5W-40 engine oil: ACEA A3/B4 or low-SAPS C3 – which suits your engine?
A 5W-40 engine oil can mean two very different products: a full-SAPS oil to ACEA A3/B4, or a low-ash oil to ACEA C3 for vehicles with a particulate filter. This page explains how they differ, which manufacturer standards belong to each, and how to decide.
5W-40 engine oil: one grade, two additive concepts
5W-40 is a widely used grade for petrol and diesel engines whose manufacturers call for an oil with a high viscosity at operating temperature. Behind the same label, however, there are two fundamentally different formulations: conventional full-SAPS oils to ACEA A3/B4 and low-ash oils to ACEA C3 – commonly called “low SAPS”, strictly speaking “mid SAPS” – which are designed to protect particulate filters and catalytic converters.
In terms of viscosity, the two classes are closely matched: both ACEA A3/B4 and C3 require an HTHS viscosity of at least 3.5 mPa·s – in other words, a high viscosity when the oil is hot and heavily sheared. The difference lies in the chemistry, namely the content of sulphated ash, phosphorus and sulphur (SAPS). And that is exactly what determines whether a 5W-40 is suitable for an engine with a diesel particulate filter.
In brief
Both Elat 5W-40 oils are based on HC-synthesis technology but use different additive concepts. K2 Hightec HC Synthetic is specified to ACEA A3/B4 (full SAPS), while High Tec Quantum meets ACEA C3 (mid SAPS) and also lists VW 505 01 for pump-nozzle engines. The standard in your owner’s manual decides which one fits.
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5W-40 A3/B4 or C3: the two Elat oils compared
The Elat range has one 5W-40 engine oil for each concept. The table compares the entries printed on their labels. The manufacturer standards are listed there as specifications or recommendations, not as expressly stated approvals.
| Feature | 5W40 K2 Hightec HC Synthetic | 5W40 High Tec Quantum |
|---|---|---|
| ACEA class | A3/B4 – full SAPS | C3 – mid SAPS (low-ash) |
| Minimum HTHS of the class | 3.5 mPa·s | 3.5 mPa·s |
| According to the product description | turbo-compatible and catalyst-safe | for optimal catalytic converter and particulate filter function |
| API | SN/CF | SP (RC) |
| VW group | VW 501 01, VW 502 00, VW 505 00 | VW 502 00, VW 505 00, VW 505 01 |
| Mercedes-Benz | MB 229.1, MB 229.3, MB 229.5, MB 226.5 | MB 229.31, MB 229.51, MB 229.52, MB 226.5 |
| BMW | BMW LL-01 | BMW Longlife-04 |
| Porsche | Porsche A40 | Porsche A40 |
| Other standards (selection) | PSA B71 2296 (Level 3), Fiat 9.55535-H2/M2/N2/Z2, GM-LL-A-025, GM-LL-B-025, RN0700, RN0710 | Ford WSS-M2C917-A, GM DX2-Gen2, GM-LL-A-025, GM-LL-B-025, Fiat 9.55535-S2, Renault RN0700, RN0710 |
The two Elat 5W-40 oils at a glance
Both cards are based on the label entries in our product data; the ACEA class and the VW, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche standards compared here are highlighted in blue.
5W40 K2 Hightec HC Synthetic
5W-40 · Motor Oil
Full SAPS to ACEA A3/B4; lists BMW LL-01 and VW 501 01, but not VW 505 01.
5W40 High Tec Quantum
5W-40 · Motor Oil
Low-ash to ACEA C3; according to its description, developed specifically for VW/Audi unit injector engines.
Approval or specification?
Only expressly stated manufacturer approvals are marked “Approval”. All other entries are specifications and recommendations as printed on the product label; the entries relevant to this topic are highlighted. For your vehicle or machine, the owner’s manual and the manufacturer’s approval lists always take precedence. If in doubt, we are happy to advise you.
Full SAPS or mid SAPS: what it means for the particulate filter
Full-SAPS oils to ACEA A3/B4 contain more metal-based additives, such as detergents and anti-wear agents. These give the oil a generous reserve against acidic combustion products and deposits. However, when a small amount of oil burns in the combustion chamber – which is normal in service – these additives leave behind incombustible ash.
In a diesel particulate filter, that ash builds up. Unlike soot, it cannot be burnt off during regeneration; it stays in the filter and gradually reduces its capacity. Phosphorus and sulphur can also impair the performance of catalytic converters. This is why ACEA C3 oils limit their sulphated ash, phosphorus and sulphur content.
In practice, a 5W-40 A3/B4 oil does not belong in a vehicle whose manufacturer specifies a low-ash oil – typically diesels with a particulate filter and many newer petrol engines. Conversely, a 5W-40 C3 oil is not automatically right for every older vehicle; it fits when it lists the manufacturer standard required there. For an overview of all low-ash classes, see Low-SAPS engine oil (ACEA C).
5W-40 for VW pump-nozzle diesels: the VW 505 01 standard
Choosing a pump-nozzle diesel oil starts with the standard. For the VW group’s pump-nozzle (unit injector) diesel engines, which place high demands on wear protection, VW defined VW 505 01. According to its product description, 5W40 High Tec Quantum is a low-SAPS, low-friction oil developed specifically for VW/Audi unit injector engines; it lists VW 505 01 alongside VW 502 00 and 505 00.
