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Saab 9-5 Oil Specification
One of the most debated topics on any car forum. Below is the table which the recommended GM specifications. The engine oil discussion in Tech Talk can be found here: The oil thread
Earlier versions of the 9-5 were not required to use synthetic oil but it is now recommended to only use synthetic. Not using synthetic oil was one of the reasons of the engine failure/sludge problem in earlier models.
Oil change intervals were also changed through the years. The longest interval was every 15,000 miles / 24,000 km but it's now 10,000 miles / 16,000 km. Many Saab 9-5 owners change it at 5,000 miles / 8,000 km.
From the Saab WIS:
Recommended oil quality
All cars leaving the factory are filled with synthetic engine oil. These products contain components of very high quality in order to meet the demands of our engines.
Background
Synthetic oil has been chosen to meet demands on service life and improved fuel economy in order to reduce the impact on the environment. The use of recommended oils will avoid the tendency to build up internal deposits in the engine, which can block the lubricating system and damage components in the engine.
Engine performance
Lubrication and viscosity are of the utmost importance when it comes to obtaining the best possible performance from our engines. It is therefore important that the oil recommendations are followed. The beneficial low-temperature flow properties of the oil enable it to quickly reach remote parts of the lubrication system, thereby reducing engine wear. In the same manner, oil viscosity at high temperatures has been adapted to also provide the best function when used in extremely hot markets.
Fuel economy
Selecting oil with low viscosity has a positive impact on fuel economy. Problems with wear may arise, however, if the oil film becomes too thin due to low viscosity. The recommended oils maintain the right viscosity at various temperatures. The synthetic oil also generates lower fuel consumption during the warm-up period after start.
Useful life
It is important that the oil's properties are maintained to their fullest during the entire change interval. Some oils' additives are consumed too quickly, resulting in internal, engine-damaging deposits and increased wear. The recommended oils meet today's high demands for durability provided that the service programme is followed.
An often neglected aspect is that more frequent oil changes are necessary if the car is driven often in urban traffic with frequent starts and short driving distances. This is because more fuel and condensation blends into the engine oil in such circumstances.
Environmental aspect
Low fuel consumption means fewer emissions, principally of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Service and oil change
It is important to follow the oil change intervals specified by the service programme to guarantee the service life of all engine components and to keep engine performance optimised. Both distance driven and time between servicing are of the utmost importance. Servicing must be carried out when any of the criteria such as service messages, distance
driven or time have been fulfilled.
Recommendation
Use oils as specified on the following tables as these oils fulfill the requirements specified above.
Attachment 1610
We strongly discourage the use of additional engine oil additives.
The risks of using oil that does not fulfil the specifications above are great. If an oil of too low a grade is used, there is a risk or wear due to poor lubrication or coatings in the engine due to prematurely aged oil that cannot keep the engine clean. This could eventually lead to clogged oil ducts and engine damage.
Oil capacity
4-cylinder
When servicing: 4.0 liters
Total capacity including filter and oil cooler: 5.4 liters
Difference in volume max-min: 1.0 liter
6-cylinder
When servicing: 4.5 liters
Total capacity including filter and oil cooler: 5.0 liters
Difference in volume max-min: 1.0 liter
4-cylinder diesel
When servicing: 5.2 liters
Total capacity including filter and oil cooler: 5.8 liters
Difference in volume max-min: 1.0 liter
6-cylinder diesel
When servicing (with filter): 7.3 liters
When servicing (with filter): 6.6 liters
Total capacity including filter: 8.5 liters
Difference in volume max-min: 1.0 liter
