CRANKCASE LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS Infineum.com
 
ACEA 2016 Oil Sequences
 
SERVICE FILL OILS FOR GASOLINE ENGINES, LIGHT-DUTY DIESEL ENGINES, ENGINES WITH AFTERTREATMENT DEVICES AND HEAVY-DUTY DIESEL ENGINES

 
Performance you can rely on.

ACEA 2016
 
 
This publication has been derived from the official ACEA Oil Sequences 2016 document, the latest version of which can be found at: www.acea.be/news/article/acea-oil-sequences-2016
 
The accuracy of this publication is the responsibility of Infineum, the aforementioned original document on www.acea.be remains the sole point of reference and will be updated in case of any changes to the ACEA Oil Sequences 2016.

 
The two big themes for ACEA 2016 are the introduction of additional measures against the impact of biofuel and upgrading hardware and structure for the sequences to keep up with changes in engine technology and lubricant developments.
 
Light-duty sequences
 
In order to keep up with the trend for lower viscosity lubricants, ACEA has introduced the C5 category now allowing lubricants with 2.6 to 2.9 HTHS (High Share-Rate Viscosity at 150 °C). In terms of performance requirements C5-16 mirrors C3-16, though with significantly higher fuel economy requirements.
 
With the aim of managing the complexity of the light-duty sequences the introduction of C5 resulted in the withdrawal of A1/B1 from the 2016 sequences. This was possible as A1/B1 performance requirements are fully covered by A5/B5 and C5 provides a new home for 2.6 HTHS lubricants.
 
Two new tests to protect against the impact of biofuels found their way into the ACEA sequences.
 
• The CEC L-104 OM646 Bio engine test for the effects of biodiesel has been introduced in all light-duty categories but A3/B3. Piston cleanliness is the performance parameter for this test.
 
• The CEC L-109 biodiesel oxidation bench test is a glassware test that has been introduced to provide preventive protection against the consequences of biodiesel induced engine oil oxidation at elevated temperatures. The performance parameters of the test are oxidation

 
increase and kinematic viscosity increase. The test comes at two severity levels: for A3/B3 and A3/B4 performance limits are specified at 168 h test length, whereas for A5/B5 and all C-Categories limits are set at 168 h and 216 h test length.
 
ACEA keeping up with advancements in engine technology and addressing the end of life of some established tests resulted in the following changes:
 
• With the CEC L-111 EP6 test, the first gasoline direct injection turbocharged engine found its way into the ACEA sequences. This test is replacing the TU5 engine test as the performance test for gasoline piston cleanliness, but furthermore the EP6 comes with a safety limit for turbocharger cleanliness.
 
• On the diesel side the DV6 is a 1:1 replacement of the DV4 oil dispersion test with EURO V hardware. In order to keep the test severity the absolute viscosity increase is now measured at 5.5 % soot whereas the DV4 assessment was at 6 % soot. Piston cleanliness remains a safety parameter.
 
• For the time being ACEA relies on the OM646 valve train wear test to cover the needs of diesel and gasoline vehicles as the TU3 gasoline valve train wear test has reached end of life and a successor test is not yet available.
 
• It is not only engine test hardware that reaches end of life and is subject to advancements in technology: the elastomer compatibility test was replaced by the new CEC L-112,

 
introducing new materials, which are more representative of those used in the field.
 
With the exception of the introduction of a lower phosphorus limit for C2-16 and a harmonisation to two decimal places for the phosphorus limits the chemical requirements remained untouched.
 
The requirement in A5/B5 and all C-Categories to report HTHS at 100 °C is new.
 
Heavy-duty sequences
 
The heavy-duty sequences also make use of the new CEC L-112 elastomer test with common requirements across all light-duty and heavy-duty categories.
 
Also common with light-duty is the introduction of the two biodiesel tests.
 
• The CEC L-109 oxidation bench test features in all E-Categories. Here a common test length of 168 h is specified, but limits differ by category.
 
• The CEC L-104 OM646Bio engine test has been introduced to E6 and E9 with dedicated limits for each category.
 
For E9 the Mack T11 has been replaced by the Mack T8E in the 2016 sequences. However, the Mack T11 remains available as an alternative to the Mack T8E in E9.
 
Chemical/Physical requirements remained mostly unchanged. New is a harmonisation across all E-categories of the fresh oil oxidation induction time (PDSC) to a minimum of 65 minutes and the requirement to report HTHS at 100 °C.

Conditions for use of performance claims against the ACEA oil sequences

 
ACEA requires that any claims for oil performance to meet these Oil Sequences must be based on credible data and controlled tests in accredited test laboratories.
 
ACEA requires that engine performance testing used to support a claim of compliance with these ACEA Oil Sequences should be generated according to the European Engine Lubricants Quality Management System, EELQMS (available at www.eelqms.eu), but ACEA reserves the right to define alternatives in exceptional cases.


 
EELQMS addresses product development testing and product performance documentation, and involves the registration of all candidate and reference oil testing and defines the compliance process. Compliance with the ATIEL Code of Practice1, which forms part of the EELQMS, is mandatory for any claim to meet the requirements of this issue of the ACEA sequences. Therefore, ACEA requires that claims against the ACEA Oil Sequences can only be made by oil companies or oil distributors who have signed the EELQMS oil marketers’ Letter of Conformance (for details: www.atiel.org).

