Changes for the Saab 9-5 through the years - North America

[nordwulf]

The question about differences of all the model years comes up quite often so I started with a list. I am sure I missed many items so please add to the list or point out anything that is incorrect. This list is based on press releases by Saab, car reviews and memory.

I am not sure about the differences between the USA and Canada but I assume they are pretty similar. If not, please point those out as well. The reason this list is only for North American models is because we have a limited choice of engines, equipment and special versions. And it's the market I am most familiar with.

I'll split up the 3 distinctive model year ranges in 3 different posts: 1999-2001, 2002-2005 and 2006-2009.

Please add to this thread when you see any inaccuracies or have new information.

[nordwulf]

1998
The Saab 9-5 was introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year in Europe

1999
Introduction of the sedan and wagon in the USA
Engine choices:
- 2.3t I-4 170hp/280nm
- 3.0t V-6 200hp/310nm
Base and SE version powered by I-4 or V6 engine

2000
Introduction of the Aero model:
- 2.3T I-4 230hp/350nm
- 0.4” lower suspension
- 17” wheels with 225/45-17 tires
- flared rocker panels, front chin spoiler and new rear valance.

SE model: V6 and automatic transmission only
TCS and sunroof become standard on base models.
Base models also get new 16" 10-spoke alloy wheels.

Gary Fisher edition
- Unique bumpers and side skirts
- 17′’ Quad design wheels and high-performance Michelin 225/45 R17 tires. Roof rack with bike carrier and ski holder
- White side-indicator lamps
- Sliding load floor
- $900 Gary Fisher bike

2001
Updates:
- Horsepower increase in entry-level 9-5 models from 170 hp to 185 hp
- Next generation OnStar is standard equipment. Includes 12 months of premium service
- New one-piece key/remote transmitter
- White side-marker indicator lamps
- Turbo gauge was added for base and SE models
New colors: Laser Red and Steel Gray Metallic
Eliminated colors: Imola Red, Scarabe Green, Frost Gray

[nordwulf]

2002
Discontinued:
- Reverse side lights in fog lamps

Linear 2.3t (former base model), Arc 3.0t (former SE model) and Aero models
ESP optional on Linear, standard on Arc and Aero
Light no-gloss wood is newly standard on Linear and Arc

Exterior redesign and updates:
- 1265 design and engineering changes to the new 9-5 Series
- Aero receives power boost from 230hp to 250hp while torque on auto models goes from 330 Nm to 350 Nm
- Subtle changes to exterior enhance sporting character of the new 9-5 Series
- Chassis revisions improve steering response for more communicative handling and better turn-in
- New Electronic Stability Program enhances Arc / Aero handling and driver control
- New bi-xenon headlamps provide class-leading illumination for Aero and Touring Package-equipped cars
- New five-speed adaptive automatic gearbox for all models
- New adaptive front airbags feature passenger-sensing system for intelligent deployment and retuned seatbelts for enhanced performance
- Availability of Visibility package (xenon, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors and rear parking sensors)

More details: http://saabworld.net/f99/2002-saab-9...australia-351/

2003
Saab Sentronic gear selection via steering wheel paddles
ESP standard on Arc and Aero
Sport ventilated front seats standard on Arc models
Auto dimming exterior side mirrors available
Burled Blackwood dash trim
New exterior colors
Saab Aero Academy performance driving school included for Aero models
OnStar Med-Net service discontinued

2004
Front bumper redesign on Aero model
Latest PCV update installed from factory
V-6 engine discontinued
Upper dash changed from gray to black
SID update to smaller pixels, fixed issue with faulty displays
Linear 2.3t 185 hp (B235E), Arc 2.3T 220 hp (B235L), and Aero 2.3T 250 hp (B235R)
Weatherband discontinued
Ventilated seats added as an option on Aero
Winter mode removed from automatic transmission
Sport Tech interior package (grey or tan sport seats w/black inserts, black door inserts and carbon fiber instrument panel fascia) $500

2005
Available navigation system (Denso)
Black interior available on Aero models
Linear model only available in wagon
Removed:
- Gas cap lock button removed from door and integrated with central-locking system
- Aero/Arc labeled door sills
- Lights removed from inside of tailgate (wagons)

[nordwulf]

2006
No official Aero model --> now called Sport Package (only for 2006)
Ventilated seats are sport seats in the 2.3T base model
Difference between the base 2.3T and Aero:
- Sport suspension
- Aluminum dash
- Sport seats

New Design
* Bold styling and clean lines
New hood, front and rear fascias, front and rear lamps, front fenders, tailgate and trunk lid
Color-matched side moldings and door handles
New grille with wing motif derived from Saab 9X concept car

* Sportier stance, new light assemblies, color-keyed bumper moldings and trim
Wider rear track and color-keyed exterior detailing enhances visual appeal
New projector-style headlamp units and rear light clusters add a modern touch

