My 2.8T Aero

[philmots]

Thought I’d share a few pictures of my newish 9-3 2.8T Aero.

I’ve put this on a few Saab sites, UKsaabs, Saabscene, Saabtechtalk, Saabcentral

I’ve cleaned it up a bit and done a few bits and pieces to ‘make it mine’ in the month I’ve had it. It’s my first Saab (hopefully not last!!!) and it’s really getting under my skin even though I can’t put my finger on why.

I love how it goes unnoticed by most people, this was one of the reasons to buy one. Coming straight from a Mondeo ST220 and having had other cars that seem to attract too much attention it’s refreshing!

It’s in Jet Black with Parchment leather.

Options fitted from new are…

comfort close for windows
Rain sensor for wipers
Parking sensors
Auto dimming mirrors
Electric folding mirrors
Duel electric seats with lumbar
And the ALU65 18” wheels

Good points…

Looks great – the wheels make it imo, it had to have these.
Really comfy
Lots of punch for overtaking
The dashboard looks great lit up at night

Bad points…

It’s a bit thirsty – no worse than my previous ST220 or 330i
The dashboard is a bit creaky but that seems normal
Doesn’t handle like an ST220/330 Sport.
That’s it!

As it looks like it will be a keeper my future plans are to get it Vtuned/Maptuned which should liberate a fair bit more of the engines potential. Also, the wheels could do with a refurb with some new centre caps.

[phoenix]

Very Nice 

I do like the two tone leather- helps to break up the interior.

[Max Headroom]

Thanks for posting the pics - it looks great! I really like that parchment colour interior.

[sgould]

Looks nice!

I had a loan car with the two tone leather colours the other way around and it didn't look as good.

If you want it to handle, fit these:  http://www.hirsch-performance.ch/Content.aspx?path=/Products/Fahrwerke/F750003100

Best value for money mod you can make on a 9-3 Sport Saloon. Softer ride and better handling, and a touch lower.

[phoenix]

http://www.hirsch-performance.ch/Content.aspx?path=%2fProducts%2fFahrwerke%2fF750003100

 

[Saabman]

 I fitted the Eibach springs to mine, reported to be the same as Hirsch? but they did improve the ride quality over standard 
Nice car too!

[sgould]

The Eibach springs are cheaper than the Hirsch.  And, I believe that if you order the Eibach, they come with a Hirsch label as well.

But I'm curious as to what fits what as Hirsch offer three sets of springs (for the front wheel drive cars) and Eibach only offer two...

[Saabman]

And, I believe that if you order the Eibach, they come with a Hirsch label as well.

Mine just came in an Eibach box? Didn't see a Hirsch mention, but I still have it all in my shed so can take a look.

[philmots]

Cheers Guys.

I don't think I'll bother to change the springs. It would be too much hassle with insurance, and I'll probably have enough fun trying to cover the remap!!!

Regarding interior, I wanted one with the dark interior but there wasn't any for sale when i bought this. Having got it now though I wouldn't change it for the world. My lass likes it too, it's the same as the sofa at home!

[Guyver1]

Cheers Guys.

I don't think I'll bother to change the springs. It would be too much hassle with insurance, and I'll probably have enough fun trying to cover the remap!!!

Regarding interior, I wanted one with the dark interior but there wasn't any for sale when i bought this. Having got it now though I wouldn't change it for the world. My lass likes it too, it's the same as the sofa at home!

I fitted Eibach to my last car after the originals dissapeared altogether, only found out that the front springs were missing when it went in for the MOT

Told the insurance I'd swapped from standard springs to sports ones and they said why tell us? as long its not engine related they didnt care

[philmots]

The Eibach springs are cheaper than the Hirsch.  And, I believe that if you order the Eibach, they come with a Hirsch label as well.

But I'm curious as to what fits what as Hirsch offer three sets of springs (for the front wheel drive cars) and Eibach only offer two...

What retailer would you advise to look for the Eibach springs? I can't find anywhere that lists the different options for different engines.

The Hirsch springs seem to offer a different spring for the 2.8 i'm assuming because the engine will be heavier.

[sgould]

I had a look at the Eibach website and they only seem to offer wheel spacers for the 2.8 9-3SS.  So you may be limited to the Hirsch version.

But check their products list yourself.  Some websites don't work properly on an Apple Mac.

http://performance-suspension.eibach.de/cms/

If you go Hirsch have a ring around your local dealers, you may get a discount, or try someone like Turners Hill who have an eBay shop as "thgparts" http://stores.ebay.co.uk/thgparts

Or contact them through their parts site: http://www.saab.uk.com/saab-parts.php