What is the recommended mileage for the first oil change?

 

You can use the owners' manual, or you can make it up

I changed mine at 1000 miles. Some folks like to use the end of the break-in period (600 miles). The argument being that the initial break-in generates far more wear particles than will ever happen afterwards, so why not get a fresh filter and oil in there. On the other hand I believe there is a unique additive package in the factory fill to help during the breakin process. (high molybdenum, others...?) so I guess you could make an argument for leaving it in and just going the normal interval. Probably doesn't matter too much. Doing an early first change helps you "bond" with the car

 

First change at 1000. Now every 3000.

 

Well, I'm at 2500 miles and I scheduled the first oil change that the dealer comps for Monday. I just wasn't sure if I could go longer. I've been adding oil as needed so I should probably just go ahead and change it. Obviously, it cant' hurt...

 

I'm at 2500 right now...they told me to do it at 3k miles, so that's what i'm gonna do

 

Mine was build of Sep 03 and delivery July 04. I felt that 9 months was a bit long to keep that initial fill in the car. I did mine at 1100 miles, and next one at 4300, ergo about every 3K

 

I did my first at 2500, and every 2500 since.

 

The main thing is to let the dealer do the first one as the filter is on really tight. I had the first one done at 1000 and the second at 5800. If you have a MT I highly recomened getting the transmission and differintial changed to Red Line or Royal Purple after a few thousand miles of break in.

 

I did my at 1000 miles and again at 3000 miles and then they will be every 3000 miles .

 

Well, certainly not HURTING anything by ignoring that advice and doing it every 3000 ...

 

The first change shoudl come at or around 1,000 miles....then every 3k after that. I change mine always about every 1k though just because I'm obsessed and I need to get as many points as possible in my Advanced Auto class. Makes things even more easy with access to a lift.

 

If you're capable and planning on doing your oil changes yourself (i.e. you have the right tools and know what you're doing), doing the first one yourself is no big deal. There are plenty of tips on this board to help...

 

I called the dealership and the service manager told me to get it changed every 5000 miles- why are so many of you doing so much sooner?

 

That's for the "light duty" driving- normal duty cycle is 5000 miles. I think both are too long considering you only change a little over half the total oil capacity during a normal oil change.

 

I had my first oil change relatively early as well, although my dealer told me at the time that it wasn't necessary because all the age-old fears of certain particulates from the engine parts geting in the oil isn't as big a concern as it used to be.

True or False?

 

Except your wallet :D.

From the Racing Beat web site:

"The Mazda RX-8 Owners Manual indicates that the engine oil and oil filter be changed every six (6) months or every 7500 miles, whichever comes first. Racing Beat supports this recommendation."

I have mine changed every 5000 miles since I have free maintenance.

 

I'm aiming for 7500/or next month, whichever comes sooner and I'm taking it to the dealership for the first go around.