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Old 05-31-2012, 09:58 PM   #1
TObject
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Default 2012 Impreza 2.0i Oil Change

I did the first oil change at 970 miles today.

Let me skip right ahead and let you know that I did not find any particles at the bottom of the drain bucket, and the oil still looked fine.

I bought a 5-quart jug, plus a single quart, of Mobil1 0W20 at Walmart.
I also had a Subaru 15208AA160 oil filter and a new crush washer (Subaru part number 803916010).

Here is the process:

1. The hotter the engine, the better will the oil drain, but be careful and do not burn yourself.

2. Pour some fresh oil in the new oil filter (into the center hole); lubricate the gasket on the filter with fresh oil; and set the filter aside to absorb the oil.

3. Pull the oil level dipstick slightly and loosen the oil cap so the air can get in when draining.

4. Put a bucket under the drain plug. Remove the drain plug (17 mm) and drain the oil. For cleaner start, you can slightly push the drain plug in as you are loosening it, and then when all the threads released pull the plug away in one motion.

5. While the oil is draining, you can loosen the oil filter, unscrew it and remove it slowly lifting up. Have a rug ready to catch any dripping oil. Hardly any oil came out when I did this today.

6. Wipe the filter mating surface of any debris. You can now screw in the new oil filter. The manual recommends tightening approximately one turn after the gasket contacts, torque spec 14 N.m (1.4 kgf-m, 10.3 ft-lb).

7. Get back under the vehicle, wipe the drain hole and its surroundings, and replace the drain plug with a new crush washer. Do not forget to remove the old crush washer, it may be stuck to ether the drain plug or to the oil pan, and may be hard to see due to being painted over. The drain plug torque spec is 41.7 N-m (4.3 kgf-m, 30.8 ft-lb).

8. If any oil got to any surfaces underneath the vehicle, clean it up. Hot exhaust is nearby. Make sure you do not forget any oily rugs there.

9. Refill with fresh oil.

10. Close the oil cap. Push the oil dipstick back in.

11. Start the engine to let the oil circulate for a bit.

12. Shut down the engine.

13. Check for leaks.

14. Check the oil level.

Now, let us talk about how much oil to put in. As you know, the manual says it is 5.3 quarts, when replacing oil and filter.

I put five quarts in today. And after checking, that was too much, I was about a quarter inch above the full mark on the dipstick.

Of course it depends on how much old oil you manage to drain. I drained slightly over five quarts of factory oil, plus whatever was in the old filter, meaning my Subaru was overfilled even more at the factory. So, I think 5 quarts is plenty, you do not really need to buy six.

I put the extra little bottle in the recessed area in the caddy above the spare tire, it fits there nicely.
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Old 06-02-2012, 06:28 AM   #2
mikeythejew
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Default

Be sure to keep your oil and filter receipts organized in a safe place. Write the VIN#, miles and date on the receipts.
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Old 06-02-2012, 09:55 AM   #3
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Thanks for the write-up on the 2.0i! Can't you also loosen the oil filter and let it drain while the oil pan is draining and most of it will drain out?

Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeythejew
Be sure to keep your oil and filter receipts organized in a safe place. Write the VIN#, miles and date on the receipts.
Great advice. Someone on IWSTI has a possible turbo failure and it likely won't be covered under warranty due to lack of receipts.

-Dennis
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Old 06-04-2012, 08:04 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluesubie View Post
Thanks for the write-up on the 2.0i! Can't you also loosen the oil filter and let it drain while the oil pan is draining and most of it will drain out?



Great advice. Someone on IWSTI has a possible turbo failure and it likely won't be covered under warranty due to lack of receipts.

