Maintenance and Parts not a problem!
January 25, 2012 in News
This is an article that I shouldn’t have to write because it is too obvious, but there is a website who claims to know the truth about cars, which they don’t who now states that Saab garages are unable to do complex maintenance on Saabs, since Saab is no longer providing the online maintenance system. Well that is the most stupid article I have ever seen! This website has no clue how things work and this is why we never refer to them… I’m making a one time side-step from that policy!
Every maintenance facility in the world has the CD/DVD based software called WIS (workshop information system) and EPC (electronic parts catalogue), even I have that software! Which in its last hard-copy based version included all Saab’s built including the 2011 model and yes also includes the new 9-5 with all its modifications. The web-based system was introduced a few years ago but was never really implemented until very recently and was supposed to replace the cd/dvd’s for the 2012 models. But since Saab no longer exists this web-based system has been taken off-line.
TTAC is claiming that because of this, maintenance facilities and dealers are now completely left out of information and can not work on Saab’s at all. Well that is not true at all, they can just revert back to the DVD’s which they do have, problem solved… no wait, it never was a problem to begin with…
Regarding the parts situation, it has improved significantly since the bankruptcy as we’ve reported on earlier and it will continue to improve. Not only are third party parts showing up in a greater extent but also original parts are becoming more widely available. For example 9-3 Keys which are due to arrive very shortly. There are also some other really big spare-parts news that I would LOVE to reveal to you right now, but I’m not allowed to so keep your shirt on, keep driving those great Saab’s and don’t worry, your life with a Saab will not be a problem! =)
PS: if any dealership or garage is missing the software, give me a call and we’ll see what we can do to arrange it for you!
74StingSaab said on January 25, 2012
I did hear some grumblings locally about stand alone SAAB dealers needing to be “attached” to a GM franchise in order to get warranty support (payment?) up till the 2009 break.
Tim said on January 25, 2012
Warranty and parts availability are two completely different things! Because of the bankruptcy warranty of course is a part of history but that does not mean that cars suddenly stop running and stop working. It just means that we might have pay a bit more for our beloved cars…
74StingSaab said on January 25, 2012
what I mean to say is that I was told GM will only deal with Saab dealers who share space/ franchise with a GM brand in order to support SAAB cars that were placed into service prior to Feb 2009.
Tim said on January 25, 2012
Well thats sad but, sadly thats the situation right now… lots of things we just have to live with =( GM is in control and can more or less dictate any terms they want,… Just because they force Saab owners to see GM cars will probably not make them more eager to buy a GM car anyway…
Again GM’s policy not working out as they’ve thought…
74StingSaab said on January 25, 2012
Yep…not pleased with them at all right now. I have always tried to “understand” them but lately they just make me sick to my stomach. You can take that for TTAC or GM or both.
And you did not lie when you said you’d deliver good news ( Museum)
Wim Maes said on January 25, 2012
Again…. Says a lot how GM management is operating… White board criminals I say….
Wim Maes said on January 25, 2012
Sorry for the language… but i think it’s true
terry9000k said on January 25, 2012
If I have to go to a dealer that sells GM cars, I’ll take a crucifix with me, just to help stop their deadly infestation getting at me…..
saabtec said on January 25, 2012
Well, sort of.
Our dealer has a Subaru franchise, and that is how we are getting claims paid. Our warranty administrator goes through them to get the claims paid. No inconvenience to our customers. ( I have nooo idea how this Subaru link up works
)
As far as pre-paid maint. that was “lost”, our dealer charges the customer $35 per labor rate hour at warranty hours. A very gratuitous offer, since we are $90/hour. And 10% over cost on parts. This applies to our customers that bought cars from us.
I can still get online “Security Access” and software downloads. Like Tim said…not a problem.
Thanks to Tim for setting the record straight and separating the wheat……. from the chaff.
Baver said on January 25, 2012
Thanks for the post!
Phil said on January 25, 2012
are the parts coming to north america as well?
from what it has been said, it seems that saab USA is only distributing parts in inventory, no new parts from EU…. so…. I guess we’ll have to wait until someone takes over saab parts usa?