This matters when choosing: the only 5W-40 VW 505 01 oil in the Elat range is High Tec Quantum. 5W40 K2 Hightec HC Synthetic lists VW 505 00 but not 505 01. If the service schedule calls for a LongLife oil to VW 507 00, neither 5W-40 lists that standard; you then need a 5W-30 or 0W-30 that lists VW 504 00/507 00 (see VW engine oil standards).
BMW LL-01, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche A40: manufacturer standards for 5W-40
With BMW, the standard clearly separates the two oils: BMW LL-01 is listed by K2 Hightec HC Synthetic, whereas High Tec Quantum lists BMW Longlife-04, BMW’s low-ash standard. Your service booklet shows which of the two applies to your BMW; BMW Longlife engine oil standards explains the background.
Mercedes-Benz follows a similar split. K2 lists MB 229.1, MB 229.3 and MB 229.5 – standards for full-SAPS oils. High Tec Quantum lists MB 229.52, MB 229.51 and MB 229.31, the low-ash standards Mercedes-Benz uses for vehicles with a particulate filter. Both oils list MB 226.5.
Porsche A40 appears on both labels, so both oils are candidates if you need a 5W-40 Porsche A40 oil. Whether your vehicle also requires a low-ash oil is stated in its owner’s manual.
How to choose the right 5W-40 engine oil
With two oils, the choice is straightforward – as long as you start from the standard rather than the product name.
- Take the standard from the owner’s manual: it sets the ACEA class and manufacturer standard; the 5W-40 grade alone is not enough.
- Particulate filter or low-SAPS requirement: only a low-ash oil listing the required standard will do – in the Elat range, High Tec Quantum.
- VW pump-nozzle engine requiring VW 505 01: High Tec Quantum; K2 does not list this standard.
- Older or full-SAPS standards such as VW 501 01, MB 229.1, MB 229.3, MB 229.5 or BMW LL-01: only K2 Hightec HC Synthetic lists these, as well as PSA B71 2296 (Level 3).
- Both oils list the required standard (for example VW 502 00, VW 505 00, MB 226.5, Porsche A40, RN0700 or RN0710): the vehicle’s equipment and duty cycle then decide – we are glad to help you weigh it up.
Workshops, retailers, industry and fleets across Germany source Elat engine oils from us, from 1-litre bottles to 1000-litre IBCs and tanker deliveries. Ask us which pack sizes are available for each 5W-40, and see Supply across Germany for details of nationwide supply.
Tip for workshops
If you stock both 5W-40 oils, keep them apart and label them clearly – for example “A3/B4” and “C3 – low SAPS”. That way the full-SAPS oil never ends up in a vehicle with a particulate filter by mistake.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a 5W-40 A3/B4 oil in a car with a particulate filter?
Only if the vehicle manufacturer permits it. For vehicles with a diesel particulate filter, manufacturers usually specify a low-ash oil, for example to ACEA C3 or a low-SAPS manufacturer standard, because the ash from a full-SAPS oil accumulates in the filter. A low-ash alternative in 5W-40 is 5W40 High Tec Quantum, provided it lists the required standard.
Can I use 5W-40 instead of 5W-30?
Only if your owner’s manual expressly allows 5W-40 for the required standard. Some standards exist in both grades: VW 502 00 and 505 00, for example, are listed by 5W30 Mega Tec LongLife 3 and by both Elat 5W-40 oils. For LongLife service to VW 504 00/507 00, however, neither 5W-40 is an option, as neither lists these standards.
Which 5W-40 is suitable for VW pump-nozzle engines?
For pump-nozzle engines on fixed service intervals, VW often specifies VW 505 01 – your service schedule is decisive. Of the Elat 5W-40 oils, only 5W40 High Tec Quantum lists VW 505 01, and its product description names VW/Audi unit injector engines as its intended use. K2 Hightec HC Synthetic lists VW 505 00, but not 505 01.
Is HC-synthetic 5W-40 fully synthetic?
HC synthesis refers to base oils made from mineral oil by hydrocracking, a process that restructures the molecules chemically. They come close to synthetic oils in many properties, but they are not PAO-based full synthetics. Both Elat 5W-40 oils are based on HC-synthesis technology according to their product descriptions; for suitability, the standards they list matter most. Our motor oil guide explains the base oil types.
Is 5W-40 better for older, high-mileage cars?
Not automatically. Even at high mileage, the standard the manufacturer specifies for the engine remains decisive. Older standards such as VW 501 01 or MB 229.1 are listed by 5W40 K2 Hightec HC Synthetic, along with PSA B71 2296 (Level 3), for example; if you are unsure, we will gladly go through the requirement with you.
Related topics
Which 5W-40 fits? Let us check for you
Send us details of the vehicle and engine plus the standard named in its owner’s manual. We will tell you whether the A3/B4 or the C3 oil fits, and supply your workshop, dealership or fleet wherever you are in Germany.
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