Short answer
The ACEA heavy-duty sequences are European categories for diesel engine oils in trucks, buses and similar engines. The 2022 edition kept E4 and E7, added E8 and E11, and retired E6 and E9. The 2024 edition added F01, a lower-HTHS category that otherwise matches E11. Oil marketers self-certify against these categories, and engine makers often add their own approvals.
E4 and E7
E4 is a high-performance category historically associated with long drain intervals in engines without particulate filters. E7 is a widely used category for many heavy-duty diesels without demanding aftertreatment needs.
Both remain in the sequences to serve existing engines. In the 2022 update they received new piston deposit tests that replaced an older test.
E8 and E11
ACEA introduced E8 and E11 in 2022 to replace E6 and E9. E8 is the low-SAPS category, intended for engines with exhaust aftertreatment that need reduced ash, phosphorus and sulfur.
E11 took the place of E9 and covers a broad range of modern heavy-duty diesels, broadly similar in purpose to North American API CK-4. E11 has no fixed viscosity restriction beyond its shear stability and HTHS requirements.
F01 and the 2024 update
ACEA 2024 added F01, which varies from E11 only in viscosity. It calls for XW-30 grades with a reduced HTHS viscosity, typically between 2.9 and 3.2 mPa·s, and industry commentary compares it with API FA-4.
The 2024 edition left the E4, E7, E8 and E11 requirements unchanged. It becomes mandatory for new claims from October 1, 2025, and claims to the 2022 edition can continue until May 1, 2026.
Applying ACEA heavy-duty claims
European engine makers such as Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, MAN and Scania issue their own approvals, which may require an ACEA category plus their own testing. Your engine manual tells you which category or approval to use.
For a mixed fleet, an oil carrying several ACEA and API claims can simplify stocking, but each engine’s requirement still has to be checked individually.
Frequently asked questions
Is ACEA E11 the same as API CK-4?
No. They are separate standards from different bodies with different tests, though both target modern heavy-duty diesels.
What happened to ACEA E9?
The 2022 edition retired E6 and E9 and replaced them with E8 and E11.
General maintenance information. Always follow your vehicle or equipment manufacturer’s requirements and the current product data. Questions? Email [email protected].