September 2010

Oil specifications
are changing
Comma explains the changes so
you can fit with confidence!

Engine oil standards are changing. The representative

body for all the major European automobile
constructors (ACEA) has introduced a new set of
standards and classifications. All manufacturers
claiming ACEA specifications must adhere. As always,
Commas engine oils meet these standards.
The latest engine oil specifications for European cars take
full effect at the end of 2010. In this guide we explain the
changes and their implications for technicians.
ACEA sets the standards for and coordinates European Individual engine tests have been upgraded to keep
engine lubricant specifications. Significant changes to the abreast of:
ACEA European Oil specifications officially known as the developments in engine design and contemporary
sequences come into full effect on December 22nd manufacturing technologies, e.g. finer machining
2010. Any products claiming ACEA specifications which tolerances
are manufactured after this date need to meet the new
the use of new materials and more durable
standards. Youll be familiar with the ACEA coding
components
categories from the information appearing on most oil
packaging labels for example ACEA A3, B3, C3 etc. (see across the board increases in specific power outputs
page 8 for a guide to engine oil claims and specifications). European environmental policy regarding emissions
and extended oil servicing intervals.
Derived from a series of demanding engine tests, the
ACEA sequences have been updated a number of times These tests also play a crucial role in protecting
since they were created in 1996 but the latest changes exhaust after-treatment units such as 3-way catalytic
are by far the most significant and challenging to date. converters (CAT) and diesel particulate filters (DPF),
which is a critical factor in enabling manufacturers to
meet strict EU legislation covering new vehicle
emission control standards.

Contents Page
The Main Improvements to ACEA .......................................................... 2
Updates to Comma Ranges ..................................................................... 3-5
FAQs ............................................................................................................................................ 6-7
Specifications Explained .................................................................................... 8
MS01617

Commas latest engine oil specifications explained inside

The Main Improvements to ACEA
In the following pages we show you how and where Wear
the new specifications relate to all the products in A3/B4 Protection

Comma's Performance Motor Oil, X-Flow, Commercial (Chart 1)

Vehicle and Consumer oil ranges. We have also Low Sludge
SAPS Handling
included a comprehensive Q&A section, a guide to New
the full range of ACEA and API specifications, as well
as a table listing all the most common manufacturer
specifications that you are likely to encounter.
Old
Within the latest ACEA changes, the following areas
Fuel Piston
have been significantly improved: Economy Deposits

Improved wear protection focussing on cam,

tappet and cylinder protection
Sludge handling performance
Oxidation Soot
Piston cleanliness. Handling

Additional sludge handling, wear protection and piston

The spider charts shown on the right illustrate the deposits brought about by the merging of the A3/B4 sequences.
improvements offered by the latest ACEA specifications.
Wear
ACEA C3 Protection
The A & B sequences have been merged and can no
(Chart 2)
longer be claimed separately meaning that where you
see A you will now always see B and vice versa. Low Sludge
SAPS Handling
New
At a technical level, some new chemical restrictions
have been applied to the newly merged A/B sequences
that now clearly separate them from their low SAPS
counterparts. In effect, ACEA has made it almost Old
impossible to make A/B and C claims all on the same oil. Fuel Piston
Economy Deposits

The A2, B2 & E2 sequences have been discontinued and

can no longer be claimed. E3 and E5 have also been
phased out having been marked for discontinuation in
a previous update. That leaves E7 as the lowest Oxidation Soot
sequence for heavy duty diesel oils. The introduction of Handling

the new E9 sequence completes the picture for Additional sludge handling, wear protection and piston
deposits on the Low SAPS C3 sequence.
commercial vehicles.
Wear
ACEA E2 Vs E7 Protection
These diagrams illustrate the improved range of (Chart 3)
protections provided by each category. You will see
Low Bore
improved sludge handling performance, wear SAPS Polish
protection and piston cleanliness in most A & B
sequences. E7
The engine test for wear has also been changed,
requiring significantly improved protection against cam, E2
tappet and cylinder wear. The jump from E2 to E7 also
Oxidation Piston
represents a significant increase in base performance in Deposits
the heavy duty diesel oil category.

