How do Japanese and European Motor Oils Compare?

[Carlostrece]

For example... How does Idemitsu compare to Euro oils?

 

[kschachn]

Idemitsu what, as compared to Euro what? For example, I've never seen an Idemitsu oil have a European approval. A bit difficult to compare without actual performance properties.

A few previous discussions on this topic that are specific to Euro vs. Japanese which may assist:

F

Thread 'Oil formulation - American vs Japanese'

Mar 6, 2015

I recently came across this post on another site and have also read the post on this site re Ca, Mg and TBN. Being the owner of a Japanese manufactured diesel vehicle, I am interested to hear the opinions of those a lot more knowledgeable than I am.

'The oil sold in Japan typically has calcium based detergents in it at levels of 3000-4500+ppm (parts per million) this is a very detergent oil compared to a lot of oils formulated for American engines (700-2500+ppm) magnesium based detergents, magnesium based detergent is thermally unstable at normal working temps of a Japanese diesel engine...

• Frot
• Replies: 9
• Forum: Oil Analysis - General Questions and Comments

G

Thread 'Can I use European Oils in my Japanese Engines?'

Jul 25, 2015

I see certain oils meeting all these BMW, VW, Porsche Standards and I think to myself, wouldn't these be better for my Japanese cars than the oils without these standards? Help me with my attempt at logical thought.

FWIW, my major concern is for long engine life. Increased MPG means virtually nothing.

• Gebo
• Replies: 42
• Forum: Passenger Car Motor Oil (PCMO) - Gasoline Vehicles

G

Thread 'Using European Oils in NonEuropean Cars?'

Nov 15, 2017

I need some help. I was told not to use "European" oils in my "Japanese" cars as they would not be good for them. I have SJ and SL cars. This conversation was in a forum and I am awaiting a response to my question of "Why not?"

It appears to me that the "European" oils have more good stuff in them and could protect my engines better than a "NonEuropean" oil.

What am I missing? What ammo can you give me in this discussion?

What is the reason I should not use European oils in my cars? Are there some?

• Gebo
• Replies: 28
• Forum: Passenger Car Motor Oil (PCMO) - Gasoline Vehicles

Thread 'Are European and Japanese oil specs really easy to pass ?'

Oct 13, 2003

I was talking to a tech rep for an oil supplier yesterday, regarding oils for my new toy.

During the conversation, I mentioned that the manufacturer specifies E3 and E5, along with JASO DH-1, secifying that if E3/E5 can't be found, then use CH-4.

His response was that you only need worry about the API classifications, as the european specs are very easy for any oil to pass.

Is this true ?

• Shannow
• Replies: 10
• Forum: Passenger Car Motor Oil (PCMO) - Gasoline Vehicles

M

Thread 'Euro spec oils vs North American'

Jan 6, 2012

I read somewhere on the internet that Euro spec oils were designed for engine performance, protection, and longevity where as American spec oils were only concerned about energy conservation or gas mileage. Is there any truth to this? I'm not sure about Japanese oils, but I love Yamalube!

• magicbeers
• Replies: 51
• Forum: European and Import Motor Oils

 

[Carlostrece]

Idemitsu what, as compared to Euro what? For example, I've never seen an Idemitsu oil have a European approval. A bit difficult to compare without actual performance properties.

Idemitsu motor oil. I don't know if there are different product lines of Idemitsu motor oil.

Thanks for the list of threads. I'll read them.

 

[Carlostrece]

I've never seen an Idemitsu oil have a European approval.

Is there a reason why Japanese oils made for Asian cars should or would care about Euro approvals or Euro cars?

What are Japanese oil standards/approvals?

I'll read the threads you posted links to. Haven't had time to do that yet.

 

[Rollno07]

For example... How does Idemitsu compare to Euro oils?

Its not about Japanese or Euro Oils. It just base on formulation. If Idemitsu is having Plant in German will formulate oil with EURO Specs for EURO Market and IF they are blending Oil in JAPAN will be as per ILSAC specs. So many brands which are multinations have different formulations for different territories.

 

[kschachn]

Is there a reason why Japanese oils made for Asian cars should or would care about Euro approvals or Euro cars?

What are Japanese oil standards/approvals?

I'll read the threads you posted links to. Haven't had time to do that yet.

No there isn’t. However it is a convenient and reliable means of comparing oils.

 

[edyvw]

Its not about Japanese or Euro Oils. It just base on formulation. If Idemitsu is having Plant in German will formulate oil with EURO Specs for EURO Market and IF they are blending Oil in JAPAN will be as per ILSAC specs. So many brands which are multinations have different formulations for different territories.

They don’t have to have a plant somewhere to blend a specific oil. If they can sell specific oil, they will blend it where it makes sense for them and export to market that requires it. As far as I know, Idemitsu doesn’t have a plant in Europe. That doesn’t mean someone doesn’t blend oils for them or they export it from elsewhere.
They are present in former Soviet Union market with European line up, imported from Japan.
https://idemitsu.kz/products/cars/zepro_new/zepro-euro-spec-5w-40/

Oils are nothing special.

 

[kschachn]

They don’t have to have a plant somewhere to blend a specific oil. If they can sell specific oil, they will blend it where it makes sense for them and export to market that requires it. As far as I know, Idemitsu doesn’t have a plant in Europe. That doesn’t mean someone doesn’t blend oils for them or they export it from elsewhere.
They are present in former Soviet Union market with European line up, imported from Japan.
https://idemitsu.kz/products/cars/zepro_new/zepro-euro-spec-5w-40/

Oils are nothing special.

And either way, it will be reflected on the label by the licenses, specifications and approvals the oil holds. Geography doesn't supersede that.