If that chart was from Toyota it would have some significance with me, but since it is just from a local car dealer, it would carry little weight with Toyota in a warranty dispute.

I think we all would welcome this type of chart direct from Lexus/Toyota. Your dealer might suggest that 0W20 viscosity but until I see something different from Toyota, I think I'll stick with their recommendation. That is my dealers suggestion as well. Apparently all dealers are not on the same page. I also note with interest that the chart does not cover any Lexus vehicles even though they use the same basic engine as several Toyota models. I wonder why? Does that dealership not sell Lexus vehicles?

 

Looking at the TSB's, I saw something about this 5W20 on the RX350's. Same time they specified the WS tranny fluid.

 

You are probably right. But the dealer did the oil change (car is still under warranty) and I prefer to let chips settle in his court (if they need to settle). Anyway, I need to change every six months (as per Lexus requirements). On the BMW, I now use M1 0W40 which is approved under the BMW LL-01 spec., and I change once a year, after approx. 4-5K miles....(!)

 

Well, in defense of the Mobil-1,High Iron doesnt really= wear. And the MB-1 0W-40 is really good oil. That is what my Wife`s MB C-280 uses.

 

the 0w20 oil was introduce to increase mpg. you can search this on the web. Ow20 basically makes your engine a little louder when its cold after that its normal. look at Toyota brand cars from 2010 to 2011 and you will see the oil is just what changed.
this like when some goes from 5w20 to full synthetic(0w20).

 

See my recent post titled "Official Toyota Oil Recommendation Chart", fresh from Toyota Canada (via email).

It's a Toyota chart, but believe me the engine in your Lexus is a Toyota Engine. So, the 400h is the same as the Highland Hybrid and the 330 is the same as the Highlander etc. - they are all 3MZ-FE engines.

Anyway, I'm sure there'll be naysayers, so I'm sending the same email I sent to Toyota Canada to Lexus Canada.

And.....I TOLD YOU SO!!! LOL.

Fear not the 0w20.

 

I agree with rcy. Only difference between 0w20 and 5w20 is at start up. The 0w20 suppose to have even better flow at start up - a lot of folks believe that most of the damage to the engine is due at start up.

As for the warranty the manufacturer has to prove that the oil is the cause of the engine failure. If they recommend 5w20, I don't see how they can say that the 0w20 is the cause when the only difference is at start up and 0w20 is supposed to be even better. My 04 is already over the warranty so the issue is moot for me.

 

No, I don't believe that the manufacturer has to prove any such thing. The burden "of proof" is on the the owner/lessee to "prove" that they did maintenance as prescribed. And until we get some proof positive in print from Lexus that 0W-20 is "approved" for the RX-330, it's a loophole that Lexus (Toyota) can exploit. And they can deny claims even if the slight viscosity difference can't be proven to have caused a failure...only if YOU can't prove that you used an "approved" motor oil.

 

Official response from Lexus NA on which oil to use.

Dear Mr. Felbab:

Thank you for contacting Lexus Customer Satisfaction. Your concern is important to Lexus, and we appreciate the time you have taken to share your thoughts. We are dedicated to providing superior service. In circumstances that require our attention, we will assist in the resolution process.

I am sorry for any confusion you are experiencing in which oil viscosity to use in your 2004 RX 330. As the manufacturer we are unable to recommend the use of any oil that is not listed in your Owner's Manual. We have not tested any oil not listed in your specific year and model vehicle and can not advise of harm that the use of different products may cause. For your 2004 RX 330, we recommend using oil viscosity 5W-30. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

If you require further assistance, please respond to this e-mail, or contact Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-255-3987, Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Pacific Time.

Sincerely,

x x
Lexus Customer Satisfaction

So there it is. Use what you want but Lexus NA says to use the oil as specified in your owners manual. No surprise.

 

5W-30 SL Service Grade. Can not go wrong.

 

Magnuson-Moss Act

Also, nothing is wrong with following the manual, but if you understand more on things you don't have to follow the manual to the letter. I have run 0w30, 5w30 and 10w30 also mix synthetic with nonsythetic without any issue. I also change at 5k and other times a little lazier at 7.5k. When I find some quality 0w20 synthetic on sale I'll run that too - just have not seen any good deal of late. I'm currently still running on my stock pile of $1.00 a quart synthetic 10w30.

 

You probably didn't take the time to read this in your Owners manual so here it is:

Did you actually read the Magnuson-Moss Act? It would in no way protect you against damage caused by using unapproved fluids as it is explicitly defined in the warranty.

 

If you're going to follow your owner's manual faithfully as Lexus directs, it also says to use API grade SL oil. Good luck with that, seeing as API grades are now SN. You might still find SM around, but SL.....probably not readily available.

My point with that statement is that the owne'rs manual was created in 2004 (or even earlier as the vehicle was being designed). Oil has changed greatly in the past six years, including the introduction of 0 weight oils and 20 weight oils.

I'm still waiting for Lexus Canada to answer my email about oil and hopefully send me a chart similar to Toyota but with Lexus vehicles. My feeling is the Toyota chart is not wrong, and neither is Lexus' reply to you, but likely Lexus is just giving you the standard "follow the owner's manual" reply that covers their ***, or the customer service rep simply looked in the owner's manual for your year.

Would it be possible for you to direct Lexus' attention to this chart by contacting whoever sent you the reply email and see what they have to say about it?

 

This is from Mobile 1 0w20 website "It is specifically designed for applications requiring an SAE 5W-20 oil such as most Fords, Hondas and 2005 Chryslers". This is NOT improper fluid. If Lexus is denying claims when they recommended 5W20, they will be in a fight they cannot win.

Like I said before, following the manual to the letter is nothing wrong, but it's better to research and understand things out side of the box is better. I do my regular fluid change and basic maintenance so I don't ever go to the dealer to do the 15K, 30K, 45K and 60K maintenance that charges an arm and a leg. It's the exact same regular maintenance that you normally do except with a visual check here and there that they charge you more for - Even worst dealer added additional checks and charges even more. Then these same people start crying on how expensive these maintenance cost. Like RCY stated our RX manual (the one on 3.3) specifically is probably 6 to 7 yrs old and things have change since then. But, do follow the manual if you feel safe as such.

edit: RCY already provided the official Toyota chart that included our engine with the 0w20 and the oil manufacturer stated the same as 5w20, but if you want to wait for that official word from Lexus or somehow thinks our engine contains some special foo dust over the highlander by all means wait or just use the 5w30 from the old manual.

 

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...l_1_0W-30.aspx

Mobil 1 0W-30 Advanced Fuel Economy fully synthetic motor oil outperforms conventional oils and meets or exceeds the warranty requirements for many GM, Ford, Chrysler and Toyota vehicles. It is suitable for the following:

GM 6094M, GM 4718M (Corvette spec)
Ford WSS-M2C929-A
Chrysler MS-6395
ILSAC GF-4 energy conserving
API SM/CF
ACEA A1/B1