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Re: Timing Belt Advanced and Replacement Parts
Posted by David Prantl (more from David Prantl) on Wed, 6 Jun 2001 19:22:32
In Reply to: , Kok Chen, Sat, 17 Dec 1988 12:00:00 

Michelle,

>  The dealership has just informed me that Saab  has discontinued selling 
>replacement parts for  the lower unit as of 1999 and that my only  option 
>will probably be to replace my engine  with their new V-6 one at a cost of 
>about $7500.

Did they say 'probably', or 'certainly' ?

Most dealerships are in the business of selling new cars, and late-model 
high-margin used cars, and performing (preferrably minimal) warranty work at 
SAAB's expense.  Fixing an older out-of-warranty car is normally the last 
thing they want to spend their time on.  So, don't waste your time and money 
there !

Instead, find a reputable independent garage that specializes in SAABs.  Ask 
such a garage to replace your engine with a compression-tested 
salvage/junkyard unit.  Call Goldwing in upstate New York (800-SAAB-137), 
Sports Car Specialists in Delaware (800-SAAB-130), English-Swedish in 
Georgia (800-241-1916) and Rancho-Cordova in California (800-700-VOLVO) to 
get an idea of how much a replacement engine is going for these days.  You 
may very well end up paying less than half of what the dealer wants, 
including installation and a new timing belt.

>  I understand, though, that Saab has had extensive  problems with this 
>GM/Opal engine.

The people who have *extensive problems* with the Opel-based B258I 
(2.5-liter V6) engine are generally owners that *neglect* the scheduled 
maintenance of the engine, and un-skilled un-motivated mechanics that are 
assigned the task of servicing the engine.

I don't believe that this engine is inherently prone to failure, though 
given the choice, I'd definitely opt for the (arguably) more reliable, more 
powerful, and more fuel-efficient 4-cylinder turbocharged engine.  I am of 
the opinion that the SAAB/Opel V6 exsists only to fulfill the perceived 
(irrational) American need for more than four cylinders.  Dang-gummit !  I 
ain't payin' 30 grand fer no FOUR cylinder !

>  Does Saab or the dealership have a responsibility  to notify car owners 
>of their decisions to  discontinue replacement parts so soon?

Well, it's not really that simple.  I would say that SAAB *does* have the 
appropriate replacement parts for your situation, and hence no notification 
should be necessary.  It's just that they have determined this to be a whole 
new $7500 engine.  Is this appropriate ?  Well, probably yes.  Consider that 
the B258I was produced in somewhat limited numbers, so the time/expense of 
sending technicians to overhaul training may not be justifiable.  
Practically every component in this engine is unique to it (i.e. not 
interchangeable with the 4-cylinder), and being a low-volume engine, each 
component would have to have a relatively high price-tag in order to be 
carried in inventory.  Finally, it would take maybe 50 labor-hours 
(guessing) to overhaul the engine, which is over $3000 at the going 
labor-rate.  Given these constraints, a whole new engine probably *is* the 
most cost-effective and appropriate solution for both corporate-SAAB, their 
dealers, and in the absence of the used-engine option, for their customers 
as well.

>  Where does this leave their customers?

Out to look at becoming customers of an independent repair facility (not 
affiliated with corporate-SAAB), that may provide other repair options, 
namely a used engine from a salvage yard.

Best of luck.

David Prantl
david_prantlno39sdcx6spamx782hotmail.com
'84 900S, 5M, 210kMi, RIP
'89 900, 3A, 116kMi, restored and SOLD on 3/24/01
'86 9000T, 5M, 185kMi
'88 9000S, 5M, 142kMi
'90 9000S, 4A, 133kMi
'93 9000CSET, 5M, 69kMi
'68 97 Sonett V4, 4M, 76kMi, #000467
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