Ignition

[carbonfiber1]

So does anyone actually know why the ignition is in the middle console for the Saab 9-3? It's pretty cool, yet odd

[tony5101]

It was put there for security purposes, ie you have to put the car into reverse gear to be able to take out the ignition key.

[tunnanxwd]

The usual line I've heard on the forums is for safety in a crash, so the key doesn't rip into your leg. Our dealer dismissed this in 1984 when I got my first Saab and said it was to comply with the new theft regulations; it was harder to break the lock and use a screwdriver if the ignition was on the trans and it was a lot cheaper than the new designs that were on the wheel.

[nordwulf]

A nice additional benefit is not having a key fob and other keys dangling from the steering column touching your knees.

Another benefit I read is you have the transmission selector/shifter, handbrake and ignition all near each other so you can be on your way quicker by not having to reach to the steering column. Yeah, that seems a bit far-fetched.

With keyless ignition these days, this is all a bit outdated but it is nice to be different.

[tunnanxwd]

The bad news, especially with the electronic ignitions is that when mine failed in my 08', the dealer was quick on the trigger saying I probably spilled a coffee down there which never happened. But aside from "spilled" items, general dust and dirt will collect down there over the years and coat the surfaces. It's not a rare event to find someone on the varied forums with an ignition problem.