Here are the results of the recient lab tests of Amsoil and Mobil1. Also see the API Sequence IIIF test that was done using their 10W-30 which maintained it's properties beyond this 80 hour vigorous test.

http://www.syntheticwarehouse.com/news.htm

 

moved to Beneath the Bonnet

 

Oh no! Another one of these incredibly boring "which synthetic oil is better" threads.

I'll keep my mouth shut after saying one thing:

A quality synthetic oil of any brand is superior to any standard oil on the market. They will all make your car run nicely and protect the engine for a long time. If you feel that an oil like Mobil 1 simply cannot tolerate the way you run your engines, then change it more frequently than 10000 miles.

If you choose not to go for the added expense of synthetic oils, then you should plan accordingly to change the oil at more regular intervals so that the oil is renewed once it begins to break down from engine heat cycles. 5000 miles is a typical interval if you are using regular oil.

Almost more important than the oil itself is the quality of oil filter you plan to use. If you are going to be changing synthetic oil at extended intervals, get the best darn filter you can get. That will make a serious difference in engine longevity, although disclosing this information is not intended to start a "Which oil filter is best for synthetic oil in my MINI" thread.

The specialty oils such as Amsoil are certainly more expensive and tested to be superior than the off-the-shelf varieties, and you are guaranteed to feel like you are somehow better than the rest of us that buy our Mobil 1 in a big jug at Wal-Mart. When I go to the superstore to buy my jug of oil, I usually buy the synthetic oil that is on sale or a little cheaper than the other competing brand. If you were to allow me to select from a choice between something like Amsoil and regular consumer oils, I would select Amsoil if cost were no object.

Personally, I'd spend the extra $$$$ on high octane race gas for the track, as I really do not care if the engine in my car lasts an extra 50k miles beyond 100k, as I always sell cars before they reach that kind of mileage. If you actually do keep cars beyond 100k, then definitely protect that investment with appropriate preventative maintenance for all critical systems.

Let the flame-fest battle of the synthetic oils begin now that I have stirred up this pot of boiling oil and said all that I am going to say about this delicate topic!

If anybody has any further questions, please refer to the quotation beneath my signature

."Yay! My 100th post, and it is a real keeper too! Attn Moderators: Put this on in the archives to reference any time this sticky subject is brought up in the future






_________________
~Yucca Patrol~


"Good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement

 

In most cases Amsoil cost the same or less than Mobil-1. A perferred customer can buy the 5W30 for as low as $4.22 per quart and our 7500 Series 5W20 and 5W30 line sells for less than $3.95 per quart to preferred customers. I can buy one case and two Amsoil filters just below retail (slightly more than Mobil-1) and will last me 2-years. I raced my Miata with the 0W30 and the analysis showes at 27K it was still good - granted the filter changes.

We started using Amsoil because it was like a one stop shop and hated shopping all over to get the best price on Mobil 1. And for diesel oils, Mobil 1 dosen't even meet the specs for CH-4! I was attracted to Amsoil because of their record for introducing products to the market. Not only were they the first to make a API approved synthetic, but the first to make a synthetic ATF.
It lowers temps 20-50 degrees! and when pulling trailers up hills you will have better power transfer.
It's also cool to see what started as a family business in 1972 to grow and compete with the big guys.
Even their 2-cycle backs up the claims. Heads stay clean w/o soot. Mike LaRocco is now in the lead on the dirt thanks to Amsoil!! As well as other teams in Snowcross and outboard formula 1 racing.

Mobil 1 is fine if you change at normal intervals but why spend the extra $$ when there is a product with a guarantee??

I'd much rather buy from a company that is 100% American and is actually doing something to keep $ in the country and reduce emmissions. If you knew about the industrial line of Amsoil products you would know the impact they are having when other businesses are reaching outside the boarders..

As far as the detergents, look at the TBN test of any oil analysis. (Mine or the several that were done on another car forum). The TBN is always high enough to ward off corrosion allowing the oil to last. I am on my 2nd 27,000 + interval with the 0W30. You can't argue with folks that get 600,000 on a engine. There's a dealer in Lincoln, Ne that did just that.

 

My dad has a 2000 Corvette, he tried different brands of Synthetic oil, all claiming to make the engine run cooler. According to the on-board cpu, his engine ran the exact same temp. He drives 60 miles a day to and from work in Chicago traffic, so I think it was a pretty good test. He used Mobil 1, switched to Redline, then after no temperature change, went to the new Mobil 1 (semi-Synthetic), with same temp results.

