Saab week: startup problems, empty bearings, Saab 9-6x, Saab 9000

No business news today, no crises. There was enough of that during the week. Today, the daily trivia around Saab, the blogger and his family. Since 19 years I drive Saab, which says something about my age and even more about my passion for the Swedish brand.

Admittedly, in my fleet there were always other brands besides the cars from Trollhättan. But always at least one Saab.

starting problems

You have got used to the ignition switch in the middle cosole. Engaging reverse gear when parking - is logical. Everything clear with the Saab operation? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that. Last week early in the morning in a southern German town. The blogger and a brand new Saab 9-3 TTiD Aero. Ignition key in. Started - upps - nothing works. A symbol appears on the display. Apply the brake. The Saab has manual transmission.

Well. Once again. Ignition actuated, brake applied. And ? Nothing. OK. Half a dozen start attempts without result. I'm getting warm. Last Exit, embarrassing, embarrassing: A call in Saab center. The workshop manager provides information.

A brand new 9-3? Apply the brake, apply the clutch, start. Aha - vehicle is running. How come ? All new 9-3 are equipped with this safety feature. This makes starting in a Saab even safer. Swedish thinking. The blogger understood.

Our Saab 9-3 sportswear

Something else from the family. Our 9-3 is for my wife it's the first Saab. Actually, she didn't want to drive a Saab after a make from Stuttgart. With some persuasion and bribery, I was able to persuade you to go to the Saab. Sometimes you have to help luck get started ...

After two weeks in 9-3, she no longer wants another car. The enthusiasm for the “little one” increases with every kilometer.

Empty warehouse

The stocks at the German Saab dealers are almost empty. Cabriolets and Saab 9-3 limousines and sports suits are in short supply. Only a few more anniversary convertibles have “trickled” into Germany. The dealers groan, the customers wait. Only Saab 9-5 limousines are available as demonstrators or storage cars at some dealers.

The prices are very good, who is looking for and not necessarily on his desired equipment should strike. Because over time, the selection becomes tight.

Saab 9-6x

Six years ago, Saab wanted to bring together with Subaru a large SUV on the market. As most of us know, the project ended, the 9-6x migrated to the Saab Museum Trollhättan. Which was a good decision.

Last week, the Anglo-Saxon media reported on the 9-6x, which now stands for the first time in the visitor section of the museum. Just a week later, the topic is in the German press. If you want to see pictures you can find more about this project on Stern.de

Saab 9000

My second Saab, the 9000, is currently getting a technical and visual “make-over”. The brakes are made new and at the same time the brake lines are replaced because the car is 14 years old and hard winters have affected the lines. Original spare parts from Saab in Sweden are still not a problem. The parts come quickly as always.

In parallel, the 9000 gets a new, complete wood interior. So far, only wood on the dashboard, now come to doors and circuit. So that everything fits in color, there is also a new dashboard.

The parts finally arrived yesterday. It brings tears to your eyes when you see the great quality of the parts that once came from Trollhättan. Each part says “Saab” and only “Saab”, not GM.

Now only the strut brace is missing, but at Maptun not available for weeks, the wait continues. In addition, Maptun, like all real Swedes, is on vacation.

Text: tom@saabblog.net