Castrol Magnatec or Mobil Super S ?

[jay cee]

Which oil do you recommend?
Castrol Magnatec or Mobile Super S ?

Thanks

Jon

[phatsam2003]

personally mobil super s.

The magnatec is mineral where as the super s is part synthetic

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Castrol Magnatec any day.

The Mobil Super S, whilst claiming to be a 'semi-synthetic' is actually just a refined mineral oil, using Group3 basestocks, also known as 'synthesised hydrocarbon fluids' (SHFs).  It is illegal in the EU to even refer to any Gp3 SHFs as 'synthetic'.  Oh, and it has no VW petrol engine approval either.

The Castrol Magnatec is a superb and much under-rated oil.  Like the Mobil Super S, the Castrol Magnatec is a semi-synthetic - but a true semi-synthetic.  It uses extremely high quality Group5 basestocks, aka 'esters'.  These esters are actually 'polarised' (similar to being electrically charged) - and just like their advertising, work very similar to a magnet, and actually 'cling' to metal surfaces, rather than draining back into the sump overnight.  Just make sure you dont use the 5w30 Magnatec, because that will be too thin.  You will need either the 10w40, or if you have done some serious mileage (over 100k miles) then the 15w40 Magnatec would be better.

BTW, what is your engine?

HTH

[Teutonic_Tamer]

personally mobil super s.

The magnatec is mineral where as the super s is part synthetic

No it isn't.  It is actully the other way round.  The Mobil is a mineral (even though they unlawfully claim it as a 'semi-synthetic'), whereas the Magnatec is a true semi-synthetic.

[jay cee]

it is a 1997 MK3 2.0 8V with 125,000 on the clock.
so, what should I go for?

[phatsam2003]

lol I'm not gonna argue, seeing as you seem to know your oil!!!

I was told it was the other way round

sorry  

[Teutonic_Tamer]

it is a 1997 MK3 2.0 8V with 125,000 on the clock.
so, what should I go for?

If you engine is still relatively tight (well relatively for 125k miles), doesn't smoke, and doesn't use hardly any oil between changes, then I'd suggest the Magnatec 10w40.  Or a cheaper option would be a Quantum oil (these are made by Castrol for Volkswagen Group UK, and share the same R&D as the mainstream Castrol oils) - Quantum Synta 10w40, again semi-synthetic, at £9.95 +vat from your Dub stealer (or TPS, and GSF even sell some Quantum oils).

But if the engine is a little loose  , and burning oil, then the Magnatec 15w40.  Alternatively, you could try the Quantum SL Multigrade Advanced 15w40, wich although a mineral, is actually a very high grade mineral, and at £8.61 +vat from your local VAG dealer, is quite a bargain.

You might want to look at this thread for part numbers for common VAG items, including engine oils (I've realised I need to add more of the lower spec Quantum oils  ) - http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=95565

HTH

[Teutonic_Tamer]

lol I'm not gonna argue, seeing as you seem to know your oil!!!

I was told it was the other way round

sorry  

No worries.   

Sadly, Mobil spend far more on marketing and advertsing than they do on actual R&D - a well-known concern in the oil industry.  I could ask what you know about Fuchs oils - these are some of THE best oils in the world, yet many peeps have never heard of them, because they don't really advertise.

[jay cee]

yes, engine is still tight, so I will go for the Castrol Magnatec.

[Mikester]

i use the mobil stuff, not because of any media, or being told otherwise. Just becuase it does the job, and cant see why i should change. Its not an highly tuned engine that needs exact components.

Its a 12 year old 8v golf gti, with 125k on the clock. lol