So, I just crossed into the "broken in" range and have about 2100 miles on my 2019. Turbo Hybrid S. I am contemplating changing the break in oil out and wondering if any of you are doing that or is it not necessary? I am sure it is a bit of overkill but if the engine truly is breaking in, there must be metal in the oil/filter to some degree? Is that a safe assumption?

If I go forward with the oil change (myself), what do I need to know as I am sure this is not a standard Chevy/Ford type oil change.

Thanks!

Chip

 

I inquired about this same topic with Champion Porsche (they do a great job on service) when my 2018 Turbo crossed the 5,000 mile and was advised it was not necessary. I thought it would be a good procedure to protect the engine but the dealer told me it would be a waste of money and to follow the recommended service schedule.

The manual indicates the oil needed, its not the same as Chevy oil

 

OK, good to know...

Oh, and I didn't mean the oil was the same as Ford/Chevy, I meant the methodology or process of the actual change. Then again, my Z06 Corvette with a dry sump requires some odd steps to get the oil out of it properly so maybe the Porsche will be easier!

Thanks for the info. I am way up in Wellington so I will more than likely use the West Palm Porsche dealer for servicing. Bought mine from Irvine, CA and had it shipped - since I work at AutoNation, it was a very straightforward process...

Thanks!

 

Here's how I feel about it. True, the videos of the Porsche engine assembly operation is eye-watering when you see how clean everything is. Very impressive; however, it's hard to believe that with as much machining that they do on these engines that every bit of metal has been cleaned out. Of course, that's what an oil filter is for and metal trapped in the filter (within reason) won't cause any harm. So, since modern engines no longer use special "break in oil", it would seem to make sense to follow the recommendations of Porsche. Plus, modern oils are WAY better than the oils of 75 years ago. I haven't heard of any Porsche engines failing because the owner followed the recommended schedule rather than changing oil more frequently.

But you have to ask yourself why Porsche recommends such a long interval until the first oil change. Well, in spite of them not talking much about it, all auto makers are under great pressure from various government and other organizations to be more friendly toward the environment. Disposing the large amount of oil the typical Porsche engine holds is an environmental worry if owners are doing it twice as fast as is really necessary. In other words, car makers are under pressure to do less frequent oil changes. And speaking of oil, part of the way they meet fuel consumption targets is to use a thinner oil than what might be used if there were no worries about fuel consumption. On the other hand, if oil makers can formulate thinner viscosity oils which still offer good protection under harsh, high-temperature conditions, well in that case thin oil might not be a problem other than it is bound to cost more. But are low viscosity oils really equal? Hard to say and it's getting harder to pick the fly poop out of the pepper these days, if you know what I mean.

I have a new 2021 Cayman on the way. When it arrives in January will I do an early oil and filter change? And will I use a higher viscosity oil or one with a narrower viscosity range? Truth be told, I'm not sure. I'm leaning toward using the recommended oil in the belief that it will do the job, especially since I plan to drive strictly on the street; i.e. no racing, no track days. However, the idea of an early DIY oil change just might make me feel like I'm doing something good for the engine. I've got the tools and the capability, so I'll most likely change the oil/filter early and use the recommended oil. But that certainly doesn't mean that it is a necessary procedure or even a good idea. At least it shouldn't hurt unless the car falls off the stands and crushes me to death.

 

Well, let's hope you safely get that oil change done! lol

I tend to be - in my thinking on the matter - where you are. Although, I have to say it makes me a bit paranoid to use higher vis oil than they call for because I worry it won't disperse through the oil channels and then starve delicate parts but that could be an irrational fear. Since I am in south FL and it is generally warm year round, thicker oil may be fine. Then again, fully syn oil viscosity isn't supposed to be affected by normal operating temps and ambient temps as well.

But, I am no expert so I may just do this for the fun of it.

 

<Built a crapton of engines in my day.... including a 550 RWHP 383 in my station wagon...>
I don't give AF what the manufacturers say. Change the oil. In every single break-in change I've done, a filter cut always reveals metal, casting flash, or assembly junk. It's about the cheapest preventative maintenance thing you can do as an owner. You have absolutely nothing to lose other than the cost of the oil and your time.

 

I would trust Porsche, they would recommend it if engines were getting trashed under warranty. Trust me.😁

 

And why, exactly should we trust you? Just asking.

 

One in every crowd.

 

Yep.......... that's what I thought. Unable to support a claim with facts so you resort to a personal attack.

 

Considering the price of the car why is the oil cost a problem? I have a 2010 that I change the oil about every 6,000 =/- miles and have an oil analysis done each time. At 60,000+ miles the oil wear characteristics have not changed since new. When I purchased the car,,the advice at the breakin oil change was to move to a high grade alternative. Being a scientific type , I checked the characteristics of the Mobil 1 0-49 and found that Porsche had chosen that blend because it had the needed sliding additive,which weren't present in the suggested replacement. Long story shorter, I stayed with Porsche's recommendation and the wear is absolutely minimal !
My two cents for what it's worth !

 

You make a good pint and point out a real potential problem. One might think that a 0-40 oil might be similar (but perhaps a bit cheaper) than a 0-50 oil and could very well be suitable if you don't live in a very hot climate or plan to race/track the car. Likewise, a 5-40 or 5-50 oil of the same brand should be similar to a 0-50 and perhaps perfectly suitable for those of us living in a climate where it hardly ever freezes in the winter. It makes sense, or it should make sense but, as you point out, it may not.

A similar oil from the same manufacturer with only a slightly different viscosity range may be, in fact, quite different. And what does "European" formula mean?

So it's easy to think that a premium oil which is not too far from what Porsche calls for should be fine. But it pays to do your homework so that one day you don't find out that your fancy valve timing system or your low-drag piston rings have crapped out because the very similar oil you selected didn't have that magic additive required for your particular engine. Not to say that you can't substitute, but it might not be wise to choose an alternative oil based on the color of the can or the logo.

 

Exactly, the recommendation is fine. They are in the business to make cars and make a profit. Replacing engines under warranty is not good business. Basic common sense. If folks feel better changing it earlier, by all means do it.

 

Well, I went ahead and did it. Other than the hassle of removing and reinstalling 872,909,237 underbody panel screws (), it was one of the easier oil changes i have done!

Now I'm good for another 8k when ill let the dealer do my complimentary 10k service.

 

I first had cars back in the 60's and an oil change after 1500 or so miles was a regular practice. I think now the manufacturing process is so much cleaner that it is not necessary.

Surprisingly one day when we were at the dealer I asked the service manager about an early oil change on my wife's 2018 Panamera 4 and he didn't recommend it. I bought my 2007 Lexus LS460 new and stuck to the regular oil change schedule. I have 148K on it now and the engine runs well. I have two V12 Ferraris neither of which I bought new so I don't know if oil was changed early. I doubt it on the 2015 one since annual maintenance is free for 7 years. The 2008 has 45K on it and the engine is rock solid.

However, I wouldn't argue with anyone who feels more comfortable doing an early oil change. It's like whether someone buys an extended warranty.