I for one am not leaving the same oil in my car for an entire year. I plan on changing every 3000, and more than likely I'll run Mobil 1. Just my .02!

 

Here's an interesting debate you will enjoy! This is the Ford Explorer forum. So far it's two pages long. Read through to the 2nd page and see some of the comments of other Amsoil users. There are a few that have negative comments, then you will see that there are some actual testimonials and ony guy is doing his own 3rd party test with both Amsoil and Mobil 1 at 15,000 miles each.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...p;pagenumber=1

Cooper44, although Amsoil engine oils don't guarantee a temperature reduction, their transmission fluids do. If he should ever want to try the 0W30 we have a warehouse at Ohare. I'd be glad to put his name on a case for pick-up and throw in a free bottle of PI injector cleaner if you post his comments here..

As for anyone else. I send out free catalogs and information, just enter your name, address on the form at my site.
After Thanksgiving I will be having some giveaways for MINI Cooper Online members only. And a free Perferred customer membership.
Ches

http://www.syntheticwarehouse.com

 

Not to throw more oil on the fire, but here's another interesting article (3rd party test of a bunch of oils, unfortunately Amsoil wasn't included as it's aimed more toward bikes.)

http://www.ibmwr.org/otech/oilreport.html

Just data, doesn't really speak to Zappa's points.

http://www.ibmwr.org/otech/oilreport.html

I'm actually interested in all 3rd-party testing of oils. It's good to know what works. Especially if someone else foots the bill for the tests!

Jeff

 

>>Cooper44, although Amsoil engine oils don't guarantee a temperature reduction, their transmission fluids do. If he should ever want to try the 0W30 we have a warehouse at Ohare. I'd be glad to put his name on a case for pick-up and throw in a free bottle of PI injector cleaner if you post his comments here..


I'll mention it to him and see what he thinks. Thank you for the offer. I have already recieved your catalog and I will pass it on to him so he can take a look as well. Thank you again, and I'll get back to you asap.

 

>>Not to throw more oil on the fire, but here's another interesting article (3rd party test of a bunch of oils, unfortunately Amsoil wasn't included as it's aimed more toward bikes.)
>>
>>http://www.ibmwr.org/otech/oilreport.html
>>
>>Just data, doesn't really speak to Zappa's points.
>>
>>http://www.ibmwr.org/otech/oilreport.html

>>Jeff
Thanks for the great info. I was talking to a couple of Harley mechanics
the other day and they both used Mobil One in their cars. I didn't get
a chance to ask about Harley MC oil recs from them. Harley recommends
their own, made by Sunoco, I think, at around $4 a quart. I switched to
Mobil One 15w-50 on my motorcycle(BMW) and was wondering if the MC Mobil 1
was any different. Sounds like it isn't. Again thanks for the info.

 

We also have our own 20W50 V-Twin for Harleys. just ask for the booklet and I'll send it to you. over half of my customers are motorcycle! We also have a new line of bike filters including chrome. And to add to it Amsoil is made in Wisconsin!!

 

There is no doubt that if you told me to change my oil, and allowed me to choose from a selection of competing synthetics, I would go for the top-shelf small company stuff. And knowing that I can actually now get it at more competitive prices than I could 5 years ago when I first tried Amsoil.

I only used it once because it cost me some ridiculous amount as I paid a high retail price and paid shipping.

I will be doing a LOT of motoring in the next couple years, more than I ever have, and it is likely that I will seek out a "top shelf" product.

However, this does not change my belief that a quality synthetic oil of almost any variety is very good for your car and MUCH better than the old-fashioned dinosaur juice that still works just fine for most people's needs.

 

i currently use and will continue to use ...mobil1

Peace,
D

 

I guess my question about all of this is, why is it that every time I look at these threads, the source quoted seems to be from one of the sites that is selling the product tested.

I'm all for putting the best products in my MINI, but I find it very difficult without 3rd (uninterested) party guidance to look to. Everything I've seen so far seems to show that there isn't an appreciable difference between synthetic oils.

