Saab 9-3 Oil Type & Capacity
GarageDex's oil-spec data shows the Saab 9-3 takes 5W-40 engine oil, about 6.3 qt with a filter change, on 2007-2011 models. Older ones use the same grade but hold a different amount - 2006 models take 6-6.3 qt - so check your year in the table below.
Oil by model year
| Model years | Oil type | Capacity | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-2011 | 5W-40 | 6.3 qt | Shop 5W-40 |
| 2006 | 5W-40 | 6-6.3 qt | Shop 5W-40 |
| 2004-2005 | 5W-40 | 6.3 qt | Shop 5W-40 |
| 2003 | 5W-40 | 4.2-6.3 qt | Shop 5W-40 |
| 1999-2002 | 10W-40 | 4.2 qt | Shop 10W-40 |
Capacity is with a filter change and can vary by engine - open your exact year below for the per-engine figures and our sources. Shop links go to Amazon, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Every 9-3 year
Frequently asked
What kind of oil does a Saab 9-3 take?
GarageDex's oil-spec data shows the Saab 9-3 takes 5W-40 engine oil, about 6.3 qt with a filter change, on 2007-2011 models. Older ones use the same grade but hold a different amount - 2006 models take 6-6.3 qt - so check your year in the table below.
How many quarts of oil does a Saab 9-3 take?
About 6.3 qt with a filter change on 2007-2011 models, and 6-6.3 qt on 2006 models. Capacity varies by engine, so check your exact year for the per-engine figure - and finish on the dipstick rather than pouring in the full amount.
Does the oil type change by year on the Saab 9-3?
Yes. We record 5 different factory specs across the years we cover - 2007-2011: 5W-40; 2006: 5W-40; 2004-2005: 5W-40. Use the table above and confirm against your owner's manual.
Sources. The oil grade and capacity for 13 of 13 model years is checked against a cited source, most often AMSOIL lookup guide - 2011 Saab 9-3, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo (B207R), AMSOIL lookup guide - 2010 Saab 9-3, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo (B207R) and AMSOIL lookup guide - 2009 Saab 9-3, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo (B207R). Each year page lists its own sources.
Last verified 2026-06-21. Maintained by Matan B., who runs GarageDex. How we verify.