As requested by some Forum members I have tried to compile a list of easily available motor oils which all fulfill the international ACEA norm suitable for our Freely2, except ACEA A2/B2 oils, which have been included for information and completeness only:

Explanation: ACEA A = oil classification for petrol engines
ACEA B = oil classification for diesel engines (from B4 onwards suitable for DPF)
ACEA C = latest classification of motor oils for diesel engines with DPF (diesel particulate filter)

ACEA A1/B1 (lowest oil specification, meets Ford norm 913A/B)
-Liqui Moli Special 5W30
-Castrol TXT Softec Plus A1 5W30
-Castrol Magnatec 5W30 A1
-Castrol GTX A1 Topup 5W30

ACEA A2/B2 (oil specification for "bread and butter" engines)
-Castrol GTX 3 Professional 15W40
-Castrol GTX High Milage 15W40
-Liqui Moli Touring Special 15W40

ACEA A3/B3 (oil specification for modern petrol engines and diesel engines WITHOUT DPF)
-Mobil 1 syntron 0W40 or 5W40
-Mobil Super M 15W40
-Mobil Super S 10W40
-Mobil Syst S 5W40
-Mobil Turbo Diesel 0W40
-Castrol Dynatec 5W40
-Castrol GTX 5 Magnatec 10W40
-Castrol Edge Turbo Diesel 5W40
-Castrol Magnatec 5W40 A3/B4
-Castrol Edge 0W30
-Castrol WIV Longlife 3 5W30
-Castrol GTX7 Dynatec 5W40

ACEA A4/B4 and C3 (oil specification for petrol engines and diesel engines with DPF)
-Mobil 1 ESP-Formula 5W30
-Castrol GTX9 Magnatec 5W30
-Castrol Edge TD 0W30
-Castrol Edge Formula RS 0W40
-Castrol GTD Magnatec 5W40
-Castrol Magnatec 5W30 C3
-Castrol Magnatec Diesel 5W40 B4
-Liqui Moli Synthoil High Tech 5W40
-Liqui Moli Longtime High Tech 5W30
-Aral Super Tronic Long Life III 5W30
-Aral Super Tronic Diesel 0W40

This List is not intended to be complete, but should cover the most easily avalable motor oils on the market.
This publication is carefully prepared to the best of my knowledge, but may contain errors.The originator will not be liable for any consequences of whatever nature by the use of any such oils.

YF

I just bought Mobil 1 ESP 5W30.
According to the specs it meets ACEA A5/B5 as well.

Paul, you have bought the right oil. Mercedes and BMW are recommending this oil for use in their diesel engines with DPF. Whether or not this oil meets ACEA A5/B5 specification is irrelevant, as this specifiaction is not needed for our engines.

Ciao
YF

YF you go to the top of the class Sir!!! A fine list, I would urge you however, to mention even if confident, that this advice is your opinion and SHOULD a fault or problem occur by following the advice, that ALL the liability rests with the vehicle/ oil owner, not you. I won't sue you but others may if there is a difference in classifiaction to the Landy manual. You obviously know a little about this subject and I thank you for this comprehensive schedule, it will help me no end

Must have taken you hours!!!

Thanks very much

How about Castrol oils meeting ACEA A5/B5 recommended for petrol engine in the FL2 handbook?
Is it suitable for TD4 diesel engine with DPF?

Hi YF.

Firstly - Big Respect!

Secondly, for someone whos knowledge of oils is limited only to the type put on cycle chains I have a couple of questions.

1) I assume as I have teh TD4 with NO DPF I shoud be looking for the best oil I can which I assume lies under the ACEA A3/B3 (oil specification for modern petrol engines and diesel engines WITHOUT DPF) list?
2) You recommend changing the oil immeadiately as you think that the delivered oil is not good enough right?
3) Why do change the oil filter at the same time? To remove all traces of the crappy oil?

Thanks for your time!! '57 GS TD4 in Stornoway. Privacy, Leather, Tred Cills. From ebay etc.. 18" 12 spoke HSE alloys, rear spoiler, clear side repeaters with clear leds, led interior light to replace bulbs, sports exhaust trim, TomTom 720.
Favourite Off road vehicle, still my Santa Cruz Mountain Bike! http://www.team-banana-racing.com

Many thanks YF ..... I've been hoping you would produce such a list. God knows why LR don't!  Life is not a dress rehearsal!

Hi halfords own oil also meets the ford requirment as well and its a lot cheaper. I have a LR2GS with privacy glass and winter pack

Hi Scotster,
answer to your Q 1 is: yes
answer to your Q 2 is: yes, my personal opinion
answer to your Q 3 is: not crappy oil, but tiny metal parts, as any new engine will "produce" such tiny metal parts when run in. Some people say that due to the CNC technology the engine tolerances will be so exact and the surface so smooth that the moving engine parts do not need a "run in", but practical tests and experience have shown different results. I advise that with every oil change you should also change the oil filter.

YF

YF,

Sorry to extend this discussion, but I've just checked with my local (usually good) LR dealer, to see what oil they use for servicing FL2 TD4s (no dpf). They apparently use Esso Ultra 5W30. They were unable to say what ACEA spec this oil matches.

I've had a quick but unsuccessful Google search, so I thought I'd ask you! Is this oil from their bulk tank rated ACEA A3/B3 or the lower rating A1/B1 you advised us to avoid?  Life is not a dress rehearsal!

Hi Nick Jan
Esso motor oils are a theme for itself! Their technical information is virtually zero, and in consequence their motor oils are not very dominantly marketet and sold. Besides this, Esso does not produce motor oils itself, and nobody knows their source of manufacturer(s).
Unless your LR dealer is able to give you (in writing) the correct technical specs on the Esso Ultra 5W30 motor oil incl. ACEA specification, I would not allow such oil to be used in my engine. If negative, and
if your dealer is as good as you say, they will allow you to bring your own oil which meets all the specs you need for a healthy engine and 15.000 miles oil change interval.

YF

Many thanks YF, a prompt and thorough response as usual!

To be fair the dealer has agreed that I can bring my own oil if I want to ...... and I do now!!!  Life is not a dress rehearsal!

YF can A4/C4 (or higher) oils suitable for DPF be used in engines without DPF? I remember you saying sth about ash content some months ago... Can you refresh my memory please?

yamaha-fan,
I came across this on the Castrol website under FAQ.

Q. I notice EDGE 5W-30 – can I use this for Ford engines?
A. No – this is specific oil for vehicles specifying the VW/Audi specifications and is not suitable for Ford engines which specify a 5W-30 semi synthetic (FRD 913B.)

For modern Fords, we recommend the use of GTX Magnatec 5W-30 only. The only exception is the Galaxy with the VW PD engine which should have Edge 5W-40 (VW 505.01 / FRD 917A specification.)

Yamaha-fan,
Could you please tell me if this applies to engines that are fitted in our FL2s?

Thanks
waaxh03

Hi Defkalion,
Motor oils approved for diesel engines with DPF have a low ash content to avoid blocking of the DPF.
If you do NOT have a DPF I would NOT recommend to use motor oils approved for DPF, as the DPF suitable oils represent a compromise of keeping the DPF clean and the engine in safe working condition.
The recommended motor oils for diesel engines without DPF do not need such compromise, so in general, they are the better motor oils with regard to engine protection and cleanliness.
The same applies to motor oils for petrol engines. If you do have a catalysator, you have to use other motor oils as if your engine has no cat.

YF