2013 G37 Oil Capacity: Specs & Service Guide

Knowing your exact 2013 g37 oil capacity prevents both underfilling and overfilling, two mistakes that can cause serious valve train wear or seal damage in high-performance engines. Whether you drive a Journey, Sport, G37x all-wheel-drive, or the retractable hardtop Convertible, every 2013 Infiniti G37 houses the naturally aspirated 3.7-liter VQ37VHR V6 engine. Here is the official fluid specification breakdown, oil selection advice, and practical maintenance tips you need to keep your G37 running smoothly.

Exact 2013 G37 Oil Capacity and Fill Specs

Infiniti specifies fluid capacity based on whether or not you replace the oil filter during your service. Because old oil trapped in the filter element can hold several ounces of fluid, your refill amount will vary accordingly:

• With oil filter change: 5.14 US quarts (4.9 liters / 5-1/8 quarts)
• Without oil filter change: 4.88 US quarts (4.6 liters / 4-7/8 quarts)
• Dry engine overhaul (completely dry): 6.0 US quarts (5.7 liters)

For a standard routine oil change, buying a 5-quart jug alongside a single individual quart gives you the 5.1 to 5.2 quarts needed for the engine, with enough left over for top-offs down the road.

Does Trim or Drivetrain Change the Capacity?

A common point of confusion is whether the G37 Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, or AWD (G37x) variants require different amounts of oil. Despite minor differences in steering rack clearances and front differentials on the AWD models, the oil pan and block design across all standard 2013 G37 models share the identical 5.14-quart capacity with a filter replacement. The limited-production IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) also shares this base crankcase capacity, though vehicles fitted with aftermarket auxiliary oil coolers will require an additional half-quart to a full quart depending on cooler volume.

Recommended Oil Type and Viscosity

Infiniti recommends using an API Certification Mark, SN/GF-5 or newer (such as SP/GF-6) engine oil with an SAE viscosity rating of 5W-30.

Why Full Synthetic 5W-30 Matters

The 2013 G37 utilizes Nissan's Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system. VVEL alters intake valve lift electronically and hydraulically, operating under very tight tolerances. This mechanism operates best with clean, thermally stable oil that resists shear degradation at high engine RPMs.

While conventional 5W-30 satisfies basic warranty requirements, full synthetic oil delivers noticeably better protection against thermal breakdown, sludge accumulation, and timing chain guide wear. Top full-synthetic choices that perform reliably in the VQ37VHR include:

• Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-30
• Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30
• Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-30
• Motul 8100 X-cess 5W-30 (for heavy track or aggressive driving)

The Nissan Ester Oil Question

You may come across older service bulletins advising owners to use genuine "Nissan Ester Engine Oil" to alleviate valve train ticking or tapping sounds associated with early VVEL systems. While dealerships previously promoted this formulation, modern high-end synthetic oils formulated with Group IV (PAO) or Group V (ester) synthetic basestocks offer equal or superior lubrication properties without the premium dealership markup.

Essential Parts, Tools, and Torque Specifications

Before pulling your car onto ramps, collect the correct hardware to ensure a leak-free change:

• Drain Plug Socket: 14 mm
• Drain Plug Torque: 25 to 29 ft-lbs (34 to 39 Nm)
• Drain Plug Washer: 11026-01M02 (copper crush washer; always replace with new)
• Oil Filter Wrench: 65 mm cap-style or swivel band wrench
• Undertray Fasteners: 10 mm socket and clip removal tool
• Factory Oil Filter Part Number: Nissan/Infiniti 15208-65F0E (compact) or 15208-9E000 (slightly larger capacity version that also threads cleanly onto the VQ37)

Step-by-Step 2013 G37 Oil Change Guide

1. Warm the Engine: Idle the vehicle for 3 to 5 minutes so oil warms up, allowing suspended contaminants to drain out freely. Turn off the ignition.
2. Lift the Front: Drive the car onto ramps or elevate it with a hydraulic jack, securing both sides on sturdy jack stands. Block the rear tires.
3. Drop the Undertray Access: The G37 features a large plastic underbody splash shield. You do not need to remove the entire shield; remove the rear fasteners (10 mm bolts and push-clips) on the passenger-side flap to reveal the oil filter and drain plug.
4. Drain the Oil: Position a drain catch container beneath the oil pan. Using a 14 mm socket, remove the drain bolt. Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Replace the Filter: Reposition the pan beneath the oil filter (located just forward of the oil pan). Spin the filter off counterclockwise. Ensure the old rubber gasket comes off with the old filter and is not stuck to the engine mating flange.
6. Prep and Install New Filter: Lubricate the rubber ring of your new filter with clean motor oil. Thread it on by hand until the gasket contacts the mounting plate, then tighten it an additional 2/3 to 3/4 turn. Do not overtighten with a wrench.
7. Reinstall Drain Plug: Slide a fresh copper crush washer onto the drain bolt. Thread it into the pan by hand, then torque to 25–29 ft-lbs.
8. Add Fresh Oil: Pour in 4.8 to 5.0 quarts of 5W-30 synthetic oil through the filler neck on the passenger-side valve cover. Cap the oil neck, start the engine, and run it for 60 seconds to circulate oil through the new filter.
9. Check for Leaks: Look beneath the car for any seepage around the drain plug or oil filter gasket before reinstalling the undertray.
10. Set Final Level: Lower the car to level ground. Wait at least 10 minutes for oil to settle into the pan, pull the dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert fully, and read the level. Top off in small increments until the fluid sits midway between the Low and High hatch marks.

How to Read the VQ37 Dipstick Accurately

Many G37 owners find the dipstick frustrating to read. The curved path down the dipstick tube tends to smear fresh oil along the blade, creating false high readings. To obtain a clean reading:

• Always check the oil with the car parked on an entirely flat, level surface.
• Check the reading after the engine has been turned off for at least 15 to 20 minutes, or inspect it cold in the morning before starting the vehicle.
• Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth, reinsert it fully with the crosshatched side facing toward the front of the vehicle, and retrieve it cleanly in one steady motion.

Recommended Oil Change Intervals

While factory service manuals once suggested up to 7,500-mile intervals for normal operating conditions, real-world operation on aging VQ37 engines requires more proactive maintenance:

• Normal Driving (Full Synthetic): Change every 5,000 miles or 6 months.
• Severe Service (Short trips, dusty conditions, stop-and-go traffic): Change every 3,000 to 3,750 miles.

Adhering to a 5,000-mile interval safeguards the internal timing gallery gaskets—a documented weak point on early-to-mid VQ37 engines—from premature failure caused by degraded oil and excessive heat cycling.

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