-Dennis
On the FB engine the oil filter is inverted and on top of the timing cover on bank 2. I pull and swap the filter before I raise the vehicle to drain the pan. Since the filter is up-side down there isn't a dribbling mess like you get with an EJ block.
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Old 07-05-2012, 08:42 PM   #5
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I also changed my oil for first time and 5 quarts put at full mark.
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Old 08-15-2012, 09:30 AM   #6
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do we need to remove the under splash guard/shield to access the drain plug for an oil change?
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Old 08-16-2012, 09:18 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by imprezanub View Post
do we need to remove the under splash guard/shield to access the drain plug for an oil change?
No. There is a small opening for access to the plug.
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Old 08-18-2012, 09:32 AM   #8
pubbudbrian
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Default Drain plug

Can the drain plug be removed without raising the vehicle (I don't have a ramp or lift)? If not, what are your thoughts about a Fumoto plug; if I have one installed by a shop, would I then be able to drain the oil without raising the car?
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Old 08-18-2012, 09:52 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pubbudbrian
Can the drain plug be removed without raising the vehicle (I don't have a ramp or lift)? If not, what are your thoughts about a Fumoto plug; if I have one installed by a shop, would I then be able to drain the oil without raising the car?
If you can reach the drain plug while the car is on the ground, then you should be able to open and close the Fumoto. I use ramps, but I open and close the Fumoto with one finger. I just like to look around underneath when changing the oil.

-Dennis
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Old 08-18-2012, 04:30 PM   #10
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Default Is there really a plug under there??

Quote:
Originally Posted by bluesubie View Post
If you can reach the drain plug while the car is on the ground, then you should be able to open and close the Fumoto. I use ramps, but I open and close the Fumoto with one finger. I just like to look around underneath when changing the oil.

-Dennis
Hi, all. I'm doing my initial oil change, and will have take your words for it that there's an oil plug .
I am editing my post because I answered my own questions, I think: is it OK to have the front raised on jackstands or with a jack to access and unplug the oil pan? Please correct me if I'm wrong, but a raised front end is OK for oil drainage?
Thanks.

Last edited by BigVoxjammer; 08-19-2012 at 11:48 AM. Reason: Answered my own question, maybe....
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Old 08-18-2012, 04:45 PM   #11
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"I put five quarts in today. And after checking, that was too much, I was about a quarter inch above the full mark on the dipstick.

"Of course it depends on how much old oil you manage to drain. I drained slightly over five quarts of factory oil, plus whatever was in the old filter, meaning my Subaru was overfilled even more at the factory. So, I think 5 quarts is plenty, you do not really need to buy six."

Thanks for the step-by-step: Is it possible that heated oil would read as over five quarts after you drained it because it's warm? And you hadn't drained all the oil so five quarts added was overfill?

Also, while I believe they might account for immediate oil burn on a new motor, and therefore overfill by a set amount, I doubt they do...I think they use a metered oil pump to fill the case at the factory and it will only administer the correct volume on a squirt. That's some dude's job, to squeeze the pump all day long...I don't want to insult him by saying he has it mis-calibrated to squirt 5.6 qts. Seriously, though, is it really possible for this to happen at a factory when .3 qts times 10,000 engines could equal hundreds if not thousands of dollars in costs?

I ask, because it seems amazing to me that with the infinitesimally specced design of any engine could be only roughly a certain volume, with some engines taking more oil, some less. I mean if the designers say it has 5.3 qts displacement then, fully drained, and with a new filter, it should take the whole 5.3 like it was designed too. I'm not trying to be flippant, but what are the factors that could allow for such a discrepancy? I know by now not to trust a warm oil reading on this car, as I get different results regularly.
Thanks again for your write up...
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Old 08-19-2012, 09:06 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigVoxjammer View Post
I know by now not to trust a warm oil reading on this car, as I get different results regularly.
Thanks again for your write up...
You said it all right here. After owning 5 Subarus, I don't trust a single reading (even cold). The key is knowing you are in the ballpark and going from there.
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Old 08-20-2012, 01:42 AM   #13
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Default So, not to hi-jack the OP's great write-up, but....

I was able to do my initial oil change at 3900 miles today. I originally found this thread because I was looking for someone to tell me how to get under the car, and where to find the drain plug. Impatient, I didn't wait for an answer to my queries, and just dove in. Here's my brief write-up, in case it helps others like me who were initially confused:

1) As pointed out in this thread by others, get ramps. I grabbed a pair of heavy plastic Rhino Ramps at Walmart for 43 bucks, which brought the total cost of my initial oil change to a few dollars over the dealership's cost to change the oil, but at least I have the ramps for next time. There's no way in hell you are getting to the plug without raising the car, or maybe digging a trench under the engine to crawl into....

