A local independent Volvo shop, supposedly a well-reputed one, told me that the oil should be changed every 3750 mi or the engine is going to sludge like crazy. Any experience with that? Thanks.

 

I doubt that. Use good oil, consider synthetic. Newer oils generally don't do that but stick with the manual recomendations and you should be fine.

 

North Point Volvo in Alpharetta, GA uses a Kendall synthetic blend. Is that good enough for the regular 7500 mi interval?

 

I would go to full synthetic, better protection and even though your manual says 7,500 I would not go past 5,000 it just to me gives me in my mind better protection....I am all about making sure I protect my investment, cause if you do it most certainly will take care of you in the long run! JMO :-D

 

Mobil1 or Valvoline synthetic at 10,000 mile intervals.
Wolf's Head Synthetic ATF @$3.50/ qt at 2 year intervals.
Synthetic is important to your turbo to reduce coking and choking the oil supply in that heat.
Yes, the Kendall is just fine for the 7500 interval.
Be not afraid!
ED7

 

I used Mobil1 mean to do it every 5,000 but usually get around to doing it every 6,000 miles seems to work for me!

 

I have a 1992 GMC Typhoon with 4.3 turbor engine with 120,000 miles and changed the oil every 5000 miles and book says 3500 miles. The engine is still going strong with no repairs or oil burning.
I also have a 2002 Porsche Boxster "S" with oil changes at 15,000. At first this bothered me but Porsche knows more about their engines than I do.
I also have a Volvo 2003 C70 Convertible with 80,000. I just changed the oil 2 days ago and will change at another 7,500 miles.
All have Mobil 1 10-30. I have found that syn oil will not break down but will get dirty and due to weather conitions and how/where you drive moisture may start to gather in the system.
What can drive you crazy is deciding what oil and filter to use, I have been on many forums, both car and motorcycle and everyone has a different opinion. In some forums guys have cut up filters to check the filters , others just pick what works for them.
I do my own oil changes.
Follow what your Volvo book says and just use good products.

Cb

 

Volvo s80 03 excessive exhaust smoke while idling any ideas what would cause it?

 

Don't believe him completely. They use different techniques and rumors to sell products. If you use good quality oil, then it will go well without changing so frequently.