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First off, Mobil 0W-40 was not available when the 1999 Saab manual was written, so it couldn't be an option in the manual.
Second, Saab has a history of being very concservative and it takes years of study before Saab recommends a synthetic oil or a new oil weight. My 1998 900SET manual lists 10w-30 oil as the standrad, but allows as alternatives the use of 5W-30 (fully synthetic oil only) or 10W-40 motor oil. It even allows 15W-50 or 20-50 motor oil in climates where the temperature never goes below 60F.
Most memebers of this BB use the Saab manual as a starting point or guideline, and then adjust that information based on collective history and as products becoming available and proven.
My previous Saab was a 1984 900T that I bought new. The 1984 900T was driven for 13 years and 242,000 miles using Mobil 1 10W-30 motor oil with 5,000 mile oil and filter changes. In all those years and miles, I never had an oil related problem. In fact, the car had the original turbocharger and the engine had never been opened except to adjust the solid valve lifters. She served me well until she was totaled by a drunk in a 4x4.
I also own a 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider that has been using Mobil 1 15W-50 since new. Oil and filter changes are again done every 5,000 miles. The Alfa now has 92,000 miles and has never had any oil related problems.
My current Saab is a 1998 900SET, again purchased new. I began by using Mobil 1 5W-30 motor oil with 5,000 mile oil and filter change intervals. At 50,000 miles I changed over to the Mobil 1 0W-40. In my case, while I am certain that the Mobil 1 5W-30 or 10W-30 would give the car a long fruitful life, I have changed to 0W-40 because of the extra margin of protection it offers when driving the mountain passes or in the 100 degree heat of Eastern Washington. Since Mobil 1 0W-40 amd 5W-30 are the same price, why not step up to a little extra protection for the same money?
Rob Mustard (aka REM in Seattle)
1991 Alfa Romeo Spider; Red; 2-door; 5-sp; 92,000 miles
1998 Saab 900SET; Silver; 5-door; Automatic; 60,000 miles
posted by 208.49.241...
, Wed, 20 Aug 2003 15:35:55
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