🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Saab Model: 9-3 Year: 1999 Generation First Generation Codename: Type 1 Codes Chassis Code: YS3D 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Premium Compact Executive Car Competitive...
Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) with Bosch Motronic engine management
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 95 RON recommended for optimal performance
Engine Components
Ignition System:
Saab Direct Ignition (DI)
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Optional
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (with 'Sport' and 'Winter' modes)
Features
Automatic Features:
Adaptive shifting, lock-up torque converter
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (e.g., Mobil Mobilube 75W-90, Castrol Syntrans GL-4 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (e.g., Mobil ATF 3309, Castrol Transmax Dexron III)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4609 mm (181.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1711 mm (67.4 in)
Height:
Approx. 1421 mm (55.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2609 mm (102.7 in)
Weights
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 1370 kg (3020 lbs)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 1410 kg (3108 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star
Active Features
ABS:
Standard
Traction Control:
Optional (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Safeseat Design:
Saab's 'Safeseat' concept with reinforced pillars and side impact protection.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM/CD stereo systems, often with premium speaker options (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Comfort Features
Night Panel:
Iconic Saab 'Night Panel' feature, which dims most dashboard lights for reduced driver distraction at night.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (check specific manual for latest recommendations).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on plug type (standard vs. platinum/iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable; these engines use a timing chain.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ, ACEA A3/B3 or A3/B4, SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic (e.g., Castrol EDGE Professional A3 0W-30, Mobil 1 0W-30)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter
Coolant Type:
GM/Saab Blue Coolant (GYS22030) or equivalent silicate-free antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Known Issues
Ignition Cassette:
Saab's Direct Ignition (DI) cassette is known to fail over time, causing misfires and starting issues.
Oil Sludge:
Early turbocharged engines could be prone to oil sludge buildup if maintenance intervals were not strictly followed or if lower quality oil was used. Regular maintenance is key.
Saab Trionic Issues:
Issues with the Trionic engine management system sensors or actuators can arise.
Susceptibility To Rust:
Like many cars of this era, particularly those from northern climates, rust can be an issue on body panels, wheel arches, and subframes.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Founding Origins:
Founded in 1945 by Svenska Aeroplan AB (Swedish Aeroplane Company Ltd.) with its first car, the Saab 92, in 1949.
Model Evolution
Previous Generation:
Saab 900 (NG - New Generation)
Transition To 9 3:
The 9-3 (Type 1) was a significant redesign based on the Opel Vectra platform, moving away from the older 900 platform.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Trollhättan, Sweden
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards:
Saab vehicles consistently received high safety ratings in their time, often cited for their robust construction.
Ratings
Euro Ncap Rating:
While Euro NCAP ratings began in 1997, specific detailed ratings for the 1999 9-3 are not as widely publicized as later models, but Saab's reputation for safety was well-established.