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New Liqui Moly Motor Oil for 5.0L and 3.0L Engines
What do you think? Is this new Liqui Moly Special Tec LR 0W-20 that meets the new 2017 JLR spec STJLR.51.5122 an acceptable alternative to the Castrol Unobtainium 5W-20 that meets the original Ford WSS-M2C925-A spec?
Sure, it's a lighter (0W) viscosity when cold, but it's the same 20W viscosity when warmed up to operating temperature.
Did JLR make any internal changes to the 5.0L NA or SC engines after 2013 that would preclude use of this oil in pre-2017 models? Or is this new, lower viscosity STJLR 51.5122 spec simply to improve fuel economy?
I have done a fair bit of research on this topic and I am convinced that the only reason JLR changed the oil spec from 5W20 to 0W20 a few years ago was to eke out a fractional improvement in fuel economy on the CAFE and EU lab tests, and there are/were zero internal changes to the engines.
That Liqui Moly oil will be perfectly OK, and possibly better than the Unobtainium!
Liquid Moly makes a great oil for my M3 that requires a full synthetic 10W-60 and has worked well for me, and that is on an engine where some have had rod bearing issues so I have to be careful. May not have any choice but to trust them, haven't been able to find the edge professional OE lately and I'm due for a (self) service....
I e-mailed liquid moly rep in europe and they responded that their oil is fully approved by JLR for use in our vehicles, and that it will perform the same as the Castrol OE professional.
Based on my positive (and the BMW forum's) experience with Liquid Moly I'm going to give it a try. An added bonus, if you buy it from FCP Euro you have a lifetime guarantee. Crazy as it sounds, you can return the used oil and get a free replacement. Don't laugh, I tried this with 8 quarts of used oil from my M3, but realized from CA the return shipping at retail rates was 90% of the cost of the oil, but if you live on the east coast or have a discounted shipping account (and aare a cheap dutchman as I am) it might make sense.
I'm impressed with the quality of the AC Delco filter. Its a reinforced mesh clothlike filter medium, the O-rings are good quality. Amazon reviews were strong, seems identical the the OEM filter, just half the price.
The description on the AC/Delco filter says it has 5 times the burst strength of the normal operating oil pressure as long as that pressure doesn't exceed 51 PSI. What oil pressure ranges do our cars run? The Mahle filter description doesn't make that claim in their description. I feel stupid asking this but alas no gauge!
The last Mahle filter I bought had made in Bulgaria stamped right on the filter case, the AC delco proudly says made in China. Other than that, they look identical in terms of shape, size, material, weight, etc.
I'm just pleased that there appears to be no metal shavings or anything in my old filter (I examined with different types of light and magnification). Gonna drive more and worry less, it appears at 24,000 miles my engine is in its prime.....
Just did a change from the drain plug and filled with liqui moly. Maybe it’s a placebo but the valve train is a lot quieter. The castrol oil was dark black at 5.5k miles so I’ll probably go intervals 5-7k now.
This is great news for us DIY guys. Thanks for the information and links to buy. 15L of oil for 108.51, plus two AC Delco filters for 21.36 (Amazon) That’s two oil changes for under 65 bucks. Or savings of 120.00 at dealer. YAY
I’m still puzzled why the MANN filters are 38 bucks each vs the Delco under $11.00?
I’m still puzzled why the MANN filters are 38 bucks each vs the Delco under $11.00?
I have bought the mann filters for $6.
Filters are really not important on this car. It not going to catch the soot particles anyway. And you dont have to worry about it bursting.