Originally Posted By: UG_Passat
Originally Posted By: edyvw
Originally Posted By: UG_Passat
Originally Posted By: edyvw
By the way, since Passat B5 1.8T introduction to the U.S. market VW cannot properly recommend oil for their cars. In new Atlas they now claim they have to update manuals because they put 0W30 recommendation.
There are two things VW is doing here:
1. Fulfilling CAFE requirements.
2. Trying to bring up MPG in line with CR-V and RAV4 since VW is trying now to make cars that feel more like Toyota then actual Toyota. Problem is, CR-V and RAV4 engines are made around light oils, EA888 is NOT!
The longitudinal 1.8T sludge issue is because VW and Audi allowed for very flexible oil choices in their list of recommended properties of oil, which along with a reduced crankcase due to interference between the subframe and the oil pan. It didn't say it must meet 502.00 standard. It was just 5w40 with the option of 5w30, API S-something, or 502.00. Since that sludge debacle, VW and Audi became more specific, buy specifying the standard the oil has to meet.
the Atlas, it's most likely because it's too specific, by stating both 502.00 and the weight of 0w30, which then the dealership parts network did not establish the supply of.
How do you know the ea888-3B wasn't designed for a lower HTHS, lower weight oil? Yes, the regular ea888 was designed for a higher weight with the higher HTHS spec.
I know what was an issue. At the same time in Europe VW was very strict what kind of oil goes in 1.8T. My point is VW again is playing these games. In 90's it tried to make it less burdensome for owners so it attracts customers of Camry or Accord, among others. Now it is trying to hike up in every possible way MPG in Tiguan and Atlas.
As for 0W30 in Atlas, I would say it is rush to get that car out to the market. 0W30 as far as I remember was specific recommendation for S4. I would not be surprised that they just copied old manuals.
I wouldn't say it was a rush to market. I do say VW f'd up the logistics. Back in 2004, when VW introduced the PD's, VWoA did do it right and made sure 505.01 was available at the dealership from the start, and Castrol made sure that an aftermarket solution (Castrol TXT) was available to be Magnuson-Moss compliant. The Atlas' case was people's tunnel vision that only 5w40 and 0w40 oils were 502.00, not knowing that there is an aftermarket solution from Castrol available.
you have to blame the CAFE average requirements at that time, to hike up in almost every possible way to get better MPG's short of using CVT's instead of a conventional automatic.
I am not sure why logistics is a problem considering how long VR6 is on the market. Numerous VW502.00 options on the market, from 0/5W30 to 10W40.