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Off-topic chat, Help, Advice, General motoring issues / SAAB 900 STOLEN IN BRISTOL

« on: 27 February 2020, 09:08:37 AM »

POSTED ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER SAAB OWNER - PLEASE SHARE.
"Saab 900 was stolen from outside my house in Bishopston, Bristol.
A small amount of auto glass on the pavement tells me they smashed the quarter light to gain access. This is not easy to replace so will no doubt stay like that for a while.
It had a heavy duty chain through the steering wheel, and round the seat fixings, so bolt cutters will have been needed.
Notable characteristics are driver leather seat stitching coming apart, and a circular burn on the back seat.
Mileage 170 thousand. "

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Announcements & Events / 23rd FEBRUARY - THE GREAT WESTERN SAABS FEBRUARY STROLL

« on: 19 February 2020, 05:55:45 PM »

THE GREAT WESTERN SAABS FEBRUARY STROLL
SUNDAY 23RD FEBRUARY

No need to book for the Helicopter Museum, just turn up at Gordano Services or the Museum, on the day.

Our annual get together, open to all. Our legendary February Strolls are not a car meet, more a social gathering with friends old and new, to enjoy a day out at something a 'little different'!

For 2020 we will be visiting the HELICOPTER MUSEUM,
NEAR WESTON-SUPER-MARE on SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2020

The Helicopter Museum is the largest in the world. A guided tour and open cockpit session at 11.30am, is included. The discounted cost will be £6.50 for adults and £5.50 for concessions.
http://www.helicoptermuseum.co.uk/visitor.htm

Meeting at Gordano Services (Junction19, M5) for 10am , we will be driving in convoy (approx 20 miles on the M5) to the Helicopter Museum.

We will be leaving the museum approximately at 2pm , taking a scenic drive through the Mendip Hills and Lakes (approx 23 miles) to the New Inn, Farmborough (BA2 0EG)  for a 3pm Sunday lunch. For late bookings T: 01761 470350 quoting ' Great Western SAABs'

Currently we have over 70 people attending, so it should be quite a sight!

You can join us for part or whole of the day.

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Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Förfina anyone?

« on: 12 March 2019, 04:21:33 PM »

Sat on a train, restaurant, pub or doing 'Dad's Taxi' service and have nothing to read while waiting?

Maybe, I have a solution. I am trying to establish a FREE online SAAB magazine so all you out there can while away your time 

More information can be found at:
https://www.saabplanet.com/forfina-new-free-online-magazine-for-saab-owners-and-enthusiasts/?unapproved=259260&moderation-hash=80e99063d25e3e0d940b1b33bc1f006b&fbclid=IwAR1Cb7Qh6rwJShlupKM4dHxL5xy-2XJT4Is57eMNFvbI0vtAVNThCX4z33A#comment-259260

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Announcements & Events / 18-19th AUGUST - SAABFEST 2018

« on: 16 August 2018, 10:10:26 AM »

THIS WEEKEND FOLKS!

At the home of the Bugatti Owners' Club, Prescott Hill, Gotherington, Cheltenham, Glos. GL52 9RD

Event Schedule
Saturday 18th August
9am - Welcome registration and arrival for visitors camping with motor homes, caravans and tents.
10am - Show opens today visitors, best car competitions, trade stands and vehicle displays.
2pm - Voting for best car competition closes.
4pm - Best car competition presentation and awards.
6.30pm - Evening meal at the Bugatti Clubhouse.
8-11pm - Evening Entertainment at the Bugatti Clubhouse.

Sunday 19th August
9.30am - Show opens to visitors, display vehicles and hill climb participants.
9.30-10am - Initial drivers and passengers briefings
10am - Hill Climb Access
1-2pm - Lunch Break
2-4pm - Hill Climb Access
4.30pm - Event closes

Best Car Competition
The SAABFEST awards are very kindly sponsored by Chris Knott Insurance (Trophies) and Orio UK Ltd (Winners Prizes)
On Saturday we are holding our Best Car competition so let battle commence, who has the shiniest, nicest or just the most admired car.
The classes for the Concourse are:
Sonnet
Two Stroke
V4 95 & 96
90 / 99 / 99 Turbo
Classic 900
9000
NG 900
OG 9-3
9-3 Sport Saloon / Sport wagon
9-5 / NG 9-5
The Erik Carlsson Cup


The SAAB Event Team have been busy collecting some fabulous prizes for you to win this weekend. The draw will be made on Saturday at the presentations and awards.The main prizes are:
Abbott Racing £250 voucher
Neo Brothers Goody Bags
£150 off a classic car policy – Adrian Flux
Practical Classics Subscription
Bottles of Wine
Chocolates and Sweets
Car care products
SAAB Club branded items.
There will also be lots of other prizes so make sure you don’t miss out bagging yourself a prize!
Tickets are available at the registration tent and also from the event team. We would like to thank the many people and companies that have kindly donated prizes.

