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Many European Engines are Harmed by
Common North American Oils 

European automobile manufacturers design vehicles to use specific high quality lubricants with specific properties and additives. Well over 90% of API-Licensed motor oils offered on America's retail shelves do not meet the demanding ACEA specifications, and the European lubricants are not readily available. Those that are available are typically hard to find, and quite expensive.  As a result, vehicle owners, quick-lube shops and even dealerships use standard American-market petroleum oils.  This lets problems such as premature engine wear and engine sludge develop, which can cause complete failure in some engines as early as 40,000 to 50,000 miles.

Engine sludging is an American oil problem noted in the Audi/Volkswagen 1.8L turbo, for years 1997-2004, and in Saab's 2.0 and 2.3L turbo engines in the 1999-2003 9-3, 9-5 and Viggen.  Sludging refers to the creation of tar-like deposits in the engine.  It occurs when petroleum oil breaks down under high heat and/or under stress such as using the oil for much longer than it can handle.  Sludge deposits also afflict engines from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Toyota and Lexus.  And it also hit Mercedes-Benz in a dramatic way when the courts determined that M-B did not adequately inform American car owners that standard American oils were sub-standard performance, and that they could not follow the M-B oil change intervals using those oils.  We'll come back to that in a moment.

"Europeans build their cars and impose higher requirements on the type of oil than we are used to here in North America," remarks an oil industry source. "They have more of a multi-tier system within their specifications, whereas the API uses the lowest common denominator as a guideline. It is by its own admission, within API 1509, a minimum Spec..."

While the American Petroleum Institute (API) sets minimum oil standards in America, the Automotive Manufacturers Association (ACEA) sets them in Europe. "ACEA standards reflect a wider complexity of the offering of engines on the market right now," says Herve Blanquart, VP Automotive of Motul North America. "On top of that, manufacturers have introduced their own standards, most of which start with the ACEA standards, and go further in specific tests to solve specific problems and address specific issues."

In the U.S., the API adopts one standard for all engine oils. "For example they are working on ILSAC GF-4, and the problems they are running into is that this oil will be too thin for a lot of older engines," explains Blanquart. "In Europe, they decided from the beginning that they would not adopt a linear standard - rather a standard for each type of application - gas, diesel, turbo, etc."

European vehicle manufacturers keep tight control over which lubricants they allow to be used in their vehicles. Inner-company bureaucracies are in charge of keeping the approved lubricant lists up-to-date with the latest requirements, and a few companies apply some of the regulations to North America. European aftermarket service stations must stock different lubricants for different automobile brands. Sometimes different models put out by the same manufacturer require different lubricants.

Do-it-yourselfers are less prevalent in Europe. Qualified repair shops, franchised or tightly controlled by the vehicle manufacturers in order to dictate the type of oil being used, typically perform most of the oil changes.
The high quality oils used in Europe allow Europeans to enjoy longer drain intervals. However, when European vehicles are exported to the United States, the concept becomes distorted.

"There is in general a longer drain associated with the higher tier oils in the European system," remarks the oil industry source, "so the thought process is if we don't allow the longer drain in North America, consumers should be able to get by with API spec oils - but it leaves manufacturers open to the type of problem Mercedes-Benz recently experienced."

A recent class-action lawsuit brought forward by owners of certain 1998 through 2001 Mercedes-Benz vehicles claimed they weren't informed that synthetic motor oil was required in order to take advantage of the extended drain intervals afforded through the use of the vehicles' Flexible Service System (FSS). Many using conventional oils experienced premature wear problems, and the settlement will cost the company over $32 million.

"The long drain indicator used by Mercedes is predicated on using Mercedes-Benz-approved oil, which is a very top quality synthetic oil," explains the oil company source. "When those vehicles came to the States, somehow dealerships weren't impressing upon the consumer the need to use the right oil. And whether or not the dealers were doing so, some consumers were putting in regular API-spec oil, resulting in problems."

Although synthetic motor oils are generally of higher quality than conventional oils, not all synthetics can meet the stringent European specifications. "A good quality synthetic could solve the problem," says the source, "but in the case of M-B, for example, you're dealing with an extremely high-spec oil. Not every synthetic is going to meet that spec. Some only meet the baseline API specs. Just because it's a synthetic doesn't mean it's a top tier product.
"Shop owners must keep in mind that there are numerous special requirements for European vehicles and that they shouldn't always be knee-jerking to the stuff in the big tank. If you call M-B, Volvo, or VW, for example, they should be telling you that their vehicle needs ACEA spec products."

