Saab is a Swedish automaker known for producing high-quality and reliable vehicles. If you own a Saab, it’s important to be familiar with the various components and parts that make up your vehicle, including the gearbox. The Saab gearbox is responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move forward or backward. To identify your Saab gearbox, you’ll need to know its unique gearbox number.
What is a Saab Gearbox Number?
A Saab gearbox number is a unique identifier assigned to each gearbox that is manufactured for use in Saab vehicles. This number is used to identify the specific gearbox and is important when ordering replacement parts or performing maintenance on the gearbox.
Location of the Saab Gearbox Number
The location of the Saab gearbox number can vary depending on the model and year of the vehicle, but it is typically located on the gearbox casing itself.
In some Saab models, the gearbox number can be found on the upper left-hand side of the gearbox casing, just above the oil pan. This location is typically visible from the engine compartment and can be accessed with the gearbox in place.
In other models, the gearbox number may be located on the side of the gearbox casing or on a separate tag or plate that is attached to the gearbox. This location may require removal of the gearbox or other components to access.
Model SAAB 9-3

5= Gearbox Number
MY 1998-2003
Model SAAB 9-5

Model SAAB 9-3 Sport

5= Gearbox Number
Sedan from MY 2003
Convertible from MY 2004
Sport Estate MY 2006
Cadillac BLS MY 2006-

Close-up:

Upper flank of the gearbox casing
In general, the Saab gearbox number will be stamped or etched onto the casing in a clearly visible location. It may be necessary to clean the area around the number to make it more legible.
Form and Appearance of the Saab Gearbox Number
The form and appearance of the Saab gearbox number can vary depending on the year and location of manufacture, as well as the specific model and type of gearbox.
In general, the Saab gearbox number will consist of a combination of letters and numbers, and may be several digits in length. The number is typically stamped or etched onto the gearbox casing itself, and may be located in a visible location or hidden under components or other parts.
The format of the Saab gearbox number can provide information about the age and specifications of the gearbox, including the model year, production date, and type of gearbox. The number may also include information about the specific manufacturer or production location.
Saab gearbox numbers can vary depending on the model and year of the vehicle. Here are a few common formats:
- The Saab 900 gearbox number typically starts with the letters “FA” followed by a four-digit number, such as FA4562.
- The Saab 9-3 gearbox number typically starts with the letters “F25” followed by a four-digit number, such as F2562.
- The Saab 9-5 gearbox number typically starts with the letters “F35” followed by a four-digit number, such as F3562.
Model SAAB 9-3 – 2003 and Model SAAB 9-5
Automatic transmission
The outlined data fields can be used to determine the Saab VIN Number.
Type and serial number: The 5th character of the overall number should be ignored.
Here: 01KW13002


Manual transmission
Type and serial number: The outlined data fields can be used to determine the VIN.


The SAAB 9-3 Sport Saloon , the 9-3 Convertible and the 9-3 Sport Estate
Automatic Transmission, FA 57, 5-speed, Sentronic
Type and serial number: The outlined data fields can be used to determine the Saab VIN.
N.B: The 5th character of the overall number should be ignored.


AF 40, 6-speed automatic transmission, Sentronic
Type and serial number: The outlined data fields can be used to determine the VIN.


FM, 5-speed manual transmission
Type and serial number: The outlined data fields can be used to determine the VIN.


FM 57, 5-speed manual transmission
Type and serial number: The outlined data fields can be used to determine the Vehicle Identification Number.


FM 67, 6-speed manual transmission

Type and serial number

F 40, 6-speed manual transmission

Type

Serial number

FM 6A, 6-speed manual transmission

Serial number

FM 17 (GME) manual transmission

The Saab gearbox number stamped onto the housing cannot be used to deduce the VIN. It merely shows the type and the date of production.


