Engine oil 504/507 instead of 508/509💲💲

[Harrihealey02]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to choose engine oil for my Volkswagen Polo R-Line 1.0 TSI 110hp (with a gasoline particulate filter). The newer VW oil standard, 508/509, is much more expensive than the older standard, 504/507. Confusingly, the older Polo models with the same engine (without the gasoline particulate filler) seem to only require 504/507 oil.

Here's why I'm tempted to use the cheaper 504/507 oil:

Better wear protection: 504/507 is supposed to be thicker and better at protecting engine parts from wear and tear.

Cheaper: 504/507 oil costs about half as much as 508/509.

Officially compatible: I found a press release from an oil company (Fuchs) saying that 504/507 can be used in engines requiring 508/509.

However, the official VW recommendation for my Polo is 508/509.

Here's why they might use this thinner oil:

Fuel efficiency: 508/509 oil is slightly thinner, which can improve fuel economy by about 4%.

Warranty: Using the wrong oil could void your engine warranty.

My question: Is it safe to use the cheaper 504/507 oil in my Polo, even if it means giving up warranty coverage on the engine? The fact that 504/507 is compatible with DPFs and catalysts in the exhaust, surely the only reason they are requiring it now is because of the 4% fuel savings. I’m not too bothered about that, I’m more focused on the wear protection of the engine in the long run.

https://www.fuchs.com/fileadmin/schmier ... 2-2017.pdf

[funkyg]

I don’t know the answer for this exactly, but my guess would be what you said in the VW statement regarding improved fuel economy. 4% mpg improvement? Win! Remove spare wheels to reduce weight and therefore increase fuel economy? Win! It’s all about improving fuel economy/ reducing carbon emissions.

[SRGTD]

I don’t know the answer either. However, spending a few extra pounds on the VW recommended oil to keep the engine within warranty is IMHO a relatively small price to pay compared to potentially having to pay for expensive engine repairs or a replacement engine. Admittedly, the likelihood of a major engine issue during the warranty period is probably quite low. However, failures and malfunctions can - and do - happen.

I seem to remember reading a while ago that the VW recommended engine oil for the latest generation cars with petrol particulate filters is a low ash content oil; I’m assuming one of the benefits of using the correct VW spec low ash content oil is to reduce ash and soot build up in the particulate filter - so fewer regenerations of the filter are required to burn off accumulated soot deposits. I have no idea whether using a 504/507 oil would mean increased / faster soot build up in the particulate filter, more frequent regenerations or an increased risk of the filter becoming excessively clogged to the point where it may no longer be able to clear itself through the occasional regeneration. If so, then presumably that could either mean very frequent unsuccessful regeneration attempts or premature failure / early replacement of the particulate filter, or both.

Also, with 508/509 oil being slightly thinner than 504/507, wouldn’t that be better in terms of it’s ability to circulate around the engine more quickly (especially in colder weather and when starting the engine form cold) than a thicker oil?

[RUM4MO]

Remember also that there are or were some EA888 engines that have particulate filters fitted during initial build, that "can't" use 508/509 oils, so certain 504/507 oils seem to okay to use on these EA888 engines with particulate filters. Also some 504/507 oils are available as low viscosity oils, really all a bit of a mine field and so no single simple answer.

Checking what is advised/written concerning the 1.0TSI 115PS in my younger daughter's May 2019 SEAT Arona, I'm not convinced that by using 504/507, especially if you use a low viscosity version - that is also low SAP, that you would be violating your engine warranty - although, if I'm ever to service that Arona, I'd consider, that as it is not my own car, I'd be using a 508/509 VW Group approved(and not just a "meets or exceeds VW Group approval") engine oil.

Edit:- I'd also be aiming too buy an oil that is up to the latest API rating, ie SP which tends to protect these small turbo charged petrol engines from LSPI issues - I wonder if Quantum's version of either of these oils is up to that standard yet.

[Harrihealey02]

Thanks all for your advice and answers - I’ll stick with the 508/509 whilst I’m in warranty and the engine is still tight and then use the 504/507 when it’s a bit loose after the warranty period and should be good from there!

[Harrihealey02]

I took my car for a service at a VW dealer and they used 0W-30 oil with the 504/507 spec! Guess my price worries were unfounded. Still, curious why the manual recommends the much pricier 508/509 for my 1.0TSI with GPF. FYI for anyone else in the same boat!

[Le_Combattant]

I took my car for a service at a VW dealer and they used 0W-30 oil with the 504/507 spec! Guess my price worries were unfounded. Still, curious why the manual recommends the much pricier 508/509 for my 1.0TSI with GPF. FYI for anyone else in the same boat!

New engine since 2018 are from factory, filled with 508/509 oil (0W20).

On this engine, you can put alo 504/507 oil (0W30).

BUT !

Engines prior 2018 CAN'T be filled with 508/509 0W20 oils. Damages can occurs.