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"Growl" somewhat normal..... Posted by Mike Lynch [Email] ![]() ![]() In Reply to: Re: What you describe..., gerrytc, Sat, 16 Sep 2006 12:02:04 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The criticism of the four cylinder turbo Saab in a high line sedan centers around the idle and vibration characteristics of the 2.3 liter engine. Four cylinder idle vibes, like in an Accord or Camry for that matter, are relatively normal and found in many brands. AC on, in gear, at the right temp can make the steering wheel and dash buzz. Old 5 cylinder Audis were some of the worst.
And a "growl" would be a good way to describe the vibes you feel up to about 2,000 rpms under load, especially as the engine swings through the 1,300-1,600 rev range under power.
It bothers some people enough that it eliminates a 9-5 fours from consideration vs the smooth V6's from other makers.
It's the kind of characteristic that is especially vulnerable to "heightened sensitivity". That is once you start focusing on it it drives you mad, it's all you can feel. I felt that way about my 2000 9-5 Aero SportCombi when I got it. Had my mechanics double check for bad motor mounts and such. Hard metallic feel through the steering wheel as the tach swings through the teens.
Now if it's more of a noise than a feel, then perhaps it is an exhaust leak. Sometimes exhaust leaks are pretty hard to find and may not be present when hot or cold owing to thermal expansion. Also there are some pass throughs through the firewall that if aren't sealed correctly cause a subtle noise.
Makes perfect sense to me that it just might be normal and that you've tuned into it in a hyper sensitive way. Itsa' trade off between the outstanding turbo torque and fuel economy of the low friction four vs the smoothness of six.
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