DIY Oil Change on 03-04 M's Who has info&pics

[M45Runner]

For those of you change oil yourself on '06+ M:

Do you need to remove the under engine cover to change the oil, or there is a better way to do it?

[Double E]

The only agrivating part I've found is that few filter wrenches will fit the filter. I finally grabbed a cup-style removal tool and in about 1000 more miles I'll test it out.

[szh]

Z the size of the filter is not so important. Its whats in it.

Hmmm ... perhaps. I made the assumption that the material of the OEM filter had remained the same from when I used to buy the considerably larger OEM filter for the Q45 I used to have.

Plus, my main concern with the M45 is that it does burn oil more than the previous Q45 engines. So, some of that carbon has to be making its way into the oil. Therefore, the size may matter in that the filter could get clogged up sooner.

Admittedly, I don't have specific knowledge here ... just being guided by instinct and years of expecting the worst to happen.

But then again you apparently check the tire pressure at a frequency that is a bit over the top. Do all the soup labels face forward in your cabinets.

Not on the soup labels, but all my books are shelved by last name of the author. Similarly with CD's and singer, DVD's by name, etc. I guess I am anal about some things.

To me, the $6 cost of a filter is minor (and changing it is no extra cost) compared to the problems I might have if the filter were to die, or develop an internal tear in the material, and let something through.

So, yes, this may be overkill, but I think I will keep doing it.

Z

[szh]

For those of you change oil yourself on '06+ M:

Do you need to remove the under engine cover to change the oil, or there is a better way to do it?

The older 2003 and 2004 M45 have a little flap with two screws - which makes it far easier, but the new models apparently do not. So, yes, you have to remove the lower engine cover to change the oil. Bit of a pain apparently.

Please do replace the lower engine cover after you are done. It has a purpose (airflow and heat management and protection from rocks, etc.)

A good reason to avoid the cheapo oil change places - they tend to leave off the screws for the cover. Or mess up the threads putting then back in. In worst-case situations, they have been known to "forget" to replace the cover.

Z

[M45Runner]

Thanks for the information. Yes, it is a pain since it has sooooo many screws like 17...

But, at least I do not feel as dumb by taking it off and put it back on when changing oil.

[GJEMD]

Please do replace the lower engine cover after you are done. It has a purpose (airflow and heat management and protection from rocks, etc.)Zprotection from rocks maybe. but there is no airflow heat management function.I've driven my 2004 M45 without it for 2 summers in the south in 100+ degrees with no issues regarding cooling or drive ability. I ask, if essential why is there no comparable "splash shield"(that's what its called) component listed for 2006 and forward M45?

[M45Runner]

It is not listed on-line. But, if you call http://www.everythinginfiniti.com, they will tell you that is available and cost $138 plus shipping. which to me is OK.

[szh]

I personally just bring in Mobil 1 to the dealership. They charge me the regular price as if they used their oil. I think that by law you can bring in your own supplies and pay labor even at dealerships.

(Missed this earlier post - sorry).

I don't know if it is law per se, but I do take my own Mobil 1 into the Frontier Infiniti dealership (for the 7500 mile interval work that I have done there) and they give me a discount on their oil that they do not use.

I never thought it was an issue, and I guess they don't either.

Z