Oil Change Mileage/Interval 5K or 3750 miles?

[MZH]

Guys - want to pool experience on this...

I have been doing 5W-30 every 5K miles.
Today the local Nissan guys told me that the oil filter has a mileage cap of 3750 miles and after that it just passes the oil unfiltered.

Anyone doing oil changes every 3750?

[cruzad3r]

is your engine drinking oil?

[DeanM45]

Guys - want to pool experience on this...

I have been doing 5W-30 every 5K miles.
Today the local Nissan guys told me that the oil filter has a mileage cap of 3750 miles and after that it just passes the oil unfiltered.

Anyone doing oil changes every 3750?

A "mileage cap". That is insanity at best.
A filter will pass oil, unfiltered, only if it becomes clogged....nothing else.

I change my Mobil 1 every 5K but it would probably be fine at 7500 or even 10K.

About every three changes (at 5K) I send the oil in for analysis. Almost no degradation in the oil and a very, very small level of contaminants ($25 at Blackstone).

[Larz]

I agree with Dean.Oil filters have a lifespan, but I assure you its NOT that low. I see things this way: Oil changes are among the least expensive, least time-consuming things we do for our vehicles. I consider my engine like the heart of the car and the oil is it's blood. I work out nearly ever day, run 2-3 miles each day, and I play rugby regularly on a state level. I'm not a total gym freak or health nerd, but I want to be able to wipe my own butt at 90yo. I treat my car the same way. I want my cars to stay as close to top shape as possible. The oil and filter are changed every 3 months regardless of actual mileage (I pay quarterly taxes and that is my cue to get the oil changed). The highest mileage at oil change I remember is about 3k miles. I know for sure that it's not 'necessary' or 'required' at 3k miles but I do it anyway. When I drive long distance (say FL up to Va and back) I change oil and filter before I leave and then again the day after I get home (also probably not required).
If you want to follow the manual for oil changes, that's a great idea, but I see those as the 'max' intervals and I want to stay under the maximum intervals for fluid changes. I feel safer doing it my way and if it costs me an extra $50 over the course of a year, I'm sure we all can live with that expense.

[bicsintegra]

every 5k for me.

[MZH]

Everyone - guys thanks a lot for sharing your experiences. Looks like 5K miles sounds reasonable.

I think the guy might was implying that the filter on these VQ6 engines on M35 might clog after 3750 miles and hence the factory recommendation and it is wise
to just change the oil/filter every 3750 miles.

This brings to the question of oil brand...

Should we use 5W-30 or regular Nissan provided oil? (if you want to change it every 3750 miles).

LARZ - you change oil more frequently - which oil you use? others feel free to share?

[Larz]

OI ! Sorry not to mention that in my post. I use Mobil-1 5w30 and either Nissan, Mobil, or K&N filters (I buy them on Ebay in bulk like 6pks) whichever is available at the time I'm buying.
I should also mention that I'm in South Florida - hence 5w30 but I understand lots of Nothern peeps use the Mobil 0w30 for cold start-ups. I am at about 75,000 miles and no signs of oil loss. I let my Infiniti service rep do every 3rd or 4th oil / filter change and he adds an certified inspection report for free (similar to what they do to determine if they can list a car on the lot as Certified). However, since the dealer charges $80 for the oil and filter ($10/qt for Mobil-1 instead of free REG oil), the free inspection doesn't feel all that 'free' LOL. I still do it though cause its a more detailed inspection than the guys at the oil change places would do and all my other oil / filter changes are done by me alone with no real inspection at all.

[antzrus]

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness, apprehension, fear, or worry; by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing the associated anxiety; or by a combination of such obsessions and compulsions. Symptoms of the disorder include excessive washing or cleaning; excessive oil changing, repeated checking; extreme hoarding; preoccupation with sexual, violent or religious thoughts; relationship-related obsessions; aversion to particular numbers; and nervous rituals, such as opening and closing a door a certain number of times before entering or leaving a room. These symptoms can be alienating and time-consuming, and often cause severe emotional and financial distress.

I use M1 10w-30 @ 12k intervals...

[EniGmA1987]

However, since the dealer charges $80 for the oil and filter ($10/qt for Mobil-1 instead of free REG oil),

THat is an average cost for full synthetic at any place you go, not just the dealer. Sucks that your dealer doesnt use a mobile-1 synthetic blend as its basic $50 oil change + wash though.

[Larz]

To Antz:

Thank you for the cookie-jar, wikipedia quality medical advice. However my medical training at Harvard affords me to add some actual AMA-published information to your post. Consider this before you attempt to inappropriately label others:

OCD is associated with above-average intelligence and even genius level achievers. Often OCD in different degrees is found in the top income earners and top achievers in many fields of study such as finance, law, sciences, and medicine. In fact, many OCD patients have invented some of the luxurious, electronic, and household conveniences we all take for granted daily. Its sufferers commonly share personality traits such as attention to detail, careful planning, intense sense of responsibility and a tendency to take time in making decisions - qualities to be admired, not demonized by uncaring individuals.