 
The ACEA Oil Sequences are subject to continuous development. Replacement tests and other changes required by the European vehicle manufacturers are integrated and new issues are published on a regular basis. As new editions are published older editions have to be withdrawn. Validities of new and old editions are overlapping for limited periods of time as shown in the following table and the accompanying text below. When a new ACEA Oil Sequence is introduced, oils with claims against the previous can be marketed only for another two years.
 

 

	Sequence issue	First allowable use	Mandatory for new claims	Oils with this claim may
				be marketed until
	2004	1st November 2004	1st November 2005	31st December 2009
	2007	1st February 2007	1st February 2008	23rd December 2010
	2008	22nd December 2008	22nd December 2009	22nd December 2012
	2010	22nd December 2010	22nd December 2011	22nd December 2014
	2012	14th December 2012	14th December 2014	1st December 2018
	2016	1st December 2016	1st December 2017	...

 
 
First allowable use means that claims cannot be made against the specification before the date indicated.
 
Mandatory for new claims means that from this date onward all claims for new oil formulations must be made according to the latest ACEA Oil Sequence Issue. Up to that date new claims can also be made according to the previous ACEA Oil Sequence Issue. After the date indicated no new claims to the previous ACEA sequence can be made. Then all oil formulations must be developed according to the latest ACEA release.

 
 
Oils with this claim may be marketed until means that no further marketing of oils with claims to this issue is allowed after the date indicated. The marketer of any oil claiming ACEA performance requirements is responsible for all aspects of product liability.
 
Where limits are shown relative to a reference oil, then these must be compared to the last valid Reference Result on that test stand prior to the candidate and using the same hardware. Further details are in the ATIEL Code of Practice.

 
 
 
Where claims are made that oil performance meets the requirements of the ACEA Oil Sequences (e.g. product literature, packaging, labels) they must specify the ACEA Class and Category (see Nomenclature & ACEA Process for definitions).
 

 
1The ATIEL Code of Practice is the sole property of ATIEL and is available from ATIEL (Association Technique de l’Industrie Européenne des Lubrifiants), Boulevard du Souverain 165, B-1160 Brussels, Belgium.

ACEA	ACEA 2016 European oil sequence for service-fill oils	December
	for gasoline and diesel engines	2016

 
This sequence defines the minimum quality level of a product for self-certification to EELQMS and for presentation to ACEA members.
Individual member companies may indicate performance parameters other than those covered by the tests shown or more stringent limits.
 

REQUIREMENT

TEST METHOD

PROPERTIES

UNIT

LIMITS

A3/B3-16

A3/B4-16

A5/B5-16

1.1

Viscosity grades

Viscosity class according to

No restriction except as defined by HTHS and Shear Stability

SAE J300 - Latest active issue

requirements. Manufacturers may indicate specific Viscosity

requirements related to ambient temperature.

1.2

Shear stability*

CEC L-14-93

100 °C viscosity after 30 cycles

mm2/s

All grades to be ‘stay in grade’

or

ASTM D6278

or

ASTM D7109

1.3.1

HTHS viscosity

CEC L-36-90

Dynamic viscosity at 150 °C and shear rate

mPa·s

≥ 3.5

≥ 2.9

of 106 s-1

and

≤ 3.5

1.3.2

HTHS viscosity

CEC L-36-90

Dynamic viscosity at 100 °C and shear rate

mPa·s

—

Report

at 100 °C*

of 106 s-1

1.4

Evaporative loss

CEC L-40-93

Max. weight loss after 1 h at 250 °C

%

≤ 13

(Noack)

1.5

TBN

ASTM D2896

mgKOH/g

≥ 8.0

≥ 10.0

≥ 8.0

TESTS

1.6

Sulphur*

ASTM D5185

% m/m

Report

1.7

Phosphorus*

ASTM D5185

% m/m

Report

LABORATORY

1.8

Sulphated ash*

ASTM D874

% m/m

≥ 0.9 and ≤ 1.5

≥ 1.0 and ≤ 1.6

≤ 1.6

1.9

Chlorine

ASTM D6443

ppm

Report

1.10

Oil - elastomer

CEC L-112-16

Max. variation of characteristics

Elastomer type

compatibility*

after immersion for 7 days in fresh oil

RE6

RE7

RE8

RE9

without pre-ageing:

1.

- Tensile strength

%

Report

Report

Report

Report

- Elongation at rupture

%

-70/+20

-65/+15

-51/+9

-65/+19

- Volume variation

%

-5.5/+2.1

-1.8/+8.9

0.0/+12.0

-2.5/+16.0

1.11

Foaming tendency

ASTM D892

Tendency - stability

ml

Sequence I (24 °C) 10 – nil

without option A

Sequence II (94 °C) 50 - nil

Sequence III (24 °C) 10 - nil

1.12

High temperature

ASTM D6082

Tendency - stability

ml

Sequence IV (150 °C) 100 – nil

foaming tendency

High temperature

foam test

1.13

Low-temperature

CEC L-105-12

MRV

mPa·s

According to SAE J300 for fresh oil

pumpability

Yield stress

Pa

—

(MRV at SAE J300 temperatures,

applicable for the fresh oil viscosity grade)

