Which SAPS for 2002 ML320 and 2004 VW GTI 1.8T?

[bimmerdriver]

We've been using Amsoil EFM and/or AFL in my ML320 and my son's GTI.

For the ML320, they recommend EFM (full-saps) 5w-40 first, AFL (mid-saps) 5w-40 for performance second, and AEL (low-saps) 5w-30 for performance.

For the GTI, they recommend EFM (full-saps) 5w-40 first and AFL (mid-saps) 5w-40 for performance second.

Despite reading a few of the threads on saps, I'm not clear which of full- mid- or low-saps is the best for these vehicles.

I would appreciate suggestions from the experts here in bitog.

 

[Kamele0N]

These are engines intended for FULL saps......2002....2004 we didnt have DPFs and low saps oils yet...

So you can use wether FULL or LOW saps oil in them

 

[Quattro Pete]

For your Mercedes, you want an oil meeting MB 229.5 spec. That means either full SAPS or mid SAPS.

The GTI needs an oil meeting VW 502.00 spec, so again that's either full or mid SAPS, IIRC.

If you're running extended OCIs, you're better off sticking with full SAPS. There is nothing in these two engines that would require you to run low SAPS.

 

[bimmerdriver]

Thanks for the replies.

EFL (full saps) has no claimed manufacturer approvals but is recommended for Mercedes-Benz 229.3, 229.5 and Volkswagen 502.00, 505.00.

AFL (mid-saps) has MB-Approval 229.51 and is recommended for Volkswagen 502.00/505.01.

In the 2007 MB recommended service products for 1999 - 2004, they list mostly 229.3 and a few 229.5 with 229.51 only for diesel engines. Based on that, I don't think Amsoil is correct recommending a 229.51 oil for this vehicle.

 

[bimmerdriver]

I contacted Amsoil and questioned them about their oil recommendations for these vehicles.

For the GTI, their response was that their full- and mid-saps oils are vw 502 approved, so they believe both oils are valid.

For the ML320, they were basing their recommendation on an out-dated service products document from MB which indicated 229.51 was allowable for gasoline engines. I sent a more recent document which clearly states that MB only recommends 229.51 for diesel engines, in which case, the only recommended oil should be the full-saps, which complies with 229.3 and 229.5.

Amsoil told me they will be revising their recommendations.