Tim said on January 25, 2012
well any dealership or garage can order parts from whom ever they want, they are not forced to use a certain channel. There are right now several large independent parts suppliers advertising on this very website who ship parts worldwide…
Several garages in Sweden actually do not buy parts from Saab Parts and have not for some time because of the lack of parts coming from them. There are other ways which they have found to work very well!
Phil said on January 25, 2012
oh ic…
My guess is that a lot of online retailers in the states gets their parts from saab usa… I’ve seen a lots of parts that were listed become “unavailable” these few days.
Tim said on January 25, 2012
Yes but that is just one channel out of so many… we’ll find out exactly how it will work for you guys on the other side of the pond but I’m sure that the guys at Saab Parts are already working on a solution, actually I’m pretty sure they already have a solution!
NeoBrothers, RBM, MapTun and so many others are of course also able to ship parts to the US… Actually companies like Saab USA Parts and State of Nine also offer parts and can order them directly from europe if you rather work with a US company…
Phil said on January 25, 2012
I’m actually in Canada, I know it’s practically impossible to get anything here. I usually just get the parts from thesaabsite, eeuroparts and gs….. and go pick it up at the border in the states… hopefully we’ll be able to get some fobs for a reasonable price soon. Last week i’ve seen one go for $1000 USD on eBay!
JasonPowell said on January 25, 2012
Phil, I know this is something they are working on with IFS and GM to get parts flowing for us too. The key fob prices will start to dramatically drop quickly though once the US dealers start receiving orders and be careful when buying on ebay as some of these fobs cannot be cloned.
SaabMan said on January 25, 2012
I would just note that Saab USA Parts (Shaw Saab in Massachusetts) is not currently taking orders and has disabled the shopping cart on the site. Now that SCNA has reopened the parts distribution from their central location in Pennsylvania (I believe) things should be better soon for a while. But with the SCNA liquidation there are questions regarding long-term importation and delivery in the US. Let’s just hope that it all gets worked out. I can’t imagine that someone wouldn’t want to take it on and make money from Saab parts distribution. Dealers in the US are saying that it should be better very soon.
E said on January 25, 2012
Update on Saab USA Parts/Shaw Saab … I learned today from their excellent parts department rep that they are not taking any more parts orders effective today. They are shutting down the dealership within 30 days. They were my parts provider for the past many years. I wanted touch up paint, wipers and a couple other items.
Fortunately Saab of Memphis is staying the course and took my parts order for my 9-5 and 9-4X (just wipers for the 9-4X … no issues with that vehicle at all) without hesitation. I recommend them!
SaabMan said on January 25, 2012
That’s so sucky. They are all so great there–sales, service, and parts. Saab needs to be resuscitated fast!
highlatitude said on January 25, 2012
This was from a recent post by Shaw Saab: “Shaw Saab are making a very special offer for SaabsUnited fans as a warm Thank You for the dedication to the brand during the “We are many, we are Saab” meetings. The offer is for remaining 2011 Saab (x-loaner cars) at 50% OFF MSRP.”
It was only a fire sale to clear their floor before they closed doors.
SaabMan said on January 25, 2012
I just got an email communication from Shaw Saab stating that they are closing on Friday, Feb. 3. The dealership has been sold to Herb Chambers with a plan to sell Lexus. They hope to be able to service Saabs once they reopen, but that will be between 3-12 months. They look to have 10 new Saabs in stock. X-loaners are 50% off, new new cars are 45% off.
maanders said on January 25, 2012
Once again, that web site proves the old adage, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
Joe Boyne said on January 25, 2012
Thanks GM. You just left me with a pile of junk. I have an electrical problem. Who will touch that? Why don’t Saabsunited create a list of garages for each country that can service our cars?
Tim said on January 25, 2012
Did you even read the post I wrote? Parts is/will not be an issue for much longer… and since when is your Saab a pile of junk?
Phil said on January 25, 2012
you should/could probably start by searching/posting your issues in saabcentral…. lots of great info there and quite active if you were to create your own thread….
Chris Carrier said on January 25, 2012
Unfortunately, some Saab owners who view their vehicle simply as transportation (which is acceptable, of course) will be searching the web for answers. They’re going to stumble upon this site since it’s among the top in search results. They’ll use these boards as a forum to drop a few mopey complaints and then never return. Is there nothing we can do about this? Can we start an IGNORE code among us fans so their one-offs don’t start discussion or compell others to waste time trying to cheer up these sad clowns?
