Bilstein 34-031049 B6 Front Strut Cartridge 1999-2003 Saab 9-3 Base SE Viggen

Vehicle Fitment

• 1999-2001 Saab 9-3 Base - Front Left or Right
• 1999-2003 Saab 9-3 SE - Front Left or Right
• 1999-2002 Saab 9-3 Viggen - Front Left or Right

Fitment Notes

• Fits the 1st-generation Saab 9-3 (YS3D platform, 1998-2003) - not compatible with the 2nd-generation 9-3 (2003-2011).
• Front position, left or right - the same cartridge fits both sides. Sold as a single strut insert. Order 2 for a complete front axle replacement.
• This is a strut cartridge/insert - designed to be installed inside the existing factory strut housing. The OE strut housing, top mount, and factory spring are retained and reused. This is not a complete strut assembly.
• Designed to be paired with OE factory springs at stock ride height. Not intended for use with aftermarket lowering springs - for that application, see the Bilstein B8 Performance Plus variant (34-031056).
• Replaces Saab OEM part numbers 4778817, 4778833, and 5056650.
• Blue boot included.

Features

• Bilstein B6 Performance - a performance upgrade over the factory strut insert, delivering approximately 20% firmer damping versus OE while retaining the factory spring and strut housing. Reduces body roll, brake dive, and steering vagueness without sacrificing ride compliance for daily driving.
• 36mm monotube gas pressure design with application-specific valve settings eliminates aeration and fade - providing consistent, even damping under all driving conditions, including spirited driving where the factory twin-tube units degrade.
• Precision-engineered to meet or exceed OE quality and fitment standards, with Bilstein's characteristic monotube gas pressure design for superior heat dissipation and long service life.
• Drop-in installation into the factory strut housing - no spring compressor, new top mount, or housing replacement required.

Specifications

• Part Number: 34-031049
• Series: Bilstein B6 Performance
• Product Type: Strut Cartridge / Insert (not a complete strut assembly)
• Position: Front (Left or Right)
• Internal Design: 36mm Monotube Gas Pressure
• Ride Height: Stock (0" lift/drop - for use with OE factory springs)
• Boot Included: Yes (Blue)
• OEM Cross References: Saab 4778817, 4778833, 5056650
• Bilstein Internal PN: PE3-3104 / F4-PE3-3104-H0
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime (against manufacturer defects)

Included Components

• 1x Bilstein B6 Performance Front Strut Cartridge (34-031049)
• 1x Blue boot

Product Description

The Bilstein 34-031049 is a B6 Performance front strut cartridge for the 1999-2003 Saab 9-3 (1st generation), fitting the Base (1999-2001), SE (1999-2003), and Viggen (1999-2002) trims. It is a drop-in strut insert - the cartridge slides into the existing factory strut housing, retaining the OE housing, top mount, and springs. No spring compressor or housing replacement is needed, making this one of the more straightforward suspension upgrades available for the 1st-gen 9-3.

The B6 Performance delivers approximately 20% firmer damping than the factory insert, reducing body roll, brake dive, and front-end vagueness that develop as the OE inserts wear - while remaining compliant enough for daily driving. The 36mm monotube gas pressure design eliminates the aeration and fade that affect the factory twin-tube units under repeated compression cycles. Designed for use with OE factory springs at stock ride height; for use with aftermarket lowering springs, see Bilstein 34-031056 (B8 Performance Plus). Sold individually - order two for a complete front axle set. Backed by Bilstein's Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer defects.