Misplaced Pages

#509490

86-435: In 2004, the 3 Series Compact was replaced by the 1 Series which encompassed 3-door and 5-door hatchback , coupé and convertible body styles (the coupé and convertible models have been marketed separately as the 2 Series since 2014) as BMW's entry-level cars; a new nameplate was created since the 1 Series is smaller than the contemporary 3 Series despite sharing mechanical components. The 3 Series GT , introduced in 2013,

172-461: A knock sensor, allowing the engine to use different grades of gasoline without engine damage. Another new feature that year was the introduction of central locking doors (on the GLE and Turbo). The long-wheelbase 900 CD was also introduced. Asbestos -free brakes were introduced in 1983, an industry first. The front pads were semi-metallic while the rears were made from silica. The GLE model gained

258-448: A 5-door hatchback. The fourth generation of the 1 Series was officially unveiled on 4 June 2024 and set to commence production later in 2024. Like its predecessor F40 1 Series , the F70 1 Series is based on the front-wheel drive based UKL2 platform and comes solely as a 5-door hatchback. Despite using a different internal codename to its predecessor, the F70 1 Series is a heavy refresh of

344-452: A body kit allowing the car to attain speeds up-to 210 km/h (130 mph). A different grille and a three-spoke steering wheel appeared across all models. The connection between the side strips and the bumpers was changed, Turbo hatchbacks received a black trim piece between the taillights, and the GLi began replacing the twin-carburetted GLs. At the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show a two-door sedan

430-548: A catalytic converter. By 1983, Saab had sold 100,000 turbo-charged cars. At first, Saab used a Garrett T3 turbocharger, which was oil-cooled. From 1988 through 1990, water-cooled T3s were fitted. In 1990, Saab fitted Mitsubishi TE-05 turbochargers in the SPG models only for the US; for other countries, and for the US from 1991, all 900 Turbos were fitted with the TE-05. Also water-cooled,

516-518: A concept car of an official state car . These aspirations were moderately met, although the Finnish government did not actually ever commission Saab to build such a car, the Saab 900CD was favoured as an official executive vehicle by several local municipalities, such as the city of Oulu, and several larger corporations in the wood and paper industry and electronics manufacture industry. It was also used by

602-532: A different car. For many fans of the marque, the 900 (NG) marked the end of Saab's technology-driven design philosophy and, in their view, the beginning of the dilution of the Saab brand. In the mid-1980s, the president of Saab-Scania of America (U.S. importer owned by Saab AB), Robert J. Sinclair , suggested a convertible version to increase sales. The first prototype was built by ASC, American Sunroof Company (now American Specialty Cars ). Similarly, Lynx Motors International Ltd produced two cars, just prior to

688-583: A displacement of more than 2000 cc. In Sweden, the 2.1-16 was introduced in late summer 1991 for the 1992 model year and had 140 PS (103 kW) rather than the 128 PS (94 kW) of the 2.0. The 2.1 was made standard fitment on the naturally aspirated Cabriolet, except in markets where the tax structure did not suit it. Front seats from the 9000 were standard from 1991 on and electronically adjustable units were available as an option. Airbags became available as an option in Europe as well, while there

774-619: A driver's car, the E46/5 received some criticism for its unique headlights and tail-lights which were considered unattractive compared to the rest of the E46 lineup. Transmission options are mostly the same as the equivalent E46 coupe/sedan model. From early 2003, the 325ti was available with a 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission . * Used instead of the N42 engine in countries where vehicles tax charges favour smaller engines. † Used instead of

860-523: A five-speed gearbox, originally only available in the EMS and the Turbo. The four-door 900 sedan was introduced at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show, as a result of pressure from dealers. This introduction corresponded with the phase-out of the old B engine in favor of the lighter H engine. With the introduction of this engine, Saab simplified the model designation on the international markets outside Scandinavia: GL for

946-594: A knock sensor attached to the intake side of the engine block and if knocking of any kind was present, the APC-system would decrease the charge pressure by opening a wastegate , a bypass to the exhaust. This enabled the use of various octane fuels and also made the use of the turbocharger safer for the engine. Some 900 Aeros, Carlssons and Commemorative Editions had special APC controllers in red and black enclosures that provided more boost and increased power to 175 hp (130 kW) or 185 hp (138 kW) without

