Saab 9-3 Trim Levels Explained 

Thanks for the tutorial in Saabs. PS the sound of your car really grows on a person. I'm 69 and wouldn't actually drive something that made all that racket. But, it does make a statement going down the highway. It says don't F with me.

I just bought myself a Saab 9-3 1.8T and your videos are a nice godsend for me right now. Thank you for all the detailed Vids

9-3 trims sure are confusing, thanks for clarifying but GM made it even more complex then that. The 5th letter on your VIN represents the trim level. And Saab reported 4 trim levels in US models: B = Linear, D = Arc, F = Vector and H = Aero. For example, 5th letter of my VIN is "F" for vector, and I still don't really know what makes it different from an Arc. Maybe the Arc trim for a Wagon was simply called the vector. I have no clue.

I'm new to the world of Saab and have appreciated your channel. Lots of cool information.

Great info for the up and coming Saab enthusiasts!

Absolutely love my 03 Vector 6spd. Only one of 22 with graphite green (288). Bless your channel and the time you put into the videos. You've come a long ways, props 🤙

I enjoy watching your videos and helpful tips

Thank you man for this video 👍🏼

Thanks for what you do for the Saab community brother, currently working on my 04’ 93 Arc passed down from my mom, cant wait to get it back on the road.

Great breakdown of the various Saab levels; everything in a nutshell...PRECISE & SUCCENCT!

Super helpful video! The naming is very confusing. I was wondering if you were going to mention my funky Turbo4 badging of the 2.0T towards the end - glad you did!

I was literally looking at getting a Saab 9-3 and stumbled upon this video and realized it just came out a couple hours ago😂😂😂 But thanks for the great info👍

Very good video! Can you make one for 9-5 as well? Thanks!

Your on it fella 👍 I have a 2011 93 ttid4 160bhp in the estate version, or as you cousin's across the pond call, the "sport wagon". Just had a set of aero wheels refurbed and it looks good. I know I'm a bit late to this particular video, but "better late than never" as we say.

Saab knowledge is power 👍👌😎

Could you do a segment including the 2007 9-3 anniversary edition? You mentioned it very briefly but I love mine and would love more said about it.

They made 2.0 aeros from 2008, thats the one I have. Also the turbo4 came with a bit more powerful opel engine that made 220hp stock. Dammit, the arc with Turbo x wheels looks so good in the distance!

Hi! I really liked this video! The final value of the unused last saab 9-3 was purchased for 465.000 SEK which is a USD value of 47000 approximately. Sadly the price was over my budget but I am happy with my 2004 9-3 aero 5-speed manual :)

right on....with all the differences..geat job

Cool. Thank you.

Hey do you know any caster adjusting kit for a 03-11 Saab 9-3? I can’t manage to find one

I came across saabs and fell in love, havnt gotten one yet cant decide what model to get what would you recommend for modifying on a lower end budget

my dad wants to give me his 2007 9-3 aero and i can’t wait to to own it, i’ve been spending the last few weeks researching info abt this car and i’m ecstatic

MAJOR IMPORTANT QUESTION !!! To me at least lol… can you swap the facelift parts over to a 2003 93t liner? I really want to put the facelift handles and lights on my 03’

Always enjoy your "Saab" stories; strangely though, I always carry on my day more enlightened. Have you ever reviewed or featured the 2009 Saab 9-5 2.3L Turbo Griffin? I have come accross a few Sid units for sale, I think the SID2 is the one I want. Post states it fits up to 2005. I'm in the "planning stage" on installing a new HiRes Sony audio system... That being said, is it possible to install the SID2 in my 2009 9-5 Turbo griffin. I would really like to incorporate that device along with the new HiRes stereo I'm planning to install. Also, is it true that's it's a must to warm up your car, with no reving, and more importantly cridical in colder weather?

