VW approved and easy to get hold of.
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: mjmallia on June 13, 2022, 02:21:56 pm
As pudding mentions.

I use it in 5W40 over the summer and 5W30 in the winter
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: rich83 on June 13, 2022, 03:03:42 pm
I use the millers 5w40 NT  stuff... overkill? probably... expensive? yes...
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: pudding on June 13, 2022, 04:23:59 pm
I'd say not given how long your HPFP follower lasted.

Until recently I used to be Mr Mobil1 religiously every 3K, but switched to Quantum since it's now made by Fuchs.....and it's less than half the price  :grin:
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: Numero9 on June 14, 2022, 08:09:07 am
Thats interesting as it's what I have been using on my 1.9PD, 10k change and its just ticked over 262k and I have plenty.

Do people recommend using the longlife version or just the normal version? 5W-30 is what I've used so can keep using that.
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: pudding on June 14, 2022, 12:32:22 pm
5W-40.
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: Lewo on June 14, 2022, 03:04:34 pm
I use the millers 5w40 NT  stuff... overkill? probably... expensive? yes...

+1. Alex said its the best oil to been using since then.
Buy it when Opie have one of their rare sales 😂
Worked out to £50-52 for 5 litres last time I looked.
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: Shoduchi on June 14, 2022, 04:49:52 pm
I use the millers 5w40 NT  stuff... overkill? probably... expensive? yes...

+1. Alex said its the best oil to been using since then.
Buy it when Opie have one of their rare sales 😂
Worked out to £50-52 for 5 litres last time I looked.
That oil cost twice that price (at least) in Portugal. It's the oil I'm currently using and will use next oil change... :scared:
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: breeze on June 15, 2022, 08:42:08 pm
I use Nanodrive 5w40.

Absolutely essential on a stage 1 K03 car that is used for the nursery run.  :doh:
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: bobby_fodge on June 16, 2022, 09:12:23 am
Quantum user here. I have used Millers a few times and might switch back to it now that my mileage has dropped dramatically.

Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: Numero9 on June 16, 2022, 10:16:25 am
Why 5w-40 over 5w-30?

I will start with quantum although the mileage won't be too high right away I think I'll be doing around 10-15k so will just frequently change it.

Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: pudding on June 16, 2022, 10:56:20 am
Because 5W-30 works fine on a new engine with factory bearing tolerances.

Add 100K of wear to an engine and 5W-30 starts to burn off easily and reduce oil pressure.

"What oil?" is about the most common question on most forums.  Just use what ever suits your budget and service interval.
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: ROH ECHT on June 16, 2022, 11:57:41 pm
Why 5w-40 over 5w-30?
Also, and I am not sure what your Owner's Manual there states, mine came with the statement in the manual that it comes from the factory with Full Synthetic 5w40, but if 5w40 is not available...it is OK to use 5w30 so long as it has the VW 502.00 approval. I always suggest just use a full synthetic 5w40 and change it often or no more than 5k miles.

Now this is all stuff I have found recently. So this is the viewpoints and statements of others and not my own: I've seen one test where Miller's Nanodrive becoming super thick and gooey after a heat test and then chilled. I know everyone says it protects well and is Ester based and all, and that's all fine, but this would seem to be a problem once it has been used a bit and it gets cold. I wouldn't have believed it myself without seeing it. The other oil it was tested against performed very well in a cold pour portion at this point in the test (following being heated and used for some time), but Miller's just stuck within its chute and barely moved down it by the time the other oil finished traveling. I have also seen a post on facebook TFSI (R-Tech's page) where someone contacted Miller's and asked if their Nanodrive 5w40 was right for his car, driving style and intended intervals. He reported they told him no. It is more suited for racing where it will changed often.
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: pudding on June 17, 2022, 09:23:58 am
In Europe there are 2 oil regimes. 1 - Longlife 504.00 which is 5W-30 and is variable service intervals based on oil condition & distance *.  2 - Fixed 10K intervals, 502.00, which is 5W-40.

* - that's what the sensor in the sump is for. It's not just a level sensor, its also reads the opacity of the oil.

The Longlife stuff when it used to be Castrol was horrible. It varnished the internals that familiar goldish dark brown colour, and if not changed regularly, the excessive carbon and acidity wears the chain out and stiffens the valve guide seals into a plastic state.

Yeah that's the thing with oils like NanoDrive and other 'race' spec oils.  They rarely, if ever, come with manufacturer approval because it doesn't meet particular standards which race engines don't need to be concerned with.

If Ester oil is your thing, then I would be using Fuchs Titan Pro-S (formerly known as Silkolene) or Motul Sport 5W-40, or 300V if you're really posh.

