Oil Consumption Question

[HolySh*t]

I have just concluded the 2nd thousand mile mark of my oil consumption test and the car does not seem to be burning oil.

It just hit me that when they changed my oil they switched it to semi-synthetic oil which is a bit thicker than full synthetic oil. During this test I have noticed my MPG go down from 18.3 to 17.6. The service dept. guy said that is expected and that semi-synthetic is recommended for this car.

Where can I find the recommended oil type for the M. I dont have my owner manual so I cant check in their. I want to keep using full synthetic so i can keep the better MPG but i dont want the oil to burn. Has anyone ever gone through the oil consumption test using full synthetic oil?

[szh]

The "recommended" oil is not specified per se. You can use any oil you want, as long as it is at least 5W-30 or so (in hot climates, 10W-30 will also be fine) and change it often enough.

Personally I would not expect the oil change from synthetic to semi-synthetic to create that much of a mileage change ... something else may be different.

FWIW, I use Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 with good results - this is a good year-round oil for just about all parts of the country. Even in deep winter.

Z

[SilverShadow]

You can go here http://www.nissan-techinfo.com...id=57 to get a copy of the owners manual. I do not believe that you will find that there is any mention of synthetic oil, just API (American Petroleum Industry) specifications.

[szh]

Thanks, yes, I should have been clearer!

I meant that using synthetic vs. non-synthetic oil is not specified. But, you do need to use the correct API oil (the User Manual says this info) - which most good oils that are available, do meet fortunately!

A good dino oil: Castrol GTX 5W-30. Kragen in California is having a sale on Castrol GTX (with coupons) for $0.99 per quart final price.

BTW, I wish the larger 5 qt bottles of various brands would be available in 6 qt bottles for our V-8 engines ...

Z

[HolySh*t]

I wonder what could be affecting my MPG. Maybe it's the BG44K. I have used it about 4 times, every 3rd or 4th fill up. Is that too much? I keep my tires at 38psi and I dont drive aggresively. A friend of mine actually told me i drive like an old lady. I'm never in a rush so there is no need to speed. I havent changed anything since they switched to semi-synthetic so I really think its the oil. I always use Texaco or Shell premium grade gas.

[Q45tech]

The returnless fuel systems used in 2002 and later expose the injector screens to 80% less fuel so to a point less cleaners are required/

I would think 1 can of BG44K would be enough every 90 days or use half and SEAL the rest, every 45.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Could your M.P.G loss be using increased A/C usage during the hottest time of the year? Without knowing the date of your last change just a guess. Only reason I ask is that my M.P.G got much better upon getting the Huper Optik automotive film. Though not drastic, honestly better. Thanks again to Szhosain and da Hitman for the info on this stuff. On the bright side, everywhere other than here on the East Coast will get their first taste of fall coming up. Better M.P.G and acceleration. Jealous.CheersM.L

[HolySh*t]

It's not my A/C usage. I only use the A/C when i am on the beltway. Other than that I have the windows down. I dont do that to save gas I just prefer to open the windows. Is it possible that the mpg is messed up? When you fill your tank how much mileage does it say you have until empty? How many miles do you drive until you need to fill uP?