ACEA quality classification
The ACEA quality classification has been used since 1996 and its newest 2008 edition divides engine lubricants into three groups marked with a combination of letters: A…/B… – lubricants for petrol and diesel commercial vehicle engines, C… – lubricants for petrol and diesel commercial vehicle engines having specific gas emission systems, – lubricants for heavy commercial transport. Every one of these groups is divided into quality levels. E.g. A1/B1, A3/B3, C2/B3 or E4/E7. It is necessary to note that commercial vehicle oils marked with a combination A…/B… or C… are of universal usage and are suitable for both petrol and diesel engines. Besides, a higher ACEA qualification number does not always mean higher oil quality. For cars with petrol and diesel engines: A1/B1 – easy operation, fuel saving oil; A2/B2 – not used any more; A3/B3 – features better resistance to oxidation and film durability; A3/B4 – features better resistance to oxidation and film durability; for modern diesel engines with direct fuel injection; A5/B5 – means an easy operation fuel saving oil, and features better resistance to oxidation and film durability. For cars with petrol and diesel low-pollution engines having specific gas emission systems (DPF and TWC) therefore the quantity of sulphur, ash and phosphorus is limited: C1 – an easy operation, fuel saving oil with more rigorously limited chemical ingredients; C2 + easy operation, fuel saving oil; C3 ‒ has better film resistance; C4 ‒ has better film resistance; and the chemical ingredients are more rigorously limited.
For commercial vehicles (heavy transport):
E1 (until 2002), E2 (until 2008), E3 and E5 (until 2004) – are not used any more. E4 – stable oils, perfectly maintain a piston’s cleanliness, resistance to wear, soot and lubrication stability. These lubricants are recommended for engines complying with E 1/2/3/4 emission requirements and operating under extremely hard work conditions, and also for the longest intervals (~90.000-150.000km) between oil changes. The lubricants are suitable for engines without DPF, some with EGR, and some with SCR NOx systems. E6 – heavy-duty oil ensures the longest change intervals (~90.000-150.000km) with strictly limited chemical ingredients, and is compatible with DPF, EGR and other gas emission systems. Low sulphur content E7 oil replaces E5. It has stable lubricants which effectively maintain piston cleanliness and protect it from cylinder polish. They perfectly protect an engine from wear and sediment formation in its turbine, neutralize soot and maintain lubrication stability. These oils are recommended for engines complying with E 1/2/3/4 emission requirements and operating under extremely difficult operating conditions, and also for prolonged intervals between oil changes. The lubricants are suitable for engines without DPF and the majority of engines with EGR and SCR NOx systems. E9 is a heavy duty, long change interval ensuring oil with strictly limited chemical ingredients. It is compatible with DPF, EGR and other gas removal systems, including low sulphur content fuel.