1.14

Oil oxidation

CEC L-109-14

Oil oxidation at 168 h

A/cm

≤ 120

≤ 120

≤ 100

with biodiesel

(DIN 51453)

for engine oils

Oil oxidation at 216 h (EOT)

A/cm

Report

Report

≤ 120

operating in the

(DIN 51453)

presence of

Viscosity increase, relative at 168 h

%

≤ 150

≤ 150

≤ 60

biodiesel fuel

(Delta KV100)

Viscosity increase, relative at 216 h

%

Report

Report

≤ 150

(Delta KV100 at EOT 216 h)

*/**: Footnotes referring to the following Requirements in the A-/B- and C-Classes:

No. 1.2

Referring to the latest Version of the SAE J300 the minimum Viscosity for xW-20 Oils after Shearing is 6.9 cSt

No. 1.3.2

The CEC-L36-90 method is not yet approved for the parameter HTHS at 100 °C.

No. 1.6, 1.7, 1.8   Maximum limits, Values take into account method and production tolerances

No. 1.6, 1.7

Internal standard method must be used.

No. 1.10

For Categories A3/B3, A3/B4, A5/B5 and C1, C2, C3, C4: Available Test data from the Predecessor-Test CEC L-39-96 may be used for ACEA 2016 instead of CEC L-112-16 under the condition that a full L-39 data set including RE1,

RE2, RE3 & RE4 + the Daimler DBL-AEM (requirements as specified by Daimler AG), provided the requirements as specified in ACEA 2012 are met.

 

2. ENGINE TESTS

 

ACEA	ACEA 2016 European oil sequence for service-fill oils	December
	for gasoline and diesel engines	2016

 
This sequence defines the minimum quality level of a product for self-certification to EELQMS and for presentation to ACEA members. Individual member companies may indicate performance parameters other than those covered by the tests shown or more stringent limits.
 

	REQUIREMENT	TEST METHOD	PROPERTIES	UNIT			LIMITS
					A3/B3-16		A3/B4-16		A5/B5-16
2.1	Gasoline	CEC L-111-16	Piston cleanliness	Merit			≥ RL259
	DI engine	(EP6CDT)
	cleanliness test		Turbo charger deposits **,	Merit			≥ 6.0
			average value of zones C, D, E & F
2.2	Low temperature	ASTM D6593-00	Average engine sludge	Merit			≥ 7.8
	sludge*	(Sequence VG)	Rocker cover sludge	Merit			≥ 8.0
		Under protocol &	Average piston skirt varnish	Merit			≥ 7.5
		requirements for API	Average engine varnish	Merit			≥ 8.9
			Comp. ring (hot stuck)				none
			Oil screen clogging	%			≤ 20
2.3	Valve train
	scuffing wear*
2.4	Black sludge*	Daimler M271	Engine sludge, average	Merit			≥ RL140 + 4
2.5	Fuel economy*	CEC L-54-96	Fuel economy improvement	%		—			≥ 2.5
		(M111)
2.6	DI diesel	CEC L-106-16	Absolute viscosity increase	mm2/s			≤ 0.9 x RL248
	oil dispersion	(DV6C)	at 100 °C and 5.5 % soot
	at medium
	temperature		Piston cleanliness **	Merit			≥ 2.5
2.7	Diesel engine wear	CEC L–99-08	Cam wear outlet (avg. max. wear 8 cams)	μm		≤ 140			≤ 120
		(OM646LA)	Cam wear inlet (avg. max. wear 8 cams) **	μm		≤ 110			≤ 100
			Cylinder wear (avg. 4 cylinders) **	μm		≤ 5.0			≤ 5.0
			Bore polishing (13 mm) **	%		≤ 3.5			≤ 3.0
			(max. value of 4 cylinders)
			Tappet wear inlet **	μm		Report			Report
			(avg. max. wear 8 cams)
			Tappet wear outlet **	μm		Report			Report
			(avg. max. wear 8 cams)
			Piston cleanliness (avg. 4 pistons) **	Merit		Report			≥ 12
			Engine sludge average **	Merit		Report			≥ 8.8
2.8	DI diesel piston	CEC L-78-99	Piston cleanliness	Merit	≥ RL206		≥ RL206		≥ RL206
	cleanliness	(VW TDI)			minus 4 points
	& ring sticking*
			Ring sticking (Rings 1 & 2)
			Average of all 8 rings	ASF	≤ 1.2		≤ 1.0		≤ 1.0
			Max. for any 1st ring	ASF	≤ 2.5		≤ 1.0		≤ 1.0
			Max. for any 2nd ring	ASF	0.0		0.0		0.0
			EoT TBN (ISO 3771) **	mgKOH/g	≥ 4.0		≥ 6.0		≥ 4.0
			EoT TAN (ASTM D664) **	mgKOH/g	Report		Report		Report
2.9	Effects of biodiesel	CEC L-104-16	Piston cleanliness	Merit	—		≥ RL255 + 2
		(OM646LA Bio)	Ring sticking	ASF				Report
			Sludge	Merit				Report

 
*/**: Footnotes referring to the following Requirements in the A-/B- and C-Classes:
 
