How do i ID a car by only its VRN?

[davidtrainor]

Hello and thankyou before hand for any help provided. I have bought a 1998 Saab 9-5 and am unsure as to its power as there are so many variants of the 2.3 turbo from the normal spec 175 bhp to the aero hot 210 bhp. There are no indications on the vehicle or the documents included and i was hoping there is something on the internet with regards to finding out exactly what model it is.

cheers

[klimakool]

there is an engine cover on saabs that i believe depending on how it has been styled can tell you. also try plugging your reg into www.livingstonautoparts.co.uk their uplink to the vehicle database give power output for most 1996 on cars

[frosted]

Or try getting a insurance qoute , that will bring up bhp, seats , doors , colour , year of manufacture etc ...

[davidtrainor]

yeah i tried the livingston auto parts but it did not give the bhp but thanks anyway it looks a good site.

[Crusoe]

dvla one should give you the CO2 output for road tax, might be different on the more powerful version.


http://www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk/EvlPortalApp/appl...

Edited by Crusoe on Wednesday 7th April 10:49

[davidtrainor]

yeah am more after the bhp as it can be either 175, 185 or 210 but am just curious etc. also if i wanted to up it to 210 bhp would i need to slap the aero hot model turbo on it or just increase the boost on this one. might have termed that wrong.

[NiceCupOfTea]

I don't know if you can tell by hooking it up to Tech II (diagnostic computer that any dealer / specialist will have).

Best bet will be asking on UKSaabs.co.uk - I am sure they will be able to tell you. Do you have a boost gauge on the dash? Do you have an intercooler?

[davidtrainor]

No there is no boost gauge but all the 9-5's were turbo. i am sure it's not the hot 210 bhp model but am curios as to whether it is the 175 nhp or 185 bhp but am a bit stumped at the mo.

[paoloh]

I thought the higher output had boost gauge and lower one didn't.

[NiceCupOfTea]

paoloh said:

I thought the higher output had boost gauge and lower one didn't.

[klimakool]

davidtrainor said:

yeah am more after the bhp as it can be either 175, 185 or 210 but am just curious etc. also if i wanted to up it to 210 bhp would i need to slap the aero hot model turbo on it or just increase the boost on this one. might have termed that wrong.

the red covered plug pack and red ecu are the only required extras to up the performance from low to med spec, if you have those and want to reach the higher stage i'm lost

[davidtrainor]

sorted it's a 2.3 turbo petrol pumping out 170 bhp which i think is the quickest car i have owned to date. the insurance company had the details when i passed over my reg no. kind of had an inkling they would but cheers for the help anyway!

[NiceCupOfTea]

No worries - but it wouldn't be the first time the insurance company has stuff wrong!