2005 3 5dr filter system and synthetic oil

[yajssor]

I just got my 3 5dr 2005..... I was reading the last post about oil, and someone mentioned a cartridge oil filter system. Does the 2005 have that? What is the difference between a screw on filter and a cartridge filter system? Is it harder to change the cartridge system? What brands do you guys like/trust?

Also, I'm getting close to my first oil change, and don't know what type of oil would be best, synthetic oil or regular? Brands?

 

[Rennoc]

I just got my 3 5dr 2005..... I was reading the last post about oil, and someone mentioned a cartridge oil filter system. Does the 2005 have that? What is the difference between a screw on filter and a cartridge filter system? Is it harder to change the cartridge system? What brands do you guys like/trust?

Also, I'm getting close to my first oil change, and don't know what type of oil would be best, synthetic oil or regular? Brands?

there are only two places i know of to get the cartridge filter from which, yes the 2005 does have as long as you have the 2.3L engine. Thats the stealership and i think one of the local vendors look around a little bit an im sure you can find. Yes it is harder to change and makes a bigger mess but, theres always the option of switching out the cartridge filter and putting the spin on in if you so choose.

 

[yajssor]

there are only two places i know of to get the cartridge filter from which, yes the 2005 does have as long as you have the 2.3L engine. Thats the stealership and i think one of the local vendors look around a little bit an im sure you can find. Yes it is harder to change and makes a bigger mess but, theres always the option of switching out the cartridge filter and putting the spin on in if you so choose.

Where can I find the attachment for a spin on filter?

 

[goldwing2000]

This will tell you the difference between cartridge and spin-on, as well as how to convert from one to the other:
http://www.mazda6tech.com/articles/how-to/convert-the-6i-cartridge-filter-to-a-spin-on.html

The dealer and Fram are the only two places I know of to get the cartridge filter.

As far as oil goes, the car comes from the factory with semi-synthetic, so I wouldn't go with anything less than that. Full synthetic will be fine but it's 2-4x the cost.

 

[carperformance3]

Valvoline makes an oil filter for the 3, stop by a local VIOC and they'd probably sell you one.