I need to replace my turbo, please help.

They're asking because I believe that Saab used 2 different turbos that year.

So were both turbos a GT 17? And what do I need to look at in both VIN numbers to see if they are compatible? Thank you so very much.

That I don't know. Ask the junkyard guys. They have that information right in front of them.

To my knowledge, all the saab 9-5's from 99-05 used a gt17 unless it was an aero, which uses a td04. I believe the td04 became standard from 06 on. you can add the td04 with minimum to no modifications (as far as i understand), but you'll definitely want to stay away from the chinese aftermarket ones found on ebay for under $300. Im sure its fixed by now though