Maintaining your 2008 Infiniti M35 requires more than just filling up the tank; it demands precise fluid management to preserve the performance and longevity of its VQ35DE 3.5-liter engine. This luxury sedan was engineered to deliver a sophisticated driving experience with a powerful V6, but its complex mechanical systems rely heavily on high-quality lubricants to withstand the thermal and mechanical stresses of daily driving. Whether you are navigating city traffic or enjoying a spirited drive on a winding road, the right oils and fluids ensure that components move smoothly and heat is managed effectively. Choosing the correct specifications is crucial for preventing premature wear and maintaining the vehicle’s reputation for reliability and smooth operation.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides the highest level of protection with a formulation designed to resist wear and horsepower loss, capable of extending service intervals up to 25,000 miles for severe driving conditions.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective option that offers 20,000 miles of protection while providing superior cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother and longer.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers performance that outperforms conventional oils with an OEM-mileage rating, fighting sludge and deposits to maintain engine health.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specially formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, featuring enhanced additives that reduce sludge and help engines last longer.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Engineered with greater capacity for contaminants than competing filters, ensuring high filtration efficiency at 20 microns to protect engine components.
- WIX Oil Filter – Offers premium media that improves upon original equipment manufacturer branded filters, providing a reliable option for standard service intervals.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A pre-mixed 50/50 formulation that protects cooling system metals and hoses, with an extended service life of up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option that exceeds original equipment manufacturer requirements for corrosion and erosion protection in passenger cars and light trucks.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to withstand heavy towing and elevated temperatures, this fluid remains fluid in sub-zero conditions and provides reserve protection during abuse.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Provides essential protection against wear for the automatic transmission while maintaining fuel efficiency.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A versatile fluid that protects against wear, resists sludge, and promotes smooth shifts for a wide range of applications.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Guards against leaks and offers excellent cold-weather performance for seamless operation.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Advanced protection that controls thermal runaway and contains friction modifiers for limited-slip differentials.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides robust protection against wear and helps reduce operating temperatures in demanding gear applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – A heavier grade option that delivers long oil, seal, and equipment life with superior thermal stability.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity across a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Reduces friction, keeps seals soft to prevent leaks, and offers strong anti-wear protection for quiet operation.
Essential Engine Oil Specifications
The heart of your 2008 Infiniti M35 is the VQ35DE 3.5-liter V6 engine, a powerplant known for its smoothness and durability. However, to keep it running like new, you must adhere to specific lubrication guidelines. The manufacturer specifies SAE 5W-30 viscosity for all temperatures, with an API rating that ensures compatibility with modern engine requirements. The total capacity for an oil change, including the filter, is 5.0 quarts. After refilling, it is critical to check the oil level to ensure the dipstick reads within the safe operating zone. Additionally, when reinstalling the oil drain plug, it must be torqued to the correct specification of 22 to 29 ft/lbs to prevent leaks or thread damage.
For drivers seeking the ultimate in protection, AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 stands out as the premier choice. This 100% synthetic oil is engineered to deliver 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to standards, and it offers guaranteed protection for up to 25,000 miles or one year. For those who prefer a balance of performance and value, AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 provides a robust alternative with up to 20,000 miles of protection. If your Infiniti is a daily driver and you want to stay close to factory service intervals, the AMSOIL OE 5W-30 is an excellent option that fights sludge and deposits with a 100% synthetic formulation. For older vehicles with high mileage, the AMSOIL 5W-30 High-Mileage Motor Oil features unique chemistry designed to boost detergency and reduce sludge by 67%, helping high-mileage engines perform better.
Filtration is equally important. The engine requires a high-efficiency filter to remove wear-causing contaminants. The AMSOIL Oil Filter is designed to provide 99 percent filtering efficiency at 20 microns, offering extended service life and greater capacity for small contaminants. Alternatively, for those who prefer a well-known brand, the WIX Oil Filter offers premium media with improvements over original equipment manufacturer branded filters, ensuring clean oil circulates through the engine.
Transmission and Cooling Systems
The automatic transmission in the 2008 Infiniti M35, identified as the RE5R05A, requires careful attention to fluid quality. A complete fill for this 5-speed transmission calls for 10.9 quarts. Using a fluid that can withstand the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain is vital for longevity. The AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid is a top-tier choice that remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures and provides reserve protection during heavy use. For a more budget-conscious approach that still delivers high performance, the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid protects against wear and ensures smooth operation.
The cooling system, which holds 9.4 quarts, plays a pivotal role in preventing overheating and corrosion. It is essential to use a coolant that is compatible with the vehicle’s metals and gaskets. 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. It is free from phosphates, nitrates, nitrites, silicates, borates, and amines, making it safe for a wide variety of vehicles. For those who prefer to mix their own, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers a concentrated option that greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion, providing protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
Differential and Final Drive Lubrication
Proper lubrication extends to the differential and transfer case, which often operate under high stress. The front differential requires 1.4 pints of lubricant, while the rear differential holds 3 pints. For these components, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is an excellent choice. It provides advanced protection against wear, controls thermal runaway, and protects against rust and corrosion. It also contains friction modifiers suitable for limited-slip applications, ensuring long oil, seal, and equipment life. For environments requiring a slightly lower viscosity, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube offers similar robust protection with improved cold-weather flow. In even more extreme cold conditions, the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is designed to maintain film strength and protect gears effectively.
Brakes and Steering Fluids
Hydraulic systems in the Infiniti M35 rely on reliable fluids to function safely. For the brake system, which uses DOT 3 fluid, the AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness. It provides stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, which is crucial for consistent braking performance in varying weather. Similarly, the power steering system benefits from AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid. This fluid reduces friction, helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks, and resists heat for a long fluid life, resulting in quiet and smooth steering operation.
Seasonal Storage and Maintenance
For vehicles that sit for extended periods, preventing fuel degradation and internal rust is key. AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer helps keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against varnish and gum buildup while fighting ethanol corrosion. To protect the engine’s internal components during storage, AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil is a highly effective rust preventive that should be used before long periods of inactivity. Additionally, to maintain engine cleanliness and performance, AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver Gasoline Additive is a powerful tool that restores up to 14% horsepower and cleans GDI fuel injectors, ensuring optimal combustion efficiency.
About the 2008 Infiniti M35
The 2008 Infiniti M35 is a luxury performance sedan that exemplifies the brand’s commitment to combining driving dynamics with premium comfort. Built on the Nissan D platform, this model is powered by the renowned VQ35DE engine, a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 that has been a staple in Nissan and Infiniti vehicles for many years. This engine is celebrated for its smooth power delivery, high-revving nature, and robust construction, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate a refined yet powerful driving experience. The M35 was positioned as a direct competitor to other luxury sport sedans of its era, offering a blend of rear-wheel-drive dynamics and all-wheel-drive capability through its optional AWD systems.
Inside, the cabin is designed with a focus on driver engagement, featuring supportive seats, a well-laid-out dashboard, and high-quality materials that define the Infiniti brand’s attention to detail. Owners of the 2008 M35 often praise its balanced handling, precise steering feedback, and the linear power curve provided by the VQ engine. Whether used as a daily commuter or a weekend cruiser, the M35 delivers a sophisticated ride that appeals to those who value both performance and luxury. With proper maintenance and the use of high-quality synthetic lubricants, this vehicle can continue to offer reliable and enjoyable service for years to come, maintaining its reputation as a standout in the luxury sedan segment.