Just my $.02

 

>>I guess my question about all of this is, why is it that every time I look at these threads, the source quoted seems to be from one of the sites that is selling the product tested.
>>
>>I'm all for putting the best products in my MINI, but I find it very difficult without 3rd (uninterested) party guidance to look to. Everything I've seen so far seems to show that there isn't an appreciable difference between synthetic oils.
>>
>>Just my $.02
You said it.
Almost with out exception it's the Dweezil ***** guy posting on how great Amsoil is. It probably is. But I'm annoyed enough now by his constant posts that I'm never going to buy the stuff.
Besides oil gets contaminated no matter what by 5Kmiles and please God don't post a response bragging about how great the Amsoil filtration system is.

 

If you look at one of the tests that's performed (and quoted by Amsoil) on the oil, it says that the oil loses x% of its viscosity or some such after running in the engine 40 hours straight. This, and the fact that all the mfgrs. acknowledge that acids accumulate that we need to combat with all these great additives.

Sounds like you're right.

Motorin'
Jeff (I'm not an oil expert, and don't play one on TV)

 

The great thing about this debate is that it is really a non-issue.

If you put any name-brand synthetic oil in your engine and change it after 5000 miles, your engine will thank you for a very long time.

It is similar to the difference between eating a healthy diet of fresh quality foods or eating a healthy diet of fresh quality organic foods. Either way, you are not eating supersized value meals and your body will thank you by living a long time.

_________________
~Yucca Patrol~

2003 MCS, BRG/W on the truck to my dealer!

"Good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement."

 

I work for a major oil company and I completely agree. :smile:

 

>>I guess my question about all of this is, why is it that every time I look at these threads, the source quoted seems to be from one of the sites that is selling the product tested.
>>
>>I'm all for putting the best products in my MINI, but I find it very difficult without 3rd (uninterested) party guidance to look to. Everything I've seen so far seems to show that there isn't an appreciable difference between synthetic oils.
>>
>>Just my $.02


http://www.syntheticwarehouse.com


That's me! I'll close with this. People who use the products are the 3rd party. They are so impressed with the quality, performance and convenience they become dealers. since 1972 there are tens of thousands of dealers because of this. And through using the products there is not only a conveince of having so many products at your disposal, Amsoil sends you kickbacks based on what that dealer bought. It's a total win-win situation. Amsoil motor oils resist thermal oxidation longer therefore can withstand longer change intervals. The proof is the users with over 600,000 miles on some of their engines. There is more than what's available on my site. Why do you think we have entire goverment fleets, concrete companies, and more using our products?? If you are ever around a Lafrance Fire Truck, look on the oil spec. plate infront of the passenger seat. Whet do you see?? AMSOIL Recommended! Why? Because it works as advertised and saves thousands of $$ in maintenance..


If you don't understand synthetics please don't criticize until you have tried it yourself. Some of these companies (our customers) have their own oil analysis done. Amsoil always retains the highest TBN, TAN for Diesel, etc. I am a sponsor of MCO and when tests have been done I have the right to post them here. It they were not true Mobil 1 would take action but what you don't know is Amsoil plays a big part in regulating clames in this industry. I subscribe to a seperate publication where when there is a lawsuit it is published. Often Amsoil notifies their dealers of who puts out proaganda and the lawsuits that follow..

Amsoil is the only one in the industry where all the oil products sold are produced and checked frequently from the same facility. they also produce over 75 different ISO types for thousands of industries such as food production (Frito Lay) and textiles. Most of our customers are drawn to our products because of their long time stance in these industries where the only ones that criticize the product are somehow brainwashed by the mass marketing giants that offer absolutely no value for what you pay for. Tha staff at Amsoil works hard to keep ahead of API changes such as the new Diesel emmission reduction mandate put in effect this October and another in 2007. Amsoil is the only Diesel oil that reduces these emmissions at least 37%. (I will be posting that next week) They will not have to reformulate and raise prices when that mandate passes.

Just drop me a email and i would be glad to send you some brief info on the products..
Ches

 

>>You said it.
>> Almost with out exception it's the Dweezil ***** guy posting on how great Amsoil is. It probably is. But I'm annoyed enough now by his constant posts that I'm never going to buy the stuff.
>>Besides oil gets contaminated no matter what by 5Kmiles and please God don't post a response bragging about how great the Amsoil filtration system is.
>>

I absolutely disagree!

I don't EVER discourage someone from posting nor do I criticize someone for posting their opinion unless they post something I know to be incorrect. Then I'll land on them like a Sumo.

