Hey guys I have a quick question I wanted to ask. I have an IS350 and the car from the factory requires 5W-30. My car has around 130,000km (81,000 miles). Is it okay if I run Motul 8100 X-CLEAN 5W-40? From what I read the only major difference between ​5W-30 and 5W-40 is the viscosity in warmer temperatures. ​This makes the 5W-30 better suited for colder temperatures and the 5W-40 better suited for warmer ones?

 

What you're saying seems to be accurate with what I'm seeing online.

Directly from the 2006 manual: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/13...age=288#manual

SAE 5W-30 is the best choice for
good fuel economy and good
starting in cold weather.



If SAE 5W-30 is not available, SAE
10W-30 may be used. However, it
should be replaced with SAE 5W-

30 at the next oil change.

 

https://autooilandfluid.com/5w30-vs-5w20-5w40-10w40/

Also: The number before the W describes the viscosity of the oil when temperatures are at their lowest. If the number is lower, then it means the oil is thinner and thus, best for a cold start or cold temperatures performance. The number that appears after the W describes how thick the oil is when the engine is operating at normal temperatures.

 

What's wrong with using the recommended oil on your cap? You're in Canada right? I would imagine the lighter oil would be a smarter choice for you for cold starts. There was a TSB here in the US stating that 5w20 could be used as well. 0w20 would be an even better choice for cold climates, although that weight is not recommended except for the 3IS (2014+).

 

Hmm I see. My friend has some Motul 5W-40 that he doesnt need which is why I was wondering if I should use it. I was told that it might be better for a higher mileage car to run thicker oil but I'm not too sure about it which is why I came here to ask. I live on the West Coast so it barely hits colder than -5 celsius. Maybe I'll just buy 5W-30 instead of being a cheapskate then haha.

 

If you are not burning oil, don't use it.

Lou

 

Run what your oil cap says.. unless burning oil as mentioned above.

Mobil 1 makes a high mileage oil as well

 

I use high mileage mobile 1. And have for many years on different cars. I just purchased a 08 Altima w/186k for my daughters first car. It had motor rattle on cold starts. I put the Mobile 1 in and the noises went away.

 

I would stick with the oil recommended by Lexus in your manual. I have seen huge arguments over this issue, with people thinking they know more than the engineers that designed the engine. My last car was a 2018 Honda Civic Si, that took 0W20, and in the Civic forum I belonged to there were people who insisted that everyone should use 0W30 because it's turbo charged and runs hotter, and that 0W20 was to "thin". Sending my used oil for analysis at my 7K oil change showed that indeed, the engineers were correct...0W20 protects just as it should. Just use a quality synthetic 5W30, and you will be fine

 

i ran 5w40 Motul in my IS350 before is ok had no problems with it, I also used to run Royal Purple 5w20... I am currently using 5w20 Mobil 1 extended life cuz is cheaper lol...

 

Although Synthetic 5W20 will most likely protect your engine, due to bigger valve clearances in the gen II 3.5L IS 350 engines (2006-2013) it is probably best to stick with 5W30. My 2013 Toyota Sienna which also has the 3.5L V6 uses 0W20, but this engine was specifically designed for that weight. It's port injection as well as a lower compression engine (266 hp)

 

Funnily enough, the standard 2GR-FE has had varying oil weight recommendations even among cars in the same model year. For example, I believe the 12 ES350 says to use 5w30, while a 2012 Camry uses 0w20. Usually comes down to size, expected usage of the vehicle, and the load.

My Yukon Denali with the 6.2 says to use 0w20, my RX350 says 0w20, while this IS350 says to use 5w30. I'll use what the manufacturer recommends except in cases where I absolutely need oil and a store is out of my weight.

 

Strictly talking about the Toyota engines, VVTi needs the correct oil weight to work properly. To thick or to thin, and there could be an issue with valve timing

 

The 2GR (FE and FSE) have both used 0W20 and 5W30 at various times.

There were no significant parts or clearance specification differences between them.

Jeff

 

0W20 would probably work fine, they were starting to switch to that lower viscosity around that time period. 2018 and on are now using 0W16. Just to be on the safe side I will continue to use 5W30