Saab 9-3 2003 Cabriolet 2.0 Turbo
SAAB 9-3 2003 2.0 petrol description
Cabrio Saab 9-3 2003 Cabriolet 2.0 Turbo has been produced from November, 2003 to September, 2007. It has four-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 2.0 litres, which produces power of 210 horsepower on 5500 rpm and torque 300 Nm (Newton metres) on 2500 revolutions per minute.
This 4-cylinder 16-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has fuel injection system and MHI TD0411TK turbine. Engine versions compliant with Euro 4 and Euro 5 emission standards available. Approximate engine life expectancy (mileage until serious repairs are required) for this engine is between 240 000 and 400 000 kilometres. It is important to remember that engine life is highly dependent on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
More engine specs
The Saab B207 engine is essentially identical to the Opel Z20NET and is based on a 2.2-liter naturally aspirated predecessor. It is a simple and reliable engine, even less demanding than its predecessor. However, it has some notable weaknesses.
The timing and balance shaft chains have ...
This SAAB 9-3 2.0 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 5.7 litres.
Saab 9-3 2003 Cabriolet 2.0 Turbo has front wheel drive (FWD) and automatic gearbox with 5 gears.
Saab 9-3 2003 Cabriolet 2.0 Turbo accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 9.5 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 225 km/h.
In combined cycle (city and motorway), the Saab 9-3 2003 Cabriolet 2.0 Turbo fuel consumption is 10 litres per 100km (10 km/l). Fuel tank capacity is 63 litres or 16.64 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 620 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle.
According to user reviews, the real everyday fuel consumption of this SAAB is in line with the figure specified by the manufacturer. More - Real SAAB 9-3 fuel consumption.
SAAB 9-3 safety
During safety testing SAAB 9-3 has obtained 5 stars from five, which means very high safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of SAAB 9-3 is evaluated with five stars, children safety - with three stars, and for pedestrian protection SAAB 9-3 got one star.
- Saab 9-3 2003 Cabriolet 2.0 Turbo MT is more dynamic - it reaches 100 km/h 0.7 seconds faster (in 8.8 seconds), moreover, it is more economic with manufacturer's fuel consumption is lower by 0.9 litres per 100 km or 9 % - 9.1 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is lower by 0.5 litres per 100 km or 5 % - 9.3 litres per 100 km
- Saab 9-3 2003 Cabriolet 2.0 Turbo MT is more dynamic - it reaches 100 km/h 0.7 seconds faster (in 8.8 seconds), moreover, it is more economic with manufacturer's fuel consumption is lower by 1.1 litres per 100 km or 11 % - 8.9 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is lower by 0.5 litres per 100 km or 5 % - 9.3 litres per 100 km
Saab 9-3 2003 Cabriolet 2.0 Turbo technical data
| Model: | Saab 9-3 Cabriolet 2.0 Turbo | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Body style: | Cabrio | ||
| Production period: | 2003. November ... 2007. September | ||
| Engine: | 1988 cm3 Petrol, 4 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 235 g/km |
| Power: | 210 HP ON 5500 RPM | Torque: | 300 NM ON 2500 RPM |
| Gearbox: | Automatic gearbox (5 gears) | Drive type: | Front wheel drive (FWD) |
| Top speed: | 225 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 9.5 seconds |
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 10.0 (combined) | ||
| Real fuel consumption: | 9.8 l/100km (24 MPG) by user reviews from various sources | ||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 litres (16.6 gallons) | ||
| Car dimensions: | 4.64m (length) 1.76m (width) 1.43m (height) | ||
| Turning diameter: | 11 meters | ||
| Trunk capacity: | 235 litres | ||
| Gross weight: | 2090 kg | ||
Saab 9-3 2003 Cabriolet 2.0 Turbo engine B207R
Engine reliability and common problems:
The Saab B207 engine is essentially identical to the Opel Z20NET and is based on a 2.2-liter naturally aspirated predecessor. It is a simple and reliable engine, even less demanding than its predecessor. However, it has some notable weaknesses.The timing and balance shaft chains have a limited lifespan and often stretch before reaching 200,000 km. The turbocharger performs well overall, but failures of the wastegate valve are common. The PCV system valve is also prone to premature failure. Other problematic components include the ECU, fuel pump, electronic throttle, and crankshaft position sensor.
Contaminated electronic throttle bodies cause symptoms such as unstable idle, sluggish throttle response, increased fuel consumption, and reduced power. However, cleaning the throttle body often doesn’t suffice because the gears in the servo mechanism may wear out or break, requiring replacement of the entire throttle assembly.
