Tesco Oil

[reflexboy]

Although my car is 13 years old, I have never put anything else in the engine except for Semi synthetic Castrol GTX Magnatec. It takes 7.5L so I need to buy two 4L cans. This works out pretty expensive. I see Tesco have a deal on at the moment and using their own brand semi, it works out about half the price. I'm a bit dubious as to the quality of this oil. What does the panel think?

 

[BlackC55]

Does it meet 229.1 or 229.3 spec?

 

[Will]

Hi Jim,

How much are both of these oils? I always thought Magnatec was considered a slightly poor oil by comparison to some of the better fully synthetics etc (badge/marketing over quality?)

For reference, Mobil 1 0W-40 fully synthetic is £19.99+vat for 4L at Costco

Will

 

[Will]

Just to add - I don't mean 'poor' as in it's a bad oil, just as in the marketing/branding of the oil - a bit overrated, etc

Better out there for the money, etc

Will

 

[BlackC55]

Just to add - I don't mean 'poor' as in it's a bad oil, just as in the marketing/branding of the oil - a bit overrated, etc

Better out there for the money, etc

Will

I agree Will. Better off with Halfords own fully synthetic.

 

[Will]

I agree Will. Better off with Halfords own fully synthetic.

Yep, I used to use that back in the day on some of my other cars when they did the good offers on it (can't remember, wasn't it buy one, get one free or something?)

Anyway, I think they've bumped the price up a bit now, IIRC it's cheaper to get Mobil 1 from Costco if you know someone with a membership

Will

 

[Roger Jones]

Search the Web and you'll probably find out who manufactures Tesco oil. It's sure to be one of the big boys. As long as it meets the spec, you won't have a problem.

Oil problems seem to be rare as hens' teeth anyway, other than leakages that are very rarely attributable to the oil used. Use the right spec and change at sensible intervals, and I don't suppose it matters much what brand is used.

Honestjohn: Frequently Asked Questions

 

[nullogik]

Hi Jim,

How much are both of these oils? I always thought Magnatec was considered a slightly poor oil by comparison to some of the better fully synthetics etc (badge/marketing over quality?)

For reference, Mobil 1 0W-40 fully synthetic is £19.99+vat for 4L at Costco

Will

I always thought that older cars (such as this 13 year old vehicle) should not run fully-synthetic oil. These vehicles were never designed to run on these types of oil.

I've also heard (from mechanics) that its not desirable to change oil types late on in a car's life. If the car has always had semi-syth then it should use that. Not sure if its scientifically proven, but "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" probably applies. If you car is running perfectly well, then why change the type of oil?

 

[grober]

Halfords oil is made by Comma, I am lead to believe. You could try Partco who sell a rebranded Fuchs oil under the Unipart banner. You have to be careful with "semi-synthetic" oils since they vary quite widely in their "synthetic" content. Castrol Magnatec being one of the culprits- allegedly. I like Fuchs or Millers semi-synthetics personally since they seem to stay "in grade" longer. Good quality and not too expensive. What quality of oil to use is a difficult one. One that meets the MB spec 229.1 or 229.3 is a good "bottom line" to look for as you have been advised already . When engine components/ancilliaries such as timing chains/tensioners/hydraulic tappets,turbo chargers,or catalytic converters fail or get noisy prematurely people often fail to make the connection between this and the grade of oil being used.

 

[reflexboy]

Ok-What does the panel think of this 'cheap as chips' oil, as recommended for my car by Eurocarparts. I can't find the MB 229.1 spec anywhere though

Mercedes Benz C-class (W202) C 280 Engine Oils - Euro Car Parts UK?s No.1 Car Parts Retailer

 

[verytalldave]

Alot of cheap oil has at least a percentage of reclaimed (used and cleaned) oil in its makeup. Which is why those cheapy oils loose grade quickly
Not, in my view an entirely sensible thing to do in a car like a Mercedes.

 

[renault12ts]

I always thought that older cars (such as this 13 year old vehicle) should not run fully-synthetic oil. These vehicles were never designed to run on these types of oil.

I've also heard (from mechanics) that its not desirable to change oil types late on in a car's life. If the car has always had semi-syth then it should use that. Not sure if its scientifically proven, but "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" probably applies. If you car is running perfectly well, then why change the type of oil?

