Best Oil for 2003 Saab 95

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I have a 2003 Saab 95 4 cylinder w/ 136000 miles. Previous owner always used Mobil 1. My manual says to use a Semi-Synthetic oil that meets: API - SH/CD/CF or SJ/CD/CF. ACEA A3/B3. Viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40 semi-synthetic. I don't drive it hard and it usually gets driven about 5 miles minimum one way or highway driving at 60 mph. Engine runs great. I am considering putting in a performance chip level 1 to increase hp. Any thoughts?
Thanks, john
 
There are several off-the-shelf synthetics that would work for you:


Mobil 1 0w40
Castrol Edge 0w40
Castrol Edge 5w40
Castrol Edge 0w30
Valvoline SynPower 5w40


All are ACEA A3/B3 and API SL or newer. You can find most of them at any auto parts store. Buy whichever one is on sale at the time -- there is always some sort of 5 qt + filter deal. Many people on this site are partial to the Mobil 1 0w40, but any of the ones I listed will be more than sufficient (even if you chip the ECU).

Alternatively, the diesel truck oils will work too, such as Shell Rotella T6 5w40. This particular oil goes on sale pretty regularly and is available at most auto parts stores.
 
Mobil 1 0w40 is great for nearly all gasoline turbo engines. As for the safety of getting the ECU reprogrammed, you might want to visit boards specially dedicated to SAAB enthusiasts.
 
Many Saab owners have had sludge problems on that model. I would suggest rather than buying a chip..drop the oil pan and inspect the pick-up. Have a shop do it if you can't.

Mobil 1 is a good choice to keeping those engines clean. Needs to be changed more often than the Saab recommendations.

Once you know for certain the bottom end is clean..keep using Mobil 1 or Rotella T6 5w40.

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Originally Posted By: artificialist
Mobil 1 0w40 is great for nearly all gasoline turbo engines. As for the safety of getting the ECU reprogrammed, you might want to visit boards specially dedicated to SAAB enthusiasts.


I have to agree there. There isn't much that oil isn't good in.
 
All of the above suggestions are fine. You may also want to consider M1 TDT 5w-40. It meets the API SM specification for gasoline engines. VW gas sludgers seem to do well with it.
 
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I'm under impression that because of the notorious sludge problems Saab instructed use of fully synthetic oils only. Over here according to label under the hood factory fill and recommendation has been Mobil 1 0W-40.
 
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