Very useful 👌

hello i have a saab 9-3 2.0t 2007 linear. Do you know what turbo it has

Thank you so much for this video! I have loved Saab's since I drove my friends 900 back in 87. I never thought I could afford one so I've never looked for one. The last two years I have seen them at where I could afford but was unsure of which model to get. I love the convertibles, and chatted with a guy that collects them. I was told NOT to get one that was later than 2005 because they were now 'GM' and not made as well, break down quicker, made cheaper, etc. Especially the 9-7X. Which really bummed me out because I'd love an SUV. Any input??

Thanks for this tbh, a lot of people do not include trim information when talking about defunct or used cars that people like to mod. Since I am in the market, I want to know the trim types so I can make moves to buying the best car for the best build for me!

What wheels and size do you have on the turbo X now? Will they fit a bone stock face lift 9-3?

I have a 2011 9-3 turbo4!!! I have a question tho! My saab came with the basic radio (opposite of yours). Is yours touchscreen? Does it have Bluetooth capability for music & phone? (mine only offers phone - must use plug in Bluetooth receiver & go to empty radio channel to listen to music off phone). If yours is Bluetooth capable for music & phone, is it possible to upgrade my radio to it?

In the 2010 model, what's the difference between the 2.0T XWD and Aero? I am purchasing a 2010 9-3 2.0T XWD, but it was marketed as an Aero. I informed the dealer that it is a 2.0T. I showed him the trunk. He didn't know. Not a big deal. You cleared up a few things that I wondered about. Nice Saab lesson!

Awesome video.. 2007 on the display of the dashboard thats pure GM for you....

The licensplate on your TurboX is currently on a red Skoda in sweden :)

Funny. There’s actually a Linear Business without a turbo, the 1.8! Which I’m picking up tomorrow

it's easy in Europe too (or maybe not). We had Linear (15" wheels, even manual climate control, not body color of front spoiler, textile seats... mostly 2.2diesel and 1.8t - 2liter still), Arc - some more equipment including leather-ish seats mostly as 2.2TiD and 2.0t; Vector - 16 and 17" wheels available, sport seats as option, Xenons as option, small lip in color of the body, parking sensors, etc, mostly as 2.0t and 1.9TiD later. Then we go Aero, B207R 2.0T 210hp, since very beginning = also 2003. 6speed optional later only available, no diesel as Aero in pre-facelift, back wing spoiler, front bigger lip, side skirts, sport seats, etc. Later available also as 2.8T Aero too, besides 2.0T. Problem of this is, you could even buy a Linear and order 90% of whatever equipment available into that, basically. Sooo... At the end of the day, some less generic = customized orders cars, can look like something they're not. Then we got facelift, which now brought option of diesel Aero, a Z19DTR 1.9TTiD car, that however could be ordered also as a Vector or a Linear, even though it's not common. Also there are cars that have B207R Aero engine and are not Aeros, because, well, you could order just about anything. Just not XWD into Diesel or outside of Aero.

I've used to be mk3 mondeo owner (European version of Ford Fusion) but now when i got saab things are a little bit different. Its kinda unique to own a car made by jet fighter's company which dosent exist any more. Plus its a quick, good looking, decent kinda Ronin like car!

Thats weird.. Here in Finland Vector is the mid tier model. I had a 2.0t with 175hp and it was a vector with half leather interior etc.

I love Saabs

so what is my 2007 9-3 2.0T ? its automatic

They actually got rid of the 4 cyl submodel trims in 2006. Starting 2006 there was only the 2.0T and the Aero (v6)

I'm looking to get a Saab 9-3 convertible. Does anyone have suggestions for any Texas-based (Austin, hopefully) enthusiast groups for these cars?

@0.45: Exactly. "Thanks for the turbo and engine management technology. END OF LINE."

As for my 2004 93 ARC 2 door Conv - I find it extremely frustrating that the driver's side 'interior door mirror trim' has been discontinued. I literally need this piece because the bottom half it missing mine. No idea why they would discontinue a part like that. The passenger side is available, btw.

