ROWE MOTOR OIL BUYERS GUIDE
ROWE MOTOR OIL BUYER'S GUIDE
A complete guide to choosing ROWE engine oil, transmission fluid, gear oil, coolant, brake fluid and racing lubricants for European vehicles, workshops and performance applications.
WHY CHOOSE ROWE?
ROWE is a German lubricant manufacturer producing engine oils, driveline fluids, coolants, brake fluids and specialist workshop products for modern passenger vehicles, performance cars, commercial vehicles and motorsport.
The ROWE HIGHTEC range includes products for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo, Renault and many other manufacturers. The range covers modern petrol, diesel and hybrid engines, turbocharged vehicles, diesel particulate filters, dual-clutch transmissions, automatic gearboxes, differentials and high-temperature racing applications.
What makes ROWE especially useful for European vehicle owners and workshops is the depth of its manufacturer-specific coverage. Rather than choosing a lubricant by viscosity alone, customers can select products based on the approval, transmission standard or cooling-system specification required by the vehicle.
WHAT MAKES ROWE DIFFERENT?
MADE IN GERMANY
ROWE's core lubricant range is developed and manufactured in Germany using modern blending, filling and quality-control processes.
OEM APPROVAL COVERAGE
The range includes products carrying or targeting recognised manufacturer approvals and specifications for European and global vehicles.
MOTORSPORT DEVELOPMENT
ROWE uses racing as a high-load development environment for oils exposed to sustained temperature, shear and oxidation stress.
ENGINE & DRIVELINE RANGE
ROWE covers engine oils, automatic transmission fluids, DCT and DSG fluids, CVT fluids, manual gear oils and differential oils.
WORKSHOP FLEXIBILITY
Broad-application and manufacturer-specific products help workshops service mixed European fleets without relying on a single universal fluid.
ROAD TO RACE
The range spans daily-driver engine oils through to dedicated multi-ester racing oils, racing coolants and high-temperature greases.
UNDERSTANDING THE ROWE PRODUCT FAMILIES
HIGHTEC SYNT RS
Premium synthetic and HC-synthetic engine oils for modern petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles. This family includes low-viscosity fuel-economy oils, long-life European oils and higher-viscosity performance products.
HIGHTEC MULTI SYNT
Broad-application oils designed to cover multiple European manufacturer requirements, making them particularly useful for workshops servicing mixed fleets.
HIGHTEC XPERT
Workshop-focused oils with a wide application range, suited to routine service work where broad compatibility and dependable protection are required.
ESSENTIAL
A practical servicing range for common viscosities and established manufacturer specifications, including modern low-SAPS and older vehicle applications.
HIGHTEC ATF
Automatic transmission fluids covering conventional stepped automatics, low-viscosity multi-speed transmissions, CVTs and selected manufacturer-specific applications.
HIGHTEC TOPGEAR & HYPOID
Manual gearbox, axle, transfer-case and differential oils, including fully synthetic and limited-slip options.
HIGHTEC RACING
Dedicated motorsport lubricants based on ROWE's multi-ester technology and premium synthetic base oils for high-temperature, high-load competition use.
COOLANTS & BRAKE FLUIDS
Vehicle-specific coolant chemistries, ready-mix and concentrate options, standard DOT 4 and low-viscosity DOT 4 LV brake fluids.
SPECIALIST FLUIDS
Central hydraulic fluids, power-steering fluids, AdBlue and other supporting service products for specialist vehicle systems.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT ROWE PRODUCT
Choosing the right lubricant is a specification-matching exercise. Viscosity matters, but it is only one part of the decision.
CHECK THE APPROVAL
Find the manufacturer approval or fluid specification required by the vehicle.
IDENTIFY THE SYSTEM
Engine, automatic transmission, DCT, manual gearbox, differential, cooling or braking system.
CONFIRM TECHNOLOGY
Turbo, DPF, GPF, hybrid, long-life service, wet clutch, CVT or limited-slip differential.
SELECT VISCOSITY
Choose the viscosity grade specified for the vehicle and operating conditions.
MATCH THE USE
Daily driving, extended servicing, towing, modified road use, track days or competition.
APPROVAL FIRST, VISCOSITY SECOND
Two lubricants can share the same viscosity while meeting completely different performance requirements. A 5W-30 oil approved for BMW Longlife-04 or VW 504 00/507 00 is not automatically interchangeable with another 5W-30 designed for Ford, GM or Asian petrol vehicles.
Start with the required approval, then confirm viscosity and driving conditions. This is especially important for vehicles with particulate filters, extended service intervals, turbochargers and modern emissions systems.
