How often to change oil?

[tnoice]

Every 5,000 here.

[d18mike]

Everyone has a different approach on this. Porsche recommends every 15k. I think the majoriity of owners do it around 5k. I tend to be between 3-5k. Serves 2 purposes: good engine maintenance and an opportunity to see if I am having an IMS issue by monitoring for metal shavings in the filter.

I also change it before storing in the winter.

[stephen wilson]

5K for me, 5-40 Castrol Syntec.

[jbs986]

Originally Posted by stephen wilson

5K for me, 5-40 Castrol Syntec.

+ 1 But I use 10w-40 Castrol Syntec.

[SeanZ4]

Due to my minimum miles per year I do mine every January. Usually less than 2k on the clock. I switched this year to Castrol 5-40. I also do the usual inspection of everything, i.e. cutting apart the filter and examining the magnetic drain plug. I think the Porsche recommended change intervals are too long. Just my opinion.

sean

[johnsimion]

Originally Posted by d18mike

Everyone has a different approach on this. Porsche recommends every 15k. I think the majoriity of owners do it around 5k. I tend to be between 3-5k. Serves 2 purposes: good engine maintenance and an opportunity to see if I am having an IMS issue by monitoring for metal shavings in the filter.

I also change it before storing in the winter.

Whoa! I'm not so sure Porsche recommends changing the oil at 15K miles, at least not for everybody!!! AFAIK, they have changed their recommendations several times. If the OP wants to be official, he needs to get a hold of the official maintenance book. Go to the dealer and order one! That will answer the question for once and for all, and will also be a good reminder of the other maintenance requirements.

I'm pretty sure the own official maintenance book for my 08 Cayman says to change at 12K miles, not 15K. It doesn't matter, however, because there's no way I'm letting the oil be used for that long. As a practical matter, I totally concur with your suggestion to change the oil at 5K and before storing for the winter (in my case, that's the same time).

[paulv]

Originally Posted by johnsimion

Whoa! I'm not so sure Porsche recommends changing the oil at 15K miles, at least not for everybody!!! ................

My 07 has a 20K mile oil change interval according to the service schedule. I ignored that recommendation and I think that for 08+ (your model) they backed off to 12K miles(as you noted). Looks like there was a big "Go Green" push in '07!

Just a quick story: I also have a MB E320 and when we bought it, MB was giving away free oil changes based on the oil life monitor. My car would go in at approx 15,000 miles. When MB stopped the free oil changes, they changed the oil change intervals to 10-12,000 miles (depending on AMG or regular engines). The only good news is that my UOAs very about the same as a friend who was changing his oil at 7500 miles (same yr/model E320).

Regards,
paul...

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

I don't understand the hostility from Flavor 987S. My recommendations are good. They may be different from his beliefs. I don't blindly follow Porsche. They apparently don't always get it right as we all conceed there are flaws with our cars. I have enjoyed both of mine and will contiue to buy the brand. And I will maintain it my way and get longer than normal life from it at lower than normal cost. Happy Boxstering.

[jmatta]

I will continue to follow the recommendations of Charles Navarro, Jake Raby and JFP in PA who witness the cars in real life, not some recommendation or "approved" oil list from Porsche...what BS. Brought to you by the same folks that manufactured weak connecting rods, inferior IMS bearings, plastic galore, etc., etc.

[Flavor 987S]

Originally Posted by jmatta

I will continue to follow the recommendations of Charles Navarro, Jake Raby and JFP in PA who witness the cars in real life, not some recommendation or "approved" oil list from Porsche...what BS. Brought to you by the same folks that manufactured weak connecting rods, inferior IMS bearings, plastic galore, etc., etc.

Charles recommends certain Mobil 1 oils. Jake has never (IIRC) publically recommended any specific oil, only intervals, and at one time was getting ready to market his own brand of oil. And JFP in PA pretty much repeats whatever Jake says.