For clarification purposes since I did screw up some terminology: When I was discussing #4 on the list, I'm referring/pointing to the  Ignition Switch Module (ISM). The  Central Integrated Module or also known as the Column Integrated Module (CIM). It's the part located behind the steering wheel.

In a nutshell, the ISM (where the key goes into) transmits your key electronics to the CIM (behind steering wheel) to unlock your steering wheel and to ultimately start the car. If you start to have errors reading "steering lock malfunction" and "immobilizer failure" then you're having issues with one or both of these modules.

Recommendation: Replace the ISM first, since liquids may be spilled onto it and it actually DOES NOT need tech II programmed. If that doesn't work, then the CIM is likely the culprit. Since both work hand in hand, spilled liquid can even short out the CIM. Furthermore, If you lose all of your keys, you will also need to replace the CIM. This WILL require a tech II to marry to the vehicle.

One last point of mention: If you lost all of your keys, there is another option. You can send your original CIM to a company like lostsaabkeys.net which can program new keys to your exhisting module.

Hope this info helps! Thanks for watching!!

Having the key in the centre also foils thick thieves. One broke into my house in Birmingham (and this was when Saabs were still being manufactured) and stole the keys they got into the car but ended up throwing the keys away as they couldn’t work out how to start it!

Just had my first 9-3 coil go out at 260,000! Replaced all but it's so worth it. Heading to 500,000 now... ;)

Moving the key to the centre is a great idea. I got a compound kneecap fracture in a frontal collision from the key scallop in a ford. 22 years later I still have a limp.

Pssht have a 93 2008 with 280000 miles. Runs like a clock. The only issue I've had is a tire pressure senor which i replaced with a valve stem. And an faulty o2 senor. The only complaint i have with the 2.0T is the oil is a little more pricey than your average oil. But it damn well does its job. Hoping to get this baby to 300000

I’ve got a 2010 9-3 XWD. One of the best cars ever! A few problems I’ve had to fix. Both rear window regulators, brake system vacuum pump, map sensor, thermostat.  Nothing major. Maintenance is super easy. Been doing it myself the whole time. Still a nimble car at 8 years old, and just under 60k miles.

Intake valve issue confirmed. 2009 Convertible 2.0T with 64,000 miles all original babied garage queen, as of January: Compression is around 90-110 on them.
Runs decent once it warms up, but good luck keeping it running until then. Still worth fixing. Beautiful and fun cars, especially the verts.

Another issue I discovered as a 9-3ss owner: The cabin air filter holder and rear tail lights lose their seal and will leak water into your car during the rain. Re-seal them with silicone asap when you buy a Saab. Given that AMP1 in the front is already prone to failure the water pooling up beneath you will speed up that process! If you have AMP2 the rear leak will take out your AMP2 as well.

I've got a 9-3v1 from '98 with 230000km. Haven't encountered any real issues apart from plastic parts breaking off. Seems like saab really lost it's magic when GM started to control more.

GM wrecked Saab.

They moved the ISM to the center console in 1969 to reduce the risk of your knee being jabbed by the key and lock assembly in an accident. It was moved to the standard position beside the steering column on the Saab 9000, but moved back on the Saab 9-5. Saab 900 and Saab 9-3 maintained the center console ISM throughout the 80's and 90's.

This is pretty spot on for all Saabs, actually. It's really easy for lint and gunk to get into the ISM even if you're careful. So, I keep a spray can of contact cleaner in the glove compartment...just in case. That usually does the trick. Just give it a really good soaking deep in there and just wait for it to dry.

Ignition coils triggering the engine light is also fairly common.  Sometimes, it's a minor and intermittent thing.  Sometimes, the ignition coil needs replacing. If the latter, NEVER, EVER get a cheap after-market replacement for these. Get an OEM part.

Thanks for the video. Your car looks amazing, I’ve seen new cars that haven’t been as clean as yours.

07 9-3 Aero owner here, my gas gauge has been broken since I’ve owned the car haha, also have had to replace the ISM a few times (I can change one out in less than 5 mins), and I’m about to do 6 new coils and plugs today on my day off. Overall I love my car it’s extremely fast and fun, and mechanically very reliable!

Mine is a 2007 1.9 diesel, so the engine issues you mention haven't affected mine, thankfully. And my fuel gauge has given me no problems thus far, and no problems with the A/C so far neither. But I did have trouble with the CIM module for a short while, where it would not recognise my key fob. I used to get round it by turning the steering wheel anti clockwise slightly, while inserting the fob into the ignition, and this used to work, 9/10 times. But the fault disappeared on its own eventually.
I am currently having problems with the rear passenger door (left side in the UK) randomly locking itself, and it will not unlock, even though all the other doors unlock ok, for now. This is slightly worrying, because if it were to happen to the drivers door, it could be dangerous if I was involved in an accident, and was unable to open the door to escape. I have heard of other people who have had similar problems with the rear doors too. Its happened twice so far, but the first time, it lasted for a couple of weeks, then just randomly corrected itself. Ir was fine for few months, , then it happened again. So that is another SAAB quirk that people should maybe bear in mind.

Overall, One of the most reliable cars you can buy, lack of maintenance by idiots are their biggest problem

Damn... that's one of the cleanest Saabs I think Ive ever seen....
I sure wish mine looked like that. Mine's been through hell and back.

On the 2.8 V6:
the 3 front coils are easy to do, the 3 back coils are a pain in the ass!

Another common issue is the rear shocks mount. Just fixed my ignition switch and replaced AC compressor and fuel level sensor.

A common issue with the 2.0 Ecotec is for the vacuum pump driving the brake master cylinder to begin leaking oil.  Also, timing chain tensioners on the Ecotec 4 are notoriously prone to sticking.  Local machine shop said they had rebuilt the heads on countless Chevy Cobalts where the timing chain tensioners failed.