I am getting close to buying a new car. After owning two SUVs, I lust for a car... a fast car. In the running is a Saab 9-3 Viggen, Audi S4, and BMW 330xi. I am leaning most toward the Saab since I love it's styling.

The problem is the factory stereo. AFAIK, it is oversized. Not quite Double DIN and too big for GM size. Crutchfield offers a fitting kit for recent Saab 9-3 SE models, but only supporting this trim makes me wonder. It is my understanding that the 9-3 SE comes with a single DIN stereo. So, replacement on the SE should be trivial.

I would like to hear from anyone who has done, or even seen an aftermarket stereo in a 9-3 (non SE) or 9-3 Viggen. I suppose something custom would have to be made for the odd sized opening. I also wonder about actually getting the an Empeg to interface with the electronics of the car. Apparently the car has it's own bus like a LAN that everything communicates over, including the original stereo.

If anyone has insight, please post. Thanks.

I don't really have any experience, but I thought I'd do some searching because I'm bored. So far the best thing I've seen is this dash kit -- the one at the bottom of the page, not the styrofoam block at the top. Unfortunately, I can't find any reference for it. You might be able to email the Craig guy that posted it. Maybe he has some more info.

I test drove both the Saab and the S4, and the Saab lost big time. The Saab couldn't corner to save it's life.

Just my .02.

- Jon

Hey man, thanks for that link. I've been on Saabnet, but didn't see this page. I will contact this guy for further info on the professional dash kit.

I also recently saw on newsgroups that the Saab uses an ISO connector... like the one the Empeg comes with, so hooking it up shouldn't be a problem.

Test drive is the next step. I don't want to fall in love with any car I am not ready to purchase. That would make the wait much too difficult.

As for S4 vs. Viggen... As far as style goes, the Viggen wins by a landslide. My mom drives an A4, and the S4 would get mistaken for that underachiever. I rarely see Saabs around here and when I do, they are never Viggens. In fact, I've never seen a Viggen on the road. That is part of the appeal.

Thanks for the $.02.

I contacted that guy. he got back to me very promptly. The message was very informative as it referenced his email conversation with a UK Saab dealer that has the kit. I will quote that part for anyone else that is interested now or in the future. If you want the whole thing, email me.

Craig also said that his dealer in the US has this part number. And, although it is meant for Saab 900, it should work in 9-3's.

In reply to:

---

Turner's Hill Saab wrote:

Dear Ben,

I have attached a parts picture of the 900 dash front, I think the part you
need is number 32 storage pocket 4616660, if you are fitting a standard DIN
size radio (NOT FACTORY TYPE RADIO) you will also need mounting kit
400101796.

We keep both parts in stock, 4616660 price ?5.44 and 400101796 ?4.94, if
you would like to order please go to our shop site and use additional
products under the parts department page and key in the part numbers etc in
the additional info box.

If these are not what you want please get back to me.

Regards,

Mark Wells.
Parts Department.

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Turner's Hill Saab website

Did you go through and get a Saab? If so, how did the install go? I have a 9-3 SE that I am interested in putting an Empeg in.

The Saab will (should) be here this month. I will hopefully have the empeg installed within the first week.

I currently have the OEM Saab dash pocket and DIN mounting bracket. I got them from Turner's Hill Saab in England. I also had to get the Autoleads Saab steering wheel to Sony Stalk converter from England. Now all I need is the car...

I just fixed the broken link to the image a couple posts up. As a side note, my dealer in the US was able to get the dash pocket but it was a different part number (so he says) and was unable to get the DIN bracket at all.

I test drove a 9-3 Viggen a few weeks ago and boy, that thing is a rocket sled. :-D

Calvin

I would like to get my Empeg installed into my 9-3SE and can't wait to read about your experiences. I have hope to take a look inside the dash to see exactly what's back there some time soon, although I have a pretty good idea from schematics I have seen. Did you end up ordering a Viggen or one of the "lesser" 9-3s?

I have found good power from the 9-3SE, though not as good as in my 330i. Can't get the Empeg into the 330i, unfortunately, and have to make do with a custom SSI Neo 25 install. Works pretty well, but I miss the a lot of the Empeg functionality.

Is the Sony stalk converter link you posted capable of talking to the Empeg directly or do I need to load Hijack on to get that functionality working correctly.

The converter I linked to requires a tuner module, but not Hijack. If you can find a sony stalk to serial converter, you may be able to use it that way also.

I got the Viggen, hence the wait.

I finally did it. I got my RIO installed into my 1999 SAAB 9-5 SE. I put it in the glove box, and connected it to the factory stereo via FM modulator. I drilled a small hole inside the glove box, and ran the wires thru to the side of where the radio is mounted. It works great! And for my ears, the FM mod sound is just fine.