SECTION 10

#1732791052510

1032-439: A lowered and stiffer suspension. These prototypes were painted a mother of pearl white and had red leather interiors with matching Colorado Red dashboards. Unfortunately, during testing, the colour was found to be too difficult to repair in terms of color, and as such, this color was never offered to the public for sale. Only 29 of these prototype Aero/SPGs were manufactured. The factory retained, and subsequently destroyed, 22 of

1118-582: A model and trademark conflict with GM in English speaking countries and the US. In the UK it was known as the T16S. The Aero/SPG was the first Saab to be delivered with the 160 hp (119 kW; 162 PS) 16-valve turbocharged engine. The most notable difference from the 900 Turbo was the body kit that wrapped around the car and the specialty wheels. The engine was tuned to produced higher output. The SPG also had

1204-765: A more sloped design. To save money, Saab kept the basic undercarriage more or less unchanged throughout the 900's production run. The Saab 900 could be ordered with different options, including a high performance option called the Aero or, as it was known in the U.S. "Special Performance Group" (SPG). The Aero/SPG incorporated (depending on the market and model year) a body skirt; a sport-suspension (1987 onwards) that included shorter, stiffer springs, stiffer shocks, and sway bars; leather seats; premium stereo; and air conditioning. Each of these features could also be ordered independently from Saab's Accessories Catalog for fitment to standard models. Another desirable UK option at this time

1290-602: A new central console, while the decor strips on the bumpers of all models were made wider (necessitating wider trim pieces on the flanks as well). A new luxury package was made available on Turbo models. Model year 1984 saw the introduction of the 16-valve DOHC B202 engine in Europe. With a turbocharger and intercooler, it was rated at 175 PS (129 kW) in the Turbo 16 model (less for catalyst-equipped engines). The Turbo 16 Aero (designated SPG, Special Performance Group in North American Markets) had

1376-449: Is a mid-sized automobile produced by Swedish manufacturer Saab from 1978 until 1998 in two generations: the first from 1978 to 1994, and the second from 1994 to 1998. The first-generation car was based on the Saab 99 chassis, though with a longer front end to meet U.S. frontal crash regulations and to make room for the turbo-charged engines, air conditioning and other equipment that

1462-504: Is mostly similar to the E36 saloon models, apart from the folding rear seats and dashboard which share some elements with the previous generation E30 3 Series . Some cost-cutting was employed in the E36/5 dashboard such as manual air conditioning, compared to the rest of the E36 lineup which had automatic climate control. The E36/5 front suspension uses the E36's MacPherson strut design, while

1548-508: Is not a successor to the 3 Series Compact, despite also using a hatchback rear opening. Launched in March 1994, the E36 3 Series Compact (model code E36/5), was BMW's first hatchback since the 2002 Touring model was discontinued in 1974. It reportedly cost BMW $ 500 million USD to develop the hatchback from the E36 platform. From the front bumper to the A-pillar , the E36/5 is identical to

1634-578: Is powered by the BMW N54 turbocharged inline-six engine and uses a six-speed manual transmission. It was produced in only the coupé body style and is considered the predecessor to the BMW M2 . The second generation of the 1 Series consists of the following body styles: From this generation onwards, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed separately using the BMW 2 Series nameplate. This generation

1720-512: Is the first 1 Series to offer an optional all-wheel drive (called " xDrive " by BMW). The third generation of the 1 Series was released in 2019. Unlike the previous generation F20 1 Series , the F40 1 Series uses a front-wheel drive configuration with an all-wheel drive option, and sharing its platform with the F48 X1 , F39 X2 , 2 Series Gran Coupé , and others. The F40 1 Series is only available as

1806-514: Is very durable. Saab used Bosch -made mechanical K-Jetronic continuous fuel injection in the fuel injected and 8-valve turbocharged versions, and the Bosch LH 2.2, 2.4 and 2.4.2 and Lucas Automotive electronic fuel injection systems were used in the 16-valve versions. The 2.1 L inline-four 16-valve engine used the Bosch LH 2.4.2 EZK electronic ignition system with a knock sensor. 1981