No. 2.1, 2.6 … 2.9 ** Parameter is not an official CEC Parameter
 

No. 2.2	The limits shown are based on those applied in U.S. market requirements. ACEA will continuously review the situation to ensure that these limits are appropriate for European vehicles and lubricants.
	Once the successor Test Seq. VH, which is currently still under development, is fully ASTM approved, the Seq. VH may be run with Limits officially communicated by ACEA.
No. 2.3	The CEC L-38-94 (TU3M) Test was removed from these Oil Sequences since hardware will run out in early 2017. However, in order to assure/support Wear Protection although TU3 is removed, ACEA intends to introduce
	the ASTM Seq. IVB Test as a TU3-Sucessor regarding valve train wear with the next Oil Sequences Revision, with Limits for Seq. IVB then to be defined based on ILSAC Spec.
No. 2.4	Until the new CEC Test Method L-107 is fully developed, the Gasoline Sludge Protection Performance of Engine Oil Formulations must be proven by the M271 Sludge Test procedure as described by Daimler AG. Test results
	obtained by the M271 procedure will be accepted only under the condition that they come from Test Rigs being referenced and quality controlled by Daimler AG. Limits are based on the same Reference Oil as with the old
	M111 Sludge Test. Once the L-107 Procedure is fully CEC-approved, the L-107 may be used, with limits officially communicated by ACEA.
No. 2.8 *	Test Report must give measured values before and after the test, all measurements to be taken in the same lab.
	Note: EOT TAN is considered to become performance criteria in the future. Any test run prior to the publication of the ACEA 2012 Oil Sequences can be used whether or not it has data for EOT TAN.

ACEA	ACEA 2016 European oil sequence for service-fill oils	December
	for gasoline and diesel engines with after treatment devices	2016

 
This sequence defines the minimum quality level of a product for self-certification to EELQMS and for presentation to ACEA members.
Individual member companies may indicate performance parameters other than those covered by the tests shown or more stringent limits.
 

REQUIREMENT

TEST METHOD

PROPERTIES

UNIT

LIMITS

C1-16

C2-16

C3-16

C4-16

C5-16

1.1

Viscosity grades

Viscosity class according to

No restriction except as defined by HTHS and shear

SAE J300 - Latest active issue

stability requirements. Manufacturers may indicate specific

viscosity requirements related to ambient temperature.

1.2

Shear stability*

CEC L-14-93

100 °C Viscosity after 30 cycles

mm2/s

All grades to be ‘stay in grade’

or

ASTM D6278

or

ASTM D7109

1.3.1 HTHS viscosity

CEC L-36-90

Dynamic viscosity at 150 °C and shear rate

mPa·s

≥ 2.9

≥ 3.5

≥ 2.6 &

of 106 s-1

≤ 2.9

1.3.2 HTHS viscosity

CEC L-36-90

Dynamic Viscosity at 100 °C and shear rate

mPa·s

Report

Report

Report

at 100 °C*

of 106 s-1

1.4

Evaporative loss

CEC L-40-93

Max. weight loss after 1 h at 250 °C

%

≤ 13

≤ 11

≤ 13

(Noack)

1.5

TBN

ASTM D2896

mgKOH/g

- - -

≥ 6.0

1.6

Sulphur*

ASTM D5185

% m/m

≤ 0.2

≤ 0.3

≤ 0.2

≤ 0.3

TESTS

1.7

Phosphorus*

ASTM D5185

% m/m

≥ 0.07

≥ 0.07

≤ 0.05

≤ 0.09

≤ 0.09

≤ 0.09

LABORATORY

1.8

Sulphated ash

ASTM D874

% m/m

≤ 0.5

≤ 0.8

≤ 0.5

≤ 0.8

1.9

Chlorine

ASTM D6443

ppm

Report

1.10 Oil - elastomer

CEC L-112-16

Max. variation of characteristics

Elastomer type

compatibility*

after immersion for 7 days in fresh oil

RE6

RE7

RE8

RE9

without pre-ageing:

1.

- Tensile strength

%

Report

Report

Report

Report

- Elongation at rupture

%

-70/+20

-65/+15

-51/+9

-65/+19

- Volume variation

%

-5.5/+2.1

-1.8/+8.9

0.0/+12.0

-2.5/+16.0

1.11 Foaming

ASTM D892

Tendency - stability

ml

Sequence I (24 °C) 10 - nil

tendency

without option A

Sequence II (94 °C) 50 - nil

Sequence III (24 °C) 10 - nil

1.12 High temperature

ASTM D6082

Tendency - stability

ml

Sequence IV (150 °C) 100 – nil

foaming

High temperature

tendency

foam test

1.13 Low temperature

CEC L-105-12

MRV

mPa·s

According to SAE J300 for fresh oil

pumpability

Yield stress

Pa

(MRV at SAE J300 temperatures,

applicable for the fresh oil viscosity grade)

1.14 Oil oxidation

CEC L-109-14

Oil oxidation at 168 h

A/cm

≤ 100

with biodiesel

(DIN 51453)

for engine oils

Oil oxidation at 216 h (EOT)

A/cm

≤ 120

operating in the

(DIN 51453)

presence of

biodiesel fuel

Viscosity increase, relative at 168 h

%

≤ 60

(Delta KV100)

Viscosity increase, relative at 216 h

%

≤ 150

(Delta KV100 at EOT 216 h)

*/**: Footnote information see page of the C-Categories.

