When you purchase a Lexus IS 250 AWD, what kind of oil is in the car? I am just curious because I saw a thread with oil and stuff so I decided to post this. And is it better to get my own oil or should I just take it back to the lexus dealership and have them change it for me? (what kind of oil would they use?)

 

Unless it specifically stated somewhere in the engine compartment, or on the oil cap that they used synthetic then its most probably its regular motor oil. And the type/weight of oil they used is printed on the oil cap.

-Tommy

 

Maybe not. The cap might still say 5w-30, but the engine was factory filled with 5w-20 in Japan. There's no need to worry about it. Just drive the car and enjoy it. The oil used at the factory is perfectly good oil.

 

Factory fill on the 2007 IS is 5W-20 conventional motor oil. Even if it says 5W-30 on the oil cap.

 

How do you know that the oil that comes in the 07 IS's is 5W-20? Thanks.

 

Some things you just have to trust. Toyota/Lexus says the recommended fill should now be 5W20. Just trust that your IS is coming as spec'ed by the manufacturer. Is there a reason for your doubt?

 

Sounds good as long as they don't use ****ty oil...

Is 5W-20 better or 5W-30?

And about my prior question, should I buy my own oil or should I take it to the dealer every 5k miles?

 

The TSIB that came out when they changed the recommendation mentioned that 5W20 is now factory fill. Also, one the the posters here (Gernby?) sent a sample of his factory fill to Blackstone Labs for an oil analysis, and even though he told them it was 5W30, the report came back saying that it was probably 5W20.

According to Lexus, they changed their recommendation because 5W-20 provides better fuel economy and cold start performance. But 5W-30 is still a perfectly acceptable choice too.

 

5w30 or 5w20 will be perfectly a-ok as everyone has said. Besides, most non-synthetic 5w30 pretty much shear down to a 5w20 by the time most of us change our oil.

 

Well said. Come on guys...lighten up on this oil issue. Do you think Lexus would fill your engine, or recommend an oil grade if they thought it was detrimental to your engine? Why second guess their engineers who have spent countless hours engineering the engine and its expected uses to ensure it performs to the expectations of its customers. Also remember that Lexus warrantees these engines for six years. Do you think for one moment that they will recommend something that will jeopardize the warrantee and cost them money and reputation? Give your head a shake and forget what the factory fill is and when changing oil, follow the Lexus recommendation...unless you are a lubrication engineer who has many years of experience in designing motor oils for automotive internal combustion engines. Lighten up!

 

Should I purchase a bottle of oil and DIY or dealership is the way to go?

 

Unless you know what you are doing and have a sfe and environmentally sound way to dispose of the used oil and filter, have either the dealer or a reputable oil change shop do your oil change.

 

Jimjaix, if you know how to do oil changes and/or have done them before, the oil change on the IS is not complicated at all. If you have the tools and it's convenient, save some money and do it yourself.

Javier