Motor Oil Choices For 2015 Volkswagen GTI

A reader asks: I’ve got a 2015 Volkswagen GTI with the 2.0L turbocharged engine. I see that AMSOIL suggests 3 different motor oil options for this engine, being the European Formula 5W-40 Improved ESP Synthetic Motor Oil, European Formula 5W-40 Classic ESP Synthetic Motor Oil or European Formula 0W-40 Classic ESP Synthetic Motor Oil. Which is the best option? Also, do you offer the Mann HU6002Z oil filter for this car?

Our answer: Your engine requires a motor oil with the VW 502.00 spec for gasoline engines and all three of the AMSOIL European Formula Motor Oil products you mentioned are turbo-ready and formulated to meet that specification. But we lean toward one of these three candidates and it also happens to be the least expensive choice. That choice would be the “EFM” AMSOIL European Formula 5W-40 Classic ESP Synthetic Motor. Let us explain.

European motor oils are often categorized by their “SAPS” content. SAPS refers to an engine oil’s Sulfated Ash, Phosphorus and Sulfur content. These are vital additives that handle tasks such as wear prevention, engine cleanliness and oxidation prevention (to name a few). Some Euro motor oil specifications dictate lower SAPS levels because high levels aren’t always compatible with some emissions components such as diesel particulate filters. The VW 502.00 specification allows for high SAPS levels.

The AMSOIL Classic ESP 5W-40 and 0W-40 contain full SAPS levels. The “AFL” European Formula 5W-40 Improved ESP Synthetic Motor Oil has lower SAPS levels, but still offers exceptional wear control and performance with a sophisticated base oil and additive formula. AMSOIL is able to go “all-out” with the SAPS levels of the Classic ESP 5W-40 and 0W-40 and because the formulation is actually less complex, input costs are lower and this is reflected in a cheaper price tag.

So based on the “Full-SAPS” formula and much lower price tag, we suggest that AMSOIL European Formula 5W-40 Classic ESP Synthetic Motor (product code: EFM) is the best all-round choice for your turbo-charged VW GTI. We chose the 5W-40 Classic ESP Motor Oil over the 0W-40 Classic ESP Motor Oil due to lower cost. If you live in climates with extreme cold, the EFM Classic ESP 5W-40 has a pour point of -39°C, while the “EFO” Classic ESP 0W-40 has a pour point of -51°C. If your car is started in extreme winter cold, the 0W-40 is a great option.

As for the Mann HU6002Z oil filter, unfortunately we do not have access to that unit at this time. As our Mann product list is constantly evolving, we hope to have this unit for sale in the future.