OLEH said on January 25, 2012
+1
derek said on January 25, 2012
I strongly disagree with the title of this interesting article. Parts are a problem! At best, the title should be “Maintenance and parts situation could get better: a sign why things will probably improve.”
I have been waiting since July 2011 for a part. I am lucky that it is not critical.
turbox said on January 25, 2012
Warranty support is the biggest issue. I feel for the people that just purchased new Saab. I resonantly paid out of pocket for a part and service (shifter assembly) that normally would have been covered by Warranty. Could have saved a few hundred dollars.
Angelo V. said on January 25, 2012
Buy an AAA (American Automobile Association) extended warranty plan. You have to be an AAA member—-I have been since 1979. Their warranties are second only to manufacturers warranties, at least from my experience. Geico used to be the king, but I don’t think they sell car warranties any longer. Anyway, for a new Saab, I don’t know what the cost will be—-but I’m sure you can probably get one for 4 years and 42,000 or 48,000 miles. You’d have to talk to them—-they normally begin covering the car when the car is out of warranty period. This is a weird case—-because technically, as new cars, they are not out of the warranty period yet. But if anything, it should be a lower risk for the insurer since the car is new.
Quijote said on January 25, 2012
That website is the WORST ever, they are just a bunch of freelancers with sour grapes because they will be Jalopnik’s bitch for LIFE.
With that said, TIM I strongly suggest you block new accounts from being created on Saabsunited for a bit. That website has been known to create fake “users”, and post any to support their point. I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing users we’ve never seen again, irrationally supporting their point.
Nobody really takes that site seriously anyways, nobody who matters at least.
Tim said on January 25, 2012
Thanx for the heads up, we might need your help on this guys!
Angelo V. said on January 25, 2012
I saw that article that you are refering to and even though I didn’t have the knowledge you just shared with us, I could tell when I was reading it that they had no idea what they were talking about—-they seemed to want to smear Saab. I found it by going to “Bing” and just typing in “saab news” and that was one of the first articles that came up. How silly. But it does lead me to a comment I couldn’t wait to get home to write on this site: There is now panic in the air, at least in the U.S. Sometimes, panic by the masses can lead to very good things for people who stay calm. No guarantees, but it might be worth taking a chance on a Saab in the used car market soon. I remember when Peugeot and Alfa Romeo pulled out of the U.S. market—-not only were their new cars deep discounted, but owners panicked—-and went rushing to trade in their well maintained cars with a lot of life left in them. No lie: Dealers were offering in the HUNDREDS of dollars, not thousands, for perfectly fine running cars—-some of which were only a few years old—less than 60,000 miles on the odometers, all scheduled maintenance, good cosmetic condition—-people practically giving them away. It got to the point where you could look in the newspaper and find these cars for $1500.00-2000.00, because dealers were only offering $500.00-1000.00, and owners were just trying to scrape out a little more by selling them privately instead of trading them to the dealer for a new car. This brings me to Saab—-and if the same thing starts to happen, there are going to be hundreds or thousands of perfectly good used Saabs hitting the market at bargain basement prices. I’m sure the convertibles will hold their value a little better—-but 9-3s or 9-5s that are around 5 years old might be handed to you for very little—-pennies on the dollar. For people with multi-car households, it’s definitely worth taking a chance—-if you have an everyday appliance to drive (like a Toyota) you’ll be able to pick up a beautiful 9-5 with all the toys—-for next to nothing. Keep it as a weekend or going out car and keep the Toyota for work and trips if you are concerned about Saab parts. I would consider one myself—-but I already have 5 cars (4 of my own and a company car) and I’m about out of space—–but I have to say, I’d almost be tempted to get another 2004 9-5 ARC Wagon—-if for no other reason, than as a parts donor for my own Saab! I could drive it and enjoy it—-but if it has a big problem, I’ll have a stash of common parts.
Peter, Sweden said on January 25, 2012
Great! That settles is — 9-5 Aero Turbo4 here I come! … or will it be a Turbo6… promised the dealer to make a decision before the weekend, and it’s a hard task!
Tim said on January 25, 2012
I would go for the 4, more economic in the long run especially if it is a biopower. That engine with a hirsch upgrade is the best I’ve ever driven!
