So according to Lexus, the LS should still get oil change every 5000 miles, even when using 0w20 synthetic oil.

 

Please keep in mind ........ that prior to 2010, Lexus oil was a "synthetic blend." By no means was/is it a FULLY synthetic oil, whatsoever.

That is WHY Lexus' recommends/requires (etc) 5000 between oil changes for vehicles prior to 2010.

When dealing with matters like this, it's always good to get all of the facts so we alll know what we are dealing with.

jlawr posted a GREAT Resource. It's the Lexus' "Oil Viscosity Applicability and Change Interval Guide" a few posts back. It is well worth your time to read it (takes maybe 60 seconds.)

If you missed it, I have re-attached a copy herein.

Thus, the recommended oil change interval is actually based on the actual TYPE of oil used, and not the weight. Keep in mind that "synthetic blend" is simply a re-formulated dino petroleum with additional additives. It's a long ways - performance and longevity-wise - from anything being marketed as "Synthetic Oil" in the U.S. today.

And if you have a CPO Lexus, or one covered by some sort of remaining factory new car warranty, or an Extended Warranty, it's a really smart idea to perform their (Lexus') required maintenance at THE LEXUS' recommended intervals. If that issue (remaining warranty) doesn't apply to you, and you wish to use Mobil 1, Valvoline, Amsoil fully synthetic oil and go 10K between changes ..... go for it..

Best Wishes to all .........

Mikey Lulejian
Lake Oconee, GA


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As stated on the chart for current models, the LS is to have the 5000 miles oil change interval, despite using full synthetic 0w20 oil.

Either way, I still change every 5000 miles using Mobil 1. I'm keeping my LS for the as long as possible so oil change is good maintenance even if it's overkill.

 

to tell you the truth oil is not the major component it is really the filter, I mean the oil does it job and but if the filter doesn't last then you will have problems either way 5k to 10k is okay and to each is own, would you feel comfortable with bmw oil change intervals of 15k???????? i know I wouldn;t considering there reliability.

 

I am at about 7500 miles on my wife's RX330 (with Mobil 1 synthetic). I just ordered a test kit from BLACKSTONE LABS. The kit is free and the analysis is just $25. It says it takes 1-2 weeks to get the kit. I'll test when I get it, provided I can get a sample out with ease. I suspect that it won't be easy, in which case I'll wait until the oil is at 10,000 miles then get the sample from the oil change. My LS just got new Mobil 1 0W-20 on Monday, but I'll sample it too at 5000 miles (then maybe 10,000 miles if the 5K is clean enough to leave in). I will report back. It says it takes 1-2 weeks to get the test kit then I suspect a week or two to get the results. So it might be a little while, but I'll post here and on the RX330 page too. Yeah, I get it that the RX is a totally different engine than the LS, but the test results of synthetic oil at the scheduled interval, then maybe at the extended interval, will be useful from an extrapolation point of view.

 

I had a 99 Boxster that Porsche said to change the oil at 10,000 miles or one year which ever came first if using Mobil 1. I would follow that once a year interval if you do not drive 10k a year.

 

That's what I do, change oil once a year with Mobil 1 OW20.

 

]M-B says the same thing, at least for our SL500. "Every 10K - OR ! 12 months ~!"

The important thing to remember is this:

A) Do what keeps your Factory Warranty in place and in an "Honorable" position, whatever that is. If or when there is no remaining Warranty issue, then as I said before: " .... you wish to use Mobil 1, Valvoline, Amsoil fully synthetic oil (or some other QUALITY SYNTHETIC oil) and go 10K miles between changes ..... Go for it."

B) Remember that when deciding on oil change INTERVALS, "TIME" plays as important a position as mileage. There are many TYPES of contaminants, besides dirt, and carbon. MOISTURE can be equally disastrous, and that comes into play the longer the oil sits in a container, and then cold (brrrrrrrrr) temperatures, and then warming up an engine (or maybe not), etc, etc etc. A car in OHIO is far more likely to need to be concerned with this item than a car in Southern CA.

C) And lastly, it ain't all that hard to change your own oil. Besides, it can be fun ! It's your car, and to honor some old timer's adage.... "It'll take care of you as long as you take care of it !"

You can buy good oil from many places. Supposedly the Toyota oil (or at least the Synthetic type oil) is made by Mobil 1 anyways. Buy good oil. QUALITY is a lot more important than brand name.

Hoping this has shed some further light on a dull subject. And Wishing everyone a Happy upcoming Thanksgiving !

Mikey Lulejian
Lake Oconee, Ga