First oil change
 

well my z has finally made it to the first oil change and it is completely covered by my dealership. Even still im just thinking about doing it myself since they will probably just put bulk oil in instead of the good stuff.

Mine came with free changes for life, but it's unlikely I'll ever take advantage of it for the same reasons..

It just looks like such a pain in the *** compared to my e30. I might do it just this first time.

Does the manual say to use a certain oil? If so then I would demand they use that oil.

It recommends the ester oil.

Here we go again. To sort it out before the thread gets ugly . . .

Manual recommends ester oil.
Dealers aren't REQUIRED to use it.
Most dealers will throw in the bulk oil.
Even after paying for better oil others have been screwed and got regular oil.
Do it yourself if you want it done right.

The manual says they "recommended" ester oil. When I made my appointment for my free oil change they said they were going to put in regular oil. I mentioned the genuine nissan ester oil and the maintenance guy quoted me $180 dollars for that oil change. I had to haggle a bit and he finally agreed to comp the $180 oil change, but it sounded too much like he caved just to shut me up and get me off the phone. Needless to say, I didn't believe for a minute they would put in the good stuff...and since I have no way to verify...I just did it myself and gave up my free oil change.

probebly just going to do it myself

Good plan. You and the car can bond..:tup:

What is the mileage for the first oil change and what oil is recommended thus far?

As per Nissan, 3750 miles. I changed mine around 2000 with regular oil and then synthetic around 4000 miles.

Ester is recommended but NOT required. If I can afford a 35K car, I can afford the slightly expansive ester based oil. With that mentality, I went with Redline Synthetic. Here's my oil change thread: Oil Change

Thank you!

Don't forget the dealers (sometimes) don't change the oil filters.

I've been mulling over Redline, Amsoil, or Mobile1...GROUP-V vs Group IV, etc...to be honest, I'll probably go with Mobile1, because it's easily available...

I plan on changing over at 1000, then changing again at 3750.

I'm at 2500 right now. I plan to change at 3000. To each his own I guess.

Since seeing AK's oil change DIY, I've decided to do my own changes and I'm leaning towards Redline. Considered Nissan's Ester, but Redline is a strong group V with excellent anecdotal evidence for smooth running and slightly lower temps. Once you get past a certain quality level, the decision is less about data and more about gut feel, which is strongly influenced by this board I admit.

Lol, I bought 3 cases of Mobil1 from Costco while it was onsale, and now I get to return it. Costco return policy ftw.

:twocents:

Although I haven't changed my oil yet, I decided to try Amsoil. Gotta tell ya, it was really nice just ordering it off of the Internet and having it show up at my door - doesn't get more "easily available" than that! :tup:

BTW, if you have any speedshops close by, many of them stock Redline.

I will be going with the new Castrol Edge, and DIY. I don't care if leprechauns jump out of the engine should I use it, or about any other facts or figures thereof.

FIrst Oil change
 

Around 1300 miles. The first one is on Nissan. Most likely change it again in 1700 miles; then swiching to syn oil (Redine or Amsoil). I likely will add Amsoil's by-pass filter to filter the oil to 2 microns and add some additional oil capacity.

If you do this can you please provide a writeup here so that we can see where you placed components? I've looked at doing the same, but the engine bay space is restrictive.

Amsoil's By-pass oil filter
 

[QUOTE=SoCal 370Z;99475]If you do this can you please provide a writeup here so that we can see where you placed components? I've looked at doing the same, but the engine bay space is restrictive.[/QUOTE]

Sure; in the meantime, check out Amsoil's web site-bypass oil filter installations. A 2005 G35 sedan install one below the aluminum bumper. The bypass oil filter looks easy to install. I am not sure if the supplied Amsoil's oil adaptor plate that is installed at the stock oil filter location is a thermostatic sandwich plate or not. Amsoil's Bypass oil filters down to 2 microns.

I'll likely install a oil pressure gauge at the same time later this summer once my friends garage car lift is complete.

Pardon my ignorance but what's a by-pass filter and how is it beneficial?

I will be doing my first oil change at 1,000 miles (currently at 440 miles). This is a habit I have had since my first new car. I will be using Mobil 1 5W-30.

Then I will do my next change at 5,000 miles and repeat every 5,000 miles. Of course the filter will get changed with every oil change.