The drain plug is to be found at the back of the engine. It is reached through a cut-out gap in the underside plastic skid plate Subaru installed under the engine.

2) I was prepared with an OEM filter (15208AA160) gotten on ebay for about 7 bucks; a five quart jug of Mobil 1 0w-20, and a sixth single quart, from Walmart for 33 bucks total; a new crush washer from the dealer for .89. Don't go to a generic parts store for the washer, because they'll try to sell you a copper washer. The crush washer serves its purpose, and you need it. Don't bother re-using the old one, though maybe you can.

3) I poured less than .3 qts into the filter and let it soak in. The rest of the five qts went into the case. I decided to run it on that much oil for a bit, and see where the stick read, in case people are correct in claiming the factory overfills the case. They don't. I'll need to add about a third of a quart more in the morning....it got dark, I got tired. I'll do it tomorrow.

I was able to measure my waste oil to EXACTLY five quarts! I know the filter has its share, so I'm pretty sure the guy with the squeeze pump at the factory had it calibrated properly. I was amazed, though, that there was no notable oil loss during the first 3900 miles, which contradicts the experience of several folks in these forums. I'll keep my fingers crossed that this assessment doesn't change in time. For what it's worth, I never noticed any oil loss when I checked the stick periodically during the last month and a half (yeah, I put those miles on it in 6 weeks...so what). Also, there was no metal shavings or bits in the oil: it looked and smelled great, and looked like it could go another five thousand miles if needed, though obviously one can't know the true condition of oil without analysing it. But it sure looked good. As noted right above, you will never get the same reading twice in a row, even cold and level, with this car. Thems the breaks...I agree with the poster above: as long as it's in the ballpark, you're good to go. I'd be more concerned if I had only a burnt smudge of tar on the end of the stick. The normal readings, though, can vary considerably. Accept it, and check often!

4) After I did the oil, and put on my new oil cap (Subie bling), I washed her and detailed the interior. It smells better than new with the lovely scent of Maguires leather cleaner and conditioner. Oh, I cannot wait to drive to coffee in the morning!

Here's some pics of my first oil change, for educational purposes. I believe if you click on the pics, you'll be directed to Flickr and you can look at all the pics in my Flickr account, which are mainly snaps of my Sky Blue Sport Limited. If that's the model you're interested in (ie. if you're cruising these forums like I did in anticipation of ordering your car, or maybe waiting for her to arrive, you can look at my photos and maybe find a bit of joy to tide you over, til your Impreza comes.

As far as changing oil, I'd highly recommend Mobil 1, as they actually make a 0-20, and Walmart sells the five quart econo jug for 26.50. Some folks dig the Amsoil, which I hear is awesome, but I went for the Mobil 1 not only for its great reputation, but for the fact that, on a road trip to anywhere, I could roll into a Walmart and there it will be!

I also got the OEM filter, that has the 160 number on it. I got a three pack on ebay for 22 bucks, which never arrived, so the guy sent me a replacement order. Then, today, ironically, as I was doing the oil, some guy pulls up and leaves a package with three filters in it on my porch. The original shipment was sent to him by mistake, and that dude brought it to my door, never having opened the package. I didn't even have a chance to tell him how awesome he was. Now I have five extra filters, because I don't know that I will mail them back to the ebay seller for 10 bucks. Maybe I will. I don't know. It's a moral quandry, and I don't want to be a jerk.

Buy a Subaru crush washer for the drain plug. Don't go another route. They're less than a buck at the dealer, and they do the job right.