I personally do not have OCD, but I DO have compassion for others so I'm sure you can see why any medical profesisonal and, frankly anyone with compassion for others, may find your post quite inappropriate - especially since you obviously have no medical or psychological training to afford you the credentials to do so.. In fact, your inappropriateness reminds me of another personality disorder - frequently associated with people who have no respect for others and display such offensive behaviour by poking at those with a disorder just to get attention:

Consider : HPD:
Histrionic personality disorder is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, including an excessive need for approval. The term 'drama queen' is frequently used to describe many with HPD. People with HPD have a high need for attention and make inappropriate statements or may act in inappropriate ways - even take positions on subjects they don't actually believe - all to satisfy ther abnormal need for attention from anyone and everyone. They frequently are uncomfortable in situations where they are not the center of attention and sometimes make statements to inflame others in a desperate attempt to gain attention. Sometimes the attempts end in attention from others in the form of rebuke for the dramatic and inappropriateness of their behaviour. However, for the person with HPD, even negative attention can satisfy their obssesive needs.

Next time you want attention sir - please consider others BEFORE you post. Your opinions on this thread are welcome. Your unmannered, brusque, and obloqious comments are not. You may need a dictionary for that last bit, sorry.

[GQM45s]

i just royal purple (5w30) every 7 k with no problems and i use a Royal Purple oil filter(15 bucks) at pep boys but heck you can get it a good deal when pep boys has it on sale( with coupon) you could get 6 qts and a filter for less than 60 bucks

[06M4.5]

To Antz:

Thank you for the cookie-jar, wikipedia quality medical advice. However my medical training at Harvard affords me to add some actual AMA-published information to your post. Consider this before you attempt to inappropriately label others:

OCD is associated with above-average intelligence and even genius level achievers. Often OCD in different degrees is found in the top income earners and top achievers in many fields of study such as finance, law, sciences, and medicine. In fact, many OCD patients have invented some of the luxurious, electronic, and household conveniences we all take for granted daily. Its sufferers commonly share personality traits such as attention to detail, careful planning, intense sense of responsibility and a tendency to take time in making decisions - qualities to be admired, not demonized by uncaring individuals.

I personally do not have OCD, but I DO have compassion for others so I'm sure you can see why any medical profesisonal and, frankly anyone with compassion for others, may find your post quite inappropriate - especially since you obviously have no medical or psychological training to afford you the credentials to do so.. In fact, your inappropriateness reminds me of another personality disorder - frequently associated with people who have no respect for others and display such offensive behaviour by poking at those with a disorder just to get attention:

Consider : HPD:
Histrionic personality disorder is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, including an excessive need for approval. The term 'drama queen' is frequently used to describe many with HPD. People with HPD have a high need for attention and make inappropriate statements or may act in inappropriate ways - even take positions on subjects they don't actually believe - all to satisfy ther abnormal need for attention from anyone and everyone. They frequently are uncomfortable in situations where they are not the center of attention and sometimes make statements to inflame others in a desperate attempt to gain attention. Sometimes the attempts end in attention from others in the form of rebuke for the dramatic and inappropriateness of their behaviour. However, for the person with HPD, even negative attention can satisfy their obssesive needs.

Next time you want attention sir - please consider others BEFORE you post. Your opinions on this thread are welcome. Your unmannered, brusque, and obloqious comments are not. You may need a dictionary for that last bit, sorry.

Ant be nice and send a check to Larz, he may have a cure for you

[atlM35]

Depends on conventional or synthetic oil.

I check my oil every couple weeks because my driving style speeds up oil consumption in the 45. I use conventional and change every 3500 miles. Rotate tires every other oil change.

[Ilya]

Seriously, Ant, stop coming into threads and posting jibberish about how we are wasiting money or complaining about something that we should just accept. It is getting REALLY old. Happened in the MPG thread and now it's starting in here. Mods, can we please talk to him? This is getting ridiculous.

Back on topic:

I change mine every 5k. I will be driving down to Tampa, FL (from Albany, NY via Charlotte, NC and Orlando, FL) next month and will be changing my oil before I leave and after I get back. This is about 3,000 miles give or take depending on what other driving I do down there.

I used to use AMSOIL 5w-30 but heard it went down in quality so now I use Mobil 1 5w-30.

[Costee]

Down here at my side of the globe, 20w-50 is generic. Exceptionally there is M1 0w-40, which is what I use at 5k intervals.

[M35SFIREMEDIC]

I also use Mobil 1 and change oil every 5K.

