I would consult the 9-3 Owner's Manual (you can download a copy from
www.mygmlink.com if you don't have one).

The 9-3 should have an oil life monitoring system which will calculate
the life remaining on the oil. Basically it is a software algorithm
that counts various factors, throttle application, fuel consumed,
revolutions, average trip length etc.

Ideally you would use something like Mobil 1 0w40 oil as recommended by
Saab (I can't tell ya that it is 0w40 for sure, maybe it's 0w50 or
something. Check the manual or look under the hood). and change it some
time before the oil life monitor gets down to 0%. I'd probably change
around 5%, or 10% if you are feeling adventurous.

3000 mile oil changes are extremely frequent and for the most part
unnecessary if you use a high quality synthetic motor oil like Saab
Turbo Oil, Mobil 1, Amsoil, and a good filter (like a Saab OEM, Mann or
AC Delco. Don't use Fram they are garbage).

However, if you see a car with the oil changed every 3000 miles, those
cars usually last forever and look new when they are 20 years old and
run beautifully. On a Saab 9-5 with a 4-cylinder engine I'd change the
oil very frequently to avoid sludging. But the 2004 9-3 does not have
this issue.

Read the handbook, I believe it reads every 16k instead. Remember, it's all synthetic oil in there and needs some time.

SG