* New 'Black Room' interior design concept
All-black inner door trim, front fascia and carpeting
Contrasting door inserts

* Enhanced, color coordinated interior décor
Matching look for main instrument panel and door trims
New black, burled wood-effect and metallic finishes
New main instrument dials, sport steering wheels and infotainment control panels

Performance
* More powerful 2.3-liter engine
Exclusive 2.3-liter turbo engine now delivers 260 bhp/191 kW
Superboost function raises torque still higher, to 272 lb.-ft./370 Nm

Driver Appeal
* More responsive vehicle dynamics for sportier driving experience
Re-tuned dampers, springs and anti-roll bars allow for crisper handling while maintaining excellent ride quality
Improved body control and steering precision
Available sport suspension
New 235/45 R17 all-season tires and 17 x 7.5-inch wheels

* Additional content
Both 9-5 models come with optional Sport Package (sport chassis, sport seats and metallic interior trim) and Visibility Package (xenon headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and rear park assist)
Standard XM Satellite Radio and MP3 compatibility

More details: http://saabworld.org/2006-saab-9-5-usa-press-release/

2007
Official Aero model is back
5 year/100K miles GM powertrain warranty

2008
Premium natural aniline leather optional
Sport seats standard in base model

20th Anniversary model:
- Aero model
- Metallic paint
- 17” anniversary wheels
- Leather-appointed “Saab” embossed black sport seats with grey inserts and stitching
- Black floor mats with grey binding
- Dark walnut interior trim
- Xenon headlamps
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Rear park assist
- Auto-dimming outside mirrors

2009
5 year/100K miles powertrain warranty discontinued
High-gloss metallic black interior finish on Aero model
Revised power window switches in center console
New 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels on Aero models
New exterior colors: Carbon Grey Metallic, Glass Grey Metallic, Nocturne Blue Metallic replace Titan Grey, Ice Blue and Fusion Blue (all body styles)

Griffin model
- Matt chrome grill and headlamp frames
- Matt chrome roof rails on wagon
- Unique five-spoke 17” wheels
- Trunk spoiler for sedan and roof spoiler for wagon
- Griffin badges
- High-gloss interior trim

[Brad Lauzze]

For 2004, the rear heated seat option was deleted, cars were not even pre-wired for it. A source at Saab said it was a cost cutting measure. It re-appeared in the 2005 model year.

[SaabWorld]

Detailed information from a Technical Overview Saab document

9-5 – Introduction – Model year 1999

The Saab 9-5 was introduced in the US market in April, 1998 as an early 1999 model. Note that model year 1999 is often abbreviated as
"M1999".

Model Line
For M1999, the 9-5 was sold as an entry level model and also as an SE model. The entry level vehicle was offered with either the 4 cylinder or the V6 engine.

Engine
The following engine variants are available in U.S. versions of the 9-5 for model year 1999:
• 2.3t Ecopower 170 hp
B235E
• 3.0t Ecopower 200 hp
B308E

9-5 – Introduction – Model year 2000

The following major revisions were made to the Saab 9-5 for model year 2000:

Aero
The 9-5 Aero was first made available for M2000. A well-known term in Saab circles that stands for excellence in road-holding and
exceptional engine performance. The engine in the 9-5 Aero is a B235R with 350 Nm torque in the range 1900-4000 rpm. A new "overboost" feature is included which allows torque to increase to 370 Nm for maximum 20 seconds (during acceleration, for example). Aero models are available with either manual or automatic transmissions.

Engine
The following engine variants are available in U.S. versions of the 9-5 for model year 2000:
• 2.3t Ecopower 170 hp
B235E
• 2.3 Turbo Ecopower 230 hp
B235R
• 3.0t Ecopower 200 hp
B308E

All cars with 2.3 liter engines now fulfill more stringent emission standards, LEV (Low Emission Vehicle). Cars with V6 engines from VIN Y3040000 will comply with LEV requirements.

Brief Overview of Changes: 9-5, Model year 2000

9-5
The following major revisions have been made on the Saab 9-5, model year 2000.

A number of modifications have been made to the fuel, intake and exhaust systems. For example, cars with 2.3 liter engines are fitted with twin catalytic converters. The front one is located very close to the turbocharger. This is so that the catalytic converter will heat up rapidly. Cars with V6 engines are fitted with a secondary air injection pump.

The ORVR system (On-board Refueling Vapor Recovery) is now standard equipment on all 9-5 models worldwide. (U.S. models were equipped
with ORVR for model year 1999.)

All 9-5 models in the US market are equipped with Traction Control TC/ABS 5.3. Previously, only V6 models in the U.S had TC/ABS as standard equipment.

