Ok, I know I've started like three different threads about oil, but I'm changing it this weekend and I really want to try the GC Castrol. I went to AutoZone, and when I told the guy what I was trying to find, he looked at me like I was retarded, and pointed to the one bottle of Castrol Syntec they had. He also said the other AutoZone in town stocked the exact same oils. Is this stuff only available in certain areas??

 

AAAGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! I checked EVERYWHERE in the city with no luck. Every import auto parts store, every MB and BMW place. I even called the Porsche dealer. The closest I got was a 5W40 that the guy said had "everything written in German", but it said "Made in E.U." I think that means the U.S.. I cant even find anything about it on Castrol's website.

 

Unfortunately, this is the experience of many who quest for the GC. AutoZones have it, usually in the stock room un-opened because the old US-made 0w-30 Syntec was such a poor seller, no reason to re-stock. We call the US stuff 'ol Yeller and is easily recognized by the yellow label and coating of dust on it. I assume you read up on the oil and see that it is definately worth the trouble. I have 7 cases in the shed, along with some Saab Synth and a but-load of Exxon Superflo Semi-Synth that I got for 1 cent each! Anyway, the AutoZoners need to be coaxed into checking the stock area for the red-label WITH all the specs and Made in Germany on it. Also check the back of the shelf, as restocking takes place from the rear in bigger stores. Audi uses this oil for 60,000 km drians in Europe, you guys have heard all about extended drains but few people do it. IMO, a Used Oil Analysis is required for any duty over 10,000 miles. For the record, I change 2x a year driving about 20,000mi without a UOA. If you get desperate, I'll send you some from PA, but you will find it, everywhere in the country carries it now. Post where you are and I'll enquire on the oil Forum, guaranteed hit someone has found it near you. PS the 5w-40 is made in Belgium, a nice oil, but definately from an older generation. 0w-40 Castrol Formula RS is the new shizzle. Just call with the part number, if they have the 0w-30 then check yourself (of have the 'Zoner check) It is the best OTC oil in USA, by far.


Castrol Syntec 0w-30 primer (6 pages):

http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/...c;f=1;t=003390


Pics of the label and light discussion:

http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/...=002114#000000


PS like I said, GC/SLX is an out-dated oil by Euro standards, however the US website has been updated to include all the specs that GC meets. Pour-point of -81F is incredible, good for cold-starts on the Moon. Also, it is green and smells like Gummi Bears, honestly. In a pinch, I'd just get the Mobil 1 SUV aka Delvac-1 5w-40 and call it day.