Hello Everyone!

I really need some help from the Automotive Community.

I am the original owner of a new 2004 Touring 350Z, 6 SPD -MT that I purchased off of the new car lot. Right from the get-go I noticed an oil consumption problem so I took it to the Nissan dealer where I purchased it and we began the oil consumption test. After 3 tests they finally admitted that there may be a problem (they denied that they have ever heard of a Nissan engine with oil consumption problems) so they said that they contacted Nissan North America and rather then doing a leak down test they were told to replace the valve covers, gasket and PCV valve. Well that didn't work so they did the only other thing that they could do.

THEY BLAMED THE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM ON ME!!

Well, here is Nissan North America's, Inc. Official Answer. DOWN-SHIFTING! NISSAN'S TECH LINE Stated "Oil loss due to customer downshifting to slow vehicle down- compression built up during this is pushing oil past rings which is then being burnt off".

Please let me know what you think. Has anyone heard of any class action law suits addressing this issue?



TIA - Rick


2004 Touring - Silverstone - 6-MT - 17,000 Miles - 17 Quarts of Oil

They have no right to blame you. I know my auto's teacher said engine braking (down shifting, whatever) is not bad for your car. Besides, i knew from the first like three sentences in your post it was bad cylinder rings, my friend has the same problem with his 95' volvo 740, except not as bad. I am surprised you got that problem that quickly though. I think when the engine was being put together, the guy with the micrometer and telescoping gauges fell asleep, because that engine doesn't seem up to spec burning that much oil with only 17k miles.

This problem didn't start at 17,000 miles, it started at 52 Miles. The dealership just never wanted to resolve the issue with me. I've babied it and kept it in excellent condition so I have that going for me. TIA for your feeback.

2004 Touring - Silverstone - 6-MT - 17,000 Miles - 17 Quarts of Oil

yeah dude thats BS... have you talked to Nissan personally? what kinda warranty you got?

contact Nissan about the dealer handling your case. I understand you brought the car used. How many miles on the car when you brought it? Did you buy it at the Nissan dealer you have been dealing with? 17k miles, the engine should be way covered under warranty. I have seen cars with 30k miles and 1 oil change get motors. The only way I could see a Z motor burning oil is if the Catts go bad and debris is sucked into the engine. I have seen where changing the valve covers help burning oil problem. I would contact Nissan at 1-800-Nissan-1 and have all your information ready. If you brought the car with lets say 5k miles have you done 2 to 3 oil changes? and so on. Feel free to ask me any more questions if you have any, and i'm sure you do. :)

Lots of Z's have had problems with oil consumption, especially the 06 revups. Search "Oil Consumption" on my350z.com and you'll get pages upon pages of information.