Saab 2003 Automobile User Manual


 
261Specifications
Engine oil
Oil recommendation:
We recommend the use of Saab or Mobil oils, available from
your Saab dealer, for regular oil changes. These oils fulfil
Saab’s requirements as wells as the most stringent require-
ments set by API and ACEA classifications.
Basic recommendations for Saab engines:
SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30, 5W-40.
The oil should be semi or fully synthetic and fulfill grade require-
ments for ACEA A3/B3, API SJ or higher. In addition to API and
ACEA the ILSAC GF-3 specification is approved for use in appli-
cable markets.
Fully synthetic oils with viscosity’s 0W-40/50 of well known
brands and fulfilling minimum ACEA A3/B3 are also recom-
mended, especially for extreme driving conditions.
Oil specification.
Oil for gasoline engines is classified by the API (American Petro-
leum Institute) and ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers
Associations) standards.
API classifies engine oil into grade classes SH (since 1993) and
SJ (since 1996). The SJ class fulfils more stringent requirements
and has lower phosphorous level. A new grade API SL, intro-
duced 2001, fulfils even higher requirements.
These grade classes are most often combined with correspond-
ing classes for diesel engines. The class designations for diesel
engines begins with the letter "C" (Commercial). For example a
grade combination suitable for both types of engine could be API
SJ/CF or SL/CF.
Under the ACEA nomenclature, oils are divided into Class A for
gasoline engines and Class B for diesel engine passenger cars.
There is a further class for heavy diesel engines. Each class is
divided into grades: 1,2 and 3 where grades 2 and 3 normally
encompass semi- and fully synthetic oils. The diesel class also
has a fourth grade, B4, which encompasses tests and regula-
tions aimed at improving the performance of direct injection die-
sel engines.
In the same way as in the API system, gasoline and diesel
engine specifications are combined for products that can be
used in both types of engine. For example, a grade designation
could be ACEA A2/B2 or ACEA A3/B3, B4.