2003+ 9-5 "Sentronic" Transmission

[baco99]

Hey all -

The wife and I are looking at a replacement for the 9k and we're considering a 9-5 wagon. I want a manual, she wants an automatic...So, what are your thoughts on the Sentronic transmission that was used in the Aero from 2003 on? Any issues with the technology? reliability issues? Things to watch for during a test drive? etc...

Thanks!

[Chris 9-5]

I have been in one with a Hirsch 280 bhp upgrade and its still going strong, so I guess they are relaiable.........quite rare I think

[B~P]

baco99...just recognized you from the CEG, i'm BP over there...small e-world.

anyways, i have the sentronic auto in my '03 aero and it works very well, especially in sport mode where transmission and turbo are much more responsive to pedal input. imo it should actually be the default driving mode. in normal (granny) mode the gear kickdowns and throttle response is very lazy and increases the sense of turbo lag. make sure you press the S button on the shifter right after you put the car in drive, most of us do that out of habit now.

the manual function is nice and having the paddles on the steering wheel works, except if trying to change gears in the middle of a turn where your thumbs may not be aligned with the paddles. there is a slight delay when shifting manually via the paddles but that's to be expected. i rarely use manual mode, but when i do it's mostly for holding a gear or selecting a lower gear in advance to keep the rpms up for passing/merging. the trans will not shift up if you leave it in gear and forget to shift, it will hit the limiter. it does kick down if you're in 4th or 5th and goose the pedal.

in general the 5 speed auto seems to be very reliable, maybe slightly more so than the mtx. some feel the auto's gearing is better matched for the power band than manual but that's subjective.

there have been some software updates that improve shifting related to response, but i'm not sure of which years/vins are affected. should be easy to find out by calling saab. haven't had anything done to mine and wouldn't change a thing. as usual check the condition of the ATF and look out for tell tale signs of bad maintenance. a properly maintained auto should not exhibit rough or jerky shifting or feel like it's slipping gears, everything should be smooth.

good luck!

[aeropilot]

Originally Posted by B~P

it does kick down if you're in 4th or 5th and goose the pedal.

What when your in M+ mode.....

Mine won't do that, kick-down only happens when in auto...?

The Sentronic is OK, but it's not an VAG DSG gearbox by any stretch. However, it does OK. I find that the variations of all the modes covers most bases really.

Almost all the time for normal driving normal D is perfectly adequate. The 'S' button is very usefull I find in town more than the open road. The extra response is very usefull for quick getaways and lane-changing in dense traffic.

For the open road the M+ manual mode is not perfect but competent enough. As said, if using on twistier roads, the paddle accessibilty can sometimes be a bit awkward. The box is programmed to change down automatically below certain road speeds, which I do find annoying sometimes. I find the manual mode usefull on motorway (freeways) as it means you can use the torque of the engine to accelerate rather than being in auto mode and kick down engaging which I find annoying.

For me the one big limitation of the auto and Sentronic is that I can't fit a Quaife ATB LSD to the car......

The 5-speed auto is plenty strong enough, and don't be alarmed if at a slow speed on a light trailing trottle you feel a noticable jerk, it's normal and only happens at certain throttle/speed conditions.

[B~P]

Originally Posted by aeropilot

What when your in M+ mode.....

Mine won't do that...

mine does. when in M mode cruising in 5th around 40 mph the car will automatically downshift if i give it gas, just as mentioned in my03 owner's manual.

Originally Posted by aeropilot

The Sentronic is OK, but it's not an VAG DSG gearbox by any stretch.

very true, it's ok but don't expect M5 SMG instantaneous shifts from the sentronic.

Originally Posted by aeropilot

However, it does OK. I find that the variations of all the modes covers most bases really.

agreed.

[kenmat]

I had the software update done to my 03. I asked for it at the three year scheduled maintenance after seeing it mentioned on one of the boards. The transmission is much more responsive now. I am now very impressed with the 5-speed auto.

[peterchurch]

cheers so what type of box do I need to ask for ? Saabs site only alows auto/ manual as preferences...

[PaulHumpage]

Originally Posted by peterchurch

cheers so what type of box do I need to ask for ? Saabs site only alows auto/ manual as preferences...

If you go to

http://www.saab.co.uk/main/GB/en/mod...N/fc_all.shtml

and scroll down to Performance it offers the autobox or sentronic auto as options with more info if you click on it.

Regards
Paul

[peterchurch]

Originally Posted by PaulHumpage

If you go to

http://www.saab.co.uk/main/GB/en/mod...N/fc_all.shtml

and scroll down to Performance it offers the autobox or sentronic auto as options with more info if you click on it.

Regards
Paul

Ok so by the look of it. if I go for an Aero Hot then if its auto it has it any of the other cars I will need to check.

Thanks