FAO Moderators,
i thought that this would benefit more people in here than anywhere else but if you wish to move it, be my guest

Ok,
for years everyone has said that 5w30 oil is the oil to put into your scoob as its the recommendation of Subaru, well here are the facts

5w30 rated oil is rated on the turbo model of our beloved marque from 0 deg C to - whatever
The correctly recommended oil which is rated from -20 deg C to + whatever is 10w30 or 10w40.

Now these are the facts out of the owners handbook (something most of us have but dont read ) and what the book does say is that in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is required to PROPERLY lubricate the engine.
(its on page 10-13 of your owners manual if you want to check it out )
So the conclusion is:-
people who put 15w50, 10w60 rated oils in their cars are doing nothing wrong, people who put 5w30 oils into their cars (turbocharged) are running too thin an oil for the engine

Tony

 

s'funny, every thread I've ever read, has said use 15W50 ..............

 

Subaru Dealers in most cases will use 5w30 shell oil, this is TOO thin for our cars, i also stated that oil of a higher viscosity is better and that people running 15w50 (like i do) and 10w60 are doing no wrong (as if you ever give your dealer these oils they sometimes look at you funny )
But you may be unaware (along with many others) that dealers are actually putting the wrong grade of oil into your car, this is the point that i am trying to make

Tony

 

Mill Lane use Mobil 1 Motorsport

 

I think the more serious commentators have all opted for the Motul stuff from Demon Tweaks - all else is inferior.....

 

Just called my local Subaru dealer and they use Duckhams QXR Semi-synthetic, anyone know the viscosity of this?

Dan

 

Dan,
its probably a 10w40 rated oil, but i dont like using semi synthetic oil in a turbocharged car, it breaks down too quickly

Tony

 

If you ask you local dealer to put oil in that you have bought,will he put it in or pull a face.I have used MOBIL1 15-50
and want to use it again on my impending 15000ml service.
Anyone tried this and been knocked back?

 

i dont run a scoob (evo 6) and i take my own oil (mobil 15-40w) and they dont mind at all , the only thing they ask is that its is still sealed , covers them if you are trying to pass off ****e oil

would newer run any thing under 10w in a turbo charged car due to pressures and heat , would allways stick to synfetic as well too as some one else has said it dosent brak down with extreme heat etc

 

What about that magnatex stuff. Is it any good should I use it?

 

Useful gloopy dollop of information here...

http://www.gregh.co.uk/html/sip.htm

to quote....

"This information has been received 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."

Hope this helps!
Mak.

 

Used Castrol GTX Magnatec 10-40 in the 4 years I've had my turbo. Never had any problems...

 

Well I use Mobil 1 5w50 from France

 

As far as I'm aware the majority of "Midland" dealers use only 10W/ 40 Oil, be it either semi synthetic or "performance oil. They have not used anything thinner as they are all too aware of engine problems,they get calls about engine knocks almost daily because of it and the "aftermarket" sharks who just love to sell "non reccommended" products to innocent scooby owners,who , mainly just get taken in by the glitzy labels and over the top price tags, they think because it is at least three times the price of normal gear, then that is the stuff to buy, well, as they say, "you pays your money and takes your choice". I'd rather trust a dealer, and pay lower bills!!

 

Well see if you like this one guys, about 4 weeks ago I took an STi7 Type UK in for its 1000 mile service. When I asked the "SERVICE MANAGER!!!!" what oil they put in so that I can make absolutely sure that I conform to the warranty guess what he said..... Fina SEMI SYNTHETIC, now he got the right grade according to the book. But when I said I'd never put anything but fully synth' in the likes of porsche's he said and I quote "Subaru do not recommend or like fully synth' in their cars!!!!"
mmmm now I'm not sure but are we on the same planet as some of these people. Suffice to say I have some nice fully synth in now!!!

 

My dealer uses Mobil 1 5-40 fully synthetic, it is approved by Subaru and as stated above made for Subaru by Mobil so that is what goes in it - simple. If the engine goes bang due to the dealer using the wrong oil the dealer is in big trouble IMO.

 

Hmmmmmm....
Ok, some people are not quite getting the point here, that being is that the oil's that are put into your car are not just viscosity rated but temperature rated too (atmospheric temp).
If your dealer adds 5w30 for instance, this oil even though suitable for subaru's isnt actually suitable for our climate as its for very cold weather (0 to minus 40+) where as the 10w40 is rated from -20 to +140 or whatever.
There is also the matter of the viscosity of the oil in a warmer climate (the use of a thicker oil) which as the book states will FULLY (remember that word ) Lubricate your engine!

Tony

 

Tony,

I hear what you are saying, but why on earth would franchised Subaru dealers use the wrong oil. It is one of the most critical parts of the car, as I have said my dealer use 5-40 and I have no reason to question this.

Si.

 

Just to throw a spanner in, I thought after the 1000 mile service you can use semi synth, then at the 7500 you can move on to the fully synth stuff. However what do I know, I've never had a car thats less than 5 years old . What does a Subaru dealers look like anyhow?