100%Saab said on January 25, 2012
As of Sunday my dealer in Lubbock still has five 2009 9-3s and one 2009 9-5, one 2010 9-3 vert and one 2010 9-5; and two 2011 9-3s and two 2011 9-5s. I would consider one of the NG 9-5s but parts are an issue for me. So, thanks.
Peter, Sweden said on January 25, 2012
The thing is that the cost of the Turbo6 is lower than the Turbo4 – with Hirsch-upgrade the difference would be even bigger. Let’s see what happens
Chris Carrier said on January 25, 2012
Get the six. You’ll never pull up next to a nicer car.
Jelmer said on January 25, 2012
I work with several offline car maintenance systems bmw vag etc but none is as good as Saab wis tis and epc! There realy is no need for the online system at all. The best part about Saab WIS is that they explain how stuff works and a good mechanic will understand a system this i’ve seen with no other brands wis systems.
We have fob,s in stock for about a week now…. And slowly more parts are comming in also from the aftermarket suppliers.
Doug Pietrowski said on January 25, 2012
Are the service DVDs/WIS system available to those of us that do our own service? (they might a bit more robust than the Haynes Guide lol)
aZuL2001 said on January 25, 2012
Well, who did own the copyright of the dvd’s ?
But i remember to have seen some backups on usenet..
Tim said on January 25, 2012
Yes, you can actually buy it from some Saab dealers
Doug Pietrowski said on January 25, 2012
I’ll have to check with my local dealer but I’m thinking it may be a bit less expensive with Phil’s solution below. It seems there has been a run on the Haynes Saab books lately, and the “auction” prices are going up quick…
Phil said on January 25, 2012
google is your friend
I have wis and tis2000 paired with a tech2…. priceless…. lol
Doug Pietrowski said on January 25, 2012
Spill it my friend…where did you get ‘em?!?!?!
Saab_Lurker said on January 25, 2012
You can get black market EPC/WIS/TIS CD’s, along with knockoff Tech2′s from China. Please avoid the Chinese Tech2′s on eBay, I’ve read that they are a major disappointment.
Phil said on January 25, 2012
chinese tech2 <- to be avoided
Doug Pietrowski said on January 25, 2012
Guys, THANK YOU! Just ordered a set of WIS and EPC on Ebay around $15 US 1998-2011. Thinking I’ll be sitting by the mailbox day and night til it comes…
Tech2 I see what you mean…US Suppliers $1800.00 Hong Kong, $899.00 I’ll take your advice and save my pennies for awhile.
I bought my ’04 9-3 May of last year (2011) just because of the deal and fell in love. I’ve been driving for 32 years and have had a LOT of cars – GM (uggh), Fords, Hondas, Chryslers, name it – from Minivans to SUVs to 2 seaters. I’ve owned and driven a mess of ‘em. 1 month after getting my 9-3, I told my wife, “I see why Saab has such a following”. The performance, while still keeping the fuel economy, the interior features and oddities…as an engineer by trade, the cars just makes sense. The best part is the comfort: I’m 6’4″ tall, 290lbs (linebacker build) – this is the FIRST car that I don’t have to push the seat all the way back nor slant the back down like I’m laying down to fit in with headroom; even the headrest fits up behind my head and allows me to lean back and be comfortable, not be a “neckrest”. Here’s to building for large framed Scandinavian guys!
I truly hope/pray Saab Motors can rise from the ashes, if it can – I’ll be a Saab owner for life – if not let’s hope I can keep my newest family member here running a long, long time.
BÄSTA LYCKÖNSKNINGAR
Doug
Bryan Kazes said on January 25, 2012
Tim I’m glad you wrote this. While I agree that most of the time it is more meritorious to take the high road, there are certain times where a response is just flat out needed regardless of appropriate Modus Operandi and I feel this is one of those times.
When I first saw the site & the report you are referring to I could not help but lose my mind with the people over there. I even set up so I could post a comment and just went on a rant of disproving them.
Anyway, thanks fr everything Tim. You are phenomenal as is SU. KEEP IT UP!