KEY
Light colours ACEA sequence protection, pre the latest revisions Corrosion Soot
Handling
Dark colours ACEA sequence protection, post the latest revision
The rise from E2 to E7 brings about better soot handling,
reduces corrosion, piston deposits and general wear.

2
Performance Motor Oil

Ecolife 5w-30 EcoRen 5w-30

Fully synthetic high performance Fully synthetic high performance
5w-30 low SAPS oil. 5w-30 low SAPS oil.
Specially formulated for the latest Specially formulated for the latest
petrol and diesel vehicles fitted with petrol and diesel vehicles fitted with
exhaust after treatment units that exhaust after-treatment units that
require an ACEA C1 grade. require an ACEA C4 grade.
Suitable for certain Land Rover, Suitable for certain Renault models.
Mazda, Jaguar and Mitsubishi models.
Pack sizes 1L, 5L Pack sizes 1L, 5L
Specifications Specifications
ACEA C1, Ford WSS-M2C934-B ACEA C4, Renault RN0720

So how do these changes impact the Comma PMO range?

PRODUCT OLD SPECIFICATIONS NEW SPECIFICATIONS
Prolife 5w30 ACEA A3 B4 C3 VW 504 00 / VW 507 00, BMW LL-04, MB 229.51
Fully Synthetic VW 504 00/ VW 507 00
Ecolife 5w30 ACEA C1
Fully Synthetic FORD WSS-M2C934-B
Pro-Tech 5w30 ACEA A5 B5 C2, API SM CF ACEA C2, API SM CF
Fully Synthetic PEUGEOT & CITROEN PEUGEOT & CITROEN
Syner-Z 5w30 ACEA A3 B3 B4 C3, API SM CF ACEA C3, API SM CF
Fully Synthetic BMW LL-04, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00, MB 229.31 / MB 229.51 BMW LL-04, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00 / VW 505 01, MB 229.31 / MB 229.51, dexos-2
EcoRen 5w30 ACEA C4
Fully Synthetic RN0720
Longlife 5w30 ACEA A3 B3 B4, API SM CF ACEA A3/B4, API SL CF
Fully Synthetic GM-LL-A-025 / GM-LL-B-025, MB 229.3, BMW LL-01, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00 GM-LL-A-025 / GM-LL-B-025, MB 229.5, BMW LL-01, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00, RN0700
Xtech 5w30 ACEA A1 B1, API SL CF ACEA A5/B5, API SL CF
Fully Synthetic FORD WSS M2C913-B, ZETEC FORD WSS-M2C913-C, ZETEC, DURATEC & DURATORQ
Syner-G 5w40 ACEA A3 B3 B4, API SM CF ACEA A3/B4, API SM CF
Fully Synthetic MB 229.1/MB 229.3, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00, BMW LL-98, Porsche MB 229.1/MB 229.3, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00, BMW LL-98, RN0700/RN0710, Porsche
Syner-D 5w40 ACEA A3 B3 B4, API CF ACEA A3/B4, API SM CF
Fully Synthetic MB 229.3, VW 505 00, BMW LL-98 MB 229.1/MB 229.3, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00, BMW LL-98, RN0700/RN0710
Diesel PD 5w40 ACEA B3, API CF ACEA C3, API SM CF
Fully Synthetic VW 505 01, FORD WSS M2C917-A, VW 505 00 / VW 500 00, MB 229.1 VW 505 01, FORD WSS-M2C917-A, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00, BMW LL-04, MB 229.31
Eurolite 10w40 ACEA A3 B3, API SL CF ACEA A3/B4, API SL CF
Semi Synthetic MB 229.1, VW 502 00 MB 229.1, VW 501 01 / VW 505 00
Diesel Lite 10w40 ACEA B3 B4, API CF ACEA A3/B4, API SL CF
Semi Synthetic MB 229.1, VW 501 01/VW 505 00
Eurodiesel 15w40 ACEA B3 B4 E3, API CF CG-4 ACEA A3/B4, API SL CF CG-4
Semi Synthetic MB 228.3, MB 229.1, VW 505 00 MB 228.3, MB 229.1, VW 505 00
XT2000 15w40 ACEA A3 B3, API SL CF ACEA A3/B3, API SL CF
Semi Synthetic MB 229.1, VW 501 01 / VW 505 00
Motorsport 5w50 SUITABLE FOR REPLACING ACEA A3, B3, API-SL, CF, SAE-5W40, 10W40 & SUITABLE FOR REPLACING ACEA A3, B3, API-SL, CF, SAE-5W40, 10W40 & 15W40 OILS
Fully Synthetic 15W40 OILS IN MOTORSPORT APPLICATIONS IN MOTORSPORT APPLICATIONS

