Boxster 4l GTS oil - Page 2 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Hi All, My GTS needs a top up of oil after the first 5k miles - I’m a bit confused if which oil to go for. Some places say I need the Mobil 1 0w-40 esp x3 green top but my local dealer has recommended the gold Mobil 1 FS 0w-40 (which I’m inclined to go for don’t want to get it wrong). Can any one give me a definitive answer. Thanks

Look in the handbook and follow what it says.

Obviously check the manual but if you’ve got a GPF then I think it’s the green top X3 that you want

Yep agree with above, I was specifically told that mine must have Mobil 1 ESP X3 Engine Oil - 0W-40 as it produces less ash and is more compatible with the GPF on the 4.0 models. I carry a 1 litre bottle around in the car as it seemed to drink a lot earlier in it's life but less so now.

Has to be green ESP due to GPF. Cannot believe your OPC doesn't know this

A bit of a late response, but it may help someone. Mobil 1 ESP x3 is being replaced by Mobil 1 ESPx4. It appears that this new formulation is now suited to those previously requiring either A40 or C40 spec. https://www.mobil.co.uk/en-gb/engine-oil/mobil-1/c... " • Mobil 1 ESP x4 0W-40 is particularly recommended in modern Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Mercedes AMG and Porsche high power engines calling for A40 / C40 / VW 511 00 / MB 229.52 oil specifications. • Mobil 1 ESP x4 0W-40 is not suitable for Porsche vehicles requiring a an C20, C30 or C40 GT approved Mobil 1 engine oil. Mobil 1™ ESP X4 0W-40 cannot be used in Porsche GT engines. There is a separate Mobil 1 product for GT engines, Mobil 1™ C40 GT 0W-40".

It’s a bit confusing as they say that the new GT oil has to be used in cars with GT engines but then have the GT4/Spyder separately to that. For all 718 models (excl. RS models) here’s the page from the new drivers manual supplement. So either X3 ESP or X4 ESP (both are green tops)

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TDT said: Strange that the 982 gt4 isn’t specifically mentioned (except the RS) but ultimately it’s the same engine as the Spyder so it continues on the green as opposed to the new red type.

I am really interested in this thread. I decided to get a 1 litre Mobil 1 top-up bottle for my 2023 Boxster 4.0 GTS for the inevitable time it will need some oil so I’m prepared. My local OPC sold me a bottle in the nice little zip-up pouch. At home I saw they had given me the ‘red’ C40 GT product which is apparently exclusive for GT cars. I phoned to query and the chap on parts insisted it is ok as my car is a GT car. I’m not sure he is right and it contradicts the Mobil web-site. I’m now worried that it is the wrong oil, I’m inclined to return it and get the correct ‘green’ C40 oil, though they don’t have this in stock. Anyone got any thoughts please?

I would return it for the correct green top bottle. As TDTs picture above shows, this is the correct oil Mobil recommends for your particular car. The Mobil website also clearly states that this new oil is not suitable for cars that they don’t list (and it’s all GT3s , RSs & special editions using that engineer like the S/T). Effectively, with the newest cars, 9k redline = GT oil & 8k & below = greentop x3/x4.

I agree ... the gold top is A40 intended for non particulate filter cars ... which were introduced in 2018 ?? I only know that the 991.2 GT3RS switched mid model from single throttle body and non-PPF to independent throttle bodies and PPF (to maintain power spec) in May 2018 (according to my local OPC).

Redline88 said: TDT said: Strange that the 982 gt4 isn’t specifically mentioned (except the RS) but ultimately it’s the same engine as the Spyder so it continues on the green as opposed to the new red type. Correct - 718 GT4 continues with the Green top. The split comes because they are two different family of engine. - Top is all 9A2 derivatived - Bottom all MA175/MA177/MA275 Notice how GT2 RS is not mentioned... it also falls under Green top - as the Engine is 991 Turbo S derivative. - 9A2 Edited by TDT on Wednesday 9th October 09:44

Redline88 said: I would return it for the correct green top bottle. As TDTs picture above shows, this is the correct oil Mobil recommends for your particular car. The Mobil website also clearly states that this new oil is not suitable for cars that they don’t list (and it’s all GT3s , RSs & special editions using that engineer like the S/T). Effectively, with the newest cars, 9k redline = GT oil & 8k & below = greentop x3/x4. Thanks for this, I will return it, worries me that if ever a problem then someone can say I have put the wrong oil in. By the way does anyone know where you can buy the oil other than an OPC?

