Hi I have a UK Saab 1998 9-5 SE 2.3ltr in excellent condition which has given me excellent service until earlier this year (Jan) when it decided at 66,000 miles to blow a cylinder head gasket. To repair this with all the palaver involved cost me over £1000. Fortunately I had managed to get the turbocharger replaced under warranty before Xmas as it was leaking oil. When the car was in the garage I asked them to replace the timing belt whilst the main job was being done. After a bit of research, the service manager told me it doesn't have a timing belt - it's a chain and doesn't need replaced. I am sure I read in the manual that the belt needs changed circa 60,000 miles. Could anyone with this model tell me the correct answer please?
Since the repair the car is performing almost like new with good power and accelleration. However, I am still experiencing a slight oil leak from the engine engine underneath and there is a noisy "throaty rumble" from the bottom of the central console on accellerating in 2nd gear (manual). (The full throttle assembly was replaced as well.) I am loath to go back to the garage as it was such a hassle to get it repaired and it took weeks - they were not a recognised saab dealership and they eventually had to get the local Saab dealership involved and as I said - it is going quite well at the moment. Advice on the belt please and am I simply storing up future grief? Thanks jb