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I just changed the oil on my 2000 Aero and thought I'd share some thoughts and experience.
Draining and Filter Removal:
Others have recommended a 6-sided socket for the drain bolt, and I strongly agree. That 13mm bolt is the smallest I've ever seen and would be easy to strip. If you have a 1/2" socket, it may also fit. I had one that fit just right and one that was too small. Removing the filter is easy, but beware that a lot of oil drains out! This oil is not just coming from the filter, but from the block also. Even after the filter is off, oil continues to drain/drip from the block. There is a plastic shield on the bottom of the car near the filter, and and unfortunately it is positioned so that the oil drips onto it and runs toward the back of the car dripping off the edge. Seems like this could have been designed better. Bottom line is that replacing the filter is messy, so be prepared.
Replacement Filter Size:
The stock size if AC/Delco PF-53, or Fram PH-3614. I wanted to use a larger size filter to allow higher flow and contaminant capacity. I tried AC/Delco size PF-13 (Fram PH-16) which has the same gasket and thread as the PF-53, but uses a larger cannister which is about +1/4" radius. I read somewhere that this filter was used on earlier Saab 4 cyl engines, so should be ok for newer ones. Unfortunately this filter didn't quite fit. There is a small angled flange next to the filter seat on the engine which contacts the filter base as you tighten it down, thus preventing the filter from seating properly. If somebody was brave enough to take something like a Dremel tool to that flange and make a notch in it, then the filter would probably fit. Barring that, you are limited to using filters of the stock diameter. There is plenty of room for a longer filter, and I saw other filters on the shelf that had the same base as the PF-53 but were longer. Since I don't know what criteria are used to match a filter to an engine, I decided to play it safe and just use the standard filter size. If somebody knows of longer filter that is safe to use on the 9-5, please post that info.
Filter Brand/Model:
The standard Saab "Long Life" filter is equivalent to the AC/Delco Duraguard PF-53, if you can find the model made in the UK. There are better filters available though. I have done quite a bit of digging, and it appears that Mobil 1, and AC/Delco UltraGuard Gold are among best. I was not able to find the UltraGuard Gold anywhere, but Pep Boys did say they could special order it. The Mobil 1 goes for about $10. At Kmart I came across another interesting alternative, the Castrol MaxPro Plus which sells for $5. This filter uses a semi-synthetic filter media and claims 99% single pass efficiency (no mention of particle size though). It is made by Wix/Dana, and seems like a good quality filter overall. I decided to give it a try.
Oil Selection:
This is a topic with a lot of different opinions. My opinion is that for a turbocharged engine, full synthetic oil is the way to go. Of the widely available brands, Mobil 1 has the best reputation. You can get it in 5 quart bottles at some retailers such as Walmart. My dealer previously installed Saab semi-synthetic 5W-30. My owner's manual lists 10W-30 or 10W-40 as the general recommendations. It says 5W-30 "may also be used" if it's partially or fully synthetic. I chose 10W-30 since I live in a warmer climate but also do a lot of short trips. 5W-30 may be better if you live in a cooler climate, particularly in the winter.
Hope this info is helpful.
posted by 12.65.1...
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