pwebb

er, none of the above

manufacturer's recommendation is only 10w-30 semi-synthetic - as for brand - any quality make will do. makes sure you change the oil + filter at least every 10,000km (6250 miles)

certainly avoid any oils that start at 5w or 0w as these are definitely too thin.

if you want to bore yourself - you will find endless archives on this subject in the search on the bbs

paul w

phill chinn

thank you paul

phill chinn

I know it's an old subject, but I’m still a bit confused, do I go for Mobil, shell or castrol, and then is it 5w/40 10w/40 or 15w/40, semi-synth or full-synth, money is not an option as I would like the best.

Any suggestions please

subverbal

Presumably this goes for UK cars too ??

Neil.

nickwrx

I'm sure paul's advice is good, but i use mobil 1 motorsport and change it every 4500 miles.

nick.

Mike Tuckwood

Please excuse me for this re publication from a previous thread, but I couldn't find the link. Not of my doing and where it says 'my thoughts' those are the thoughts of the original author (not me).

This is a statement from Mobil, primarilly about Mobil 1, but interesting none the less.


Mike.
>
>
The reply from MOBIL:

"Mobil 1 0W-40
Subaru Japan have stated that all oils with a 0W rating will invalidate engine warranty. This is because 0W viscosity has not been tested by Fuji Heavy Industries and is unlikely to be tested by them in the near future.

It is not a result of engine problems and is not related to synthetic technology or oil quality. This oil which operates at temperatures as low as minus 54 degrees exceeds the quality level required of Subaru vehicles.

This oil was used by customers for 2 years in Subaru engines without any claims for engine failure before the Warranty Bulletin was produced regarding OW oils.


Mobil recommend Mobil 1 0W-40 for vehicles outside warranty.

Mobil 1 15W-50
Mobil 1 Motorsport 15W-50 uses the same synthetic technology which results in fast flow rates and reduced friction. It is designed for ardous race and rally use at the highest temperatures where a thicker more stable oil is required.

Again this lubricant has not been tested by Fuji Heavy Industries so they cannot give approval.
Mobil recommend 15W-50 for use outside of the warranty.

Mobil 1 5W-40
Using the same technology as Mobil 1 0W-40, MOBIL HAS MADE MOBIL 1 5W-40 EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE TO SUBARU DEALERS.

This product fulfils the viscosity requirements of Subaru for use in all of their model range. Mobil 1 5W-40 makes available the same benefits achieved by Mobil 1 without the extreme low temperature capability and ulta quick circulation offered by the 0W rated product.

Mobil 1 5W-40 will be available exclusively to Subaru dealers for routine servicing. For interim lubricant top-up, we advise customers to either return to dealer for top-up or use Mobil 1 Motorsport 15W-50 for DIY top-up. While Motorosport is 15W-50m, the viscosity will have negligible effect on the sump viscosity and the lubricants are totally compatible.


Semi-synthetics 10W-40
Mobil Super S 10W-40 and Duchams QXR 10W-40 have been accepted for use during the warranty period and whilst not delivering the optimum performance of fully synthetic engine oil, they still exceed the performance requirements necessary to meet the Subaru warranty.


Summary
During the warranty period and in order to adhere to the viscosity requirements of the Subaru warranty, Mobil recommend the use of Mobil 1 5W-40, Mobil Super S 10W-40 or Duckhams QXR 10W-40.

Out of warranty, Mobil recommend Mobil 1 OW-40 or Mobil 1 Motorsport 15W-50"

My thoughts
It appears that the dealer CAN use MOBIL 1 oil, the 5W-40. However this is not available to the general public but only to SUBARU dealers.

The other MOBIL 1 products will invalidate your warranty, the 0W-40 and 15W-50 types.

However using Mobil Super S 10W-40 is okay for your warranty but MOBIL recommend the best oil to use outside your warranty is Mobil 1 0w-40 or Mobil 1 Motorsport 15W-50.

So for the people who have wrote and said that their dealer uses MOBIL 1, then it is almost certain to be this exclusive 5W-40 rated oil which we cannot buy. At least the above should clear up everything regarding the use of MOBIL 1.

The above is the official statement by MOBIL, it looks like to me that the Mobil 1 Motorsport is a good oil and is probably the best oil but if we put it in our engines we know that SUBARU will not honour the warranty.

reply to queries to Mobil some while back, not my comments