The Austrian Job: Mini Launches the Latest Four-Season Convertible
30.01.09
Dynamics are close to the hatchback's. The 17-inch Bridgestone Blizzaks needed for Austria in winter highlight the car's torque steer, feeling squirmier in the transitions and when fighting the wheel. More high-strength steel equals a stiffer chassis and 22 fewer pounds for the body-in-white and far less cowl shake than in the last convertible. Manufacturer's 0-to-60-mph time is 0.3 second slower than the S hatchback's. The rear rollover hoop is now a one-piece design that tucks behind the rear seats unless a sensor detects impending rollover, improving rear visibility over the old car's fixed hoops. So the once-standard backup sensor is optional. The rear cowl's chrome trim can pop up with the top up to allow easier access to the tiny trunk. Side glass is larger and Denim Blue is a new, third power-ragtop color option in addition to black and Chocolate Brown.
All this should increase the Convertible's share from 18 percent of Mini sales in the U.S., its number-one market, without cannibalizing hatchback or Clubman sales. It's the quirky route to success.
Source: MotorTrend Magazine
Can anyone help explain a knocking/banging noise coming from my saab 9-3 convertible?
Nov 15, 2006 by chrisbroadbent2002 | Posted in Safety
There is a knocking/banging/cluncking sound coming from the middle-back of my Saab 9-3 convertible. It happens when you apply the brakes at low speed and then accelerate away (such as coming up to a speed bump, in traffic, coming up to a roundabout etc) or when you pump the brakes at low speed. It doesn't occur at higher speeds. It sounds likes something rolling/ knocking into something else and falling back again. I have recently had the rear brakes and discs changed, the suspension re-torqued and the exhaust rubbers changed. It's still there! You can hear it when you are outside the car also. There is no drop in the performance of the car at all. I am convinced that it is coming from inside the body of the car, underneath the rear seat. I can assure you all that it has nothing to do with someone such as my mother in law being trapped in my boot!! Would appreciate any ideas, as this is getting annoying.
Most likely a loose muffler or a broken hanger on your exhaust. Or the tailpipe is hitting the axle because you have a bad shock or strut
daanzig | Nov 15, 2006
'99 Saab 9-3 convertible top will not go all the way back up?
Jan 30, 2008 by Rlbrnch | Posted in Saab
My Saab 9-3 convertible top will not completely go up. Everything works except the rear window will not go back down, completing the last step. I refilled the hydraulic fluid already. When this happens my truck is also unable to be opened electronically, not sure why. Every other part of the convertible goes back and forth.
I just turned the headlights on and the convertible works correctly now. Why??
The headlight thing is a coincidence.On the top,there are 5 bows that go across the frame.first one at the windshield and the fifth one at the bottom of the back window.On the drivers side behind the quarter glass is the 5th bow microswitch.It is an open/close switch that the system uses to determine where in the cycle the 5th bow is.This switch is a common problem.There are a few switches for different things on the top,but the 5th bow switch is the most common problem.
another problem is the tonneau drive.Its in the trunk on the right side under the top stowage bag.There is a universal joint there that goes bad too.
Could be either one.good luck
charger_sbee | Feb 01, 2008
What year did the Saab 9-3 convertible start having auxiliary audio inputs?
Dec 28, 2008 by dawhitfield | Posted in Saab
I don't actually know that they ever started, but I have a rental car at the moment and it has one, so I figure the 9-3s probably do. I currently have a 2000 9-3 convertible. I'm thinking maybe in a year and a half or so (especially if I do not go to the Wold Cup) I might be ready for an upgrade. Time to start saving for it but I need to know what year to save for!
please give a citation. You won't get best answer without a citation.
I have a 2006 9-3 Aero convertible - it has the factory aux input in the center console -- standard equipment. I've used it and it works like a champ.
Not sure if it was standard in earlier years, but as of 2006 it was. So -- there's a starting point for you.
Hope that helps !!!
Jack
Jack | Dec 31, 2008
