In the mid-1990s Porsche created and instituted their own internal engine oil quality standard and specification system to ensure optimal engine reliability and longevity. They were put into place to ensure a higher quality level of engine oil would be used in their engines, instead of solely relying upon and specifying the broader and more general API or ACEA oil quality standards and specifications. According to our research, there are currently 5 different Porsche engine oil quality specifications that have been established for Porsche engines since the mid-1990s. Each Porsche oil quality specification denoted by letters and numbers signifies the necessary oil profile and chemical properties needed for the oil to archive the performance level required for a specific Porsche engine application. Porsche engines that experience mechanical issues or failures can many times be linked to consumers using low to mid-quality grade engine oils for a prolonged period because they are not in accordance with the high-quality level standard Porsche recommends. Using the correct Porsche oil specification will offer the best possible performance, protection, and longevity for your engine. Below you will find a brief overview and explanation of the Porsche engine oil types, and the basic engine application they coincide with.
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How to Confirm Which Porsche Oil Specification Is Right for Your Engine
Always consult your owners or service manual to confirm the exact oil requirements and specifications for your specific Porsche engine application. The recommended Porsche oil spec, quality standard, and oil viscosity weight are typically specified in your owner's manual and can be found by searching the index under engine oil or operating fluids. If you have lost your owner's manual and are having difficulty determining what type of Porsche oil to use, you may wish to refer to our BLAU® Oil Change Kits for select Porsche models. Our oil change kits conveniently include the correct Porsche oil spec, the correct amount of oil, oil filter, and hardware for your specific model and engine type.
DISCLAIMER: The Porsche motor oil information on this page should not be used as a substitute for what your vehicle owner's manual, factory service manual, or authorized Porsche dealer recommends. Consult your owner's manual for the correct type of Porsche oil that is to be used for your specific Porsche model. The Porsche oil specifications referenced in the article are used internationally. However, the Porsche engine and year applications referenced here apply only to Porsche models available in the USA.
Recommended Porsche Oil Specifications
Porsche A40 Oil Spec
The Porsche A40 oil quality specification was Porsche's first oil quality standard. This is primarily used in select Porsche gasoline engines from 1994-2019. The Porsche A40 oil specification is a Full SAPS additive (Full Sulphated Ash Phosphorus Sulfur) level formulation that supports extended oil change intervals. Engine oils saying they meet the A40 standard should have a minimum high-temperature high shear viscosity HTHS of 3.5 mPa*s or greater, and a minimum TBN of 10.0. The Porsche A40 oil specification is available in multiple 40-weight viscosities. The Porsche A40 specification is always a 0W-40 or 5W-40 and corresponds to an ACEA A3/B4 oil standard.
Important Note: To minimize mechanical engine issues, a Porsche A40 should always be used when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If you are unable to source the Porsche A40 specification oil in your region when a low engine oil level emergency arises, or when your oil change interval is drastically past due and you feel you need to change it right away, you could temporally substitute with an oil meeting specifications VW 502 00, MB 229.5, or BMW Longlife-01 with a viscosity of SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40. If you cannot find those alternatives, you could substitute with an oil meeting ACEA A3/B4 specification with a viscosity grade of either SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 weight. If you find yourself having to use alternatives or substitutes due to your unique circumstances, it would be best to find a source for the approved Porsche A40 oil as soon as you can, and then schedule another oil change service using the approved oil. Always remember, engine oil that has received formal Porsche approval for the A40 specification has been subjected to a rigorous testing procedure to ensure the oil meets all Porsche standards and a higher level of quality than your typical name brand standard oils sold today which typically meet only the basic industry oil quality specifications.
RAVENOL SSL 0W-40
Meets Porsche A40 Oil Specification
ACEA A3/B4
- Fully synthetic PAO-based oil with exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- Extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- Improved mechanical efficiency and fuel economy with excellent cold start characteristics.
- Utilizes the positive properties of tungsten to smooth the internal surface structure of the engine.
Eurol Syndura 5W-40
Meets Porsche A40 Oil Specification
SAE 5W-40
- Eurol fully synthetic engine oils are the prefered choice of today's demanding Dakar rally-winning teams.
- Fully synthetic oil technology provides excellent high-temperature shear load stability and film strength.
- Excellent quick lubricating film strength during cold engine starts and the warm-up phase.
