Premium Fuel/Synthetic Oil - Infiniti M37

[M37Texas]

Previous car: 2008 Infiniti M35S
Latest car: 2013 Infiniti M37

I recently purchased a 2013 Infiniti M37 (used, 76K miles, $23K). I thought that it would be almost identical to the M35S but find it quite different. I used the search tool but couldn't find any discussions related to the use of premium gas. Maybe I was supposed to but I never used premium gas in the 2008 M35S. Does everyone else here use premium? I have a bit of a lead foot so I have been trying to drive almost exclusively in "ECO" mode - trying to calm down and enjoy the ride more.

What do you think? Premium gas a requirement? The manual sure says so.

The manual is surprisingly quiet on the issue of engine oil. I thought for sure that synthetic oil would be recommended but not so. I know that some swear by synthetic - and that's fine. But what's the general consensus? Since I just received this car, I have no idea what kind of oil was used in it previously. In the past, I haven't opted to use synthetic oil in most of my cars (unless the manual specifically called for it). What do you think? Synthetic or conventional oil?

Thank you in advance.

[dmclone]

I follow the owners manual since I assume they know more than I do. Premium and non-synthetic.

[M37xfan]

I use premium gas. Furthermore, the Infiniti service manager told me that Infiniti requires and/or uses a synthetic blend motor oil.

[Debonair]

Most modern vehicles that require premium gas will run on lower octane gas. You just will not get the same performance and fuel economy from the car that it is designed to provide. Basically, the lower octane gas will cause the engine to "knock" causing the car to retard the timing, zapping your performance. My vote: run the premium.

For oil, the car should run fine on either. It does not matter what was used previously. Modern conventional and synthetic oils are fully compatible. The old idea that once one type is used the car should stay with is not true. Synthetic oil is cleaner, lubricates better, lasts longer, handles temperature extremes better, and on and on. My vote: run the synthetic.

I will add that I do service my own cars, so even with the more expensive synthetic oil I pay much less for an oil change then it costs at any reputable oil change or automotive repair shop for a conventional one with brand name oil. 13+ years ago when I was running an oil change shop we were charging almost $50-60 for a synthetic oil change. I bet it's around $100 now.

[mrnix]

Edmunds.com did research maybe a year or so ago on the "premium fuel" requirement. They then made lists of two classes of cars, Premium Recommended but not needed, and Premium Required so the engine runs right. The M was on the required list.

[M37Texas]

Thank you all. Your responses were very informative.

Now if I could just figure out why the radio scrolls in one direction in navigation mode and the other direction when the radio stations are listed! It's taking some getting used to from the older M.

[beachbum718]

Walmart 5 quart jug mobil 1 fully s.23.99 1 extra quart 4.99. Mobil 1 filter advance auto 11.99.my jack and driveway.thats one cheap premium oil change.sometimes bjs has 6 quarts for 25 of Mobil 1..

[lovemycarM35]

Ok so when i do a Oil change, with filter how many quarts is needed?

2011 M37

[Mjkkb2]

5 1/8

[mikedamageinc]

If the manual says that you have to run premium, it shouldn't be a question. Even modern cars that just recommend premium for better performance is a good indication to just go ahead and run premium. They say that because they are high compression engines and the high octane is good for them.

[ArmedAviator]

Agreed with the above statements. Premium will prevent detonation in these high compression engines. Lowe grade will cause detonation. You won't know it as the knock sensor retards timing but it still happens and over time that's wear and tear you don't want.

In a pinch you'll be okay on low grade fuel, bit only in a pinch should you do it.

Use whatever oil and filter you'd like and run the OCI you'd like. I'm using Pennzoil Platinum 5W-30 and a Fram Ultragaurd for 7500 miles for now.