Understanding European Motor Oil Specifications

If you own a gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle built by a European manufacturer, you know that they require different motor oils than vehicles from a domestic or Asian manufacturer. European vehicle manufacturers comply with motor oil standards that are established by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA).

Similar to the American Petroleum Institute (API), ACEA establishes specifications for motor oils that are called ACEA Oil Sequences for gasoline and diesel engines. However, API motor oil standards are developed through a consensus-based approach that includes vehicle and engine manufacturers, technical organizations and oil marketers. This system requires that few tests from individual manufacturers be added later for certification. Thus, standards such as GF-6A and GF-6B, and API SP are all encompassing. ACEA standards are developed as a baseline for European manufacturers. From there, each European vehicle manufacturer develops unique motor oil tests based on the design of their own engines or turbochargers which in turn require specialized motor oils.

Pennzoil Platinum Euro motor oils are formulated to meet the demanding requirements of high-performance engines that power European vehicles. The oils exceed manufacturer requirements for cleanliness and durability protection. This includes for gasoline and light-duty diesel engines from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, VW, Ferrari, Maserati, Porsche and more.

All Pennzoil Platinum Euro motor oils offer complete protection and performance for European vehicles. Pennzoil Platinum Euro motor oils are made with natural gas, not crude, meaning the base oil is 99.5% free from engine clogging impurities. When combined with our performance additive package, they help extend engine life and protect for up to 15 years or 500,000 miles, whichever comes first, guaranteed¹.

These robust motor oils help protect European high-performance vehicle engines which demand more from motor oil. This includes meeting different European Commission² emissions standards in addition to those in North America. The European Commission is part of the European Union (EU) and establishes emissions standards for countries in the EU.

Our Pennzoil Platinum Euro motor oils are also formulated to meet the oil drain intervals required by European manufacturers; some motor oil change intervals can be as high as 10,000 or 12,000 miles (always make sure to reference your vehicle’s owner’s manual for proper oil drain intervals). The portfolio of six different Pennzoil Platinum Euro motor oils are carefully formulated to meet European, North American and vehicle manufacturer specifications. Each full synthetic motor oil is highlighted below with some of its specific attributes and key specifications listed.

More information about each oil can be found under the Viscosity Details located on the Pennzoil Platinum Euro motor oils page.

If you need additional information about which oil is best for your engine, check with your vehicle service provider or the retail location where you are purchasing Pennzoil Platinum Euro. You can also call 1-800-BEST-OIL for assistance from a Shell representative.

¹ _{15 years or 500,000 miles whichever comes first, guaranteed, if you exclusively use Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic motor oils. Your engine must have less than 125,000 miles and have been manufactured in the past 72 months. To maintain your warranty, change your vehicle’s oil and oil filter at least as often as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Enrollment required. Keep your receipts. Other conditions apply. Click here to enroll and for full details and terms.}
² _{European Commission - https://ec.europa.eu/clima/eu-action/transport-emissions/road-transport-reducing-co2-emissions-vehicles/co2-emission-performance-standards-cars-and-vans_en}