Saab 9-3 definitive oil thread

[Dave T]

I've been using Mobil 1 0W-40 ever since I got the car when it was new. I'm now considering Castrol Edge 0W-30 European Formula. In the end, I probably won't switch. In the U.S., oils that meet the GM-LL-A-025 standard are few. There is Total Quartz Energy 9000 0W-30 but that has only regional availability and is available where I live only by mail and maybe 3 specialty garages. I realize that I may be splitting hairs as the difference between the "best" and the others that I am considering is not much. My assessment is:

Advantages of Castrol Edge 0W-30 European Formula over Mobil 1 0W-40
1. Assume, even if incorrect, that the viscosity versus temperature plot is linear. The standard is that at 0 degrees C, both oils have a 0 viscosity and the second number is the viscosity at 100 degrees C. Then when the engine is barely warm at 50 degrees C, the Castrol oil has a viscosity of 15 while the Mobil oil has a viscosity of 20. The 15 weight oil may offer better lubrication.

Advantages of Mobil 1 0W-40 over Castrol Edge 0W-30 European Formula
1. The Castrol formulation only seems to be available at Autozone. I don't like it when something has only one source. I can think of at least 5 sources for Mobil 1 nearby.

2. Mobil 1 is cheaper. The base price is usually the same but there's a long standing Mobil 1 Rewards program where 6 quarts is worth a $5 SuperCertificate. When one has $25 worth of SuperCertificates, which have no expiration date, it can be redeemed for a gift card at Sears and a number of chain restaurants and stores. The Mobil 1 Rewards is worth about 83 cents per quart.

Pricewise, others outside of the U.S. may look at us with envy. Both oils are sometimes sold at a $8.99 regular price, $6 sale price, and a net price as low as $4.11 for Mobil 1 (using Autozone Rewards, worth $1/quart, Mobil 1 Rewards, worth $0.83/quart, and 1% cash back credit card rewards, worth $0.06/quart).

[John Rakoczy]

Even though this post is over two years old I still found it helpful. Thank you Mr. Demontague!

[Blackbird]

Has anyone made it past 200k or 300k on a 10k interval? If so, under what conditions and where?

[Dave T]

Has anyone made it past 200k or 300k on a 10k interval? If so, under what conditions and where?

This is a difficult question to study. Owners who care for their cars might change it more often. Owners who neglect their car, neglect and abuse them in many ways, not just oil.

My cars generally have low mileage but not extremely low mileage.

[Paamf]

I have read on other sites about sending oil out to be analyzed. HAs anyone in this thread done that and if so where would one send the oil sample and how much does it cost. I would especially be interested somewhere in the states.

[talonsaab]

I suggest using ACEA A3/B3 oils only. Most Dexos oils do not meet this so look closely. Castrol now has a 0W-40 Syntec.

[zrtmatos]

Fascinating replies to oil???

[J McGuire]

Fascinating replies to oil???

then you better not go to "bob is the oil guy", you'll go nuts with oil talk....

[Dusty]

I like seeing the SID having a % algorithum. As I having only driven my new to me 2006 9-3 aero convertible for 50 days before being put away for the winter, battery disconnected. It now reads 45% and I want to drive it a bit then change it. Just not sure what 45% with 0 days means. thanks for the thoughts.

Also what type of oil filter? OEM (SAAB) or Hengst. And air Filter? Mann or Saab? or Other Quality options. I expect to have to order these online as Advanced Auto probably won't have.

Thanks

[Dave T]

I like seeing the SID having a % algorithum. As I having only driven my new to me 2006 9-3 aero convertible for 50 days before being put away for the winter, battery disconnected. It now reads 45% and I want to drive it a bit then change it. Just not sure what 45% with 0 days means. thanks for the thoughts.

Also what type of oil filter? OEM (SAAB) or Hengst. And air Filter? Mann or Saab? or Other Quality options. I expect to have to order these online as Advanced Auto probably won't have.

Thanks

0 days means the oil is past 2 years from the last oil change or the last time the SID was reset. 45% means the algorithm says it has used 55% of whatever formula was used. Some cars that are not Saabs use 2000 liters (about 500 gallons) of gas as the secret formula. The Saab owners manual says the number of cold starts and other factors but I wouldn't be surprised if it, too, is by fuel consumption as cold starts use more gas.

The Saab/Opel/GM filter is made by Hengst. The 2003 version was made by Purolator France but the pressure specifications changed in 2004. In 2004, Hengst took over as OEM. I used some Saab (Hengst) made in Germany filters. Later, the Saabs ones were GM (Hengst) made in Germany, then GM (Hengst) made in USA. They are not expensive, which is why I never used other brands.

Mann seems to have a respected name.