SECTION 20

#1732791052510

1892-711: The F40 1 Series instead of a complete redesign. The 1 Series (F52) is a four-door sedan that began production in 2017 in China. The F52 has been built specifically for the Chinese market by BMW Brilliance , a joint venture between BMW and Brilliance Auto . Unlike other BMW 1 Series cars of the time, it uses the front-wheel drive UKL platform . The F52 was later sold in Mexico in 2018. Production of this model ended in 2023. sales sales sales Saab 900 The Saab 900

1978-662: The 'CD' designation. Very few examples of these early models were exported outside of Finland. After the more representable 4-door sedan was introduced, the CD designation replaced the nickname and the Swedish Saab headquarters started to officially offer the car for export. The 900 CD was made at the Valmet Automotive factory in Uusikaupunki , Finland. At least in the domestic market, the cars were essentially built to

2064-492: The 16-valve intercooled unit. Wheel trims (naturally aspirated cars) and alloys (turbos) were redesigned, and the Turbos also received chromed grilles. The 8-valve turbo received an intercooler for 1986, bringing up power to 155 PS (114 kW), while the 16-valve cars had hydraulic engine mounts. The eight-valve Turbo was also available as a two-door. Side marker lights at the rear of the front fenders were also added, while

2150-504: The 1990 model year. In the spring of 1990 the naturally aspirated 900i 16 Cabriolet was added. A 2.1 L (2,119 cc; 129 cu in) ( B212 ) engine, bored out by 3 mm (0.12 in), was introduced in 1991. This engine was available in the United States until the end of the original 900, but in most of Europe, this engine saw limited availability because of tax regulations in many European countries for engines with

2236-479: The 50th birthday of the German automobile magazine Auto, Motor und Sport , BMW M hand-built one M3 Compact. The car embodied all the technical and optical characteristics of the standard E36 M3, but in the compact body. Quad exhaust tips, Recaro sports seats, four-point seatbelts, an Alcantara steering wheel and gear lever were specific for this model. The E36 Compact received a positive reception, as it retained

2322-599: The 8 valve fuel injected engine. The EMS designation was dropped. In the early 1980s, most 900s were produced in Trollhättan. However, coinciding with the introduction of the 9000, most of the 900's production took place elsewhere. The Valmet plant in Finland, also produced the base models of the 900, a total of 238,898 examples. The plant in Arlöv (now closed), near Malmö, also produced the car. For 1981, all models except for

2408-516: The 900 convertibles, one for each of its United States dealers, as part of the 1988 Dealer Meeting in Sweden. Dubbed the Springtime in Sweden, or "SiS" model, these cars are differentiated by their Aero/SPG-like bodywork and 3-spoke wheels. Each car was painted black, with buffalo grey leather interiors and black convertible roofs. Each car was marked with a special "Springtime in Sweden" emblem that

2494-535: The 9000CD) for sale. Contrary to popular belief, the SIS was not given to the dealers for free. Dealers paid for their own car, the invoice price even reflected the increased cost of the SPG bodywork. Each dealer did, however, receive an Orrefors crystal vase, engraved with the Saab-Scania logo, packed in the trunk when the SIS was delivered stateside as a surprise gift. Some individuals, in an attempt to demonstrate

2580-583: The 900i (900S in North America) as well, while the carbureted engines were dropped. In Europe the eight-valve Turbo dropped out with the 1989 model year, with the limited production 900 T8 Special built to celebrate end of production. 805 were built for Sweden, featuring Aero trim and equipment. The 900i 16 arrived in Europe, with 128 PS (94 kW; 126 hp). Anti-lock brakes were introduced as well, and were standard on Turbo models. High-mounted rear brake lights appeared during 1988, and power of

2666-401: The 900i gained new interior fabrics. The new Saab-Scania badge was introduced, placed in the steering wheel, on the bonnet, and on the bootlid. 1986 also marked the introduction of the 16-valve 900i 16 and 900 convertible, both only for North America initially. A new grille, headlamps , front turn signal lights and "integrated" bumpers freshened the 900's look for 1987, though the sheetmetal