Specifications removed for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers update Specifications added for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers update

3
X-Flow Oil
Type F Plus
Fully synthetic to help
keep engines clean, prolong
engine life and reduce emissions.
Suitable for petrol and diesel
vehicles including fuel injected,
multi valved and turbo charged.
Suitable for Zetec, DuraTec and
DuraTorq engines pre 2009.

Pack sizes 5L, 25L, 199L

Specifications
ACEA A1/B1 API SL CF
Ford WSS-M2C913-A/WSS-M2C913-B

So how do these changes impact the X-Flow Oils?

PRODUCT OLD SPECIFICATIONS NEW SPECIFICATIONS
Type F Plus 5w30 ACEA A1/B1 API SL CF
Fully Synthetic Ford WSS-M2C913-A/WSS-M2C913-B
(Suitable for Zetec, DuraTec & DuraTorq engines pre 2009)
Type LL 5w30 ACEA A3/B3 A3/B4 API SL CF ACEA A3/B3 A3/B4 API SL CF
Fully Synthetic GM-LL-A-025 / GM-LL-B-025, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00 GM-LL-A-025 / GM-LL-B-025, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00
Type PD 5w40 ACEA A3/B3 A3/B4 API SL CF ACEA C3 API SL CF
Fully Synthetic VW 505 01, FORD WSS-M2C917-A VW 505 01, FORD WSS-M2C917-A
Type G 5w40 ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF
Fully Synthetic MB 229.1, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00 MB 229.1, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00
Type F 5w30 ACEA A1/B1 API SL CF ACEA A1/B1 API SL CF
Semi Synthetic SUITABLE FOR FORD ZETEC ENGINES SUITABLE FOR FORD ZETEC ENGINES
Type S 10w40 ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF
Semi Synthetic MB 229.1, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00 MB 229.1, VW 501 01 / VW 505 00
Type MF 15w40 ACEA A3/B3/E2 API SL CF CG-4 ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF CG-4
Mineral MB 228.1, MB 229.1, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00, Volvo VDS, MAN 271, ALLISON C4 MB 228.1, MB 229.1, VW 501 01 / VW 505 00

Specifications removed for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers update Specifications added for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers update

Commercial Vehicle Oil

So how do these changes impact the Commercial Vehicle Oils?
PRODUCT OLD SPECIFICATIONS NEW SPECIFICATIONS
Ultra Diesel 10w40 ACEA E4 E6 E7 ACEA E4 E6 E7 API CI-4
Fully Synthetic Volvo VDS-3, MAN 3477, MB 228.5 Volvo VDS-3, MAN 3477, MB 228.5
MAN 3277, MTU Type 3, Renault RXD, RLD-2, MB228.51 MAN 3277, MTU Type 3, Renault RXD, RLD-2, MB 228.51, Scania Low Ash
Advanced Diesel 10w40 ACEA A3 B3 A3 B4 E3 E5 E7 API SL CF CI-4 ACEA A3 B4 E7, API SL CF CI-4
Semi Synthetic Volvo VDS-3, MB 228.3, MB 229.1, MAN M3275, MTU Type 2, Renault RVI RLD, RLD-2, Volvo VDS-3, MB 228.3, MB 229.1, MAN M3275, MTU Type 2, Renault RVI RLD, RLD-2,
Cummins CES 20071 72 76 77 78, Mack EO-M+, Scania LDF-2 Cummins CES 20071 72 76 77 78, Mack EO-M+
Super Diesel 15w40 ACEA A3 B3 B4 E5 API SL CF CH-4 ACEA A3/B4/E7, API SL CF CI-4
Advanced Mineral Volvo VDS-2, MAN 3275, MB 228.3, MB229.1, Cummins CES 20071 72 76 77 78, Volvo VDS-3, MAN 3275, MB 228.3, MB229.1, Cummins CES 20071 72 76 77 78,
Renault RLD, Mack EO-M+, MTU Type 2, CAT ECF-1a Renault RLD, Mack EO-M+, MTU Type 2, CAT ECF-1a
Super Diesel SHPD 20w50 ACEA A3 B3 E3 API SL CF CG-4 ACEA A3 B3 E3-level, API SL CF CG-4
Advanced Mineral MB 228.3, MB 229.1, MAN 3275 MB 228.3, MB 229.1, MAN 3275
Multilube 10w30 ACEA E3 API CG-4 GL-4 ACEA E3-level API CG-4 GL-4
All purpose lubricant MB 227.1 MB 227.1