Larz, very well said, Antzrus is such a smart a**!!!

[antzrus]

Gosh Larz, I would agree with your diagnosis of me-as well as the less than clinical "smart a**." But a more full diagnosis of me would also have to include; Antisocial Personality Disorder (PD), Compulsive PD, PTSD, Unipolar Depressive Disorder and numerous other bits and pieces of the current DSM.

My posts herein typically involve a small bit of information with a high level of "humor." Those who have spent a number of years reading my posts may understand my attempts at humor; granted sometimes they are way off key. But then consider the poster.

I posted the OCD (as I have done before) info as a joke, but also with a kernel of truth-as is most of my stuff. OCD like behavior re our machines is well verified with car freaks as us. IMHO, your attention to your machine from your description sounds as tho some OCD characteristics (not the full diagnosis) may well lurk inside of your soul-as it does for the rest of us to varying degrees. Otherwise, we wouldn't be on this list in a regular basis.

The whole substance of my post was a bit of info about M1 and high mileage oil changes, as well as a joke but with a message that extensive oil changes may be a bit much.

It was never a diagnosis of you nor of the rest of us. For a more thorough clinical diagnosis please send me a back channel message and a retainer of $1000.00 US so we can go about beginning the evaluation...

PS Check this out... http://www.ocdautomotive.com/

[Larz]

I have no intention of extending or justifying your 'joke' post. Humor is a wonder drug and I firmly believe in it and enjoy it. Hoity, vulgar, sexual, even political and religious jokes are funny. However we do NOT poke at or make light of individuals with debilitating medical issues, nor do we make any individual into a joke. My point by posting the HPD (understood by all but yourself) was to illustrate that your joke was in extremely poor taste and actually not humorous in the least.

I must repectfully decline your offer of evaluation for the following reasons:
1) Not in the very least interested
2) I avoid medical advise from obviously unqualified people

May we now please end this silliness and get back on topic?

[atlM35]

[MZH]

Apart from some distraction (thanks to ANTZRUS)!!! guys thanks for sharing your experiences.

I am doing oil changes every 5K with M1 5W-30 and looks like most people are recommending that.
I have also heard that M45 version has more issues with oil burning etc. and not much complains with the M35 V6 - so a more frequent 3750 mile oil changes may be suited more to the M45 V8.

[06M4.5]

In the last few months I have read more M35 having more motor problems than the M45. Not only with oil but with knocking noise too. Sad to see that these M's are have such problems as they are really nice cars.

[antzrus]

No problems w/my '06 M-35x @ 74k miles and M1 @ 12k intervals. She runs like a top.

Oh, for a position I once had a thorough psychiatric evaluation by (no relation) Frederick K. Goodwin, MD ex head of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). He said "Dr Goodwin is a maverick in his field... there is not a politically correct bone in his body."

Guess he was right. Huh?

[myother45isalesbaer]

No problems w/my '06 M-35x @ 74k miles and M1 @ 12k intervals. She runs like a top.

Oh, for a position I once had a thorough psychiatric evaluation by (no relation) Frederick K. Goodwin, MD ex head of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). He said "Dr Goodwin is a maverick in his field... there is not a politically correct bone in his body."

Guess he was right. Huh?

You are a hoot! I just cannot believe the posts on this site. We have an anal retentive worrying about mileage change intervals when we know that all depends on where and how you drive. Now a supposed MD chimes in with his words of wisdom. Perhaps he should spend more time with his patients than on this site. I think your comments are right on target. I would hate to have the MD in the ER with me quoting chapter and Verse of the stupid AMA position on anything. I'll TAKE THE WHO position on all medical issues before the butt heads running the AMA! I have done 3,000 mile and 10,000 mile oil changes all depending on highway or city or dirt, snow, etc. conditions and my old M runs like a bear. Forget the mileage and go with what you know. Lets hear the MD chime in. He seems to know more about cars than he does about treating his patients. Very scary in these times in my OP.

[antzrus]

No problems w/my '06 M-35x @ 74k miles and M1 @ 12k intervals. She runs like a top.

Oh, for a position I once had a thorough psychiatric evaluation by (no relation) Frederick K. Goodwin, MD ex head of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). He said "Dr Goodwin is a maverick in his field... there is not a politically correct bone in his body."

Guess he was right. Huh?

You are a hoot! I just cannot believe the posts on this site. We have an anal retentive worrying about mileage change intervals when we know that all depends on where and how you drive. Now a supposed MD chimes in with his words of wisdom. Perhaps he should spend more time with his patients than on this site. I think your comments are right on target. I would hate to have the MD in the ER with me quoting chapter and Verse of the stupid AMA position on anything. I'll TAKE THE WHO position on all medical issues before the butt heads running the AMA! I have done 3,000 mile and 10,000 mile oil changes all depending on highway or city or dirt, snow, etc. conditions and my old M runs like a bear. Forget the mileage and go with what you know. Lets hear the MD chime in. He seems to know more about cars than he does about treating his patients. Very scary in these times in my OP.

