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RE-POSTED:

Remember, this offer ends at the end of this month.

And this was noted in comments:

Just got Maptuner from the nice UPS man, ran the program and took it for a rip (15kms). Significant improvement all over. Car just runs better, power delivery is smoother and as many people have said the car just feels better. I look forward to putting some more miles on it.....

....I should also mention I ordered this Sunday night in Canada and got it at 2pm on Wednesday from Sweden.

Booyeah!!

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Today we have another outstanding offer from our site sponsors (and rally team sponsors) - Maptun.

A few months ago we had a great discount offer on Maptun's new plug-in Maptuner software. That offer was very popular and I'm pleased to say that we're doing it again, though with a small difference this time.

Until the end of May, Maptun are offering 15% off all tuning software, along with FREE SHIPPING on your entire order.

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The discount, combined with free shipping, means you'll have more spare cash to consider a bigger upgrade than just software.

All tuning companies offer staged tuning kits for your Saab. These staged kits build on each other so as to offer a tuning solution that matches your budget. Initial stages typically involve software, exhaust systems and air filters. That's just the beginning, though. With some companies you can go even further with bigger injectors, a bigger turbo, an uprated intercooler and various other parts making up further steps on the ladder to tuning Nirvana.

What sort of difference can a complete tuning kit make?

Example: Let's say you have a Saab 9-5 (2001-2009) with a 2.3t engine producing 185hp in standard form. Here's what the various stages include and the output you can expect:

• Stage 1 - software only - 235hp and 380Nm
• Stage 2 - software, air filter, cat-back exhaust - 240hp and 385Nm
• Stage 3 - software, air filter, full exhaust - 255hp and 390Nm
• .....and the options continue up to Stage 5 with 310hp and 450Nm

Most people will get either Stage 1, 2 or 3 and with this offer from Maptun, you get the tuning software for 15% less and the entire order shipped - worldwide - for free.

For those of you who are a good distance away from Sweden, that free shipping offer - especially if you're getting something as big as an exhaust system - could represent several hundred dollars saved.

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How to claim your 15% discount and free shipping.

It couldn't be easier.

• Go to Maptun.com and make the normal selections for language, currency, etc.
• Click the Tuning Guide link.
• Select the model you own and the website will bring up the appropriate kits for your car. Make sure you select the right engine option in order to get the right kits.
• If you want to go for software only, that will typically be Stage 1. Further stages will involve the addition of other parts such as air filter and exhaust.
• When you place an order, include the promotion code SU2010 in the order form. Your discount will be applied to the tuning software component of your order and your order will be placed.
• Smile in the knowledge that you'll be barrelling along even quicker some time soon.

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If you want to see how easy it is to tune your car using the plug-in Maptuner software, then watch this video where we tune a Saab 9-3 SS in around three minutes. You'll be amazed.

A couple of cautionary notes:

1. Your car should be running well in standard condition before you ever consider modifying it. Adding power will not cover up a vulnerability. Probably the opposite.

2. Whilst going up to a Stage 3 upgrade should be fine, if you're thinking of really cranking up the power, make sure you can still stop your car. You might have to consider upgrading your brakes as well.

3. Upgrading your car can produce great results, but can also be a costly exercise if you don't do it right. You're a big person now. Do your homework and know what you're getting.

If you need some ideas for your Saab driving Dad, State of Nine have got you covered:

• Saab Enthusiast Gift Ideas
• Saab Books & Repair Manuals
• License Plates, Frames, Key Rings and Umbrellas
• Our favorite Custom-fit Floor Mats
• $30 off convertible windscreens this month
• Need accessories for your other car? Check out our Non-Saab Catalog

State of Nine do Free Shipping on a large number of their products, too, so check 'em out.

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A message from Dan at State of Nine......

Saab Enthusiasts Giving Back

I've always wanted to find a way to enable our catalog to give back to a charity or cause, but as you can imagine it is difficult to implement and manage. Saab enthusiasts experienced a miracle this winter and our favorite brand was saved from a destiny that so many forecasted and several other automotive brands recently met. We have a lot to be thankful for, so let us try to give back a little.

Last December, my 25 year old niece decided to resign from her promising career at Accenture to help run "BackOnMyFeet.org", a non-profit start-up in Philadelphia. Pretty courageous in this crazy economy (though maybe not as crazy as quitting a job to start a Saab Accessories company...) and obviously something that caught my family's attention.

