For which model of Nissan/Infiniti are you referring? Page 10-5 of the manual for my 2003.5 Sedan as well as the on-line version have no mention of synthetic oils.

FWIW, a review of the MSDSs of several popular "synthetics" indicates that they contain significant amounts of mineral base stocks.

<font color=blue>Dan</font color=blue>

 

You wouldn't, by any chance, be referring to Castrol Syntec, would you? [img]/w3timages/icons/wink.gif[/img]

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

Righto. That's one of them. To wit:
64741884 - SOLVENT-REFINED HEAVY PARAFFINIC
68037014 - 1-DECENE HOMOPOLYMER, HYDROGENATED
68649127 - 1-Decene, tetramer, mixed with 1-decene trimer, hydrogenated
92062094 - Hydrotreated Petroleum Slack Wax

The BMW version is:
64741884 - SOLVENT-REFINED HEAVY PARAFFINIC
64742547 - HYDROTREATED HEAVY PARAFFINIC
64742650 - SOLVENT DEWAXED HEAVY PARAFFINIC
68037014 - 1-DECENE HOMOPOLYMER, HYDROGENATED
68649127 - 1-Decene, tetramer, mixed with 1-decene trimer, hydrogenated
92062094 - Hydrotreated Petroleum Slack Wax

The 1-decene components are PAO. I think they are manufactured by ChevronPhillips. The numbers are the CAS registrations, very helpful when deciphering a "miracle oil".

<font color=blue>Dan</font color=blue>

 

I bought my car last July.

I just compared page 10-5 in the old (2003) and current (2003.5) manuals and just as some of you have said, the reference to synthetic oil is omitted in the current manual. Who'd thunk it.

 

I have ALWAYS run Redline in my race vehicles and Mobil 1 in my street cars but I know what the dealers do, so I am covering my ***. They will hang you out to dry if it becomes a: you or them issue. It may be a myth but I can say this I know I will have no issues in the factory's eye. At 15K she will get Mobil 1 but for now I'll let my oil tests speak for themselves.

03.5 Sedan/B. Silver/Prem/Winter/Aero/Tint/Rims
69 Chevelle Hard Top BB/4.11's/Posi

 

johnzg35:

Actually the case is not closed, as it looks like you read page 10-5 from the sedan owner's manual.

10-5 on the coupe says you can't use synthetic oil the coupe.

For the 350Z owner's manual, it says you can't use synthetic oil.

The reason why? No one seems to know yet.

 

It doesn't say you can't use synthetic, it just recommends mineral-based oil. I have the manual from a 2003.5 sedan, which also doubles as the coupe manual (it has sections referring to the differences between the two).

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

Oh man, so many mixed opinions, can we all compile a senseable decision on what oils to use? Personally I got my oil changed at 3000 miles. I put in Quaker State Synthetic. I heard the best combination for the G was mobile 1 synthetic and 1qt of valvoline organic. I could be wrong, but your transmission seals are alerady set. If you drive your car (for the first 600 miles) below 3500rpms and than for the remaining 400 miles above 3500rpms (when you're on the highway) your seals will set really tight. And your engine is fully broken in along with the tranny. Doing this, Performance wise, you can get an extra 10hp (this may be a myth, but I believe it just because I have raced about 4-5 G's with my G and mine is slightly faster. (could be the driving though)

 

So I call the Service Department at Beaverton Infiniti (Oregon) and ask about switching to synthetic on my first oil change. He says no problem but keep up the maintenance schedule because, although the oil doesn't break down, there are still impurities in there that should be addressed with new oil and filter.

Sounding more and more like it depends who you ask. Since no warranty issues here, I'm going with syn.

03.5 Sedan AT (Black-Willow-Premium-Sport-Aero)

 

Well, a new filter at least. If you want to extend your oil drains, you should use oil analysis to determine how far your engine is capable of running between drains. Probably wouldn't hurt to consider adding a bypass filter, too.

Although, if you're just interested in moving to the 7500mi schedule instead of the 3750 schedule, it's probably fine.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

The newer manual does say "INFINITI recommends mineral based oils" but also says "Only those engine oils with the American Petroleum Institute (API) certification mark on the front of the container should be used."

Mobil 1, Castrol Syntec, Quaker State synthetic and others carry this certification and do not violate the warranty.
JE


<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by nhoj on 04/24/03 08:45 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

44592-APICert.jpg

 

You forgot your closing quote. Does your manual specifically mention Mobil1, Castrol Syntec, and Quaker State? Or is your quote supposed to end at ..should be used. ???

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

Sorry...fixed now. The manual does not mention any brand. I did look specifically at those 3 oils today and they were API certified.
JE

 

Of course they're API certified. I'd say a manufacturer would be hard-pressed to say synthetic oil caused your problem, as long as you change it at the recommended intervals and don't go for extended oil drains until after the warranty is over.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

Changed mine today to syn: Royal Purple, 5W30. Took about an hour just 'cause I was unfamiliar and looking around under there (have the thick sway bars by the way). Hardest part was remembering which screws I'd already tightened of the MANY that hold on the air diffuser panel. Sheesh!

Next time I'd estimate not much more than 30 minutes.

03.5 Sedan AT (Black-Willow-Premium-Sport-Aero)