[IraHayes]

After not really giving a hoot in hell for a long time, I’ve been bitten by the synthetic oil research bug again. What I want to ask is this. Is there an easy way to find out if a synthetic oil belongs to group III, IV or V? Unless I am blind, I’m not seeing it printed on the labels.

Sorry if this has been asked before.

[bavarianride]

Is GTL always Group IV?

[JimKden]

Majority of them are not Group IV. The explosion of synthetic oils on the market in the last 5-6 years came about from the existence of hydrocracked base stocks getting classified as Group III synthetics. Very few have been tested to and have the BMW specs on the label because it takes a special approval process and the market for them is small compared to the rest of the cars out there
Most people won't look at Amsoil, but their Europen oils are labeled and have been tested to the specs (not only BMWs, but others like MB, Porsche, Volvo, see the label or online tech sheets). The reason the European labeled oils are in a separate class is that the formula if changed has to be approved again whereas the API classes can be upgraded to the latest as happens frequently. Amsoil doesn't have a 0W-20 market yet for BMW because there is no market (the 4 years of free dealer oil changes hasn't run out yet).

[IraHayes]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

Is GTL always Group IV?

If I am understanding correctly, GTL’s are group III.

This guy does a pretty good job explaining it. I’m not trying to advertise for Amsoil, never have touched the stuff, but this gent does a pretty good job explaing the differences.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by IraHayes

If I am understanding correctly, GTL’s are group III.

This guy does a pretty good job explaining it. I’m not trying to advertise for Amsoil, never have touched the stuff, but this gent does a pretty good job explaing the differences.

This thread says Shell (co-brand BMW?) GTL is Group III based on VI.

https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forum...L_oils_only_Gr