Originally Posted by diyjake
Originally Posted by ekpolk
My wife's 07 Avalon has the same 2GR engine. It's a short-tripper, with only 70k on the odo at age 12. During the early years, I used a few fills of the "legendary" (at least here on BITOG in the early 2000s) 0w-30 "GC" (so-called German Castrol -- the emerald green, Syntec). It ran great with that, but once I ran through my stash of that, it's been on M1-EP 5w-30 since, changed once per year. I have not UOA-ed it for a long time, but subjectively, it runs very nicely on the M1, and experiences no noticeable consumption. The oil does darken more than it did in my old 04 Prius, though I have no explanation for that. This April, when it's time to change, based upon tribologist consultant recommendation, I'll be changing to the M1 ESP formula, and we'll see how that goes. You can clearly use any oil you choose, within specs of course, with very little chance the oil will be the source of trouble.
EDIT: during this MY (2007) the manual recommends 5w-30, but it has been officially "back spec-ed" to the 20wt oils. I just keep on since what we've done has worked so well, and because this car's mileage will suck (relative term from Prius driver...) no matter what oil we use. . .
What is so special about M1 ESP? I don't remember ever seeing in the stores but then again I was never looking for it.
M1 ESP is made for European diesels and gas engines using ULSG. Mobil1 ESP Formula 5W30 (recently discontinued) was probably best oil in that category, but that is NOT your ordinary 5W30 ILSAC GF-5 oil. HTHS was 3.58cp, and KV100 almost on par with W40 engines. It is absolute overkill for any Toyota here in the US. In Europe, that oil is though recommended for these 2GR engines, but European roads have different driving requirements.
In Sienna I use Mobil1 5W30 EP. Reason is that twice a week I ski, and climb I70 where I keep engine using manual mode above 4000rpms for like 45min to an hour. Call me old fashion, but I am not believer in these W20 oils. But, do not overkill it. I think jump to W30, either 0W or 5W will do.
I went with Mobil1 5W30 EP as it meets ACEA A5/B5, has bit more additives. But, seriously, in this engine you can use ANY synthetic oil 0/5W30 and be fine. It is simple, proven engine.
Also, I used FRAM Ultra first two oil changes. I did first oil change 3K (as I do not know who owned car before me, I got it with 42k on ODO). Than 5K using mix of 0W20 and leftovers of 0W40 (2 qt) I had from my VW CC from like 4yrs ago. And now using M1 5W30 EP and OEM filter. Reason for OEM filter is that dealership had sale, 3 filters for $12. It fits better in housing than FRAM. I will change this every 8k. No need for every 5K if you use oil such as EP as this is port injection engine.
M1 will be bit louder. I had that issue in my Passat 1.8T, in VW CC 2.0T and once I used in Tiguan 0W40. Interestingly, M1 ESP Formula that I used in my X5 diesel that I traded in for Sienna did not exhibit any more noise than other oils I used in that diesel.
Do not overthink. I got Sienna to keep it 15 years until kids are out. Though, pay attention on some assembly things, as IMO car is below average in built quality.
