How to recognize "Gold Castrol?"

[olefam]

Hi,
I've read a fair amount on this forum about the virtues of "Gold Castrol," but I do not know how to recognize one from another. What exactly is gold about gold castrol? Is it the cap color? The bottle color? Perhaps a decal on the side of the bottle? Any help would be appreciated.
Also, why is gold Castrol considered superior to any other Castrol synthetic?
TIA
Glen

 

[Gene K]

Castrol Syntec 0w30 "European Formula". Earlier Bottles do not say "European Formula" so you have to look for the "imported from Germany" on the lower back. This was originally sold as SLX. It is formulated to meet standards like BMW LL01 and M-B 229.5 to allow for the 10,000-20,000 mi oil changes European manufactures spec. Early versions are "Green" and the later "Gold". The color of the oil not the bottle. It is also refered to as GC = German Castrol

It is primarily a Group IV with possibly some Group V. Other Syntecs are primarily Group III. It is also on the heavy end for a 30 weight so meets the high HT/HS (High Temp /High Shear) requirements for many high-performance cars. At the same time it has excellent low temp properties.

Its use allows me to do 4-6 month 10,000-12,000 mi OCI's on my College Girls Sunfire 2.2L OHV safely. It also shows very good wear numbers on the Chevy LS1 Family 4800-7000(LS7)

PS It is only available at Autozone (USA) and WalMart (Canada) to the best of my knowledge.

 

[AndyH]

Here's the official Castrol Syntec 0w30 (a.k.a., "German Castrol" or simply "GC") FAQ:
http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/s...ge=0#Post711450

 

[toocrazy2yoo]

The OW30 has a yellow flag on the front that says, "European Formula" if memory serves..

 

[toocrazy2yoo]

From their website (couldn't find a pic of the bottle:

SAE 0W-30:
Castrol SYNTEC 0w30 European Formula is engineered to meet the Mercedes Benz 229.5 specification. The 0w30 viscosity grade is ideal for winter conditions where low temperature pumpability is required. A unique, low-temperature formulation provides exceptional pumpability in cold weather and allows for unaided engine starts down to -40°F. Exceeds all car and light truck manufacturer's warranty requirements for the protection of gasoline, diesel and turbocharged engines where API SL, SJ, SH, CF or CD is recommended. Exceeds European ACEA: A3, B3, B4; VW 502 00, 505 00, 503 01; MB 229.1, 229.3, 229.5; BMW LL-01; GM-LL-A-025, GM-LL-B-025 and the engine protection requirements of ILSAC GF-3 for API Certified Gasoline Engine Oils.

 

[AndyH]

Pics of the bottle of a "M06152..." batch of gold GC:

Front:

Rear: