[amit]

Arent synthetic oils supposed to be used a few 1000 kms after running in ...as the general story going around is that using syn.oil in brand new engine will not allow the engine parts to bed in properly ....

Didn't know about this theory.

is it only with VW ????

Don't know if it's only with VW but I guess most of the Euro manufactureres like Merc, BMW and Audi would be using it.

[Floyd de Souza]

A point to note is that all manufacturers are guided by their own principles and R&D for building their engines. It is true that modern cars do not require an oil change but if you ask any engineer working in that company, they would recommend an oil change at or before the first 1000kms. Currently there is plenty of pressure from consumer organisations and those that lay down the standards, to extend service intervals. the primary reason is to reduce the effect oil disposal has on the environment. Therefore, synthetic oils/blends are slowly gaining acceptance.Today, the quality of the oils/filters is so good that an oil change at 1000 kms is not necessary...though not in India. SL grade oils are still not manufactured by our PSU oil cos while the West has already mandated the use of SM(ILSAC-GF4) grade oils in all new vehicles. In other words, India is around 10 years behind when it comes to lubricating oil technology. You will notice that most of the cars which have their engines imported do not have an oil change requirement at 1000 kms. This is probably due to the fact that these engines are built to closer tolerances and the engine would have been pre-run in, the oil changed and then packed and shipped. Either way, it is safer to have the oil and filter changed at the first service.