Hi
I have a UK Saab 1998 9-5 SE 2.3ltr in excellent condition which has given
me excellent service until earlier this year (Jan) when it decided at 66,000
miles to blow a cylinder head gasket. To repair this with all the palaver
involved cost me over ?1000. Fortunately I had managed to get the
turbocharger replaced under warranty before Xmas as it was leaking oil.
When the car was in the garage I asked them to replace the timing belt
whilst the main job was being done. After a bit of research, the service
manager told me it doesn't have a timing belt - it's a chain and doesn't
need replaced. I am sure I read in the manual that the belt needs changed
circa 60,000 miles.
Could anyone with this model tell me the correct answer please?

Since the repair the car is performing almost like new with good power and
accelleration. However, I am still experiencing a slight oil leak from the
engine engine underneath and there is a noisy "throaty rumble" from the
bottom of the central console on accellerating in 2nd gear (manual). (The
full throttle assembly was replaced as well.)
I am loath to go back to the garage as it was such a hassle to get it
repaired and it took weeks - they were not a recognised saab dealership and
they eventually had to get the local Saab dealership involved and as I
said - it is going quite well at the moment.
Advice on the belt please and am I simply storing up future grief?
Thanks
jb