ENGINE OIL VISCOSITY GUIDE
| Viscosity | Typical Use | What It Generally Offers |
|---|---|---|
| 0W-20 | Modern fuel-efficient petrol, diesel and hybrid engines | Excellent cold-start flow, reduced friction and fuel-economy support where specified. |
| 0W-30 | Modern European engines and selected fuel-economy applications | Strong low-temperature flow with more high-temperature viscosity than a 0W-20. |
| 0W-40 | Performance-oriented European petrol engines and selected racing applications | Fast cold circulation with stronger hot viscosity for demanding use. |
| 5W-20 | Manufacturer-specific modern petrol and diesel applications | Low operating resistance and good cold-start performance. |
| 5W-30 | Common European petrol and diesel vehicles | Wide approval coverage depending on the exact product, including low-SAPS options. |
| 5W-40 | Turbocharged, performance and older European engines | Higher hot viscosity than many 5W-30 products while retaining good cold-start flow. |
| 10W-40 | Older petrol and diesel vehicles, fleets and commercial applications | Balanced multigrade performance for established engine designs. |
| 10W-50 | Motorsport and high-load performance use | High-temperature film strength with a broad operating range. |
| 10W-60 | Selected high-performance engines and competition vehicles | Very high hot viscosity for engines specifically designed or prepared for this grade. |
| 15W-40 / 20W-50 | Older engines and selected mineral-oil applications | Traditional viscosity ranges for engines requiring heavier oil. |
COMMON EUROPEAN ENGINE OIL APPROVALS
BMW LONGLIFE
LL-01LL-04LL-12 FELL-17 FE+
BMW approvals vary by engine generation, fuel type, emissions equipment and service strategy. LL-04 is common in many European diesel and petrol applications, while newer fuel-economy standards may require lower-viscosity oils.
MERCEDES-BENZ
MB 229.5MB 229.51MB 229.52MB 229.71MB 229.72
Mercedes-Benz specifications define chemical limits, wear performance, fuel economy and emissions-system compatibility. The exact approval must be matched to the engine.
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP
VW 502 00VW 505 00VW 505 01VW 504 00VW 507 00VW 511 00
These approvals cover Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT and CUPRA applications. VW 504 00/507 00 is widely associated with modern long-life petrol and diesel servicing.
PORSCHE
A40C30C40
Porsche approvals vary by engine type, emissions technology and viscosity. Performance models should always use the exact approval specified for the vehicle.
FORD, GM & OPEL
Ford WSSGM dexos1GM dexos2OV 040 1547
These standards include petrol, diesel and low-viscosity fuel-economy applications. A product designed for dexos1 is not necessarily suitable for a dexos2 diesel vehicle.
JAGUAR LAND ROVER, RENAULT & VOLVO
STJLRRN0700RN0710Volvo VCC
These manufacturer standards are application-specific and should be confirmed using the owner's manual, workshop data or product approval list.
PETROL, DIESEL & HYBRID ENGINE OILS
PETROL ENGINES
Modern petrol engines can use low-viscosity, fuel-efficient oils, but turbocharging, direct injection and gasoline particulate filters can introduce specific approval and chemical requirements.
DIESEL ENGINES
Diesel engines with particulate filters often require low-SAPS oils to help protect emissions systems. The correct manufacturer approval is critical.
HYBRID ENGINES
Hybrid engines experience repeated start-stop operation and may spend more time running below full operating temperature. Many modern hybrids therefore specify low-viscosity oils with strong cold-flow performance.
LONG-LIFE VS FIXED-INTERVAL SERVICING
FIXED INTERVAL
The oil is changed at a set time or distance interval. This is common for vehicles operating under normal servicing schedules and can suit enthusiasts who prefer shorter oil-change intervals.
FLEXIBLE OR LONG-LIFE
The vehicle may calculate service intervals using time, distance, operating temperature, fuel use and driving conditions. These systems require oils carrying the correct long-life approval.
Short trips, repeated cold starts, towing, heavy traffic, high ambient temperature, modified engines and track use can justify shorter service intervals than the maximum manufacturer allowance.
ROWE TRANSMISSION FLUID GUIDE
CONVENTIONAL AUTOMATICS
ROWE HIGHTEC ATF products cover a broad range of stepped automatic transmissions. The fluid must match the exact transmission specification rather than simply being labelled "universal ATF".
ZF TRANSMISSIONS
Many BMW, Audi, Jaguar Land Rover and other European vehicles use ZF transmissions. Fluid selection should be based on the ZF standard or vehicle manufacturer part-number equivalence.