Although it's easy to assume that the more expensive the vehicle, the better quality the lubricant it needs, that's not always the case. For example, the mid-priced Volkswagen TDI requires a very specific, high spec lubricant.

Looking at this from yet another perspective, the United States is the only major market in the world where Group III petroleum oil can be legally labeled as synthetics.  While this clever 1999 maneuver allowed a flood of petroleum "synthetics" to hit the market and command much higher profits by undercutting the manufacturing costs of true synthetics, it may well be contributing to European-vehicle engine problems.  Some vehicle owners, even those aware of the need for high-performance oils, may be using these API Group III "synthetic" oils while assuming their engine will be protected.  In reality, those oils are only marginally better than their cheaper siblings, and almost none of them meet the ACEA specifications.  Perhaps Mercedes-Benz should consider a lawsuit against the oil companies for deceiving the American public and directly contributing to these problems. 

Given this bleak engine-oil picture for American owners of European cars, the corporate hero in the American story is AMSOIL.  Several years ago AMSOIL made a splash in the European vehicle market by introducing their flagship 0W-30 oil.  Formulated to surpass a proposed European oil spec to enable 30,000 mile oil changes, Amsoil recommended it for 35,000 mile drain intervals.  In fact, it is this oil's world-class technology - improved again in 2008 - that enabled the Million Mile expedited-delivery van to run conservative 25,000 mile oil changes.  A sub-standard valve keeper halted the engine at 930,000 miles, leading to an engine-rater's discovery that there was almost no engine wear.

With over 30 years of leadership, the world's only 25,000 and 35,000 mile oils, and a record of repeatedly setting new benchmarks for world-class lubricant performance, it's not surprising to find that AMSOIL European Car Formula 5W-40 100% Synthetic Motor Oil is formulated to meet VW 505.01, and Mercedes-Benz 229.51 and BMW LL-04 specifications. This means the performance is so high that it can handle the most strenuous technical requirements for the highest performance vehicles, both gas and diesel, with ease.  That's not an easy task.  It's one that requires both great expertise and skillful use of the latest, most-expensive, ultra-high-performance additives. In fact, Amsoil 5W-40 European car oil (AFL) is the only motor oil in North America to be recommended for the latest specifications of all three major European automakers – Volkswagen (Audi), BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Saab is good example of how AMSOIL's high-performance synthetics are such dramatically superior protection for European engines.  The Saab engines are well designed, but highly prone to rapid turbo failure and engine failure using API Certified "synthetic" oils because they simply don't meet the higher-performance requirements of the European oil specifications. Chuck Andrews is one of North America's foremost Saab authorities, and writes the "Nines" Saab newsletter for owners.  Since 2006 he has proven that 5,000 mile oil changes with Amsoil 5W-40 European car oil (AFL) will consistently outperform all other options in preventing and reducing damaging sludge buildup in the Nines engines, retaining good oil chemistry and minimizing engine wear. Previous to extensive Amsoil testing in the many Saabs he services, his favorite had been Mobil 1. Neither Saab nor Mr. Andrews' dealership seem concerned that Amsoil's product isn't API Licensed or Saab certified. However they are very concerned with performance, and are very pleased with Amsoil performance.

Overall, the API's system of Licensing trademarks to show minimal performance is questionably risky for consumers, while Amsoil's reputation for pursuing extreme excellence appears well founded.  Formulated with top-of-the-line synthetic base stocks and robust cutting-edge additive packages, AMSOIL synthetic motor oils provide superior protection and performance over competing synthetic and conventional motor oils and meet or exceed the most stringent European oil specifications.

AMSOIL synthetic motor oils provide superior protection and performance in both foreign and domestic automobiles for extended drain intervals of up to 35,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first.

AMSOIL is the undisputed leader in synthetics.............

Since 1972, AMSOIL Synthetic drivetrain LUBRICANTS have proven to be the highest performance engine oils, greases, transmission fluids, and hydraulic and differential gear oils on the market. 
But the other key issue is nanofiber filtration. 
We now cover oil filters, air filters and other fluid filters like NO-ONE else can.  AMSOIL offers the highest performance, most cost-effective, most comprehensive filter line on earth.  Consider air and oil...