Quantum Platinum is plenty good enough these engines though.  The frequency of change is more important than the quality of oil, especially on an engine that only has 1 very small chain and 1 tiny flat tappet, so cheap stuff is fine. There's hardly any friction and its operating temp range does not stress the oil at all. A twin turbo V8 revving to 8500rpm, then yep, I'd be using Motul 300V!

Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: breeze on June 17, 2022, 02:03:06 pm
Why 5w-40 over 5w-30?
Also, and I am not sure what your Owner's Manual there states, mine came with the statement in the manual that it comes from the factory with Full Synthetic 5w40, but if 5w40 is not available...it is OK to use 5w30 so long as it has the VW 502.00 approval. I always suggest just use a full synthetic 5w40 and change it often or no more than 5k miles.

Now this is all stuff I have found recently. So this is the viewpoints and statements of others and not my own: I've seen one test where Miller's Nanodrive becoming super thick and gooey after a heat test and then chilled. I know everyone says it protects well and is Ester based and all, and that's all fine, but this would seem to be a problem once it has been used a bit and it gets cold. I wouldn't have believed it myself without seeing it. The other oil it was tested against performed very well in a cold pour test at this point in the test (following being heated for some time), but Miller's just stick within its chute and barely moved down it. I have also seen a post on facebook TFSI (R-Tech's page) where someone contacted Miller's and asked if their Nanodrive 5w40 was right for his car, driving style and intended intervals. He reported they told him no. It is more suited for racing where it will changed often.

Can you share the details of the test? Would make interesting reading. I may move to Quantum in the future.
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: ROH ECHT on June 17, 2022, 03:47:38 pm
Can you share the details of the test? Would make interesting reading.
Sure, I actually just found the video. Didn't think I would, but I remembered it was one of Miller's Nanotech 5w30 offerings compared to one most wouldn't likely consider, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum. The test does prove Miller's has a good amount of Wear Additives but evaporates more and gets quite thick when cold.
 
Here is the video link I watched:


Here is a snapshot of the beginning of the cold pour test:
(https://i.postimg.cc/3RYprvVg/aa.png) (https://postimages.org/)

Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: pudding on June 18, 2022, 12:35:32 pm
Good old Project Farm  :happy2:

Regarding the cold test, the UK will never see temperatures that low but it's still interesting to see how stodgy it gets though.
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: LC5F on June 23, 2022, 10:28:41 pm
Yes - I saw that vid ages ago, it made me think about all the peeps proudly using nanotech on here.
The follow up to this has Amazon basics own synthetic oil - for budget price it did really well - but not available in UK

I will stick with the Quantum platinum - it has all the vitamins and minerals my VW needs.
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: ROH ECHT on June 24, 2022, 05:12:09 pm
Yes - I saw that vid ages ago, it made me think about all the peeps proudly using nanotech on here.

I will stick with the Quantum platinum - it has all the vitamins and minerals my VW needs.
Yes, very proud.
Partly due to Rowe Tech's (seemingly great, if not one of the best, tuning folks there) facebook page having this home picture, and many do follow it;

(https://i.postimg.cc/q7sTHdYJ/asodfigjhkf.png) (https://postimages.org/)

But Miller's 5W40 costs $115usd/5L here. Miller's does state it is a "Motorsport Oil" which is the type you might change every 500 miles of racing, or sooner.

I can get 5W40:
LiquiMoly Leichtlauf or Synthoil for $42usd...Molygen New Gen for $50usd
Mobil1 (Euro) for $34usd
Castrol Edge for $24usd
Motul X-cess for $50usd
Fuchs Supersyn or GT1 for $40

So...when you look at getting 2 to nearly 4 times your 5L jugs for the price of one Miller's, and you change the oil often say every 3k miles. Then the Miller's price seems unjustifiable....for myself.
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: rich83 on June 24, 2022, 06:21:39 pm
Ahhh I made that graphic back in my Facebook days. Old info but still relevant
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: ROH ECHT on June 26, 2022, 03:50:04 pm
Ahhh I made that graphic back in my Facebook days. Old info but still relevant
Nice...you definitely included all of "the right stuff" on it.
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: pudding on June 27, 2022, 09:18:49 am
But Miller's 5W40 costs $115usd/5L here. Miller's does state it is a "Motorsport Oil" which is the type you might change every 500 miles of racing.

I can get 5W40:
LiquiMoly Leichtlauf or Synthoil for $42usd...Molygen New Gen for $50usd
Mobil1 (Euro) for $34usd
Castrol Edge for $24usd
Motul X-cess for $50usd
Fuchs Supersyn or GT1 for $40

So...when you look at near 3 to sometimes 4 - 5L jugs for the price of one Miller's, and you change the oil often say every 3k miles, the Miller's price seems unjustifiable....for myself.

Wow, you pay very little for oil compared to Europe!

Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: richtung on June 27, 2022, 01:14:06 pm
Im considering switching from Castrol Edge 5w30 to Quantum 5w40. Is everyone using the Quantum Platinum or Quantum Synta?

Cheers
 
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: ROH ECHT on June 27, 2022, 03:36:39 pm
Im considering switching from Castrol Edge 5w30 to Quantum 5w40. Is everyone using the Quantum Platinum or Quantum Synta?

Cheers
I would imagine Platinum is preferred over Synta in the MK5 GTI.
They state the Platinum is for high performance turbo charged engines where the Synta does not.
Synta states it is for extended drain intervals where Platinum does not. And the GTI is not recommended for long drain intervals. With all of that said, Synta does have the VW 502.00 Approval, but Platinum is Low-Ash which is also better for having less deposits. Especially near the piston ring area (a problem zone in our engine), which is critical for engine health.

Synta: https://tps.trade/media/custom/upload/10905_Quantum_SYNTA_5W-40_v3.pdf

Platinum: https://tps.trade/media/catalog/product/file/11044_Platinum_5W-40.pdf
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: ROH ECHT on June 27, 2022, 03:50:24 pm
But Miller's 5W40 costs $115usd/5L here. Miller's does state it is a "Motorsport Oil" which is the type you might change every 500 miles of racing.

I can get 5W40:
LiquiMoly Leichtlauf or Synthoil for $42usd...Molygen New Gen for $50usd
Mobil1 (Euro) for $34usd
Castrol Edge for $24usd
Motul X-cess for $50usd
Fuchs Supersyn or GT1 for $40

So...when you look at near 3 to sometimes 4 - 5L jugs for the price of one Miller's, and you change the oil often say every 3k miles, the Miller's price seems unjustifiable....for myself.

Wow, you pay very little for oil compared to Europe!
Wow, I have trouble trying to pull up prices there, but I did find Castrol Edge can be €40 to €50 per 5 liter bottle.
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: LC5F on July 02, 2022, 04:59:28 pm
But Miller's 5W40 costs $115usd/5L here. Miller's does state it is a "Motorsport Oil" which is the type you might change every 500 miles of racing.

I can get 5W40:
LiquiMoly Leichtlauf or Synthoil for $42usd...Molygen New Gen for $50usd
Mobil1 (Euro) for $34usd
Castrol Edge for $24usd
Motul X-cess for $50usd
Fuchs Supersyn or GT1 for $40

So...when you look at near 3 to sometimes 4 - 5L jugs for the price of one Miller's, and you change the oil often say every 3k miles, the Miller's price seems unjustifiable....for myself.

Wow, you pay very little for oil compared to Europe!

@ROH ECHT (https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=3794) - have you come across the FCP Euro lifetime auto parts guarantee - that covers consumables...only rub is you have to send the old item back...IE shipping used oil & filter for replacement:


Applicable for international customer too.
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: ROH ECHT on July 04, 2022, 02:45:57 pm


@ROH ECHT (https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=3794) - have you come across the FCP Euro lifetime auto parts guarantee - that covers consumables...only rub is you have to send the old item back...IE shipping used oil & filter for replacement:


Applicable for international customer too.
A couple of years ago is when I learned of their amazing warranty.
I haven't used them for consumables such as oil & filter etc.. But I did order my replacement K04 from them last year. I thought it would be wise to do so since they had the best warranty on a turbo, LOL. It was a genuine Borg Warner, rather the OE. Which only meant it had a BW tag on it instead of a VAG tag. I do plan on ordering from them more for say MAF or O2 sensors, and other bits which I may have spares for. Just so if I need to return something, I will have a spare to use while waiting for warranty replacements to arrive. Because yeah, with their warranty, you have to return something and then wait for them to do whatever they do and return a replacement.
Title: Re: Which Engine Oil
Post by: ROH ECHT on July 04, 2022, 03:16:29 pm
have you come across the FCP Euro lifetime auto parts guarantee - that covers consumables...only rub is you have to send the old item back...IE shipping used oil & filter for replacement:


Applicable for international customer too.
A couple of years ago is when I learned of their amazing warranty.
I haven't used them for consumables such as oil & filter etc., yet. But I did order my replacement K04 from them last year. I thought it would be wise to do so since they had the best warranty on a new turbo, LOL. It was a genuine Borg Warner and cost $1100usd. Which only meant it had a BW tag on it instead of a VAG tag. I spoke with someone there before and I believe their recommendation is you buy replacements when needed before sending one back. Once you have the replacement, you then return the used parts in the box they sent the replacement in, and then issue a refund. So yeah...shipping is the issue, but they refund tax. So make contact and find out if all of your taxes would be refunded.
Here is their return process:


Here is one's experience with a return...and his taxes were refunded, but not the return shipping: