2006 M35 Oil Questions

[Vinny2010]

I usually get my oil changed at firestone Im not sure what they're going to quote me on an oil change (im guessing $40-60) or what oil they would put in but Would it be cheaper to do it by myself (with less time)?

What oil should I use that is safe with 125k miles?

How many quarts does it take?

Never really changed oil before due to it being cheaper and less time consuming because of a 4 cylinder engine with my past 2 cars. Is there a DIY or special way to change it on this car?

[EniGmA1987]

Interestingly enough I have found that Firestone and such places charge the same or a little higher than the dealer for an oil change, and the dealer does a much better inspection and washes the car for you.


If you go with synthetic oil be sure and check your levels every 1000 miles to look for any excessive oil burning. Many people who use synthetic have reported (myself included) large amount of oil consumption by engine. My car loses a quart every 1k miles or so with synthetic but only 1 quart in 5k miles with dino oil. brand might matter too but I used the same weight and got those consumption numbers.



As for how much oil, I cant remember off the top of my head. I want to say 5 quarts? But nothing special about it, other than the dipstick being a pain in the butt to put back in place, oh and the underbody plastic piece having a ridiculous number of screws, best to replace that with an aluminum model from TollboothWilly. His aftermarket model has a built in oil door too.

[Larz]

Enigma said it right. neither my 07 M35 (100k miles) or my 09 M35 (30k mile) has ever lost any noticeable amount of oil using Mobil 5W30. However, there have been reports of oil loss using synthetic brand. No harm will come to your engine if you switch to synthetic and then switch back to regular oil. Enigma is also right about the dealer. I stopped doing my own changes. I always take it to the dealer now. I bring my own Mobil 5W30 (they don't stock that) and they use their OEM oil filter and replace the pressure bolt on the pan when finished. They also do an inspection of brakes, fluids, tire wear patterns, belts, hoses, battery, etc and check for any codes. I doubt anyone at the cheapo oil chnage places has the time or the skill to properly check my car out. Infiniti always offer to wash it, but I don't let anyone wash my car but me because I use high quality shampoo and a true chamois - I have no clue what they use, but it cannot be as good. The cost is about $40 and it's like getting a check-up with each oil / filter change (every 3,500 - ,4000 miles or every 3-4 months).
In short ... People who use synthetic swear by that, and people who use regular oil swear by that. Although there is significant clinical data to support claims of better quality and lubrication with synthetic oil, if your car is going to burn it, there is no benefit at all for you.
*** M35's require 5 quarts when changing both oil and filter ***

[kmiles]

I change my own oil. I have an 07 M35x with 108k miles and like Larz, I never lose any oil. I check it regularly and have never had to top it off. I use regular oil - 5W30 Valvoline and with a filter change, it takes exactly 5 qts. It is a slight pain to change as you have remove the plastic cover. The only unique thing about our cars is that you're supposed to replace the copper crush washer every time on the oil pan plug and torque it properly. I buy 10 washers at a time at the dealer, but you also get them from Amazon for about $1 each. For the filter I use the Bosch Premium filter and buy them 5 at a time on Amazon.

[Amgberg]

I usually get my oil changed at firestone Im not sure what they're going to quote me on an oil change (im guessing $40-60) or what oil they would put in but Would it be cheaper to do it by myself (with less time)?

What oil should I use that is safe with 125k miles?

How many quarts does it take?

Never really changed oil before due to it being cheaper and less time consuming because of a 4 cylinder engine with my past 2 cars. Is there a DIY or special way to change it on this car?

I use 0-40 euro by mobile one

[Ilya]

I also use 0w-40 Mobile 1 on my 2011 (used 5w-30 Mobile 1 on my 2007). No issues as far as I can tell, but to be honest I've never checked the oil level in my car the last 7-8 years of driving lol. Maybe today before I leave work I will. It just seems that most dipsticks are hit or miss.

[BizAsUz]

I been using the Valvoline SEMI synthetic and have had no issues... no real noticeable oil loss between changes. guess the Semi synthetic is the best of both worlds...
sidenote: I used to LOVE the mobil oil (I think is the best oil)...but there are barely any Mobil oil spots around here anymore.. bummer.

[EdBwoy]

... but to be honest I've never checked the oil level in my car the last 7-8 years of driving lol...

wowzers!!

No issues as far as I can tell...It just seems that most dipsticks are hit or miss.

I agree that they're not very accurate, but close nuff. In most cars I've owned, the distance from min-max is usually 1 qt.
So how do you check if you have oil consumption issues? During your oil change do you drain and measure?
Also, how do you know is time for an oil change? Mileage-based?