- Minimal oil-related deposit buildup in combustion chambers, piston rings, & valves.
RAVENOL VST 5W-40
Meets Porsche A40 Oil Specification
ACEA A3/B4
- Fully synthetic PAO-based oil with exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- Extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- High abrasion resistance, oxidation stability, and excellent cold start characteristics.
- Utilizes the positive properties of tungsten to smooth the internal surface structure of the engine.
Porsche C20 Oil Spec
In the USA the Porsche C20 oil specification began seeing use in Porsche engines in 2019. Currently, this oil formulation is primarily used in small displacement Porsche inline turbocharged 2.0-liter 4 cylinder and turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engines from 2019 onward. Many of these engines are used in Porsche SUV and sedan models. This is a Mid-SAPS additive (Mid Sulphated Ash Phosphorus Sulfur) level formulation, suitable for extended oil change intervals, reducing fuel consumption, reducing engine emissions, and should have a minimum high-temperature high shear viscosity HTHS of 2.6 - 2.9 mPa*s, and a minimum TBN of 6.0. The Porsche C20 oil specification will typically correspond to the ACEA C5 oil specification and 0W-20 viscosity.
Important Note: To minimize mechanical engine issues only a Porsche C20 with viscosity SAE 0W-20 should be used when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If you are unable to source a Porsche C20 specification oil in your region, when low engine oil level emergencies arise, or when oil change intervals have been drastically past due. A VW 508 00 engine oil can be used. If a Porsche C20 or VW 508 00 oil specification cannot be sourced an ACEA C5 SAE 0W-20 oil can be used in place. However, an engine oil change service should be performed as soon as possible when a Porsche C20 approved specification oil can be sourced. It should also be noted that Porsche C20-approved oils receive more quality standard testing over the broader and basic industry specification. For the best possible engine performance, a Porsche C20-approved oil should always be used when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
EUROL Syntence LV 0W-20
Meets or Exceeds Porsche C20 Oil Specification
ACEA C5
- Eurol fully synthetic PAO-based oil with exclusive VW 508 00 green coloring and zirconium oil markers (Same as Porsche C20).
- The preferred engine oil choice of multi-championship Dakar rally-winning teams.
- Minimizes friction, and improves fuel economy with great severe driving lubrication.
- Minimal oil-related deposit buildup in combustion chambers, piston rings, & valves.
RAVENOL VSE 0W-20
OEM Approved Porsche C20 Oil Specification
ACEA C5
- Fully synthetic PAO-based oil with exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- Extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- Minimizes friction, and improves fuel economy with great cold start lubrication.
- Reduces friction and wear, significantly improving mechanical efficiency.
Porsche C30 Oil Spec
In the USA the Porsche C30 oil quality specification was introduced primarily for the 2013-2016 3.0L Cayenne diesel engine. This is a Mid to Low SAPS additive (Low Sulphated Ash Phosphorus Sulfur) level formulation, supports extended oil change intervals, and should have a minimum high-temperature high shear viscosity HTHS of 3.5 mPa*s or greater. The Porsche C30 oil quality standard requires a 0W-30 and 5W-30 viscosity and corresponds to an ACEA C3 oil specification. Since the inception of the Porsche C30 oil specification, it has transitioned into also being recommended for some Porsche gasoline engines. This is a result of stricter EPA standards for gasoline engines, modernized gasoline engine technologies, and different gasoline quality grades and types in the United States. In the United States, the C30 spec is now being recommended for select Volkswagen and Porsche-derived gasoline engines. The 2017 onward inline 2.0 liter 4 cylinder and 2018 onward 2.9 liter V6 gasoline engines.
Important Note: To minimize mechanical engine issues only a Porsche C30 oil quality specification should be used when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If you are unable to source a Porsche C30 engine oil in your region, when low engine oil level emergencies arise, or when oil change intervals have been drastically past due. A VW 507 00 engine oil specification can be used. If Porsche C30 or VW 507 00 oil specification cannot be sourced an ACEA C3 SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 oil can be sourced. However, an engine oil change service should be performed as soon as possible when a Porsche C30-approved specification oil can be sourced. It should also be noted that Porsche C30 and VW 507 00 approved oils receive more quality standard testing over the broader and basic industry specification. For the best possible engine performance, a Porsche C30-approved oil should always be used when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Eurol Syntence FS 0W-30
Meets or Exceeds Porsche C30 Oil Specification
SAE 5W-30
- Eurol fully synthetic engine oils are the preferred choice of today's demanding Dakar rally-winning teams.