OIL FILTERS:

Until now, Nanofiber filtration technology has been used exclusively in heavy duty applications, including the US ARMY Abrams M1 tank. AMSOIL Ea Filters are the first and only filter line to bring this technology to the auto/light truck market.

Additionally, consider bypass filtration systems for commercial and fleet applications in cars and light, medium and heavy trucks which can filter particles down to less than one micron and are 89% efficient at 1 micron, making oil changes virtually unnecessary and virtually eliminating engine wear.  (A standard full-flow oil filter can only filter to 20 microns with any reasonable efficiency, but 5-25 microns is widely accepted as the wear-particle size range.)  Easy to install, these oil filter systems have been proven by millions of miles of over-the road trucks, construction equipment and fleet service. And we use these on our personal diesel pickup trucks: my Duramax 2500HD has over 70,000 miles since the last oil drain, the oil analysis looks perfect, and the appearance of this diesel oil looks like a gas engine with 3,000 miles on the oil.

AIR FILTERS:

The MOST IMPORTANT filter on the M1A1 Abrams battle tank is its' nanofiber air filter. 
The MOST Important filter on YOUR vehicle is also the air filter.

It's far better, and easier, to keep wear particles out of the engine than it is to attempt filtering them out of the engine oil.  Yet filter companies and vehicle manufacturer's are strangely silent about actual air filter performance and engine needs.  Now AMSOIL offers world-leading breakthrough Ea air filters with exclusive nanofiber technology.  Based on battlefield-proven air-induction systems used in military ground and air vehicles, this high-technology filtration is now available for consumer use!  Ea filters are guaranteed for 4 years, 100,000 miles, and have OEM certified fitment for your vehicle.  The engineering rule of thumb for damaging wear particle size is 5 to 25 microns.  Incredibly, these filters are 100% efficient at removing particles of 3 microns, and are 80% effective at removing particles of a 1 micron size.  This means that NO WEAR PARTICLES CAN GET PAST OUR Ea AIR FILTERS!  AND, they're less expensive to use than ANY other air filter.

For Power Sports applications, AMSOIL offers a line of oiled-foam filters.  These filters provide better performance than oiled-gauze air filters, and are used almost exclusively in most off-road applications including baja, dirt-track racing, and motocross.

For light to heavy trucks, both gas and diesel engines, AMSOIL's partnership with Donaldson provides you with the best performance and most cost-effective air filtration systems in the world.  These include both Powercore and Nanofiber technology filters.  We have the full line of  Donaldson Filters Now Available , including air, fuel, water, oil and hydraulic filters, with exclusive performance warranties (no one else in the industry offers filtration performance warranties).  Contact us for specific recommendations, or see our Diesel Page.

Air Induction Systems:

AMSOIL offers a growing line of the only OEM certified air induction filtration systems on the market.  Offering dramatic airflow improvements for gains in horsepower, fuel economy, and towing torque, they also keep wear particles out of your engine better than any marketed product.  Current air inductions systems include the 7.3 liter PowerStroke.  In addition, AMSOIL has released a full line of nanofiber universal air induction filters (EaAU) designed to replace stock oil wetted gauze or foam conical filters that were supplied with custom induction systems produced by K&N, Injen, S&B, Green, AIRAID, AFE, TrueFlow and more. Whether your air induction system is in a gasoline street-rod, or a diesel truck, you have great airflow but you need better filtration than oiled gauze.  AMSOIL Ea Air Induction Filters are dry no-oil filters that offer far better efficiency, 50 times the capacity, excellent airflow and are easily cleanable.

    Amsoil and InJen present GM, Dodge & Ford diesel air-intakes Here!

Got a Hummer H2 or H3?  How about a newer Ford PowerStroke?  Then you already have superb nanofiber air filtration.  But we offer the real PowerCore replacement air filter for your Hummer or PowerStroke, at a much lower cost than the dealerships!

WHY SWITCH TO AMSOIL LUBRICATION AND FILTRATION TECHNOLOGIES?

• AMSOIL products saves you time and money.  With recommended extended drain intervals, AMSOIL performance typically costs LESS per year than conventional oil changes.

• The only 25,000 mile/one-year and 35,000 mile/one-year motor oils in the world.

