Technical Help needed - Acea A3 oil in a Multiair can cause engine damage? (instead of C3)

[Enclave85]

Hello,

I've recently purchased a Fiat Bravo Multiair car. I brought it to a local Fiat workshop for having the engine oil (etc) changed. Unfortunately, they used "Selenia K 5w40 Acea A3" oil, instead of "Selenia K Pure Energy (for multiair) 5w40 Acea C3" (user manual says the latter is needed for a Multiair engine).

My question is: Can this "vanilla" Selenia K A3 oil damage my Multiair engine for one service period? (I'm afraid I can't ask for a replacement unless I pay the oil again)

Thanks!

 

[cmosfxx]

These oils are not much different than A3. C3 grade oils are used these days in cars with DPF ( lower saps additives etc... ) Don't worry about it.

But consider changing oil brand next time lol.

 

[SLM3]

Although I agree with cmosfxx for the most part, I would be wary of what engine oil is used based on the engine having the multiair unit. As you know they used the wrong oil is should be easier for you to get them to drop the oil and use the correct stuff. From what i've read on alfa forums, a few have reported the oil causing the failure. Whether it be incorrect oil, low oil, too much oil or unchanged...

 

[Enclave85]

Thanks for the reply.

However I don't understand, why should I change oil brand next time? Isn't "Selenia" engine oils are the official for Fiat and Alfa Romeo cars (and recommended by the factory)?

 

[Enclave85]

I was told at this local Fiat workshop that this engine requires "vanilla" Selenia K oil only, that's what their catalog recommends, not Selenia K Pure Energy for Multiair. So even if they used the wrong oil, they wouldn't admit it.

Fortunately I usually drive only 5000 kms or less (approx 3100 miles) a year, so I won't be using the car too much with incorrect engine oil.

 

[SLM3]

Their catalog is irrelevant if your owners manual specifically asks for a certain engine oil for the multiair

 

[g8rpi]

I was told at this local Fiat workshop that this engine requires "vanilla" Selenia K oil only, that's what their catalog recommends, not Selenia K Pure Energy for Multiair. So even if they used the wrong oil, they wouldn't admit it.

Fortunately I usually drive only 5000 kms or less (approx 3100 miles) a year, so I won't be using the car too much with incorrect engine oil.

Call Fiat UK and ask them what grade oil should be used for your car (have the VIN number handy in case they ask for it). If they say C3 only, ask them to put it in an email to you. Take the email to the dealer and demand that they change the oil and filter at their expense. Personally I'd push for a refund on the service as compensation for your trouble. If you went to another dealer with a warranty issue they would soon use a record of the wrong oil to refuse a claim.

Robert G8RPI.

 

[mikem1989]

On my last service the mechanic put c2 oil in. I have a 1.6 multijet. Don't Fiat recommend C3?

I'm not up on my oils. I don't know the difference but when I said that, he replied 'I always put this stuff in'.

It has made no difference to how to car drives from what I can tell.

 

[varesecrazy]

see what oil the owner handbook states,
that IS the safest way..,
Charlie

 

[rossocorsa]

On my last service the mechanic put c2 oil in. I have a 1.6 multijet. Don't Fiat recommend C3?

I'm not up on my oils. I don't know the difference but when I said that, he replied 'I always put this stuff in'.

It has made no difference to how to car drives from what I can tell.

Don't know about the 1.6 but the 2.0 should use C2, it's less to do with how it drives than ash levels for the dpf plus viscosity and lubrication characteristics for improved economy

 

[Decro]

Fiat recommend C2 in Multijet ,Vauxhall recommend C3 in the same engine.
Very confusing but there's appears little difference in published specs, only that C2 is more fuel efficient according to some.

 

[g8rpi]

Fiat recommend C2 in Multijet ,Vauxhall recommend C3 in the same engine.
Very confusing but there's appears little difference in published specs, only that C2 is more fuel efficient according to some.

C2 / C3 is not so much of an issue, but the original poster had A3 oil used in an engine that recommends C3. This is a bigger difference.

 

[rossocorsa]

Fiat recommend C2 in Multijet ,Vauxhall recommend C3 in the same engine.

Very confusing but there's appears little difference in published specs, only that C2 is more fuel efficient according to some.

Yes the difference is small, it must also be said that the fiat vs. GM engines are only the same basic structure and do have subtle differences

 

[Enclave85]

Thank you for the idea and I don't want to go offtopic but I live in Hungary - not UK, and unfortunately we have different/ridiculous consumer rules. I tried contacting Fiat Hungary but they don't seem to care - I haven't received any answer to my question for 1-2 weeks now. If I have an argument I probably have to go to court which takes 1-2 years to settle. I can't ask for a refund unless the court obliges the workshop for a refund.
(Of course you can read weird news about my country especially nowadays which most Hungarians aren't proud of and that's why some of my friends moved to England or Germany recently)

Simply put I just wanted to ask foreign forum members for technical advice, I can't ask for a refund.