BMW 3 Series Compact - Misplaced Pages Continue

2752-420: The 99 Combi Coupé (which was withdrawn from the lineup at the same time). Later a new rear end was designed for the 2-door and 4-door sedans. Refined over several decades of two-digit Saab models, the 900's double wishbone suspension design provided excellent handling and road feel. The rear suspension comprised a typical beam axle design, stabilized with a Panhard rod . However, the attachment points between

2838-559: The Alfasud, the beam axle itself functioned as a sway-bar, hence separate sway-bars in the rear suspension was not needed. Early models did not have sway bars ; they began appearing on certain models in 1985, and, in U.S. and possibly other markets, became standard on all trim levels by the late 1980s . The sway bars decreased body roll, but at the expense of some ride comfort and when driven aggressively, increased inside wheel spin. The front and rear bars' diameters were unchanged throughout

2924-505: The E36 saloon. From the A-pillar back, the E36/5 is unique. Although the overall length of the E36/5 is approximately 200 millimetres (7.9 in) shorter than the rest of the E36 3 Series range, the length of the wheelbase is the same. The doors with framed windows are unique to the E36/5, rather than adopting those of the E36 saloon/wagon or the frameless ones of the E36 coupé. The interior

3010-537: The E46 coupé. Mechanically, the Compact shares many elements with the rest of the E46 range, however the steering rack has a faster ratio. The E46/5 was not sold in North America as its predecessor didn't prove to be a sales success in that market. The E46/5 was not as successful as the E36/5, even though BMW had fixed many of the E36/5's shortcomings (limited range of engines, rear-seating room). While lauded as

3096-504: The EMS and GLE had Bosch jetronic fuel injection rated 118 PS (87 kW), and the 900 Turbo was rated at 145 PS (107 kW). The only bodywork originally available was the three or five-door hatchback, which was seen as more modern at the time. The EMS was only available with three doors while the automatic-equipped GLE was only offered with five. Saab's model years were generally introduced in August/September of

3182-485: The Finnish government as the official state car of the Prime Minister during The Second Government of Mauno Koivisto between 1979 and 1982. He was particularly fond of its performance as it was equipped with a turbocharged engine, and he could thus out-run his bodyguards’ Saab 900's which were naturally aspirated. In total, 579 cars were built between 1979 and 1986. In 1988, Saab commissioned 288 special models of

3268-449: The GL three-door received a considerable boost in equipment, as well as broader side trims, larger luggage compartments and fuel tanks. The spare tyre was moved to underneath the floor, rather than standing upright in the luggage compartment. A big change for 1982 was the introduction of Saab's Automatic Performance Control (APC), a.k.a. boost controller for the Turbo models. The APC employed

3354-572: The N46 engine in countries where vehicles tax charges favour smaller engines. BMW 1 Series The BMW 1 Series is a range of subcompact executive cars ( C-segment ) manufactured by BMW since 2004. It is the successor to the BMW 3 Series Compact and is currently in its fourth generation. Positioned as the entry-level model in BMW range of products, the first generation was produced in hatchback , coupé and convertible body styles. Since 2014,

3440-600: The Special Edition commanding top dollar in the resale market even today. Production of the 900 "classic" totaled 908,817 units, including 48,888 convertibles. Influenced by then owner General Motors (GM), in 1994 the New Generation (NG) 900 SE, based on the Opel Vectra chassis, was introduced. While this design contained styling cues reminiscent of the classic 900, the 900 (NG) was fundamentally

3526-637: The TE-05 was slightly smaller than the Garrett T3, providing improved throttle response and quicker spool-up. The TE-05's exhaust inlet flange utilizes a Garrett T3 pattern. The Gold special edition was available in the UK in 1981 as the first 900 4-door saloons; these had turbo-spec velour interior finished in either blue or black with gold pinstripes, twin air vent bonnet and fuel gauge showing tank contents in litres. The Tjugofem ( Twenty-five in Swedish ) Saloon introduced to celebrate Saab's 25th year in

BMW 3 Series Compact - Misplaced Pages Continue

3612-598: The UK, called the Saab Turbo Mobil Challenge , sponsored by Saab Great Britain and Mobil . It was run by the BARC . The eight-valve engines were phased out in 1989 and 1990, with the turbo versions having been removed in North American markets by the end of 1984; North American 900S models received the non-turbo 16-valve engine for 1986. A non-turbo 16-valve engine replaced the 8-valve FI unit in

