Thanks for the clarification. I was second-guessing my choice with 0w40 for a second there.

 

Yes, I agree, one man's 30W is another man's 40W. But, we know that "thickness" isn't really viscosity. It's just easier to think in terms of "thickness" rather than "flowability". I think what my friend was really telling me was 1) if Nissan wanted 5W-40 in this engine, they would have specified 5W-40, and 2) if Nissan was ever looking for a way to deny warranty coverage on an oil related failure, the owner's use of something other than 5W-30 would be an out for Nissan. If 5W-30 works, why use 5W-40 or 0W-40 if you might end up in a fight with Nissan?

And, to o0mikeyboy, it's your car and your warranty, so use whatever viscosity you want. But, if in the slim chance you'll end up in a fight with Nissan because you used a viscosity different than that specified, don't say we didn't tell you.

 

After all this discussion which 8100 should I get? :P

 

yep, i know. I think i'll take the chance.

 

Thickness, viscosity and flowability are all the same thing. No one is ever going to have a warranty problem from using a 40 weight, so why talk about it? Sounds like you get your oil changed every 3750 miles at the dealer to 'protect' your warranty. Foolish, but you're not alone.

 

Because a great number of people have had engine related warranty claims denied over the years based upon their oil usage and change intervals. I would venture tens of thousands. (Not a huge number in light of millions of cars on the road.) Personally, I am aware of hundreds. But, then my experience in this area is only from one manufacturer. And, Nissan has a reputation in the industry of not exactly being the most warranty friendly. And, Infiniti's dealers don't have a reputation of going to bat for their customers. And, in today's economic climate pretty much every manufacturer (with the exception of a few) will look for any excuse to not replace a "bad" motor.

Everyone can do their own research and make up their own mind. If someone wants to follow the manufacturer's change interval and viscosity, like Road & Track which "complains" about it with the their long-term EX, because they feel more comfortable, well, maybe that's cheap insurance. Who's to tell them they're wrong, or even foolish?