Thanks for reading my post, and I hope it wasn't too long and boring. I just thought it would help make this thread even more informative for someone doing an oil change on their new Impreza for the first time.

impreza oil change rhino ramps from wally world by Happy McMaster, on Flickr
impreza oil change clean oil drain pan by Happy McMaster, on Flickr
impreza oil change new crush washer by Happy McMaster, on Flickr

impreza oil change mobil 1 and the new OEM filter by Happy McMaster, on Flickr
impreza oil change new blue cap and french instructions by Happy McMaster, on Flickr
impreza oil change new bling in place...personalized! by Happy McMaster, on Flickr
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Old 08-20-2012, 08:07 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigVoxjammer
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but a raised front end is OK for oil drainage?
Thanks.
Yes.

-Dennis
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Old 08-21-2012, 02:10 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluesubie View Post
Yes.

-Dennis
Ha Ha Ha Yeah it took me half a day to realise I already knew you should raise the front end a little. D'oh! The ramp suggestion really made it a breeze, for the change and an inspection!
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Old 09-13-2012, 12:55 PM   #16
kenny doggins
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Something else to point out- The oil comes flying out of that 17mm drain hole! I wasn't ready for that but no harm done. My current drain pan couldn't really keep up!

and 5 quarts looks to be fine.
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Old 09-15-2012, 05:05 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kenny doggins View Post
Something else to point out- The oil comes flying out of that 17mm drain hole! I wasn't ready for that but no harm done. My current drain pan couldn't really keep up!

and 5 quarts looks to be fine.
buy a fumoto oil drain valve. no more mess. you need part# f-108 or f-108n. i have one on my wrx and the wifes forester. the oil comes out slower. the n valve has a nipple that a rubber hose can be attached to. very good product!
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Old 09-18-2012, 01:04 PM   #18
imcausinmadrukis
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigVoxjammer View Post
I was able to do my initial oil change at 3900 miles today. I originally found this thread because I was looking for someone to tell me how to get under the car, and where to find the drain plug. Impatient, I didn't wait for an answer to my queries, and just dove in. Here's my brief write-up, in case it helps others like me who were initially confused:

1) As pointed out in this thread by others, get ramps. I grabbed a pair of heavy plastic Rhino Ramps at Walmart for 43 bucks, which brought the total cost of my initial oil change to a few dollars over the dealership's cost to change the oil, but at least I have the ramps for next time. There's no way in hell you are getting to the plug without raising the car, or maybe digging a trench under the engine to crawl into....

The drain plug is to be found at the back of the engine. It is reached through a cut-out gap in the underside plastic skid plate Subaru installed under the engine.

2) I was prepared with an OEM filter (15208AA160) gotten on ebay for about 7 bucks; a five quart jug of Mobil 1 0w-20, and a sixth single quart, from Walmart for 33 bucks total; a new crush washer from the dealer for .89. Don't go to a generic parts store for the washer, because they'll try to sell you a copper washer. The crush washer serves its purpose, and you need it. Don't bother re-using the old one, though maybe you can.

3) I poured less than .3 qts into the filter and let it soak in. The rest of the five qts went into the case. I decided to run it on that much oil for a bit, and see where the stick read, in case people are correct in claiming the factory overfills the case. They don't. I'll need to add about a third of a quart more in the morning....it got dark, I got tired. I'll do it tomorrow.

I was able to measure my waste oil to EXACTLY five quarts! I know the filter has its share, so I'm pretty sure the guy with the squeeze pump at the factory had it calibrated properly. I was amazed, though, that there was no notable oil loss during the first 3900 miles, which contradicts the experience of several folks in these forums. I'll keep my fingers crossed that this assessment doesn't change in time. For what it's worth, I never noticed any oil loss when I checked the stick periodically during the last month and a half (yeah, I put those miles on it in 6 weeks...so what). Also, there was no metal shavings or bits in the oil: it looked and smelled great, and looked like it could go another five thousand miles if needed, though obviously one can't know the true condition of oil without analysing it. But it sure looked good. As noted right above, you will never get the same reading twice in a row, even cold and level, with this car. Thems the breaks...I agree with the poster above: as long as it's in the ballpark, you're good to go. I'd be more concerned if I had only a burnt smudge of tar on the end of the stick. The normal readings, though, can vary considerably. Accept it, and check often!

