Welcome to the world of Saab ! Register
Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1
    Saab Fan
    Join Date
    16 Nov 2019
    Location
    California
    Posts
    11
    Saab(s)
    2001 9-5 SE Wagon

    A5/B5

    I'm trying to purchase oil for my'01 9-5 SE 3.0 V6. The threads I've read are saying A3/B3. I can't find any like that. Just A5/B5. ???? 🤬🤬🤬🤬

  2. #2
    Saab Fan
    Join Date
    24 Oct 2019
    Location
    Collierville TN
    Posts
    48
    Saab(s)
    2007 Saab 9-5 Aero Sportcombi
    A5/B5 is almost arguably better than A3/B3/B4.

    ACEA is Europe’s version of the API, albeit with stricter requirements. You will notice that most American oils don’t use the ACEA ratings at all. My Saab says Mobil 1 recommend on the rad support and that’s a A1/B1 oil. The higher the number, the better the fuel mileage and long lasting properties. In Europe the oil change intervals are very high, 10k-20k. Those oils are always A5/B5. You can use A5/B5 in anything. I have read on one website that A3/B4 offers better protection albeit at the cost of fuel efficiency vs A5/B5.

    Pennzoil Ultra Platinum is A5/B5.
    Castrol euro formula is A3/B4
    Liqui-Moly most oils are A3/B4 or better.
    Mobil 1 is A1/B1 w/exception to Euro formula

    Can you use lower grade synthetic oils? Yes. Your oil change interval just has to be sooner.

    If you are changing your oil under 6k miles it doesn’t even matter what spec it is.

  3. #3
    Saab Addict
    Join Date
    10 Apr 2017
    Location
    Denham, England
    Posts
    541
    Saab(s)
    2011 2.0 9-5 Aero
    Quote Originally Posted by Mjollnir81 View Post
    If you are changing your oil under 6k miles it doesn’t even matter what spec it is.
    Except that it would be as well to stick with fully synthetic oil.

  4. #4
    Saab Fan
    Join Date
    24 Oct 2019
    Location
    Collierville TN
    Posts
    48
    Saab(s)
    2007 Saab 9-5 Aero Sportcombi
    Quote Originally Posted by GeoffR View Post
    Except that it would be as well to stick with fully synthetic oil.
    Well that’s correct Geoff. I went on the assumption that everybody uses synthetic these days.

  5. #5
    Saab Addict
    Join Date
    10 Apr 2017
    Location
    Denham, England
    Posts
    541
    Saab(s)
    2011 2.0 9-5 Aero
    Quote Originally Posted by Mjollnir81 View Post
    Well that’s correct Geoff. I went on the assumption that everybody uses synthetic these days.

    The problem is that some of the API specifications don't actually require that an oil is synthetic so it may meet the spec but be semi-synth so it pays to check the packaging before purchase.

    By the way, it is good engineering practice to never assume.
    Last edited by GeoffR; 05 December 2019 at 12:25.

  6. #6
    Saab Fan
    Join Date
    16 Nov 2019
    Location
    California
    Posts
    11
    Saab(s)
    2001 9-5 SE Wagon
    Thank you. It was frustrating not knowing if I could use the A5/B5. The owner's manual doesn't say anything about it just to use fully synthetic oil. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. Have Happy Holidays.

  7. #7
    Saab Addict
    Join Date
    10 Apr 2017
    Location
    Denham, England
    Posts
    541
    Saab(s)
    2011 2.0 9-5 Aero
    The handbook for the 2007 9-5 says the following:

    Approved engine oils:
    All gasoline engines - Fully synthetic engine oil - approved
    against the GM-LL-A025 specification - with viscosity
    SAE 0W-30 or SAE 0W-40.
    Oil used at, or in-between, service must be approved against the
    engine´s specified classification to render possible the usage of
    Saab Automobile AB specified service intervals.
    For optimum performance Saab recommends the use of Saab
    Long Life Turbo Oil 0W-30 or Mobil 1 0W-40 European Car formula,
    but other oils approved against the above specification
    and with proper SAE viscosity 0W-30 or 0W-40 may also be
    used.

  8. #8
    Dave T.
    Super Moderator Dave T's Avatar
    Join Date
    03 Aug 2010
    Location
    near Seattle, Washington
    Posts
    1,513
    Saab(s)
    1999 9-3SE (2013-2015), 2005 9-3 (2005-2013), 1990 900 (1990-2003)
    Oil keeps changing. For example, Mobil 1 0W-40 after about 2017 is not the same as 2017 and before. It's similar. For example, Mobil 1 0W-40 meets Mercedes Benz 229.3 specification for both the old and also the new formula. However, BMW LL-01 is on the old Mobil 1 0W-40 but not the post-2017 Mobil 1 0W-40. You probably could use it with a BMW with no problems at all. Saab had a GM-LL-01-A specification but GM doesn't pay for it anymore and also GM has a new name called Dexos or something like that.

    I would use an ACEA A5/B5 without hesitation.

    There are a few times where a new or higher number specification is not compatible with the old. For example, DOT5 brake fluid shouldn't be mixed with DOT4 brake fluid. DOT 5 is some sort of silicone based fluid.

    On a different oil subject, I have had free oil for several years. I entered a contest with Mobil 1 and won! I got 4 cases of 6 quart bottles (24). It was a contest that few people probably entered. Later, there was a promotion to try Pennzoil Platinum Plus Euro and I got some of that free. All the free oil will be gone by next year.

 

 

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
All times are GMT. The time now is 05:42.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5
Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.