ACEA - 2004

The ACEA engine oil classification is the European counterpart to the American API classification. The latest revision of the ACEA engine oil classification was adopted in 2004. Indeed, it's from 2004 onward that engine oils for diesel and petrol passenger-car engines are grouped into a single category under ACEA. But since far from all the newer automotive oils classified under the revised ACEA scheme can be used in engines from earlier model years, oil manufacturers still often print the quality classes assigned earlier under the previous 2002 revision on their engine oil packaging.

It's worth noting that any oil manufacturer using ACEA standards in its advertising or on its packaging is required to carry out the necessary testing in line with the requirements of EELQMS (European Engine Lubricant Quality Management System), the organisation responsible for making sure engine oil quality meets ACEA standards. It's this organisation that certifies the laboratories where such tests are carried out, and that registers the running of these tests.