SAABFest Dream Rides
Fancy a run up the hill as a passenger in your dream SAAB? Whether a 9-3 Race Car or a SAAB 900 Turbo, your dream can come true, for a minimum £5 donation to charity. A full list of dream rides will be available on Sunday at the hill climb registration.

Orio UK Ltd SAABFest  - Owners competition
Orio UK Ltd are the Official SAABFest UK sponsor and will be running a special SAABFest Owners Competition.
To enter the competition, fill in your details on the special owners club competition card at event registration - location shown on the map. The lucky winners will win either free service at a SAAB service centre or special SAAB branded items.

What is special about this location?
Prescott Speed Hill Climb, one of the world’s most prestigious motor racing venues and home of the Bugatti Owners Club, is based just outside of Cheltenham, near Winchcombe, in beautiful Gloucestershire. Set in 60 acres of glorious Cotswold countryside, the estate not only provides a beautiful setting, but also hosts major motor racing championships. The 1127 yard course rises over 200 feet via short straights, fast and slow corners and a breathtaking hairpin, with the fastest modern racing cars completing the course in an exciting 36 seconds.
The action can be viewed from strategic points as well as from the restaurant terrace, or you can walk the entire length of the course, through woodland and grassed areas making it ideal for picnics.

Anything else to do near Prescott?
You will be spoilt for choice. Within a short distance you can visit:
• Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway • Sudeley Castle • Cheltenham Racecourse • Jet Age Museum • Snowshill Manor • Tewkesbury Abbey • Cleeve Hill • Cotswold Farm Park • Hailes Abbey • Belas Knap

https://www.prescott-hillclimb.com/

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Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / STEREO UPGRADE 2007 9.5

« on: 08 June 2018, 09:23:17 AM »

Calling the oracle that is SGould 

The CD player on my 2007 9.5 has decided it no longer wants to work. This has been an intermittent problem for a while, so not entirely surprised it has finally failed. Anyway I was thinking of changing it for a better unit,
So:
It needs to have the same steering wheel controls (channels/skip and volume)
Ideally a simple plug & play
It needs to fit properly in the space available.
It does not have to have all the bells and whistles. I don't own a smartphone, so hands free, etc. are not required.
It does not need to be a powerful system. I have hearing problems, so it is wasted on me!
Visually I prefer a more subdued screen, not a disco :-)

Any suggestions Will?

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Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / A bit of interference on a 2007 9.5

« on: 18 December 2017, 04:10:22 PM »

A bit of help is required please.
Got a 2007 9.5 which has what I thought was a faulty radio - much crackling and hissing when switched. Managed to get a second hand unit which when plugged in, did the same :-(
Being a numpty with such things, can anyone out there in SAAB land offer a suggestion as to what is causing all the static. It also happens when the CD is playing. Ta very much, a bemused 9.5 owner

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Announcements & Events / SAABS AT THE COMBE 2017

« on: 19 July 2017, 01:41:46 PM »

Saturday 19th August, Castle Combe Race Circuit, Wiltshire.



A bit late, but we are back. Those who have been before know what to expect and those who havn't, you don't know what you have been missing!
A free day out at Castle Coombe, watching cars from the Bristol Pegasus Motor Club and a few SAABs hoon around the circuit.
At lunchtime, you will have the opportunity for a few parade laps in your SAAB for a minimum donation of £2, which this year will go to Children's Hospice South West.

Gates open from 9am. No need to book, just turn up on the day.
Parts for sale - if you can fit it in your boot you can bring it.
Picnics - bring your own, though there is a restaurant on site.

Many thanks once again to Bristol Pegasus Motor Club for the kind invitation.

https://bristolpegasus.com/
https://www.chsw.org.uk/

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Announcements & Events / THE 2017 GWS JANUARY STROLL - 15TH JANUARY

« on: 11 October 2016, 09:42:44 AM »

For those of you who have been before this annual GWS gathering needs no introduction. As in previous years the plan is to meet up after the Christmas festivities, meet old & new friends, (maybe) burn off a few calories with a stroll, which of course is optional.

This year the plan is:
Meet up at
Michaelwood Services
on the M5 junction 14 northbound at 10am

Take the scenic road route (14 miles) to:
Coaley Peak.
A picnic site and viewpoint in the English county of Gloucestershire. Bring a flask of coffee and binoculars.
Overlooking the village of Coaley, Coaley Peak offers 12 acres (4.9 ha) of reclaimed farmland (now a wild flower meadow) with views over the Severn Vale and the Forest of Dean. It is next to a Woodland Trust beech wood and the National Trust's Frocester Hill site. The Cotswold Way long-distance footpath passes through the site. The site includes the excavated Neolithic burial site Nympsfield Long Barrow.

