2009 Maxima recommendation

[ekpolk]

Well, here are my two or three bits.

First, it is interesting to see Nissan suddenly departing from the old party line of recommending conventional oil. I'd bet/speculate that the comment re CAFE approval is right on as to the basis for this new ester oil idea. The VQ is a robust engine that has served many, for long periods, on good old conventional oil (not that that kept me from using GC in mine, though).

Second, it will be very interesting to see what Nissan charges for this stuff. Their pricing for their long series of "one off" ATFs has been nothing less than rapacious (especially at the Infiniti dealers). Something tells me we're not going to see many "BOGOs" or "five quarts and a filter" specials at the Nissan stores.

Third, I no longer have a dog in the Nissan/Infiniti fight, but I would respectfully ask a member who does to "take one for the team", use the stuff, and get an analysis posted in the used oil analysis section. I'll talk to Helen about getting a "Special Oil Hero" avatar for anyone who does.

Seriously though, this being BITOG, we've just gotta drill down to the hard core data and do our best to figure out what this stuff really is.

 

[ekpolk]

Come to think of it, this is ripe for a new thread. Let's keep the new Maxima stuff here, and I'll start one regarding this new "mystery oil".

 

[buster]

"Ester based" really means nothing in the world of synthetic lubricants. Motul loves to use the word "ester based", when 99% of their product line contains mostly PAO/Group III synthetic base oils. Generally speaking, you can get an idea based on price alone.

 

[JonnyO03]

I'm going to try the new ester stuff in my VQ37 in the next couple of months when my change is due and I'm definitely sending it in for a used oil analysis - which will, of course, get posted here.

I may be able to be convinced to send some in for a virgin sampling, if people think that would be beneficial. I'll take donations for beer if I do so

 

[notalk]

First of all, Jonny, I can't wait. Change your oil now. Then, send it in three months from now.

Second, the Nissan Ester oil, at least according to some dealerships, is a 5w30 conventional motor oil with (some sort of) ester additive. The retail price is $12/quart.