Recently, I caught up with Sandi (some of you may have met Sandi at the Detroit SOC) while she was in town to help set up the new Boston Chapter. I learned a lot about the charity and the incredible success this program has had in helping turn lives around. Their 55% success rate is unmatched in these types of programs. The stories are inspiring and I encourage you to read more on www.BackOnMyFeet.org. Simply put, it all starts by getting up and running with their team at 5:30 AM, three days a week.

With the launch of the Boston Chapter on May 24th we have a great excuse to jump in and give back! For every sale of our Classic "SAAB" Lapel Pins, State of Nine will donate $10.00 to BackOnMyFeet.org. We will ship you this classic pin, free within the USA, and we will contribute $10.00 to this cause. I hope we can contribute $1,000 or more and I will keep you updated on the total in upcoming newsletters.

State of Nine already offer free shipping on many items in their large inventory, but for a very limited time, they're extending the free shipping offer to cover every product on their list.

For a limited time:

• ALL orders over $25 will attract free delivery within the continental United States.
• ALL order over $500 will attract free international shipping

Please note that this offer is open to all of State of Nine's email newsletter subscribers. If you're not already a subscriber, click here and you'll see a subscriber's box at the top of the right sidebar.

Please note the closing dates for this offer in the information below as they differ for the two offers.

For US Customers:

At State of Nine we are celebrating the US Tax Day with Free Shipping for our newsletter subscribers on orders over $25.00. Offer valid now through Sunday April 18th (11:59PM).

For International Customers:

As a special bonus, we are even offering Free International Shipping on orders over $500! Note: Multiple box orders will be consolidated at our warehouse in New Hampshire and sent via USPS International to your destination once consolidated. Act now on this very rare promotion as this offer only valid now through Saturday April 17th (11:59PM). Enjoy!

Thanks to State of Nine for their ongoing support of Saabs United.

I received this email from Ted S, a regular visitor here at SU, and thought it'd be good to share it here on site.

I'm fortunate to have some fantastic, supportive and loyal sponsors here at Saabs United and it's always great to get feedback like this about any of them. As always, I recommend you check all of them out when you've got any Saab related needs as they carry

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Hello Steven,

I just wanted to let you know how much SAAB USA Parts have helped me out recently.

My wife has a "slight problem" with judging the width of her '03 9-5 Aero Sedan, when it comes to going in & out of one of our garages. It is the one-car garage, which is attached to the house. I use the three-car free standing garage for my shop, and to house our two 1990 SPGs, and my new Audi A5.

Several times over the past few years, she has caught the RHS door mirror on the garage door frame, and scratched the mirror, or cracked the glass itself. Those were minor repairs which I took care of myself. Her latest run in with the garage had her actually destroy the mirror housing completely. It was only a matter of time. I had put the car in the garage the previous evening...so it was my fault...not hers for not paying attention. After 36 years of marriage...I have learned to simply say nothing...just start ordering parts.

So I called up the SAAB service manager who I have been dealing with for many years, and asked if I could just get the housing, as the mirror itself was still functional...surprisingly. He said no, but would order a new mirror for me...at the cost somewhere north of USD$250.00. I was not pleased...but what could I do? I needed the mirror fixed.

In the mean time, I was on SU, and decided to click on the Saab USA Parts banner ad to have a look around. And what did I find? You guessed it. A mirror housing...painted to match...for USD$75.90! I placed an order immediately, and called to cancel the order for the entire mirror. Received the new housing within a week, took 15 minutes to replace it, and all is right with the world.

Now yesterday, her driver's door window came off its track, and the window would not close. Not her fault this time. Just a matter of one of the "window rollers" having broken. In the past, when I have had a similar thing happen, I ended up having to replace the whole window regulator...and those are not only expensive...they are no fun to replace. So I got the window back in its track, closed it, removed the fuse, so she couldn't inadvertently open the window, and buttoned the car back up.

This time, I went directly to SAAB USA Parts (didn't even bother to contact my dealer), and lo & behold...there for USD$13.22 (for a pair) were the exact parts I needed to do the repair! I ordered two extra sets, just in case I need them in the future for the other three doors, and they should arrive in two days.

These folks do provide great service, and I know I will be using them for a long time to come. They are not too far from where I live "as the crow flies"...but because there is Long Island Sound between us, driving is a bit of a chore. I'll leave that up to FedEx!

Just thought you should know.

Cheers...Ted

The following is a message from SU sponsor, State of Nine.

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Spring is here and the New Saab 9-5's are rolling off the production line in Sweden! The Saab story remains an automotive phenomenon and at State of Nine we are gearing up for great years ahead.

