I have heard that VW Group engines are filled with a different grade (and possibly viscosity) oil to the service oil. Is this correct, and if so, what is the reason? The factory oil fill for European markets is not changed until 10k miles (fixed OCI) or up to 30k (variable OCI) which seems

rather a long time to be running in on something, perhaps intended to aid the break-in process. Anything factual known?

AFAIK, they get filled with service oil and don't use a running-in oil...

Rob.

This section on the VW website seems to suggest that any VW that is capable of being on variable servicing leaves the factory with 'regular' fully synthetic longlife oil (they repeatedly mention Castrol SLX Longlife II).

VW Longlife service

I think that VAG UK has some form of arrangement with Castrol. Oilman has mentioned elsewhere that the factory fill oil is sourced from Fuchs - a German independent oil company.

I have heard that VW Group engines are filled with a different grade (and possibly viscosity) oil to the service oil. Is this correct, and if so, what is the reason? The factory oil fill for European markets is not changed until 10k miles (fixed OCI) or up to 30k (variable OCI) which seems rather a long time to be running in on something, perhaps intended to aid the break-in process. Anything factual known?

Are you a member of the (Canadian) TDIClub by any chance? I have never understood why N American VAG cars have such conservative oil change requirements - unless it is because oil is relatively cheap there. LongLife oils were introduced for certain models in the European VAG range some years ago and have a number of benefits including better lubrication and cooling, longer life, reduced servicing costs, better mpg, and less environmental pollution from discarded oil. VAG engines manufactured in Europe are made in relatively state-of-the-art factories and don't need oil changes after the minimal running in period because there shouldn't be any foreign matter in the oil to get rid of.

Hi: yes I post on Freds site, and this is essentially where the query comes from. In the USA, as I expect you know the factory fill is scheduled to be changed at 5000 miles, thereafter at 10,000 miles. However, their folk-lore on oil induces some of them think that the factory-fill is a special grade. Not impossible I suppose, as they run on lower cetane, higher sulphur fuel, and currently are only on the fixed-interval OCI. But it seems unlikely to me. The belief seems to be that the first oil fill allows piston ring break-in to be performed.

Fuchs do Factory Fill in Germany to the tune of 15,000,000 litres per annum.

Cheers

Guy

And VAG UK are now in cahoots with Shell oils, a change from Castrol, I think its based on WRC sponsorship.

And VAG UK are now in cahoots with Shell oils, a change from Castrol, I think its based on WRC sponsorship.

Yep.

Shell &