9-5 Aero Hirsch for sale

Sometimes, life seems to overwhelm you and time becomes a distant memory. I’ve struggled to stay afloat with even the basic essentials, let alone the site, but another year, another opportunity to get back on track and motivated. This leads me to make a confession, I’m a diehard petrolhead, there, I’ve said it. Saabs are obviously deep rooted, but I also have other obsessions including an air cooled Porsche 911 which take time too. This obsession causes issues, parking for one, I already abuse the generosity of neighbours either side of our home, but have now spilled out onto the road, that’s not good, so at least one car has go.

The 9-5 Aero Hirsch was always a project Saab, I set out to right the wrongs on this great car and to ensure it lasted for at least another 10 years. I’ve spent over £1,500 sorting things out and although I haven’t got around to the final cosmetic stage, I just haven’t got the time or energy to finish it all off.

I won’t go in to all of the car’s details as I listed it for sale on EBay last night. It really is an exceptional Saab, ridiculously comfortable, relaxing, quiet, fast and pretty rare, I’ve only ever seen a handful of 9-5’s with this level of Hirsch kit on, it’s as close to a full Hirsch Troll R as you’ll get without it actually being one.

I’d toyed with the idea of transplanting the 18” alloys on to my Aero convertible, but decided I’d be good and leave it as a whole, not sure if that’s the right choice, but hej.

Righting wrongs and wronging rights

The work continues on the 9-5 Aero Hirsch, it’s had it’s second trip to the folks at Malcolm Miles. New water pump, cam belt, sub frame bushes, new air con pipes to replace ones that had been warn through by constant rubbing with other pipes, and the manifold has been removed to replace broken studs together with a new gasket.

The drive is noticeably improved, no squeaking from the warn belt, no blowing from the manifold and the refreshed engine seems to be pulling beautifully. I’d forgotten just how well put together the 9-5s are – superbly relaxed and effortless in the city and manically fast when there are clear roads ahead.

My idea is to keep buying rare or unusual Saabs and bring them back to a standard that allows them to stay on the road for many more years. This one had obviously been lovingly cared for in the past, but recently has had less attention lavished on it. At the moment, I’m in two minds as to whether to have the bonnet and front grille resprayed, as the rest of the car seems to have the original paintwork, besides, I kind of like cars that tell a story.

I’ve also been repeatedly advised to swap the Hirsch alloys and pop them on my 9-3 convertible, the double Y spokes look fantastic on the 9-5s so that might be the next change, together with the addition of a boot lip to finish off the rear styling.

In the meantime, I’m hugely enjoying driving the 9-5, the new Hirsch carbon dash looks stunning and with the super rare luxury spec, the family are enjoying it too – the rear heated seats are an absolute dream on rainy days.

Oh, and it’s had a shiny new bonnet badge to claim back it’s proud identity.

Saab 9-5 Aero Hirsch update

Whilst I’ve been away relaxing in Canada for the past 3 weeks, the new Saab has been with Jason at Malcolm Miles for its health check and a number of detailing items that needed doing.

Most importantly, it needed a service, so the sump has been dropped and cleaned, new oil and filters added and the old gearbox oil changed. The Hirsch exhaust mount had broken on one side, and after a ridiculously slow conversation with Hirsch in Switzerland it became utterly clear they really couldn’t be bothered to answer properly, let alone help out (thanks for supporting Saab owners Hirsch), so Jason has managed to weld the bracket instead. It’ll be returning to the workshop in a few weeks for a new water pump, fix a broken stud in the cylinder head and pop a new belt on.

Non essential items have also been taken care of – a new door rubber fitted, a broken door card capping replaced and the latch altered to remove a slight gap. The all important bonnet badge has been replaced by a shiny new one, and I managed to pick up a genuine Hirsch carbon fibre dash from CardYourCar which has also been fitted and looks absolutely superb together with the Hirsch steering wheel.

I’m always happy once a new Saab has been to the workshop, not only do I trust the folks to do everything required to keep the car maintained beautifully, but it also gives them the opportunity to do a thorough review of the car, what’s good, what’s bad and even ugly, then I can work my way through everything to get the car as I want it.

I knew this Saab had been lavishly specified with virtually every optional extra, and I also knew it had an almost Hirsch Troll R spec list, but Jason also noticed it has an upgraded intercooler and decent induction filter too, leaving only a bespoke ECU upgrade by Karl at Noob on my list of wants.

Next on the list, the Hirsch alloys will be refurbished and new tyres fitted, the bonnet and bumper resprayed and a rear boot lip painted and fitted.

Just the way it is

After spending almost the entire day yesterday on the interior of the 9-5, I only needed to grab a few hours this morning to clean and moisturise the leather and give the carpets a thorough shampoo and brush up. The smoke smell still remains, but has already been greatly reduced, someone has kindly given me a tip to help with that (thanks Kent), but am surprised at just how beautifully it has all cleaned up.

It was one of few hot days we’ve had here in the UK this Summer, so thought i’d grab a few photos of the 9-5 pretty much as it arrived, except for the shiny headlights of course.

