Originally Posted by Rob M

I would have been more correct to say noticeably darker, but not anything close to black. I only drive it 3-4K miles a year, so oil changes take place no more than once a year.

The ESP 5W-40 formula is relatively new and meets the specifications of manufacturers such as MB. It is supposed to be better for emissions systems and is especially applicable to diesel engines though it is also recommended for gasoline engines. Whenever you hear of someone using 5w-40 instead of 0W-40 in their Crossfire it is probably the product they are refering to.

Locally, it seems that 0W-40 is more readily available. I buy 0W-40 when on sale at Advance. Right now it's 5 qts for $30 including a premium Mobil 1 filter. Since they don't stock a Mobil 1 filter for the Crossfire I just get 10 qts oils plus filters for my wife's vehicle and the boat.

One thing I'm curious about - the use of fleece filters. All the manufacturers of fleece filters for the Crossfire also sell paper filters. The main reason for fleece is for extended drain intervals. However, 7500 miles is not an extended drain interval so a paper filter would not be expected to degrade in an oil change interval. (I confess to using a paper filter on my last oil change). Since the fleece ones can be purchased online for $14 or so I just might splurge next time. A local dealer just quoted me $34!

One other oil change-related note. Local dealers do not seem to stock the copper drain plug washer. Chances are they are reusing the old washers instead of replacing at each oil change. Almost guaranteed to drip oil! Non DIY Crossfire owners will not notice the accumulation of oil inside the plastic oil pan cover .