You may have noticed tons of new products added recently, if not, I ask you to click around and check out some really cool Saab things. There is something for everyone and lots of rare items that we may never see again.

Now, through the end of April, we are offering Free US Shipping on all Saab Clothing and clothing accessories. Check out our huge selection of caps, shirts, jackets and even limited edition cuff links.

In addition, we have brought back a two great promotions. First, our Free Repair Manual Promotion. Buy a repair manual from SON and then when you purchase $395 or more from our Parts Catalog, we will credit you back for your repair manual order! See product for more details.

Next, Weekly Giveaways are Back! While we work on adding new products, creating a new catalog and adding tons of new website features, we want to hear what you have to say. Please take a few seconds and complete the survey online. All entries will have a random chance for our Weekly Drawing. A random drawing will be made each Thursday afternoon and announced on our Facebook page.

Saab Clothing - Free Shipping!

State of Nine carries clothing that is high-quality and that complements the Saab enthusiast lifestyle. All Saab-branded products are genuine Saab merchandise. See all our products including shirts, jackets, hats, kids, and more. Please read the sizing details, but if something doesn't fit and we have your size, just notify us using the contact form and return the item for size exchange. When we get back your item we will ship the adjusted size right out (if available) to you.

Saab Sweatshirts & Jackets

Who knew there were so many different types of jackets for Saab in the world! Our selection of sweatshirts, jackets and rugby shirts will get you ready for Spring, Summer and Fall. Great gift ideas for Mother's Day, Father's Day and Grads too.

Saab Visors & Caps

See our great selection of baseball caps and visors. Unique and available for adults and kids. Perfect for the beach, golf, tennis or just Saturday mornings...

New - Saab Insulated Travel Mug!

I know, we hear about cup holders all the time, but this mug is just a little smaller and it fits perfectly in the pop out cup holders in your Saab. The reduced weight does not overload the sleek cup holder design. Hand washing suggested, see product for more details. 0.3 liter or 10.14 US fluid ounces. Free US Shipping.

Saab Cuff Links - Limited Quantity

A luxury accessory for you that says Saab. This is an item I had to have for myself. Two styles available in limited quantities.

Custom-fit Sun Shades - Get Ready for Summer!

While we are setting rainfall records in New England right now, summer will be here before we know it. Our custom-made sun shades take about 6-10 business days for production. Order now before your Saab becomes an oven this summer.

Emblem Replacement Time?

Spring is also the time when lots of us discover that our hood or trunk emblems have flaked away. We have several emblem solutions, original replacements or SON Emblems that fit in the worn chrome area on your Saab. Click here to find the exact replacement based on your budget and the year and model of your Saab.

Repair Manual Promo Continues!

If you buy a repair manual from us and then place an order for $395.00 or more in parts (part number starting with W0133-), we will credit you back the cost of your repair manual! Just paste in a copy of your $395+ parts order using our Contact Form.

Spring Survey & Weekly Giveaway

We want your feedback and suggestions. Complete this simple survey and you will be automatically entered into our weekly giveaway. Drawing will be done every Thursday in April and announced on Facebook and email.

This is something that sounds like fun. Everyone loves to see their car in print.

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Want to be featured in our new catalog?

As you may have read, we just completed mailing all of our print catalogs. As we work on a new catalog, I'd love to see photos from customer all over the world fill the pages. Please email us at SONCATALOG@gmail.com with photos of your Saab and Saab Accessories.

If we use some or any of your photos in the catalog, we will email you an appropriately sized State of Nine Gift Certificate. Click here for more details. I can't wait to see these entries!

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Think of it as a Saab Accessories version of Saab O The Week.

Get snapping, people!

All: There were many more comments in the filter for manual approval than normal. I've released all of the valid comments and they should be available. Anything that you've posted recently that hasn't appeared should be visible now.

In keeping with Swade's post below for blogger support, please also consider a purchase from our site sponsors. Supporting them with your business is being a good citizen within the Saab community.

Finally, keep reading!! Thanks for participating in SaabsUnited.

It's been quite a while since I've had the pleasure of presenting a Hirsch Performance Newsletter here at SU. That delay is most likely due to the uncertainty surrounding Saab over the last 12 months or so.

It's great to hear from them again, and the 30% discount on software looks very attractive, indeed.

Please check the Hirsch Performance website to make sure that upgrades are available in your country.

