European Engine Oil Technology

ACEA E4-08

Overview

ACEA E4 oils are Ultra High Performance Diesel (UHPD) lubricants designed for use in severe duty, long-drain applications.

ACEA E4 oils are typically SAE 10W-40 based on API Group III base oils. The main physical and chemical requirements for ACEA E4 are shown below:

Requirement Method Unit Limit
HTHS viscosity CEC L-36-A-90 cP ≥3.5
Sulphated Ash ASTM D874 %wt ≤ 2.0
Phosphorus ASTM D5185 %wt -
Sulphur ASTM D5185 %wt -
Evaporation loss (NOACK) CEC L-40-A-93 % ≤ 13
Total Base Number ASTM D2896 mgKOH/g ≥12

ACEA E4 is usually coupled with Daimler MB-Approval 228.5 and MAN 3277.

Both Daimler and MAN performance specifications build on top of an ACEA E4 baseline with additional performance requirements in areas such as wear protection. Daimler MB-Approval 228.5 also specifies a minimum ash level of 1.01% which prevents low ash formulations from carrying the same approval.

Changes

ACEA E4 was first introduced into the ACEA Oil Sequences in 1999. Although the testing requirements for ACEA E4 have been updated with each issue of the sequences it was not until 2007 that the severity was increased.

A number of further changes to the requirements for ACEA E4 have been included in the ACEA 2008 issue of the oil sequences.

The changes for ACEA 2008 are summarised below:

Test Change for ACEA 2008
OM602A Replaced by OM646LA
OM646LA Wear test evaluating exhaust cam wear
OM441LA Replaced by OM501LA
OM501LA New test evaluating bore polish and piston cleanliness
Mack T11 To be introduced as an alternative for the Mack T-8E. Limits to be defined.

Not only does ACEA 2008 bring changes in the engine hardware used in the evaluation of ACEA E4 oils, both the new OM646LA and OM501LA tests will also be the first engine tests in the Heavy Duty Sequences to be run with a modern 5% biodiesel (B05) fuel.

Relative Performance

The relative performance diagrams presented below compare Lubrizol's interpretation of the performance of requirements of the ACEA 2008 E4 oil sequence with the ACEA 2008 E6 oil sequence.

E408E608comparison

This comparison illustrates how both sequences are expected to provide similar performance in terms of bore polish, wear protection, soot handling and piston cleanliness. However, ACEA E6 is expected to a greater level of corrosion protection and the highest level of compatibility with advanced exhaust aftertreatment systems.

The relative performance diagrams presented below compare Lubrizol's interpretation of the performance of requirements of the ACEA 2008 E4 oil sequence with the ACEA 2008 E7 oil sequence.

E408E708comparison

This comparison illustrates how both sequences are expected to provide different performance with ACEA E4 providing similar bore polishing but greater piston cleanliness than ACEA E7. ACEA E7 provides a higher level of performance in terms of wear protection, soot handling and corrosion protection.

Disclaimer
The relative performance diagrams represent an interpretation made by The Lubrizol Corporation ("Lubrizol") of various rules and specifications. They are not a literal translation of a performance specification and should not be used as a replacement for evaluating engine oil performance in accordance with the relevant vehicle manufacturer's requirements. They are presented to assist the reader in visualizing some of the parameters that need to be considered and balanced when formulating a lubricant. Lubrizol accepts no liability for any losses or damages incurred by the user as a result of them relying on the interpretation made by Lubrizol. Readers are advised to consult the specific rules for greater detail with regard to meeting the requirements as set forth in any specification.