Considering the ongoing "which grade?" oil debate going on in many threads, I thought that this might add fuel...

Just had my 1K service by the Subaru dealer (MY00 std UK full warranty etc). I specifically asked the Service Manager about oil, and pointed to the "Subaru recommends Shell Helix Plus" card that came with the manual. He told me that they don't use it, and have been told by Subaru UK to use Esso oil.

The invoice shows OIL ULTRON 5W40 at £7.25 + VAT per litre.

I think this is a fully synthetic oil but the Esso websites are too crap to give any decent technical info.

 

I have spoken to Subaru UK today to clarify the Shell Helix Plus line and was told that any manufacturer will do as long as it is 10w/40 or 10w/30. He went on to say he had sent a bulletin around the dealers reminding them of this fact - which ties in with other stories I've heard.

As for fully or semi-synthetic he said that he has yet to see any data to convince him that fully synthetic would provide any significant benefits over the current 7500 mile service period. If it was a longer service interval then he would perhaps recommend it. Basically if I wanted to spend the extra money for fully synthetic then by all means he said, otherwise I'll be fine using semi-synthetic at a 10w/40 rating.

As for DIY 3000mile oil changes his view was that if you have the money it certainly won't do any harm. It depends on the usage of the car.

Otis.

 

best guide is to look at the api spec it the hand book and check out the oil as it will be marked on the tin. I use a 10w/40 semi synthetic oil that has the correct code, handy as we sell it at work which the dealer has no problem in putting in at services. at approx £10 for 5 ltrs, saves on the service bill & I know what is going in my car

simon