Most 2008 Altimas on the road use the 2.5L four-cylinder, but the 3.5L V6 is common enough that parts stores stock both. The change procedure is the same for both engines, and the filter lives on the passenger side behind the splash shield.
Two Engines, Two Filters — Which One Fits Your Altima?
The 2.5L L4 uses OEM filter 15208-65F0A. The 3.5L V6 uses 15208-65F0B.
Both engines run 5W-30 oil. The 2.5L takes 4.5 quarts with a filter change; the 3.5L takes 4.8 quarts. If you are shopping for a replacement, top oil filters for the 2008 Altima are listed in our tested roundup.
Oil Filter Specs At A Glance
| Engine | OEM Filter | Oil Capacity | Thread / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L L4 | 15208-65F0A | 4.5 qt 5W-30 | M20-1.50, anti-drainback valve |
| 3.5L V6 | 15208-65F0B | 4.8 qt 5W-30 | M20-1.50, anti-drainback valve |
Per Nissan’s official maintenance schedule for the 2008 Altima, standard driving calls for oil and filter replacement every 7,500 miles or 6 months.
How To Change The Oil Filter On A 2008 Altima
The job takes about 30 minutes with basic tools: a 14mm socket for the drain plug, an oil filter wrench, jack stands, and 4.5 or 4.8 quarts of 5W-30 depending on your engine.
Prepare the car. Run the engine for a minute to warm the oil, then shut it off. Remove the oil fill cap and pull out the dipstick to help the oil drain faster. Jack up the passenger side and place jack stands — never work under a car supported only by a jack.
Remove the splash shield. Pry them out with a trim tool and lower the shield. The filter sits directly behind it on the passenger side.
Drain the old oil. Place a drain pan under the oil pan.
Swap the filter. Use the filter wrench to loosen the old filter and unscrew it by hand. Wipe the mounting surface clean. Over-tightening damages the gasket and makes the next change harder.
Fill and check. Replace the oil cap. Start the engine and let it run 2–3 minutes to circulate the oil. Shut it off, wait 5 minutes, then check the dipstick — the level should be at the full mark.
FAQs
Can I use the same filter on both the 2.5L and 3.5L Altima?
No. The 2.5L uses filter 15208-65F0A and the 3.5L uses 15208-65F0B. They share the same thread size but have different internal bypass valves. Using the wrong one can cause low oil pressure at idle.
How often should I change the oil filter on a 2008 Altima?
What happens if I over-tighten the oil filter?
Over-tightening can crush the gasket, causing oil leaks, or make the filter nearly impossible to remove on the next change. Hand-tighten until the gasket contacts the engine, then give it ¾ of a turn — no more.
References & Sources
- Nissan USA. “2008 Altima Engine Oil and Filter Maintenance Schedule.” Official maintenance intervals and oil specifications.
- Nissan OEM Parts Online. “2008 Altima 2.5L Filter Parts Diagram.” OEM part numbers and filter specifications.