Saab knee test

"Slant6" (slant-6)
06/20/2014 at 10:29 • Filed to: KNEE TEST, will it knee

Your knee would never be able to get over there normally, but if it does, and the handbrake isn't in the way (up) then yes, you can turn the car off with your knee.

This means 14 years later Saabs are still the safest cars out there. Funny part is that GM made them.

DISCUSSION (63)

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 10:33

Sweet CB.

MK6GTI-now with added Miata > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 11:20

mmmmm...manual 9-5 wagon. I never see these anymore.

Kate's Dirty Sister > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 11:23

But your kid, or a passenger can turn it off, inadvertently or not . Thank god cars have evolved and those ignition switches are a thing of the past.

Kinja'd!!!

Sky Blue > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 11:26

I'd be more concerned with - Will it start??

Fuel_of_Satan > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 11:28

You win today's internets!

It looks to me like you might be able to hit the central locking button with your knee though, not good in case of an accident!

gzdesign > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 11:29

Hmm...I'm sure there's still a wide demographic group out there that still has an issue with that AND buys 14-year old, now discontinued swedish cars

Kinja'd!!!

Case in point: This lad here may be the proud owner of a 9-3 Viggen. Happens all the time.

oldestyoungn > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 11:35

Add the "Will It Knee" tag.

FOR HISTORY

TheSaabguy > Kate's Dirty Sister
06/20/2014 at 11:37

As someone who has had numerous children and passangers with a varying ranges of competence and thinking skills, I can assure you, not going to happen.

caddyshack > Sky Blue
06/20/2014 at 11:41

Bingo.

sita1 > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 11:42

Instructions unclear, got my schlum trapped in sunroof

Kenny Baese > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 11:44

For someone with legs as long as mine my knees get levered in behind the steering wheel and stay there for the entire time I'm driving. It's basically impossible for me to get them anywhere else. Then again, I've never owned a car with a telescoping steering wheel before, so that could change in the future. One can hope.

bryan40oop > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 11:46

"Funny part is that GM made them."

No, no they did not. You will find no GM with this design. Dumbass.

duurtlang > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 11:51

Inspired by this post I tried it with my Peugeot 406 Coupe. Apparently it's either well designed or my legs are too short. I'm voting for the former.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Sam > Kenny Baese
06/20/2014 at 11:54

Trust me, telescoping wheels are really as good as you imagine them to be. Especially power ones.

Sam > bryan40oop
06/20/2014 at 11:57

You mean the GM2900 platform that the 9-5 was based on, which GM introduced in 1988, was NOT in fact made by GM?

If you're gonna be a Snaab, at least do your research.

flopidiflop > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 11:58

Well...I can try...but I don´t think my car will knee.

Pic similar but not mine

Kinja'd!!!

EL_ULY > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 11:59

LOL!!!

Kenny Baese > Sam
06/20/2014 at 11:59

I mostly want one so I can have my seat back far enough that my legs aren't super folded up, but I don't have to steer with my arms straight out. The one in the Honda Fit I drove once wasn't too bad.

mallthus > bryan40oop
06/20/2014 at 12:00

Actually you will. It's the GM2900 platform shared with the Vectra. One of the reasons (many) that Saab failed to make money was the fact that Trollhattan made massive changes to the platform, but its bones are, in fact, pure GM.

Maxzillian > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 12:04

I'd rather have the cup holder that would go there if the key wasn't placed in such a wasted spot.

Garrett Davis > bryan40oop
06/20/2014 at 12:06

Kinja'd!!!

Garrett Davis > Sky Blue
06/20/2014 at 12:06

Watch the video.

mister-turnip > Maxzillian
06/20/2014 at 12:11

There is a cupholder in the center console (not visible in this video).

Sky Blue > Garrett Davis
06/20/2014 at 12:14

I did, but he mentioned "will it knee?"

Since it's a Saab...i'd be more concerned with "Will it start?"

Maxzillian > mister-turnip
06/20/2014 at 12:21

MORE CUPHOLDERS!

Seriously though, thanks for the education. :)

albo > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 12:24

To paraphrase P.J. O'Rourke, we can solve all knee-related unintended ignition problems by mounting the switch in a safer place, perhaps on a pole along the side of the highway.

Laurel D. Henderson > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 12:32

Start working at home with Google! It's by-far the best job I've had. Last Wednesday I got a brand new BMW since getting a check for $6474 this - 4 weeks past. I began this 8-months ago and immediately was bringing home at least $77 per hour. I work through this link, go to tech tab for work detail http://www.jobs700.com

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > bryan40oop
06/20/2014 at 12:44

Incorrectamundo! This Saab 9-5 sits on the GM2900 platform, as did many other cars. Would you like a list?

Chevrolet Vectra A.

Chevrolet Vectra B.

Holden Calibra.

Holden Vectra.

Opel Calibra.

Opel Vectra A.

Opel Vectra B.

Saab 900.

Saab 9-5. <- hint hint

Saturn L-Series.

Vauxhall Calibra.

