[ET160]

I am thinking about changing the 15" wheels on my '99 9-3 to a larger size.


Which would you go with 16" or 17" wheels?

 

[Mort]

http://saabarchive.net/index.php/wheels/wdb
look here for reference ideas.

16 is easy. 205/50/16 is the default tyre size for my 00 9-3 Aero. I have some photos in my garage link of Vikings and my normal aero wheels.

I have an odd note in my manual about going larger than 16 is not advised. Bit odd considering the 2001 9-3 version had 17 Double Y's.
Depends on what style you like if you are sticking with SAAB patterns. The Viking style is available in 16, I don't think it was available in 17.
Do you need to worry about snow/ice?
Do you plan to upgrade your brakes?
Some brakes may not fit/work with 15" if you upgrade.. so you can't go back to 15" rims if you do a brake upgrade.. over a certain size.

 

[Tboy]

17 is my favorite size wheel. You will loose some cushion with a lower profile tire.

 

[ET160]

I see that some 17" wheels are 7" wide some 7.5".


Is 7.5" too wide for my '99 9-3?

 

[Mimmi]

Nope..

 

[Mort]

To expand..

Viggens came with 17x 7.5 (Alu34) - Viggen 5 spoke.

Some 9-3's in 2001 came with 17x7 (Alu36) - Double 'Y'.
So 17 x 7.5 should fit fine.

Depends on what tyres you are looking for also, as your favourite might only be available in 7.5 widths.
Best of luck.

 

[ET160]

I plan to take a look at a scrap yard tomorrow. I will run 205/45/17.

 

[ET160]

Which would be better Klingons:


https://www.allfactorywheels.com/p-25787-aluminum-alloy-wheel-rim-17x7-68198.aspx





or these:


https://www.allfactorywheels.com/p-25801-aluminum-alloy-wheel-rim-17x75-68240.aspx


?

 

[Mort]

You have a 99 9-3.
The first one - 17x7 (68198) I believe is the classic Klingon - but I think technically it's for 9-5's not 9-3. If I'm wrong - I'm sure someone will correct me.

I like this - Its similar to your second choice. Hopefully, you can find a version that's close.

https://www.rbmperformance.com/lng_EN_srub_183_iprod_3071_ClkNbProduitPage_1000000-complete-set-of-4-genuine-saab-wheels-in-17-.html


I'm sure you'll do well. You already have have some good taste - your're driving a SAAB. hehehe.

 

[ET160]

I got two of these:


https://www.allfactorywheels.com/p-25801-aluminum-alloy-wheel-rim-17x75-68240.aspx