I've read the oil journals several times, but it's still unclear to me which brands are actually synthetic motor oils. I have Pennzoil Synthetic that states "100% synthetic" on the bottle and Valvoline Max Life Synthetic that states "fully synthetic" on the bottle. I decided to try the Max Life in my S on the last oil change and I'm happy with it so far. I valued Road Rages' opinion that it would make a nice lubricant for even a newer S. I've been using Pennzoil Synthetic for several years in my other vehicles with success too, but get the impression from the journals that the only true synthetics are Amsoil, Red Line and Royal Purple. Are all other so called "synthetics" really GIII (not sure what that means exactly either) motor oils? Thanks for any clarification that someone might have on this.
Jack

 

GIII means Group III.

Max Life, if I recall correctly, is recommended by Road Rage but I'm pretty sure it's formulated for "high mileage" cars. I'm sure your brand new 04 doesn't fit that criteria.

You really can't go wrong with Chevron Supreme, Castrol, Pennzoil, etc if you're looking for a good conventional oil.

You shouldn't be even considering a "fully synthetic" oil until at least the 7,500 mile mark. Are you there already?

 

What does Group III mean?
I switched to Amsoil 7500 at 3300 miles. I put in Max Life synthetic at 7000 miles. The car runs great. It doesn't burn or lose oil at all.