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LongLife Oil: Yes or No?

 
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Bertil
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Post31-10-2003, 11:51    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

Hi fellow DIY enthusiasts!

Yes, I used the search function. icon_wink.gif The following is what I found:

/viewtopic.php?t=86&highlight=longlife

Quote:
Further advantages of LongLife service oil include:
lower fuel consumption,
higher thermal stability of the oil.
"Improved cleaning properties and reduced wear."


That sounds like a glowing review of the LL service.

My car now displays "Service in 1800km" – which means a mileage of 18000km since the last oil change. This oil change was done during the head gasket repair. I don't know whether the service interval was reset or not at that time (I didn't check icon_redface.gif).
I drove approximately 3000 km of those 18000 km with a caravan (which puts extreme stress on the vehicle). Otherwise, the car is mainly used for driving on country roads (~50 km – not on the highway).

My question, however, goes in a different direction:
Is it worth switching back to a fixed interval at the next service, considering the 3000 km I've already driven with the LongLife system? Or should I stick with the variable interval? With the fixed interval, I would have to buy such expensive oil icon_wink.gif.


icon_exclaim.gif The 3000km message appeared after a 700km campervan trip... since then, I've driven another 2000km icon_exclaim.gif.
Gruß Bertil

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Translated on 29-09-2026, 17:45.
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Julian
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Post31-10-2003, 12:09    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

Hi!

You'll need to calculate whether it's worthwhile based on the prices at your car dealership. The oil will certainly be cheaper if it doesn't need to meet the Long Life (LL) standard.
The system always calculates the average of your driving style (roughly similar to the average fuel consumption displayed on the MFA2). If you drive aggressively after a service, this will have a greater impact on the calculation than if it happens shortly before the next service.

The WoWa route seems to have been very demanding on the engine, and you were driving a bit more 'relaxed' afterwards, which is why the value is currently increasing again.

I don't think it's worth it, because the amount of work involved is the same, and the only thing that becomes cheaper is the oil.

Generally, low-viscosity oil strikes a balance between durability and the ability to carry away contaminants. Achieving this balance is challenging. We won't know for sure which is better until the first low-viscosity TDIs have aged. Thinner oil is generally better because it's easier and faster to pump, allowing it to reach critical areas in the cylinder head more quickly.


Translated on 29-09-2026, 17:48.
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Roger
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Post31-10-2003, 14:25    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

Hi,

A good basis for making a decision about whether to use longlife oil or not can often be found here:

http://www.autoservicepraxis.de/wiv-rechner/start.php
Gruß
Roger

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//images.spritmonitor.de/880099.png


Translated on 29-09-2026, 17:50.
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Bertil
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Post31-10-2003, 14:42    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

Julian wrote:
Whether it is better, we will only know in some time, when the first LL-TDIs have aged.

That's exactly what my question was aimed at.
What about potential long-term experiences?
Quote:

Thinner oil is generally better because it is faster/easier to pump, and therefore reaches critical areas in the cylinder head more quickly.

So, you also mean: don't worry about every cent and take advantage of the LL interval. Even if the advantage is only a few kilometers.

Roger wrote:
You can often find a good basis for making a decision about whether to choose longlife or not, right here:
http://www.autoservicepraxis.de/wiv-rechner/start.php


I know what you mean, but my primary concern wasn't the cost (as mentioned above).


My decision about whether or not to pursue LL (presumably a degree or program) was made a long time ago. I just wanted to bring up the topic for discussion and see how others view it, without being influenced by my own decision.
Gruß Bertil

Skoda 5E5 CZDA + Mini R50 W10 + VW ID.3 + Fiat Ducato 250 + 161 DX

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Translated on 29-09-2026, 17:51.
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Post01-11-2003, 15:51    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

Okay, 0W30 or 0W40 oils are also available without the Longlife specification. Each person has to decide for themselves whether or not to use Longlife oil. It's more critical with gasoline engines. We have a Golf 4 1.6 16V at the shop that has been using Longlife service so far. The car now has 51,000 km (approximately 32,000 miles) on it, the engine oil is almost empty, and it smells strongly of gasoline. I would have already had an oil change done, but the boss says the service is only due at 60,000 km (approximately 37,000 miles). Well, I'm glad that this question doesn't arise with my 1Z, since it doesn't have a Longlife service requirement.

Best regards, WarLord.


Translated on 29-09-2026, 17:53.
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Klaus Lenger
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Post01-11-2003, 20:30    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

I bought BP LL 2 - 0W-30 engine oil online for €8.90 including shipping.
www.delticom.com purchased.


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Bertil
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Post02-11-2003, 21:03    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

Klaus Lenger wrote:
I found BP's LL 2 - oil 0W-30 online for 8.90 including shipping.
www. Delticom.com purchased
.

The price isn't bad, but it's still too expensive for me. As a licensed driver (motorsport), I have the opportunity to buy oil directly from various manufacturers (including once a year for my private car). I recently paid €5.50 per liter for BP LL2 oil. Therefore, for me, the question of whether to use an LL (Low SAPs) oil is definitely not dependent on the oil price. So, I will be doing an LL service.
Gruß Bertil

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Translated on 29-09-2026, 17:55.
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Post17-10-2004, 20:36    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

Dust path blower.

