AMSOIL MS vs FS vs LS - Euro Motor Oils

AMSOIL offers a range of motor oils specifically formulated to meet the unique requirements of European vehicles. Three of their prominent products in this category are the AMSOIL European FS, MS, and LS motor oils. Each of these oils is designed to cater to specific needs and standards. Here’s a detailed comparison to help understand the differences:

AMSOIL MS vs FS vs LS European Motor Oils

The MS, FS, and LS designations for AMSOIL's European motor oils indicate the SAPS (Sulfated Ash, Phosphorous, and Sulfer) concentrations: Full-SAPS, Mid-SAPS, and Low-SAPS.

AMSOIL European FS (Full-SAPS)

Full-SAPS (Sulfated Ash, Phosphorus, and Sulfur) oils are typically used in high-performance and older European gasoline and diesel engines that do not have advanced emissions control systems.

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Key Features:

1. High Performance: Designed for high-performance European vehicles requiring Full-SAPS formulation.
2. Comprehensive Wear Protection: Excellent wear protection to maximize engine life, especially under high-stress conditions.
3. Optimal Cleanliness: Enhanced detergents and dispersants keep engines cleaner, reducing deposits and sludge.
4. Compatibility: Suitable for a wide range of European car brands and models.

Applications:

• Ideal for vehicles requiring ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4 specifications. (ACEA stands for The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, or Association des Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles).
• Commonly used where vehicle and fleet operators are pushing extended drain intervals and experiencing severe operating conditions in gas engines and light-duty diesel engines.

AMSOIL European MS (Mid-SAPS)

Mid-SAPS oils strike a balance between protecting the engine and ensuring the longevity of emissions control systems such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and catalytic converters.

Key Features:

1. Balanced Additive Content: Formulated to provide effective wear protection while maintaining compatibility with emission control systems.
2. Extended Drain Intervals: Supports extended drain intervals as recommended by many European car manufacturers.
3. Fuel Efficiency: Helps improve fuel efficiency by reducing friction and maintaining optimal engine performance.
4. Lower Ash Content: Reduced sulfated ash content to minimize deposits in the exhaust system.

Applications:

• Suitable for vehicles requiring ACEA C3 specifications (C-level specifications indicate catalyst compatible).
• Typically used in newer European gasoline and diesel engines with advanced emissions controls.

AMSOIL European LS (Low-SAPS)

Low-SAPS oils are formulated with very low levels of sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur to ensure the protection of the latest emissions control systems.

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Key Features:

1. Emissions System Protection: Protects and prolongs the life of DPFs and catalytic converters.
2. Engine Cleanliness: High detergency to keep engines running cleaner and more efficiently.
3. Extended Oil Life: Advanced synthetic formulation for long-lasting performance and protection.
4. Fuel Economy: Enhances fuel economy by maintaining low viscosity and reducing friction.

Applications:

• Ideal for vehicles requiring ACEA C1 or C4 specifications.
• Used in the latest European diesel and gasoline engines equipped with advanced emissions systems.

Summary of Differences:

1. SAPS Content:
   • FS (Full-SAPS): High sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur content. SAPS content is not restricted in any way.
   • MS (Mid-SAPS): Moderate SAPS content, typically below 0.8% sulfated content. Balances engine protection with emissions system compatibility.
   • LS (Low-SAPS): Very low SAPS content, typically below 0.5%. Optimized for the latest emissions systems and newer engines.
2. Compatibility:
   • FS: Suitable for high-performance and some older European engines without advanced emissions controls, including light-duty diesel and gas engines running extended oil drain intervals and experiencing severe conditions.
   • MS: Suitable for newer engines with some level of emissions control systems (Diesel Particulate Filters and two-way catalytic converters, for example).
   • LS: Normally required for the newest European vehicle engines with the most advanced emissions control technologies.
3. Intended Use:
   • FS: High-performance driving, older vehicles.
   • MS: Modern vehicles with a balance of performance and emissions requirements.
   • LS: Newest models requiring maximum emissions system protection.

Conclusion:

Each type of AMSOIL European motor oil is crafted to meet specific performance and regulatory standards. Selecting the right oil depends on your vehicle's requirements and the manufacturer's recommendations. Using the appropriate AMSOIL European oil ensures optimal engine performance, protection, and longevity, while also maintaining compliance with emissions standards.

FAQs

What are SAPS in oils?

SAPS is an acronym that stands for Sulfated Ash, Phosphorous, and Sulfur. Many European vehicles available in the US & Canada utilize emissions systems that are highly sensitive to the SAPS content of motor oil. That's why you'll find designations for different SAPS content levels in many motor oils engineered for European-manufactured vehicles (FS, MS, LS, for example).

What does MS mean in engine oil?

For European vehicle motor oils, MS is commonly used as the content level designation for SAPS content. MS stands for Mid SAPS, which typically applies to vehicles requiring the ACEA C2, C3, C5, and C6 specifications and includes low-friction engine oils with a sulfate content lower than .8%.

What does FS mean in engine oil?

FS is another designation of the SAPS content in motor oils designed for European vehicles (Full-SAPS). These oils are suitable for European vehicles requiring the ACEA A3/B3 and A3/B4 specifications which includes high performance and direct-injection diesel engines and those vehicles operating with extended drain intervals and in severe operating conditions. Full-SAPS motor oils do not have any chemical limits with regards to sulfur and phosphorus content.

What does LS mean in engine oil?

LS stands for Low-SAPS content in motor oils for European vehicles. Low-SAPS engine oils contain the lowest level of SAPS and are engineered to not damage diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and two-way catalytic converters. Most ACEA C-level specifications are compatible with Low-SAPS motor oils.