4) After I did the oil, and put on my new oil cap (Subie bling), I washed her and detailed the interior. It smells better than new with the lovely scent of Maguires leather cleaner and conditioner. Oh, I cannot wait to drive to coffee in the morning!

Here's some pics of my first oil change, for educational purposes. I believe if you click on the pics, you'll be directed to Flickr and you can look at all the pics in my Flickr account, which are mainly snaps of my Sky Blue Sport Limited. If that's the model you're interested in (ie. if you're cruising these forums like I did in anticipation of ordering your car, or maybe waiting for her to arrive, you can look at my photos and maybe find a bit of joy to tide you over, til your Impreza comes.

As far as changing oil, I'd highly recommend Mobil 1, as they actually make a 0-20, and Walmart sells the five quart econo jug for 26.50. Some folks dig the Amsoil, which I hear is awesome, but I went for the Mobil 1 not only for its great reputation, but for the fact that, on a road trip to anywhere, I could roll into a Walmart and there it will be!

I also got the OEM filter, that has the 160 number on it. I got a three pack on ebay for 22 bucks, which never arrived, so the guy sent me a replacement order. Then, today, ironically, as I was doing the oil, some guy pulls up and leaves a package with three filters in it on my porch. The original shipment was sent to him by mistake, and that dude brought it to my door, never having opened the package. I didn't even have a chance to tell him how awesome he was. Now I have five extra filters, because I don't know that I will mail them back to the ebay seller for 10 bucks. Maybe I will. I don't know. It's a moral quandry, and I don't want to be a jerk.

Buy a Subaru crush washer for the drain plug. Don't go another route. They're less than a buck at the dealer, and they do the job right.

Thanks for reading my post, and I hope it wasn't too long and boring. I just thought it would help make this thread even more informative for someone doing an oil change on their new Impreza for the first time.

impreza oil change rhino ramps from wally world by Happy McMaster, on Flickr
impreza oil change clean oil drain pan by Happy McMaster, on Flickr
impreza oil change new crush washer by Happy McMaster, on Flickr

impreza oil change mobil 1 and the new OEM filter by Happy McMaster, on Flickr
impreza oil change new blue cap and french instructions by Happy McMaster, on Flickr
impreza oil change new bling in place...personalized! by Happy McMaster, on Flickr
Is this the right oil filter?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Subaru-Fores...fd6e49&vxp=mtr
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Old 09-18-2012, 01:09 PM   #19
jsteg
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TObject
I did the first oil change at 970 miles today.

Let me skip right ahead and let you know that I did not find any particles at the bottom of the drain bucket, and the oil still looked fine.

I bought a 5-quart jug, plus a single quart, of Mobil1 0W20 at Walmart.
I also had a Subaru 15208AA160 oil filter and a new crush washer (Subaru part number 803916010).

Here is the process:

1. The hotter the engine, the better will the oil drain, but be careful and do not burn yourself.

2. Pour some fresh oil in the new oil filter (into the center hole); lubricate the gasket on the filter with fresh oil; and set the filter aside to absorb the oil.

3. Pull the oil level dipstick slightly and loosen the oil cap so the air can get in when draining.

4. Put a bucket under the drain plug. Remove the drain plug (17 mm) and drain the oil. For cleaner start, you can slightly push the drain plug in as you are loosening it, and then when all the threads released pull the plug away in one motion.

5. While the oil is draining, you can loosen the oil filter, unscrew it and remove it slowly lifting up. Have a rug ready to catch any dripping oil. Hardly any oil came out when I did this today.

6. Wipe the filter mating surface of any debris. You can now screw in the new oil filter. The manual recommends tightening approximately one turn after the gasket contacts, torque spec 14 N.m (1.4 kgf-m, 10.3 ft-lb).

7. Get back under the vehicle, wipe the drain hole and its surroundings, and replace the drain plug with a new crush washer. Do not forget to remove the old crush washer, it may be stuck to ether the drain plug or to the oil pan, and may be hard to see due to being painted over. The drain plug torque spec is 41.7 N-m (4.3 kgf-m, 30.8 ft-lb).

