Slightly OT: Saab Opinions

"AstraVanMan" wrote in news:HvaGe.17215$ snipped-for-privacy@newsfe2-gui.ntli.net:

That's a variable valve timing thingamyjig, isn't it? The later one in the E39 will probably fall out of my range, but the late E34 versions are quite a realistic proposition. These have an earlier version of the vanos too, don't they.

Pity the diesel version isn't faster, in autotrader there's an N reg 525 derv with FSH for £1500, and it's only 15 miles down the road!

BTW, what's the spec like on the E34? I wanted cruise, but haven't seen it menitoned in any E34 ads, even on the SE.

"AstraVanMan" wrote in news:vuaGe.17214$ snipped-for-privacy@newsfe2-gui.ntli.net:

OK, clever clogs, straight six :-)

I've had the misfortune to work on several E39s. Many with very low miles too. All sorts of very un-BMW like faults. More like Ford or GM type faults. The e34 is still probably the best of them all for build quality. After 1995 the accountants took over from the engineers I reckon. My 1993 E34 520i Touring has now 353866 miles on the clock. The oil comes out as clean as it went in (engine/gearbox & diff). The emissions are still within factory specs and it's still on the original clutch.. I just can't fault it (except it hasn't got the V8 fitted). It does need a few more bhp (the 2.5 is ideal in this body shell), but I can live with it. JB

"JB" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@individual.net:

So 'older is better' in this case, then :-) BTW, I thought you said V8s had a lot of problems?

I've an idea it's mainly down to the first buyers specification. Mine, a 525iSE, has Cruise, a/c, sports seats, (gives drop down centre armrests, and electrically adjusted lumbar support) heated seats, heated electric mirrors. No s/s roof, but with a/c who wants it. It also has the single Vanos M52TU engine. At 80mph on the m/way it just purrs at less than 3000 revs.

The previous owner, (baught it in 1996. I'm only the 3rd owner, and it had an unbroken BMW service history up to the date I baught it) had M-tech lowered suspension fitted by a BMW dealer in 2002, and fitted 17" M-Tech wheels himself. Together they give the car a firmer ride, but that's just how I like my cars. Mike.

They're the ones with the Nikasil bores, but if it got the BMW recall it would have been fixed. Something to check for if you fancy a 530, or 540. Mike.

Wheelspin? If you're a keen enough driver you can easily wheelspin a RWD car :-)

And understeer :-)

My Mazda 323 has a tighter lock than my Supra.

But the minimal turning circle on the Supra is determined by the wheelbase...

Yup, think so.

Don't know - AFAIK the earlier versions of the VANOS engine were the ones without it!

They're crap on fuel for a diesel, unless you're doing all around town stuff. I reckon you'd struggle to better a 5mpg difference in just general motorway work, 2.5TD compared to petrol.

Like a lot of BM things it was an option (I think), so just a matter of hunting one down that's had lots spent on options when new.

Whereas my TR7 has a far tighter circle than SWMBO's Citroen C3, and the wheelbases are very similar.

But the replacement is rare. The chain will eventually rattle, but broken chains are unheard of. The chain has no set replacement mileage.

In general, the Saab 9000 CSE is extremely well build and tough car; in fact it's something like 'they don't make them like that anymore...'. That was probably why Saab didn't make money at the time. Best car seats I've known.

Correct.

Without what? I could be wrong but I believe all VANOS engines have VANOS. :-) I think you mean earlier E34's, with the 2.5 M50 engine didn't have VANOS. The M50TU engine, fitted after about '93 I believe, had a single VANOS. Mike.

Not that easily, unless the car is fairly powerful, it's wet, naff tyres, slippery etc. I don't count revving the engine and dropping the clutch. It's not unheard of to break the diff under that sort of treatment. Thing is cars tend to squat under acceleration. With RWD it puts more weight on the driving wheels, making wheelspin more difficult. No way could I get wheelspin on my 525i on a dry road. Even in the wet, it's difficult on a good road surface. Mike.

Certainly, but not to the same degree as most FWD cars. IME of RWD cars, the back end usually goes, before u/s becomes a problem. :-)

The turning circle is governed by the lock though. My 5 series and Rover SD1 have smaller turning circles than my 4WD Celica, yet their wheelbases are greater. Not really a problem, until you get into tight manouvering situations, or want to make a quick U turn. Mike.

I was just about to point out that there won't be two camshafts as it's a straight 6, not a V6, then I realised that I'd look like a fool, so I'll stay quiet instead :-)

Can be done with the engine in situ, in fact some simply split the chain, then join the new chain to the old one, roll it into the engine, then rejoin the new chain when it appears from the top of the engine again. Better to get the timing cover off (remove offside wheel and arch liner for access) and replace the sprockets, tensioners and guides at the same time. If its a balance shaft engine, chances are the balance shaft chain and sprockets will need changing at the same time. It's not a difficult job, but is a little fiddly and time consuming.

Gearboxes are a weak point, auto or manual.

The autobox will rarely last 100,000miles, the manual box tends to loose syncro on 2nd after similar mileage.

True, but the 9000 doesn't feel like a typical FWD car, the old 900 was even better - longitudinal engine and equal length driveshafts meant little or no torquesteer.

I could wheelspin a 2 litre sierra in the dry - you weren't trying ;-) much worse infact pulling away from wet roundabouts than my saab!