9-3SS rims for 9-3OG

[radiusxx]

Hi all Saab enthusiasts (more precisely 9-3 enthusiasts?

I am about swapping wheels on my 1998 9-3 CC/OG and currently SAAB parts in Denmark offers some sets of alu-rims in nice budget pricing.

Personally I do like look of 3-spoke ALU 86 (12822019), but when I visited an authorized service in my town I was told that ALU 86 are intended for 9-3 SS and they were not sure/able to check, if they can be fitted also on my 9-3 CC. I found here that yes:
Speedparts Sweden - Wheel 6,5x16" ALU86
but 9-3 CC is not listed here under ALU 86 here (just 2003- 9-3, i.e. SS and SC)
Wheel. Wheel 4 door 5 door Convertible. 2011 Saab 9-3 # 12822019

So I am confused

Is there any restriction that the rims are not 'back compatible', or a better question, is there a way to fit ALU 86 on my 9-3 CC?

Thank you for any help

Keep on Saabing

Rado

[Dave T]

I am in a very similar situation. I have a 1999 9-3 5 door, built 2/1998 and have 9-3SS wheels with winter tires. The 9-3 wheels have a 41 mm offset while the 1999 is 49 mm. 8 mm less is ok and better than 8 mm more.

My problem is the winter tires are not 205/50R16. They are 215/55R16 which is a little too big. I hope they will not run. They are new Michelin X-Ice Xi3 with only 800 miles of use.

[nordwulf]

Wheels for the 2003+ 9-3 will physically fit on the <=2002 9-3 because they have the same bolt pattern 5x110. The offset is ET41 for the newer 9-3s and ET49 for the older ones like yours. When you change the offset of the wheels, it may have an affect on steering and suspension which you may or may not notice.

Generally, it is such a small difference you won't notice at all but it may have a negative impact on long-term tire, wheel bearing and suspension components wear.

Many will say they should fit without any problem at all. I say stick with the factory specs and only use wheels with ET49 designed for your car.

This is a great article on offset and why it matters: http://www.hondatuningmagazine.com/t...l/viewall.html

[radiusxx]

Dear Dave and Frank

Thank you very very much for valuable information and a link to the article. Really an useful piece of information!

To be honest I do not care so much about a tyre (it will need to be changed in some time anyway), but the suspension is more important. I will discuss it again with a Saab service guys and will see...I do not want to harm Saab, so I will focus on that ET49 in a specs then (perfect to know what to search for

[nordwulf]

These have a similar 3-spoke design and have the right offset for your 9-3: Speedparts Sweden - Wheel 6x15" 3-Spoke ALU31

And they are even a little bit less expensive from Speedparts. Not sure if Saab Parts in Denmark has the same pricing.

[radiusxx]

actually I did not like so much the 'convex' design (the rim is going out of wheel) and in Denmark they are also 'just' 15''.

As a plan 'B' I have ALU 37 Anniversary - they are much more expansive, but I like a sleek design (as was one of ALU 86) - it fits to sleek design of 9-3 CC and they are 16'' x 6.5 ET49.
And I was told that they could order them from Denmark, so I think I will not waste too much money next months

[nordwulf]

Those are nice and one of my favorites for the OG9-3 as well.

There are a lot of stock images in the Gallery so check it out if you need any ideas on how wheels will look on your car. Saab 900 / 9-3 - Gallery

[radiusxx]

actually I was so lucky that when I was in Stockholm last autumn, I use to pass-by one silver 9-3 with ALU 37 every day. And that was an impulse to choose them. It is sporty, yet elegant. Just that price is a bit higher so I was looking also for other options. On the other hand what should I not to do for my Saab, she deserves that

[Shazam]

Tons of OG9-3 guys (as well as NG900 guys) run the newer offset wheels. The ET41 will allow the wheels to sit further out from the car vs the ET49. A lot of people find this look desirable. With such a small difference, I haven't heard of a single person having any problems with such a small offset difference. Plenty of people will even go so much as to buy spacers, so that can get that lower offset look.

Personally, I say go for it. As long as you continue to run the recommended tire size, you should be fine and dandy.

[radiusxx]

Shazam, thank you for an info. Yes, I have seen some 9-3OGs with rims from 9-3SS, but the good question is as Frank Wulfers noted, how the suspension will behave/like the off-set.

I have received also response from Saab Automobile Parts AB, SWE:
'...the rim will fit, but the ET value is different...on old it is 49 and on new 41. This can cause increased wearing for the wheel bearing. We cannot recommend this.'

And it make sense, since due to off-set the wheel's centre of gravity is shifted, so additional moments are acting on the bearings. And the question is is how the bearings are designed (if there is no one who experienced troubles then bearings could be designed to withstand bit more ).

I spoke also with a guys in the service today and they claim that an off-set up to 10mm it is acceptable.

In the manual to 9-3 OG, there is a note to my 5-door (non-Viggen): 'Bigger rims than 16'' must not be used. The offset of the rims must not exceed 49mm'.
So theoretically it can be smaller. But for sure the recommended rims (with ET49) are safer option

but, as usually, I run to other trouble - the ALU 37 (with ET49) are not for sale any more (in the service they can see them, even can check the price, but they cannot be ordered).
So I am trying to get used ones the ready-to-go option is ALU 22 (also ET49), but well, I do not like so much such a complicated design. or to 'risk' it and go for rims for 9-3SS..