8. If any oil got to any surfaces underneath the vehicle, clean it up. Hot exhaust is nearby. Make sure you do not forget any oily rugs there.

9. Refill with fresh oil.

10. Close the oil cap. Push the oil dipstick back in.

11. Start the engine to let the oil circulate for a bit.

12. Shut down the engine.

13. Check for leaks.

14. Check the oil level.

Now, let us talk about how much oil to put in. As you know, the manual says it is 5.3 quarts, when replacing oil and filter.

I put five quarts in today. And after checking, that was too much, I was about a quarter inch above the full mark on the dipstick.

Of course it depends on how much old oil you manage to drain. I drained slightly over five quarts of factory oil, plus whatever was in the old filter, meaning my Subaru was overfilled even more at the factory. So, I think 5 quarts is plenty, you do not really need to buy six.

I put the extra little bottle in the recessed area in the caddy above the spare tire, it fits there nicely.
You use rugs to change your oil?!?! I bet your wife gets pissed!!!
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Old 09-25-2012, 05:40 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigVoxjammer View Post
I was able to do my initial oil change at 3900 miles today. I originally found this thread because I was looking for someone to tell me how to get under the car, and where to find the drain plug. Impatient, I didn't wait for an answer to my queries, and just dove in. Here's my brief write-up, in case it helps others like me who were initially confused:

1) As pointed out in this thread by others, get ramps. I grabbed a pair of heavy plastic Rhino Ramps at Walmart for 43 bucks, which brought the total cost of my initial oil change to a few dollars over the dealership's cost to change the oil, but at least I have the ramps for next time. There's no way in hell you are getting to the plug without raising the car, or maybe digging a trench under the engine to crawl into....

The drain plug is to be found at the back of the engine. It is reached through a cut-out gap in the underside plastic skid plate Subaru installed under the engine.

2) I was prepared with an OEM filter (15208AA160) gotten on ebay for about 7 bucks; a five quart jug of Mobil 1 0w-20, and a sixth single quart, from Walmart for 33 bucks total; a new crush washer from the dealer for .89. Don't go to a generic parts store for the washer, because they'll try to sell you a copper washer. The crush washer serves its purpose, and you need it. Don't bother re-using the old one, though maybe you can.

3) I poured less than .3 qts into the filter and let it soak in. The rest of the five qts went into the case. I decided to run it on that much oil for a bit, and see where the stick read, in case people are correct in claiming the factory overfills the case. They don't. I'll need to add about a third of a quart more in the morning....it got dark, I got tired. I'll do it tomorrow.

I was able to measure my waste oil to EXACTLY five quarts! I know the filter has its share, so I'm pretty sure the guy with the squeeze pump at the factory had it calibrated properly. I was amazed, though, that there was no notable oil loss during the first 3900 miles, which contradicts the experience of several folks in these forums. I'll keep my fingers crossed that this assessment doesn't change in time. For what it's worth, I never noticed any oil loss when I checked the stick periodically during the last month and a half (yeah, I put those miles on it in 6 weeks...so what). Also, there was no metal shavings or bits in the oil: it looked and smelled great, and looked like it could go another five thousand miles if needed, though obviously one can't know the true condition of oil without analysing it. But it sure looked good. As noted right above, you will never get the same reading twice in a row, even cold and level, with this car. Thems the breaks...I agree with the poster above: as long as it's in the ballpark, you're good to go. I'd be more concerned if I had only a burnt smudge of tar on the end of the stick. The normal readings, though, can vary considerably. Accept it, and check often!

4) After I did the oil, and put on my new oil cap (Subie bling), I washed her and detailed the interior. It smells better than new with the lovely scent of Maguires leather cleaner and conditioner. Oh, I cannot wait to drive to coffee in the morning!

Here's some pics of my first oil change, for educational purposes. I believe if you click on the pics, you'll be directed to Flickr and you can look at all the pics in my Flickr account, which are mainly snaps of my Sky Blue Sport Limited. If that's the model you're interested in (ie. if you're cruising these forums like I did in anticipation of ordering your car, or maybe waiting for her to arrive, you can look at my photos and maybe find a bit of joy to tide you over, til your Impreza comes.