• A vehicle lubrication solution with far less environmental impact, using an estimated 87% less oil and 5-10% less fuel !

• The only oils and filters with a warranty for GUARANTEED performance!

• Exceeds the most stringent performance specifications of all major U.S. and foreign automotive and truck manufacturers.

• Provides up to four-times the wear protection of other motor oils.

• Increases the mileage life of your vehicle.

• Improves fuel economy.

• Increases at-wheel horsepower.

• Lowers transmission and differential operating temperatures and delivers better shifting, even in heavy towing.

• Lowers fleet maintenance costs by lowering the costs of both scheduled maintenance, and mechanical repairs.

• Lowers fleet capital costs by dramatically extending vehicle service-life.  (Vehicle mileage typically extended 20 to 100%.)

• Diesel oil and filtration products designed to deliver more than 1,000,000 miles for over-the-road trucks before engine overhaul.

• Used by many national racing teams, fleets, police departments, fire departments, ambulance fleets, construction firms and trucking companies.

WHY WORK WITH DMT TECHNICAL?

DMT Technical operates Ultimate-Synthetic-Oil.com as part of a group of highly skilled team of OEM Engineers and Lubrication and Filtration Specialists.  In fact, we are the ONLY such group on the internet, as well as the largest AND fastest-growing AMSOIL Dealer organization in the nation.  You too, can join our group when you become an AMSOIL Dealer and take advantage of all that we offer as you use products in your own vehicles or begin your own AMSOIL business. You cannot find a more knowledgeable and skilled group of Dealers anywhere. 

In addition, as a Dealer in our group you will receive exclusive unlimited product, technical and business support from the only group of Truck and Automotive Engineers and Lubrication Specialists on the net.  That's priceless - yet free - vital support that can make a huge difference to a growing business.

We do not run our business purely on the internet. We also have numerous commercial, industrial, trucking, excavating, construction, logging, police, racing and many more accounts that we support and service on a regular basis. We have several fully stocked warehouses and fully equipped shop facilities. This provides us with excellent knowledge of the products, equipment and the business and the ability to respond immediately to any of your needs. We will use this knowledge and experience to help you get started so you too can achieve your goals.

We possess the skills, desire and knowledge to answer questions, solve problems, improve efficiency, reduce downtime, maintenance costs and increase the durability and life of all of your vehicles.

Read what our satisfied customers have to say about us. Read through our website. Contact us with any questions. If you decide to become an AMSOIL Dealer you will be joining, in our opinion, the most skilled AMSOIL group there is. We will help you get started and provide you with the tools and information in order to be successful in this business or with technical and product assistance to use AMSOIL products in your own vehicles.

To get additional information:

We offer several options to receive information on AMSOIL. We welcome the opportunity to work with you personally as your servicing AMSOIL Dealer. Our AMSOIL Dealer Group is led by a Truck/Automotive Engineer and Lubrication Specialist with over 19 years experience. This exceptional benefit is unavailable elsewhere.

Please, email us at Brian@Ultimate-Synthetic-Oil.com and we will send you an exclusive comprehensive package of product, technical and business information. If you are serious about AMS OIL products and the business opportunity this is the best option. You will receive extensive technical and business support from both myself and my Direct Jobber, a Detroit, Michigan Truck/Automotive Engineer and Lubrication Specialist with over 19 years experience. We look forward to helping you learn about AMSOIL.

Or for a smaller, very general information package (which includes a catalog and Dealer application) you can request information via any of the links below.  Please note that your information is always held in confidence per our Privacy Policy, and will never be sold, loaned or otherwise distributed.

To request a FREE Factory Direct Catalog by MAIL

To Immediately Download a FREE Factory Direct Catalog

For Information on Becoming an AMSOIL Dealer

To Buy AMSOIL Products in the AMSOIL On-Line Store

To Sell AMSOIL in Your Store or Purchase For Use in Your Businesses Equipment

To visit the AMSOIL Corporate Website for Product and Business Opportunity Information

AMSOIL is Proudly Made in the U.S.A.

AMSOIL is owned by Americans.

AMSOIL is America's Oil.

DMT Technical

Ultimate Synthetic Oil - AMSOIL Products

119 Norlick Drive

Bryan, Ohio  43506

Phone: (419) 630-0874

E-mail: Brian

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