Correct oil grade for C3 Aircross

[Jesterstear1]

I'm finding lots of varying oil types/grades when doing a reg search on our 69 plate C3 Aircross 1.2 PureTech S/S

Is there a way of finding the definitive recommended oil type (0w-30 or 5w-30) given the issues with cambelt (mine wasnt subject to recall thankfully and looks ok at present) - car has done 26000 miles

Many thanks

[Jesterstear1]

Have just got this back from Citroen :


Thank you for contacting Citroen Customer Care regarding your Citroen C3 Aircross (A88).
I am writing to provide you with the information regarding the approved oil types for your vehicle. You can use any of the following oil specifications:
• SAE 0W-20
• SAE 5W-30
• SAE 5W-30
These oils have been approved for your vehicle and will ensure optimal performance and engine longevity.
If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Kind regards,??
Ani G.

[RichardW]

I think there's more to it than just the weight, these have the wet belt and are oil sensitive. Post your VIN (it will autohide) and we can have a look.

[Sloppysod]

Oil specifications:
• SAE 0W-20
• SAE 5W-30
• SAE 5W-30

These are not oil specifications, these are the oil weight/grade.
Surely they should have said the oil must meet a minimum specification, for example something like 'ACEA C3' or 'PSA-B71-2297'

[GiveMeABreak]

That's correct, but they are clueless Stu.

Once we have the VIN I can provide the exact specification / standard of the oil.

[Jesterstear1]

That's correct, but they are clueless Stu.

Once we have the VIN I can provide the exact specification / standard of the oil.

Have PM'ed you

Citroen have now sent me this :




Apologize for our inconvenience, I am writing to provide you with the information regarding the approved oil types for your vehicle.

You can use only this oil specification:
• SAE 0W-20
This oil has been approved for your vehicle and will ensure optimal performance and engine longevity.
If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Kind regards,??
Ani G.

Chevrolet Customer Care
Telephone number 0800 06 06 06
Opening Hours: 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday

[Jesterstear1]

Didnt realise VIN auto hides

It's : VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

[RichardW]

Service box says: Oil: EM:00W20 B71 2010 - 00W20 B71 2010 (C5)

So, that should be 00W20 to PSA spec B71 2010 and ACEA spec C5. This appears to be the preferred Total oil: https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-250431-tot ... e-oil.aspx VERY important on this engine to use the correct oil, since the cam belt runs in the oil, and the wrong oil can cause degradation of the belt, resulting in destruction of the engine!

[Jesterstear1]

Thanks - would this also be suitable (I already have some) :

https://www.mobil.co.uk/en-gb/engine-oi ... la-p-0w-20

or this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TotalEnergies- ... r=8-7&th=1

[Sloppysod]

This means it is of the correct specification.

[RichardW]

The Mobil oil says it meets the spec, the Total one doesn't.

[Sloppysod]

The Mobil oil says it meets the spec, the Total one doesn't.

Not to confuse things but.

I would have thought that as both olis met the ACEA C5 spec that they are both suitable and the PSA-B71 2010 specification was just the PSA specifaction reference.

Very odd that Total doesn't meet the requirements especially as the car is a Citroen.

[Paul-R]

I take the opposite view Stu. If it doesn't say PSA-B71 2010 then I would avoid it regardless of whether it meets ACEA C5 or not.

[GiveMeABreak]

The ACEA standards indicate minimum Oil performance. The requirements imposed do not correspond to the Oil performances recommended by PEUGEOT / CITROEN / DS / OPEL / VAUXHALL. These standards are only a basis for performance.

I spent a fair bit of time providing detailed information on oil specifications and grades detailed in this post:

viewtopic.php?p=768074#p768074

[Fran24]

Hi if I send VIN I’m having the same issue are your able to tell me which oil I need for my car?