Diesel Engine Oil

Finding the right Engine Oil for the Citroen C3 1.4Hdi 8v, 1.4Hdi 16v, 1.6Hdi and 1.6Hdi with DPF can be a long journey.

I have found a supplier of the excellent, fully synthetic TOTAL QUARTZ 9000 5W/40 oil for the Diesel Citroen C3s (without DPF/FAP).

It meets ACEA 2007 A3/B4 and is available in 5 litre containers (full change with some spare as you will need 4 or less litres):


Total Quartz Energy 9000 5W-40 Motor Oil - 5L at Amazon.co.uk


(for the Petrol C3, use this Total Quartz 7000 10W-40 Motor Oil - 5L (click here)


When changing the oil, also change the oil filter, find the correct filter for your engine here (euro car parts).

For the Citroen C3 1.6HDi with the Diesel particulate filter (FAP/DPF) a low SAPS oil is REQUIRED, have a look at:
TOTAL Quartz Ineo Long Life 5w30 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil. 5 Litre a suitable Total oil with a Low SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulphur) rated at ACEA C3 and graded as 5W30.


If budget is tight, oil changes are frequent or fully synthetic not required and there is no DPF or FAP.
Then the Quartz 7000 10W/40 (semi synthetic) is also available. Not for use in a 16v HDi engine, but suitable for older 8v diesels and the petrols engines.



Available here: TOTAL Quartz 7000 10w40 Semi Synthetic Engine Oil. 5 Litre,often with free delivery

I read the following on a guide page:

"Most modern car engines use a 5W30 or 5W40 oil. This extremely thin oil flows well into the tight spaces that exist in modern engines, which are manufactured to extremely tight tolerances. Older cars do not run well with these oils, as they are not designed to such tight tolerances. Cars that are 10 years old or older were designed to work with 10W30 or 10W40 motor oil. High-mileage cars that have over 100,000 miles may even need a 20W50 oil."

I have a 2004 1.4 Diesel C3 with 130K mileage should I go for the oil you suggest or a 10W40 for the same or different brand? please suggest.

ahik wrote:I read the following on a guide page:

"Most modern car engines use a 5W30 or 5W40 oil. This extremely thin oil flows well into the tight spaces that exist in modern engines, which are manufactured to extremely tight tolerances. Older cars do not run well with these oils, as they are not designed to such tight tolerances. Cars that are 10 years old or older were designed to work with 10W30 or 10W40 motor oil. High-mileage cars that have over 100,000 miles may even need a 20W50 oil."

I have a 2004 1.4 Diesel C3 with 130K mileage should I go for the oil you suggest or a 10W40 for the same or different brand? please suggest.

Hi ahik, a diesel engine that has had its regular oil and oil filter changes is unlikely to be worn at 100 000 miles, some would even consider it to be just 'run in'. I would stick with the Citroen recommendation of This fully synthetic TOTAL QUARTZ 9000 5W/40 oil because it meets the enhanced specification required for your 16v diesel engine.

Thanks C3CAR ..

How do I know about the DPF compatibility? I have browsed through the car documentation I don't see any mentioning of DPF, how do I know for sure?

I have a 2004 Citroen C3, 16V 1.4 HDi, 1398cc.

ahik wrote:How do I know about the DPF compatibility? I have browsed through the car documentation I don't see any mentioning of DPF, how do I know for sure?

I have a 2004 Citroen C3, 16V 1.4 HDi, 1398cc.

DPF came later in the C3 development, notably the 1.6HDi had the option. You can be sure your 2004 1.4 HDi doesn't have a Diesel Particulate Filter (or FAP), use this fully synthetic Total 9000 oil for the manufacturers recommended engine protection for your engine.