3698-461: The UK. Only 300 units were built. These had the 1,985 cc 8-Valve engine with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. Interior trim was blue turbo velour with a special gear knob with the car's number. Exterior the model was a standard non-turbo apart from alloy wheels, Tjugofem pinstriping and Turbo style rear spoiler. The 900c was built in Uusikaupunki , Finland and in Arlöv , Sweden just outside Malmö,

3784-649: The United States. The failure of the E36 Compact precluded the E46 Compact's entry into the North American market, and prompted BMW to reconfigure the BMW Compact's successor, the BMW 1 Series , from a liftback to a coupe before attempting to market the car in North America again. Similarly, the C-Class SportCoupé had a short sales run in North America and was withdrawn from that market while

3870-703: The all-wheel drive option. The first generation of the 1 Series consists of the following body styles: This generation was produced from 2004 to 2013 and is sometimes collectively referred to as the E8x. The E8x replaced the 3 Series Compact as the entry-level models of the BMW range. All models were rear-wheel drive , which was a rare configuration in the hatchback market segment. The engines available were four-cylinder turbo-diesel, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol, six-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol and six-cylinder turbocharged petrol (the latter only available on coupé and convertible models). The 1 Series M Coupé

3956-539: The axle and chassis made up an unusual configuration that, in essence, consists of two Watt's linkages at either end of the axle: A lower control arm attaches the axle to the bottom of the vehicle, while an upper link attaches at the top but faces towards the rear, unlike a typical four-link design with both lower and upper links facing forward. The design-principle being similar with the rear suspension presented in Alfa Romeo Alfasud already in 1971, except in

4042-454: The buyer’s wishes. The list of optional extras for the CD included a leather interior, reading lights, rear blinds, footrests, and even an in-car telephone. However, due to the cars’ special nature and demanding customer base, the trim and technical specifications of some examples can be unique. The Uusikaupunki factory clearly had high aspirations for the car. Valmet Automotive even developed a prototype of an even longer, seven seat limousine as

4128-505: The car. The car was fitted with the standard Saab grille for the period, but did not feature the miniature "turbo emblem." The SPG suspension was not fitted, and aside from the SPG body fairings and dash emblem, the SIS is identical to a standard 1988 900 Turbo Convertible in the black/gray color combination. The SiS models were sold, one to each dealer, however some dealers used the opportunity to trade their SiS convertible with other dealers in an effort to get other car models (specifically

4214-545: The catalyzed Turbo 16 Aero jumped from 160 to 175 PS (118 to 129 kW; 158 to 173 hp). Larger pinion bearings were fitted to manual gearboxes for 1989 to improve their strength and reliability. For 1990, the eight-valve engine was taken out of production while a low-pressure turbo engine with 145 PS (107 kW; 143 hp) was available in European markets. ABS brakes and driver's side airbags were standardized for all North American market cars beginning with

4300-409: The coupé and convertible models have been marketed separately as the 2 Series , therefore the 1 Series range no longer includes these body styles. A four-door sedan model became available for the Chinese market in 2017, using the front-wheel drive platform that is also used the basis for the third-generation 1 Series hatchback. A high-performance BMW M version called the BMW 1 Series M Coupé

4386-576: The dashboard, black leather piping on the seats and higher-performing engines. Saab introduced a turbocharger in 1978 in its 99 Turbo with the B engine (based on the Triumph Slant-4 engine ). This engine was also used in early 900 Turbo models. For 1981 the B-engine was re-designed as the H engine, which was used through to 1993 (and 1994 cabriolets). Unlike the earlier version, the H-engine

SECTION 50

#1732791052510

4472-407: The door, as seen in automobiles of other manufacturers, thereby preventing water and debris from collecting and possibly entering the cabin or initiating corrosion, as well as enabling passengers to enter and exit the cabin without need to step over several inches of ledge. The 900 underwent minor cosmetic design changes for 1987, including restyled front end and bumpers that went from a vertical to

4558-451: The engine; however, the Mini gearbox and engine shared the same oil, whereas the gearboxes used by Saab contained a separate sump for engine oil. The body was developed from the older 99 model, keeping the basic layout but with a new longer front-end. This allowed for more space in the engine bay and better crash protection for passengers. The middle and rear parts of the body were identical to