Vauxhall Cavalier MK3

Vauxhall Vectra.

Quite GM if I say so myself.

GreenN_Gold > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 12:49

I actually spent a few brief seconds yesterday staring at my column mounted ignition and wondering, "Will it knee?" My conclusion is no. I'd have to be doing some very weird and unnatural contortions to hit the key with my knee.

damnthisburnershitsux > Sam
06/20/2014 at 13:16

Saab 9-5 was not a real saab, anything after the 9000 was not a real saab to any snaab worth their wasp heritage

damnthisburnershitsux > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
06/20/2014 at 13:16

Saab 9-5 was not a real saab, anything after the 9000 was not a real saab to any snaab worth their wasp heritage

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > damnthisburnershitsux
06/20/2014 at 13:19

ok.

GreeneHornet > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 13:40

Never had the knee problem with my 9-3 Victor/Vector/Victor. Starting wasn't a problem either, but the engine suddenly stopping? Yes, yes it did...several times. But in it's defense I think it was just pissed off it had to share the same oil filter as a Cavalier.

JobsSucked22 > bryan40oop
06/20/2014 at 13:45

You just got served.

Dipshit

JobsSucked22 > bryan40oop
06/20/2014 at 13:50

How does it feel to have made an ass of yourself in front tens of thousands of people?

You must be some dumbass Saab owner.

RazorGP > bryan40oop
06/20/2014 at 13:56

SAAB did everything it wanted to with the car. It was a GM in the platform only. They then reinforced everything and redid all electrics and prettymuch revised the full thing.

mtdrift > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 14:10

Yeah, but as former Saabista, the question is: will it coffee? Or will that ignition switch need to be replaced twice?

Kinja'd!!!

bryan40oop > JobsSucked22
06/20/2014 at 14:27

How many times do you have to comment to yourself? You narcissistic twat

bryan40oop > Sam
06/20/2014 at 14:30

They only major component they shared was the platform design. The engine, trans, wheels, axles, seats, electronics, for fuck sake the whole god damn vehicle minus the platform, which of was not the exact same as they GM2900 used in chevy, pontiac, buick, etc. No, i do not own a saab. Nor do i have a fondness of them. So if you're gonna be a dick, at least do your research.

JobsSucked22 > bryan40oop
06/20/2014 at 14:33

Many MANY times, you pompous ass-hat. Looks like a nerve has been struck.

At what point did it enter your head that GM didn't make them?!

And at what point did it seem like a good idea to say "dumbass" when you were completely wrong?

PRBot II > Sky Blue
06/20/2014 at 14:53

It started.

Source: Video

Sky Blue > PRBot II
06/20/2014 at 14:58

Most don't

pyramidofgreatness > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 15:09

GM didn't make them. They owned them, and ruined them, then sold them.

Now they're gone...JUST like GM should be.

Nintondo-San > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 15:32

This "knee off" ignition shit is retarded.

Go get in nearly any car in the entire world, and bump the key with your knee a few times. If you get it at the right angle...

THE IGNITION WILL TURN OFF.

It isn't rocket science. It happens in my '95 Miata, it can happen in an Escape I drove a few weeks back, and it can happen in my mom's Camry.

Sure it takes more effort in some cars than others, but if you aren't a total fat-ass, mentally incompetent, or like to sue restaurants because there coffee is too hot, it shouldn't be an issue.

Lawanda S. Robinson > Slant6
06/20/2014 at 15:36

http://www.jobs700.com

PRBot II > Sky Blue
06/20/2014 at 15:50

"Most don't"

Source: Emotions

Garrett Davis > bryan40oop
06/20/2014 at 15:54

Do you remember saying this:

"No, no they did not. You will find no GM with this design. Dumbass."

No need to get mad when people point out that, yes actually you will find GM in that design. People would have been a lot nicer to you if you hadn't included the Dumbass part as well. That on top of you being wrong is just asking to be flamed.

Also, lets pick apart more of your argument since you still have done no research.

Engines: Yes, there were some Saab designed engines early on (which became the bain of GM's existence due to unreliability), but then they added GM Ecotec engines in 2002, and from '99 to '03 had GM's 54° V6 turbo.

Transmissions:

Aisin 50-40LE which was also in the Cavalier, Vectra, Astra and Calibra.

Aisin AF33 which was in a ton of GMs, anywhere from the Equinox to the Vectra and even the Pontiac Torrent (as well as a few Volvos)

Saab F35 which is the only Saab designed trans this car received, but also made its way into Saturns, Chevys, and various Opels.

So they really did use a whole lot more than a modified platform, and mostly after they filtered out some left over engines and transmission after a while. Seriously, the F35 trans was designed in 1984. Also, stop discounting the amount of importance that using a whole platform is. Seriously, the chassis is an extremely expensive and difficult thing to design. Why do you think OEMs reuse them so much?