No. 1.2

Referring to the latest Version of the SAE J300 the minimum Viscosity for xW-20 Oils after Shearing is 6.9 cSt

No. 1.3.2

The CEC-L36-90 method is not yet approved for the parameter HTHS at 100 °C.

No. 1.6, 1.7, 1.8    Maximum limits, Values take into account method and production tolerances

No. 1.6, 1.7

Internal standard method must be used.

No. 1.10

For Categories A3/B3, A3/B4, A5/B5 and C1, C2, C3, C4: Available Test data from the Predecessor-Test CEC L-39-96 may be used for ACEA 2016 instead of CEC L-112-16 under the condition that a full L-39 data

set including RE1, RE2, RE3 & RE4 + the Daimler DBL-AEM (requirements as specified by Daimler AG), provided the requirements as specified in ACEA 2012 are met.

ACEA	ACEA 2016 European oil sequence for service-fill oils	December
	for gasoline and diesel engines with after treatment devices	2016

 
This sequence defines the minimum quality level of a product for self-certification to EELQMS and for presentation to ACEA members.Individual member companies may indicate performance parameters other than those covered by the tests shown or more stringent limits.

 

2. ENGINE TESTS

 
 

REQUIREMENT

TEST METHOD

PROPERTIES

UNIT

LIMITS

C1-16

C2-16

C3-16

C4-16

C5-16

2.1

Gasoline DI

CEC L-111-16

Piston cleanliness

Merit

≥ RL259

engine

(EP6CDT)

cleanliness

Turbo charger deposits **,

Merit

≥ 6.0

average value of zones C, D, E & F

2.2

Low temperature

ASTM D6593-00

Average engine sludge

Merit

≥ 7.8

sludge*

(Sequence VG)

Rocker cover sludge

Merit

≥ 8.0

Under protocol

Average piston skirt varnish

Merit

≥ 7.5

& requirements

Average engine varnish

Merit

≥ 8.9

for API

Comp. ring (hot stuck)

none

Oil screen clogging

%

≤ 20

2.3

Valve train

scuffing wear*

2.4

Black sludge*

Daimler M271

Engine sludge, average

Merit

≥ RL140 + 4

2.5

Fuel economy*

CEC L-54-96

Fuel economy improvement

%

≥ 3.0

≥ 2.5

≥ 1.0

≥ 3.0

(M111)

(for xW-30 only,

no limit for xW-40)

2.6

DI diesel oil

CEC L-106-16

Absolute viscosity increase

mm²/s

≤ 0.9 x RL248

dispersion at

(DV6C)

at 100 °C and 5.5 % soot

medium

temperature

Piston cleanliness **

Merit

≥ 2.5

2.7

Diesel engine

CEC L-99-08

Cam wear outlet (avg. max. wear 8 cams)

μm

≤ 120

≤ 120

Wear*

(OM646LA)

Cam wear inlet (avg. max. wear 8 cams)**

μm

≤ 100

≤ 100

Cylinder wear (avg. 4 cylinders)**

μm

≤ 5.0

≤ 5.0

Bore polishing (13 mm)**

%

≤ 3.0

≤ 3.0

max. value of 4 cylinders

Tappet wear inlet**

μm

Report

Report

(avg. max. wear 8 cams)

Tappet wear outlet**

μm

Report

Report

(avg. max. wear 8 cams)

Piston cleanliness (avg. 4 pistons)**

Merit

Report

≥ 12

Engine sludge average **

Merit

Report

≥ 8.8

2.8

DI diesel

CEC L-78-99

Piston cleanliness

Merit

≥ RL206

≥ RL206

≥ RL206

piston cleanliness

(VW TDI)

Ring sticking (Rings 1 & 2)

& ring sticking*

Average of all 8 rings

ASF

≤ 1.0

≤ 1.2

≤ 1.0

Max. for any 1st ring

ASF

≤ 1.0

≤ 2.5

≤ 1.0

Max. for any 2nd ring

ASF

0.0

0.0

0.0

EOT TBN (ISO 3771) **

mgKOH/g

Report

Report

Report

EOT TAN (ASTM D664) **

mgKOH/g

Report

Report

Report

2.9

Effects of

CEC L-104-16

Piston cleanliness

Merit

≥ RL255 + 2

biodiesel

(OM646LA Bio)

Ring sticking **

ASF

Report

Sludge **

Merit

Report

 
 
*/**: Footnote information see page of the C-Categories.
 
No. 2.1, 2.6 … 2.9 ** Parameter is not an official CEC Parameter
 

No. 2.2	The limits shown are based on those applied in U.S. market requirements. ACEA will continuously review the situation to ensure that these limits are appropriate for European vehicles and lubricants. Once the successor
	Test Seq. VH, which is currently still under development, is fully ASTM approved, the Seq. VH may be run with Limits officially communicated by ACEA.
No. 2.3	The CEC L-38-94 (TU3M) Test was removed from these Oil Sequences since hardware will run out in early 2017. However, in order to assure/support Wear Protection although TU3 is removed, ACEA intends
	to introduce the ASTM Seq. IVB Test as a TU3-Sucessor regarding valve train wear with the next Oil Sequences Revision, with Limits for Seq. IVB then to be defined based on ILSAC Spec.
No. 2.4	Until the new CEC Test Method L-107 is fully developed, the Gasoline Sludge Protection Performance of Engine Oil Formulations must be proven by the M271 Sludge Test procedure as described by Daimler AG. Test
	results obtained by the M271 procedure will be accepted only under the condition that they come from Test Rigs being referenced and quality controlled by Daimler AG. Limits are based on the same Reference Oil as
	with the old M111 Sludge Test. Once the L-107 Procedure is fully CEC-approved, the L-107 may be used, with limits officially communicated by ACEA.
No. 2.8 *	Test Report must give measured values before & after the test, all measurements to be taken in the same lab.
	Note: EOT TAN is considered to become performance criteria in the future. Any test run prior to the publication of the ACEA 2012 Oil Sequences can be used whether or not it has data for EOT TAN.

