my local auto store just started stocking AMSOIL syn oil.i looked on the back and for the 0w30 it stated that the oil was good for 30-35000 miles or a year(whichever comes first).it did say to change the filter as per manufacturers instructions.i sanybody familiar with this brand and what are the prices in your area?rather expensive up here !

__________________
'95 s500 (bought for wife but can't bear to share!!!) 125kms
'92 legend 180kms
'88 tbirdturbo(fantastic car-only regular maint.)120kms
'87 mustang gt(gone)
'86 tbirdturbo(gone)
'85 mustang gt(gone-but not forgotten)

Gee, you could change oil,ATF,and tires all on the same day............
William Rogers..........

I don't recall a -30 oil in the approved oils list, mostly -40 and -50. But there could be a -30.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL
83 300SD ... $950, see cars forum

Most Amsoil oils are not API approved. if it is too good to be true, it probably is.
35,000 on the same oil is the surest way to get lots of sludge in your engine, depleated additive package, tons of acids. I'd rather have clean recycled oil in my engine than a 15,000mi. old Mobil1,
But, it's your engine.
jackd

just as i posed this question, i recieved an article from a friend opposing the 3k oil change.take a look:

http://www.motor-oil-bible.com/index-test9.html

__________________
'95 s500 (bought for wife but can't bear to share!!!) 125kms
'92 legend 180kms
'88 tbirdturbo(fantastic car-only regular maint.)120kms
'87 mustang gt(gone)
'86 tbirdturbo(gone)
'85 mustang gt(gone-but not forgotten)

These new extended drain synthetic oils that generate smaller metal particles also require better filters that can catch the 5 to 50 micro particulate size. I can definitely see how it could vastly extend engine life (while putting Quik Lube out of business!)

I've been using Amsoil for about a year now with no adverse affects. I've found that my cars temp does not fluctuate as much, runs slightly smoother and definitely starts up better. I change my oil every 1500 miles/6 months so I'm not sure about the longevity. I've read that time is just as bad as mileage so it's best to keep short intervals if you don't drive the car frequently.

I pay about $55 (Including shipping) for a case (12 quarts) of 10W40 Synthetic.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

You use synthetics and you change them every 1,500 miles?!?!?!?!?!

Yeah Actually I do this for a couple of reasons. Regular dino oil I've read doesn't have a long shelf life in an engine once it's been used. Acids build in the oil and can cause excessive wear on engine components. They also don't offer the additive packages that synthetics offer. Seeing as I don't drive frequently and change oil twice/year I find the benefits worth it.

The other reason I use synthetic is a synthetic will maintain it's viscosity and lubricity at much higher engine temperatures, which the 500 can definitely see. If I were driving the car more often I'd change it every 3500 miles.

Great place to learn more about oil...... www.bobistheoilguy.com

IMHO I'd much rather play it safe and spend $60/year more for oil and not take any chances with my engine.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

Your best source of oil change interval recommendation and type (API specification) and "weight" of oil is your owners' manual for each specific vehicle.

If you follow it, you are unlikely to have any engine problems related to insufficient engine oil maintenance.

Typical synthetics have the same additive package as mineral based oils for each API category. The primary advantage of synthetics is longer service life because the base stock oil is more resistant to oxidation. Sythethics can also be an advantage in arctic-like conditions because equivalent grades flow better at extremely low temperature.

Virtually all models where the original factory fill is synthetic and synthetic is specifically recommended for service have on-board oil quality monitoring systems. The monitor recommends changes based on driving conditions and some also have an oil quality sensor. The monitors typically reach "zero life" somewhere between 5-15K miles. Lots of cold starts and stop and go driving in hot weather will consume oil life much faster than steady freewas cruising in mild temperatures.

Even with such systems there is also usually a time limit regardless of mileage or the oil quality monitor, and one year is typical.

Duke