The difference was the "long belt" (with center idler pulley) and the "short belt" option (without center idler pulley). Many times dealers modified the long belts into short belts (and left the center idler pulley on) for time savings or from being lazy (not having to swap out the center idler pulley, which can be a PITA).

The long belt part# 4899548

and the short belt part# 9144874

Tuned saabers have sometimes complained of a noise coming from being short-belted, while others have said things are just fine. I tried this briefly and found that I was one of the ones that experienced noise, so I converted back to the long belt.

the DIY mod explanation:
FixMySaab: 9-5 Serpentine Belt - Introduction

another DIY with creative way to swap center idler pulley:
Saab 9-5 2.3T Serpentine Belt and Idler Pulleys

 

Sticky'd

 

I have the super-short belt. no AC, no Idler.
I'm like... 90% certain it's the same short belt as the 9-3, as the other accessories are the same.

69-71", I think?

 

I have the super-short belt. no AC, no Idler.
I'm like... 90% certain it's the same short belt as the 9-3, as the other accessories are the same.

69-71", I think?

I'm using the same. Have you noticed any groaning from the p/s pump since you installed it?

 

A small amount. I replaced a bad pump with a good used one, and It's maybe. Little loud, but nothing concerning

 

Hmm. I'll have to dig a little deeper and do some p/s work before I conclude it's the belt. I've been tossing around putting the center pulley back on and running the semi short belt to relieve the 'strain' on the p/s pump