Main instrument unit, MIU The main instrument unit has been given two new graphic symbols, which replace the present text symbols for "Check Engine" and “Check Gearbox".

Transmission
An improved manual gearbox has been introduced from model year 2000. Among other things, it's made to handle higher torque.

9-5 – Introduction – Model year 2001

Saab 9-5 product range - model year 2001 - US/CA

In the U.S. and Canada for model year 2001, the Saab 9-5 was sold in three models, each available as a sedan or wagon:
• Entry Level
• SE
• Aero

9-5 Entry Level

For M2001, 9-5 Entry Level models were available with the B235E engine with either manual or automatic transmission. The sliding glass sunroof is standard equipment on all 9-5 models for M2001. Entry Level models have velour interior fabric.

Beginning with model year 2001, all Saab models sold in US/CA are equipped with OnStar as standard equipment.

The 10 spoke 16" "Alu 25" wheels are included on all Entry Level 9-5 models in the US/CA. However, a 17" 1 piece BBS wheel was offered as an option.

Entry Level models may be ordered with the "premium package". This package includes leather seating surfaces and leather door inserts, power seats with memory on the driver's seat, Power Memory Mirrors, and the harman kardon prestige audio system.

9-5 SE Models - Model year 2001

For M2001, all 9-5 SE models in the US/CA were equipped with the B308E V6 engine with automatic transmission. The manual transmission is not available on SE models.

SE models have an extensive list of standard features:

• leather seating surfaces and leather door
inserts
• power seats with memory on the driver's seat, Power Memory Mirrors
• the harman kardon prestige audio system
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror

The 5 spoke 16" "Alu 22" wheels are included on all 9-5 SE models in the US/CA.
The 17" 1 piece BBS wheel is also optional on 9-5 SE models.

9-5 Aero Models – Model year 2001

M2001 9-5 Aeros are equipped with the B235R engine. Aero models are available with either manual or automatic transmissions.

Aero models have the same extensive list of standard features as SE models, but also include:

• Sports chassis
• Aero skirts and air flow panels
• Sport leather wrapped steering wheel

The 3 spoke 17" "Alu 28" wheels are standard equipment on all 9-5 Aero models in the US/CA. The 17" 2 piece BBS wheel is optional.

Brief Overview of Changes: 9-5, model year 2001

The following major revisions were made to the Saab 9-5, model year 2001:

Engine
The maximum output of the B235E engine was increased to 185hp/136kW. However, the maximum torque is unchanged.

The following engine variants are available in US/CA versions of the 9-5 for model year 2001:

• 2.3t Ecopower 185 hp B235E
• 2.3 Turbo Ecopower 230 hp (Aero) B235R
• 3.0t Ecopower 200 hp B308E

Note
B235R and B308E must be run on high-octane fuel in order to deliver the specified engine torque.

Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil
For 2001, ALL engines are filled at the factory with 5W-30 Semi-Synthetic Oil. Semi-Synthetic oil must be used during services on all 2001 Saab engines.

Main instrument display panel
The main instrument display panel in all cars with 3.0t and 2.3t engines now has a turbo indicator as standard.

Brakes
All Saab 9-5 models with manual gearboxes now have a vacuum booster "venturi valve".

New key
New key with integrated remote control.

OnStar
All 2001 Saab models are equipped with the next generation OnStar system as standard equipment. Additionally, one year of free premium
service is included.

[SaabWorld]

9-5 – Introduction – Model year 2002

Beginning with model year 2002, the trim level of Saab 9-5 models is designated by several new names. In the U.S., the 9-5 is available in three models, each available as a sedan or wagon:

• Linear
• Arc
• Aero

9-5 Linear Model year 2002

The Saab 9-5 "Linear" is the entry level model in the 9-5 lineup. 9-5 Linear models are equipped with the B235E engine with manual transmission as standard equipment or the optional automatic transmission.

Linear models have leather seating surfaces as standard equipment, cloth interior fabric are available as a special order no cost option. Power driver and passenger front seats are also standard equipment on Linear models. For 2002, heated front seats are standard equipment on all 9-5 models in the U.S. Rear heated seats are available as part of a "premium package", however ventilated seats are not available on Linear models.

All Saab models sold in the US are equipped with OnStar as standard equipment. All 2002 9-5 vehicles sold in the U.S. also include "No Charge Scheduled Maintenance".

New 10 spoke 16" wheels are included on all 9-5 Linear models in the US.

The only options available on Linear models are:

• Automatic Transmission
• The Linear "Premium Package"

The Linear "Premium Package" includes:

• Memory driver's seat
• Power Memory Mirrors
• The harman kardon prestige audio system.
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Heated rear seat
• Auto dimming rearview mirror

9-5 Arc - Model year 2002

The next model in the 9-5 lineup is the 9-5 Arc. M2002 9-5 Arc models in the US are equipped with the B308E V6 engine with automatic transmission. The manual transmission is not available on Arc models in the U.S.