Saab up Griffen up
Phil said on January 25, 2012
I did the same…. haha… but posts get moderated, not sure if ours will pass… :d
Tulsaab said on January 25, 2012
I also read the article you’re referring to, and don’t even know where to begin to address its inaccuracy. For a bit of background, soon after the bankruptcy announcement, I decided I needed to get one of the last remaining Saabs on the market – and not just any, but my dream Saab – a 9-3 Aero w/ 6sp manual and xwd. I tend to be rather proactive when it comes to expecting the unexpected, so I investigated all sorts of options out there regarding service and maintenance – esp. since my nearest dealer is now a 9 hour drive away (from 5 minutes just 3 months ago.) Below is what i’ve found out…
First off, I found my dream Saab and purchased it from International Motors in VA on Saturday, and drove it home to Oklahoma. Amazing car, and the guys there are top notch. They needed to program a transponder for the car – which does require a third software suite besides WIS and EPC called TIS. Since it’s a 2011, i’m told the TIS CDs which Saab used to distribute do not provide the security function (called SPS), so i’m pretty sure they required web access, a new program called TIS2web. And, they were able to program the transponder while I watched…so, long story short, TIS2web was accessible as of Saturday.
Furthermore, if one has a Tech2, I believe they can rent TIS access by the hour/week/month, etc. direct from Saab. I’m assuming this is affiliated with Saab Parts. I don’t have an account, so I can’t check to see if everything is still functioning, but I do know the website is up, which is a good sign: http://saabtechinfo.com/Site/
In addition, (and I could be wrong here), I do believe there’s a program out there called GlobalTIS, which provides security access on all Saabs (well, the 9-3 – havent’ researched over the 9-5 and 9-4x since it uses the MDI interface instead of Tech2) through 2011 without requiring web access. I don’t know how to get it, or if you do get it, how to get it activated. However, if you can, you might be insulated from any further server/ownership/GM IP disruptions.
To use any TIS product, you’ve got to have a Tech 2 – not sure if you can buy them from a dealer (i’ve heard not), but ebay is always an option. I too have heard about “buyer beware” on the Chinese ones, but i’ve also read some posts where guys just had to replace certain components and they worked fine. In addition, I heard that a program called TIS2win was coming out which allowed TIS to run on a Windows laptop without the Tech 2…not sure if this is going to happen for Saab or not, but I believe it has been rolled out to other GM products. I don’t own one, but i’m hoping that I can luck in to a Tech 2 somewhere, or maybe TIS2win will be released…now that would be cool.
If there’s any experts, feel free to correct me if i’m wrong!
Lundin said on January 25, 2012
Seems right, the Tis2Web is the new thing, that has GDS and SPS etc. It simply might have been a server problem or even client problem in Germany (the origin of the source) how knows. Probably something that made the reports to flow.
Peter Doyle said on January 25, 2012
As a saab tech at a saab dealer in NY, USA I would like to say it is business as usual. Online manuals are intact, DVD manuals are intact, warrenty for 2009 and down are intact. Parts are comming in, knowlegde the tech have never left. your best bet is the dealer. Information is still available, Sweden has picked up technical assistance, though it takes a little longer who better than the Swedes to help with the repair of your Saab. Fear not, we are here for you and will repair you vehicle to better than new, though you do know that your Saab will rarely need repairs of a major nature. But if it does be assured the we are here, information is here, and the personal service you have come to expect is still available. Hope to see you all soon.
terry9000k said on January 25, 2012
Tim,
Of course TTAC** could always advise anyone to just check out ebay. UK
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p4712.m570.l1313&_nkw=SAAB+MANUAL&_sacat=See-All-Categories
No doubt a similar search on other Ebay worldwide sires would turn up similar supplies.
TTAC = tacky talk about cars…..[all copyrights reserved]
terry9000k said on January 25, 2012
SITES not sires
Lundin said on January 25, 2012
I am not sure i found the correct article on TTAC, but one of the articles shows a Tech2 display and says the system is taken offline which leads me to belive they are refering to NG9-5 which is not using Tech2 at all. It is using GDS2, which is a GM property. The need to have online access to get into the Tis2Web portal and from there reach GDS and WIS etc.
I think it is safe to assume that the EPC and WIS is on DVD indeed. The EPC was sheduled for web-release,but the java H2 database can be either embedded or server and saab chosed the embedded variant first,so there should be DVD out.
