please dont bite my head off but i did search the forum.... really

[Supamon]

I just bout a 06 m35 x with 59,00 miles on it and it drives good and everything but the dealer told me it just got serviced. All I know is that my oil is dirty and the the closest infiniti dealer is somewhat far.

to the point

I think i should be able to change my own oil especially if i have a set of step by step instructions on me. Never did it to any other car b4 but im willing to take a crack at it.

is there anywhere i can find those instructions on hear?

right now i dont even want to drive it until im sure what it needs. Im satisfied just looking at it.... lol

[M45Runner]

Not trying to knock on you. But, if you need instructions for TRYING to do an oil change, I would strongly recommend you to take the car to a oil change place (not Jiffy Lube though) and have it done, should cost about $30-40 depends on your location.

The oil change process is the same as other cars, but you have to take off the under car heat shield, which has about 17 screws and there is a good chance it can be messed up, consider you need to ask for instructions for an oil change. It will cost you about $300+ to get that replaced. So, I would not risk that.

Please take no offence please, just trying to help. But, if you insist doing it, just message back and I am glad to give more details on oil change.

[sr79labrat]

Dude! Just have a car buddy show you! It will take no longer than 30 min and is very easy! the filter and drain plug are located right under the car in a access flap...it is 2 bolts 10mm I think. Then the drain plug is a 17mm or something close.....GOOD LUCK! Just make sure to put the right amount of oil back in, and dont forget to check for leaks when you are done.

Cheers, Kyle

[loystock]

Oil and filter change is basic maintenance task but as the OP said, if you have not done it before, let somebody else do it while you watch. The drain plug is 14mm. The next time, you will be ready to do it. Still, be careful as you might end up with a big puddle of oil in your garage. My personal preference - Mobil 1 10W-30 synthetic oil, OEM/Mobil Oil Filter and crush washer for the drain plug.

You can buy parts from IoS (Infiniti of Scottsdale), one of NICO sponsors. At 25% off MSRP, very hard to beat.

http://www.infinitipartsusa.com

If the car had just been serviced, how come the oil is dirty? What kind of service did they do? At 59K, you basic warranty (4 years/60,000 miles) is about to expire or is already expired. Your Powertrain warranty is still good (6 years/70,000 miles).

In addition to oil change, you also need to replace the fluids - transmission oil (Matic-J or Matic-S, differential oil (GL-5 80W-90), power steering fluid (Dexron III or better), coolant (50-50 with distilled water). At 59K, your drive belts and spark plugs are due for inspection/replacement. The throttle body and MAF sensor need cleaning.

How's the engine air filter? If the A/C air doesn't smell good, the cabin air filter needs to be changed. Have you done a high-speed braking lately (>40K MPH)? If you felt vibration, the rotors need to be turned/replaced, together with brake pads.

We can go on and on about the things that need to be done with your car. But before you attempt DIY activities, makes sure you have the right tools for the job.

[Supamon]

no offense taken. I obviously dont know what im doing. this is why my plan was to work with a buddy of mines. he has the tools and he knows the basics. the more infor I have the more I can micromanage his work. lol Very helpful information though. I think i will start with an oil change until I have time to take it for the 60,000 mile service. the more specifics the better. thanks again.

[Double E]

I agree with the above posts. This car is not the one you want to cut your teeth on. Gaining instructions on the Internet for how to perform basic service on your car is not a good way to begin.

Have a friend assist you and show you what tools and equipment are needed, what to do, what not to do and you'll be very pleased at how quickly you learn other things concerning basic service.

That being said, if you don't know basic maintenance, you probably don't know how the engine works either. There are some good tutorials available on line though, but again, asking someone and having them show you is always a good idea.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/engine1.htm

[M45Runner]

Dude! Just have a car buddy show you! It will take no longer than 30 min and is very easy! the filter and drain plug are located right under the car in a access flap...it is 2 bolts 10mm I think.

This is true for '03 & '04 model. But for '06 or above, the access flap is no longer available and you HAVE TO take off the whole under engine shield to access the oil drain plug and filter.

As soon as you take off the shield, you do not even need to lift the car and can access the drain plug and filter easily.

[M45Runner]

Here is detail steps for your information:1. Buy a engine oil drain plug washer (I bought 10 at a time, since I plan to do my oil changes) from Infiniti dealer - fairly inexpensive. About $1 per piece.2.Take off the under engine shield (by un-bolt all screws, not hard but tedious).3. There is no need to lift the car for the entire oil change process, just FYI. 4. Open the oil fill cap on the top of engine (after remove engine cover by pull it up). Place the oil catch pan under the drain plug and remove the drain plug to let oil drain to the pan.5. After it drain all the oil, install the drain plug with new washer.6. Move the oil pan under the oil filter and remove it - there will be more oil comes out. (It would be helpful if you have a filter wrench, but it is not necessary most of the time. In case you need one, you can get it from any auto parts store. I got mine at AutoZone).7. Oil the rubber seal on the new filter (so it will be easy to come off next time you do the filter change) and put the filter on and hand tighten it - do not use the wrench.8. Add 5.5 Qt. oil. Put the oil cap on.9. Start the engine and let it run for 30 sec. to 1 min. then shut off and check oil level and leakage under car. Add oil as needed.10. Re-install the under engine shield and you are done.

