2008 Nissan 350Z
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2008 Nissan 350Z maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Nissan 350Z.
For oil changes, the 2008 Nissan 350Z takes 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 4.6 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Blue Long Life Coolant (OAT), and transmission fluid is Nissan Matic S. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Nissan 350Z, torque the lug nuts to 80 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2008 Nissan 350Z have reported 5 common issues including "Excessive Oil Consumption", "Electronic Steering Column Lock Failure" and "Window Regulator Failure". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2008 Nissan 350Z uses 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil (4.6 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 80 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2008 Nissan 350Z. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2008 Nissan 350Z.
Common problems reported by 2008 Nissan 350Z owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Excessive Oil Consumption
The VQ35DE and VQ35HR engines are known for consuming excessive oil, sometimes a quart every 500-1,000 miles. The issue is more pronounced in the DE engine variant found in 2003-2006 models but persists in the 2007 HR engine. Causes include worn valve seals, piston ring issues, and oil leaking past the galley gaskets.
Perform a dealer oil consumption test. Nissan TSB NTB10-076 outlines the diagnostic procedure. Mild cases benefit from switching to 5W-30 synthetic and shorter intervals. Severe cases require valve stem seal replacement or piston ring service. Some owners add an oil catch can to reduce PCV-related consumption.
Est. Cost: $200 - $3,500Electronic Steering Column Lock Failure
The ESCL (Electronic Steering Column Lock) can fail without warning, preventing the vehicle from starting. The dash displays a steering lock warning and the ignition will not engage. This is one of the most notorious 350Z/370Z issues, caused by internal electrical failures in the lock actuator, and can strand owners without warning.
Nissan issued a voluntary service campaign and later NHTSA recall 13V-132 covering certain model years for free ESCL replacement. For 2007 models, check eligibility with your dealer. If not covered, replace the steering lock assembly. Some owners install a bypass harness to eliminate the module entirely.
Est. Cost: $0 (if recall eligible) / $500 - $1,100Window Regulator Failure
The power window regulators are a common failure point, with the driver's window being most affected. The cable-driven regulator's plastic pulleys crack, causing the cable to jam or the window to drop inside the door. Some owners experience complete failure where the window falls down and cannot be raised.
Replace the window regulator assembly. OEM replacement part numbers are 80721-CD01E (driver) and 80720-CD01E (passenger). Aftermarket options are available at lower cost. The repair requires door panel removal and takes about 1-2 hours of labor.
Est. Cost: $200 - $450Timing Chain Tensioner and Gallery Gasket Leak
The timing chain tensioner can weaken over time, leading to timing chain rattle on cold starts. Additionally, the oil gallery gaskets between the upper and lower oil pans can leak, causing oil dripping and low oil pressure warnings. The gallery gasket leak is often mistaken for a rear main seal leak.
For timing chain rattle, replace the primary timing chain tensioner and check chain stretch. For gallery gasket leaks, replace all oil gallery gaskets, which requires removing the upper oil pan. TSB NTB06-042 addresses gallery gasket leakage on VQ35DE engines.
Est. Cost: $400 - $2,000Clutch Master/Slave Cylinder Failure (Manual)
Manual transmission models suffer from clutch hydraulic system failures. The master cylinder and slave cylinder can develop internal leaks, causing a soft or sinking clutch pedal, difficulty engaging gears, and eventual loss of clutch function. The slave cylinder is internal to the bell housing, making replacement labor-intensive.
Replace the clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder, and hydraulic line as a system. Since the slave cylinder requires transmission removal, most shops recommend replacing the clutch disc and pressure plate at the same time. Aftermarket external slave cylinder conversions are available to simplify future maintenance.
Est. Cost: $1,000 - $2,200