However, i suspect there has been some problems with Tis2Web in germany and thus GDS account problems (which needs very frequent refreshes to stay valid) that created the problems TTAC is reporting.It might be a user-problem rather than a system-specific one to be honest.
Baver said on January 25, 2012
Being the owner of a NG9-5, this concerns me a bit. If my Saab only dealer can’t hang on, will the independent Swedish repair shops have access to GDS2? With there being less than a handful of these 9-5s in my area, I wouldn’t imagine that they would already have this or be willing to purchase it in the future. Any thoughts on this?
tombalas said on January 25, 2012
If this is the latest GM software, it would make sense that all GM dealers could repair the NG9-5. Anyone know?
Lundin said on January 25, 2012
Baver, they should be using the system in order to repair other recent cars from other GM brands so i guess there will be accounts for GDS indeed.
In any way, Saab has a contract with GM which binds GM to supply the tool and services (is it still valid?). The NG 9-5 started with GDS and recently got GDS2 (to many GM bugs sorted out…).
I can give you direct acces (email) to the Service (or should i say former Service) manager at Saab if you feel concern over this. He knows in details what is happening with GDS and the future.
My email is lundin.codeitez@gmail.com
Cheers!
And oh, i just said thank you Baver in another thread for actually buying the NG 9-5!
Baver said on January 25, 2012
I saw that, your welcome. Unfortunately, it came too late – but it really is a very nice car. I emailed my independent Swedish shop to see if they had access to GDS2. I will keep your email address in case I need it in the future. Thank you for your insight on here.
Lundin said on January 25, 2012
Ok, good. I uploded some pics i had on a keynote event about GDS and MDI (the HW tool)
http://imageshack.us/f/716/screenshotat20120125070.png/
Lundin said on January 25, 2012
http://imageshack.us/f/577/screenshotat20120125070.png/
If Saab doesn’t get any new owner i can expose some URL to e-learning content on the topic.
TimW said on January 25, 2012
I can formally decline that WebWis or Tis2Web is offline… I’m looking at it right now. There is absolutely no reason to be worried at all.
kochje said on January 25, 2012
Nice writing Tim; this will reassure a lot of people who are not really well informed by their dealer(s).
At least my experience with my Saab Dealer (in Belgium) is great.
Never so far had any issue with bad service or missing spares and they have stated long ago that Saab pats will be available for at least 10 years after purchase.
So I am still satisfied Saab driver and a well served by the Saab dealer.
Baracuda said on January 25, 2012
From the German POV. No big problems here. The only hard to get parts are CIM’s for 9-3′s and as everywhere keys for 9-3′s from 2002-. No problem with the technical support no problem with ECU programming. A german automotive newspaper (kfz betrieb) has made an interview with the head of the german dealer organisation and i must say that i cannot share the experience written down in the article. It’s annoying to read that people and newspapers are writing saab and the complete maintenance system down. We are here, we are working and we are here to stay!!!
Toby K said on January 25, 2012
“The Truth about Cars”
Do you want to know the truth about “The Truth about Cars”?
They barely scratch the surface even in their “in depth analysis.
If you drive a crappy car and have no interest in cars, then they may be able to tell you something you don’t know, but for the average person there are many vastly more accurate and knowledgeable reference resources available.
hughw said on January 25, 2012
I’m wondering how all this will affect the 9-4. There’s some great deals out there and I’m thinking of pulling the trigger on a 9-4X with a third party warranty. But the warranty will be useless without parts. Now I know a lot of the parts will be in common with the SRX, but what if one isn;t? There’s not going to be a lot of 9-4X’s out there so there may not be a big enough market for a third party to make parts.
P said on January 25, 2012
I wouldn’t even consider a 9-5 or a 9-4 at this point w/ the parts issue, too much of an investment and the potential headache factor is huge!
Chris Carrier said on January 25, 2012
I did pull the trigger on the 9-4 with an add-on warranty and I already own an NG9-5. What convinced us was comparison of what you would get for the same price elsewhere. Apples to apples, how about a used SRX with 35k miles on it? Which do you think will have a “warranty” issue first? Alternately, you could pick up a tricked out Kia for about $4k more. NO THANKS. Well, the parts that could fail seemed likely to be shared in other GM cars. The only risk for us was an actual collision and beyond that, a collision that required new body parts. The percentages seemed quite low and was overshadowed by the feeling of owning a $50k car for significantly less. Plus, we may never pass another one on the road… which is silly to care about, but I don’t mind.