Specifications removed for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers update Specifications added for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers update

4
Consumer Oil

MAX Longlife 5w30 MAX PD 5w40

Fully synthetic to help keep engines
clean, prolong engine life and reduce
emissions.
Specially formulated to meet the needs
of GM/Vauxhall/Opel petrol and diesel
vehicles operating with extended drain
intervals.
Fully synthetic to help keep engines
clean, prolong engine life and reduce
emissions.
Specially formulated to meet the needs
of VW/Audi group vehicles fitted with
PD or unit injector engines

Pack sizes 1L, 5L Pack sizes 1L, 5L

Specifications Specifications
ACEA A3/B3 A3/B4 API SL CF ACEA C3 API SL CF
GM-LL-A-025 / GM-LL-B-025, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00 VW 505 01, FORD WSS-M2C917-A

So how do these changes impact the Consumer Oils?

PRODUCT OLD SPECIFICATIONS NEW SPECIFICATIONS
Max Longlife 5w30 ACEA A3/B3 A3/B4 API SL CF
Fully Synthetic GM-LL-A-025 GM-LL-B-025, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00
Max PD 5w40 ACEA C3 API SL CF
Fully Synthetic VW 505 01, FORD WSS-M2C917-A
Ultra Lite 5w40 ACEA A3 B3 API SL CF ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF
Fully Synthetic MB 229.1, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00 MB 229.1, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00
Eurotech 5w30 ACEA A1 B1 API SL CF ACEA A1/B1 API SL CF
Semi Synthetic SUITABLE FOR FORD ZETEC SUITABLE FOR FORD ZETEC
Lite 10w40 ACEA A3 B3 API SL CF ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF
Semi Synthetic MB 229.1, VW 502 00 / VW 505 00 MB 229.1, VW 501 01 / VW 505 00
Turbo Diesel 15w40 ACEA A3 B3 API CF-4 CF ACEA A3/B3 API SL CF CF-4
Semi Synthetic MB 228.3, MB 229.1, VOLVO VDS2 MB 228.3, MB 229.1, VW 505 00
Super 15w40 ACEA A3 B3 API SL ACEA A3 B3 API SL
Enhanced Mineral MB 229.1, VW 505 00 MB 229.1, VW 501 01
Sonic 20w50 ACEA A2 B2 API SL CF ACEA A3 B3 API SL CF
Enhanced Mineral

Specifications removed for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers update Specifications added for ACEA compliancy / Manufacturers update

5
Remove the confusion with Commas FAQs
Significant changes to ACEAs European Oil specifications will come into full effect on December 22nd. The latest
changes are the most demanding since the ACEA specifications were created in 1996.

This is not the first time improvements have been made to specifications: the previous set took effect in 2007. Any
engine oils making an ACEA claim and leaving the manufacturer from December 22nd 2010 onwards must be
compliant with the new specifications. The significance for independent distributors and workshop technicians is to
underline yet again the vital importance of accurate and up-to-date application data, an area where Comma leads
the aftermarket.

Changes in engine oil standards Q So what are the new changes?