MERCEDES 7G & 9G
Mercedes-Benz automatic transmissions use specific MB 236-series fluids. Low-viscosity and later-generation transmissions must use the correct approval.
DSG & DCT
Wet-clutch dual-clutch transmissions require dedicated fluids that serve gears, clutches and hydraulic control systems. ROWE HIGHTEC ATF DCG II covers numerous DCT and DSG-type applications.
CVT
Continuously variable transmissions require CVT fluid with specific friction characteristics. Standard ATF must not be substituted unless the specification explicitly allows it.
MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS
Manual gearbox oils are selected using viscosity, API class and manufacturer standard. Incorrect friction characteristics can affect synchroniser operation and shift quality.
GEAR OILS, DIFFERENTIALS & TRANSFER CASES
MANUAL GEAR OILS
ROWE TOPGEAR products cover manual gearboxes requiring GL-4, GL-5 or manufacturer-specific performance. Always confirm synchroniser compatibility.
HYPOID DIFFERENTIAL OILS
Hypoid gears operate under high sliding load and require extreme-pressure protection. The correct viscosity and API class are essential.
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIALS
Limited-slip differentials may require LS-compatible oil or additional friction characteristics to prevent chatter and maintain clutch-pack operation.
TRANSFER CASES
Transfer cases can require automatic transmission fluid, dedicated transfer-case fluid or gear oil depending on design. Never assume the front and rear driveline fluids are the same.
AWD SYSTEMS
All-wheel-drive vehicles may use different fluids in the transmission, centre coupling, front differential and rear differential.
HEAVY-LOAD APPLICATIONS
ROWE offers heavier hypoid oils including 75W-140 and 85W-140 products for selected high-load, commercial and performance applications.
BRAKE FLUID GUIDE
DOT 4
Standard DOT 4 brake fluid suits many hydraulic brake and clutch systems where the manufacturer specifies DOT 4 performance.
DOT 4 LV
Low-viscosity DOT 4 LV fluid is designed for modern ABS and ESP systems requiring fast hydraulic response, especially at lower temperatures.
Dry boiling point describes new fluid. Wet boiling point describes fluid after absorbing moisture over time. Performance driving and track use increase brake-fluid temperature, so fluid condition and service interval become more important.
COOLANT GUIDE
G11-TYPE COOLANTS
Traditional European coolant chemistry used in many older systems. ROWE offers concentrate and ready-mix options for compatible applications.
G12 / G12+ / G12++ / G13
Later Volkswagen Group coolant specifications use different corrosion-inhibitor technologies. Colour alone is not a reliable compatibility guide.
READY-MIX VS CONCENTRATE
Ready-mix coolant is pre-diluted for use. Concentrate must be mixed with suitable water at the correct ratio for freeze, boil and corrosion protection.
DO NOT CHOOSE COOLANT BY COLOUR ALONE
Different manufacturers can use similar colours for different chemistries. Always match the required specification and avoid mixing incompatible coolant types.
SPECIALIST FLUIDS
CENTRAL HYDRAULIC FLUIDS
Products such as ROWE HIGHTEC ZH-M are designed for selected central hydraulic and power-steering systems requiring specific low-temperature and anti-wear performance.
ADBLUE
AdBlue is a high-purity urea solution used by SCR-equipped diesel vehicles to reduce nitrogen-oxide emissions. It is stored separately from diesel fuel.
WORKSHOP FLUIDS
ROWE's supporting range includes specialist service fluids and lubricants for braking, cooling, hydraulics and driveline maintenance.
ROWE HIGHTEC RACING RANGE
MULTI-ESTER TECHNOLOGY
ROWE racing oils use a dedicated multi-ester formulation combined with premium fully synthetic PAO base oils. The goal is strong film stability, oxidation resistance and wear protection under sustained high load.
RACING-PROVEN DEVELOPMENT
ROWE has used endurance racing to validate its lubricant technology, including victories at the Nürburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours.
RACING VISCOSITIES
The range includes 0W-40, 5W-40, 10W-40, 10W-50 and 10W-60 racing engine oils, plus a classic 20W-50 formulation.
TRACK USE REQUIRES THE RIGHT OIL
Racing oil should be selected according to engine build, clearances, temperature, fuel dilution, sump design and expected session length. A thicker racing oil is not automatically better for every engine.