I've got a vector anniversary edition convertible in silver 1.9tid 175hp tuned by hirshe

I prefer pre facelift dash myself, nicer digital screen hvac, seperate sid, and the fitted nav looks much higher quality, they also dropped fibre optics from later dash, the later dash was cost cutting

we have a Twin turbo diesel 08 facelift 9-3 sportscombi, it's an aero and has 185hp stock and has dual exhaust (we have a maptun stage 1) (Z19DTR)

We've got a 2006 SAAB 9-3 SPORTS WAGON vector which comes with the sports seats and from factory a 1.9tid diesel engine in the uk

Did they do away with the 2.0t toward the end? I've never gotten a clear answer on that. I have a 2010 9-3, and I've never seen another one optioned like mine. For the most part, it's what would have previously been called a Linear. No sunroof, base stereo, no heated seats, no bluetooth, hidden turn down style exhaust, no nothing extra. Even most Linears seem to have at least some of that stuff. But it has is the mid-level 2.0T. All others I've seen this stripped have the lower spec 2.0t.

SAAB got in trouble over the vector name. They had to change it to avoid getting sued

I found a first gen 9-3 aero (206hp) 5-door in good condition and great price for my teenage budget, do I go for it as my first car?

Mine was specced quite odd, I have the 2007 60th anniversarry editoin, so it has the dark grey sporty seats, 17 inch wheels, b207R, fog lights, etc but don't have the aero body and have wood trim, seems like 9-3 purgatory

7:47 my parents have exactly the same car! Same colour, same wheels and the V6.

What about the 93 biofuel models I think they change the bigger turbo as well

Isn't the vector the mid tier trim?

Just want to say that the 2009 Aero has the B284R

Hello, I have this question that I have done research, but have found nothing. In your 2008 turbo x you don't have the torque limitor in the first gears. Do you know, when in the 2009 model year they brought e-lsd to the aero xwd trim level, did they also bring the stronger gearbox without the torque limitor to that model year?

Sorry dude. Even if you want the TurboX to be special, the XWD system is identical in all 9-3s that have it. The only difference is wether you had eLSD or not. The parts are all the same. There are some differences due to different mounting points on the B284 and the B207, but the parts themselves are identical, just look it up in the EPC. In 2008, only the B284 had XWD, but from 2009 and onwards it was an option with almost all engines and trims. The different trim levels are a lot more similar in the US than the rest of the world. For example, the Linear in all other markets had really crappy seats with cloth and vinyl. The Arc had the same seats but in leather. The Vector had a body kit similar to the Aero, but never as aggresive, and some years, the top end engine was reserved for the Aero. There's also a 2006 only B284E, mostly sold in the US (very rare though), badging says 2.8T and it had 230hp. Compare with the ng9-5 that was sold in the US with the A28 V6, but not as Aero. In the rest of the world, the V6 was only sold as the Aero6. From 2009, the 9-3 Aero could be had with the B207R, B207L BioPower, Z19DTR TTiD or the B284R. 2010 was the last model year the B284 was offered. 2011, the badging changed to be in line with the ng9-5 which had the Turbo4, Turbo4 BioPower, Turbo6, TiD and TTiD (no Turbo6 on the 9-3 though). 2012 was the last facelift of the ng9-3 called Griffin with the front bumper changed slightly to look more like the ng9-5. This is the same front bumper used on the NEVS 9-3. It also contained smaller changes to the interior, mostly the dashboard had a different color.

Hey dude I know you prolly don’t check comments on videos this old but I’m seriously considering a 2007 9-3 2.0T with 87k miles. I’ve seen your video on common problems and now I’m not so sure. They’re asking $2,900, which is my whole budget, and the gas gauge is messing up but other than that it’s just aesthetic issues. Any advice would be great, from anyone! Still on the fence. Thank you

I have an '06 SC and according to the window sticker it's just a "2.0T" no other trim designation