- Developed for Porsche C30 engine oil applications and fuel economy featuring a special synthetic base and additive formulation.
- Maintains a very high oil viscosity index for extended periods without breaking down.
- Minimal oil-related deposit buildup in combustion chambers, piston rings, & valves.
Eurol Syntence 5W-30
OEM Approval for Porsche C30 Oil Specification
SAE 5W-30
- Eurol fully synthetic engine oils are the prefered choice of today's demanding Dakar rally-winning teams.
- Developed especially for Porsche engines featuring a special synthetic base and additive formulation for the best oil change.
- Maintains a very high oil viscosity index for extended periods without breaking down.
- Minimal oil-related deposit buildup in combustion chambers, piston rings, & valves.
RAVENOL SMP 5W-30
OEM Approved Porsche C30 Oil Specification
ACEA C3
- Synthetic base oil with exclusive CleanCynto technology additive formula.
- Suitable for extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- Excellent cold start characteristics, minimize friction wear, great shear stability, and fuel economy improvement.
- Supports diesel EGR and particulate filter emission system cleanliness and longevity.
RAVENOL VMP 5W-30
OEM Approved Porsche C30 Oil Specification
ACEA C3
- Fully synthetic PAO-based oil with exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- Extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- Improved fuel economy, reduces emissions, and excellent cold start lubrication.
- Increase DPF and TWC exhaust filter life expectancy.
Porsche C40 Oil Spec
This is a new oil formulation from Porsche that has been introduced and recommended for select late 2019-2020 onward Porsche gasoline engines. From the information we currently have this oil specification will be recommended from 2020 onward Porsche opposed flat four-cylinder and opposed flat six-cylinder gasoline engines. This is more or less a Mid to Low SAPS (Low Sulphated Ash Phosphorus Sulfur) version of the already popular Porsche A40 specification. Most 2020 and newer Porsche models are equipped with more modern gasoline exhaust emission systems. The Porsche C40 oil formulation will optimize the life expectancy of these gasoline emission systems while still maintaining a high-temperature high shear viscosity HTHS of 3.5 mPa*s or greater. Also, the TBN requirements for a Porsche C40 specification will be 8.0 or greater. From our current information, this will correspond to an ACEA C3 oil specification and a 0W-40 or 5W-40 viscosity.
Important Note: To minimize mechanical engine issues a Porsche A40 should never be used in place of a Porsche C40 specification oil. If you are unable to source a Porsche C40 specification oil in your region, when low engine oil level emergencies arise, or when oil change intervals have been drastically past due. An ACEA C3 and SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 can be used in place of a Porsche C40 oil. However, an engine oil change service should be performed as soon as possible when a Porsche C40-approved oil can be sourced.
Eurol Fluence 5W-40
OEM Approved Porsche C40 Oil Specification
- Eurol fully synthetic engine oils are the prefered choice of today's demanding Dakar rally-winning teams.
- Fully synthetic oil developed for excellent shear load stability during the entire extended oil change interval.
- Very low evaporation loss, extending the life of expensive emission system components.
- Formulation properties reduce friction, wear, and significantly improve fuel mileage.
RAVENOL RUP 5W-40
Meets Porsche C40 Oil Type Specification
ACEA C3
- Special fully synthetic group V and PAO base oils with exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- High abrasion resistance, oxidation stability, and excellent cold start characteristics.
- Utilizes the positive properties of molybdenum and tungsten to smooth the surface structure of the motor, reducing friction and wear, and significantly improving mechanical efficiency.
Disclaimer: Always consult your service manual and confirm the specific fluid and oil requirements for your application. Always follow the vehicle manufacturers' recommended oil change intervals. Blauparts and Ravenol are not affiliated with Porsche, Porsche Cars North America Inc, Porsche Center Stuttgart GmbH, Dr. Ing. hc F. Porsche AG, PAG, its affiliated companies, subsidiaries, licensors, or any other vehicle manufacturer. All trademarks and OE specification part numbers referenced in this product listing or article are displayed for identification purposes only and are in no way intended to denote any affiliation with their corresponding owners.