Oil question (not very exciting)

[josh290]

Hey guys, first post, hope this doesn't come across as a ridiculously obvious question.

We Recently picked up a 2006 Cayman S with 68K on the clock from a local dealer.
The no dipstick thing is taking some getting used to, the electronic oil measurement seems to give some sporadic results. Currently, it seems to display with the bottom two bars lit up, I'm assuming the ideal amount is for all the bars to be lit up?

Now, this may seem like a very silly question BUT, does it matter what kind of oil is already in the car (as I have no way of finding out), am I able to just top it up with some 5w-40? Is that recommended for a car of this age? I've read a lot of contrasting info about exactly which oil is best!

I know there's plenty of threads on here about this but I'm curious to get the opinion of other Cayman drivers...

 

[Motorhead]

Hi Josh,

Well done getting your new Cayman - an excellent choice..!

If you have the Driver's Manual you'll find sections on oil measurement and on topping up. As you say, the recommended level is with all 3 display segments lit up; but don't over-fill. Each segment corresponds to approx. 0.4 litre.

I think you'll find that the Porsche recommended oil for your car is Mobil 1 0W-40 but I wouldn't worry if you need to use oil from a different manufacturer.

Enjoy your car.

Jeff

 

[josh290]

Thanks Jeff! - I'd never truly appreciated Porsches...until the moment I sat in the driver's seat!

True, the manual recommends 0W-40, I've just read a lot online about how 5w-40 or even 10w-40 'is better' for the older engines...There seems to be so much to read online - the community is massive

 

[Buddy]

Hi Josh,

Regarding the older cars, don't be concerned about using a thicker oil, 0-40 Mobil 1 is the recommended juice and oil use should be minimal at your mileage, if the car has been serviced at an OPC then that is the oil you will have most none franchised specialists use the recommended oil. On your car the oil level can be checked even cold so that you can at least make sure that there is oil before starting the engine! It is still recommended that you check the oil level static and switched off after being fully warmed up, as Jeff says the steps equate to approx 0.4litre but it is a series of stepped levels that give the indications and so I only add 0.2 if topping up and it usually puts it to the next stepped level, from 987/2 and later cars have to be warmed up and stood on level ground static with the engine ticking over, not always convenient and no indication possible until warmed up!