Date: Wed, 09 Jul 2003 17:34:57 +0100 From: Johannes H Andersen <johsnopsamfitter.com> Subject: Re: Saab 9-5 turbocharger failure
Nicko wrote: > > 1999 9-5 SE. Clouds of white smoke out of the back of the car upon lifting > the throttle after brisk acceleration led me to the Saab repair workshop. > The diagnosis was turbo failure. I was advised that the 9-5 engine has a > known fault with the oil breathing apparatus. The technician showed me a > slight oil leak in two specific places from the head gasket and said the > pressure builds up and always leaks from these two places. This build up of > pressure caused my turbo to fail. > > The car has only done 56,000 miles. My previous two Saabs (a 9000 2.3t and a > 9000 Aero) went to 135,000 miles each with no such problems. Possibly blown head gasket; the white smoke could be steam. I have a 9000, so I don't know much about the 9-5, but the turbo in the 9000 is very reliable as you also have found out, subject to the usual turbo precautions. At such low mileage, I think it is worth pushing for a "good will" repair from Saab if it really is turbo failure and not something else. Johannes