Oil Viscosity and level

[Duane (Pleasanton)]

Hi Babblers...

I have what may seem to be a simple question, but the more I research it, the more confused I become. I took delivery of my 2000 S at the end of May. The car has approximately 5000 miles. To date, I have not added any oil. The electronic readout always shows the level, albeit variable, within the max and min levels.

I am an avid reader of Porsche Pete's board and I constantly see postings as to the "correct" way to measure the oil level, AND what viscosity oil to use. I have read that the 2000 Boxster comes from the factory with Mobil 1 0W-40. I have also read that the car is shipped with 5W-50. Does anyone have the correct answer?

Also what is the best method to reliably obtain the oil level reading?

Since we all live in the same climate, I am hopeful that we can get some opinions, if not a consensus as to the viscosity to use.

I guess I am making this harder than I have to, but the more I look into this, the more confused I become.

Thanks for answering a question that has probably been asked 1000 times.

Duane

2000 S OB/MB/MB

ps. Tom-GREAT SITE!!! Thanks for putting this together.

[Tom M (Sunol, CA)]

Wow! I've had to add 3 qts in 7300 miles.

My level varies quite a bit with temperature. This morning, with the temperature in the 30's, it was at the bottom of the level. This afternoon, with the temp in the mid 50's, it was 3 ticks up.

Based on some experimentation by a local it seems the "best" reading is taken on level ground roughly 45 minutes after the car has been driven. This seems to make some sense as I believe that that is the amount of time one is supposed to allow the oil to drain when doing an oil change.

I'm pretty sure that most Bay Area residents are using the readily available Mobil-1 15W-50.

'00 S MBK/NBL/BLK

[Barbie Boxster]

I have a 1/97 2.5, long b/f 2.7 and 3.2.

The gauge for the oil level bothers some, as we are use to reading the dip stick. The oil level gauge has been in use by Porsche for many years, long before the Boxster. Follow the instructions in your owner's manual. I pulled out the 3 foot dip stick just once to see how long it really was.

Cold engine on flat ground when you have just turned on the key.

Rumors are, that factory oil is 10/40 synthetic. Since Porsches are sold from Finland to Africa, what is put in in Germany or at the Finland factory is little guidance. My choice is 15/50. Since that is all you can find here by Mobil.

Jeff Lopez

[Catalog Guy]

Cold car, flat ground, before starting. I use about a quart every 2000 miles.

Andrew


http://www.catalogguy.com

[Dick at Tahoe, NV]

An excellent Porsche Mechanic told me that Porsche puts the dip stick there to satisfy the Americans (tee hee, but probably true). Porsche recommends checking oil level using the guage on the panel. Best time is first thing in the morning before starting.

[SfSF]

You can get the most consistent readings when taking a cold reading. Especially if your garage floor is level. Just check it every morning.

HOWEVER, the manual clearly states that the min/max lines are not indicative of where the cold level should be. The min/max lines tell us where to keep the hot level. This will be roughly 3 or 4 bars higher than cold. To verify, when your cold level is no higher than the halfway point, heat the car up, park and let it drain. Over the next 30 minutes to an hour, recheck the level every 10 minutes and watch how much higher it is. (I'm finding that 10w30 expands less than 15x50). But regardless, warm oil expands and the min/max lines are there to monitor this expanded level.

Once you know you have the right level of oil when taking a proper reading (hot, and FULLY drained), then let it cool off for several hours without moving the car. Then, go back and recheck your cold level. This will be the proper cold level and you can start using that for your basis.

Also, I've found that going to the gym gives me a great way to monitor proper warm level. Drive to gym. When you get done with your workout, your level should be no higher than the max line.