Q Ive heard that new engine oil standards are about to be

introduced. Is that true?
A Yes. Significant changes to ACEAs European oil specifications
become effective on December 22nd 2010. The latest
changes are the most demanding since the ACEA
specifications were created in 1996.
Q Im not sure I understand ACEA. What does it stand for?
A Its the representative body of all the major European
Automobile Manufacturers, officially entitled Association des
Constructeurs Europens d'Automobiles.....ACEA
A ACEA has focused on creating higher quality lubricants with
the introduction of more stringent testing, for example some
tests now have to be run with fuel containing a biodiesel
component. The sludge handling performance, diesel wear
protection and piston cleanliness targets of most oils in the
A and B sequences have been significantly increased. This
is achieved by higher levels of oxidation stability in the oils.
The engine test that examines engine wear has also been
changed, with the new test requiring significantly higher
levels of protection against cam, tappet and cylinder wear.
Q Anything else I should know?

Q And what does ACEA do?

A Yes, the detail of the changes are very technical, and for that
reason, probably best left to the oil chemists! For aftermarket
distributors/the professional workshop technician the
A A major area of its work is to set the standards for and to
coordinate European engine lubricant specifications,
officially known as the sequences. Youll recognise the ACEA
important things to know are that the changes make it
impossible to claim A and B separately and (almost)
impossible to claim A/B and C on the same oil.
coding categories from the information appearing on most
oil packaging labels for example ACEA A3, B3, C3 etc.
Q What about the E category Heavy Duty Diesel Engine oils.
Any changes there?
Q Why does ACEA keep changing them?

A All oils employ the more demanding wear test, but perhaps
the biggest impact on the E sequences is that the E2
A Because lubricants have to keep pace with advances in
engine technology such as finer machining tolerances, the
use of new materials, greatly increased specific power output
category has been dropped. E7 was introduced some years
ago to replace and incorporate all the benefits of E1, E3 and
and, increasingly, EU legislation demanding strict vehicle E5. Therefore, E7 is now the lowest level of Heavy Duty diesel
emissions control standards for new vehicles. oil performance recognized by ACEA. Meantime, E4 is an early
version of a high performance long drain product which has
been largely superceded by later developments. E6 is a low
Q Do ACEAs changes in any way affect the API (American
Petroleum Institute) claims that also frequently appear on oil
containers alongside the ACEA categories?
SAPS version of E4. (Note: Comma also sells a product defined
as E3 Level, which is not an ACEA specification, but has been
formulated to service some older HD diesel engines still

A No. Not at all. widely in service in some mostly East European countries).

Manufacturer specific oils

Q How does ACEA decide on and arrive at a new set of
standards?

A By defining a series of stringent engine tests. The tests are

actually carried out by a technical association of members
representing the major European oil producers called ATIEL
Q Will the new sequences have any influence on manufacturer
specific oils?
officially entitled lAssociation Technique de l'Industrie
Europenne des Lubrifiants. To claim ACEA, it is necessary to
manufacture engine lubricants to ATIEL standards, which
A Yes, some, but not very many in terms of applications. Various
OEMs have taken the opportunity to update some of their
specifications and the ACEA levels needed to meet their
Comma rigorously observes in all its blending and compliance requirements.
production processes. For complete authenticity and
traceability, samples of every Comma production batch are
retained for at least a year after blending. Q For example?

Q Do the new ACEA standards apply only to new vehicles?

A VW now only consider 0W or 5W oils meeting the revised
A All new cars and LCVs manufactured in Europe will be factory-
filled with engine lubricants conforming to the new standards,
and should be serviced/re-filled accordingly in the future. The
new ACEA standard oils are also 100% suitable for use in all
vehicles manufactured prior to the introduction of the new
standards.
ACEA A3/B4 for their 502 00 claim. The relevant VW
specification for 10W and 15W oils in petrol applications is
VW 501 01. This affects all current manufacturers and for
Comma will mean that some 10W products will no longer
carry the VW 502 00 claim but will have VW 501 01 instead.
Overall however, there are very few changes in the new
Comma application data.

6
How the changes affect the Comma range
Q Is Ford policing its latest WSS-M2C913-C specification?
Q I have an older version of the Comma Application guide, can I
continue to use this?

A Yes, and very closely. Commas fully compliant product is

Xtech 5w-30. Ford introduced WSS-M2C913-C to give blanket
application coverage for virtually all its petrol and diesel
A Whilst there are no application/service issues, it is always
recommended that you use the latest guide which would
provide you with the greatest number of vehicle applications
models. The very few exceptions include the PD (Pumpe Dse) up to model year 2010. Also Commas written guarantee
diesel-engined Galaxy and some high performance Ford covers you for using the latest guide.
models intended principally for motorsport. WSS-M2C913-C is
fully backward compatible (with WSS-M2C913-B applications). What to remember

Q What about GMs dexos 2?

Q How can I remember everything?

A Earlier this year, GM introduced dexos 2, its own oil

specification for all petrol and diesel engined models in its
European ranges Vauxhall, Opel, SAAB to provide the
A You cant possibly be expected to! Our intention in this Q & A
same sort of blanket coverage as Fords brand-specific
product (above). Syner-Z 5w-30 is Commas fully compliant
dexos 2 product. GMs dexos 2 is fully backwardly compatible
(with GM-LL-A-025 and GM-LL-B-025 applications).
Servicing issues
Q If I dont use the latest ACEA spec. oil, will it invalidate a
warranty?
A Many vehicle manufacturers now make the use of their own
vehicle or engine specific oil(s) a warranty-critical
requirement. This will be indicated in the vehicles service
manual and for your own protection should be
systematically complied with. Wherever a
manufacturer/engine specific oil is required, it will in any case
also meet ACEAs updated sequences, so best practice is
always to use an oil that meets the vehicle manufacturers
specifications. By using Comma oils as specified in our
2010/11 application guide, your customers warranty
will not be invalidated.
is simply to keep you informed about the important changes
that are taking effect. Our more important mission is to
supply you with the appropriate ACEA products and
application tools to ensure that you continue to service and
care for your customers vehicles in line with best practice
and in compliance with vehicle manufacturers requirements.
We repeat, many vehicle manufacturers now make the use of
oils that meet their strict vehicle/engine
specific specifications a warranty-critical
condition. So, not only does Comma
provide you with the aftermarkets
most comprehensive and up-to-date
oils application data* (we do the same
for coolants as well, by the way) we
also cover over 6,500 applications
with our written guarantee.
Application
Comma offers extensive application
data in various formats, including
printed guides, electronic and online at
www.CommaOil.com, helping you to select the
right products for your customers cars.

Q What does low SAPS mean?

Product Guarantee

A Its the category of oils defined as Catalyst Compatible i.e.

the ACEA C class in the case of petrol and diesel engined cars
and light vans. SAPS is the acronym for Sulphated Ash,
Comma stands behind every product listed
in its application guides with a written
performance guarantee. This guarantee
Phosphorus and Sulphur, all of which pose a severe threat to
provides you and your customers with
the efficiency and longevity of expensive catalytic converters
complete confidence in the quality and
(CATs) in petrol engines and diesel particulate filters (DPFs) in
suitability of our products. If you would like
diesel engines.
a copy of the guarantee to display in your
premises simply contact Comma
Q I have some older stock: is this an issue?
Customer Services.

A No. There are no application/servicing issues. You can

continue to use your current stock and Commas guarantee
will continue to cover you.
* Commas application data has been fully updated to reflect all the
latest ACEA changes. It will be available in hard copy form in the
2010/11 Comma Workshop Application Guide & Product Catalogue,
available in November and online through the vehicle registration
Q What if I use a new application guide with existing stock?
look-up facility at www.CommaOil.com

A There are no application/servicing issues. For more information, Comma has produced an updated
training module. We are available to train your staff to give them
a detailed understanding of the latest technologies so that they

Q When will the website and electronic application systems

such as AutoCat be updated?
can help you to sell Comma oils confidently and profitably.
Contact Comma Customer Services for further details.

