Date: Mon, 03 Apr 2006 12:54:02 -0500 From: SD <sdnospamailspam.com> Subject: Re: 2004 9-3 Oil change interval/oil type
On 4/1/2006 4:36 PM, SmaartAasSaabr wrote: > Nj–r• NÛat™n 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–r• NÛat™n > > 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. > My 2004 9-3 Aero has recommended oil change every 15K miles if using the recommended Mobil 1 and filter. Dan
