Jack

I presently have a 2001 RX 300, and in mid-July I'll also own a 2001 ES 300. I have seen posts on other sites concerning the use of synthetic oil at scheduled oil changes. I haven't hit the 5000 mile mark with the RX 300, so I haven't had the oil changed yet at the dealer. Is synthetic oil (say Mobil 1) an option at the dealer, or do they use regular oil? Some posters say they bring the synthetic oil to the dealer to use in their oil changes. Has anyone from Club Lexus done this?
Another question I have is the recommended octane to use for the ES 300. Is 89 octane the one recommended? Again, the posts are all over the place with their recommendations. I'm not afraid of spending a little extra $$ if it will show results and not just throw money away. Most of my driving will be city.
I'd appreciate any help you can give to me. This is my first experience with Lexus. I always take care of my cars and want to do what is "right" for them.

Mean Gene

Jack - Just do what has worked for U before. Some of the Members have dealers which will use whatever oil that they R given to use ( be it Mobil 1, Redline, etc ) & other dealerships insist on using Lexus ( Texaco ) oil. As far as the octane question, use a G-tech Pro or "seat of the pants" feel to see if it's worth paying for the extra octane in relation to performance gains. It is on the GS4 but since the ES3 isn't designed to be a high performance car ( still a sweet ride! ) I have my doubts that the ECU is set up to maximize the timing & spark curve quite as much as on the GS4.

emus1

Had a 94 ES 300 and used 87. Service manager said no problem, produced decent mileage and performance.

99 silver/mist LS 400

RodF

Which brings to mind another question. I have always been one to change my oil every 3 months (I drive about 1,000 miles/month, city mostly)

Lexus dealer says they would be happy to see me, but there is no benefit to doing it any more than the recommended 6 month intervals.

Any thoughts on this?

MikeGS4PE

I normally supply the dealership I go to with Mobile 1. They have no problems with it and really liked the idea. I have always used it.

Mean Gene

Rod - I've always gone by the rule of "whichever comes first" when it came to oil changes. Using conventional oil, follow the Lexus owner's manual. My ideas using synthetics are much different as the oil will last longer IF it's kept clean. Here's the scoop from a Mobil tech - change the oil & filter; drive 5k & change just the filter. Go another 5k & change both. This will still give excellent lubrication protection but the extended drain interval will help offset the higher price of the M1 oil.

michaelcorbett3

My Lexus service manager says I can change to synthetic from regular oil but I should not do it the other way around. Once you use synthetic, use it all the time.

LexRX

I broght Mobil 1 oil into my dealer for the 5k mile service too...i just hope they used it When you get you ES check the owners manual, it will specify the minimal octane rating for you engine...use that.

I had a problem with the 5k oil changes too, at first. I was also used to 3k miles. I guess I've just come to trust the Lexus recommendation for oil change. I use synthetic oil, so I don't worry about it. My RX is babied anyway.

duster

I've brought my own mobil one and mobil filter to a couple of different dealers.

Seems to work fine.....keep reminding everyone you deal with that you're bringing in your own oil.

Does anyone have a recommendation on where I can send some of my used oil to get it analyzed?

5,000 miles/6 months on M1 and I'm dying to know how the oil/filter is holding up.

sur4dude

Hey Duster,

I've read about some people sending samples to this place:

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free_test_kit.html

I have not done it, but thought I'd try to help.

(I don't work for them, if anyone is wondering )

Yes, there is a charge for the analysis.

sur4dude

Also for anyone who is interested you can check this site out:

http://www.bmcno.org/techtip_motor_oil.htm

I found out about these sites (Blackstone labs and bmcno.org) from hanging around the maxima.org site. I just want to give credit where credit is due.

I also have a 96 maxima that I have moderately modded, so I hang out there too)

duster

I ordered the sample kit from Blackstone.

Thanks for the reference.
Ron