Technical Conclusion

The Comma Prolife 5W-30 504/507 oil presents several key issues regarding its performance and compliance with specific industry standards:

1. Low-Temperature Performance

• Pour Point of -33°C:
  This pour point suggests that the oil is likely to fail the MRV (Mini-Rotary Viscometer) test at -35°C, which is required for oils in the 5W-30 category. If the oil cannot pass this test, it may not provide adequate flow during cold starts, particularly in very cold climates. This can lead to poor engine lubrication and potential engine damage in extreme low-temperature conditions.

2. Sulfated Ash Content

• Actual Sulfated Ash Content: 0.871% (exceeds the allowable limit of 0.8% for specifications such as MB 229.51, BMW LL-04, Porsche C30, and ACEA C3).
• Impact: Elevated sulfated ash levels can lead to deposits in the engine and exhaust after-treatment systems (e.g., Diesel Particulate Filters, or DPFs). This can cause blockages, increased emissions, and reduced efficiency, resulting in premature wear or failure of these components. Additionally, higher ash content increases the risk of deposit buildup in critical engine areas, impairing performance and longevity.

3. Lack of LSPI Protection and Magnesium Additives

• Magnesium Content: Absent in this oil formulation.
• Specification Impact: Oils compliant with MB 229.51-2022 typically contain magnesium to enhance LSPI (Low-Speed Pre-Ignition) protection, crucial for modern turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engines. Without magnesium and LSPI protection, this oil does not meet the MB 229.51-2022 standard. It likely only complies with the older MB 229.51-2016 standard, lacking the stringent LSPI requirements necessary for modern engines. This results in less protection for engines susceptible to LSPI, potentially leading to engine damage, particularly in high-performance or turbocharged engines.

Consequences for Buyers

1. Inadequate Cold Start Performance:
   With a pour point of -33°C, this oil may not provide adequate protection in very cold climates, leading to poor cold start lubrication and increased wear or potential engine damage.
2. Excessive Sulfated Ash:
   Higher sulfated ash content can accelerate wear of the exhaust after-treatment system, such as the DPF, leading to increased maintenance costs and potential system failures. It may also negatively impact engine longevity and efficiency due to increased deposit formation.
3. Reduced Protection for Modern Engines:
   The absence of LSPI protection and magnesium additives makes this oil unsuitable for modern engines requiring the latest specifications like MB 229.51-2022. This poses a risk of premature engine wear, particularly in turbocharged engines more susceptible to LSPI-related damage.
4. Warranty Concerns:
   For vehicles requiring compliance with the MB 229.51-2022 standard, using this oil could result in warranty issues. If engine damage occurs due to LSPI or other specification non-compliance, warranty claims may be denied.

Conclusion

The Comma Prolife 5W-30 504/507 oil does not fully meet the standards for modern engines requiring LSPI protection, low sulfated ash content, and reliable cold-weather performance. Buyers using this oil in vehicles needing stricter specifications (such as MB 229.51-2022, BMW LL-04, or ACEA C3) may face issues related to engine protection, increased wear, and potential warranty denial.