GM dealer used European Formula 0w-40
 

For weeks I've debated back and forth with myself on whether I would take my car to the dealership for the 1500 mile oil change. Over the past 20 years, I've NEVER used the "free" oil changes that come with the car. I'm a do-it-yourself kinda guy and I prefer to wrench on my own cars. Plus, to be honest, I simply don't trust others to touch my vehicles. Compound that with the endless number of horror-stories you hear about dealership service and for me, the $50-100 savings wasn't worth the risk/stress/hassle.

However, with the reports of the oil-pump issues on the ZL1, I figured it might be wise to have the dealership do it, so I at least have the oil-change documented in their system. That's how I justified it, and that's what I repeated to myself over and over as I nervously pulled into the service bay at my local stealership.

Upon check-in, I inquired whether they would use 0w-40 Mobil 1 synthetic. The service guy indicated that they would do that as long as they had it in stock - he called back to the work-bay area and confirmed that they did indeed have it. Excellent - that's all I needed to know. They promptly took the car back and 45 mins later, returned it. I checked the receipt to confirm that 10 qts was used (it was actually 9.4) and at a glance everything looked good.

Upon arrival back at home, I was filing the paperwork in my office and decided to check the Part number listed on the receipt. A quick Google search revealed that the part #: 88862479 is actually not the Dexos2 0w-40, but the European Spec 0w-40.

https://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Per...62479/10002/-1

To my original point about the oil pump failure issues, does it make sense to drain this immediately and swap it out with the Dexos2 stuff (that I had already bought back when I intended to it myself)? Or am I over-concerned about nothing?

Seems ashame to waste 10 qts of oil, but better than the alternative of possible engine damage, right?

I don't know...probably would go back, show them the receipt & see how quickly they would either want to fix or crawfish at least. The reaction / response to not using the correct p/n by my dealer would be more concerning to me. It's a first world problem, but hope they would own it.

There seems to be a huge variety of Mobil 1 0W-40 oils, presumably due to product replacement, the two current ones (European and US) seem to be the following:

Euro (global): https://www.mobil.com/English-US/Passenger-Vehicle-Lube/pds/GLXXMobil-1-FS-0W40

US: https://www.mobil.com/English-US/Passenger-Vehicle-Lube/pds/NAXXMobil-1-ESP-Formula-0W40

For added fun, neither is an exact match to the specs of the one your car was filled with at the dealership and you linked to... that said, I'm not an expert, but it would be very surprising if this could cause any problems for you. (If anything, going by common sense and general experience the Euro spec would be tighter and better for your car.)

There is no difference in terms of protection between the Dexos 2 0w40 and 0w40 non Dexos. It sounds like you're more concerned about the potential warranty issue if something fails, but this was done by the dealer and you have the paperwork to prove it.

I bet the non-Dexos has higher viscosity at high temp and more ZDDP so I would feel better about its ability to protect the motor. I know it's old school but there's a reason Mobil 1 uses high ZDDP in M1 Racing oil. Also, Porsche has sworn by the Euro 0w40 in all 911s including the GTs for years, and this is the oil they want you to use on track. I trust Porsche engineers.

I’ve tracked multiple times on ESP and it’s fine! This is a non issue. If something did come up you have proof that the dealer did the oil change so once again, this is a non issue.

Lemon law the car immediately!

Jokes aside, you’re fine.

The Euro spec is an excellent oil. No harm to emissions systems, nothing to worry about. FWIW, I only use the Euro spec 0/40 in my modded ZE.

The DEXOS label is in regards to the additives used that prolong the life of the catalytic converters. It has nothing to do with engine protection.

Is your car a 2019? The Mobile 1 site has different oil recommended between the 2017-18 and 2019 ZL1, so its possible they made that mistake, though still not acceptable.

Thanks for the input guys - I'm not going to sweat it that much. I've done some research on my own and can find no compelling reasons to drain and swap.

I Just wanted to get other perspectives/opinions to see if anyone had a strong argument or empirical reasons to swap it.

I would have almost thought the European formula was more cat converter friendly. But I've used the 0w40 European when I had the GT3RS with zero issues...

Thought I would chime in on this conversation. I had my oil changed at the local dealership today (my first that wasnt free) on my 2019 2SS.



I must say that I was a bit shocked at the cost. And truthfully, they were too and gave me a hefty discount. They used the same part number listed above, 88862479, and quoted me (after the fact) 13.99 per quart. Ouch!



Reading this thread it appears that its normal though so I guess I wont worry about it. But I wanted to confirm to the OP that they aren't alone.

The difference is in additives and Sulfuric ASH content... or LOW ASH..

The additives do wonders for extending oil services intervals and superior wear protection..

The problem is the additives that provide these huge benefits also increase the ASH content in the oil. Our cars are DI and those additives are a majority of the build up on the intake valves..

You should find an oil that you trust with the lowest ASH content if you read in to the DI carbon build up debate change the oil more frequently and use the lowest ASH content is all you can do to keep the build up minimal if trying to stay under the warranty.

The dexos 2 Mobile 0W 40 oil is .8 any thing over 1.0 is considered High ASH.. you will see the oils you love are about 1.3!

You can also run a catch can and run any oil you like if you say screw the warranty!

Cost Wise speedway motors at 49.99 for 6 quarts and last month has a 17.00 rebate on a 6 pack was the cheapest.. free ship on big orders no tax if right state!

I just bought a drum of 0W 40 ESP for 1500 delivered came out to about 6 bucks a quart if you don't count sales tax..