My '08 G35X is a little past 3-yrs and 30k and has run perfectly from day one, best car I've owned by a mile. At 30k Nationwide Infiniti (Md) wanted nearly $700 with the only fluid change, other than motor oil, being rear differential. This price actually seems standard for dealers. Infiniti itself per schedules one and two does not recommend ANY fluid changes until 105,000 miles or 7-years but the premium schedule swaps out nearly everything every 30,000. I understand schedules one and two may help Infiniti with cost of ownership analysis but the difference between premium and one/two is immense. Sheehy Infiniti (Md) lists their services http://www.sheehyinfiniti.com/service/ and changes brake fluid and coolant at 30k and ATF, front and rear diffs and transfer case at 60k. That seemed in opposition to what I've read about early changing of gear oils but the coolant is super long life. It's also entirely different than Nationwide's recommendations. My independent Infiniti master mechanic, whom I started using at 30k, advised all fluids for my car are good for at least five years, especially at 10k per year, and to change the brake fluid when pads are changed. He also recommends a 14-qt ATF flush vs. drain and re-fill when done which Infiniti lists as an option.

I find the lack of consistency in maintenance recommendations bothersome. I also have mixed feelings on being proactive vs. not messing with the original fills as the car is running so well. I understand the fluids can be checked and changed as needed, but I would still expect some consistency instead of wildly differing recommendations. I'm going to bring my car to my indy every 7,500 miles for Mobil One change, tire rotation, and periodic filter changes and have him decide what needs to be done. But I would have expected far more consistency in manufacturer and dealer recommended maintenance. Comments and opinions?

 

There is no consistency because there is nothing consistent about how consumers use their vehicles. In your case, 10k miles/year of tame driving would theoretically allow you to stretch fluid changes longer than someone who aggressively drives their vehicles for 5k miles/year.

Even then, the term "tame" and "aggressive" are both subjective.

So, Infiniti publishes three schedules and based on what the dealership/tech sees, they may suggest one of the three. Ultimately, you're the final decision maker.

In my case, other than oil changes (where i follow extended intervals, and only because my UOA's are good), the rest i follow a somewhat more conservative route. It never hurts to change the fluids, but it'll hurt you down the road not to. I'd rather err on the side of caution.

 

^ mike summed it up nicely, its more about how you drive your car that decides how often to change your fluids, however imo 60k is a good time to change out ATF, front diff, transfer case to keep fluids fresh and shavings out.

However for the rear diff i would go every 30k considering how dirty the shaving grabbing magnet gets after that. And its only ~2qts of geal oil and an easy DIY so worth doing it more often imo

 

The manual is quite clear - assess your driving habits and conditions, and choose premium service, schedule 1 or schedule 2. It's up to you to tell the dealer what you want done, not the other way around.

 

I think I have a better understanding of why it's not a one size fits all. I will change the rear diff with the oil change next time and go from there.