1999 SAAB 9-3 from North America - Comments

Ignition Switch replacement.

Direct Ignition replacement.

I currently own a 1999 Saab 9-3. Reading the previous comments regarding Saab's, it's comforting to know I am not alone. Two years ago the Ignition Switch was replaced for about $700 at the dealership.

Last month, on my way home from the gym I tried to start my car, but nothing happened. I had it towed to a shop and was told the Direct Ignition needed replacement. According to the shop this was a common problem with Saab 4 cylinder's. The cost was $1046 at this shop to have it replaced.

Now I'm reading these comments regarding oil sludge and I am starting to get very nervous. I currently have 70,000 miles. With student loans I'm currently paying off, I can't afford to repair or rebuild my engine.

If you change your oil every 3,000 miles, chances are you'll never have to worry about oil sludge.

I think a lot of people cook their oil by going too long between changes, and then are surprised when the inevitable happens.

I am a proponent of synthetic oil.

Synthetic oil is the best thing for any turbocharged engine because they run at hotter temperatures and "cook" regular oil very quickly, creating sludge. Don't assume that it's a one-time deal though; synthetic oil still needs to be changed regularly.

I wrote the first comment about synthetic oil, and yes, you still need to change it regularly. I change mine every 3,000 miles.

Well, oil sludge is not a problem with the B204 engines!! It only occurs on the B205 which were in model-year 2000-2002, so chances are, that your car are not affected!!

The Direct Ignition Cassette, is a very well known problem, and SAAB is currently running a campaign I Sweden where SAAB pays for all costs in changing the DI cassette. Contact an authorized dealership and look into, if you can get the costs covered!!

How do you know if it is a B204 or B205 engine

thanks.

I also would like to know how to tell if it is the B204 engine or the 205???

To find out which engine your Saab has, you can look it up via the internet, look up your model plus year with "engine type" in the search. I have found on the Saab 9-3 the B204 was used on the first model year (1999) only. As of all 2000 and newer 9-3s they used the B205.I have a 1999, and thankfully, that's the final year of the robust B204 engine that generally runs forever and doesn't typically have the sludge problem. I know there are a lot of consumers who have had the sludge issue, especially with the B205 engines. My mechanic just rebuilt an engine on a 2001 model of which the owners hadnt changed the oil in a VERY VERY long time on top of the fact that it was being hot rodded by a teenager, and of course they thought they were in no way at fault.Well, cars need their oil changed period. I can also say I too race around my car, and with 118,000 miles, no sludge! I don't use synthetic just high quality 5w30 and change it every 3-5k, no probs, but it is the B204 engine. I would personally recommend using part-synthetic oil and sticking to a regular schedule of 3,000mi oil changes on anything newer than a 1999, and you should be fine. If your engine is starting to sludge take it in and have the sump cleaned out as well as an engine flush (done at the dealer) followed by good maintenance.

I have been reading a lot of comments from people in regards to GMs involvement with Saab. I continuously see consumers who are uneducated as to the degree of involvement GM actually has in the manufacturing of Saabs.Yes, GM owns them, however they are not a GM, they share mainly the chassis and a few common plastic pieces, sensors and what not, nothing major. They are completely designed and made by Saab AB. There are some undeniable quality issues off and on, but that is true with any manufacturer. Often times a lot of problems consumers have with their cars are due to their own neglect of maintenance, if your going to spend money on a higher end car then you should also be aware that it will require a little more upkeep and attention than your common car. I have been around and owned Saabs for a long time, both old and new, with regular servicing, no serious problems.

Well, fortunately, you don't have to worry about the sludge problem with 99 9-3, It's 00,01,02.

Go to :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_H_engine

for a good explanation of the features, differences, and likely cause of the issues with the B205 engine. It seems that's the one, and there is an explanation for it. Unless you are VERY confident of what you are buying (get it inspected by a Saab dealer first I think) I would stay away from that engine - unless it has just been rebuilt at someone else's expense and has a new warranty!