Take the scenic road route (30miles) to:
Bourton on the Water
www.bourtoninfo.com/
Bourton-on-the-Water straddles the river Windrush with its series of elegant low bridges beside neat tree-shaded greens and tidy stone banks. Standing back from the river are traditional Cotswolds buildings, many of which are now tourist shops for the day-trippers and visitors.
Bourton-on-the-Water has been described as the 'Little Venice' of the Cotswolds and is one of the most popular tourist spots in the region being serviced by the many shops, cafe's, and attractions.
You can stroll around the village or visit the excellent Motor Museum (home of Brum for our smaller members)
www.cotswoldmotoringmuseum.co.uk/index.php

Take the scenic road route (22 miles) to:
AV8 RESTAURANT
For a late lunch. AV8 Offers fresh, locally sourced food that is reasonably priced, bringing quality cuisine to the stunning location of Cotswold Airport. Enjoy unrivalled views of the runway, while relaxing in the spacious restaurant or on the sun terrace. Ideal location for a family outing to watch the aircraft land, while enjoying breakfast, lunch or coffee and homemade cakes.
No Sunday roast as I am sure you have all had your fill over Christmas. A good selection of food is on offer.
www.av8-cotswoldairport.co.uk

At this stage nothing has been finalised but I would like confirmation of those who plan on attending:-
The Cotswold Motor Museum, so group rates and parking can be organised.
The AV8 restaurant, so I can book enough tables.

Read more or add your name to the list at: http://gwsforum.proboards.com/posts/recent#ixzz4MlPHB8Ix

Pics from last years event can be found here:http://gwsforum.proboards.com/thread/2190/10th-january-2016-gws-stroll?page=2

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Announcements & Events / 20 August - SAABs at Castle Combe & Air Ambulance

« on: 13 July 2016, 06:36:56 PM »

If you are not aware yet, the Annual Pegasus Track Day at Castle Combe is on August 20th. It is also the location for what is, I think, the largest FREE gathering of SAABs in the UK, organised by GWS (Great Western Saabs).

You turn up in a SAAB and get in for free! It really is as simple as that. Park in a SAAB only designated area and enjoy the day socialising or watching the Bristol Pegasus Club ( http://www.bristolpegasus.com ) track cars, including a number of our very own UKS track prepped SAABs, attacking the Castle Combe circuit.

Now we come to the Air Ambulance bit. In previous years GWS has been given the opportunity for a few free parade laps around Castle Combe. The same applies this year, but we are asking all those who wish to do the optional parade, for a contribution of £2 per car (yes only two pounds) which will be donated to the Air Ambulance. We hope to get as many SAABs on circuit as possible (in previous years we have almost filled the track) and raise some much needed funds for a very worthwhile cause.

So if you fancy a FREE day out at a racing circuit, watching racing cars, enjoying the company of fellow SAAB enthusiasts, then this event is for you.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to PM me.

If you plan on attending, please add your name to the list found here: http://www.uksaabs.co.uk/UKS/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=165704

Some posts from last year: http://www.uksaabs.co.uk/UKS/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=150410&hilit=castle+combe&start=100

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Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Correct DI cassette

« on: 06 March 2015, 09:28:54 AM »

I have a spare black DI cassette I use to carry around in my 9000 which ha now moved to my 57 plate 9.5.
Can anyone tell me if this DI cassette is OK for this engine.

Many thanks

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Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / What colour on a Hirsch wheel

« on: 12 January 2015, 10:31:29 AM »

Anyone know what colour Hirsch used on their 18 inch 5 spoke for the 9.5 please?
Mine have some curb scuffs to the edge and I would like to 'improve' the look a little by retouching them with a brush. The colour is like a light gun metal, if that helps!

Here are the wheels in question:

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Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / 9.5 Wiper arm lengths

« on: 12 November 2014, 12:05:06 PM »

Anyone know the correct length of wiper arms for a 2007 9.5 please?

Found a stone chip on the windscreen so Autoglass will be with me on Friday to repair it. A nice surprise is that they are currently offering replacement Bosch wiper arms free of charge. Just want to make sure I get the right ones   

Sits back and waits for SGould or Phoenix to reply 

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Announcements & Events / SAABs at Castle Combe & helping a fellow SAABer - 30th August

« on: 15 August 2014, 12:00:17 PM »

Saturday 30th August
Castell Combe Race Circuit
Part of the Bristol Pegasus Castle Combe Track Day.