9-5 Arc models have an extensive list of standard features:

• Perforated leather seating surfaces and leather door inserts
• Power seats with memory on the driver's seat, Power Memory Mirrors
• The harman kardon prestige audio system
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Heated & Ventilated Front Seats
• Heated rear seat
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

New 5 spoke BBS 16" wheels are included on all 9-5 Arc models in the US.

Two special option "packages" were offered on Arc models sold in the U.S.:

An optional "Visibility Package" was offered from November through February production. This package includes:

• Bi-Xenon headlights with Automatic Headlight Leveling (AHL)
• The Rain Sensing wiper system

In February, 2002, the "Visibility Package" was replaced by an optional "Touring Package" which includes:

• Bi-Xenon headlights with Automatic Headlight Leveling (AHL)
• The Saab Parking Assistance system (SPA)
• The Rain Sensing wiper system

9-5 Aero - Model year 2002

The M2002 9-5 Aero is equipped with the B235R engine. Aero models are available with either manual or automatic transmissions. For model year 2002, the horsepower of B235R engine was increased to 250 HP, while retaining the previous torque rating. Note that Aero models equipped with both automatic transmission and manual transmission have the same horsepower and torque ratings for 2002, however the RPM range for maximum torque differs slightly between the two versions.

Aero models have the same extensive list of standard features as 9-5 Arc models, but also include:

• New Sport Leather seats
• A new "Aluminum Look" dash
• Sports chassis
• Aero skirts and air flow panels
• Sport leather wrapped steering wheel

10 spoke 17" BBS wheels are standard equipment on all 9-5 Aero models in the U.S.

Two special option "packages" were offered on Aero models sold in the U.S.:

An optional "Visibility Package" was offered from November through February production. This package includes:

• Bi-Xenon headlights with Automatic Headlight Levelling (AHL)
• The Rain Sensing wiper system

In February, 2002, the "Visibility Package" was replaced by an optional "Touring Package" which includes:

• Bi-Xenon headlights with Automatic Headlight Levelling (AHL)
• The Saab Parking Assistance system (SPA)
• The Rain Sensing wiper system

Brief Overview of Changes: 9-5, Model year 2002

The following major revisions have been made on the Saab 9-5, model year 2002:

Engine
V6 diesel
A 6-cyl diesel engine has been introduced for the Saab 9-5. The V6 diesel will not be offered in the U.S. market. However, you will see
reference to this engine in the service literature as the D308L (3.0 TID 175 hp {129kW/350Nm}).

Engine variants
The following engine variants are available in the U.S. market for the Saab 9-5 model year 2002:

• 2.3t Ecopower 185hp (207 ft. lbs. / 280Nm)
B235E
• 2.3T Ecopower 250hp (258 ft. lbs./350Nm)
B235R
• 3.0t Ecopower 200 hp (229 ft. lbs. / 310 Nm)
B308E

Note
B235R and B308E must be run on high-octane fuel (min. 92 AON) in order to deliver the specified engine torque. Electrical system Charging system New generator and new cooled battery.

Lighting system, Bi-Xenon
Bi-Xenon lighting is available as an option.

High pressure headlight washers
Headlight lenses are washed with high pressure jets.

Rain Sensing Wiper
A rain sensor is integrated into wiper delay function of DICE

Saab Parking Assistance system (SPA)
The Saab Parking Assistance system is designed to inform the driver of an obstacle behind the car. The system is operational when driving the car in reverse.

Main instrument unit
New compact and lighter main instrument unit with several enhancements, such as LEDs instead of bulbs, has been introduced.

Transmission

5-speed automatic transmission
New 5-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous 4-speed.

Brakes

Brake system
New master cylinders and power assisted brakes on all models. Ventilated rear brake discs on certain models.

Electronic Stability Program, ESP
This safety system governs the engine torque and brake force to aid the driver during evasive maneuvers.

Body

Exterior
New integrated front & rear bumpers.

Impact protection
Improved impact protection.

Airbag system
Highly developed system with 2-stage driver and passenger airbags, front sensor, etc.

[Pbuck1]

2004
Front bumper redesign on Aero model
Latest PCV update installed from factory
V-6 engine discontinued
Upper dash changed from gray to black
SID update to smaller pixels, fixed issue with faulty displays
Linear 2.3t 185 hp (B235E), Arc 2.3T 220 hp (B235L), and Aero 2.3T 250 hp (B235R)
Weatherband discontinued
Ventilated seats added as an option on Aero
Winter mode removed from automatic transmission


I may have an early '04 model (was built in aug'03). My car has both the Weatherband button on the dashboard and the "Winter mode" button on the console.