What oil does everyone use? Is there a better (high performance) oil filter than volvos? I use Royal Purple 10w/30.

 

There isn't many options for the filter due to it is a cartrige.
That oil is good.

 

ya that oils good if you drive like an old lady and you have no respect for your car. Well, actualy that oil isn't the worst thing, but for the s40's turbo engine 20w-50 is much better, also getting full synthetic is a better buy because it is better for your car AND you only have to change it every 10000miles instead of every 3000. Now for that bastard filter, ya volvo sucks and you can only get a paper filter, I buy napa gold filters and I think they filter a little better, if you get synthetic oil that your going to use for 10000miles then I would recomend getting a napa gold filter, you still have to change the filter every 3000mile though. just as a side note, remember: it is recommended to use premium (octane 93 or higher) gas for turbo engines because higher octane gas combusts at a high pressure, the cylinders of turbo engines are under high pressure and low octane gas can undergo a "deisel effect" and detonate prematurely with over time can damage you engine. enjoy your volvo

 

Thanks for the info MM3. I will keep that in mind as well, I already use 92 or better fuel, and 10-50, might ask about 20-50 instead. I do get it changed every 5000kms (not sure how many miles that is. 2500 i think.

 

Generally speaking, the octane necessary to operate your vehicle is a product of compression. Since a turbo engine has very low compression, 8.5:1 for a Volvo, regular fuel (octane) will work just fine. A 2.3 high pressure turbo that I drive performs very well on Shell regular. Do not lose sight of the fact that the knock sensor in your turbo will retard the spark if in fact there is an issue.

 

Incidently, 20 W 50 oil is contraindicated for your turbo Volvo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unless you need bearings................you are not doing your Volvo any good what-so-ever with a 20W50 product. Your auto calls for 10W30. Volvo has great a great engine..............the mechanicals have never been an issue. Volvo uses as an option, 5 W 40 oil in their turbos but the recommended is 10W30. You are correct about using synthetic....................it is superior although I would not extent changes to 10,000 miles. I change filter and oil at 5,000 miles on all my autos............oil is inexpensive especially if you are doing your own changes.

 

I have always used royal purple 10/w30 full synthetic. The volvo dealer recomends castrol semi-synthetic. How is that napa gold filter? Has anyone used the new mobil synthetic? As far as gas goes my s40 runs like crap on 87 octane. I always use 93.

 

Mobil synthetic is certainly not new...............in fact, 20 years ago it was the first on the market! You are tossing your money away with a semi synthetic product.............it defeats the purpose of synthetic. Is your Volvo a turbo? Do you have a lot of miles on it?? You very well may have a ton of carbon build up...................that raises compression.............and if that is the case, then a higher octane is called for. If you use a gasoline with additives such as Chevron with Techron or Shell with their additive package, the carbon is kept to a minimum. Are your plugs old? All of that adds up to having to use higher octane.

 

You can get the Volvo (Mann) oil filter at any parts house that sells Fram oil filters. Fram buys the filter from Mann and then just throws it in a Fram box. I am wondering if Napa Gold does the same thing, Napa did that with some cartridge fuel filters. As for oil, Amsoil was the first auto synthetic and they are hands down the best on the market. Amsoil was founded 37 years ago and has consistantly outdone Mobile 1 year after year. In fact Amsoil came out with the first 0W-30 oil and then Mobile 1 felt it was necessary to compete with Amsoil by offering the same viscosity. I personally would recommend Amsoils 0W-30. I know some of you might dissagree with me on this, but if you do your homework on the stability of synthetics you will find that this is a perfect choice for the S40 with the 1.9l turbo engine.

 

The volvo dealer recomends castrol semi-synthetic. How is that napa gold filter? Has anyone used the new mobil synthetic? As far as gas goes my s40 runs like crap on 87 octane. I always use 100

 

Napa filters are from Wix.

 

For oil viscosity, go with what the owners manual says. Generally, 10W30 is good. Depending on your climate, you might go with a lighter oil. I run 10W30 in the summer and 5W30 in the winter. The lighter oil is better for fuel economy. The 20W50 sounds too heavy unless you are in a really hot climate.

Royal Purple, and Mobil 1 synthetic are good. I have been hearing good things about Castrol Edge too. I just picked some up and will try it next.

For gasoline, mine runs poor on the 87 oct and the drop in fuel economy negates the price difference compared to the 93 oct.

Stan