[jamesaronson]

My dealer uses Shell Helix(Q-power) 5w/40 full synthetic oli. Is there any reason I should ask for another oil? If so, what oil do you recoomend and why is it better than Shell? Shell oil has been used for oil changes over the past three years at the dealers recommendation. I do not know what was in the car when delivered new. It is a problem changing oil brands? The dealership also sells Ferrari's, so they may have other brands available for the Maserati. Should I insist on another brand?

 

[tommyfromla]

I use Shell Rotela 5w-40w synthetic I buy from Walmart believe it or not for 22 dollars a gallon. The guy I bought my car from told he had been using it forever so I did too. The Helix is more expensive and might be better.

 

[Carmine]

It's all big bucks.......

is the reason Ferrari changed from AGIP in the first place. Just a few years ago, AGIP was the oil of preference for Ferrari and Maserati. Their brands listed same in the service manuals and on stickers in the engine compartment. Then Shell came along and offered Ferrari more money (and race car sponsorships) than AGIP had paid. So, for a while, Shell Helix was the brand that Ferrari used, and since most Maserati dealerships were a part of Ferrari dealerships it was just easier to stock just one brand of oil (that of course being Shell Helix). Then Quaker State "Q" came along and offered Ferrari more money than Shell was willing to pay to remain as the "recommended oil" for Ferrari. So Ferrari accepted Quaker State's money, and again it was just easier for Maserati to go along for the ride. By the way, Quaker State is actually owned by Shell!! Personally, I like AGIP and was able to purchase 2 cases from AGIP of America for $5.00 a quart (5W40 full synthetic - of course the shipping charge from Ohio to Southern California cost more than the oil!)
Anyway, that's the "fairly recent history" of motor oils for Ferrari/Maserati as told me by the Parts Manager at FM of Orange County.

 

[GrndLkNatv]

I use Mobil 1 0W-40 Full Synthetic..

and it works perfectly... There is a Dr. AE Haus and his web page is called oil 101. Dr. Haus is the lubrication specialist for Ferrari F1, same company who builds Maserati engines, and he shows that Mobil 1 0W-40 is as good as Shell Helix and the Q... He has a great write up, just google AE Haus Oil 101..

 

[GCalo]

If you want to experience a noticeable lubrication difference look at Redline oils. I tend to stay away from major product brands, and Redline anwers my needs well.

They are fabulous and their transmission oils cure many shift problems especially with the noticeable 2nd gear cold shifts.

I notice a considerable difference with their products.

 

[007]

motor oil

I use shell helix ultra as per all dealers in UK. I change oil myself around 8 quarts thats around 7.5 litres in UK.

 

[jamesaronson]

Thanks for the advice. I will look at the Dr.'s information. Maybe this time I will go with the Shell and next time change to Redline.

 

[GCalo]

---Maybe --- next time change to Redline.

Do it this time and you will see the difference!

Then change again in 5K miles to flush out everything residual from the Sheel and you will exdperience what I am stating.

It has made an incredible difference in the transmission as well!

 

[Boxer]

I run Shell Helix 5W 40 in both an F40 and F50.

 

[GrndLkNatv]

Oil Info from "The" oil expert...

http://www.supramania.com/aehaas/

 

[fflhugo]

Is there any problem or stop using the SHell 10W60 and start using the 5W40?


Cheers

 

[Boxer]

Is there any problem or stop using the SHell 10W60 and start using the 5W40?


Cheers

No. Not at all.

 

[jamesaronson]

Thanks for AE Haus site. Wonderful information. Anyone choosing red line or amsoil or mobil one should become familiar with the chart on this web site.

 

[FormulaDynamics]

FYI, we do stock the Q European 5W-40 Maserati Spec Oil, Crush Washers and Filters. It's worth using if you're under warranty, great oil and it'll help preserve your warranty without a fight.

Otherwise, Mobil 1 isn't bad if you want to save a few bucks.

Best Regards,
-- Jeff

 

[QP-516]

Is there any problem or stop using the SHell 10W60 and start using the 5W40?


Cheers

My understanding that 5W40 is an all season motor oil, I'll use 20W50 in the summer since we have 34C temperate in Hong Kong, but in other places with snow should use 5W20 in the winter. Of course changing oil in every 6 months is a good practice for the engine especially under extreme temperature differences in different seasons.

 

[GrndLkNatv]

20w-50

won't buy you anything even in the summer. You need to read oil 101... F1 cars run straight 5W or 10W oil, in temperatures your car will never see at RPM, 19000rpm, that your car will never even fathom. Read the article, if can save you money, and provide your engine a better life...

As for Formula Dynamics/Jeff.. His oil change kit, which comes with the Q, which is Shell Helix in another bottle, the crush washers, filter, and everything to make it a one stop shop, is a bargain! The price of Mobil 1 0W-40 here in Denver is the same as Jeff is charging for the Q, and I don't have to drive around to different places to get it, the filter, the crush washers, etc. This coming season, I am going with Jeff's kit, as it is cheaper for me considering I don't have to drive 60 miles or spend a couple hours on the web getting all the pieces ordered from different places to do the job.

 

[FormulaDynamics]

Honestly, we don't make any money on the oil kit either, we just cover our cost. It's something we decided to do because we know how hard it is to find all the parts and pieces to get it done right.

We hope that if you save a few bucks on your oil change you may pickup a filter, pads or something else. The truth is... many owners prefer to do an oil change on their Maserati, they want to work on the car in their own garage on a Saturday and not overpay for service, at least for simple things.

Best Regards,
-- Jeff