Saab 9-5 Model Introduction

The outgoing 9-5 was a major challenge for SAAB - to produce a car to continue
SAABs distinctive heritage, yet move them into the new millennium. Drive one and
you will agree, the 9-5 boasts high levels of comfort and refinement. The cabin
layout is excellent, the performance and cornering good, the brakes reassuring
and firm. But is it a drivers car, performing with the conviction of previous
SAAB Turbo models? Everyone has their own opinions of the SAAB 9-5, and so as
with most things automotive - its best to try one out for yourself.

Having driven a 9-5, if you want firmer road holding, more vivid performance,
then we can help. We can also improve the visual styling of the car, enabling
you to specify your own styling options, including alloy wheels in upto 19"
diameter and a range of sports exhausts. We have now owned and sold many 9-5
models, both Petrol and Diesel, so believe our own experiences of what to buy
will be of great interest to you.

The 'Old 9-5' was in production for 12 Years and by all standards became an
outstanding car, especially the Aero models from 02 onwards. Ecopower cars prior
to 2002 were prone to sump sludge problems resulting in premature engine and
turbo failures, which tarnished the model name thereafter. This was unfortunate
because the engine range was fundamentally a very sound design if owners had insisted on a fully synthetic oil like Mobil 1, this problem would have never occured. Saab did fit stickers under the Bonnet to ensure this Happened on Aero models.

Ed Abbott Comments

The New 9-5 (2010 MY), has failed to tick anyone’s boxes and is a rare car on Britain’s roads and with none made since May 2011 is likely to remain so.

The old ‘9-5’, whilst claimed by many pundits to be ‘all GM’, was infact 90% Saab and the 10% that was originally GM was subsequently modified by Saab to be unique to Saab.

So, the old ‘9-5’, has become a good honest Saab. I always thought my 9000 could not be bettered, but 10 years of 9-5 ownership in a variety of models has changed my mind.

If you bought a 9-5 Aero in 2002 and only used Mobil 1 Oil and changed it every 12,000 miles, the car would be in perfect running order now, with no wear in the turbo or engine. Chances are that apart from tyres and brakes, nothing would have gone wrong, save the odd front wheel bearing or information display panel!

No other Saab or dare I say, make of car, can give you the brilliant blend of comfort, performance, handling and practicability of a 9-5. Judging by the number of 9-5 owners who are entrusting their 9-5’s to us for major overhauls/restorations, I am not alone in thinking this.

Ed Abbott

January 2012

SAAB 9-5 Model History

1999

2.0- 150BHP and 2.3- 175 BHP Ecopower launched. 5 Speed Manual, 4 Speed
Automatic. Estate Launched Later in Model Year

2000

Aero 2.3L- 230 BHP Model Launched. TCS and Twin Catalyst introduced.

2002

First Facelift with new front and rear bumpers, Silver Dash, Viggen style seats
and 'Cramped Style speedo'. More powerful B235R Aero Model, now 250BHP.
Integrated TCS/ ESP introduced. 3.0 V6 TiD engine launched. Revised front
suspension. Xenon and Rain Sensing Wipers option. Model range renamed; Arc,
Linear, Vector introduced. Aero remained top Specification.

2003

Small facelift changes including folding mirror alterations- electric or manual.
Drivers pack allowed auto-dimming rear view and exterior mirrors, heated front
and rear seats, AS3 Audio upgrade 9 Speaker System. 5 Speed Automatic Gearbox
with Paddle change option.

2004

New Style bumpers for Aero. Options such as two-tone seats available

2005

Black Dash top Introduced

2006

Second Facelift. Chrome Headlight Surrounds introduced, new Dash, Grille,
Bumpers, Seats, Radio with MP3 AUX input. Power increased to 260 bhp Aero models by revised intakes pipes and ECU mapping.

2008

"Dame Edna" headlight surrounds changed from Chrome to dull grey.

2009

End of Production of Saloon in July 2009. End of Production for Estate was Early
2010 which went to SAAB's excellent museum in Trollhattan. SAAB 9-5 Design and
manufacturing facilities sold to Beijing Automotive Works (BAW) to enable
production to commence in China.

483,593 SAAB 9-5s were produced in total, over a period of 12.5 Years.

Pictured above, a 2002 Aero fitted with 19" wheels as part of our development
program for this model.