Just changed mine last w/e 1k miles in 2 yrs, was surprised how black it looked. Usually do it annually, last yr was the first time skipped. May be the last time skipped. Went with Motul 5w-50 over Mobil 1.

 

While there is no correct answer to this question. Everyone should keep in mind these engines hold almost 14 quarts of oil. So when you do an oil change, which is usually around 9 to 9 1/2 quarts, there is still almost 5 quarts of used oil in there. So doing an "oil change" is a relative measure.

 

Agreed, and a very valid point to changing it annually, regardless of mileage.

 

Why not every six months? Why not every year and a half?

 

Well, six months is to short, and 18 months is to long...

12 months works well with my OCD.

 

I don’t think there is a right or wrong from a technical point of view although some can argue there is. It is what you individually are comfortable doing.

I will say things are a bit different in this day and time from when I bought my first Porsche. There was no internet or auction sites. If you think a car you own might be sold at some point in the future, maintenance records are needed in order to maximize sale price. So, would the preponderance of potential buyers accept a 3-5 year oil change interval even if you individually think it’s ok? I don’t believe so even though I’m lucky to put 5k miles on some of my cars in 5 years. I think annually might be generally accepted even though I couldn’t prove it. I would think there is some upside limit on what enthusiasts will accept, but not on the low side.

 

My position is that if Porsche's recommendations (which I adhere to) are not sufficient for a potential buyer, then they can elect not to buy my Turbo (if it is ever for sale.)

I think the old consensus on oil and filter change intervals has slowly been catching up with todays technology reality, and I hope the progress continues.

 

I think that too is a fair position; the factory does know best... for a factory built and maintained car.

However, the moment one turns up the power, adds an exhaust and other goodies, the factory parameters have been somewhat skewed - by adding more pressure, in theory at least, more spent fuel and gunk makes it past the rings and into the oil, thereby reducing oil life.

 

It depends on how one drives the car.

Hard core track time dictates the most frequent oil and filter changes, while reasonable street driving with low miles/year and not hammering the car to redline on every drive dictates less frequent oil/filter change intervals.

My guess is that Porsche didn't recommend their two year oil and filter change for a stock 996 Turbo low mileage car (<9,000 miles/year) based on their belief that at 731 days damage starts to occur. There is likely a (substantial) buffer mixed in. So IMO, a 520 HP 996 Turbo that is driven 2500 miles/year (my Turbo) and that doesn't always see the whip, is not risking damage because the oil and filter are changed every two years.

 

Good point - I didn't realize you only drove it 2500 miles a year; I put about 6k kms+ on mine this year and that included a 'very spirited' 2200+ kms back and forth to Edmonton.

And, if I am being completely honest, the moment Sam got revision 3 in, I have had a very heavy right foot. Not track level, but hard nonetheless.

 

I thought the oil soaks up a bit of water over time and that is the main issue the 2 year interval is addressing.

 

And, the oil can suck-up fuel, especially if the injectors are leaking.

 

Every 5000 miles on all my vehicles. Oil is cheap. I wouldn't wait 2 years to change the oil on my log splitter much less a 911

 

Mezger powered log splitter...?

 

yes. Super high performance