I'll sticky this for a while, get as much feedback as possible, then perhaps us mods can get together and do a full write up?? I know we keep saying it
Thanks Mcwill, excuse if I cover your input already!
Engine:
Blue smoke on start up, a fairly common problem on lpt variants, saab have introduced modified parts over the life span but can still be a problem even on later cars.. up to MY00 is rife!
Ultimate cure could be a new turbo.
Can effect HOT models too, but is quite rare.
PCV system, check the 2 main hoses 1 comes off cam cover just behind 'SAAB' should be firm but squeezeable, other is a smaller bore one to the left running to metal breather pipe that terminates at the intake pipe.
Rattles, the 9-5 engine is a little more vocal than its 9000 cousin, due to reduced weight, i.e less metal! Check for usual things, timing chain rattle, etc.
Oil leaks, Common issue is the head gasket leaking oil on the right hand front corner, decide for yourself how serious each leak is!
Check for oil leaks around the throttle housing, on platic inlet pipe models, there is an O ring that can get lost/brittle, easy 47p fix!
Check for oil leak around timing cover, known prob on early models, now appears fixed by modified parts.
Transmission:
Auto box appears reliable so far, no real known faults, usual autobox checks apply.
Manual box, check engagement of reverse and 5th, another known problem, again saab have modified parts in place now.
Front wheel bearings can be short lived, check for noises under cornering.
Suspension:
For some reason the 9-5's rear shocks tend to be fairly weak, and can leak oil at a low mileage!
OEM parts are not cheap either!
The car in std trim can feel a little floaty, but the ride should be quiet and sublime!
Check for any unusal suspension noises, it should be quiet, any knocks or clonks will need further investigation.
Body:
SID unit....
All too common, not many get away with it, at £160 a throw not cheap, SID still works, you just can't read the info correctly, most appear to have some success with fairly
simple repairs , good bargaining point all the same!
ACC panel, ditto SID, tends to loose its symbols over time, but should still function correctly!
Also whilst checking do a re-calibration, check
fault codes , this is done by holding auto and off buttons together. If theres any fault codes stored take care, as some repairs can be very costly!
Check for recalls, as with most new cars, there were a number of recalls early on, contact a saab dealer with the cars details, ask them to check for any outstanding recalls.
A couple of problems that may not be apparent on test/viewing, Throttle bodies went through a period of failure, any check engine lights, make sure you get the fault code pulled, not simply reset.
DI cassttes, seem to have a life of anything between 60k miles and 150k miles! £190 part from SAAB, doesn't appear to tell you when its failing, simply refuses to start at some point! Check the plugs are the correct SAAB spec, i.e NGK BCPR 7ES-II, NO OTHER make of plug should be used on DI cars.
Once engine is started the only dash light you should see is the 'INFO DISPLAY' checking the SID will probably show TEST BRAKE LIGHTS simply press the brake pedal to clear the SID and light, no ther dahs light should be on..... except maybe the fuel low light
