Looking for oil/lubrication information on Fortwo

[Harleyduo]

I've recently started switching back over to synthetic oils, again, after not using them since I ran Mobil1 in my new 1977 Olds. When I got rid of that car, I went back to regular oil.

However, when I bought a new Harley this past year, and realized how 'lean' they are running engines these days to keep down the pollution, my interest in synthetics was renewed.

Does anybody know what kind of oil the Smart comes with from the factory? I assume that there are a lot of owners of previous year's Smarts that are running a synthetic oil, so I am also interested in which one they are running and whether they feel it has helped with increasing miles per gallon.

I know these small engines really have to work to haul their loads down the road, so it makes sense to me to do everything I can to help out the little engine.

Right now I'm trying to decide between Amsoil and Mobil 1. Any input from users?

[lhoboy]

Originally Posted by Harleyduo

I've recently started switching back over to synthetic oils, again, after not using them since I ran Mobil1 in my new 1977 Olds. When I got rid of that car, I went back to regular oil.

However, when I bought a new Harley this past year, and realized how 'lean' they are running engines these days to keep down the pollution, my interest in synthetics was renewed.

Does anybody know what kind of oil the Smart comes with from the factory? I assume that there are a lot of owners of previous year's Smarts that are running a synthetic oil, so I am also interested in which one they are running and whether they feel it has helped with increasing miles per gallon.

I know these small engines really have to work to haul their loads down the road, so it makes sense to me to do everything I can to help out the little engine.

Right now I'm trying to decide between Amsoil and Mobil 1. Any input from users?

Any of the synthetics will do a good job, but make certain they are a full synthetic. Many brands will offer different ratio blends of synthetic and crude based oils. AMS Oil has a great reputation but often is difficult to find in many auto stores. I use a Valvoline full synthetic as that is what is used by BMW under their house brand which is required to meet the original warranty requirements of the MINI.

[24-42]

My 450 came with Mobil 1. I have nothing to compared to as that's all I've used. I did add molybdenum disulfide which did help.

[dbwill]

Originally Posted by 24-42

My 450 came with Mobil 1. I have nothing to compared to as that's all I've used. I did add molybdenum disulfide which did help.

Which did help with what?

[Fredvon4]

My experience is that oil brand questions cause more heated arguments on car forums then politics or religion do...

So let's get after it

Both Amsoil and Mobil 1 are a waste of money is my 0.02c

The car will come with full synth 10W40 ---AFAIK

I am partial to Castrol and MotorCraft oils ;)

Brand loyalty being what it is ...if my opinion above torks you off...tough

Use what you love... and don't ask for opinions if you have strong loyalty to some particular brand

Nomex on and zipped up
......let the flame wars begin!

BTW lhoboy...The Magnuson Moss Act says...In America a manufacture can NOT specify a brand... only a specification...You did NOT have to use Valvoline or Mini "house brand" to preserve your warranty.... every brand on the market today has at least one product that meets or exceeds the API/SC spec Mini requires

[lhoboy]

Originally Posted by Fredvon4

BTW lhoboy...The Magnuson Moss Act says...In America a manufacture can NOT specify a brand... only a specification...You did NOT have to use Valvoline or Mini "house brand" to preserve your warranty.... every brand on the market today has at least one product that meets or exceeds the API/SC spec Mini requires

You are a hundred percent correct, but BMW is renowned for using every invalid argument they can to avoid making good on certain warranty claims. I had to go after them under M/M. Under the settlement, I can't disclose the details.

[SLIVERS]

The Magnuson Moss act does in fact say that a company can require that a consumer use their product to keep a warranty. The mfg at that point has to provide the item at no charge for the duration of the warranty.

TITLE 16--COMMERCIAL PRACTICES

CHAPTER I--FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

PART 700_INTERPRETATIONS OF MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY ACT--
Table of Contents

Sec. 700.10 Section 102(c).

(a) Section 102(c) prohibits tying arrangements that condition
coverage under a written warranty on the consumer's use of an article or
service identified by brand, trade, or corporate name unless that
article or service is provided without charge to the consumer.

There are in fact car manufacturer's that require that you use their oil...but they provide it free during their service.

[smartie yank]

The 450, and I suspect the 451 will be the same, requires an oil that meets MB sheet 229.5. This is a European spec oil and currently the only Mobil 1 that meets the spec is 0w40. There is also a Euro spec Quaker State and Amsoil that meet the spec and yes they are full synthetic.

[DaveInTexas]

I used Mobil ! on my 95 T-bird while my friend used Penzoil regular oil and they both ran the same length in time before smoking. I used SAE 30 in my 1982 Chevy Luv Diesel for 250,000 miles until they quit certifying it for Diesel engines and then went with Delo 100. Sold the truck at 285K with the engine still running well and never having pu synthetic in it.

I say that, unless you have a turbo charger, I wouldn't waste the money. The best thing you could probably do for the car is to put a pre-oiler pump on it along with a larger capacity oil filtration system.

[Fredvon4]

SLIVERS

Thanks, I am well versed in the act and I should have included the caveat, as you did. I was specifically referring to lhoboy's Mini and they (BMW) do NOT give away their brand oils. Thus, they may not require them for the Mini warranty to be in-force

Smartie Yank

450 and 451 use different motors.... I don't think we can assume the Mitsibishi motor has the same spec for the lubes as the 450 did.

When I get a chance I will inquire from those that know the answer