European Oil Change interval different?

[giga_dude]

Hi Everyone,

I have I 2007 Camry XLE 4-cylinder that I brought with me to Europe. The dealership here tells me that I should use 0W-40 Full synthetic oil and change it every 9000 american miles or every 12 months (I converted the km to miles)

Anyone have an idea as to why Toyota in Europe recommend oil change every 9000 miles or every 12 months which ever comes first? I asked the dealership manager as to why the difference and he said it may have to do with oil types used in the states and climate conditions (I am in Germany)....

BTW, just the oil ran me $80 here..filters are $40 a piece...good thing I brought 5 FRAM filters...

Any input/feedback is appreciated

[JohnGD]

I believe the European engines are closer to Japanese spec than US spec. US spec is quite stringent in terms of emissions requirements and prior to cylinder head design changes in 2010, Toyotas are not good for oil changes longer than 5000 miles according to Toyota TSBs (one in 2004 and another one 2010, there was a thread about the 10K OCI here).

So when Euro-V comes into play, they'll only approximate California emissions that's been around for years.

$40 for a Camry filter.

Originally Posted by giga_dude

Hi Everyone,

I have I 2007 Camry XLE 4-cylinder that I brought with me to Europe. The dealership here tells me that I should use 0W-40 Full synthetic oil and change it every 9000 american miles or every 12 months (I converted the km to miles)

Anyone have an idea as to why Toyota in Europe recommend oil change every 9000 miles or every 12 months which ever comes first? I asked the dealership manager as to why the difference and he said it may have to do with oil types used in the states and climate conditions (I am in Germany)....

BTW, just the oil ran me $80 here..filters are $40 a piece...good thing I brought 5 FRAM filters...

Any input/feedback is appreciated

[giga_dude]

Well this car was bought in USA and exported to Germany when I moved here...so I assume I must follow the US oil change recommendations?

[AloRock]

Originally Posted by giga_dude

Well this car was bought in USA and exported to Germany when I moved here...so I assume I must follow the US oil change recommendations?

My car is an Camry LE with 2.4 L motor too. Its build in Kentucky. I imported this car in august 2008 to the Netherlands. All the maintenace I do it myself.
Oil change every 10000 miles with oil filter. No problems at all.
The dealer recommends oil change for 15000 kilometer. The best oil is an 5 W 30. Thats what they use in an Avensis too with the same engine.
Hope this info is usefull for you.
Greets

[gdanaher]

The US standard is to change dyno oil at 5k miles. The EU standard is to change synthetic at 9k miles. I fail to see a problem with that.

[giga_dude]

Originally Posted by AloRock

My car is an Camry LE with 2.4 L motor too. Its build in Kentucky. I imported this car in august 2008 to the Netherlands. All the maintenace I do it myself.
Oil change every 10000 miles with oil filter. No problems at all.
The dealer recommends oil change for 15000 kilometer. The best oil is an 5 W 30. Thats what they use in an Avensis too with the same engine.
Hope this info is usefull for you.
Greets

I appreciate the info, I use 0W-40 synthetic oil and will just keep doing my oil changes at 9k to be safe.

Originally Posted by gdanaher

The US standard is to change dyno oil at 5k miles. The EU standard is to change synthetic at 9k miles. I fail to see a problem with that.

Yes, thats what I thought...better be safe than sorry but it is always nice to get a second opinion.

[catric69]

I'm using Mobil 1 5W-30. Even though the owner's manual states, "5W-20 is required". I found it odd that Toyota only use one grade of oil weight. Exception of the '10 and newer where I believe 0W-20 is required. My understanding is the return holes in the 2.4L are small and sludge build-up will occur with thicker oil. Getting back on topic, I believe it has to do with emissions in Germany.