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Saab 9-3 2.0T with 240PS included in the new car line-up

In response to customer demand, the markets Taiwan, Germany and Switzerland have included the perfomance upgrade to 240 hp in their national new car price list. In other countries, individual dealers have made similar offers, and have thereby been able to meet the demand for a higher output 9-3 as the 2.8T V6 was taken out of production.

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New! 30% Discount on software performance upgrades now also for model year 2006 vehicles

From the first of January 2010, a 30% special discount on software performance upgrades is available for used vehicles (MY06 and older). This special offer makes it possible for owners of slightly older Saab models to upgrade their vehicle at a really attractive price. The discount applies to the recommended retail price for all software performance upgrades for both 9-3 und 9-5.

Click here to check all available engine upgrades.

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Run-out products......

252PS performance upgrades - only while stocks last!

The 252PS performance upgrade for Saab 9-3 2.0T (B207R) MY 03- is no longer manufactured, and is therefore only available while stocks last.

Dual exhaust for Saab 9-3 1.9TiD/TTiD - only while stocks last!

The stainless steel dual sports exhaust for the Saab 9-3 1.9TiD/TTiD is no longer manufactured, and is therefore only available while stocks last.

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If it is worth doing - it is worth doing it right!

Is it about time to replace the exhaust, the dampers or the brakes on your Saab? Hirsch Performance offers you a chance to not only replace but also to improve, and that to prices well comparable with the original spare parts.

Worn out shock absorbers for the Saab 9-5? Install the Hirsch Performance sport suspension! Benefit from a more dynamic stance and improved handling and braking performance.

Corroded exhaust? Hirsch Performance offer sport exhaust systems for all engine types. Great looks, a pleasantly sporty sound, reduced exhaust back pressure and improved throttle response.

Sticking calipers, worn discs or pads? Try the Hirsch Performance 345mm brakes!
More braking performance in all driving conditions, easy to modulate and with excellent fading resistance.

Hirsch performance products are available exclusively at your authorized Saab dealership.

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Hirsch Performance are sponsors of Saabs United (though I was posting these newsletters for years before they came on board).

Hirsch Performance are the official, factory-backed tuning house for Saab, but some products are available in selected markets only.

Thanks to the generosity of a friend, I recently found myself with some money to spend at State of Nine, one of our site sponsors. I settled on two accessories for the "new" 1991 900 Turbo Convertible, both aimed at preservation.

First, because all convertible tops will leak at some time or another and because the plastics inside the 900 are still pristine, I chose the water-resistant convertible cover to carry in the car for those times when I'll park it outdoors for several hours at a stretch. I liked the portability of the cover (it comes in a box about 12" x 6" x 6" (30 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm)) and I liked the ease of use according to the State of Nine listing.

It is easily installed, that's for sure. On the other hand, my installation doesn't look quite as tidy is the picture on the State of Nine website:

I'll continue to work with the cover and the drawstring to optimize the fit.

Overall, I give the cover a 9 out of 10 for meeting overall expectations, but just 7 of 10 for fit for my 900. Worth the US$95.95.

See more photos after the jump.

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I also picked up a couple of Emblem Armor discs to protect the nearly new Saab-Scania logo badges on my 900.

Like most of you, I've certainly felt the frustration of the relatively fragile badge enamel that plagues virtually all Saabs (see evidence after the jump). My most recent brand-new Saab hood (bonnet) badge barely made it a year before the 80% of the color flaked off in one big piece as I drove one hot day. I saw it happen and, naturally, cussed like a sailor because I'd debated whether the replacement was worth the US$70 (with tax).

Naturally, I am in no mood for a repeat of that fiasco with my new 1991 Saab 900 Turbo Convertible.

For a reasonable US $9.95 each, State of Nine emblem armor seems to be a great idea. Installation was a snap. I decided to trim the "armor" prior to installation because it wasn't exactly circular and it appeared that the wider part wouldn't adhere unless it cleared the silver lip around the edge of the badge. (See photos after the jump.)

The "armor" is heavy-gauge self-adhesive clear plastic film that looks and feels that it will provide a great deal of protection for the badges. My questions are how the surface of the armor will endure, and if it should need replacement how easy it will be to replace the armor once it has cured in place for several months or a few years. Personally, I don't think that I'll be a good test of longevity since I drive the 900 fewer than 4,000 miles (6400 km) per year.

I give the Saab Emblem Armor a 10 of 10 for value, ease of installation and apparent quality. Naturally, I will not know how it will perform until a few more miles pass.