really upset

So I took my cayman to where i take all my other cars for service, an independent service station. I asked for 0W-40 Mobil 1 and when I went to pick up my car THEY PUT 5W-30 Mobile 1. I'm in south florida. What should I do? Should I do another change with the correct oil? Car has 6k miles. (2008) Any thoughts????

Yes, take it back and tell them you specified 0w-40 for a good reason. If it's truly their fault, make them change it. Maybe you should be looking for a shop that knows Porsches better then these guys. brad

will 5w-30 mobile 1 affect the engine ? thats my main concern

When it gets hot, you're going to want the 40w viscosity, not the 30w. It will probably be fine for a week or so until you can find the time to take it back, but you should make them change it if they screwed up. These motors use the oil for a lot of different things - like using it like hydraulic fluid for inflating the lifters and the operation of the VarioCam Plus system. There's also different additives in the 0w40 than in the other oils. If it was my car, I'd have it changed, even if it was my fault. brad

M1 5W30 is very unlikely to harm your engine at all. If you track the car I'd make sure I had 0W40 or 5W40/50 in it, but for street driving in South Florida I just can't believe it makes a material difference. Nonetheless, 5W30 isn't an approved oil so I'd swap it out, one way or another. But there isn't, IMHO, any reason not to drive it normally until you do.

Certain portions of the engine are more specifically designed for certain viscocities. The variocam comes to mind. In warmer climates (like Florida) and if you drive your car hard I would definately want the thicker viscocity in there. Make them change it.

Agreed, but I suggest we not get folks all carried away with this. Over most of the engine temperature ranges - in street driving - he's likely to see in South Florida - 5W30 is going to act just like 0W40. Actually, I'd be more concerned about the differences in the additive packages between 5W30 and 0W40 over thousands of miles, because the 0W40 product apparently has a different formula. There was a great tech article in Panorama about this recently.

i'm going to get this resolved easy by showing up tomorrow at my local dealer ( the collection) and having them do the service. They are going to rip me off ( quoted $315) and my car is an '08 with 6k miles... but i know myself and i'll just be more comfortable this way. Next time im buying the oil myself and watch a jiffy lube pour the 8qts in !

It is important to visit your dealer for service during the warranty period since they have all the latest Porsche updates to your system (and I like to see them stay in business with some ongoing revenues) but it is also self satisfying to do some routine service yourself. If interested you can read Motor Oil / Mobil 1 - My Articles

The dealer will honor a mistake. They are accountable to PCNA. The local jiffylube high school tech is only accountable to the owner/franchise owner.

Hello Riskto46, Whether you are a do-it-yourself-er or take your CS to a non-Porsche dealership service center, be sure to save your receipts for the filter and oil or the oil-filter service provided. I was given this advise from my local Porsche service adviser in-as-much-as you'll be required to prove that you followed Porsche's recommended service in the event of a warranty engine issue if this issue involves lubrication. Regards, Joe

Yes, I would have them change it! Couple of things..... When they do "change" it,.....find some place to watch everything that they do like a hawk. Make sure the wrong oil comes out, and the proper oil goes in. The won't have 0w-40 in bulk, so they will be adding it quart by quart and you need to verify by the containers that go in it is the right stuff. Don't just let them take it in where you can't see it and bring it out 20 minutes later saying all is done,......you know where I'm going here. As others have suggested use/stay with a trusted 3rd party service center that knows Porsches. The Cayman doesn't use a standard spin on oil filter, drain plug, etc. It has rubber seals for the oil filter canister and crush rings for the drain plug. Both of these are not the norm for the quickie places and gas stations and either one installed/tightened incorrectly could make a horror story. If the place that did the oil change gives you a hard time, I would almost be tempted to cut my losses, learn a lesson, and take the car to someone that knows what they are doing.

Here's a list of all the approved oils by Porsche - although a 2006 list - i'm sure it hasn't changed much. http://kiyor32.cocolog-nifty.com/gt3/Approved-Oil-List-2006.pdf

I'm not anywhere near the "DIY'er" type and I was able to change the oil myself. If you have a Jack, Jack Stands and Allen/Hex key and oil pan, maybe you should consider doing it yourself? If someone like me can do it, I seriously think anyone can. Although the hardest part was unscrewing the drain plug since it was put on wayyyyy too tight from the factory. I was able to purchase the Mobile 1 0W40 locally at Discount Auto (I think, 107th Ave and 56 St. Miami). Good Luck