Yeah by gawd!!! I'm all pumped. Possibly I'll need less Viagra tonight...

[axefire]

Antz you're a riot! And everyone else, please chill - if you've been on this forum long enough you'd all know antz, and the way we like to goof around in between the answers and help we all try to provide to each other. If you haven't been here long, well, now you know. It's all good. Read, learn, laugh enjoy please. Otherwise, have a coke and a smile

(That don't mean we'll be taking long walks on the beach holdings hands, or taking long hot showers together now Antz!) Especially after that Viagra comment

I change my oil every 3.5 to 5k depending on circumstances - as mentioned above, time of year, driving coditions, weather... etc - I use syntetic - M-1, Quaker State, Castrol mostly.

I DO however burn oil! Every 2k I need a quart! I think it's cause of the way I drive and where I live, constant up/down the mountian thing petal to the metal hair on fire etc... - No smoke or oil stains in my garage, just burns oil. And man can I tell when I need oil - she gets all funky and unhappy. In fact for some strange reason I often find I need a little extra oil top off after an oil change... 5 qts not quite enough strangely -

I do have a question - anyone use slick 50? I used to swear by that stuff with my Maxima but haven't done my M35x yet - anyone? Beuler?

[DeanM45]

axefire---do you have a catch can on the PCV system?

The low tension piston rings on our motors benefit GREATLY by a properly working PCV system. The more vacuum that is pulled in the motor or at least minimal crankcase positive pressure (through the PCV system) the better the rings seal on the intake stroke (which is where oil can be pulled into the combustion chamber).

Slick 50---would NEVER use it. It may have worked well for others but never for me or anyone I know. When pulling apart motors that used Slick 50 or something similar, there was never a "coating" on the parts but instead a coke buildup. Keep in mind that this was mainly on turbo motors. However, I feel that the risk in no way outweighs the supposed benefits.

[myother45isalesbaer]

axefire,

Long Valley, NJ? Small world. I was born in New Brunswick, raised in Edison and eventually moved to Kingwood just out side of Flemington. Know the area well. Mine burns a quart every 3,000 too and its not leaking. I happen to agree with DeanM45, stay away from Slick 50. I use Quaker State non-synthetic as my M loves to eat synthetic. Go figure. The catch can seems to have worked for a lot of M owners. I'd try something akin to 10W40 or 10W30 and see if that slows down the burning. Also try laying off the gas pedal on those country roads. If I wind the snot out of mine, oil consumption goes up. Overall, in my OP, these cars like to eat oil just like the ones made in the 60's to 70's.

[axefire]

Awesome - thanks Gents - yes myother - LV, on top of the mountian - and I just started a job out in Allentown PA so I'm commuting approx. 90 miles a day. I already have 90k on my 06 M35x. This is actually pretty good however not looking forward to the extra miles I'll be packing on her. I just love my 06 with my burbon leather and the overall interior. I've seen ther newer Ms and they aint as nice inside as mine IMHO...

Anyways, PCV system - have not looked into it at all. You might be onto something here!! Too much cracnk case pressure! Honestly about 15k miles ago I had my engine flushed real good -and we noticed a heavy gunk biuld up on the inside of the valve covers which might be explained by too much crank case pressure pushing oil up etc... thus burning oil faster than it should. Who can I have look at this? I'm pretty capable but I think this is out of my league... please don't say the dealer, I'd rather shove a hot needle in my eye than bring my car to the dealer...

Also, are you saying you burn less oil when you DO NOT use synthetic? really? cause hell non synth is less expesinve!

[bejjutsu]

Every time I change my oil (around 5K), I am told (always after the fact) that the oil was pretty clean and had about 1000 or more miles before needing a change.

[bejjutsu]

I have no intention of extending or justifying your 'joke' post. Humor is a wonder drug and I firmly believe in it and enjoy it. Hoity, vulgar, sexual, even political and religious jokes are funny. However we do NOT poke at or make light of individuals with debilitating medical issues, nor do we make any individual into a joke. My point by posting the HPD (understood by all but yourself) was to illustrate that your joke was in extremely poor taste and actually not humorous in the least.

I must repectfully decline your offer of evaluation for the following reasons:
1) Not in the very least interested
2) I avoid medical advise from obviously unqualified people

May we now please end this silliness and get back on topic?

In truth, there are countless threads identical to this one. The poster could have spent a few minutes searching and probably would have found a satisfactory answer. That said, I appreciate both of you scholarly gentleman upping the level of discourse on the forums and using internet novelties things like grammar and punctuation.