ACEA Oil Sequences
Engine Oil & Fluids · 6 specs
Direct Answer
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) Oil Sequences establish stringent oil performance specifications tailored to European driving conditions and exhaust aftertreatment devices. Dividing into A/B Sequences (High-SAPS for older passenger cars without particulate filters) and C Sequences (C2, C3, C5, C6 Low/Mid-SAPS for DPF diesel and GPF gasoline particulate filters).
Source: ACEA European Oil Sequences 2021/2022 (Association des Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles) · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Standardization | ACEA Oil Sequences (A/B for standard engines, C for catalyst-compatible, E for heavy-duty commercial diesel) |
| SAPS Definition | Sulfated Ash, Phosphorus, and Sulfur additives (ZDP anti-wear agents and metallic detergents) |
| ACEA A3/B4 (High SAPS) | High performance/stay-in-grade stable oil for high-revving European engines; HTHS ≥ 3.5 mPa·s (BMW LL-01, MB 229.5, VW 502.00) |
| ACEA A5/B5 (High SAPS, Low Friction) | Low-viscosity fuel economy oil with HTHS 2.9 to 3.5 mPa·s (Ford WSS-M2C913-D, Volvo) |
| ACEA C3 (Mid SAPS, High HTHS) | The European DPF/GPF gold standard: HTHS ≥ 3.5 mPa·s, Sulfated Ash ≤ 0.8% (BMW LL-04, MB 229.51/229.52, VW 504.00/507.00, Porsche C30) |
| ACEA C5 & C6 (Low SAPS, Low HTHS) | Ultra-low viscosity (0W-20) for modern fuel economy: HTHS 2.6 to 2.9 mPa·s with LSPI protection (BMW LL-17 FE+, VW 508.00/509.00) |
Why SAPS Ash Destroys DPF and GPF Filters
Traditional anti-wear additives (ZDDP / zinc dialkyldithiophosphate) and detergents contain metallic ash elements. When burned during normal engine oil consumption, this metallic ash cannot be burned off during exhaust regeneration, permanently clogging the microscopic pores of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPF). ACEA C-class oils restrict Sulfated Ash to ≤ 0.8%, protecting expensive exhaust catalysts.