Good luck.

[Supamon]

ok so basically you drain out the oil then remove the old filter..... install a new filter and add the correct amount of oil... lol

its good to know i don't have to lift the car.....

you guys all rock

[AZhitman]

Supa, you'd better be damn skinny if you're planning on an oil change without lifting the car.

Great helpful advice from the team here - Nice work, guys!!!

[szh]

ok so basically you drain out the oil then remove the old filter..... install a new filter and add the correct amount of oil... lol

Basically.

But, don't forget to replace (not re-use) the copper crush washer for the drain plug and tighten the bolt down (to smoosh the copper). That is very critical to prevent any oil leaks from there!

Also, for others with the M45 model, that V-8 engine takes 5 7/8 quarts ... I always have the full 6 bottles put in.

Z

[szh]

Here is detail steps for your information:...

Good stuff - thanks for helping.

Z

[M45Runner]

Supa, you'd better be damn skinny if you're planning on an oil change without lifting the car.

That COULD be true, as I am skinny (5'10" and 140 lb) as I stated somewhere in this forum, I am a runner / competitor. But, I feel you don't need to be that skinny though - as long as you are not weighing more than 200 lb, with a normal to long arm, you should be OK.

[DELUNASC]

Always ensure the old oil filter gasket comes off with the old filter before installing new gasket and filter. I have had the old gasket stay on and did not notice. Long story short, two gaskets do not seal well, and there will be a large amount of clean up involved.

[AZhitman]

I can't imagine doing it without ramps at least...

I'm 6'2", maybe 160 - But there's no way I'm wriggling under a car at stock ride height.

(Then again, I'm pretty claustrophobic - I'd freak the hell out being in that tight of a space!)

[szh]

I can't imagine doing it without ramps at least...

I'm 6'2", maybe 160 - But there's no way I'm wriggling under a car at stock ride height.

(Then again, I'm pretty claustrophobic - I'd freak the hell out being in that tight of a space!)

I am way heavier and know that I cannot crawl under mine.

BTW, ramps would be safest! Jack stands are okay for usual wheel and tire and brake work (when you are not under the car), but are simply NOT safe enough when you are under the car, where your life is involved.

Or have a local gas station mechanic (if close enough) do the work for a few bucks on their lift. That is what I do - labor costs between $12 to $15 depending on where I go (using my own oil and filter and washer) and it works out fine!

Z

[M45Runner]

I do not even go under the car. Just know where they are and (the drain blot and filter) being so close to the front of the car, I can reach them by lying in front of (not under) the car and do the oil change. Give it a try next time.

[AZhitman]

Ah - Makes sense.

I didn't know it was laid out like that.

[FRITZ35]

While Nissan dealerships cannot perform warranty work, they will change the oil on Infiniti products. I used to take my wife's M-35X to the local Nissan dealership for oil changes, as the Infinti dealer is about a 1-1/2 hour drive.

Fred

[dvan]

While Nissan dealerships cannot perform warranty work, they will change the oil on Infiniti products. I used to take my wife's M-35X to the local Nissan dealership for oil changes, as the Infinti dealer is about a 1-1/2 hour drive.

Fred

You're the first person i've seen who puts a dash between the letter and the number for the model, i.e. "M-35X"

[FRITZ35]

You're the first person who has drawn my attention to this. I will work on this. Thanks.

Fred

[dvan]

lol

[myother45isalesbaer]

If you can look under the car and ID all the componets you can change the oil yourself. But my question is why?

1. You have to buy the oil and filter.
2. You have to take the protective pan off.
3. You need the right tools and an oil filter removal tool.
4. You need to drain the oil in a catch basin.
5. You need to know how to put the new filter on. No one mentioned you need to put a film of oil on the new filter gasket.
6. HERE's the REAL KILLER. You have to dispose of all the old oil and filter.

To go to a decent repair shop and pay them the $35-$50 dollars and have them do it is actually cheaper, if you figure your time and driving around to get all the stuff you need. Not counting tools. You don't have any of the hassles of disposal of the old stuff and you just drive away. Oil change done.

Its just no worth it today to do your own oil changes to save a few bucks.

[rgb129]

FYI: Most auto parts stores take your old oil for free.

[gavnator]

I changed the oil one time on my M when I first bought it just to see what was going on under that 17-18 bolt shroud cover. What a pain in the a--. My wife's Pathy has a similar cover but not with all the bolts the M uses. Frankly, it's not worth my time. I agree with one of the earlier posts that yes it a bit more to have Infiniti do the oil change but they do go through the entire car and they also wash it after each service.