Local Chrysler dealerships in KC area are now using Pennzoil Ultra Euro 5W-40 instead of the M1-0W-40.

 

Now the service is complete I have an update!

I arrived at Kwik-Fit and they said there was a 2-3 Hour wait (Even though I had booked a time slot) A spotty chav said that Crossfires are very difficult cars and it would take extra time to complete - I argued with him stating he didn't know what he was on about and that the car is not complicated to work on as previous service's have been straight forward! He looked at me like I was speaking Jibberish! I then said forget about it your useless and walked out (Feeling very proud of myself) KWIK FIT SUCK!

I then approached another Garage who were very helpful who got everything sorted, put in 5w-30 Fully Synthetic Oil, which was £26 a bottle the good stuff (He called a Chrysler Techhy who confirmed this was the stuff to use) - Had new Air filters and oil filter. Smooth process and done a good job!

He said that he would put in at no extra cost 0w-40 however he wouldnt have been happy doing it after speaking to his tech person. Taking into consideration the time of year/weather/temperatures 5w-30 was the option.

He did however mention that If I was to get Spark Plugs done, to use Platinum plugs? But said to shop around as they are pricey. Is this correct?

 

5W-30? £26? I guess that's for a quart? Half gallon?
You read this whole thread and still put in this oil, it is a bit thin and the techie is wrong, we use 0W-40 in Canada.
Did this oil meet the MB standards? What brand was it?

Kwik Fit saw you going but someone else saw you coming.

 

onehundred80
Here in The UK if you do searches as to what engine oil to use with many companies and garages it returns 5w-30 for the Crossfire or 0w-30.

Engine Oil | Car Engine Oils and Diesel Oils for any car
Halfords | Bikes | Sat Nav | Car Audio | Car Seats | Car Maintenance - They say 5w-40
Car Servicing | MOT Testing | Brakes | Clutches | Gearboxes | Exhausts | Tyres | Cambelts | Mr Clutch Autocentres

They obviously is slack communication here in England as to which oil is the best and appropriate to use!

onehundred80 - I did a lot of research regarding the oil types to put across the forum and it appears many have 5w-30/40 in there cars.

 

We're a little confused about the price of that oil .....what was the Total price of the oil change....parts & labor?

 

You can use any oil you like but it should meet the specs laid out by Chrysler for this car. Arbitrarily selecting an 5W-30 oil from what is available at that particular dealer or shop and pouring that in is not right. That oil should meet or better the specs from the maker. Sure any oil will work but it is the long term use of that oil that matters. You say that this an in between oil change, there are no in between changes in my schedule.

If you are in hospital and need a blood transfusion let's hope you do not get an in between one.

 

I can't believe that place said it was difficult to change the oil. All you do is take off the plastic belly pan, take off the bolt, drain the oil, replace filter, put the bolt back on, replace with 8 qts of oil and you're done. I do it with ease in my garage. I no longer use the plastic belly pan, this way I can change the oil without having to jack up the car . Piece of cake. And the only oils I've ever used has been Mobil 1 0w-40, Castrol Edge 5w40 and Amsoil 5w40.

 

Agree with MimiSSRT6 -- Oil changes are easier in this car than many others. I use a topsider so I don't even have to get under the car. Suck it right out through the oil tube. Also, the filter assembly is right on top. Unscrew the plastic cap, replace the filter and add the oil. Only thing I would correct is that this car takes 8.5 quarts, not 8. I know some just add 8, and it may be OK, but it calls for 8.5 and luckily for me I take out exactly 8.5 and put 8.5 in.........and the oil unit on the dash indicates "OK" -- and so does the dip stick.

BTW - I only use 0-40 Mobile as well...........

 

Think the main problem is they make excuses before they have even started the work - which is why I shall never go back there!

both Air filters are easily accessible under the engine cover and the oil filter and oil change are as straight forward as anything!

Oh well, Ive learnt a valuable lesson!

 

But what was the price of that oil, you said " £26 a bottle"......did you mean 2.6 ? or was that like a 5 qt bottle?

 

Sorry ... it was £26.99 per 5 Litres and I think the crossfire has 8/8.5 Litre Capacity so 2 were required.

The whole lot cost me £140.00GBP Incl Air Filters X2,Oil Filter, Labour and a couple of other checks i.e. Tyre condition, fluid top ups and Brake Check the usual.

Also, what I meant by Inbetween Service - I usually change my Oil twice a year whether the manual says to or not. I have 1 major service and get the lot done which is usually quit expensive and every 6 months the oil/filter changed.

Hope this answers sorry I missed it off!

 

Easy is a relative term. Many air cleaners can be replaced in little more time than it takes to get it out of the package. CF has 2 and as I recall calls for using a tool. High level work for more than a few.

 

Found another shop that will use "my oil & filter" & just charge about $20 for labor.....Midas.

 

I did warn you. It wasnt the bitterne branch by any chance?.

 

Nope, I have seen what they are like with cars in the Bitterne Branch, the average age of the staff in there is 12 and each one has at least 50,000 spots on there face! They rag the hell out of the cars and mess around.

This was the Chandlers Ford Branch - The only differences was the average age was 15 and slightly less spots

Still useless though

 

I quit using Midas when they wouldn't put in my windshield wiper assembly (lift out and connect a few fiddly bits) in my wife's car. They wouldn't order it for me either.

I follow the car's recommendation on servicing and use the MB standard, which allows for several different weights.

I have a few shops I'm OK taking my Chrysler to, but if I were in the UK I would definitely look for an independent MB shop comfortable with the first generation SLK cars, then lift the bonnet and ask him if he was down with it.