Fancy a day out and make someones day at this FREE to enter event?

Hope to get as many SAABs (modern & classic) there a possible.

• FREE entry and parking in a designated SAAB only area.

• Lunchtime drive (optional) around the track for those SAAB owners who would like to try the circuit, but not at racing speed.

• The opportunity to watch track cars on circuit.

• SAAB car boot sale. If it fits in your boot, bring your unwanted spares to sell or swop. Traders can contact the organiser direct should they wish to attend.

• Try your skills on the slalom course.

Finally, I have confession to make.

There is an ulterior motive to getting as many SAABs to this event as possible. Many of the older SAAB owners may remember Mark aka Parish.  Now Parish is a true SAAB enthusiast having been to SAAB events both here and abroad on a number of occasions.

Parish was diagnosed with terminal cancer back in May.


Although he is undergoing treatment, the prognosis is not good, with only a few months at best. Because of eh illness Parish has had to sell his 'beloved SAAB 9.3' (his wife Karens words) yet he is still mobile, care of a wheelchair.

I know he is looking forward what may be his last big SAAB event and I am asking as many SAAB owners as possible to join us on the day and make it a great memory both for Parish and his wife, Karen.

I did contact his wife to ask if it was OK and got this reply 'Mark is very touched and things it's a lovely idea '

Thanks and hope you can be part of the day.

1. David & Anne (99T & 9K)
2. Chris (Zaphod) & Doreen - 9-5 Estate
3. TitanUK
4. Tony (99TURBOMAN) (Viggen & 9.5 Aero)
5. Phil (SaabNut)
6. Simon
7. Steve
8. Parish & Karen
9. Chris Redmond (Redders)
10. Jonathan and Jane (Dragon Saab)
11. Phil Rivers (Dragon Saab)
12. Jules (but with 3yr old in tow, so no track time this time)
13. Steve Andrews (Brusselsfan) in Blanche(MBZ SL 500) or Mr WU (SAAB 9-3)
14. 2V4 (Nev, 9-3) and [brother] Gav, Corrado.
15. Elli (doing my best to be there work permitting - will be there)
16. Howard (Sonett MkIII)
17. Frank, possibly Phyllis
18. Chris (transit80)
19. Alan and Rose - something Saab
20. Howard Webb - garage depending
21. Martin Lyons
22. Dr Oz

If you would like to add your name see the link below. Registration has been lifted on this occasion, so you can simply post.
http://gwsforum.proboards.com/thread/1894/saturday-30th-august-2014-interesting?page=3

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Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Dame Edna, but in which dress?

« on: 21 July 2014, 05:28:50 PM »

OK I am sure this has been asked before but........ I am looking for some advice. I currently run a 9000, but am thinking of changing it for a later 9.5 (Dame Edna), despite the looks, which I am having 'difficulty' with. I did try the newer version (Jelly Mould) 9.5, but it was simply too large for my wife to drive.

As this forum is the font of all SAAB 9.5 knowledge, can someone let me know which particular model to aim for and which to avoid. Which year is best, which is not etc. etc. . I know very little about the model range, so any advice would be most welcome.

I want something comfortable, relaxed to drive yet has plenty of grunt when needed. Petrol with a manual gearbox..

Cheers

15

New Saab 9-5 (2010 on) / Road test 2010 model SAAB 9.5

« on: 14 May 2014, 03:35:47 PM »

When these first came out we were not that impressed. The shape and bulk was a little off putting at , but over the last couple of years it has grown on us. Seeing one parked next to a VW Passat confirmed it is not actually that large.
Fortunately at the ever popular Swedish Day, we had the opportunity for a brief test drive, thanks to the ever helpful Alex Rankin and Gerry at Astley SAAB, the model in question was a Vector automatic diesel.

First impressions.
Very large boot, plenty of rear leg room, comfortable driving position. Slightly lower roof line than expected as my wife Anne, hit her head getting in. Superb looking rear end (car that is - I really do like those lights) and a nice looking front makes it a good all round package.

Driving.
No keys, just a push button start and a push button hand brake. Gearbox in drive and the first of it's six gears was engaged. Heads up display is very useful, though might be a bit distracting - it can be muted if required. On the road the drive is very smooth and comfortable with cornering a pleasant surprise as this car holds the road exceptionally well. Pulling away from junctions however was a bit worrying as the car seemed to bog down, causing a little will it/won't it scenario. Once up and running however the torque and pull of the engine was smooth, with very little cabin or wind noise. Brakes are excellent and very effective.

Overall.
Very nice place to be in and well worth a test drive if you get the chance.
For us the auto was just too sluggish, so a manual twin turbo would probably be a better choice.