Also, my wife was rear ended in the 9-5 last month. No bumper replacement was needed and the repair was less than $1000. You have to calculate the likelihood that if you’re in a collision, will the damage be serious enough to require replacement – and if so, serious enough that the car is sidelined while you wait for the part.
BMW Rider said on January 25, 2012
I didn’t get a “great” deal when I bought mine but really like my ’11 9-5, the more I drive it the more I like it. It is a fantastic car and would have loved to see what they could’ve done with it in 2013+ and I’m not even a fan of sedans. But, if I would have known in September 2011 what I know now I’d have passed on it. It’s my company car so that’s a good thing so I don’t take a hit on resale value personally but one rock through the windshield on the interstate and the thing is done for until parts are available – if they ever are available. I don;t know if anyone really knows how prepared Saab Parts was/is with spares on the NG 9-5 and what is sitting in warehouses around the world, time will tell. Hard to say if anyone will resume production on 9-5 specific parts being so few produced. And I imagine second hand parts are going to be like gold as well.
Jeff Greiner said on January 25, 2012
While I do not disagree with the response, the issue is the lack of parts, particular parts as in bumpers assemblies, light covers and spoilers exhaust systems. Have a Turbo X that got hit by a texter, 5000 dollars worth of parts and cannot get it fixed. Have tried to purchase a wrecked Turbo X, numerous keep popping up since it seems the insurance companies are totalling out most Saabs now, but they do not even make it to the aution block. Sold prior to auction. So the question is, when are parts going to move.
Rasek said on January 25, 2012
@Jeff Greinet – I drive a 9-5 NG – also have a (big) problem with bumper parts… Since september… I also drive Turbo X. I hope this problem with spareparts wil be solved quick. Bad experience.
sandycapp said on January 25, 2012
Odd, but the main feeling I get from this discussion is an overwhelming acceptance by all that Saab is now done for.
Chris Carrier said on January 25, 2012
Yeah – I don’t understand that. I envisioned a situation in which a buyer would potentially reinstate warranties and put some muscle behind the parts situation while the company recovered. Even if a new buyer couldn’t continue making 9-5s and 9-4s, they would still work hard to keep those owners loyal and in the fold. As much a fan as I am, I don’t know how I would feel about a new owner doing nothing for me, knowing my warranty had been cancelled while I drive a car that advertises their company. I might look elsewhere next time because I would not truly associate them with the prior company, just as they did not associate my cars with the company they purchased.
Tim said on January 25, 2012
Well the new owner that creates a New SAAB is not the Old Saab, they are two totally different companies with new agreements. The Saab that we knew died on december 19th, thats a fact! Don’t expect the new owner to honor any deals made by the old company… If they have the money they might do it as a goodwill but I expect them to be busy with trying to create a future without looking in the rear-view mirror at all…
And in all honesty, I’m happy with that! My 4 Saabs work great and they will continue to work very well for many more years to come!
Chris Carrier said on January 25, 2012
Hey – has anyone heard from Hirsch?!? What is going on with them? On a personal note, do they really expect people to pay the same money for flashing hardware when there is no warranty to preserve? I’m interested but then, $1400 compared to alternatives at around half that price? Hmmm.
OliverH said on January 25, 2012
Have you ever been to Hirsch-Performance? Have you seen their equipment? Compare that what you can see at the others. Why should they lower the price.
As I was there 2 weeks ago they had two nice projects in their prototype room.
P said on January 25, 2012
Their prices are ridiculous, regardless of quality. Same goes for State of Nine, they double the msrp on some things. Crazy.
Tim said on January 25, 2012
Their prices are spot on considering the quality! If you want something cheep crap that can be fitted to any old beemer out there, go ahead! But Hirsch is Hirsch and that stands for something which is great quality and great focus on the products!
Chris Carrier said on January 26, 2012
I’m just questioning the computer flash, not their other items. Nobody worries about a warranty when adding some leather trim, but messing with the computer settings is a different matter. Hirsch knows that a great part of the value of their upgrade was that Saab endorsed it and probably took a cut or Hirsch paid up front. It was priced accordingly. Since the warranty is now not a factor, I’m just saying the price should be adjusted.
