You don't need 507.00 unless you've got a DPF. 507.00 isn't a "better" lubricating oil than 505.01, it's simply a low ash formula that reduces the irreversible clogging of the DPF with ash.

EDIT: Costco do a dirt cheap basic oil at £36 for 4 gallons that (I think) is 505.00 approved! I can't remember if 505.00 is suitable for PD engines or only the rotary distributer pump predecessor. If it is, you've got oil changes for pennies.

Edited by unthrottled on 24/01/2013 at 22:39

The viscosity doesn't matter that much, I would simply suggest going for the latest PD spec (507.00)

Longlife oil doesn't provide the best protection for the engine under all operating conditions, it only provides satisfactory protection under the operating conditions stated in the longlife service regime guidelines (this is always miss sold by sales people at point of sale because it sounds good when you say it only has to be serviced once every 2 years)

The 5w-40 505.01 oil has a naturally higher film strength because it's an SAE40 not an SAE 30 when it's hot, also they have more antiwear additives in them as the longlife oils are restricted on the amount of EP/ZDDP/anti wear additives due to DPF protection reasons

If your car has a DPF then obviously you can only use VW507.00 regardless

Edited by oldwrigley on 31/01/2013 at 14:16