Great summary, I think it was very much needed for those who are looking to get a 9-3. One thing worth mentioning about the infotainment is that the 03-06 didn't have GM's corporate dashboard, but instead a system developed in-house by Saab with fiber optics technology, truly born from jets: fiber optics is supposedly better at receiving a cleaner radio signal, and has a longer range. It also greatly reduces signal interference. It sucks big time, however, if the optic loop fails. It is also extremely difficult to install an aftermarket head unit. But why would you do that? I love the looks of that interior, way more saab-like than the 07+. Overall, the 07+ interior is fresher and more modern, but the 40+ dash buttons of the older style was very funky, quite psychedelic at night. Not many people realize this but there are so many cool features that the 9-3 has, and for nerds like me they are so worth mentioning in order to understand the mindset that went behind these cars. People that say "it's a rebadged Malibu" simply don't know the facts, or don't care to know. I was so amazed when I realized you could do an engine compression test through the Tech II. I wish I had never sold my Aero Combi. Anyhow, I hope I didn't bore you with the mini technical observations.

I know all about trim levels and the only ones that matter are '07-09 Aero Convertible and the Viggen Convertible. Just wish people would sell them before they put 100k miles on them or have had multiple owners.

I don’t know if Europe got Arc, pretty sure we just had Linear, Vector, and Areo. Could be wrong.

I’ve got a 2003 9-3OG

Dream Saab: 2009 Saab 9-3 Aero XWD Manual Sedan

The 2012 9-3 had the a20nft ht (The ng 9-5 engine) And griffin was the 2012 MY

Хороший познователиный обзор. Рад что во всем мире не равнодушные к Сааб лиди болеют этим вирусом

in sweden its not vector/aero. we had linear, vector and aero. but we didnt have the arc. wierd.

What about my 1999 Saab 9-3 se

the turbo x and aero xwd is more or less the same. Just looks a bit different. You could get A Turbo-X package for the Aero XWD so they are the same.

My 2010 XWD 2.0 has dual exhaust outlet. The single outlet would not fit with the XWD

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More V6 engine creates major torque steering problems. The i4 turbo is a superior choice for this front wheel drive car.

Vector vs. Aero.Aero has sport lower suspension.ECU works more aggresively.209 HP ready to action(pure arabic blood insead 209 lazy horses to pull heavy weagon)faster reaction on acceleration pedal and always ready to action,if you know what I mean...

Dont forget the 9-3 carlsson

is saab still exist???

You really don't know a SAAB 9-3 2nd generation linear, arc, aero, x till you live in a state that the temperature drops to - 30°F and 3ft if snow. Saab computers hate the cold. Warning lights everywhere. My 05 9-3. Driver door won't open from the inside unless its above 30°F. Got to roll down the window and open from the outside.

my 5th vin letter is an A

those rims looks so sexy on the x

Those ricer rims look absurd I can’t believe you took off the stock wheels for those

Hey, i think your secretary is removing posts. He's also tagging 9-3 content in 9-5 searches. You should have a sit-down with him.

probably got rid of the V6 due to fuel efficiency, gas prices jumped up ridiculously and they were trying to find ways to sell more cars. truck sales and other gas hogs sales were down, makes since. its why i wont buy v6 saab

Hey there! I have an interesting question that might be in your wheelhouse and pertains to this video I think. The fifth character in my VIN is a "D" indicating it is a 9-3 ARC. The badge on the back has a 2.0"t" (lowercase). This makes me so confused. Is it the 175hp indicated by the "t" or the 210hp indicated by the ARC trim? The million dollar question huh?!?! P.S I don't have a million dollars, so if yo answer this, unfortunately, I won't be making you a RU-vid millionaire...LMAO

Сааб 2007 более удачный на мой вкус. Ручки дверные и молдинг по кругу. После 2008 упростили и удешевили.

You mentioned the 9-4X it's the same as Cadillac SRX Only better How about the 9-7X AERO basically a TBSS only better

this guy is hot

pls...put the real TurboX wheel on the REAL TurboX car immediately! It is a mistake you do not make in Sweden!

Why talk so fast very stressed

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