Date: 1 Apr 2006 14:36:01 -0800 From: "SmaartAasSaabr" <smaartaassaabrnospaml.com> Subject: Re: 2004 9-3 Oil change interval/oil type
Nj=F6r=F0 N=F3at=FAn wrote: > -- > X-No-Archive: Yes > > How often should I change the engine oil in my new (for me) high-mileage > 2004 9-3? My mechanic - as do all mechanics - says every 3K miles/3 > months, but I have a feeling this is not necessarily the optimal > interval for the 9-3. > > Also, what type/viscosity oil would you recommend? The car is located > on the Southern California coast, and only extremely rarely sees > temperatures outside the 60-80F range. > > Thanks, > Nj=F6r=F0 N=F3at=FAn I would consult the 9-3 Owner's Manual (you can download a copy from www.mygmlink.com if you don't have one). The 9-3 should have an oil life monitoring system which will calculate the life remaining on the oil. Basically it is a software algorithm that counts various factors, throttle application, fuel consumed, revolutions, average trip length etc. Ideally you would use something like Mobil 1 0w40 oil as recommended by Saab (I can't tell ya that it is 0w40 for sure, maybe it's 0w50 or something. Check the manual or look under the hood). and change it some time before the oil life monitor gets down to 0%. I'd probably change around 5%, or 10% if you are feeling adventurous. 3000 mile oil changes are extremely frequent and for the most part unnecessary if you use a high quality synthetic motor oil like Saab Turbo Oil, Mobil 1, Amsoil, and a good filter (like a Saab OEM, Mann or AC Delco. Don't use Fram they are garbage). However, if you see a car with the oil changed every 3000 miles, those cars usually last forever and look new when they are 20 years old and run beautifully. On a Saab 9-5 with a 4-cylinder engine I'd change the oil very frequently to avoid sludging. But the 2004 9-3 does not have this issue.
