Oil Change

[feckoffnun]

Does any1 know anything about engine oil grades???

I have a BMW 318TDS, the manual says I should be using ACEA A3-96/B3-96
grade, when I went out and bought Havoline F3 Diesel Oil, the specification
is ACEA B2-98; ACEA A2-96.

if I put this type of oil into the engine, would this do any damage???

FJ.

[bmwworld]

Unless you do heavy duty racing or operate you car in extreme conditions where there is a chance of oil breakdown, there is probably no danger.

ACEA is a European testing and licensing organization. The -96 and -98 refer to the year of the specification. The A3, A2, B3, B2 numbers refer to the grade. A3 and B3 are the highest grades. These are suitable for racing. A2 and B2 are suitable for everyday use.

Here is the language of the ACEA:

A2 General purpose oil intended for use in most gasoline engines with normal drain intervals, although it may not be suitable for some high performance engines.

A3 Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use in high performance gasoline engines and / or for extended drain intervals where specified by the engine manufacturer, and / or for year-round use of low viscosity oils, and/or for severe operating conditions as defined by the engine manufacturer.

B2 General purpose oil intended for use in most car and light van diesel engines (primarily indirect injection) with normal drain intervals, although it may not be suitable for some high performance engines.

B3 Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use in high performance car and light van diesel engines (primarily indirect injection) and / or for extended drain intervals where specified by the engine manufacturer, and / or for year-round use of low viscosity oils, and/or for severe operating conditions as defined by the engine manufacturer.

BMW, Porsche, Mercedes and some others recommend the highest grade because they want their engines protected.