[tr1ac]

New member here and just got a '99 9-3 with 106k miles on it. I live in southern California, so no extreme heat or cold. I am not going to be driving the car hard at all. I tried reading through a lot of these posts but wound up more confused than anything. Could I get some recommendations on which oil I should use? Thanks for any input!

 

[zinfandel]

Use whatever the manual says as far as weight and specification.

I believe this is a Turbo. Did previous owner use full synthetic?


This is what seems like a relevant thread. Seems to say stay away from 0W oils, especially in hot climes. I have always used 0W-40 in my 2004-2011 9-3 but yours is a different generation. I had a 1996 but non Turbo.

https://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85016

 

[aerojon]

100k + i'd be using a 5w/40 oil..

 

[tr1ac]

100k + i'd be using a 5w/40 oil..

It is >100k. Any ideas if it would be better to use the full synthetic valvoline (synpower) 5w40 or to go with the maxlife synthetic blend 10w40?

 

[ET160]

Full synthetic is, of course, better.

 

[tr1ac]

Full synthetic is, of course, better.

Got it. Thanks!

 

[Bounder]

Full synthetic may loosen "beneficial" sludge that prevents gaskets from leaking. Almost like a cleaning agent or detergent might do. Full synthetic is good if your motor is newer or what it's always used. Otherwise, stick to what it knows or dinosaur oil!