Engine Oil

[Plod]

I acquired a 2.5 V6 last May and have now decided to change the oil. The oil I have purchased is 6 litres of Castrol 0-30W which is recommended by the main agents. Cost of the oil (not from main dealer) came in at £75 plus filter @ £12 from the main dealer. Best part of £90 to change the oil.

So on to my query, given that I will probably clock up no more than 4,000 miles this year, what alternative oil could I use other than Castrol as 90 quid is a bit steep for an oil change. Or could I get away with changing the oil every two years ?

I’d be grateful of any feedback.

Cheers
Plod

[andypryce]

It’s a matter of opinion obviously, but any 0-30 synthetic oil should suffice, no need to use castrol. I personally would still go for annual oil change, whatever the mileage, as oil does degrade over time.

[Andy P]

Hi Plod,
Hope you are enjoying your X-Type.
Personally speaking more important than the perceived quality is the regular changing of the oil.
I change mine every year and a new filter goes on as well.
Last year I used Castrol Edge but that was only because I got a good deal on it.
I have used Westway Lubricants a lot in the past(engine and gearbox).
Morris Lubricants is another good company.
This chart might help:
https://oilincar.com/jaguar/x-type/1-2001-2009.php
I always compare the specifications of the oil I am going to use with the recommended oil listed in the hand book for the car.
So long as the oil meets the specs and is good quality you cant go wrong.
It all comes down to personal choice and is greatly debatable
This is taken from the 2002 X-Type Handbook:
Recommended engine oil
When the oil level is at the lower dipstick mark, add 1 quart (1.0 litres) of oil.
Oil specification – API SJ / EC and ILSAC GF-2.
When topping up between oil changes, make sure that you use oil that has the correct quality level (API service) and viscosity grade.
Your vehicle’s warranty may be invalidated if damage is caused by use of improper engine oil.
Note: Jaguar does not approve the use of synthetic engine oil in the V6 engine.
SAE Viscosity Rating
It is recommended that you use only approved engine oils to meet the SAE viscosity range/ambient temperature scale shown below.
For maximum fuel economy, 5W/30 oil is recommended.
Research on the X-Type oil required seems to point to 5w-30 Semi-synthetic more than 0w-30 Fully-Synthetic but I could be wrong.
You haven't given the year of your car or the area you are in.I think the V6 engine is the same through out the range though.
Hope that helps a bit.
Take care and stay safe.
Andy

[Plod]

Thank you Andy the car is a 2005MY and I live in Denton on the outskirts of Manchester.

[poprivet]

Opie Oils is my favorite supplier, great pricing and quick delivery.

They do service kits with the correct amount of oil and filter as well as the usual sized containers.

[jeff1954]

As AJP says use a well known brand with the correct specs for your engine and you'll be fine.

[Dave Eynon]

Hi Plod,

Hopefully the replies have helped you determine the "best" oil for your car so it is of the right spec and price. Glad to see you are sticking with an OEM oil filter, not worth using an aftermarket one if the quality of it cannot be assured.
If writing an article for the magazine on your experience interests you I would be pleased to print it in the magazine to also help others with this issue. I'm having a practical theme on our cars to start 2022. Just email it to me on the address in the X-type section.
Cheers
Dave

[Plod]

Thank you to all who replied to my thread. My car is currently in storage till end of March and at the time of thinking about changing the oil had no information on which oil to purchase as the handbook is with the car 30 miles from home. I was advised at Guy Salmon in Stockport that the correct oil was 0-30w which I purchased from a retail outlet near home as the main dealer didn’t stock it. After noting the advice here went back to the retail outlet and changed it for castrol edge 5-30w. The oil change will be done this coming week. Once again thanks for your advice.