Saab: Balance shaft sprocket / timing chain - PROBLEM, balance shaft, auto saab

Question
Was just told by my independent Saab mechanic that my daughter's '97 Saab 9-3 hatchback (2.3L w/ manual transmission) has a balance shaft sprocket and timing chain problem. Estimated cost to repair - $2,100.

Car has 117K miles and was purchased in Feb, '02 (w/ 114K miles).

He also stated he has seen this problem about a half dozen times (some at as little as 50K miles) in the '95-'98 2.3L engines.

Any advice, is welcome . . .

Answer
Sounds to me that your mechanic is correct, I have also read about this problem on the alt.auto.saab newsgroup. The price seems high, however. Did the engine eat itself due to this problem? Then the price would be correct, as when the timing chain lets go the pistons collide with the valves and major damage ensues.....Then you only have two choices:

1) fix car Owwww$$$$$

2) sell car Owwww$$$$$