ACEA	ACEA 2016 European oil sequence for service-fill oils	December
	for heavy-duty diesel engines	2016

 
This sequence defines the minimum quality level of a product for self-certification to EELQMS and for presentation to ACEA members.Individual member companies may indicate performance parameters other than those covered by the tests shown or more stringent limits.
 

REQUIREMENT

TEST METHOD

PROPERTIES

UNIT

LIMITS

E4-16

E6-16

E7-16

E9-16

1.1

Viscosity

SAE J300

No restriction except as defined by shear stability and HTHS

Latest active issue

requirements. Manufacturers may indicate specific viscosity

requirements related to ambient temperature.

1.2

Shear stability

CEC L-14-93

or

Viscosity after 30 cycles measured

ASTM D6278

mm2/s

Stay in grade

at 100 °C.

or

ASTM D7109

ASTM D7109

Viscosity after 90 cycles measured

mm2/s

Stay in grade

at 100 °C

1.3

HTHS viscosity

CEC L-36-90

Dynamic viscosity at 150 °C

mPa·s

≥ 3.5

and shear rate of 106 s-1

Dynamic viscosity at 100 °C

mPa·s

Report

and shear rate of 106 s-1

1.4

Evaporative loss

CEC L-40-93 (Noack)

Max. weight loss after 1 h at 250 °C

%

≤ 13

TESTS

1.5

Sulphated ash

ASTM D874

% m/m

≤ 2.0

≤ 1.0

≤ 2.0

≤ 1.0

1.6

Phosphorus

ASTM D5185

% m/m

≤ 0.08

≤ 0.12

LABORATORY

1.7

Sulphur

ASTM D5185

% m/m

≤ 0.3

≤ 0.4

1.8

Oil / elastomer

CEC L-112-16

Max. variation of characteristics after

Elastomer type

compatibility*

immersion for 7 days in fresh oil

RE6

RE7

RE8

RE9

without pre-ageing

- Tensile strength

%

Report

Report

Report

Report

- Elongation at break

%

-70/+20

-65/+15

-51/+9

-65/+19

1.

- Volume change

%

-5.5/+2.1

-1.8/+8.9

0.0/+12

-2.5/+16

1.9

Foaming

ASTM D892

Tendency - stability

ml

Sequence I (24 °C) 10 – nil

Seq I 10/0

tendency

without option A

ml

Sequence II (94 °C) 50 – nil

Seq II 20/0

ml

Sequence III (24 °C) 10 – nil

Seq III 10/0

1.10

High temperature

ASTM D6082

Tendency - stability

ml

Sequence IV (150 °C) 200-50

foaming

tendency

1.11

Oxidation

CEC L-85-99

Oxidation induction time

min.

≥ 65

(PDSC)

1.12

Corrosion

ASTM D6594

Copper increase

ppm

Report

Report

≤ 20

Lead increase

ppm

Report

≤ 100

≤ 100

Copper strip rating

Report

Report

≤ 3

1.13

TBN*

ASTM D2896

mg KOH/g

≥ 12

≥ 7

≥ 9

≥ 7

CEC L-105-12

1.14

Low temperature

MRV

mPa·s

According to SAE

pumpability

Yield stress

Pa

J300 for fresh oil

(MRV at SAE J300 Temperatures applicable

for the fresh oil viscosity grade)

1.15

Oil oxidation with

CEC L-109-14

Oxidation increase after 168 h

A/cm

≤ 90

≤ 80

≤ 120

≤ 90

biodiesel

KV100 increase after 168 h

%

≤ 130

≤ 130

≤ 300

≤ 150

 
*/**: Footnotes referring to the following requirements in the E-Class:
 

No. 1.8	Full data sets being obtained on CEC L-39-96 + the Daimler requirements for DBL-AEM as specified by Daimler AG can be used instead of CEC L-112-16, provided the requirements as specified in ACEA 2012 are met.
No. 1.13	For E7, values < 9.00 are not accepted.

ACEA	ACEA 2016 European oil sequence for service-fill oils	December
	for heavy-duty diesel engines	2016

 
This sequence defines the minimum quality level of a product for self-certification to EELQMS and for presentation to ACEA members.Individual member companies may indicate performance parameters other than those covered by the tests shown or more stringent limits.
 