Hi fellow mechanics,

Since it's been a year since the last service, I wanted to provide an update.
After another 24,000 km, the service indicator still shows nothing... so it's definitely possible to achieve long service intervals.
For a high-mileage driver, doubling the normal service interval can definitely be a worthwhile investment.
Gruß Bertil

Skoda 5E5 CZDA + Mini R50 W10 + VW ID.3 + Fiat Ducato 250 + 161 DX

*** Technische Anfragen per PN werden von mir nicht beantwortet! ***


Translated on 29-09-2026, 17:56.
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Post17-10-2004, 22:34    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

For a high-mileage driver, doubling the normal service interval can definitely be a worthwhile investment.

Absolutely! / I completely agree! / Couldn't agree more!

My first long-life service was in April at 37,500 km, and since then I've driven another 24,000 km, but I haven't received any long-life service reminders yet. If it now indicates a service in 3,000 km, the second service wouldn't be due until 64,500 km.
I am very satisfied with this, as it represents a significant saving compared to service intervals of 15,000 miles.

The inspection costs:

135.85 € for the LL service.
56.76 € for oil purchased separately.
16.77 for an indoor air filter purchased independently.
5.80 € for used oil disposal.
10.15 € VW oil filter and screw.
Total cost: €225.33

For comparison, here are the costs for a 15,000-mile service for my old Ford Focus and Mondeo diesel company cars: €273.54.

Even though the supposedly possible 50,000 km mileage was far from being reached, I can't really complain about the VW LongLife oil in comparison.

Best regards, Marcus.


Translated on 29-09-2026, 17:59.
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Gremlin
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Post18-10-2004, 8:19    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

Please refer to the oil analyses for further information.

Therefore, the permissible limits should not be extended as much as the manufacturer intends.
OR use a finer filter (and still change the oil).

'However, it's still worth it for me, as the oil consumption is negligible, and long-life oil still costs less on the open market than non-long-life oil from the dealership.'

CU Gremlin.


Translated on 29-09-2026, 18:01.
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Post19-10-2004, 0:06    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

I still feel uneasy about the thought of leaving the oil in the engine for up to 50,000 km. Just the amount of dirt that accumulates is concerning. I actually feel much better spending a Saturday in the garage every 15,000 km for the oil change, not to mention that I don't have to pay for the oil itself. It only costs me the filter and some small parts. Besides, I always felt that the engines ran better after the oil change.
01er Skoda Fabia Combi ATD


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Post19-10-2004, 7:55    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

That's why I'm saying: if it's going to be a long time, then use a fine filter.

The oil is still in good condition after the running time. There are still plenty of additives left, and even the dirt-carrying capacity is still 100%. The only problem is that dust and grime accumulate endlessly.

CU Gremlin.


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Julian
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Post19-10-2004, 17:32    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

Only dust and lint accumulate endlessly.


Hm mein Ruß war deutlich niedriger, wenn ich mich recht entsinne.... PD rulez! icon_wink.gif

Let's see if the silicon content can be reduced by changing the air filter more frequently... *that would be funny*. icon_cool.gif


Translated on 29-09-2026, 18:03.
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ulf
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Post23-06-2005, 10:15    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

Hello,

I'm planning to replace my LL factory-filled engine oil in August (around that time, the AI system will likely require a service anyway) and switch to fixed intervals using the 505.01 specification.

Now I still have about three-quarters of a liter of LL 506.01 left over = the remaining amount that wasn't used from the free container that came with the purchase of the new car.

Is there anything wrong with adding a 505.01 oil additive during an oil change to slightly adjust the oil's viscosity towards 0W for the winter and improve its long-term lubrication properties?

Or is it possible that the oil chemistry of specifications 505.01 and 506.01 is incompatible?
Gruß Ulf
_________

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Translated on 29-09-2026, 18:05.
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Mephisto
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Post23-06-2005, 10:40    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

Hi Ulf,

Which oil with the 505 01 specification are you considering?

Regards,
Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"Micha"


Translated on 29-09-2026, 18:06.
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Roger
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Post23-06-2005, 11:18    Subject: LongLife Oil: Yes or No? Quote

Quote:
the remaining amount of free gasoline from the purchase of a new car
.
That means you only added 0.25 liters icon_eek.gif after approximately 14,000 kilometers?
"No bad value, I had already consumed about 1 liter at that point, and today, with almost 47,000 km total, I've used 1.75 liters..."

Generally, the mixability of 50501 / 50601 should not be a problem, as VW even officially allows, on a one-time basis, adding 0.5 liters of 50501 to a 50601 filling without losing the LL (Longlife) property. Conversely, the 3/4 liter amount, especially with the short service interval, should also work, I think.
Gruß
Roger

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//images.spritmonitor.de/880099.png


Translated on 29-09-2026, 18:07.
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