As far as changing oil, I'd highly recommend Mobil 1, as they actually make a 0-20, and Walmart sells the five quart econo jug for 26.50. Some folks dig the Amsoil, which I hear is awesome, but I went for the Mobil 1 not only for its great reputation, but for the fact that, on a road trip to anywhere, I could roll into a Walmart and there it will be!

I also got the OEM filter, that has the 160 number on it. I got a three pack on ebay for 22 bucks, which never arrived, so the guy sent me a replacement order. Then, today, ironically, as I was doing the oil, some guy pulls up and leaves a package with three filters in it on my porch. The original shipment was sent to him by mistake, and that dude brought it to my door, never having opened the package. I didn't even have a chance to tell him how awesome he was. Now I have five extra filters, because I don't know that I will mail them back to the ebay seller for 10 bucks. Maybe I will. I don't know. It's a moral quandry, and I don't want to be a jerk.

Buy a Subaru crush washer for the drain plug. Don't go another route. They're less than a buck at the dealer, and they do the job right.

Thanks for reading my post, and I hope it wasn't too long and boring. I just thought it would help make this thread even more informative for someone doing an oil change on their new Impreza for the first time.

impreza oil change rhino ramps from wally world by Happy McMaster, on Flickr
impreza oil change clean oil drain pan by Happy McMaster, on Flickr
impreza oil change new crush washer by Happy McMaster, on Flickr

impreza oil change mobil 1 and the new OEM filter by Happy McMaster, on Flickr
impreza oil change new blue cap and french instructions by Happy McMaster, on Flickr
impreza oil change new bling in place...personalized! by Happy McMaster, on Flickr
Sorry kind of off topic. Where did you buy the billet steel SPT oil cap and battery hold down from? How much was it (I'm looking at around $40 for each)?
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Old 09-25-2012, 12:25 PM   #21
imcausinmadrukis
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Originally Posted by pkL View Post
Sorry kind of off topic. Where did you buy the billet steel SPT oil cap and battery hold down from? How much was it (I'm looking at around $40 for each)?

http://parts.subarupartswarehouse.co...subcat3=177515.


Looks around for coupon codes for this website. If you get lucky you can get 15-30% off

Double coupon...


http://www.subarupartswarehouse.com/index2.htm
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Old 09-25-2012, 05:41 PM   #22
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Just got an email Subaru Parts Warehouse with a coupon code

http://www.subarupartswarehouse.com/fallintosavings.htm
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Old 09-26-2012, 11:41 AM   #23
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You said it all right here. After owning 5 Subarus, I don't trust a single reading (even cold). The key is knowing you are in the ballpark and going from there.
exactly... Also, subaru's are not known to have issues with too much oil, within reason. The design doesn't lend itself to whipping up a foam with the crank in the oil, and they don't push out seals. Too little oil in a subaru on the other hand, that gets expensive. (some would argue, at least on EJ's, that the factory recommended amount is possibly low)
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Old 10-26-2012, 05:12 PM   #24
mrgoodwrench69
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Default Fumoto F-108N w/ flat washer or crush washer

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Originally Posted by 424wrx View Post
buy a fumoto oil drain valve. no more mess. you need part# f-108 or f-108n. i have one on my wrx and the wifes forester. the oil comes out slower. the n valve has a nipple that a rubber hose can be attached to. very good product!
I have a 2012 Impreza Sport, and this was the worst oil change I have ever experienced. I changed my oil at 7500 miles per the factory manual, and boy was the drain plug tight, finally got it loose and the oil comes flying out, what a mess. I'm going to purchase a fumoto f-108n drain valve. My question is do I use the flat washer that comes with the fumoto, or should I purchase a factory crush washer? Thanks...
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Old 10-26-2012, 07:02 PM   #25
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I just used the Fumoto's flat washer with no crush washer. No leaks, and the valve's nipple is pointing in a convenient direction.
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