The 2007 Infiniti FX35 is a performance-oriented crossover that demands high-quality fluids to maintain its sophisticated 3.5-liter VQ35DE engine and smooth-shifting transmission. Using the correct lubricants is essential not just for meeting manufacturer specifications, but for extending the life of critical components under the stress of daily driving, highway travel, or spirited cornering. Proper lubrication ensures that the engine operates efficiently, the transmission shifts seamlessly, and the drivetrain components are protected against wear, heat, and corrosion.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The premier choice for maximum protection, offering up to 25,000 miles of oil change intervals and superior resistance to horsepower loss and wear.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A top-tier option providing up to 20,000 miles of protection with enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother for longer.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An outstanding value that outperforms conventional oils while providing OEM mileage standards and fighting sludge and deposits.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, featuring boosted detergents to clean the engine and reduce oil consumption.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Features 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns, allowing lower restriction and providing greater capacity for contaminants than competing filters.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket option offering superior media that improves upon original equipment manufacturer branded filters.
- WIX Air Filter – Ensures clean air intake for optimal engine performance.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid formulation providing up to 150,000 miles of protection for all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated antifreeze option with extended service life.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to withstand heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A cost-effective synthetic option that protects against wear and sludge.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A versatile fluid suitable for various applications including transfer cases.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A reliable multi-vehicle fluid with excellent cold-weather performance.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway for the front differential, with friction modifiers for limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – A premium gear lube offering advanced protection against wear.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – An extreme pressure gear lube for demanding conditions.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity over a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Reduces friction, helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks, and offers excellent high-temperature protection.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores up to 14% horsepower and cleans GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate after just one tank of fuel.
Essential Engine Protection
The heart of the 2007 Infiniti FX35 is the VQ35DE, a 3.5-liter V6 engine known for its smooth power delivery and reliability. However, like all internal combustion engines, it suffers from the accumulation of sludge, varnish, and acids over time, especially when exposed to stop-and-go traffic or extreme temperatures. The factory recommendation suggests SAE 5W-30 viscosity, which is preferred for all temperature ranges. With a capacity of 5.0 quarts including the filter change, maintaining the correct oil level is critical.
Choosing the right oil is more than just about viscosity; it is about the additive package. AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 is engineered to provide 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to industry standards. It offers a guarantee of up to 25,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first, making it an excellent choice for drivers who want to maximize the time between maintenance intervals. For those looking for a slightly shorter interval with robust cleaning power, the AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 provides up to 20,000 miles of protection and is specifically highlighted for its ability to fight Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI). If your vehicle is approaching the 75,000-mile mark, the AMSOIL High-Mileage 5W-30 is the ideal solution, featuring enhanced detergents to clean the engine and additives that reduce sludge by 67% while helping to minimize oil consumption in older engines.
The filtration system is just as important as the oil itself. A high-quality filter ensures that contaminants are trapped before they can circulate through the engine. The AMSOIL Oil Filter is designed to match the high standards of our synthetic oils, offering a filtration efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns. This efficiency helps reduce engine wear significantly compared to standard filters. For owners who prefer a well-known aftermarket brand, the WIX Oil Filter is also an excellent match for this vehicle, providing premium media that outperforms many OEM-branded filters.
Transmission and Drivetrain Fluids
The 2007 Infiniti FX35 comes equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission (RE5R05A) that requires precise fluid to ensure smooth shifts and longevity. This transmission holds approximately 10.9 quarts for a total fill, though fluid levels should always be checked according to the dipstick during service. Using a premium synthetic transmission fluid is crucial for resisting thermal breakdown and maintaining the correct friction characteristics required by the transmission’s internal clutches.
For superior performance, AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures, which are common in a crossover vehicle like the FX35. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring quick lubrication upon startup. If you prefer a cost-effective option that still offers full synthetic protection, the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid protects against wear and resists harmful sludge, promoting smooth, shudder-free shifts.
The drivetrain also includes a transfer case and differentials that require regular maintenance. The front differential requires 1.4 pints of fluid, while the rear differential needs 3 pints. For the transfer case, approximately 2.5 pints are required. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 is an ideal choice for the front differential, offering advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway. The rear differential also benefits from this robust lubricant, which contains friction modifiers suitable for limited-slip applications. For the transfer case, the AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid can be used as a high-performance alternative to traditional gear lube, providing excellent protection against the heavy loads and varying terrains the FX35 encounters. Alternatively, the AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid offers a reliable OE alternative with excellent cold-weather performance.