REQUIREMENT

TEST METHOD

PROPERTIES

UNIT

LIMITS

E4-16

E6-16

E7-16

E9-16

2.1

Wear*

CEC L-99-08

Cam wear outlet

μm

≤ 140

≤ 155

(OM646LA)

(avg. max. wear 8 cams)

2.2

Soot in oil*

ASTM D5967

Test duration 300 h

(Mack T-8E)

Relative viscosity at 4.8 % soot

≤ 2.1/2.2/2.3

and 50 % shear loss

1 test/2 test/3 test average

2.3

Bore polishing

CEC L-101-08

Piston cleanliness, average

Merit

≥ 26

≥ 17

piston cleanliness*

(OM501LA)

Bore polishing, average **

%

≤ 1.0

≤ 2.0

Oil consumption **

kg/Test

≤ 9

≤ 9

TESTS

Engine sludge, average **

Merit

Report

Report

2.4

Soot induced

ASTM D7468

Merit

≥ 1000

wear*

(Cummins ISM)

Crosshead, weight loss

ENGINE

1 test/2 test/3 test average

mg

≤ 7.5/7.8/7.9

≤ 7.1

Oil Filter Diff. Press at 150 h

1 test/2 test/3 test average

kPa

≤ 55/67/74

≤ 19

2.

Engine sludge

≥ 8.1/8.0/8.0

≥ 8.7

1 test/2 test/3 test average

Merit

Adj. screw weight loss

mg

≤ 49

2.5

Wear (liner-ring-

ASTM D7422

Merit

≥ 1000

≥ 1000

bearings)*

(Mack T12)

Cylinder liner wear (CLW)

μm

≤ 26

≤ 24

Top ring weight loss (TRWL)

mg

≤ 117

≤ 105

End of test lead

ppm

≤ 42

≤ 35

Delta lead 250-300 hrs

ppm

≤ 18

≤ 15

Oil consumption (Phase II)

g/hr

≤ 95

≤ 85

2.6

Biofuel impacted

CEC L-104-16

Piston cleanliness, average

Merit

≥ RL255 + 4

≥ RL255 + 2

piston cleanliness

(OM646LA Bio)

Ring sticking **

ASF

Report

Report

and engine

Engine sludge, average **

Merit

Report

Report

sludge

 
 
*/**: Footnotes referring to the following requirements in the E-Class:
 

No. 2.1	Additional parameters may be included once approved by CEC.
No. 2.2	Mack T11 results obtained as part of an API CI-4, CI-4 plus, CJ-4, CK-4 or FA-4 approval program, can be used in place of Mack T8E.
No. 2.3, 2.6 **   Not CEC approved parameters.
No. 2.4	Merit number shall be calculated according to the API CI-4 specification
No. 2.5	For E6 & E7 Merit number shall be calculated according to the API CI-4 specification. For E6 & E7 Mack T10 results obtained as part of an API CI-4 or CI-4 plus approval program, can be used in place of Mack T12. Mack T-12 Cylinder
	Liner Wear and Top Ring Weight Loss results obtained as part of an API CK-4 or FA-4 approval program, which includes a passing Volvo T-13 at the API CK-4 or API FA-4 level, may be used to satisfy the requirements of the Mack T-12
	in the ACEA Oil Sequences.

 
Certification and registration
 

 
Claims against the ACEA Oil Sequences can be made on a self-certification basis. For any claim being made against these ACEA Oil Sequences, ACEA currently recommends oil marketers to register their products with the ACEA registration system on the ACEA website. ACEA will introduce a mandatory registration scheme within 2017 and will inform stakeholders about the procedures to be followed for mandatory registration three months in advance of the date of mandatory registration.

 
All information needed for registration is available on the ACEA website, see: http:// acea.dossier-on-web.com/eor/engine-oil-registrations/menu/eor/front-page
 
Engine oils claiming any of the ACEA Oil Sequences should be registered directly after their launch into the market. After completing the form, it will be saved on the ACEA server. If claims are no longer needed oil companies are asked to delete their registration.
 
If claims continue to be used after three years, re-registration is required.
 

 
Nomenclature and ACEA process:

 
Each set of Oil Sequences is designated for consumer use by a 2-part code comprising a letter to define the CLASS (e.g. C), and a number to define the CATEGORY (e.g. C1).
 
In addition, for industry use, each sequence has a two-digit number to identify the YEAR of implementation of that severity level (e.g. A3/B4-16).
 
The CLASS indicates oil intended for a general type of engines – currently: A/B = Gasoline and Light-duty Diesel Engines; C = Catalyst compatible oils
for Gasoline and Light-duty Diesel Engines with Aftertreatment devices; E = Heavy-duty Diesel Engines. Other classes may be added in future if, for example, Natural Gas Engines may prove to require oil characteristics which cannot readily be incorporated into existing classes.
 
 
The CATEGORY indicates oils for different purposes or applications within that general class, related to some aspect or aspects of the performance level of the oil. Typical applications for each sequence are described below for guidance only. Specific applications of each sequence are the responsibility of the individual motor manufacturer for their own vehicles and engines. Oils within a category may also meet the requirements of another category but some engines may only be suited to oils of one category within a class.

 
 
The YEAR numbers for ACEA Sequence is intended only for industry use and indicates the year of implementation of that severity level for the particular category. A new year number will indicate, for example, that a new test, parameter or limit has been incorporated in the category to meet new/ upgraded performance requirements whilst remaining compatible with existing applications. An update must always satisfy the applications of the previous issue. If this is not the case, then a new category is required.
 
