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Hey BobG,
How 'bout some more unsolicited advice? :-)
Since factory fill on all turbo models is 0W-40 full syn (since July '00), you can be sure it'll hold up for quite a while. 15k miles? Well, I'm going to run a premium full syn for 20k miles in my two N/A Saabs, but I wouldn't go that long in a current 9-5 or a pre-'03 9-3 (or turbo 900). These models simply don't hold enough oil for me to feel comfortable going that far.
If it were my new 9-5, I'd probably do this:
1) Change the oil & filter somewhere between 1k & 2k miles of use. Replace with only a Saab filter & Mobil 1 0W-40 (simply because it's the closest to what the factory is using for the break-in period).
1a) As a possible alternative, change only the filter. This will remove most/all of the contaminants we've been taught to get out of a new engine. Again, use only a Saab filter for replacement & top up with Mobil 1 0W-40.
2) Change the oil & filter at 10k miles on the odometer, & then stick with 10k mile intervals (i.e., 20k, 30k, 40k, etc.) for all changes after that. Regardless of what the dealer/manufacturer says. Use your favorite, premium, full syn oil & a better-made filter. My favorites are Mobil 1 & Amsoil, along with Purolator Pure One filters. I also lean towards the heavier-when-hot oils for Saab engines 'cuz I feel they hold up better. For colder climates that means 5W-40 (or 0W-40 if it stays sub-zero for extended periods of time). And for warmer climates (never below 20°F-30°F) that means 15W-50. But any premium full syn should hold up.
You didn't say how far you went in 30 days. I think mileage is the primary determining factor if you're using full syn. Up to a minimum of two years, I don't feel time is a factor you need to worry about, & I think Dick has experience running Amsoil for longer than that. From what I've read, current manufacturing practices & factory break-in procedures don't require the same new-owner processes as previously followed. However, Jason 5W-40 opened up a 9-5 break-in filter & found quite a few metal flakes trapped in it.
posted by 146.82.1...
Jason's break-in filter examination
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