The 350Z is one of Nissan’s “greatest hits” of the last couple of decades.
Loved by many for its blend of excellent driving characteristics, raw ‘old school’ performance and generally good reliability (learn more here in our 350Z buying guide) the 350Z is one of the best choices you can make if you’re after an affordable, potential modern classic.
However, like every other car the 350Z demands proper servicing and maintenance to stay in tip-top condition.
At the beating heart of your 350Z is its, well, mechanical beating heart – the engine. And keeping your 350Z’s potent 3.5V6 running perfectly with minimal issues requires regularly changing the oil as per manufacturer requirements.
But what is the best oil for a Nissan 350Z?
The best oil for your Nissan 350Z largely depends on several factors such as the specific year and variant of the 350Z, the climate in which you drive, your driving habits, and the car’s mileage. It’s always best to refer to your owner’s manual as the primary guide, but in general:
For most 350Zs, Nissan recommends:
- 5W-30: This is the most commonly recommended viscosity for the Nissan 350Z. A fully synthetic 5W-30 oil is ideal for both protection and performance. Synthetic oils flow better at low temperatures and maintain their viscosity at high temperatures, which means better protection for your engine under a wide range of conditions.
If you drive in particularly cold climates:
- 0W-30 or 0W-40: These oils will flow better in colder temperatures and will offer protection upon cold starts.
For high mileage 350Zs:
- Consider using high mileage variants of these oils, which are formulated to condition older seals and may help reduce minor leaks or oil consumption.
Popular and reputable oil brands like Mobil 1, Castrol, Pennzoil, Royal Purple, and Valvoline have products that would fit the bill. However, it’s more important to get the right grade of oil and to change the oil in your 350Z as per the manufacturer recommendations (based on either mileage or time – whichever comes first) than it is to worry too much about the specific brand of oil that you are using.
Lastly, don’t forget to also choose a quality oil filter when you change the oil. Proper maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your 350Z’s engine (as well as regularly checking your oil to ensure there isn’t too much or too little)
If you’d like more information about buying and maintaining your dream 350Z, then read our Nissan 350Z buying guide here.