The in-tank fuel pump is another common issue. Problems typically arise due to prolonged use of poor-quality fuel, leading to a clogged intake screen or motor failure. Symptoms include jerking during acceleration, unstable idle, and stalling, especially in hot weather. Repairs often involve replacing the entire pump module or retrofitting a compatible electric motor.
The crankshaft position sensor is unreliable, leading to issues like stalling, failure to start when hot, or complete engine non-start. These failures are generally easy to diagnose.
The engine control unit (ECU) is located in a heat-prone area and typically fails by 250,000 km. Before total failure, injector circuit faults, misfires, stalling, and white exhaust smoke are common symptoms. The ECU is not repairable and must be replaced and reprogrammed.
The PCV valve, located in the intake manifold, can fail, disrupting ventilation and causing power loss, sluggish throttle response, and oil leaks at various seals. A telltale sign of a malfunctioning PCV valve is oil residue in the intake near the throttle body.
Turbochargers on the B207 vary depending on the production year and power rating. High-powered models (210 hp) use the Mitsubishi TD04-14T turbo, while lower-powered variants (150–175 hp) originally featured Garrett GT2052 turbos until 2006, when they switched to the Mitsubishi TD04-11TK. Both types are reliable but require regular maintenance to avoid issues.
Overall, this engine can last around 240,000 to 400,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 |
|---|---|
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Bore (cylinder diameter) | 86 mm |
| Stroke length (piston move) | 86 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 : 1 |
| Camshaft drive | Timing chain Chain motors are considered more reliable, chain replacement usually is required less often than a timing belt, but they are often louder and vibrate more. More service info |
| Timing chain change interval | 170,000 km (recommended) Sometimes manufacturers do not specify timing chain replacement intervals and design chains for engine life. However, once the recommended change interval has been reached, it is recommended to periodically check the condition of the chain and to change the chain if excessive stretching is detected or if unusual noises from the engine or other symptoms occur. |
| Fuel system | Injection |
| Saab 9-3 2003 Cabriolet 2.0 Turbo oil type | 5W-30 |
| Oil capacity | 5.7 litres (6 quarts) More service info |
| Power | 210 HP ON 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 NM ON 2500 RPM |
| Start of production (year) | 2002 |
| Duration of production | 10 years |
Often in the first years of production, engines tend to have various constructive problems, so it is recommended to choose a car with this engine from 2005 onwards. |
Most often compared to
All SAAB 9-3 cabrio [2003 - 2007] modifications
| Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Saab 9-3 2006 Cabriolet 1.9 TiD
Jan 2006 — Sep 2007 Most fuel efficient diesel version |
1.9 Diesel | 150 HP | 5.9 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| Saab 9-3 2006 Cabriolet 1.9 TiD Jan 2006 — Sep 2007 | 1.9 Diesel | 150 HP | 7.2 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
|
Saab 9-3 2003 2.0 Cabriolet 1.8t
Most fuel efficient petrol version |
2.0 Petrol | 150 HP | 8.6 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| Saab 9-3 2003 2.0 Cabriolet 1.8t | 2.0 Petrol | 150 HP | 9.7 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| Saab 9-3 2003 Cabriolet 2.0t Nov 2003 — Jul 2006 | 2.0 Petrol | 175 HP | 8.9 l/100km | Manual (5) |
|
Saab 9-3 2006 Cabriolet 2.0t
Jul 2006 — Sep 2007 Most fuel efficient petrol version by real consumption |
2.0 Petrol | 175 HP | 8.9 l/100km | Manual (6) |
| Saab 9-3 2003 Cabriolet 2.0t | 2.0 Petrol | 175 HP | 9.7 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| Saab 9-3 2003 Cabriolet 2.0 Turbo Nov 2003 — Jul 2006 | 2.0 Petrol | 210 HP | 9.1 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| Saab 9-3 2003 Cabriolet 2.0 Turbo | 2.0 Petrol | 210 HP | 8.9 l/100km | Manual (6) |
| Saab 9-3 2003 Cabriolet 2.0 Turbo | 2.0 Petrol | 210 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
|
Saab 9-3 2005 Cabriolet 2.8 Turbo V6
Sep 2005 — Sep 2007 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds |
2.8 Petrol | 250 HP | 11.0 l/100km | Manual (6) |
|
Saab 9-3 2005 Cabriolet 2.8 Turbo V6
Sep 2005 — Sep 2007 Most powerfull petrol version (250 HP) |
2.8 Petrol | 250 HP | 11.0 l/100km | Automatic (6) |