The 2009 Lexus IS350 is more than just a mid-size sedan. It’s luxurious, comfortable, and powerful—even though it’s approaching an advanced age. To keep your top-notch sedan in top-notch condition, make sure you keep the oil level topped up to its engine oil capacity: 6.6 quarts.

High-end vehicles are impressive from every angle—including the price tag for basic maintenance. The V6 on your IS350 is extra hungry, so you’ll need a little more engine oil to fill the reservoir than with many other models. Cost is not a good reason to eschew basic maintenance, however.

Regular servicing can help keep your car in excellent condition for many years to come. If you do it yourself, you could save a ton of money! We’ve put together a quick guide to the 2009 Lexus IS350 engine oil capacity down below.

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2009 Lexus IS350 engine oil capacity

The 2009 Lexus IS350 has a pretty large oil capacity compared to many other models

This car needs 6.6 quarts (6.3 liters) of engine oil—and this figure includes the filter.

Thanks to the V6 engine inside the IS350, this car is a bit more oil-hungry than its four-cylinder sibling, the IS300. Although the 300+ horsepower produces an impressive driving experience, you can expect to pay extra for oil and oil changes due to its larger engine oil capacity.

If you have a

custom Lexus IS350

, you could pay even more for this basic service, depending on the customization.

What kind of oil does a 2009 Lexus IS350 need?

Lexus recommends that you use ILSAC 5W-30 multigrade engine oil. Don’t just buy the first bottle you see at the store! Engine oil ratings are highly specific, and Lexus has chosen 5W-30 oil to help your IS350 V6 run as well as it possibly can.

Here’s a quick guide to understanding oil ratings to help you feel like a pro next time you need to buy engine oil (or just check page 434 in your

owner’s manual

ILSAC is the acronym for a governing body that assigns engine oil ratings: International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee. Lexus is made by Toyota, and ILSAC is the body that oversees the engine oil ratings for many Japanese and American vehicles.

The most important part of your engine oil rating is the 5W-30. The “W” stands for winter and the numbers 5 and 30 tell you how viscous the oil becomes at different temperatures. A 5W oil like this one indicates that a car using this oil can start in fairly cold temperatures—but an 0W oil would start easier. The 30 refers to the oil viscosity when the car is running at peak operating temperature. High viscosity can be better for vehicles that move extremely fast or move heavy loads.

Ultimately, the brand is less important than the rating. As long as you select a multigrade oil rated to 5W-30, you’re good to go.

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How often to change oil on a 2009 Lexus IS350

Now you know that you need 6.6 quarts of 5W-30 multigrade engine oil. The next step is to

change your oil

yourself!

Lexus recommends that drivers get an oil change every 10,000 miles.

Every six months is plenty for this model. Multigrade oil lasts longer than conventional oil, so don’t let your older relatives try to convince you that you need more frequent oil changes! That’s a holdover from a time when most cars on the road used conventional motor oil.

You should check your engine oil every month. It’s smart to keep an eye on the quality of your motor oil so you can get ahead of problems before they become catastrophes. Here are some signs that you need an oil change:

Dark color: clean motor oil is light like tea and dirty oil is dark

Silty texture: clean motor oil is smooth and dirty oil is gritty

Odd noises: clanking or unfamiliar sounds from the engine

Smoky smells: burning smells are not good

You may also notice reduced performance, but this can be a little trickier to catch. It’s best to simply check your oil once a month while you refuel.

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How to change your oil and oil filter

You can easily change your own oil if you have the correct tools and a safe place to perform the oil change. The cost of an oil change is easily over $100 for this model—that’s a lot of extra money in your pocket if you do the service yourself!

Here are the items you will need: 6.6 quarts of multigrade 5W-30 engine oil, a new filter, a socket wrench, a filter wrench, a funnel, a drain pan, clean rags, and personal protective gear like gloves and eyeglasses. Most people prefer to lift their Lexus onto stands to give more room beneath the car.

Before you begin, start the car and run the engine for a few minutes. Then, turn off the car. Lift the car (if applicable) and then pop the hood.

Follow these steps to change the oil on a 2009 Lexus IS350:

Place the drain pan beneath the engine

Remove the oil fill cap and the oil drain bolt

Install the new filter while the old oil drains out

Replace the oil drain bolt with a new washer (confirm the torque specifications in your manual)

Add new engine oil with a funnel

Replace the oil fill cap

Now it’s time to check your work. After you check for leaks, run the car for a few minutes. Then use the dipstick to check the oil level and add more oil if necessary.

Finally, you need to safely dispose of your dirty engine oil. In most municipalities, you can drop off a sealed container of old engine oil at a recycling center. Do not dump dirty oil on the ground, down the sink, or in the garbage.

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