Fuchs Titan Supersyn 5w40 Oil - Mk4 1.8T AUM

[tomparkes]

Hi all,

I've just recently bought a 2003 Mk4 GTI 1.8T AUM - according to the sticker on the door pillar (I checked this as per the instructions in the Haynes Manual), my car "should" be on the LongLife service interval, however it's been serviced every year for the past 4 years and had its oil changed each time. I'm slightly confused by these service intervals - should I just continue to change the oil every year, or should I revert back to the LongLife intervals?

I'm thinking I'll probably stick to a service once a year anyway, and I plan to change the oil and filter this month (it will have been a year since it's last change). Aside from the service interval confusion, my main question is: will Fuchs Titan Supersyn 5w40 engine oil be suitable for my car? I've read through the forum here extensively, particularly this thread -  http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=95412.0 - but I'm still slightly confused. It seems that 5w40 should be alright, but I don't know if I need to use LongLife engine oil instead!? 

I've found this oil for about £27 delivered from the Bay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150921478033?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 - and it's fully synthetic, and specified to VW 502 00/505 00, which ought to be a good thing. Based on some of the info in the other thread, Fuchs seems like a decent brand and at £27 for 5 litres, it's a very good price.

Any info on this oil would be great - my car's done 45k miles, and I'd like it to do plenty more please  Cheers!

[danny_p]

car used for low miles,  short runs and rural driveing should be done on time distance  as longlife shedule is a really bad idea for such use the engine will sludge up and die.

as for oil,  i use longlife in all the engines wether there on longlife or time distance,  all our cars are on time distance tho

[Wayne]

I used and was recommended to get: http://www.vwspares.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=1354 in my 1.8t

[tomparkes]

Thanks for the confirmation regarding the service schedules Danny, I wasn't sure which one to use. Based on what you have said, I will definitely stick to the T&D intervals rather than longlife.

Wayne - I'd seen the Quantum oil recommended elsewhere, but based on some of the comments made in the thread I link to above, I've been slightly put off. It seems that Quantum "claim" to be VW approved, when really they aren't. I suppose the oil might be fine, but it's slightly worrying when they start making false claims like that! From what some of the guys in the other thread have said, Fuchs is meant to be pretty high quality. Basically, I don't want to spend a bomb but also I don't want to wreck my car, and understand the need for something decent in a performance turbo-charged engine.

5w40 viscosity seems appropriate for the mileage and usage for my car, it's just the manufacturer/brand I'm concerned about. Both the Fuchs and the Quantum have similar VW specifications and are similar prices. Maybe I'll take a punt with the Fuchs and report back. If it's nasty, I'll drain it and stick the Quantum in with my tail between my legs...

[Wayne]

I've been slightly put off. It seems that Quantum "claim" to be VW approved, when really they aren't. I suppose the oil might be fine, but it's slightly worrying when they start making false claims like that! From what some of the guys in the other thread have said, Fuchs is meant to be pretty high quality. Basically, I don't want to spend a bomb but also I don't want to wreck my car, and understand the need for something decent in a performance turbo-charged engine.

Quantum oil is sold by VAG and fully approved, why use anything else

[danny_p]

quantum is made by castrol,  think its a uk thing with vw that,   fuchs is factory fill or thats what i've been told

as oils go fuchs is  good stuff

the american oils are ones to very weary of.  typical big lazy yank engine dosen't really need or ask much of it's oil but european engines can make same power from a fraction of the capacity in doing so ask a hell of a lot more from there oil,  measure the oil temps inside an engine as opposed to the sump or filter houseing  and it's a bit 

i like 5/40w oil engines in most of my cars and of family.   ( except the passat 18t that gets 10/40 else it rattels in the morning  but has done over 200k miles )  0/30w 5/30w  i have never really liked in cars that get driven hard, seems to thin and oil pressure is lower

[tomparkes]

Thanks for your reply Danny - I'd heard that the American oils are not always the best choice for European engines, so I'll be sure to steer clear of those. I think 5w40 will be suited to the style of driving/length of trips I do and I think either Quantum or Fuchs will be suitable - I'm going to use Quantum this time as it is (as Wayne says) the VAG choice in the UK, so it must do the trick. Thanks for your help gents, much appreciated.

[tomparkes]

Everybody is bound to have their own opinions and preferences on this, but having done a bit more reading, I am now leaning back towards the Fuchs engine oil. I trust the Oilman's opinions on this, seeing as it's his livelihood:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=12088.msg103952#msg103952

Quite interesting really - Fuchs Titan is developed alongside VW and is used to factory fill their vehicles from new, however Quantum is also developed to VW's standards (by Castrol, I believe) but is aimed at the consumer, as an after-market product, and is of an apparently lower quality. There will of course be much more advanced and more expensive oils out there, but on a tight budget, Fuchs Titan seems like the way to go. It's cheaper than Quantum too which is a bonus!