Cooling and Safety Systems
Maintaining the cooling system is vital for the VQ35DE engine, which has a cooling capacity of 9 quarts. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a ready-to-use 50/50 pre-mix formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles. It is free of phosphates, nitrates, and silicates, making it compatible with a wide variety of vehicle types. For those who prefer a concentrated formula, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers even longer service life and excellent corrosion protection, though it requires mixing with distilled water.
Safety is paramount in a high-performance vehicle. The hydraulic brake system in the Infiniti FX35 benefits from AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid. This fluid provides a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, ensuring excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness even in emergency braking scenarios. It eliminates the boiling points that can lead to brake fade, giving you confidence when stopping power is needed most.
The power steering system also requires the correct fluid to prevent wear and leaks. AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid is formulated to help seals remain soft, preventing leaks, and offers strong anti-wear protection. It ensures quiet operation and excellent performance in both high and low-temperature conditions, reducing friction in the steering mechanism.
Fuel System Maintenance
Over time, fuel injectors can become clogged with carbon deposits, reducing engine efficiency and horsepower. AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver is a powerful gasoline additive that restores up to 14% horsepower and cleans GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate after just one tank of fuel. It helps prevent carbon buildup, controls pre-ignition knock, and can reduce the need for higher-octane fuel, making it a valuable addition to every fuel tank. For seasonal storage, the AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against varnish, gum buildup, and ethanol corrosion.
About the Vehicle
The 2007 Infiniti FX35 represents a pivotal moment in the crossover SUV segment, blending the sporty handling of a luxury sedan with the versatility and higher ride height of an SUV. Based on the Nissan F platform, which underpins the Nissan 350Z sports car, the FX35 boasts a rear-wheel-drive bias with optional all-wheel drive, delivering a driving experience that stands out in a market often dominated by front-wheel-drive crossovers. The 3.5-liter VQ35DE engine, a member of the renowned VQ family, is celebrated for its smooth power delivery and high-revving nature, producing sufficient horsepower to make overtaking maneuvers and highway merging effortless.
Owners of the FX35 often praise its sophisticated design and premium interior, which features high-quality materials and a driver-focused cockpit. The vehicle was positioned as a luxury sport crossover, appealing to those who wanted style without sacrificing performance. Its distinct “floating roof” design, achieved by blacking out the C-pillar to make it look flush with the glass, gave it a sleek, coupe-like appearance that turned heads on the road. Inside, the cabin offers a blend of comfort and technology appropriate for a high-end vehicle of its era, with options for navigation and premium audio systems.
While the VQ35DE is generally considered a robust and reliable engine, it is not without its characteristics that can be addressed through proper maintenance and the use of high-performance lubricants. One common issue in some VQ engines is the potential for carbon buildup on the intake valves, particularly in direct injection variants or under severe driving conditions. This buildup can affect performance and fuel economy. Using a fuel additive like AMSOIL P.i.® can help mitigate this issue by keeping the fuel system clean and reducing carbon deposits that may migrate to the intake valves over time.
Another area of concern for owners of high-mileage VQ engines is oil consumption. As seals and gaskets age, they may allow oil to seep out or burn slightly, leading to low oil levels and increased maintenance needs. The AMSOIL High-Mileage 5W-30 is specifically designed to address this by using conditioners that help restore seals, reducing oil consumption and preventing leaks that can become costly if ignored. Additionally, the FX35’s transmission, while generally reliable, can benefit from the superior thermal stability and friction control provided by synthetic fluids. Over time, automatic transmission fluid can break down, leading to hard shifts or slippage. Regular fluid changes with a high-quality synthetic fluid like AMSOIL Signature Series ATF can maintain the transmission’s smooth operation and extend its service life.
Finally, the cooling system plays a critical role in the longevity of the FX35’s engine. Overheating can cause catastrophic failure, and the cooling system must be kept free of corrosion and scaling. The use of a high-performance antifreeze like AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant ensures that the cooling system operates efficiently, protecting the aluminum engine block and cylinder heads from corrosion and overheating. By addressing these specific areas with the right lubricants, owners can ensure their 2007 Infiniti FX35 remains a reliable and enjoyable driving companion for years to come.