Even thought there is plenty of work to do to bring this Saab up to scratch, I’m loving the stance the Hirsch suspension provides, and those alloys, wow.

9-5 Aero Hirsch Rescue Mission

For the past few months I’ve been tirelessly searching for another interesting Saab that required some loving and maybe a tweak or two here and there, a few weeks ago I found one.

A random Autotrader search popped up a 2005 Saab 9-5 HOT Aero saloon in black, it had a pretty basic description and a few photos, but it only took the first one to have me hooked. What were described as 17” alloys in the copy seemed to be 18” Hirsch 6 spoke alloys in the photo, I did my best to zoom in to the image, and there, on the tyre (for from clear to see) ‘R18’.  Further pictures featured a Hirsch front grille, stainless steel twin exhaust and a seriously good looking Hirsch steering wheel, it also appeared to be a lot lower than normal Aeros, so might have Hirsch suspension, but I couldn’t be sure – none of these Hirsch features where mentioned in the description however.

The Saab was in Bristol, and as I had no time to go and see it, I took a leap of (Saab blindness) faith and bought it. A couple of weeks later the dealer finally managed to find a driver to deliver it to its new home. All I can say, is that it’s arrived just in time, it’s far from the best example, but at some point in its life, has been lavished with care and loved as a Saab like this should be. It has an original specification I’d have plumped for myself- perforated sport leather interior in sand, heated and ventilated front and rear, folding mirrors, sat nav and after further inspection, full Hirsch lowered suspension too.

The list of things to do isn’t short however, It was loved once, but from the general condition and cleanliness, that must have been a few years ago. The headlights were completely cloudy with a textured surface, scratches and large stone chips on pretty much every panel, badly kerbed front alloys, different tyres on each corner, a pretty filthy interior with a stale smell of smoke emanating from it the moment you open the door and leather that has lost some of its suppleness and beauty.

Pretty much before doing anything else, I put a call in to my Saab guru, Jason at Malcolm Miles and gave him the heads up he’d be helping me with a new project (sorry Jason), and it’ll be going in soon for a serious health check, full service and general analysis of what’s possible. Initial impressions after driving it are good, no smoke, pretty tight and Hirsch suspension still feels seriously nice, I have a feeling it has also benefited from the Hirsch ECU upgrade, but I’ll be calling in the services of Karl at Noob Tune to get to it’s full potential either way.

Saturday arrived and there was no time to waste, Autoglym headlight rescue kit at the ready and we’re off, a couple of hours work and the transformation is pretty exceptional, the 9-5’s headlights are back to their ridiculously bright, Xenon selves and almost as good as new.  The rest of the day has been spent cleaning some of the grime off the interior – dashboard, steering wheel, door panels, headlining –  all get attention with yet more Autoglym products, and it seems, that under the grime it’s in pretty decent condition.

Sunday will see the seats get some attention, leather cleaned and moisturised and carpets cleaned the best I can until I get it professionally sorted at least.

It’s going to be a long, but enjoyable rescue mission, these 9-5 Aeros are pretty special cars, but with the additional Hirsch kit, it makes it a very rare find indeed. All I have to do is keep my daughter away from the keys now!

Return to the fold

Whenever I hear about someone either buying a Saab for the first time, or returning to the fold, I feel a sense of pride. I feel pleased to hear about someone else who’ll look after another Saab for the future.

M from Scotland recently sent me a few snaps of his very smart 2007 9-3 Aero 2.8T. He’d been an Aero owner previously, but after several years of V8’ing, has found his way back. Since purchasing the 42,000 mile 9-3, M has been busy getting it exactly how he wants it, adding a set of 19” RS6 alloys (which seriously suit it), Hirsch diffuser and discreet rear boot spoiler, he’s also had a Stage 1 remap delivering a healthy 292hp and 440nm.

And that’s not quite it yet “I’ve just purchased a set of Hirsch grills (mostly broken) but I plan on putting the jigsaw back together and then painting them gloss black (mostly to hide the Glue)”.

Thanks for sharing and look forward to see the front grille all in place.

A real Aero Trieste

I must confess, I’ve had this absolutely stunning Saab HOT Aero sitting in my inbox for a rather long time, as have a number of other exceptional global Saabs that need sharing with everyone, only me to blame, life has a tendency to get in the way sometimes.

I must also confess my location envy, owned, enjoyed and immaculately maintained by Pino, this Aero resides next to the coast in Trieste, Italy. It’s a 2001 Saab with Hirsch mods in a abundance – 5 spoke alloys, aluminium pedals, interior panels and an amazing sculptured sports steering wheel helping to handle the 265hp and 385Nm it’s currently producing.

It’s just taken up it’s rightful place as a member of the High Mile Club with 112,500 on the clock.

And if i’d have been closer when we visited Puglia last year, I’d have taken up the offer of meeting for a beer and admiring this great Aero (thanks Pino), I’ll take a rain check for sure though.