If I still had the BMW 520 I got rid of 10 years ago, it would be 16 years old. It ran on synthetic oil. Never missed a beat ( family out grew it ).

 

[proser]

What's the difference between MB 228.3 and 229.1 ??
My last oil change, a couple of weeks back, was with Millers XFE 10w40 Semi (had a couple of spare containers of it ) and just looked it up and only meets 228.3. But then it seems to be running smoother and getting slightly better MPG as well

 

[verytalldave]

What's the difference between MB 228.3 and 229.1 ??
My last oil change, a couple of weeks back, was with Millers XFE 10w40 Semi (had a couple of spare containers of it ) and just looked it up and only meets 228.3. But then it seems to be running smoother and getting slightly better MPG as well

Cribed from "elsewhere"...................

MB 226.9
Multigrade engine oils for gas engines (CNG) based on Series 300/400 engines.

MB 227.0
Monograde engine oils for non-turbocharged diesel engines (Series 600).

MB 227.1
Multigrade engine oils for non-turbocharged diesel engines (Series 600).

MB 228.0
Monograde engine oils for turbocharged diesel engines. Oil change intervals up to
30,000 km.

MB 228.1
Multigrade engine oils for turbocharged diesel engines. Oil change intervals up to
30,000 km.

MB 228.2
Monograde SHPD engine oils for highly turbocharged diesel engines.

MB 228.3
SHPD engine oils for highly turbocharged diesel engines. Extended oil change intervals
up to 45,000 km.

MB 228.5
UHPD engine oils for highly turbocharged diesel engines. Extended oil change intervals
in light-duty engines up to 45,000 km. Up to 160,000 km possible in heavy-duty diesel engines (with service interval displays).

MB 228.51
UHPD engine oils for trucks fitted with exhaust gas after treatment. Low ash content required.

MB 229.1
Engine oil for car gasoline and diesel engines. More stringent than ACEA A2/A3 and B2/B3.

MB 229.3
Engine oils for cars with extended oil change intervals (30,000 km).

MB 229.31
Engine oils for cars with exhaust gas after treatment. Low ash content required.

MB 229.5
Fuel Economy engine oil for even longer oil change intervals (vehicles from 2002 on) with service indicators. Special, stricter requirements than ACEA A3/B3. For use in all car gasoline and diesel engines. This oil also complies with 229.1 and 229.3.

MB 229.51
Very high performance oil for engines with diesel particle filters and extended oil change intervals. Better fuel economy than MB 229.5.

 

[Will]

IMHO:

The difference of literally a tenner or something for one oil or another wouldn't influence my buying decision when it costs £60+ to fill the tank with petrol, ~ £200 a year for road tax etc.

I'd stick with a good quality oil that you are comfortable with.

The information in post #8 is actually incorrect, why on earth can someone say that a M104 engined W202 cannot use fully synthetic oil? Where was this stated?

Will

 

[Satch]

See what this throws up. If you register as a MB Club memeber get a 10% discount

Mercedes Engine Oil

 

[reflexboy]

I woke up and realised that I couldn't put Tesco oil in my baby. I also thought almost £54 for two 4L bottles of Magnatec from Halfrauds was a bit steep. I settled for an oil recommended on here by Grober; Fuchs Titan XTR 10/40 Semi from GSF for £31 for two 5L bottles. Currently draining the sump for last couple of hours whilst I pressure wash the patio

 

[Zulu-Boy]

This relates to the vicosity of the oil at operating temperatures. Viscosity is high at low temperatures but decreases as an engine reaches optimum. Go for a good grade oil (Opie Oils are fantastic and almost half the price). The type of engine block - alloy, aluminium etc also warrants the use of certain viscosities.

 

[reflexboy]

This relates to the vicosity of the oil at operating temperatures. Viscosity is high at low temperatures but decreases as an engine reaches optimum. Go for a good grade oil (Opie Oils are fantastic and almost half the price). The type of engine block - alloy, aluminium etc also warrants the use of certain viscosities.

Which oils are half the price at Opie? Opie want £20.24 for 5L of Fuchs XTR. I paid £15.53 for the same at GSF this morning:bannana:

 

[GH421]

I wouldn't skimper with oils for 10, 20 quid. You don't know what stuff they've left out or put in with supermarket oils.

Stick to what you know and what works and your car should last.