Steve honestly it's subject to the Tech your speaking to. It's all metal so even if it has a problem it can be fixed. Some say they last much longer. Personally I'm going to tell you that they fail as well. I included the information for the all metal purist. The best ones are the custom made brass/copper ones that really early model vehicles used to have. Brass works over here in the U.S. sell them for $600. Some believe that it's worth it. Personally I don't expect to have any trouble with the heater core after replacing it with the one I bought yesterday, not at least for as long as I own it or the person after me. Here's a good idea for you chaps over the pond. We should group buy brass/copper ones from a company that builds them, only we are no longer a Maserati Forum, we are Saab Enthusiasts that just love the 92'-98 year 9000's! The first thing you'll see is it won't be $600, the second thing you'll find as you have a bulk order is I guarantee you won't even pay the original cost of what these cost through Mas. If you guys cannot find a place over there I will be the Saab representative in the U.S. and will contact Brass works. I would appreciate whoever reads this doesn't contact them and tell them what we plan to do though, unless you just want to pay money because you own a Maserati.
If we decide to do this, I will just take my dash apart again after we get them. I will have one in the car for now if I decide to drive in the cold so that I don't ruin the dash board of my car.
