I use ramps. I put a 24-inch 2x4 in front of each ramp to keep the lip from scratching on the ramps when I drive on. I also have an 8-foot 2x4 marked for distance between the front tires to assist with alignment before driving on. Then I pull the car onto the 24-inch 2x4's, get out and recheck alignment of the ramps, and then pull on. Never any problems if you just take the time to be careful with what you are doing.

 

I recently bought an 06 sedan with 17,500 miles on it and the sticker for the next oil change says 25000. Im guessing the previous owner is using synthetic but not sure. How can I know for sure since the oil looks good to me? Also, what is recommended for the vq as far as oil and the period in which it should be changed? Ive got 20000 on the car right now and Im iching to change it just so I know its all good.

 

Well scratch the itch! An oil change will never do harm...

 

its so fast and cheap to have a shop change the oil and plus they guarantee the work they do

 

^^ problem with that is sometimes you find scratches on your rims or
a dirty car afterwards; my dealer did mine once and did a good
job....it was a free change so just had them do it while my car was
still running stock wheels.

with my aftermarket wheels, i just do it myself.

 

I just did the 1st oil change on my 03.5 sedan with 50k miles. I bought it with just under 43k. I had checked the oil level and condition periodically and it is amazing how the oil held up so well. My wife drives it about 80 miles per week, with most of the mileage being racked up on the weekend.

I didn't have to drive it up on 2x4 since it is still at stock height. At first I tried to jack it up from the front center but couldn't see the jack point to do it properly. I then decided to jack it up from the driver's side behind the front wheel. It went well and I didn't have to jack it up much to get enough clearance. I then put some 2x4 under the front wheel to support it in case of jack failure, but the proper way is to get a jack stand under there.

At first I couldn't see the oil filter, just the drain plug so I removed the underbody plastic, which takes about 10-12 10mm bolts. The filter was right by the drain plug. All in all it was a piece of cake. I just wasn't familiar with the car. I love how the filter is in sideways, compared to the V8 cars everyone in my family owns. It is so much easier to get it drained.

 

Everything is pretty accessible for the DIYer.

 

I got the craftsman low profile alulium jack for the G35. It works great and my car is stock height. But you guys should check first the jack fits under the back. Because my old 3 ton jack I got from HF didn't fit under the back on the car because it would hit the muffler. So when I bought the low profile jack, I made sure it went under the with out no problem.

 

I use some small ramps I built out of 2x8''s and then jack it up and put it on jack stands.

I installed the Fumoto valve with the nipple that makes it very quick and no mess.

 

very true. i only use ramps to do my oil changes. what i do is measure
the ramp to make sure it is parallel. then i park my other car next to the
car im working on so that i can use the reflection off my other car's door
to see myself go up the ramp and know when to stop.

i use to use a large mirror, but my car reflects just as good.


haven't had any incidents with this technique. use at your own risk.

 

never thought of doing that.. LOL. I'm always very worried i'll go off the ramps. I'll have to try that next time.

 

ramps are the best. just know what your doing so nothing slips and yea.. it can get ugly if the ramps dont grip.