Justin

 

I wouldn't read too much into it, most oil is pretty advanced these days. I'm a mechanical engineer and work with lube oils daily, for turbines etc. I have acces to the technical dept of a major lube oil company and spoke to a guy in testing / development. They actually tested loads of oils on different high spec cars so they know their stuff.

I asked him about mine and he said 5W should be fine but not 0W. He reccomended Castrol Magnatec or a Fully synthetic if I was running it very hard, ie track days. Many say magnatec cant cope with the temps, which I don't agree with.

Don't worry

MB

 

The Subaru workshop manual actually states that 5w 30 is suitable for use in the Turbo engine but then follows with a big note that says it IS NOT SUITABLE FOR SUSTAINED HIGH SPEED DRIVING and that 10 40 should be used in that case so they are not just "recommending" 5w 30 however dealer interpretation of that could be open to question.

Semi synthetic should be used at the 1000 mile service and fully synthetic should not be used until the next oil change following that (ie at 7500 miles). Reason is to aid the running and bedding in of the engine.

You need to use an oil that will retain its viscocity index under extremes of temperature if you drive a modded car or are going to track it ie Motul 300V Competition 15w:50 or similar, Magnatec is defo not suitable imho.

my two penneth fwiw

 

Presumably it's less critical to get it right, but what oil would you recommend for a normally aspirated (1.6GL) Impreza? I do a fair bit of journeys less than 15 minutes long, so the Magnatec protecting when cold thing sounds good if the ad is to be believed
It's got whatever the garage put in in it at the moment, due a change soon though.

Cheers,
Ben

 

I originally posted the following ages ago (give or take a few changes) on Scoobynet. I have the letter from Mobil right in front of me which the post was based on.

For the record I use Silkolene Pro S 10W-50.



----------------------------------------------

"This information has been received 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."

 

You'll have to excuse my complete lack of oil know-how BUT it maybe useful to know that when we took my scooby into a main dealer with 'scooby' oil purchased as part of a group buy from this site - they refused to take it.

I belive the group buy stuff was the stuff recommended by STI in Japan (not -sure) - surely that should be OK to use over here.

The dealer claimed that any change of oil not undertaken by them using oil they supply would invalidate my warranty !!

 

Hmm, as long as the oil you wished them to use met all the specs stipulated by Subaru I can't see why there would be a warranty problem, but then they would not make anything on it !!

I consider that any engine deserves the best oil, however for normally aspirated driving then 5w 30 is fine but I would still use the Motul even then.

Mobil debate has long raged, I used Mobil 1 0w 40 in a turbo'd car running 1.4 bar and much hotter oil temps than I get in a Scoob with absolutely no issues at all. (not a Scoob though)

 

i only use 2 oils in my turbo cars.

Motul 300V competition 15/50 and Castrol RS 10/60.

Mobil 1 motorsport has the viscosity of wee wee when hot.

The oil grade doesnt tell the whole story, the chemical makeup has a big effect on its ability to retain the stated viscosity and resist burn/vapourisation.

Turbo engines are far more severe environments that N/A engines due to the oil super heating in the turbo bearing core. How rich you run the engine and what condition the rings/bore are in affect the life of the oil greatly too. The more boost you run the more blowby you get and the faster the oil degrades too.

 

It seems that there are many different OPINIONS on suitability of various oil manufacturers/grades/composites for turbos!
2 years ago as we were preparing our new dealership in Nottingham we carried out fairly extensive research to ensure that the oil product we used would satisfy the terms of warranty and also provide good all round protection.The conclusion was that a high quality semi-synthetic 10/40 oil would provide the best solution.
I specifically questioned this with Subaru technical as having worked with Saab for 12 years I assumed that all turbo engined cars required a fully synthetic oil to cope with the extreme temperatures generated.I was assured that this was not the case and received an explanation(which not being a fully qualified oilologist i bow to the knowledge of those who are.)I do have alot of faith in the guy who gave me this advice and beleive he has probably forgotten more about Subarus than most of us will ever know.In support of this I genuinely cannot recall an engine which has been serviced by ourselves throughout ever letting go.
Please remember that the entire dealer network is not made up of bad guys and some of us will offer genuine advice based on all of the information available to us.
CHEERS
Tim (thanks to Beech Boy for loan of username)

 

Me too

 

I would have thought that a 5-30 for winter and maybe a 10 or 15-50 for summer.

 

My dealer will happily put any oil in I take along.

They ring Subaru first though......

So far Subaru have said OK to Silkolene Pro S and Mobil 1 Motorsport.

Surely, dealer fit Shell Helix semi synth is adequate under normal conditions(ie no track days/boost mods), otherwise many cars would have died long ago. I suspect many, many Impreza Turbo drivers never idle their engine after a drive or indeed have even heard of a Turbo Timer.

I do think they are pushing their luck with 10,000 mile intervals, judging by the state of the oil that came out of my STI at 6,000.

Russ