i have just bought a 1993 Saab 9000 CS and I'm concerned about how hot it gets. When driving in traffic it goes from 1/2 to 3/4 temp all the time and the when I get it there is a general smell of hot engine.

I spoke to the garage that sold it to me and they said it was normal for Saabs to fluctuate in temparature up to 3/4 to improve efficiency in burning fuel. I find this a bit hard to believe.

Is this normal behaviour for a Saab or is there a problem?

Thanks, Nick.

Welcome to Saabscene.

Your garage is correct. Early 9000s have a particularly sensitive temperature gauge, which accurately reflects the real world variation in temperatures.

In later models, owing to the alarm this caused in customers, they changed the dash temperature gauge from direct reading to being controlled by the ECU, meaning that the needle would sit in a "normal" position over a much wider range of temperatures.

However for peace of mind, you could always use a coolant flush to clear any accumulated debris out of the system and improve efficiency. The two-part flushes are the most effective.

You could try running the car cooler. Might be a good idea for an Australian summer.
Install an 82ºc thermostat. And a lower temp radiator fan switch.
Make sure the thermostat is OE SAAB part# 8817538.
The fan switch is a Wahler part#s 321959481D85 (I think this is the VW part#) or 321959481

A decent flush can make quite a difference. Mercedes coolant is recommended.

The townsend site has a write up on cooling system issues.
http://townsendimports.com/Web/cooling_sys...system_docs.htm (http://townsendimports.com/Web/cooling_system_folder/cooling_system_docs.htm)

Yep, that's a standard feature. I thought mine was broken too, every other car I've owned would only get to 3/4 on the gauge on a really hot day when sitting in traffic, whereas the Saab seems to do it regularly when stationary. I've checked the coolant system and all seems well. I find it most strange to be able to watch the thermostat open.