Saab 9-3 definitive oil thread

[Dave T]

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.

I used Blackstone once. It was for a car with a 15,000 mile, 2 year oil change interval. I had the Mobil 1 0W-40 oil changed at about 9800 miles and 2 years. The oil specs were fine. I was beginning to be a believer of long interval oil changes, having previously changed non-synthetic oil on a classic Saab 900 every 2000 miles or 90 days, whichever came first. I am now a believer that the oil can last 10,000 miles. If the interval change is about 15,000 as in a 9-3, I would change it at half SID or 7,500. Later 9-3 changed the oil interval to 10,000. If I had that 9-3, I would change it at 10,000 miles. Saab's explanation was that 15,000 miles was too long for owners not to bring their cars in for inspecting the car so they reduced it to 10,000 miles.

[Flypenfly]

For the 2.8T, the Mann, Mahle, and Hengst oil filters all seem to be made in Germany. They all also seem to be very similar in construction with the same replacement gasket as well.

Personally, I'm switching to 0w40 Castrol from Mobil. Mobil 0w40 shears in the first 1500 miles or so to a 0w30. Seems that Castrol shears slower. Also considering the Redline 10w40...

[Dusty]

Thanks for the information. I really like the way the car handles and want to keep her in top shape. I have to admit I also like the extras that come on this gem and is just plain fun to be behind the wheel. The road trips are great. I almost don't mind that if needed the dealership is a 90 min drive on the QEW.

Best and safe driving.

[greenie 00 9 5 kombi]

Recommended engine oil (mobil 1 ?) for 04 9 3 arc with 200K miles + and do I need specific coolant ( like my Audi) , thank you

[swisssaabist]

0w40

[nordwulf]

Greenie, I merged your thread with the main Saab 9-3 oil thread. Please take a moment to read through the previous posts.

[Nordic-Machine]

Hi, i recently bought a box of 6 x 1 quarts mobil 0w-40 and brought my car (2008 9-3 ss 1.8t) to a garage to get the engine oil changed. I also brought an additional half filled 1 quart bottle which was partially used in the previous oil change. I was surprised that the mechanic only used about 4 and a half quarts to fill up the car. For the previous oil change the other garage used 6 quarts. I questioned the guy and he told me that the engine oil would overflow if he poured in the remaining 2 bottles. Is this safe for the car?

[swisssaabist]

take off the dipstick you must when hot be in the middle of the two marks ...