The 2009 Infiniti M35 is a sophisticated performance sedan powered by the VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine, a powerplant renowned for its smooth power delivery and high-revving nature. To maintain the precise engineering and longevity that Infiniti owners expect, using the correct high-performance lubricants is essential. Proper fluids protect critical components from wear, manage extreme operating temperatures, and ensure smooth operation of the transmission, cooling system, and differential. This guide details the specific AMSOIL products recommended to keep your M35 in peak condition, covering everything from the initial fill to long-term maintenance.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
AMSOIL offers several motor oil options tailored to different driving needs for the 2009 Infiniti M35. Whether you are seeking the maximum possible protection or a budget-friendly synthetic option that performs better than conventional oils, there is a solution. Below are the top recommendations for motor oil, filters, and essential fluids.
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides the highest level of engine protection against horsepower loss and wear, offering up to 25,000 miles of service intervals for drivers who want the absolute best.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers 37% more cleaning power to keep the engine running smoothly for longer, with a guaranteed protection interval of up to 20,000 miles.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An economical choice that outperforms conventional oils, designed to fight sludge and deposits while providing excellent protection for turbochargers and modern engines.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated specifically for engines over 75,000 miles, this oil features boosted detergents and anti-wear additives to reduce sludge and extend engine life.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Engineered to provide 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns, this filter allows for lower restriction to keep engine parts properly lubricated and captures more small contaminants than competing brands.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket option featuring media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer (OEM) branded filters, ensuring reliable filtration for the vehicle.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation that exceeds OEM requirements, offering protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula that requires mixing with distilled water, providing protection up to 150,000 miles and surpassing standards for metallic corrosion.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions for superior transmission health.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A cost-effective synthetic option that protects against wear and promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts for automatic transmissions.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Offers advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway in differentials, helping to reduce operating temperatures and extending equipment life.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems with stable viscosity across a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Reduces friction and keeps seals soft to prevent leaks, providing strong anti-wear protection for quiet operation.
Engine Oil Specifications and Selection
The heart of your 2009 Infiniti M35 is the 3.5-liter V6 engine with the VQ35HR code. For this engine, AMSOIL recommends a 5W-30 viscosity grade that meets the API certification standards. The fluid capacity for the engine, including the filter replacement, is 5.2 quarts. When pouring the new oil, ensure the drain plug is torqued to 25 ft/lbs and always check the oil level after the refill to guarantee proper lubrication coverage.
Selecting the right oil grade depends on your driving habits. If you frequently drive in extreme conditions, engage in performance driving, or want to maximize the time between oil changes, the AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 is the superior choice. It is engineered to be the industry leader in protection, providing significantly more defense against horsepower loss and wear compared to top-tier conventional oils. For drivers who prefer a slightly lower cost but still demand full synthetic quality, the AMSOIL OE 5W-30 is an excellent alternative that outperforms conventional oils and rivals the performance of major brand synthetics.
For the oil filter, the AMSOIL Oil Filter (EA15K12-EA) is the preferred component. It offers a higher capacity for capturing small, wear-causing contaminants than competing filters, which helps reduce overall engine wear. The filter media is designed to maintain lower restriction, ensuring that oil flows freely to all critical engine parts. For those who prefer a widely available aftermarket brand, the WIX Oil Filter (51358-EA) is also a recommended option, featuring premium media that improves upon OEM specifications.
Transmission and Cooling System Care
The transmission in the 2009 Infiniti M35 is critical for delivering the vehicle’s renowned smooth acceleration. Whether equipped with the 5-speed RE5R05A or the 7-speed RE7R01A, the transmission requires a high-quality synthetic fluid to handle the heat and stress of shifting under load. The total fill capacities vary by transmission type, but proper lubrication ensures shudder-free shifts and protects against wear.
The AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid stands out for its ability to withstand heavy towing and elevated temperatures. It is designed to remain fluid even in sub-zero conditions, providing reserve protection during heavy use. For a more budget-friendly option that still delivers full synthetic performance, the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is an ideal replacement. It protects against wear, resists sludge formation, and ensures smooth operation of the transmission gears.
Maintaining the cooling system is equally vital for the longevity of the VQ35HR engine. The coolant capacity for the system is 9.7 quarts. Using a coolant that provides long-term protection against corrosion is essential for the longevity of the water pump, radiator, and internal engine passages. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a 50/50 pre-mix formula that exceeds OEM requirements and is compatible with all other antifreeze colors. For those who need a concentrated solution to mix themselves, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers protection up to 150,000 miles and is free of phosphates and silicates.
Differential and Brake System Lubrication
The differential and transfer case systems in your Infiniti M35 require specific lubrication to handle the torque and stress of driving. For the front differential, the capacity is 1.4 pints, while the rear differential holds 3 pints. The transfer case, if equipped, requires 2.5 pints. Proper gear lubrication reduces thermal runaway and helps prevent rust and corrosion.
The AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is highly recommended for these applications. It contains friction modifiers suitable for limited-slip applications and helps reduce operating temperatures to extend the life of seals and equipment. For differentials requiring an 80W-90 grade, the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube offers similar advanced protection against wear. For those needing a 75W-110 grade, the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube provides robust performance.
Braking safety is paramount. The vehicle requires DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid ensures excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction-control systems, maintaining a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range. Additionally, for the power steering system, the AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid is designed to help seals remain soft to prevent leaks and resists heat for long fluid life.
About the Vehicle
The 2009 Infiniti M35 represents a significant chapter in the brand’s history as a direct competitor to luxury sedans like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Known as the M35 during this era, the model was equipped with the renowned 3.5-liter VQ35HR engine, an iteration of Infiniti’s legendary VQ family. This V6 engine is celebrated for its high-revving character, delivering smooth and potent power that appealed to driving enthusiasts who wanted luxury without sacrificing performance. The “HR” designation in the engine code stands for High Response, reflecting upgrades to the throttle body and intake system that improved throttle response and power delivery compared to earlier versions of the VQ35.
Built on Infiniti’s premium platform, the M35 offered a refined driving experience with a focus on balance and comfort. It was a full-size luxury sedan that prioritized interior quality, with high-grade materials and a sophisticated dashboard layout typical of Japanese luxury manufacturers. The vehicle’s suspension was tuned to provide a smooth ride without feeling wallowy, striking a balance between comfort and handling agility. For the 2009 model year, the M35 solidified Infiniti’s position in the competitive luxury sedan market, offering a reliable, high-performance alternative to European rivals. The VQ35HR engine was known for its durability, provided it was maintained with high-quality synthetic lubricants that could handle the thermal stresses of spirited driving. This makes the M35 an excellent candidate for AMSOIL’s extended-life lubrication products, ensuring that the engine and transmission continue to perform smoothly for years to come.