Ok, have an 08 C2S, and am hearing folks are moving to 5W40 vs 0W40. Now, what is the difference really? I'm not well versed in this so looking for some guidance. I do let her stretch her legs each time but not aggressively. She does blow some white and gray smoke at start up periodically and sometimes after a bit of driving at stop lights so would 5W40 mitigate that. AOS was replaced recently and there was no issue with the original one so that is out. Im not running cats so could thst cause the problem? She does burn through oil too so would the 5W40 burn less? Love in the Washington DC area as well. Also, if folks recommend the 5W40, Syntec, Mobil1, Motul, etc etc??

Thanks in advance!

 

5w40 is a little thicker at startup. it means less smoke at starting but slightly more wear as the oil is thicker when cold.

5w40 is harder to find. syntec is very good and so is motul.

i would stick with 0w40. if you are burning oil, it may be your aggressive driving style which wouldn't change with 5w40.

where did you see a preference on 5w40 over 0w40 btw?

 

Thx DJ. Interestingly the Porsche Dealer has moved there. Porsche of Tysons Corner which is part of Penske Automotive Group.

 

Stay with 0W-40. The 0 or 5 has to do with viscosity when the engine is cold. Unfortunately our engine's have a hard time getting lubricated when cold, so the lower rating helps lube the engine components at startup. After speaking with a Chemical engineer, I would definitely stick with 0-40, our engines tend to burn oil as well.

 

Thx MBenz!!

 

Actually, it means that the 5W-40 does not lubricate as well as the 0W-40 on a cold startup. Both are 40 weight at operating temp and there is no difference really in viscosity at that point. Assuming they have the same DI package, the 0W-40 is the way to go.