ACEA Oil Sequences vs. Automatic Transmission Fluids (ATF)
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
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).
Automatic transmission fluids (ATF) are highly engineered multi-functional hydraulic fluids standardized by OEM specifications (GM Dexron VI, Ford Mercon LV, Chrysler ATF+4, Toyota WS, ZF Lifeguard) into stepped planetary, Continuously Variable (CVT), and Dual-Clutch (DCT) fluid formulations with strict kinematic viscosities and friction-modifier curves.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
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) | — |
|
Governing Standards
|
— | SAE J311 / GM GMN10060 (Dexron VI) / Ford WSS-M2C938-A (Mercon LV) / JASO 1-A-LV (Japanese OEM) |
|
GM Dexron VI
|
— | Viscosity: 5.83 cSt at 100°C | Fully backward compatible with Dexron II/III | Shear-stable synthetic |
|
Ford Mercon LV
|
— | Viscosity: 5.7 cSt at 100°C | Low-viscosity standard for modern 6-speed and 10-speed (10R80) transmissions |
|
Chrysler / Stellantis ATF+4
|
— | Viscosity: 7.3 cSt at 100°C | High shear-stability Group III synthetic | Mandatory for Torqueflite / 42RLE |
|
Toyota Genuine ATF WS
|
— | Viscosity: 5.4 cSt at 100°C | Low-viscosity 'World Standard' for Toyota/Lexus 6/8-speed automatic transmissions |
|
CVT Fluid (Push-Belt / Chain)
|
— | High metal-to-metal steel belt friction coefficients (NS-2/NS-3, Lineartronic) | NEVER mix with standard ATF |
|
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT/DSG)
|
— | Wet-clutch synchronization + high-pressure hydraulic valve bodies (VW G 052 182 / Pentosin FFL-2) |
|
Operating Temperature Limits
|
— | Optimal: 77°C–93°C (170°F–200°F) | Every 11°C (20°F) above 93°C halves fluid life via thermal oxidation |