[Brad]

As part of waking up our Spyder from its winter hibernation, I want to change the oil.

The manual specifies 5W-40, something that's not easy to find locally.

I'd like to find a good synthetic that meets Maserati's recommendations - anyone have a favorite brand?

PS: Is there a source for oil filters other than Maser dealers?

 

[jkloepping]

oil & filters

I've been doing some checking myself, so I emailed both Mobil1 and Amsoil. Here are the replies:

Mobil1 said:

Please contact the Oil Filter Hotline at 1-800-882-0890 for assistance.

Amsoil said:

We do not have the Spyder listed but if you could send us the OEM part number or the number of the filter you are currently using we should be able to cross it.

Also check out the online oil filter survey, which was a real eye opener for me:

http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/oil_filter_study/

There are more up to date filter reviews on the web, so check around.

 

[Andrew]

This is a small company but I have heard some wonderful things about them. I can't speak on personal experience. You may want to check them out.

http://www.baldwinfilter.com/

 

[Brad]

Re: oil & filters

Mobil1 said:

Please contact the Oil Filter Hotline at 1-800-882-0890 for assistance.

I called the Mobil 1 Hotline this morning. Their answer was somewhat brief: "Nope"

 

[sjp3003]

My dealer's service receptionist stated that owners must use a specific Shell Oil available only through authorized Ferrari Maserati Dealers, otherwise the warranty would be void. They charge approx $200 for the oil itself and $400 total for an oil change (outrageous!).

 

[scott]

When I picked up my car I bought a couple of extra quarts of oil. The brand was AGIP and cost was around 10 bucks a quart. They are a Ferrari/Maserati dealership and that is the recommended oil. Was told the total cost of my yearly oil change will be about $350. Think this is a fair price to have a Ferrari/Maserati technician working on my car

 

[sjp3003]

I've had two oil changes so far:

The first, at 4800 miles, was part of the first service that totaled $517.01 including tax. The billing included $345 for Labor, $51.78 for the oil filter, $64 for 8 quarts of Mobil 1 Syntec and $22.43 for misc supplies. The labor charge included the checks required at the first service. I didn't question this billing.

The second, 9 months later, totalled $528.02 strictly for a oil change. I had taken the car in for one of the recalls and figured I'd change the oil even though I hadn't reached the service interval. It was billed at $187.50 for labor, $54.61 for the oil filter, $12.19 for shop supplies and $239.20 for 8 quarts of shell 4840 5W40 oil. I questioned the service rep about the oil price & the switch from Mobil 1. His response was that dealers received a directive from Ferrari Maserati to only use this Shell oil, otherwise the warranty would be void for any oil related issues.

The amount charged for this oil is outrageous. I don't mind paying for a Maserati-Ferrari technician do work on my car, but the oil change could be (and most likely is) performed by a junior wrench who has not necessarily studied in Modena. I used to be in the car business and in a large garage we would have specific stations for routine maintenace procedures such as oil changes.

BTW I recently bought a Lotus at the same dealer. When I took it in for its first service two weeks ago the service rep indicated how much the first oil change would cost-- it was approx $250, & mentioned that they had dropped their pricing for oil changes on the Lotus about $100 because customers had complained (apparently with Lotus USA) about the charges for this service.

It seems this dealer charges whatever they can get away with, without incurring too many complaints from customers or the manufaturer. BTW I got about $100 off the second oil change on the Maser after I questioned it.

This thread raises some interesting questions:

1) Has your dealer insisted you use a specific (overpriced) Shell Oil?
2) How much do you pay for an oil change?


Steve

 

[garyst1024]

oil change

I just had my oil changed at Orange County FM and it was AGIP oil, a filter, and an hour of labor. Total bill $250 which sounds less than everyone elses experience.

 

[scott]

So you just had your oil changed and they used the AGIP oil? But sjp3003 says that Maserati now requires a shell oil that cost's $30 a quart? Something seems strange. Guess I will have to wait for end of winter when I bring my car in. over $500 for an oil change does seem high. When I was told by my dealer it would be about $350 I figured that is not so bad especially considering I will only need one a year. If Maserati really wants to increase sales they should look at a free maintenance program like BMW has

 

[Frankie P]

Dear Membership,

I wish you all a happy New Year filled with exciting motoring!

The Shell oil the dealers are now directed to use is called Helix. I am unaware how this compares with the competitors, but am skeptical that it exceeds the specifications of Amsoil or Redline, which over the years I've understood to be the industry leaders. Helix oil is hard to find, and only on this thread have I learned it is available only through dealers. If accurate, I doubt it will remain that way for long. As many 4200 owners know, these cars burn some oil, and are not able to make it between service intervals without some topping up.

I've previously expounded on warranty issues, so I won't repeat that here. Suffice it to say while you may be on the right side of the argument that an alternative but equivalent synthetic oil is not the cause of a given mechanical failure, like being sued, it's not worth the cost or aggravation of defense. Sadly, it would appear easier to use the Helix. Helix is not yet even appearing on Ebay, which says something.

Happy Lubricating,

Frankie P

 

[sjp3003]

Here's a marketing summary for Shell Helix Ultra that mentions Ferarri's approval:

http://www.shell-lubricants.com/products/pdf/HELIX ULTRA.PDF

Steve

 

[scott]

Still seems like a scam to get us to pay more for oil. Why was the AGIP alright at first and now it's not? But I guess I will have to pony up the extra bucks for the Shell, After all they did take a picture of my Daughter with the Shell-Ferrari race car

 

[sjp3003]

My dealer has come full circle on Oil. They started with Mobil. Changed to the $240 Shell Helix available only from Ferrari. Installed an 80gl tank to buy the Shell oil in bulk. Switched to AGIP. Are now back to Mobil (down to $54 per oil change for the oil). The initial change was done per factory directives. The switch back to Mobil (15w40) was done in response to valve lifter noise complaints by a few owners that were cured with the switch to Mobil.