4644-592: The first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in the Autumn of 1983. The first prototype generated enormous interest and in April 1984, Saab decided to put the car in production at Valmet Automotive in Finland. The production of the first 900 convertible started during the spring of 1986. The convertible usually had a 16-valve turbocharged engine, with some trim levels equipped with the intercooler, but it

4730-409: The model with the single carburettor, GLs for the models with the twin carburettor engine, GLi as designation for the models with fuel injection without turbo, and correspondingly "Turbo" for the top models with the corresponding engine. The GLE was now offered only as a better equipped four-door Sedan. Model designations in the United States became just 900 for the base model and 900S for the models with

4816-501: The new chassis. The Finlandia was 20 cm (7.9 in) longer than standard, by adding 10 cm (3.9 in) to the front and rear doors, but only the rear leg room was larger. The idea behind the car was to produce an executive car which would appeal to the Nordic market as an option to big German and US sedans. The first cars were sold as the Saab 900 Finlandia. These cars made between 1979 and 1982 were combi coupés, and did not have

4902-402: The official 1986 launch. The Trollhättan design department, headed by Björn Envall , based its version on the 3-door hatchback while the Finnish plant used the sturdier 2-door sedan version, which also looked better and was therefore selected for production. A limited production run was initially planned but due to the high influx of orders, production was extended. The new car was shown for

4988-403: The preceding year. The Turbo had a different grille from the naturally aspirated models, which received a design with a hexagonal central element. For the 1980 model year, all versions received the sleeker turbo-style grille. The 1980 900 also received larger taillights rather than the earlier units shared with the 99, as well as lower, adjustable head restraints. 1980 was also the first year for

5074-423: The production run. The 900 has a deeply curved windshield , improving driver visibility . The dashboard is also curved to enable easy reach of all controls, and featured gauges lit up from the front. Saab engineers placed all controls and gauges in the dashboard according to their frequency of use and/or importance so that the driver need only divert their gaze from the road for the shortest possible time and by

5160-503: The provenance of their vehicles, point to a sticker behind the driver side door card that reads, in part, "AERO" and "CABRIO". This sticker was once affixed to all Saab 900 convertibles and does not designate the vehicle as part of the SiS series. Numerous vehicles are inaccurately listed for sale or referred to as authentic SiS models. There have also been reports of SiS glove box badges being stolen or replicated. One indicator of an authentic SiS

5246-452: The range expanded over the years to include a four-cylinder compressed natural gas engine, four-cylinder diesel engines, and six-cylinder petrol engines. In North America, the sole model available was the 318ti, initially powered by a DOHC 1.8 litre, 138 hp (103 kW; 140 PS) inline-four BMW M42 engine. In 1996, in conjunction with making the car compliant with OBD-II , the M42

SECTION 60

#1732791052510

5332-550: The rear suspension uses a semi-trailing arm from the previous generation E30 models instead of the Z-Axle multi-link suspension used by the rest of the E36 range. The E36/5's rear suspension arrangement - which was also used on the Z3 - was more compact and cheaper to produce. Some reviewers believed that this arrangement caused the E36/5's to be prone to oversteer . The launch models were powered by four-cylinder petrol engines, with

5418-435: The rest of the world, the cars were black with red leather interiors. Production of the SPG was extremely limited and paint color availability varied by year. The final year of production was 1991 in the US. In total, over the course of six years, 7,625 SPGs were built and imported to North America. In the rest of the world, Aeros were equally rare—especially those equipped with leather interiors, A/C and other amenities. The EP

5504-423: The ride/handling compromise of the saloon and coupe, with the Compact being more responsive (due to lighter weight) and more prone to oversteer (due to its different suspension), while also having a practical cargo hold. The pricing was also attractive, as the North American base price of the Compact (318ti) was $ 20,370 USD which undercut the next-cheapest BMW 3 Series (the 318i saloon) by $ 5070 USD. The E36 Compact

