The Saab B308E 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine was produced only from 1998 to 2003 and was installed on the first generation of the popular 9-5 model and only in combination with automatic transmission. This engine was essentially a supercharged version of the famous Opel X30XE power unit.
Saab V6 (GM) family: B258i, B284L, B308E, B308i.
Specifications
| Production years | 1998-2003 |
| Displacement, cc | 2962 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 200 |
| Torque output, Nm | 310 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 86 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 85 |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 |
| Features | Trionic T7 |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | Garrett GT1549 |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Saab 9-5 1997) — city — highway — combined |
16.3 8.0 11.1 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 195 |
The engine was installed on:
- Saab 9-5 I (YS3E) in 1998 – 2003.
Disadvantages of the Saab B308E engine
- This is a very reliable engine and its main problems are associated with lubrication leaks.
- Especially often, oil crawls out from under the valve covers and fills the candle wells.
- Also, grease can seep into the coolant through the heat exchanger.
- The turbine is not the highest resource, sometimes it runs less than 100,000 km.
- Monitor the condition of the timing belt, its resource is small, and when it breaks, the valves bend.
Frequently asked questions about the Saab B308E
How much power does the Saab B308E make?
The Saab B308E develops 200 hp and 310 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Saab B308E take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.5 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Saab B308E have a timing belt or chain?
The Saab B308E uses a timing belt.
Is the Saab B308E turbocharged?
Yes, the Saab B308E is turbocharged (Garrett GT1549).
Does the Saab B308E need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Saab B308E has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Saab B308E last?
The typical lifespan of the Saab B308E is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Saab B308E?
Saab 9-5 1997: city 16.3, highway 8.0, combined 11.1 L/100 km.
What cars was the Saab B308E installed on?
Saab 9-5 I (YS3E) in 1998 - 2003.
What are the common problems of the Saab B308E?
This is a very reliable engine and its main problems are associated with lubrication leaks. Especially often, oil crawls out from under the valve covers and fills the candle wells. All known problems.
