Originally Posted By: bobbydavro
Originally Posted By: edyvw
Originally Posted By: LILGUY
If some one would update what has changed in the FS formulation that is an improvement but is no longer BMW certified.
Do not get hanged up on BMW LL-01. It is not the most stringent specification. Most importantly is that FS version meets MB 229.5, from stand point of NOACK and deposit control.
I am not sure what is going on with Mobil1 and BMW, but LL-01 has some specific requirements regarding VANOS and that is not your concern.
What changed? Base oil. Mobil1 moved from VISOM to GTL (Gas to Liquid). They are bit behind Shell (pennzoil) in bringing GTL to the market, but as far as I know they had some issues with production line, so it was delayed.
GTL proved to provide really low NOACK numbers, although M1 is not providing them, but I think it is lower then previous version, which was at good 8.7%.
I think you can use it with confidence. However, if you want stronger HTHS number you can go with Castrol 0W40. I am not sue that difference between 3.6cp (M1) and 3.7cp (Castrol) means anything.
Better cold start (as QP pointed) and stronger TBN (need that with sulfur rich US fuel).
BMW is currently one of the most difficult OEM specifications in the whole industry, it's also clear to those in the industry why the name changed to include the 'FS'.
A Noack of 2% wont help you gain the BMW spec. On the other end of the scale MB229.5 is probably the easiest OEM specification once you meet the paper specs. I think you read too much into MB229.5, condemning oils that meet only 229.3 due to 0.5-1% Noack higher than the limit but having all the specs. There is nothing to suggest deposits will be worse, infact theory could suggest that they are actually better.
It is obvious that FS stands for Fuel Saving, I think drop of HTHS from 3.6 to 3.8 indicates that.
However, I would not think that MB 229.5 is just like that not important but somehow combination of MB 229.3 and LL-01 is. You are referring to that POS Castrol 5W40.
Well it is not scientific test, but since we are dealing with theories (as you would say) how is that all VW's that use Castrol 5W40 through VW dealership network develop horrible carbon deposits?
Now do not take me wrong, I am not saying Castrol cannot make 5W40 oil with MB 229.5 spec. They just do not want, since they can easily sell POS product.
It is BP in the end!