[basher]

I have done a search and manually trawled back 11 pages and I'm sure this has been done already but on the lack of an answer I'll post this question.

I have a new 06 R and will be dumping the oil at 1500 miles, and will continue to do so every 6000 miles, the standard interval is 12,500 in the UK so I thought I would double up. In the UK Volvo recommend Castrol SLX-R tec 0W-30, but I have used Mobil 1 0W-40 in everything I have owned for the past 8 years and have always been very impressed, especially when a cam belt snapped and I saw the head the tech said it was the cleanest head with 46k miles he had ever seen (Peugeot 306 GTI-6) Volvo may be happy with Castrol but I'm happier with Mobil 1, So do I stick 2 fingers up at Volvo and use Mobil 1 or do I unwillingly cave in and keep with Castrol on warranty grounds?
The car will be driven hard and will get a 3" DP, exhaust and a MTE upgrade.

 

[JimLill]

Re: Which Oil? Volvo (basher)

Keep in mind, we here in the New World don't get the same Castrol stuff as you guys do.......

 

[R Kelly]

Re: Which Oil? Volvo (basher)

I use Mobil1 0-40.

 

[Johann]

Re: Which Oil? Volvo (basher)

Use a good synthetic 5W-40

 

[zephyr451]

Re: Which Oil? Volvo (basher)

I've been using Mobil-1 0-40 with good results. No oil use to speak of on 7500mile change intervals.

 

[pico de luuks]

Re: Which Oil? Volvo ("R" Kelly)

Quote, originally posted by "R" Kelly »

I use Mobil1 0-40.

Same on my 2.4T XC http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

 

[cloaked]

I got a problem with using and Zero weight oil. I don't know anything about it, and besides i live in So. Cal. I don't need it.

 

[FORD420diesel]

Re: (cloaked)

I use Mobil 1 10W-30, but that's just because I copy my dad (who's had a '66 Corvette, '71 TR6, '56 250S, etc.). I live in El Paso, so should I switch to the 0W-40 then as well?

Cheers!!

-Steve

 

[vintagemilano]

Re: Which Oil? Volvo (basher)

I wouldn't use the Zero wieght oil unless I lived in the arctic. You want the narrowest number split you can live with and the brand is up to you. A real synthetic is far better than regular. I know lots of people have but I wouldn't switch to synthetic until at least 10k miles.

 

[cloaked]

Re: Which Oil? Volvo (vintagemilano)

I was told the same thing regarding my Sti ,However, I haven't seen any real evidence to support it. I have been following it no synthetic until 10,000 miles

 

[PB11]

Re: Which Oil? Volvo (vintagemilano)

Castrol 0W30 is very good Group IV oil (PAO basestock--not Group III like most of the Castrol Syntec line). This oil has a very record of UOA (used oil analysis) reports in performance and european engines. It is a thick 30W oil (nearly 40W) and it holds up well on extended drains of 5-8K miles (no shearing--stays in normal viscosity) and should be able to handle the demands of the R engine. I have this oil in my car now (I will change it and do a UOA in a few months). However until you do a UOA I would not trust any oil over 5-6K in this engine--and that is assuming you are using synthetic.

Mobil 1 0W40 on the other hand has a reputation of shearing out of grade rather rapidly and then thickening up on more extended drains (not ideal behavior--you want something that will continually protect the engine). I would suggest the Mobil 1 5W30 or 10W30 would be better choice in the Mobil 1 lineup--but I think Castrol 0W30 is probably the best of the oils you mentioned. http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

 

[Ajay]

Re: Which Oil? Volvo (basher)

The Castrol oil you refer to is recommended. It is very dificult to get on this side of the pond, but is sometimes available in Auto Zone stores (US owners - look for the "made in Germany" label on it). There is an almost "cult" following for this oil. Evidently it holds together more like a 10-30 with a "20 weight spread" but with the viscosity of a 0-30, or greater. I am not a chemist or engineer, so I apologize for not articulating this better. I did do a lot of research on this oil before I decided to use it though.
Best of luck on your new R.

 

[cloaked]

Lets not forget the filter because it wont matter what oil you use if you don't have a good filter to go along with that oil.

 

[basher]

Re: (cloaked)

That goes without saying, I use a new oem filter everytime I change the oil on any car.