A New application data will be available on

www.CommaOil.com and other electronic data systems from
November 2010.
T: 01474 564 311
E: workshop@commaoil.com
www.CommaOil.com

7
A Guide to Engine Oil Claims and Specifications
All engine oils manufactured by Comma are produced in accordance with the European Engine Lubricants Quality
Management Systems (EELQMS) managed by ATIEL (Technical Association of the European Lubricants Industry) and
covered by a strict auditing programme.
ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europens dAutomobiles) or European OEM Claims (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
Automobile Manufacturers Association, covers major manufacturers producing Vehicle Manufacturers are now demanding oils meeting their own specifications:
vehicles in Europe & Japan. ACEA specifications are more relevant to the European
car parc. They designate engine oil applications with letters: Mercedes Benz Specifications
MB 228.1 Multigrade engine oils for turbo-charged diesel engines.
A/B = For petrol and diesel engines in cars and light commercial vehicles.
MB 228.3 SHPD (Super High Performance Diesels) for highly turbo
A1/B1 For use in petrol and diesel engines that have been specifically designed charged diesel engines. Extended service intervals up to
to use a low viscosity/low friction oil. 45,000 km.
A3/B3 For general usage in a wide range of petrol and diesel engines. MB 228.5 UHPD (Ultra High Performance Diesels) for highly turbo
Typically used in older vehicles. charged diesels. Extended oil service intervals in light duty
A3/B4 For use in high performance petrol and direct injection diesel engines, diesels up to 45,000 km, Up to 160,000 km in heavy duty
but also suitable for applications described under A3/B3. diesels with service interval displays.
A5/B5 For use at extended drain intervals in high performance petrol and diesel MB 228.51 UHPD engines, particularly those fitted with diesel
engines that are specifically designed to use a low viscosity/low friction oil. particulate filters on Euro IV engines.
Offers 2.5% reduction in fuel consumption over a 15w40. MB 229.1 Engine oil for petrol & diesel engines. More stringent
requirements than ACEA A2/A3 B2/B3.
C = For cars fitted with exhaust after-treatment devices. Low SAPS
(Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulphur). MB 229.3 Fully synthetic oils for 100 & 600 engines. Similar to 229.1
but with extended service intervals 30,000 km.
C1 For use in high performance petrol and diesel engines where Advanced
after-treatment devices such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and MB 229.31 Engine oils for cars with exhaust after-treatment devices.
3-Way Catalysts are used. Low sulphated ash (0.5%). Low ash content required.

