Porsche Approved Oil List

[softroop]

Here's a question for the forum: If a brand/grade of oil was on a previous Porsche Approved Oil list (TSB), but is not on the current list, should it not be used solely because it's no longer on the approved list?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by softroop

Here's a question for the forum: If a brand/grade of oil was on a previous Porsche Approved Oil list (TSB), but is not on the current list, should it not be used solely because it's no longer on the approved list?

Two schools of thought on the subject;

1. Why was it taken off the "approved" list? Reformulation? Loss of approvals (e.g.: ACEA A3, B3, B4)?

2. Does the "list" really mean anything in the first place?

Discussion: Feel free to argue endlessly and without factual support................

[70Sixter]

The simplest answer is that all the Porsche "approvals" have expiration dates. Oil companies can request extensions.

The more complex answer is that things change. One would hope for proper technical, physics-based reasons.

Then: My Box came with recommendations for synthetic SAE 10W-40, 15W-40 or 15W-50 above 50 degrees F.

10W-40, 10W-30 or 5W-30 for below 50.

API rating SH or SJ. ACEA A3.

Now: It is 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-50. (I'm using 5W-40.)

API SH is now listed as "obsolete" on the API website, and even Porsche has approved oils with as low as API SM on the previous list. (I have not checked the new list for API ratings, and won't until my next oil change.)

From my study: API SL should be considered minimum, and SH or SJ preferred. And ACEA A3 or B3.

Additives for engine life like ZDDP have been reduced in recent formulations. Some say because they can damage cat converters and, by inference, the environment.

The current and previous approval list only specifies brands and viscosities. API and ACEA rating require research for each listed oil.

Does The List matter? Not a lot unless your car is under warranty. I do believe it is valid for the viscosity requirements.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by 70Sixter

I do believe it is valid for the viscosity requirements.

Wouldn't bet on that either................

[70Sixter]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Wouldn't bet on that either................

Man, you are my kind of skeptic.

[mptoledo]

I was wondering what you would put in a 60k mile 2001 boxster "s"?
I will use mobile 1 but I don't know what the "## W ##" means. what does the # in the equation stand for?