a rather fascinating topic! It appears to me that our European friends might be deprived from some truly exceptional oils. You see, it's not as simple for them to find the finest true American or Japanese oils (such as the esteemed ILSAC types) in their average EU local stores.
If we were to consider the overall picture, just by venturing into a sizable supermarket and perusing the PCMO section (I'm not about exclusive boutique oils), I believe we would discover that, on average, the most exceptional oils in the world have American or Japanese formulations/design, like the esteemed ILSAC types. Japan, in particular, has quite a few great labels to explore, including their unique local adaptations of Sunoco (
https://www.sunoco.co.jp/product/automotive_lube/lineup/qualia/?lang=en )
Now, I must confess that I find the 229.5 requirements a touch excessive. They appear to demand an abundance of heavy ash and thickening agents/excessive viscosity in average formulations. European formulators seem adamant about seeking a more shear-stable (lower SSI) polymer, necessitating a greater quantity of said polymer, often in conjunction with base oils that boast reduced solvent capacity. Furthermore, their preference for heightened dispersant levels becomes evident upon observing the 1706 peak on the FT-IR spectra. (In the fresh oil sample the absorption peak centred at 1706 cm^-1 is attributed to imide functionality in the fresh oil present in the dispersant additive package)
These European requirements, while aiming for excessiveness, can indeed overdo complexity. Striving for perfection in one area may inadvertently lead to complications in another.
Curiously enough, there exist a few rare Chinese oil varieties that manage to meet both European (VW erwin list, for instance) and ILSAC standards.
And by examining the Infineum P6800 package site, one can discern industry aspirations for enhanced versatility in the future.
For the time being, however, I find myself particularly drawn to the allure of the average true American PCMOs. They exude a certain charm, exhibit superior performance.
I must admit that I am not particularly fond of the peculiar European emphasis on excessive polymer shear stability. SSI cannot overlook the e.g. ASTM D7097 challenges. Achieving shear stability with identical formulations requires a higher polymer content of the same type. And let us not forget their penchant for excessive dispersants, juxtaposed with a somewhat lesser emphasis on foam control.
While I hold my own perspective, I encourage open-mindedness here
