Ester Oil for my first oil change
 

Went to the local nissan dealer today to get my first oil change in my 2010 370Z roadster. Said I would need Ester Oil? Is more then twice what normal oil is. Said could run normal oil but engine may start knocking. Are any of you familiar with the difference in Ester Oil and regular grade? Should I use the Ester oil?

Thanks!

That's a load of crud. Any good synthetic of the proper weight will be just fine. I run Mobil 1 and get my oil changed at the dealership. Knock is from premature detonation -- got nothing to do with the oil.

Only thing they really claim is superior about the Ester oil is for quieting valve chatter and I'm not sure I believe that.

Ester oil is not full synthetic, it is also recommended but not mandatory for the 370z. I personally use mobil 1. There are plenty of threads on this forum where this issue has been discussed.

Just take a look at some of these:

http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-g...her-oil-2.html

http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...es-inside.html

http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-g...-like-wow.html

http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-w...how-often.html

and there are plenty more if you use the search :tiphat:

thanks, I will check those out. But you say Mobil 1 would work? how often will you need to change then?

I use Mobil 1 0w-40. Change it every 3000-5000 depending on how much I beat on the car. That's probably overkill, but it makes me sleep better at night.

I change every 6 months -- mostly for warranty purposes as I don't put that many miles on the car.

its funny coz thats how the finance guy sold me the maintenance plus. he said that the oil changes are going to be synthetic so i calculated that in my head and figured it was worth it so i bought it and when i went for my first oil change, dealer said only regular oil is covered.

Your warranty will not be void if you use some other. Given that price difference is not huge between fully synthetic and ester, I have them use ester.

I only use ester oil for my Z.

Everybody has their own preferences and recommendations.

But when it comes to engine fluids, I prefer to keep it OEM.

Ester oil is good for break in after that the choice is yours most oil is good to go now a days.
I use Mobil 1 5w30 full synthetic.:tup:

I'm sure synthetic is fine, however I have elected to do all dealer recommended service and fluids. I have the 40th anniversary, low mileage and don't drive it much. I decided I would do this to help the value of the car in the long run. I plan on keeping it for a very long time. For what it's worth, my dealer charged $85 for the ester oil change and service. If you driv 30000 miles a year this would be a lot of money, but I won't even put 5000 miles a year on this car so it's a solid investment in my mind.

I wish mine was that cheap. They quoted me 195 or 55 for full synthetic.

I would recommend never going back to that dealer. Ever.

Just change your oil yourself and save a ton of jack. It's the easiest diy project you'll do... save for changing your wipers I suppose.

Ester oil is not 100% synthetic motor oil. Using Ester oil or a full synthetic motor oil in your 370Z will have no negative effects on your engine. As long as you change your oil on or before the recommend time to change your motor oil you will be fine. I have had oil analysis done using both Ester oil and full synthetic motor oil and conditions were no different they put different additives in the Ester motor oil. Detonation or spark knock has nothing to do with you changing your oil on your 370Z. I would pick a different Nissan dealership to give your business to they have no clue about what they are talking about. The only thing that would help you by using Ester motor oil would be to reduce drivetrain noise or valve chatter. This really is only helpful in higher mileage VQ37HR engines. At low mileage if your engine is healthy you will not experience drivetrain noise or valve chatter so there really is no reason to use Ester oil at low mileage other than for the short break in period for a new VQ37HR engine. Your best choice would be to change your own motor oil and oil filter it is a easy diy and you know it will be done right if you do your own oil change. Since after my break in period was over I have been using Valvoline SynPower 5W30 and a K&N oil filter for my oil changes every 3-4K miles or every three or four months whatever comes first after seeing the oil analysis that was done. The time you change your oil depends on how you use your 370Z.