Motor Oil: 5w-30 Ok Here?

Nick, I think part of the potential problem here is that Porsche has since updated thier oil recommendations, and that trumps the info in the Owner's Manual.

JCL12, how do you know the oil in the car is 5W30? Are you going by the actual receipt, which may be wrong? Or did they specifically tell you 5W30? I would bet they used the correct oil if they just did this last Fall. Give them a call, play "dumb" and ask the service advisor, "What viscosity oil do you use in the Porsche?" And see what they say.

If they in fact used 5W30...I would ask for a refund in some way or part. Worth a call to PCNA too. This may only work if they were a Porsche dealership.

[ralphie]

i was under the impression that for normal temperature running and starting (0-40'C), 0W40 was fine.

the manual, however, doesn't mention this.

been using 0W40 all along.

[NickCats]

Here's the latest list of Porsche approved oils :

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=393996

Also, here's a good thread with some good input from Tool Pants regarding Porsche approved oil :

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13437&page=1&pp=20

Nick

[JCL12]

Originally Posted by bmussatti

Nick, I think part of the potential problem here is that Porsche has since updated thier oil recommendations, and that trumps the info in the Owner's Manual.

JCL12, how do you know the oil in the car is 5W30? Are you going by the actual receipt, which may be wrong? Or did they specifically tell you 5W30? I would bet they used the correct oil if they just did this last Fall. Give them a call, play "dumb" and ask the service advisor, "What viscosity oil do you use in the Porsche?" And see what they say.

If they in fact used 5W30...I would ask for a refund in some way or part. Worth a call to PCNA too. This may only work if they were a Porsche dealership.

Well, I don't think i'll be getting a refund. The dealer was 400 miles away. The tech told me he was using 5w30, we debated 0w40 vs 5w30 and I gave in. Bad move on my part. I watched him pour from a large 5w30 jug...so that is how I know. My receipt may also say as such.


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Moving on, I have been reviewing costs and basic scope of work for the 45K. The only "value add" work they seem to be doing is oil and filters. All else looks like inspection....so what otherparts and labor for fixing/changing parts are included?

The qoutes I have so far are $950 and $725 all from dealers in the northern VA / southern MD area. My goal is to trim cost below $550 and retain quality. Is this possible? (I still have 1 informal request for qoute out and I am sending more)

[racer_d]

JCL12.. what year is your Boxster? As you learned, your 45K service is nothing more than a bunch of inspections, plus an oil/filter change. 5/30 will not kill your motor. Relax, and next time be sure to choose one of the better viscosities for your new climate and driving needs.

Have you looking into independent shops? There are several in the area (IMA, ASG, Intersport and Autobahn all come quickly to mind and I know there are a few others) and likely no farther for you than a stealership.

[JCL12]

Originally Posted by racer_d

JCL12.. what year is your Boxster? As you learned, your 45K service is nothing more than a bunch of inspections, plus an oil/filter change. 5/30 will not kill your motor. Relax, and next time be sure to choose one of the better viscosities for your new climate and driving needs.

Have you looking into independent shops? There are several in the area (IMA, ASG, Intersport and Autobahn all come quickly to mind and I know there are a few others) and likely no farther for you than a stealership.

I have an request for quote in to IMA. I will also call the indy shops you referenced now that I have some more names...so TYVM for that

The $950 came from a stealership in tysons corner. I was going to drive to Rockville MD to trim to $725 from a stealership...but I want to cut cost further for a glorified inspection.

[racer_d]

I imagine for an oil change alone at an independent you are looking at $150-200. Sorry. Oil aint cheap and most shop rates are $100/hr around here. You could try one of the Curry's locations (I've used the Chantilly one, but they are also in Dulles and Falls Church). They did do some basic work (in fact, it may have been an oilchange) and some tire mounting for me. When I had a major issue, they realized it was beyond their skills so I went to IMA. A firend of mine had a disasterous experience at their Dulles location with his 996. You have been warned

RPM in newington is another shop.

If you haven't already, there is www.dorkiphus.net DC area group of Porsche fans. Mostly 911 guys who like to "DIY" because of high shop rates. Several of us have or have had boxsters too.

[JCL12]

Originally Posted by racer_d

I imagine for an oil change alone at an independent you are looking at $150-200. Sorry. Oil aint cheap and most shop rates are $100/hr around here. You could try one of the Curry's locations (I've used the Chantilly one, but they are also in Dulles and Falls Church). They did do some basic work (in fact, it may have been an oilchange) and some tire mounting for me.

When I had a major issue, they realized it was beyond their skills so I went to IMA. A firend of mine had a disasterous experience at their Dulles location with his 996. You have been warned

Wow...indy shop still 150-200? The dealership in upstate NY I was at was $160 lol!

The "disaster" at Dulles...was that Curry or IMA? IMA seems to be very near Dulles but actually in Chantilly. I wish I had mechanical skills or DIY skill...the best quote I have thus far is $725.

Lastly...I probably won't get around to getting an oil change for at least two weeks. I am going to make an assumption that driving with 5w30 won't do anything horrible since at one time this was on "the list" and will just be sub optimal... agree/disagree?

[Brucelee]

Personally, I WOULD get the oil of there right away. If my memory is correct, the viscosity of the 5W-30 oil at temp is quite a bit less than the 0W-40 oil. Why risk an issue in the VA heat for the cost of an oil change.

BTW-Do the oil change yourself and save the dough.