An administrative ISSUE Number is added for industry use where it is necessary to update the technical requirements of a sequence without the intention to increase severity (e.g. when a CEC test engine is updated to the latest version whilst maintaining equivalent severity; or where a severity shift in the test requires modification of the specified limits.).

 
 
Consumer language
 
Where claims are made that Oil Performance meets the requirements of the ACEA Oil Sequences (e.g. product literature, packaging, labels) they must specify the ACEA Class and Category (see Nomenclature & ACEA Process for definitions).

 
A/B : Gasoline and diesel engine oils – ‘High SAPS’
 
A1/B1 Category is removed with these Oil Sequences.
 
A3/B3 Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil intended for use in passenger car and light-duty van gasoline and diesel engines and/or for extended drain intervals where specified by the engine manufacturer, and/or for year-round use of low viscosity oils, and/or for severe operating conditions as defined by the engine manufacturer.
 
A3/B4 Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil intended for use in passenger car and light-duty van gasoline and DI diesel engines, but also suitable for applications described under A3/B3.
 
A5/B5 Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil intended for use at extended drain intervals in passenger car and light-duty van gasoline and diesel engines designed to be capable of using low viscosity oils with HTHS viscosity of 2.9 to 3.5 mPa·s. These oils are unsuitable for use in certain Engines - consult vehicle OEM’s owner’s manual/ handbook in case of doubt.
 
C : Catalyst & GPF/DPF compatible engine oils for gasoline and diesel engines – ‘Low SAPS’
 
Note: These oils will increase the DPF/GPF and TWC life and maintain the vehicle’s fuel economy.
Warning: Some of these categories may be unsuitable for use in certain engine types – consult the vehicle-OEM’s owner’s manual/handbook in case of doubt.
 
C1 Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil with lowest SAPS Level, intended for use as catalyst compatible oil at extended drain intervals in vehicles with all types of modern aftertreatment systems and high performance passenger car and light-duty van gasoline and DI diesel engines that are designed to be capable of using low viscosity oils with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 2.9 mPa·s.
 
C2 Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil with mid SAPS Level, intended for use as catalyst compatible oil at extended drain intervals in vehicles with all types of modern aftertreatment systems and high performance passenger car and light-duty van gasoline and DI diesel engines that are designed to be capable of using low viscosity oils with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 2.9 mPa·s.
 
C3 Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil with mid SAPS Level, intended for use as catalyst compatible oil at extended drain intervals in vehicles with all types of modern aftertreatment systems and high performance passenger car and light-duty van gasoline and DI diesel engines that are designed to be capable of using oils with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 3.5 mPa·s.
 
C4 Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil with low SAPS Level, intended for use as catalyst compatible oil at extended drain intervals in vehicles with all types of modern aftertreatment systems and high performance passenger car and light-duty van gasoline and DI diesel engines that are designed to be capable of using oils with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 3.5 mPa·s.
 
C5 Stable, stay-in-grade engine oil with mid SAPS Level, for further improved fuel economy, intended for use as catalyst compatible oil at extended drain intervals in vehicles with all types of modern aftertreatment systems and high performance passenger car and light-duty van gasoline and DI diesel engines that are designed to be capable and OEM approved for use of low viscosity oils with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 2.6 mPa·s.

 
E : Heavy-duty Diesel engine oils
 
E4 Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing excellent control of piston cleanliness, wear, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV and Euro V emission requirements and running under very severe conditions, e.g. significantly extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for engines without particulate filters, and for some EGR engines and some engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems. However, recommendations may differ between engine manufacturers so driver manuals and/or dealers shall be consulted if in doubt.
 
E6 Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing excellent control of piston cleanliness, wear, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV, Euro V and Euro VI emission requirements and running under very severe conditions, e.g. significantly extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for EGR engines, with or without particulate filters, and for engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems. E6 quality is strongly recommended for engines fitted with particulate filters and is designed for use in combination with low sulphur diesel fuel. However, recommendations may differ between engine manufacturers so driver manuals and/or dealers shall be consulted if in doubt.
 
E7 Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing effective control with respect to piston cleanliness and bore polishing. It further provides excellent wear control, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV and Euro V emission requirements and running under severe conditions, e.g. extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for engines without particulate filters, and for most EGR engines and most engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems. However, recommendations may differ between engine manufacturers so driver manuals and/or dealers shall be consulted if in doubt.
 
E9 Stable, stay-in-grade oil providing effective control with respect to piston cleanliness and bore polishing. It further provides excellent wear control, soot handling and lubricant stability. It is recommended for highly rated diesel engines meeting Euro I, Euro II, Euro III, Euro IV, Euro V and Euro VI emission requirements and running under severe conditions, e.g. extended oil drain intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is suitable for engines with or without particulate filters, and for most EGR engines and for most engines fitted with SCR NOx reduction systems. E9 is strongly recommended for engines fitted with particulate filters and is designed for use in combination with low Sulphur diesel fuel. However, recommendations may differ between engine manufacturers so driver manuals and/or dealers should be consulted if in doubt.
 
SAPS: Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulphur
 
HTHS: High Temperature High Shear Viscosity
 
DI: Direct Injection
 
DPF: Diesel Particle Filter
 
GPF: Gasoline Particle Filter
 
TWC: Three-Way Catalyst