How do I know engine oil?

[firesquall]

I post this question in another area, but would like to receive more responses.
I just got a new beetle 2001, GLS 1.8 Turbo. The previous owner lost his manual, so I have no way to find out which engine oil he used. Any one knows which oil it takes? Is the synthetic oil much better than regular one?

[Deserion]

Castrol Syntec 5w40
Mobil 1 0w40

5w40 is spec, but any synthetic oil that carries VW spec is good.

[LadybugEwa]

Originally Posted by firesquall

Is the synthetic oil much better than regular one?

It depends on your application. I prefer it mainly because of convenience of less frequent oil changes. Money-wise it works out the same for me, and I only have to change it twice a year.

[pinky]

afaik all of the VW approved oils are fully synthetic

i use Elf oil in my 1.8t (its an audi)

here's a good reference
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2237991

If your car was made between 1998 and 2004, your car requires 502.00 oil.
If you car was made after 2004, your car requires 505.01 oil.

[Yurko]

I read quite a few posts on this topic on vwvortex, and that's all true. you can also use 5W30 and 10W30 without any problems.I use 5w in the winter and 10w in the summer, as it can get pretty cold and hot here. Mobil 1 of course.

[kaiser]

i use elf oils exclusively, best price point in the synthetic oil market and vw approved.

[Yurko]

Originally Posted by kaiser

i use elf oils exclusively, best price point in the synthetic oil market and vw approved.

what's retail? I pick mobil 1 up at costco.

[kaiser]

Originally Posted by Yurko

what's retail? I pick mobil 1 up at costco.

my over the counter price is 7.00 per liter, my org price and wholesale price is 5.75 pr liter.

[Yurko]

Originally Posted by kaiser

my over the counter price is 7.00 per liter, my org price and wholesale price is 5.75 pr liter.

that's not bad. Mobil1 is usually 30 or less for a 6 pack at costco. usually less. I've also heard of target carrying it for less than $5/qt, and I also hear that the 5 qt. jugs are usually priced pretty well at wally-world, but I haven't set foot in one of those in a loooong time.

[pinky]

Originally Posted by kaiser

my over the counter price is 7.00 per liter, my org price and wholesale price is 5.75 pr liter.

sounds about right (we charge $7/L also)