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From the Owner's Manual of my '03 Aero:
"Basic recommendations for Saab engines:
SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30, 5W-40.
The oil should be semi or fully synthetic and fulfill grade requirements for ACEA A3/B3, API SJ or higher. In addition to API and ACEA the ILSAC GF-3 specification is approved for use in applicable markets.
Fully synthetic oils with viscosity's 0W-40/50 of well known brands and fulfilling minimum ACEA A3/B3 are also recommended, especially for extreme driving conditions."
Also, on the inside rear cover:
"Saab Engine Oil or Semi-Synthetic oil that meets one of the following requirements:
API - SH/CD/CF or SJ/CD/CF.
ACEA - A3/B3
Viscosity:
5W-30 or 5W-40 semi-synthetic"
So what does that mean? What has changed since our manuals were printed? What the heck is going on with different stuff in the same manual? To answer the second question first, Saab has (I believe) gone to a full synthetic only recommendation. This acknowledges synthetic's superior resistance to sludging. Additionally, all 9-3 and 9-5 turbo models come with Mobil 1, in the 0W-40 variety if I'm not mistaken, from the factory.
As for the ratings, API SJ is actually outdated, SL came out in 2001 and SM came out last year. So that doesn't tell us too much.
The CD and CF ratings are found in oils that are also approved for use in diesel engines. hmm.
ACEA is the European standard, and without getting too technical (go to http://www.bobistheoilguy.com if you want details) the A3/B3 rating is almost entirely exclusive to xW-40 and xW-50 oils. There are some xW-30s that meet A3/B3 but they're not as common.
So, take everything in the manual, and what we've learned in the years since, and it's my opinion that our cars should get Mobil 1, in either the 0W-40, 5W-40, or 15W-50 viscosities. The 0W-40 is probably best for very cold winter climates. The 5W-40 is good for cold winters and year round use, and the 15W-50 is fine for warmer weather only. Comparable full synthetics from other brands are probably fine as well, but make sure they've got the A3/B3 rating.
jeff
posted by 4.249.14...
, Mon, 13 Feb 2006 12:46:05, Tue, 14 Feb 2006 07:52:08
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