The Saab gearbox number stamped onto the housing cannot be used to deduce the VIN. It merely shows the type and the date of production.
Saab gearbox numbers can vary in appearance depending on the method of marking used during production. Some numbers may be stamped using metal punches, while others may be etched using a chemical or laser process. The number may be deep or shallow, and may be filled in with paint or left plain.
It is important to note that the appearance of the Saab gearbox number can vary widely depending on the specific model and year of the vehicle, as well as the type of gearbox. It is recommended to consult a Saab service manual or contact a qualified Saab mechanic for assistance in identifying and interpreting the gearbox number.
The Importance Of the Saab Gearbox Number
Saab gearbox numbers are important for several reasons. Firstly, the gearbox number can be used to identify the specific type and model of gearbox that is installed in a particular Saab vehicle. This information is important for ordering replacement parts and ensuring that the correct parts are installed during repairs and maintenance.
In addition, Saab gearbox numbers can provide valuable information about the age, condition, and specifications of the gearbox. This information can be used to determine when the gearbox was manufactured, what type of oil or lubricant is recommended for use, and what specific components may be required for repairs or upgrades.
Saab gearbox numbers can also be used to verify the authenticity and originality of a particular Saab vehicle. By checking the gearbox number against factory records and production codes, it is possible to confirm that the vehicle is equipped with its original gearbox and that it has not been replaced with a different model or type.
Decode of the Saab Gearbox Number
Saab Gearboxes
F | M | 5 | 7 | 5 | 03 | A12345 or 00BW123456 |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
1 | = | Mode of driving A = Four-wheel drive (AWD) F = Front-wheel drive (FWD) | ||||||||||
2 | = | Transmission type A = Automatic transmission C = Manual transmission with ACS M = Manual transmission | ||||||||||
3 | = | Number of gears 4 = 4-speed gearbox 5 = 5-speed gearbox 6 = 6-speed gearbox | ||||||||||
4 | = | Gear ratio | ||||||||||
Code | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | A | |
Gear ratio | 3,2 | 3,1 | 3,0 | 2,9 | 2,8 | 2,7 | 2,6 | 2,5 | 2,4 | 2,3 | 2,2 | |
5 | = | Fit to engine / vehicle The SAAB 9-3 Sport Saloon from MY 2003, the 9-3 Convertible from MY 2004 and the 9-3 Sport Estate MY 2006 – 1 = manual transmission for the B207E, B207L, B207R, B207S, B284E and B284L engines 2 =automatic transmission for the B207E, B207L, B207R,B207S, B284E and B284L engines 3 = manual transmission for the D223L engine SAAB 9-3 MY 1998 – 2003 5 = manual transmission for the B205E and B205R engines 8 = automatic transmission for the B205E and B205R SAAB 9-5 A = automatic transmission for the B205E, B235E and B308E engines B = manual transmission for the B205E, B235E,B235L, B235R, D308L engines and Z1.9DTH C = automatic transmission for the B235L and B235R engines D = automatic transmission for the D223L and Z1.9DTH engines | ||||||||||
6 | = | An internal designation for the production and spare parts check | ||||||||||
7 | = | Serial number Manual gearbox: 6 characters, one letter and 5 numbers Automatic transmission 9 or 10 characters, beginning with a double digit production year, followed by the month of production in the manner set out below: A: January B: February C: March D: April E: May F: June G: July H: August J: September K: October L: November M: December followed by the number of gears: W = 4-speed and V = 5-speed gearboxes The final 5 or 6 characters stand for the serial number of the month. Example: 02BW123456. |
General Motors gear boxes
gear box type F 17 (fitting to engine Z18XE)
A | 067 | 3 | 1 | F17 | C | 394 |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
1 | = | Assembly Plant A = Aspern B = Bochum |
2 | = | Day vehicle manufactured In the example, the 067th day of the year (08 March) |
3 | = | Year of manufacture Location on the Saab Model 9-3 MY 1998-2003 |
4 | = | Shift 1 = Early shift 2 = Late shift |
5 | = | Transmission type F17 = manual transmission – FWD – 170 Nm torque F406 = manual transmission / Front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive / 6-speed AF406 = automatic transmission / Front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive / 6-speed |
6 | = | Gearbox code W = wide ratio C = close ratio E = wide ratio (Eco) |
7 | = | Gear ratio 3,94 |
The Saab gearbox numbers on the F40 and AF40 transmissions (fitted onto the Z19DT and Z19DTH GM engines) are not usable for enquiry purposes at the moment.
Saab gearbox numbers are a critical component in identifying and maintaining your Saab vehicle. By understanding how to locate and decode your gearbox number, you can ensure that you have the right parts and information to keep your Saab running smoothly. Whether you’re a Saab enthusiast or simply a proud owner, knowing your Saab gearbox number is a valuable piece of information that can save you time and money in the long run.