WHICH ROWE RANGE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
| Application | ROWE Range to Consider | Selection Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Modern European daily driver | HIGHTEC SYNT RS or HIGHTEC MULTI SYNT | Match the exact OEM approval and viscosity. |
| BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi or Porsche | HIGHTEC SYNT RS | Choose by BMW LL, MB 229.x, VW or Porsche approval. |
| Workshop servicing mixed vehicles | HIGHTEC MULTI SYNT or HIGHTEC XPERT | Useful where broad coverage is required, but approval must still be checked. |
| Older European vehicle | ESSENTIAL or suitable HIGHTEC SYNT RS | Match the older API, ACEA and manufacturer requirements. |
| Modern automatic transmission | HIGHTEC ATF | Select by transmission standard, not merely transmission speed. |
| DSG or wet-clutch DCT | HIGHTEC ATF DCG II | Confirm exact gearbox compatibility. |
| CVT | HIGHTEC ATF CVT | Use only where the required CVT specification is listed. |
| Manual gearbox or differential | HIGHTEC TOPGEAR or HIGHTEC HYPOID | Confirm viscosity, GL class and limited-slip requirement. |
| Track-day or competition vehicle | HIGHTEC RACING | Select based on engine setup, temperature and intended use. |
WHY BUY ROWE FROM EMS CARPARTS?
AUSTRALIAN RANGE
Access ROWE engine oils, driveline fluids, coolants, brake fluids and specialist products selected for Australian retail and trade customers.
EUROPEAN VEHICLE FOCUS
EMS Carparts specialises in parts, service products and performance upgrades for European vehicles.
TRADE & RETAIL SUPPLY
ROWE is available for workshops, trade customers, enthusiasts and private vehicle owners.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is ROWE oil made in Germany?
ROWE is a German lubricant manufacturer, and its core HIGHTEC lubricant range is developed and produced in Germany.
Is ROWE oil fully synthetic?
Some ROWE products are fully synthetic PAO-based oils, while others use HC-synthetic or mineral base oils. Check the individual product description rather than assuming the entire range uses one base-oil type.
Does ROWE carry manufacturer approvals?
Many ROWE products list recognised approvals, specifications and recommendations covering BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group, Porsche, Ford, GM and other manufacturers.
Can I choose engine oil by viscosity alone?
No. Start with the required manufacturer approval, then confirm viscosity and intended use.
What is the difference between ROWE HIGHTEC and ESSENTIAL?
HIGHTEC covers premium, broad-application, specialist and performance products. ESSENTIAL provides practical servicing products for common applications and established specifications.
Which ROWE oil suits BMW Longlife-04?
Several ROWE products cover BMW Longlife-04 applications. The correct choice depends on viscosity, engine type and any additional approvals required by the vehicle.
Which ROWE oil suits VW 504 00/507 00?
Choose a ROWE product explicitly listing VW 504 00/507 00, then confirm viscosity and vehicle application.
Is ROWE suitable for Mercedes-Benz vehicles?
Yes. ROWE offers engine oils, transmission fluids and coolants covering numerous Mercedes-Benz specifications. Match the exact MB approval.
Can ROWE be used in Porsche vehicles?
Yes, where the product carries the required Porsche A40, C30, C40 or other model-specific approval.
Does ROWE make oil for hybrid vehicles?
Yes. The range includes low-viscosity oils developed for modern petrol, diesel and hybrid engines.
Does ROWE make DSG and DCT fluid?
Yes. HIGHTEC ATF DCG II is designed for numerous wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission applications.
Does ROWE make CVT fluid?
Yes. HIGHTEC ATF CVT covers a range of manufacturer CVT specifications.
Can I use universal ATF in every automatic transmission?
No. Automatic transmissions require precise friction and viscosity characteristics. Always match the exact fluid specification.
What is DOT 4 LV brake fluid?
DOT 4 LV is a low-viscosity brake fluid suited to modern ABS and ESP systems requiring fast hydraulic response.
Can I mix different coolant colours?
Do not rely on colour. Only mix coolants when their specifications and chemistries are confirmed compatible.
Is ROWE good for track days?
ROWE's racing range is designed for high-load use, but product selection should reflect engine build, temperature and track conditions.
Is 10W-60 better for a performance car?
Not automatically. Use 10W-60 only where the manufacturer, engine builder or operating conditions support that viscosity.
How often should ROWE engine oil be changed?
Follow the manufacturer schedule, then shorten the interval where severe driving, modification, towing or track use increases oil stress.
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READ GUIDE →SHOP ROWE MOTOR OIL AUSTRALIA
Explore ROWE engine oils, automatic transmission fluids, DCT and CVT fluids, gear oils, coolants, brake fluids and racing lubricants for European vehicles.
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