C2 For use in high performance petrol and diesel engines where Advanced MB 229.5 Engine oils for cars with extended service intervals 20,000km.
after-treatment devices such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and MB 229.51 Engine oils for cars with exhaust after-treatment devices and
3-Way Catalysts are used. Low sulphated ash (0.8%). extended drain intervals 20,000 km.
C3 For use in high performance petrol and diesel engines where Advanced BMW Specifications
after-treatment devices such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and BMW Longlife-98 For all BMW vehicles from 1998 to 2000. Can also be used in
3-Way Catalysts are used. Low sulphated ash (0.8%). place of BMW Spezial.
C4 For use in high performance petrol and diesel engines where Advanced BMW Longlife-01 For all BMW vehicles from 2001 until 2003. Can also be used
after-treatment devices such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and in place of Longlife-98 and Spezial.
3-Way Catalysts are used. Low sulphated ash (0.5%).
BMW Longlife-04 For all BMW vehicles from 2004 with exhaust after-treatment
E = For Heavy Duty Commercial vehicles. devices & extended service intervals.
E1 No longer valid. Volkswagen (VW/Audi Group) Specifications
E2 No longer valid. Regular basic grade for heavy duty vehicles. VW 501 01 Multigrade engine oils without low viscosity characteristics
for petrol and normally aspirated diesel engines.
E3 No longer valid. Improved protection / Long drain over E2.
E3-Level can still be claimed in certain cases. VW 502 00 Low viscosity oils for petrol engines operated in difficult
conditions.
E5 No longer valid. Improved protection / Long drain over E3. Superseded by E7.
VW 503 00 Surpasses 502 00, offers extended drain 30,000 km or 2 years.
E7 Higher performance version of E5. For engines without DPFs, most engines
with EGRs & SCR. Suitable for EURO V engines. VW 503 01 For turbo charged gasoline engines on extended service
intervals including some specialist applications.
E4 Improved protection / Long drain over E3. Suitable for EURO V engines.
VW 504 00 Latest petrol specification for vehicles with or without
E6 Low emissions version of E4, for vehicles with Exhaust Gas Recirculation Longlife service intervals.
(EGRs), with or without DPFs & SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction). VW 505 00 All season engine oil for diesel engines.
Suitable for EURO V engines.
VW 505 01 All season engine oil for Pumpe Dse (PD) engines.
E9 Low emissions version of E7, for vehicles with advanced Exhaust
Gas Recirculation (EGRs), with or without DPFs & SCR (Selective Catalytic VW 506 00 For diesel engines with extended service intervals 50,000km
Reduction). Suitable for EURO V engines. or 2 years.
VW 506 01 For PD engines on extended service intervals including some
API (American Petroleum Institute) defines the American requirements and specialist applications.
quality criteria. Specifications cover the petrol car market and commercial diesel VW 507 00 Latest diesel specification for vehicles with or without Longlife
market. There is no specification for diesel cars . service and fitted with exhaust after-treatment devices.
Current API claims are SM for petrol and CI-4 for diesel. Ford Specifications
S = Service Classification Petrol Engines ("Spark") Ford WSS-M2C913-A For Ford petrol and diesel engines from 1998.
SM For all automotive engines currently in use. Introduced in 2004, SM oils Superseded by Ford WSS-M2C913-B.
are designed to provide improved oxidation resistance, improved deposit Ford WSS-M2C913-B For Ford petrol and diesel engines except the Ford Focus RS
protection, better wear protection, and better low-temperature (2009 onwards), Ford Galaxy 1.9 TDI. Superseded by Ford
performance over the life of the oil. WSS-M2C913-C.
SL For 2004 and older automotive engines. Ford WSS-M2C913-C For Ford DuraTec and DuraTorq engines from 2009 onwards.
SJ For 2001 and older automotive engines. Ford WSS-M2C917-A For Ford Pumpe Dse (PD) engine (Ford Galaxy 1.9 TDI).
C = Commercial Classification Diesel Engines ("Compression") Ford WSS-M2C934-B For certain Jaguar and Land Rover diesel engines from 2009
CI-4 Introduced in 2002. For high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet onwards - low SAPS.
2004 exhaust emission standards implemented in 2002. CI-4 oils are General Motors (Vauxhall/Opel/Saab) Specifications
formulated to sustain engine durability where exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
GM-LL-A-025 Engine oils for petrol cars, introduced for certain models
is used and are intended for use with diesel fuels ranging in sulphur content
from 2002. Maximum drain period 20,000 miles or 2 years.
up to 0.5% weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4, and CH-4 oils.
GM-LL-B-025 Engine oils for diesel cars, introduced for certain models
CH-4 Introduced in 1998. For high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet from 2002. Maximum drain period 20,000 miles or 2 years.
1998 exhaust emission standards. CH-4 oils are specifically compounded for
use with diesel fuels ranging in sulphur content up to 0.5% weight. Can be dexos 2 Latest specification for GM vehicles from 2010 onwards.
used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, and CG-4 oils. Backwardly compatible with GM-LL-A-025 & GM-LL-B-025.
Renault Specifications
CG-4 Introduced in 1995. For severe duty, high-speed, four-stroke engines using
fuel with less than 0.5% weight sulphur. CG-4 oils are required for engines RN0700 For petrol normally aspirated engines (used with 0 - 5W30,
meeting 1994 emission standards. Can be used in place of CD, CE, and 0 - 5W40, 10W40).
CF-4 oils. RN0710 For petrol and diesel engines (used with 0 - 5W30, 0 - 5W40).
CF-4 Introduced in 1990. For high-speed, four-stroke, naturally aspirated and RN0720 For diesel engines fitted with exhaust after-treatment device
turbocharged engines. Can be used in place of CD and CE oils. (used with 0 - 5W30, 0 - 5W40).
CF Introduced in 1994. For off-road, indirect-injected and other diesel engines
including those using fuel with over 0.5% weight sulphur. Still confused? Contact your Comma Area Sales Manager for further details
Can be used in place of CD oils.
or contact Comma Customer Services on +44 (0) 1474 325 990

Comma Oil & Chemicals Ltd, Dering Way, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2QX UK
www.CommaOil.com