Mods: this is my first post, but as soon as I get a Mercedes I’ll be posting like a mad man. I’ve been lurking for months, honestly! If you see fit to delete my trade offer, I understand.

I'm looking to trade my 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc wagon aka SportCombi for an early W210 4Matic wagon (heck, I might even be brave enough to try a very well-cared for W124 4Matic). Mileage and cosmetic condition of the Mercedes are second and third (within reason) after proper maintenance. I'm also looking for heated seats.

I'm an enthusiast and Saab loyalist, but my little family is looking for a 4WD wagon. We'll be keeping the 1991 900 turbo vert for fairer weather.

I've owned the Saab Arc for about 18 months and looked long and hard for the right car. I opted for the slightly softer-sprung Arc rather than the stiffer Aero model for comfort's sake. Both the Arc and Aero share the same turbocharged 4 cyl. 2.3l engine and I flashed a stage 1 Aero tune to the Arc's ECU to bring the HP to about 270. It's a fast, stable car that's very fun to drive. The cargo capacity is a massive 70+ cu. ft. The oil sludging problems that plagued poorly maintained Saab 9-5s were a thing of the past with a redesigned PCV from 2004. I’ve found this 9-5 to be enjoyable and straightforward to work on and I’m no mechanical genius - I'm a regular at SaabCentral.com and always found the help I needed there.

My car has a clean Carfax showing recommended dealer maintenance until the 94K miles when I purchased it. I had a complete pre-purchase inspection done by a Saab indie shop which I’m happy to share. I've been meticulous about maintenance (Mobil1 0W40 Euro. every 3-4K) and keep and Excel spreadsheet for every single thing I've added or maintained on the car. The car has 105,XXX miles now. No alerts lit up on dash (only one during my ownership was related to the air bag, which I resolved by replacing the clockspring/horn contact).

The color is metallic Nocturne Blue with tan leather seats. Saab seat comfort is unsurpassed in my experience and the front seats are heated. There's a hard parcel shelf covering the cargo area, Saab OEM roof rack crossbars, new Weathertech mats, a hardwired Sirius satellite system with removable/portable Sirius Stiletto 2 receiver, Nokian WR G2 tires with 5K miles on them (truly excellent all-seasons), and some spare odds and ends (the most exciting being new OEM Aero springs).

If there is any interest (and I have my doubts, to be honest), I’ll send as many pictures as you like and talk your ear off about the car. For the right Mercedes, I’ll drive pretty much anywhere for the exchange. My title is clear and in hand – I’d expect the same. I hate the car selling/buying process, so that’s why I’m trying the trade approach. I’d be looking for about $6,500 - $7K selling my car outright.

I blame this board for my newfound interest in Mercedes wagons, btw. Please PM or e-mail me through the board with interest, mockery, encouragement, etc.

Dang it, I knew I'd forget something. It's an AT with paddle shifters. The GF and I also just came back from a trouble-free, swift Chicago - VT round trip. This is a lovely tourer

For more pictures, see: https://picasaweb.google.com/114749131650746827792/Saab95#

Welcome, nice Saab.