5590-450: The saloon/wagon remained available. The total production for 1993 to 1999 (ie excluding 2000, the final year of production) is 371,498. The 3 Series Compact was redesigned using the then-new E46 platform. This updated Compact has the model code E46/5. It was first presented at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show, and went on sale in European markets in June 2001. As per the rest of the E46 range,

5676-408: The smallest angle. This is why, for example, the oft-used radio is placed so high in the dashboard. In keeping with the paradigm of its predecessor, the 99 model, the 900 employed a door design unique in automotive manufacturing, with an undercutting sweep to meet the undercarriage, forming a tight, solid unit when the door was closed. This feature also eliminated the stoop in the cabin at the footing of

5762-402: The wheelbase was increased by 25 mm (1.0 in). The overall length is also increased by 52 mm (2.0 in). The exterior styling has several differences to the rest of the E46 3 Series range, notably the distinctive headlights and tail-lights. There is a unique set of doors with framed windows for the E46/5, rather than adopting those of the E46 saloon/wagon or the frameless ones of

5848-471: The white prototypes. The remaining seven vehicles were employed as press vehicles for the series launch. In 1984, the first year of consumer production, the Aero/SPG was delivered in black and in silver (in markets other than US). In Australia the 1985 models painted in silver colour had a dark red leather interior. In the US, cars painted in black colour were featured tan leather interiors. In Canada and in

5934-434: The window trim was blacked out on all models. For 1988 catalytic converters became available with all fuel injected engines in Europe, all with cruise control as standard equipment to further help lower emissions. A water- and oil-cooled turbocharger (replacing the older oil-cooled unit) was also introduced to improve the unit's durability. In each of the seasons 1987 and 1988, there was a special 'one-make' race series, in

6020-498: Was a late 1980s carburetted model. It used an eight-valve B201 engine with a single carburettor rated at 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) and included power steering as standard equipment. In 1984, Saab introduced a high-performance model known in Europe as the Aero. In North America, the model designation became SPG (Special Performance Group – per Saab USA's own literature – SAAB data correctly refers to it as Sports PacKage) due to

6106-474: Was a special Ecopower model for the Italian market. It uses a 16 valve low pressure turbo (LPT) engine and has a pre-heated catalytic converter. It was sold outside Italy with a 900S badge. In 1977 Saab's Finnish subsidiary Saab-Valmet (Today Valmet Automotive ) had created an elongated executive model of the 99 combi coupé named Finlandia . With the introduction of the 900, the concept was transferred onto

6192-485: Was also an Aero trim of the Cabriolet. The 900 no longer offered the mesh wheels. There was also a change in the door locks, which carried over to the 900NG. For 1992 there were mostly equipment adjustments, with ABS brakes finding their way into most of the lineup everywhere. 1993 brought no changes, and "classic" 900 production ended on 26 March 1993. The final classic convertibles were still sold as 1994 models, with

6278-401: Was also offered in certain markets with a fuel-injected 2.1 L naturally aspirated engine from 1991 onwards. The cabriolet/convertible, was made on the 'classic' chassis for an additional year after the discontinuation of the 900 Classic in 1994. In US and Canadian markets, commemorative versions were produced for 1994 featuring special charcoal metallic "Nova Black" paint, wooden trim for

6364-522: Was also the first year that the Turbo was available with an automatic transmission. The four-speed manual option disappeared after this year. What set the 900 Turbo apart from its turbo-equipped competitors, especially in the early- and mid-1980s, was the development and use of the Automatic Performance Control (APC) boost controller from 1982. The system allowed the engine to run at the limits of engine knocking. The system had

6450-406: Was attached to the lower left of the glove box door. The emblems were all identical and are not serialized. All were Turbo models. Of the 288 built, approximately 4 were automatics and the remaining 284 had 5-speed manual transmissions, per Saab records. Emblems on the exterior body were deleted in the scheme of the SPG, with only the word Saab and the Saab-Scania roundel on the trunk appearing on

6536-599: Was driven over a million miles before being donated to The Wisconsin Automotive Museum. Peter Gilbert claimed a million miles out of the turbocharging unit in addition to the engine itself. Saab gave Mr Gilbert a Saab 9-5 Aero. The 900 in 1979 was available in three versions of the B-engine : The GL had the single-carb 100 PS (73.5 kW) engine, the GLs had twin carburettors rated at 108 PS (79 kW),