Chris Carrier said on January 26, 2012
Also, Hirsch has to be in bad shape right now. They aren’t going to make it, at least in their present form, unless Saab is bought. I figure the opportunity to purchase their products and the uniqueness that comes with them may not last. I hope the new Saab buyer will want to continue to work with them. Can someone from SU reach out to them? Perhaps they have a statement to make the Saab community.
Chris Carrier said on January 27, 2012
Supporting my concern is the newsletter I received from hirsch. A rehash of the 30% off discount for pre 2008 cars and nothing else. Clearly they are not ready to address the situation publicly.
Joseph said on January 25, 2012
Simply put, this headline is a complete lie. I among others, have had their Saabs in shops for over a month waiting for parts that may never arrive. This is a complete joke, never will I ever buy a Saab again if this isn’t sorted out. I feel that many others would agree with that.
Nick said on January 25, 2012
Joseph, Derek, Please write what part you are waiting for and if you have the partnumber. We are many people here that can look up the real status at SAAB Parts. Otherwise you could be taken as a internet complainer.
Joseph said on January 25, 2012
Im not sure of the part number, I don’t see how that will produce a part in any way as my mechanic has called all over North America for the part. I know of at least two members on SaabCentral who are desperately waiting for parts and one member who was in an accident in their TX and may have to write it off because of a lack of available parts. Call me an “Internet complainer” but this is a serious issue and why it’s played off as a non issue by people who haven’t been in my situation is completely beyond me.
derek said on January 25, 2012
I am Derek. I want a new 9-3 key. I finally bought a used one on ebay but that may only last 3-4 years. I am also looking for a driver’s seat belt. I have located one far away (2 days driving) but the dealer will not sell by mail. I don’t need the seat belt now but wanted to stock up on parts. I am also looking for radio bass/treble knobs. One is cracked. Luckily, none of these 3 parts are critical as my car still runs.
derek said on January 25, 2012
I would be willing to join a Saabsunited Parts Cooperative – US Office. I would buy $1,000 in parts. SU would distribute a price list based the retail price. Any member could buy parts from each other. The cost of the parts would not be inflated.
If we can get 50 US/Canadian members, we would have $50,000 in parts inventory. If shipping is not too much, there doesn’t have to be a separate US/Canada office.
Nick said on January 25, 2012
Joseph, What part is it then? I can check directly against SAAB Parts AB if it’s in stock or when it suppose to be in stock. Then we know if it’s a SCNA problem or a producing of the part problem! And by the way I haven’t said it was a non issue. It’s probably a bigger issue in the US then in Europe and Sweden.
Eleven said on January 25, 2012
Nice Tim, glad to read direct information for us SAAB owners, especially regarding parts and maintenance.
Just bought another SAAB, so there’s 3 on the driveway now – a classic 900 convertible, so news like this is cool, keep it up.
Looking forward to UK dealer network honouring the manufacturers warranties now too.
Tim said on January 25, 2012
For all you guys looking for parts in the US, you might want to try to order directly from Europe, there are tons of parts here that are missing in the US…
100%Saab said on January 26, 2012
Thank you, I will remember this.
conkers said on January 26, 2012
TimR
I work at ASAC (After Sales Assistance Center) & Technical Service at the factory in Trollhättan.
We are manned and taking calls and emails from the global dealer network, so if a dealer needs help with the latest info, they should contact us.
We use WebWIS and EPC betas which have all models including MY12.
We have specialists covering all aspects of the cars, hardware and software.
So get your email fingers working dealers and drop us a line.
Mike (in Trollhättan).
Hans Carlson said on January 26, 2012
It may be tempting to go for the third party providers but they usally only provide the “high volume easy money” parts. If we want long time support for our cars we need to support Saab Parts so the low volume parts is avalible in the future.
Eleven said on January 26, 2012
I have nearly £13k worth or Hirsch extras on my 2011 9-3, and I absolutely love every single part, from the 40bhp upgrade to the gorgeous alloys, we should all support Hirsch, whether on existing cars, or possibly new cars in the future. They are a huge part of the SAAB community, and, as such, should be supported. I’d even consider driving the Switzerland for any upgrades I’d need ( no too much of a hardship though) let’s all be positive.