I WANT people to post things like that. Zappa "eats his own cooking" in that he was a plain guy like you and I (no offense to the ladies) and found a great product. He liked it so much that he wanted to sell it. I think that's GREAT. He ran it in his Miata and I believe he probably has a Mini that he runs it in. (Yes/No?)

You do have to be careful sometimes because it is like asking your barber if you need a haircut. But by talking to them you know if they're just pushing product or if they really believe it. I think he does believe it as do a lot of vendors on here. He doesn't just tell you to buy it, he'll tell you why. He'll send you information. He posts comparisons. What else do you want?

To Zappa and anyone else with a recommendation. I want to hear what you have to say, even if you're just pushing product. I can determine that through my own investigation into the product.

-Jim

 

I believe Amsoil is the best out there. I used it in my Jetta TDI (didn't keep the garbage tranny from crapping out though) but the engine never had any issues, even with the way I reammed on it. I also use it in my wife's 96 Passat VR6 and plan on using it in the MCS.
But I do agree, this guy's free advertising via way to frequent posts are getting annoying. Why don't you just buy a banner ad from MCO instead of annoying us with all these posts?
I will be buying my Amsoil from a different dealer. Anyone want his name PM me.

Vince

 

>>>>You said it.
>>>> Almost with out exception it's the Dweezil ***** guy posting on how great Amsoil is. It probably is. But I'm annoyed enough now by his constant posts that I'm never going to buy the stuff.
>>>>Besides oil gets contaminated no matter what by 5Kmiles and please God don't post a response bragging about how great the Amsoil filtration system is.
>>>>
>>
>>I absolutely disagree!
>>
>>I don't EVER discourage someone from posting nor do I criticize someone for posting their opinion unless they post something I know to be incorrect. Then I'll land on them like a Sumo.
>>
>>I WANT people to post things like that. Zappa "eats his own cooking" in that he was a plain guy like you and I (no offense to the ladies) and found a great product. He liked it so much that he wanted to sell it. I think that's GREAT. He ran it in his Miata and I believe he probably has a Mini that he runs it in. (Yes/No?)
>>
>>You do have to be careful sometimes because it is like asking your barber if you need a haircut. But by talking to them you know if they're just pushing product or if they really believe it. I think he does believe it as do a lot of vendors on here. He doesn't just tell you to buy it, he'll tell you why. He'll send you information. He posts comparisons. What else do you want?
>>
>>To Zappa and anyone else with a recommendation. I want to hear what you have to say, even if you're just pushing product. I can determine that through my own investigation into the product.
>>
>>-Jim

Sorry but you aren't understanding MY point.
I didn't say he had no right to an opinion. I didn't say AMSOIL was a bad product.
He can eat his on dogfood until he's blue in the face. That's absolutely fine by me. I applaud him for it.
But the point I made and the one that you didn't refute was. He is constantly, perpetually and annoyingly pounding the product down my throat.
Quote " He doesn't just tell you to buy it, he'll tell you why. He'll send you information. He posts comparisons. What else do you want?" That's as hollow as saying GAP doesn't tell me to buy their clothes. It's just like those stupid burger comercials, name your brand. They don't tell you, you have to by their junk. They just badger you with facts on how much "better" their burger is. That's nothing more than a sales pitch. Same as Zappa.
Like I said, he has single handedly driven me away from a product I was seriously considering buying. That was and is my point. Nothing more, nothing less.
Sorry this has escalated to this point but I don't like being misunderstood.

 

I don't understand not buying a product that is clearly superior, just because you have a problem with a PERSON who happens to work for them. There wouldn't be very many MINIs driving around the USA if people used that logic when they bought cars. There certainly wouldn't be many in Boston.

That said, I don't have a problem with zappa posting as much info as he wants. It's not too hard to just scroll past it if it bothers you that much. I understand your annoyance with it, because it does sound almost... evangelistic sometimes, but I think that some people want to read it anyway.

I had never heard of Amsoil before reading this site, but I'll be running it in my car as soon as BMW is done shoving their Castrol down my throat.

 

>>Like I said, he has single handedly driven me away from a product I was seriously considering buying. That was and is my point. Nothing more, nothing less.
>>Sorry this has escalated to this point but I don't like being misunderstood.
>>

Are you going to sell your Mini and not buy one ever again because of everyone who is on here saying how great they are?

Give us a break and get over yourself.