Fiat 500T running-in

[79sunrunner]

Hi there!
I just bought a rather incredible car, a Fiat 500 turbo to be exact. I've been saving up for one for a while, and when the turbo arrived, I just had to have it. Since they are so new, I was the 4th person in Illinois to purchase a 500T, and it was the first one to be in the white color. But there is a problem. The user's guide is for a normal non turbo 500, so the oil recommendation are 5w/30 while the oil cap on the engine insists on 5w/40 synthetic. I'm knowledgeable enough to know that the 5w/40 is better just as in the Abarth model. For running-in, I followed the book exactly, but I'm concerned if i should change the oil early. I know on modern cars, the engines are practically broken in at the factory, but I'm worried most about long engine life. Maybe I should just follow the oil indicator light, and just bring it to the shop at around 8000 miles? What do you guys suggest?

 

[R2d2]

Nice car, I'd go with 5w-40 syn if it was me. Any reason you chose a 500T over the Arbarth?

 

[CATERHAM]

I'd be inclined to change the oil earlier in that little turbo engine.
5w30 might be fine depending how conservatively you drive the car. I'm assuming the car doesn't come with oil gauges. Good oil choices in a 40wt oil would be PU 0W/5W-40 or M1 0W-40.

 

[bullwinkle]

There is certain Chrysler spec for the turbo Fiat engine-I'd be sure to use an oil that passes that spec for warranty reasons.

 

[MBS500]

Hmm mine says 5w40. I'll change at 3000,since ill have a lot of hours on that oil not miles. As I saw somewhere first oil light will lit up at 3800, on all models, them OLM kicks in.
Enjoy, truly fun car. I installed blow off plate foe nice swoosh sound between gears. And red short ram intake should be delivered soon. PS i have red one.

 

[RF Overlord]

bullwinkle, is that the same Pennzoil-made 5W-40 they use in the SRTs?

 

[HyundaiGuy]

The oil you want is PU 5W40. Meets Chrysler spec and is the same oil the dealers use. Also, I believe it is the factory fill as well.

Ignore all the "Fix It Again Tony" remarks that are certain to be made. Those that make them are clueless. I was between a Sport and a T myself, and am enjoying my Sport intensely, as is my wife. I am also enjoying getting 40+ MPG.

13,700 absolutely trouble free miles on mine. 3500 miles on hers, with one minor issue, fixed very quickly.

I changed mine at 5K and again at 8K and will run 8K OCI from there. Your car "may" tell you to change at 4K, it all depends on how it is driven. City driven cars seem to need 4K OCI, while mostly highway driven cars (like mine) are good for 8K. Under no circumstances should you exceed 6 months between oil changes, to protect your warranty.

Also, Mobil 1 does not meet Chrysler spec in case you were thinking of going that way.

Congrats, and welcome to the club!

 

[79sunrunner]

Originally Posted By: HyundaiGuy
The oil you want is PU 5W40. Meets Chrysler spec and is the same oil the dealers use. Also, I believe it is the factory fill as well.

Ignore all the "Fix It Again Tony" remarks that are certain to be made. Those that make them are clueless. I was between a Sport and a T myself, and am enjoying my Sport intensely, as is my wife. I am also enjoying getting 40+ MPG.

13,700 absolutely trouble free miles on mine. 3500 miles on hers, with one minor issue, fixed very quickly.
Hey I remember talking to you! We spoke a few weeks ago about the Fields Fiat dealer in Chicago where I live!
I changed mine at 5K and again at 8K and will run 8K OCI from there. Your car "may" tell you to change at 4K, it all depends on how it is driven. City driven cars seem to need 4K OCI, while mostly highway driven cars (like mine) are good for 8K. Under no circumstances should you exceed 6 months between oil changes, to protect your warranty.

Also, Mobil 1 does not meet Chrysler spec in case you were thinking of going that way.

Congrats, and welcome to the club!

 

[79sunrunner]

Originally Posted By: R2d2
Nice car, I'd go with 5w-40 syn if it was me. Any reason you chose a 500T over the Arbarth?


I really wanted the Abarth, but in the end, I knew it would kill me inside to drive it in the snow, and park it outside since I don't have space in the garage. In the end, the 500T had comfier seats as well as softer suspension. I'm not a performance driver, I'm in for the adventure, and I truly feel the small 4 cylinder cars are the most fun way to travel if your a car enthusiast. I bought mine in the white color for two reasons.
1. White looked good on the dash
2. I'd like to one day have the top painted black with a red pin strip connecting the two color like you can have it done over in Europe. I was told the 2 tone would not be available in America.

 

[HyundaiGuy]

Originally Posted By: 79sunrunner

Hey I remember talking to you! We spoke a few weeks ago about the Fields Fiat dealer in Chicago where I live!


Yup, that was me. Where did you get yours?

 

[79sunrunner]

Originally Posted By: HyundaiGuy
Originally Posted By: 79sunrunner

Hey I remember talking to you! We spoke a few weeks ago about the Fields Fiat dealer in Chicago where I live!


Yup, that was me. Where did you get yours?


I ended up going to Bettenhausen. They had a nicer selection along with a more helpful salesman

 

[147_Grain]

Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
I'd be inclined to change the oil earlier in that little turbo engine. .... Good oil choices in a 40wt oil would be PU 0W/5W-40 or M1 0W-40.


Well said!

 

[Bladecutter]

Just change the oil when the yellow exclamation mark turns on on your gauge cluster.
The yellow exclamation mark will then be followed by a message to change oil soon in the EVIC display the next time you start the engine.

Don't bother changing the oil early, because you can't reset the oil change minder until it comes on.

BC.

 

[MBS500]

Here is FF UOA from my 500T. Keep it till OLM says so.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2995079