Page 1 of 1
Oil query
Posted: 30 May 2026, 09:54
by Freddievan
I've bought my usual brand of oil and it's 15w-40 - Fuchs Titan Formula - but it doesn't say either mineral or synthetic on the labels. How do I know if it's mineral?
ACEA A3/B3
API SL
Re: Oil query
Posted: 30 May 2026, 14:39
by Oren Kipnis
It really doesn't matter if it is mineral, semi synthetic or fully synthetic.
The matter is the standard the the lubricant conforms to. You specified the ACEA-Association of European Vehicle Manufacturers and API-American Petroleum Institute, but since Fuchs is a leader in lubricants, it will specify also standards and/or recommendations of leading manufacturers including Volkswagen. These are more strict then the general ACEA and API standards.
Can you upload photos of the both labels on the bottle ?
Re: Oil query
Posted: 30 May 2026, 19:51
by Freddievan
But does it matter if the oil in my engine is mineral and I top up with synthetic? I've been advised not to do that on here and by the mechanic that I use.
I can't upload the photos of the oil container labels - I can't work out how to do this.
But Really the only other info on the container is
Fuchs recommendations:
API CG-4
FIAT 9.55535-D2/G2
MB 229.1
PSA B71 2295
VW 501 01/505 00
Engine oil for diesel and gasoline cars
Traditional high SAPS high performance engine oil
Excellent wear protection
Low oil consumption
Re: Oil query
Posted: 30 May 2026, 19:57
by R0B
This thread explains how to post pictures.
viewtopic.php?p=8351132#p8351132
Re: Oil query
Posted: 30 May 2026, 20:34
by Oren Kipnis
Freddievan wrote: ↑30 May 2026, 19:51
But does it matter if the oil in my engine is mineral and I top up with synthetic? I've been advised not to do that on here and by the mechanic that I use.
No. It does not matter at all. All engine oils can be mixed with no worries.
I can't upload the photos of the oil container labels - I can't work out how to do this.
But Really the only other info on the container is
Fuchs recommendations:
API CG-4
FIAT 9.55535-D2/G2
MB 229.1
This is an old Mercedes Bens standard for petrol engine oils
PSA B71 2295
VW 501 01/505 00
The VW standard 501.01 is for petrol engines, and the 505.00 is for diesels. Both conform the late 80's and beginning of the 90's.
These are recommendations, thus Fuchs didn't submit samples and a lot of money for the approval of the manufacturers. On the other hand, since Fuchs is one of the leaders of lubricants in Europe, I trust their recommendation.
Engine oil for diesel and gasoline cars
Traditional high SAPS high performance engine oil
Excellent wear protection
Low oil consumption
Re: Oil query
Posted: 01 Jun 2026, 10:58
by silverbullet
Wbx engines without a catalyst must have oil with a high ZDDP content to prevent cam wear.
Classic Oils "Hot hatch" 10W40 is good for healthy or fresh rebuilt engines.
Re: Oil query
Posted: 01 Jun 2026, 20:47
by Oren Kipnis
silverbullet wrote: ↑01 Jun 2026, 10:58
Wbx engines without a catalyst must have oil with a high ZDDP content to prevent cam wear.
I disagree with this, as there is no difference of the internals between a WBX with and without a catalytic converter.
In the case of a cat, one must not exceed 800-900 ppm of ZDDP, otherwise the cat will be destroyed. Works well with a cat ? will work the same without a cat as well.
more modern oils were developed to minimize damage in severe pressures, and under loss of oil pressure as well. Their integrated additives will perform better also in older types of engines.
Re: Oil query
Posted: 02 Jun 2026, 07:30
by mioba
Ahh a good old oil thread.
These engines are so old any modern oil will do thats in spec. I use 10w40 on my JX.
In such an old engine mixing a mineral with ss wont do any harm.
Re: Oil query
Posted: 02 Jun 2026, 17:30
by silverbullet
My comment was abbreviated, I didn't think it was necessary to spell out the whys and wherefores but yes, its all about preventing damage to the catalyst which do not tolerate high levels of ZDDP, which is an effective anti-scuff agent in these type of engjnes.
Although any wbx engine without a scrupulous service record has almost certainly got a worn camshaft by now, so its largely irrelevant.
Re: Oil query
Posted: 18 Jun 2026, 05:20
by Freddievan
Thanks all!