1996 Vauxhall Omega GLS 2.5 V6 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Vauxhall's alternative to the 5 series BMW
Faults:
Routine servicing and replacements until 90,000 miles, when woodruff key sheared. (this is the key which secures crankshaft pulley to crankshaft). The result was damaged valves and heads, when crankshaft and pistons continued to turn, and valves did not! Repair bill for £1605, including new cylinder heads and all ancillaries.
Engine oil leak at 110,000 miles proved very difficult to track down. Replaced cam cover gaskets. Still leaking, so replaced another seal around camshafts. Took this opportunity to replace cam belts, tensioners, (which had been done at 80,000 service), and water pump. Still leaking, so replace oil pump. Engine still drips oil overnight, but not as bad as previously.
I had the optional self leveling rear suspension fitted, as I tow a caravan. Now the nearside rear does not rise up under load. It was leaking air, but this problem was fixed with some new piping. Any suggestions?
Also, speedometer / rev. counter illumination light has failed. How do you get access to this?
General Comments:
I have had this car from new and is has now done 117,000 miles since 1996. It had 2 extras fitted at the factory - air conditioning and self leveling rear suspension.
I tow a 5 berth Swift Challenger caravan and the car has been a good tow car being both stable and having plenty of power. The self leveling rear suspension has always resulted in a level attitude (until this last summer) even with a nose weight of over 100kgs.
The car is an excellent motorway cruiser, and has plenty of space for a family of 5 including 2 teenagers.
Last summer quickly got to 140mph on German autobahn and then traffic prevented going any faster.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd January, 2003
18th Oct 2002, 10:02
It would be interesting to know what they have suggested as likely causes. My dealer has said that some Omegas were fitted with modified/upgraded Idle valves that keep the revs high when you stop to avoid stalling - which sounds a bit dodgy to me.