[Focus man. Focus.]

Here is an interesting read on "True Synthetics" and "Pure Synthetics".

Quote:What is Hydrocracked Base Oil?

It all started a year or two ago at Mercedesshop.com, there are some tech guys there that are second to none.

It was there that I found out the difference between "true synthetics" and "full synthetics". True synthetics like Redline and Amsoil are Polyol Ester based, while full synthetics like Mobil 1, Castrol Syntec, Valvoline Synpower, BMW Synthetic (by Castrol), and yes Royal Purple are actually made from mineral oil that is refined by a synthetic process called "hydrocraking". While hydrocracking yields VERY GOOD OIL, I don not consider it to be truly synthetic.

The story goes like this. Long long ago Mobil 1 was truly synthetic (polyol ester based) and selling for $4/quart, then Castrol Syntec (Hydrocracked mineral oil) came on the scene claiming to be synthetic also selling for $4/quart. Mobil (much like me) thought that this was false advertising and sued Castrol for calling their hydrocracked oil "Synthetic". The court ruled that Castrol could indeed label their hydrocracked oil as synthetic because the hydrocracking process is considered to be a "Synthetic Process". So now Castrol is enjoying a HUGE profit margin over Mobil because hydrocracked oil is much cheaper to produce when compared to polyol ester based oil. What does Mobil do? They "reformulate" their oil and switch to a hydrocracked oil to enjoy the same profit margin as Castrol. I bet you thought "reformulated" meant better, and I don't remember seeing a price rollback on their oil when I made the switch...

With that said Polyol Ester based oils have significantly better properties when compared to hydrocracked oil. Redline does a great job of explaining the advantages at their site (http://www.redlineoil.com).

Just as a PS, I believe that Royal Purple is one of the best (if not the best) hydrocracked "synthetics" on the market. Their additive package is outstanding IMHO.


If that is not enough, check out the links at the end of my "standard oil post" below:
BMWs list of approved synthetics (call them 1-800-831-1117) are Valvoline Synpower, Castrol Syntec, and Mobil One, and of course the BMW Synthetic Motor Oil from the dealer, all in 5W-30 weights. All 4 of these "Synthetics" are made from Hydrocracked group 3 base stock, which is actually mineral oil refined using a synthetic process called hydrocracking. Very good oil, but not truly synthetic. Let me repeat, very good oil.

If you want to have real synthetic, look to Redline or Amsoil. I think $8/bottle is too expensive for engine oil because I change mine often (5000 miles), but it is all that I'll use for long service items like transmissions, rear axles, or bearing grease applications.

If you are considering Castrol Syntec, go purchase the BMW Synthetic from the dealer, its cheaper than Syntec and made for BMW by Castrol, it is very similar to Syntec, but it has a unique additive package (the one specified by BMW for BMW's, compare Syntec additives to BMW additives at the Maxima website below), but its only $3.42/bottle (with BMWCCA discount, http://www.bmwcca.org) from my dealer. Great price, and the only value you'll every find at the dealer, and you need to get a filter from there anyhow, unless you've mail ordered a stockpile.

Not really sure how accurate his pricing quotes are but draw your own conclusions.