2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

Hi there. I just picked up a '03 9-3 ARC. 48k , nice car. Seems to be peppy but not sure if I am getting 210hp/220tq. 6 speed manual.. Maybe I am not used to depending on turbo, I went from a 2000 BMW 328i, so the power you had was pretty much there all the time. This car however feels peppier some times more than others. Also, it hardly boosts in 1st gear. Any suggestions?

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

My 9-3 is the same year and model (Arc 6-speed) as yours andI noticed that my car runs better with Shell mid-grade gas. I'll ocasionally add a gallon or two of high-octane every once in a while.

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

Yeah, I have been running 93 octane since I got it... It is not terrible, just not all there.. Where is everyone??? Answers? Since I posted this, my passenger window regulator went to pieces and I have developed a minor oil leak, possibly coming from the turbo, 48k on this car!!!!! Did I make a HUGE mistake moving from BMW...? Anyway, anyone else have any input on the turbo lag issue? Thanks

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

Boy, a lot of folks posting but where is all the techies?? Anyone.. Anyone... Bueller... Anyone...

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

Just about a month later and still no helpful replies... Where are the 9-3 enthusiasts? Will have to try forums elsewhere..

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

Sorry.. But I do not see the place to start a new post.. could you help please.
I am a new member and have had a major problem with my 2003 Saab 9-3.
For no apparent reason the Electronic ignition key did not work and the steering lock and the auto gear could not be disengaged. I had to get the car on a truck to be taken to the Saab agency.
I have been informed that the Electronic CIM module has to be replaced and two new keys issued. Now I have been told that the steering lock assembly has to be broken physically to remove the steering lock assembly and free the Auto transmission. Is this correct. I am at a loss to understand why the steering lock assembly has to be wrecked in order to repair it. The vehicle has done only 50,000K . very grateful for any suggestions. Many thanks.

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

It's supposed to be that way. The boost is electronically limited in 1st and 2nd gears to prevent wheelspin. It's a way to conmpensate for lack of an LSD.

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

How do you know there's an oil leak? Can you describe the oil loss? Any oil stains when the car sits for a while?

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

Hi Roto, thanks a lot for the replies! Is there a way to remove that "boost limit" from 1st gear? It jumps right up in 2nd gear as it should.. I found that if you get the revs up just a hair and almost dump the clutch it will boost up more but I do not want to have clutch issues down the road, it would be nice to have that torque when you need it in first.. I am thinking about building a custom cold air intake for it as well along with an exhaust. I was disappointed to learn that I cannot do much with the bypass valve as that air is calculated back on the intake side where it is dumped. So no loud BOV on this car eh? Any suggestions? Not much you can do with this Trionic 8 unless you get the PPC , a bit $$$$$$

As far as the oil leak goes, I brought the car to the dealer to have the window regulator replaced and they said that the leak was from the PCV system being blocked up , and they fixed it. not the case, they did not do **** to it but clean it off and send it out.. I put it in my garage and it appears to be coming from between the engine in the transmission which would lead one to think it is the rear main seal.. I have an extended warranty so I just need to get that taken care of because I certainly am not going to tackle that one... Not on a car I just got!

Thanks again for the replies - any more info on the 03 9-3 ARC would be great!

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

Hey Roto,

Forgot to mention that what tipped me off about the oil leak was that after driving you can smell the oil burning off the exhaust and coming into the vents.. temp fix is to put vent on 'recirculate' :) , Followed by a small puddle after driving.. Only leaks while car is running... Thanks again..

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

AFAIK removing the boost limit can be done via a manual boost controller or reprogramming.


The leak does sound like a rear main seal.

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

Probably not a good idea to do that though eh? Removing boost controller? Is that mechanical or electronic?

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

The stock boost control is electronic. The MBC is a manual thing which isn't all that big of a deal, but the ECU looses the ability to cut boost in a dangerous situation or in limp mode.

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

Hmmmm, I think I am going to buy this one: http://smartperformance.net/product_...products_id=37

This will eliminate my lag issues.. Throw a nice intake on there along side and she should be set eh? what do you think?

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

Write a review once you get it. I'm curious if it really does what it says it does. BTW if you start hitting boost cut in every gear you most likely put it in backwards :D Don't ask how I know.

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

I have had my 9-3 aero for about a month now. No problems so far. From what i've gathered the turbo is liquid cooled so you might check the feed line to the turbo. I noticed the lag or lack of power in my 1st gear also. It's all there in 2nd though. I was thinking about going to my local saab dealer and seeing if it would hurt anything to increase the boost 1-2 pounds, thats all, just to pull a little more out of it. Not sure if it would hurt anything though, so i'm still researching this. After all that I'm hearing about Saab's problems I'm also considering getting rid of mine and going to BMW, before issues start with mine. I've looked at the reviews and there is more negative on Saab then good. way more. It's a beautiful car, but I dont want to be stuck in it and not have anything to drive. Plus I cant find any companies that have even a descent selection of aftermarket parts. If anyone knows anyone looking for a 9-3 Aero, I might consider any reasonable offers.

RE: 2003 9-3 ARC lag
 

I probably can't afford an 06 Aero, even though I'd love to have one.

Hi, I also have a 2003 9-3 Arc with 120000 miles. I am having a pretty serious problem with the transmission, because it wont shift into fifth gear at all. When I try to, it makes a high speed grinding type noise and pops back into neutral. Fifth gear wont even engage. I checked the linkage and it was fine, and changed the tranny oil to see if that helped. I am guessing that it might be the syncro gear for fifth, but not sure. Any replies would be great!