First Oil Change

[melmsrt4]

Just picked up a 200S for the wife this past Friday (Whoohoo!), but wondering when is/has everyone been doing there first oil change. I know the interval is 8K miles, but I don't what to go that far on the first one. I was thinking 500-1000 miles, with dino based oil and then change again at about the 3-4K range with dino again and then wait until the 8K range to switch to synthetic. Also, what oil and filter are you going with. I know the filter is a cartridge type, are they hard to find at the local Autozone. I like to my own maintenance when I can, and as long as I don't hurt the warranty. Please let me know what you guys and gals think. Thanks

[Dadillac]

Did the first oil change on my "200" at 5,000 KMS (approx. 3,000 MI) I have the maintenance plan that covers my oil changes, so I'll probably continue on with having them done at 5,000 KMS. (or every 3 months, whichever comes first!)

[melmsrt4]

Thanks for the response Dadillac. I'm guessing since you have the maintenance plan that your sticking with dino based oil. Have you noticed anything different since your first oil change, ie mileage got better or run stronger?

[Dadillac]

No significant change, in fact, the mileage might even be slightly less BUT then again I am probably driving it "harder" (LOL)

[melmsrt4]

No one else?

[O'Leg]

No one else?

My two cents. :-)

I changed oil 3 times at 2500, 6200, and 10000 miles. After the first 1000 my MPG slightly improved from 21.5 to 22.5. Right after oil change it falls to 22 and restores its 22.5 in 300-500 miles. It happens every time. I am hard driver too. It also looks like that as I become close to my next oil change, my MPG start slightly to degrade. I believe it means I choose proper oil change period. Regular oil at Chrysler dealership.

[melmsrt4]

My two cents. :-)

I changed oil 3 times at 2500, 6200, and 10000 miles. After the first 1000 my MPG slightly improved from 21.5 to 22.5. Right after oil change it falls to 22 and restores its 22.5 in 300-500 miles. It happens every time. I am hard driver too. It also looks like that as I become close to my next oil change, my MPG start slightly to degrade. I believe it means I choose proper oil change period. Regular oil at Chrysler dealership.

Thanks for your response. Any plans to go synthetic? I'm guessing not if you've already gone this far.

Keep the responses coming.

[Chris41]

Had my first change with semi-synthetic at the local Valvoline Oil Change....$55 and out the door in under 20 minutes.

[Dadillac]

I'd put synthetic in, but my oil changes are all covered under my 'maintenance plan'. (At least I'm covered for up to 4 oil changes/year)

[adams200s]

I will be switching to synthetic at first oil change, which I will be doing around 2500-3k miles