The High Mile Club’s Newest Member

Our 2011 9-3X TTiD has just joined the ranks of the esteemed High Mile Club and is now proudly showing 100,000 miles.

Compared to some other club members its barely run in of course, and has a long way to go to catch our previous SportCombi with 185,000 miles (and still going strong).

We’ve loved it for the past two years, but the time has come for it to make way for another Saab project, alas, the High Mile Club’s newest member is for sale over on Ebay.

Those of you who read the blog will have read plenty about this Saab, but for those who know less, I’ll repeat the Ebay listing below.

Sad to see it go and hope it’ll find a home with another Saabist, it’s a very special Saab and will make someone else exceptionally proud.

In 2009 Saab launched the 9-3X – a Crossover AWD version of the SportCombi with a few rugged styling enhancements. Sturdy wheel arches and side skirts designed to protect the car from mud and gravel, an enlarged front grille, detailed skid plates front & rear, chunky twin exhaust, aluminium roof bars and an extra 35mm added to the ride height.

Although launched as an AWD, Saab couldn’t afford to connect their exceptionally capable TTiD4 engine with the necessary running gear, so the 9-3X TTiD was only ever available with 2 wheel drive.

Result, gorgeous rugged styling, but hugely efficient – currently returning between 45 – 50mpg.

As standard, this is 180bhp but has benefitted from a Hirsch upgrade taking it to a capable 200bhp.

This also has the very rare full leather sports interior and Sat Nav, both really nice touches.

It’s just covered 100,000 miles (low mileage for a Saab, we sold our last at 180,000 and that one’s still driving around the neighbourhood), has had a new timing belt, water pump and full service by one of the best Saab specialists I know of – Malcolm Miles.

Overview:

2011 9-3X TTiD
3 previous owners
100,500 Miles
MOT until November 2016
Solid Black
Heated seats
Roof Bars
Full sport Leather
Sat Nav
Boot Tray
Recent discs and pads
Full Service History

Some points to note:

Tyres good but will need changing within the next year or so
Sat Nav works intermittently (regular 9-3 issue, could be fixed with an updated disc)
Slight scuff on front bumper from a careless garage (being removed at present)
Private plate will not be with the car

Ebay listing here

Saab – Is it catching?

What have I done? I received this great email from M today, and it seems the blog has yet again persuaded someone else to make the leap of faith into the world of Saab ownership. I won’t rewrite his email, but publish it unabridged:

“Inspired by your excellent blog and needing to find a car that blended economy, performance and a bit of exclusivity, I purchased my 9-3 Aero TTID earlier this year. It has been steadily improved and upgraded since then with a few Hirsch goodies added for good measure.

I have been to many Pistonheads Sunday Services before, but this was the first time in the Saab. Whilst it’s fair to say that it’s not going to attract hundreds of photographers, we’ll leave that to the supercars and rare classics (of which there were plenty). However, it was nice to see that many people turned their heads towards it when walking by. There is something just right about it’s proportions that always seemed to attract a second glance. Only two other Saab’s were there – a 9-5 Aero and a 900 turbo from Lithuania (which ventured out on track). The 9-3 was certainly not the most expensive car there, nor the fastest or most desirable – but it was the rarest. There were more McLaren’s and Ferrari’s than Saab’s.

Anyway, I have been meaning to send you an email for a while as you are entirely responsible for my Saab obsession.”

Huge thanks M for getting in touch, I truly hope you continue to love your gorgeous 9-3, and that this is just the beginning of your Saab affair.

The Swedish Collection. 9-5NG SportCombi

Whilst over in Sweden, I accepted a very kind invitation to visit another huge Saabist, Michèl Annink. He lives with his family in an absolutely stunning part of the country, surrounded by exceptional views, water, trees and Saabs.

We were warmly greeted with iced water, coffee, hot Cinnamon buns and spent a few hours talking about our shared love of Saabs, Michèl kindly let me take a few photos of his impressive collection and I’ll be featuring them in 3 parts.

First up is a Saab that I think we all hoped and prayed would reach every Saab showroom, and to me, possibly one of the most beautiful Saabs ever crafted, the 9-5NG Sportcombi.

Michèl owns one of the few SportCombis in the world and together with the support of his family, has worked tirelessly to gain road legal approval in Sweden.

It is clad in gleaming Arctic White with full Aero styling, a Hirsch exhaust system that sounds absolutely mind-blowing and rests on a set of 19” edge alloys. Purposefully lowered by about 40mm it also has a fantastic stance.

Inside, Michèl has retro fitted full Aero heated and vented sports seats together with a number of original Saab options and most recently, a high end touch screen navigation system.

Sitting alongside our (begrudgingly) hired Audi A6 wagon, there really was no comparison, the Saab oozed modern style and unique presence. It’s a Saab that demands attention.

Tack Michèl, it was great to meet you all and a real privilege to see this great Saab. Long may it bring you pleasure.

More about the unique 9-5NG SportCombi here and here

The stunning 9-4X to follow shortly.