PoacherP said: Thanks for this, I will return it, worries me that if ever a problem then someone can say I have put the wrong oil in. By the way does anyone know where you can buy the oil other than an OPC? Euro Car Parts and Design 911 both stock Mobil 1 in lots of different grades.

Thanks, appreciated, I'll feel much happier with the right one!

PoacherP said: Thanks, appreciated, I'll feel much happier with the right one! Exactly. OPC should be embarrassed to display such a basic lack of product knowledge. I'd return the product they sold you, if they offer to swap it I'd probably ask for a refund and go and buy it from ECP. I'm a bit bloody minded on these things though! The extra margin they charge on everything from parts to servicing should mean that your expectations of a quality service are consistently met. Sadly my experience is they just apply a premium but don't deliver the commensurate service level. Rant over. Most places have run out of the X3 oil. Even if that is what is on the website you may well find X4 is supplied, that was what happened when I collected some from ECP a month or so ago. https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/mobil-1-esp-x3-engi...

PoacherP said: Thanks, appreciated, I'll feel much happier with the right one! I suspect they sold you that bottle of oil as the other wasn't in stock....

I think that is right, there does seem to have been supply issues. Anyhow it looks like other places have it, and much cheaper!

If there's this much confusion over just buying a top-up bottle, I wonder what the chances are of the cars of different ages ending up with the wrong oil when they go in for a service...

norscot said: If there's this much confusion over just buying a top-up bottle, I wonder what the chances are of the cars of different ages ending up with the wrong oil when they go in for a service... And this leading to the early GPF failures in the 2.0 and 2.5T engined Boxster/Cayman!

norscot said: If there's this much confusion over just buying a top-up bottle, I wonder what the chances are of the cars of different ages ending up with the wrong oil when they go in for a service... I always order my oil from Opie, it’s way cheaper than the same from OPC supplied plus Porsche tax. My OPC are fine with me providing the oil.

My local OPC have put green top in my 981 GTS ( hence no GPF) , will this be okay or should it have the old gold top stuff ?

Milnsey said: My local OPC have put green top in my 981 GTS ( hence no GPF) , will this be okay or should it have the old gold top stuff ? I don't know this way round if any damage could occur as you don't have the GPF, but if you are paying OPC prices I would demand they put the correct oil in. My Macan is pre GPF and my OPC hasn't put the green top in at its recent service.

How does the presence or absence of a GPF affect the oil spec?

Maxym said: How does the presence or absence of a GPF affect the oil spec? My pre-GPF 2.0 used gold top, my post-GPF 2.0 used green top. It was as supplied by the OPC, so I'm guessing the green top oil produces less soot. I'm using green top for my 2023 GTS 4.0, and I haven't checked if that's what it's supposed to be, ut it seemed logical given it must have a GPF or 2. Liam

JurassicGTS said: I don't know this way round if any damage could occur as you don't have the GPF, but if you are paying OPC prices I would demand they put the correct oil in. My Macan is pre GPF and my OPC hasn't put the green top in at its recent service. Our Macan also pre GPF and was filled with green top at last service. 8 year service due next month so will ask them

Maxym said: How does the presence or absence of a GPF affect the oil spec? The older A40 oil doesn't burn cleanly enough and this buggers the GPF apparently. And buggering your GPF is very expensive.

With the X3 being superseded by the X4 what is the position when it comes to "topping up" a car already filled with X3 ?

Its ok to add the X4 to the X3 apparently . I have a litre of x4 sat at Europarts since yesterday whilst they make some inquiries .

reddiesel said: Its ok to add the X4 to the X3 apparently . I have a litre of x4 sat at Europarts since yesterday whilst they make some inquiries . Did you get any answer?