It's OK to be wrong, just don't be a dick about it.

bryan40oop > JobsSucked22
06/20/2014 at 18:01

well, specifically the point when you realize they were built in Sweden, in a Saab production facility. You know, where Saab is. Built by Saab employees. Dumbass.

bryan40oop > Garrett Davis
06/20/2014 at 18:27

I drive a cobalt one time, felt nothing like Saab. This makes no since, their so alike!

Basically what I'm getting at, this platform gm2900 was never used in a GM vehicle inside the U.S. unless of course you bought a ..... *gasp* a Saab! GM virtually has no existence outside the U.S. apart from owning other auto manufacturers. The GM designers in the U.S. are not the same people as opel, Vauxhall, Holden, & Saab use. This is the reason why it is unfair and unjust to label this key design as gm influenced, because it's not. Saab, Opel, Holden, Vauxhall in most cases are so different from any Chevy, Buick, old's, Pontiac even if they do share a common platform you'll find many parts are not interchangeable. Because of the makes requirements, market demands, manufacturing process, and parts supply logistics. Like Toyota and Lexus. Yeah they are both in the Toyota family, but they have different design, engineering, marketing , and management. Because Lexus's demograp is not the same as the Toyota. Their customers have different needs/wants.

P.S. how many God Damn Chevrolets, Buicks, or Cadillacs do you see with the ignition in the center console?

JobsSucked22 > bryan40oop
06/20/2014 at 18:57

GM platform. dumbass.

00Viggen00 > bryan40oop
06/20/2014 at 19:08

Your OP was technically incorrect as a shared platform was used if not a bit more. Saab used Triumph and Ford engines back in the day so I'm not sure why people argue one way or the other over recent models. I guess those two-strokes and slant V-4's aren't Saabs either? They've used shared parts/platforms for, well, forever and usually built an exponentially better end result.

I consider each one I've owned to be one without question. My current for 14 years was built in Finland and it's as much Saab as was my SPG.

Where is the line drawn that a car can't be considered a manufacturer's own build?

Textured Soy Protein > bryan40oop
06/20/2014 at 20:06

"The platform design" is a pretty major component. But that aside, you're just wrong.

Here, I did some research. From Wikipedia (GM bits bolded by me):

The first-generation 9-5 was powered by Saab's B205 and B235 straight-4 engines , and from 2002 in Europe by an Opel Ecotec X22DTH 2.2 diesel engine (Saab D223L) , replaced in 2006 by Fiat's 1.9 JTD 16V diesel straight-4 . A turbocharged version of the GM 54° V6 , designated by Saab as B308 , had a unique asymmetrical low-pressure turbocharger and was available from 1999 to 2003. This engine was available only with an automatic transmission, and cars with this engine installed are distinguishable by their twin tailpipes. The V6 was only available on Arc, SE, and Griffin models. In 2004, the V6 engine was replaced by a high pressure turbo straight-4 engine producing 220 hp (160 kW). By 2006 this engine was producing 260 hp (190 kW) even in the non-Aero or non-sport models (US models).

So yeah, multiple GM engines. But go ahead with your trolling.

00Viggen00 > Sky Blue
06/21/2014 at 00:34

Yeah, one time mine didn't. Battery heat-soak because I forgot to wrap the cover back on it. Their engine compartments get extremely hot. I can only blame myself.

pandachum > bryan40oop
06/21/2014 at 02:21

Would somebody please show this guy the door?

saabstory | fixes bikes, breaks cars > Slant6
06/21/2014 at 21:23

Haha, I was about to post my review/WIK of this... sshooot

saabstory | fixes bikes, breaks cars > Sam
06/21/2014 at 21:24

I support your comment more than a recommendation can represent.

Storz > Slant6
06/22/2014 at 08:56

another manual wagon! That car is identical to mine, rare breed!

Sky Blue > 00Viggen00
06/23/2014 at 07:36

I'd say Saab is partially to blame for that too. My Ford doesn't do that.

bryan40oop > pandachum
06/24/2014 at 15:05

The door to the Saab factory in sweden where this car was built? Or a door to a GM factory where this car was not built?

bryan40oop > Textured Soy Protein
06/24/2014 at 16:57

"The platform design" is a pretty major component"

Once again, they shared the same platform "design" basics. But Saab has changed the platform so much that it's virtually another platform all together. Many parts are not interchangeable due to the extend of changes made by saab. Don't believe me? Get your hands on Mitchell's or All-data and look at the corresponding repair guide lines and parts cross section by part numbers yourself.

bryan40oop > JobsSucked22
06/24/2014 at 17:16

A GM platform changed by Saab so much that the dimensions were completely different than the vauxhall, opel, and saturn equivalents. Front track, width, length, height, etc etc. They were more than just a badge engineered saturn as you're leading others to believe. And again, i'm not a saab fan. Wouldn't own one, not my cup of beer.

Textured Soy Protein > bryan40oop
06/24/2014 at 18:02

I don't have the energy for this crap.

Kinja'd!!!

tehkav > Sky Blue
06/28/2014 at 16:43

Most modern Saabs are pretty good about starting consistently. It's what happens afterward that you have to worry about.