(Flame/stupid comment preventer)

I have looked through the forum, but you can’t search on words like ‘oil ‘and ‘HID’ due to the 3 word limit in the search engine, which SUCKS! This isn’t the only forum with this limitation. Now that I have that off my chest….

Question

I have a 2004 X Type and am looking at a 2004 XJR. What is the recommended engine oil and oil change intervals? I normally change the oil at 3k miles. I have used Castrol GT in my other vehicles. Both Jags have about 60k miles. I think I’ve decided to use only OEM filters based on several discussions I read on this and the UK forum. But wouldn’t mind any additional comments on this either.

 

With synthetic oil, you could go 6K miles no problem between oil changes. The oil should be changed annually if you don't drive more than 6K.

I know other cars say to go even longer like Porsche with synthetic. I think they recommend like 10K between oil changes, but most owners do it more often.

 

The dealer might tell you 3K oil changes even with synthetic but that is really overkill. Synthetics can go 7.5K to 10K without an issue provided you keep an eye on the level--the 32v architecture seems to promote modest oil use between changes in some cars.

 

OK, but which synthetic oil? Mobile 1? Amsoil?

 

Amsoil - Been using it for 13 years in several cars. I change oil once a year (usually <12K per year).

Of course, everyone has their favorite. I won't even hold it against you if you go with something else . Any synthetic is going to be better than "normal" oil.

I think I read somewhere that Jaguar recommends Castrol synthetic, fwiw...

 

I just looked at my Passport to service manual and it says to change oil every 16,000 kms.

does this take in consideration month intervals also ?
i did my last oil change on april 8 2009 and did about 3000 k since, since i will probable do about another 3000 k before i store for the winter in early NOV, should i only change it when i take it out next april? i only use the recommended 3w10 castrol.

 

Hello Jaguarnauts,
I was told by the Dealership Service Department manger that I should not use synthetic oil only Castrol, and to change the oil every 5000 miles.
Any differing opinions.
Darryl
P.S.
I really appreciate being in company of and communicating with all of you guys!!!

 

abwoon, there is a jaguar TSB (technical service bulletin) on the use of oil in our cars. It pretty much covered the whole line of vehicles. In short, it said that only conventional oil should be used and that synthetic is not recommended. If you look in the forums, I'm sure you can find numerous posts to this effect and even a few copies of the TSB. With that being said, members have used synthetic oil in their cars and have not had any issues with it.

I personally am changing my oil every 4K miles (80% highway, 20% city). I used to be an avid 3K mile change interval person, but with newer motors, the amount of carbon that makes it into the oil is dropping. So, the need to change the oil as often is not needed. But, I have gone up to 5K mile change intervals and noticed that my car started to loose mileage after about 4K miles. Hence why I am changing my oil now every 4K miles.

Personally, if you are looking at longer change intervals, I would recommend installing a mechanical oil pressure gauge. This will allow you to keep an eye on the mechanical properties of the oil and when you start seeing the oil pressure change from your post oil fill (idle conditions) pressure, you will know it is time to change the oil. Overkill, sure, but depending on how you use the vehicle, 4K mile oil changes may be conservative (all highway driving), may be insufficent (lots of idle time). Vehicles like semi trucks don't necessarily base their oil change intervals on mileage, but on hours of use.

I look at it this way, if you are changing the oil too often, you are costing yourself a few dollars a year. But if you don't change the oil often enough and you damage the engine, the cost of that repair is????? I consider it cheap insurance.

 

Thanks Thermo much appreciated,
Darryl