6622-495: Was installed "backwards", with power delivered from the crank at the front of the car. Second, the transmission, technically a transaxle , bolted directly to the bottom of the engine to form the oil pan (albeit with separate oil lubrication). Thus, power from the crank would be delivered out of the engine at the front, then transferred down and back to the transmission below, via a set of chain-driven primary gears. In similar fashion, Minis also had their gearbox mounted directly below

6708-505: Was largely unchanged. Several common parts for the 900 and 9000 were introduced for 1988 model year, including brakes and wheel hubs. This also meant that Saab finally abandoned the use of parking brakes which acted on the front wheels. Power steering was added on the 900i. The base 900, available with two or four doors, kept the pre-facelift appearance for 1987. Also new was the carburetted 900c. The Aero model received slightly bigger fender extensions so as to accommodate larger wheels, while

6794-414: Was not available in the early days of the 99 model. The 900 was produced in 2- and 4-door sedan , and 3- and 5-door hatchback configurations and, from 1986, as a cabriolet ( convertible ) model. There were single- and twin- Zenith carburettor ; fuel injected , and turbocharged engines, including Full Pressure Turbo (FPT) and, in European models during the early 1990s, Low Pressure Turbos (LPT). The 900

6880-401: Was originally introduced on 12 May 1978, for the 1979 model year. Sales commenced in the fall of 1978. It has a longitudinally mounted, 45-degree canted, inline four-cylinder engine, double wishbone front suspension and beam-axle rear suspension. Like its predecessor, the 900 contained a number of unusual design features that distinguish it from most other cars. First, the B-engine , that

6966-538: Was popular in its home market in Europe, which prompted rival Mercedes-Benz to include a hatchback style for its C-Class lineup, known as the C-Class SportCoupé . Based on the success of the Saab 900 and Acura Integra , BMW imported the E36 Compact for North America in late 1994 (for the 1995 model year ) but ceased in 1999 after a comparatively short four-year run due to a combination of poor sales, and BMW's decision to phase out all four-cylinder vehicles in

7052-422: Was produced for the first generation. Due to the 1 Series coupé model being replaced by the 2 Series, the 1 Series M Coupé was replaced by the BMW M2 in 2016. For the first two generations, the 1 Series used a rear-wheel drive layout, while all-wheel drive was introduced as an option since 2012. For the third generation introduced in 2019, the 1 Series switched to a front-wheel drive layout, while retaining

7138-545: Was produced from 2011 to 2019 and is often collectively referred to as the F20. The F20/F21 was initially powered by inline-four petrol, inline-four diesel and inline-six petrol engines. In 2015, inline-three petrol and diesel engines were added to the model range. All engines are turbocharged . Unlike most hatchback competitors, the F20/F21 uses rear-wheel drive (rather than front-wheel drive) for most models. The F20/F21

7224-717: Was replaced by the 1.9-litre M44 engine. A large sunroof, covered by a folding canvas roof was available from mid-1995. This model was known as either the California Top Edition or the Open Air Edition . In September 1996 (for model year 1997), the 3 Series Compact received a facelift in line with the remainder of the E36 range. Changes included revised tail-lights, grille, bumpers and mirrors. * Bivalent drive: The 316g can run either on gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG). 75 kW (102 PS) when running on gasoline. In 1996, to celebrate

7310-531: Was shown; it went on sale in January 1984, initially only as a GLi. The 2-door was only ever built at the Valmet plant in Finland. The dual-carburettor model (and "GLs" nomenclature) was discontinued from 1985 onwards. Now, the base 900 had the single-carburettor engine, while the 900i added fuel injection. Two turbocharged models were offered: The 900 Turbo had the 8-valve engine, while the Turbo 16 (also Aero) had

7396-451: Was the fitment of very distinctive Minilite alloy wheels. Initially these had the words 'Minilite' and 'Saab' cast in raised lettering; later cars had similar wheel made by Ronal . Power output varied by model year and market, but 900S and 900 Turbo models produced from 1985 and onward were fitted with a 16-valve engine, while the base 900 models kept the earlier 8-valve engine. A 1989 Saab 900 SPG, owned by Peter Gilbert of Wisconsin,

#509490