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[Viral_Jim]

Following the demise of my M140i (again), I am on the look out for a new motor. 

I have decided to put the Desmond on the road for a month or two while I purchase and fettle its replacement (most likely with added lpg). I have a couple of little jobs to do on it to get it ready for sale (sticky ignition switch and blow in the join between the cat and middle exhaust sections) plus the MOT is up in March, I am 99.9% confident it will pass, with no advisories once I join the exhaust properly, but until I put a fresh ticket on it, its basically unsaleable.

I have spotted a good looking Vectra C 3.2 v6 auto with less than 100k on the clock and a good wedge of history. Its Elite spec so has the necessary minimum toys: leather, heated seats, etc. looks promising 

But, as I have not had dealings with the 3.2 I'm not sure what I'm looking for. I understand the basic lump is the same as the omega, but that the inlet manifolds are different, so thats belts and pump every 4yrs/40k? Also, what's the auto box like on these? I'm guessing its not going to be the same, or as strong as the omega as it has to squeeze into the gap between the flywheel and the wheel arch liner. 

Also, any general tips on the Vec C? all I know about it so far is that its ugly as sin and bloody enormous. Also, they seem to wear well inside, there's a few taxis with 250k + on autotrader, and other than worn steering wheels and gear knobs, the interiors look in good fettle.

[Doctor Gollum]

Estate is a formidable load lugger. Radiators only seem to last 100k, but cheap and easy to replace. Check springs for breakage. Front electric and heated rear seats are rare, but desirable options. Wheel well will take a fullsize spare, but standard spacesaver. Watch out for lift off oversteer if the roads are greasy when you test drive it.
Expect signs of coolant from the expansion tank overflow, new cap cures it. Fundamentally the engine is a non multiram version of the Omega v6. One positive side effect of wwd is that the coilpacks don't get wet... scuttle is also a different design. They're pretty rustproof as well.

Owned and serviced three later Vectras for a combined total of about 250k miles... only issues beyond servicing were rads and a front spring. They were all manual though...

Try it, and go from there. Remember the MoT history check, it's free and gives a fair insight of how a car has behaved and been looked after. Personally I would seek out a manual one, relatively rare in Elite spec, but they do exist... the only car I have ever abandoned in snow was an auto Vectra diesel.

[Viral_Jim]

Really useful stuff, thanks 

No rear heated seats, but tbh I don't have any use for them so not too worried. I already had a look at the MOT check and nothing sinister, had a new exhaust 2yrs ago by the looks. Rear brakes binding but fixed, loose cv boots.

Nothing I'd be worried about tbh. Lets see what tomorrow brings 

[Doctor Gollum]

Rear brakes either hand brake (caliper actuation not drums) post 2006 this was addressed in production. Earlier is luck of draw... it's either a problem or it isn't or wheel bearings... hubs get hot and feels like the handbrake is stuck on.

Had both issues with my first, a '55 cdti manual. Of the three petrol ones, two were '55 as well, and no issues. That diesel one was such a dog I would never entertain another (bought as a year old demonstrator with 10k and written off 6 months/25k later. Best thing to happen to it)... 1.8/2.8/3.2 petrol all the way.

Actually that diesel reminds me, they can have issues with the wiper motors... check all the wiper functions work.

Being an Elite it should have NCDC2013/15 with full colour screen. Also electric tailgate. Button on window switch panel and another on base of tailgate inner trim. To open press the button in the car or the handle on tailgate or thed key fob. Should ping itself up smoothly... freewheel cable to open. To close, press button on tailgate and stand back. Should pull itself closed with minimum of fuss... cable wound in electrically. Whatever you do, do not help the tailgate move... it will stop and you have to close it to reset it... kind of a love hate thing... used to end up rowing with passengers over it because they would insist on trying to force it after I expressly asked them not to nice touch though. Sunroof works the same way as an Omega. Talking of window switch... There are only two window buttons on it... centre portion slides up and down, up for front, down for rear.

[X30XE]

What to look out for :

some d*ckhead putting the engine back in sideways and removing the omega badge from the boot 

[tunnie]

Look at it, then walk straight past it and buy something else. 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Look at it, then walk straight past it and buy something else. 

Only  if it runs on derv.

3.2 Vectra will be usefully quick, especially in manual form as Al has already said.

Personally I think the 2.8 Turbo lump best.  A nice white ex-plod estate with a manual box shouldn't break the bank while you are waiting for BMW to take their finger out of their arse.

[Viral_Jim]

Indeed, I would agree. However, my current thinking is that the 3.2 will be a simpler engine to maintain and (dare I say it) easier to LPG. The 2.8T's are known to be a bit of a pig on the LPG front (requiring a fuel return solenoid and a number of other tweaks).

That said, this looks a nice thing, and "barely run in" 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Opel-Vectra-2-8i-V6-24v-Turbo-Nav-2784cc-auto-2006-5MY-Elite-/272526417482?hash=item3f73d71e4a:g:ONoAAOSwopRYf1u-

However, it is 3 times the price of the 3.2 . The whole experience with the M140i has put me off running anything other than a shed as my daily. I have garage space, and am now leaning towards a classic/weekend toy. I could, in truth keep the Desmond, but I think that the v6 would be a much better tool for motorway work (>90% of my miles). I reckon it will cost me about £500 to "upgrade" from the Desmond.

[tunnie]

Indeed, I would agree. However, my current thinking is that the 3.2 will be a simpler engine to maintain and (dare I say it) easier to LPG. The 2.8T's are known to be a bit of a pig on the LPG front (requiring a fuel return solenoid and a number of other tweaks).

That said, this looks a nice thing, and "barely run in" 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Opel-Vectra-2-8i-V6-24v-Turbo-Nav-2784cc-auto-2006-5MY-Elite-/272526417482?hash=item3f73d71e4a:g:ONoAAOSwopRYf1u-

However, it is 3 times the price of the 3.2 . The whole experience with the M140i has put me off running anything other than a shed as my daily. I have garage space, and am now leaning towards a classic/weekend toy. I could, in truth keep the Desmond, but I think that the v6 would be a much better tool for motorway work (>90% of my miles). I reckon it will cost me about £500 to "upgrade" from the Desmond.

Will BMW allow you to cancel you agreement/setup, now if it's failed again? As you maybe left with something you have to keep paying for plus a shed on the side?

[tunnie]

Indeed, I would agree. However, my current thinking is that the 3.2 will be a simpler engine to maintain and (dare I say it) easier to LPG. The 2.8T's are known to be a bit of a pig on the LPG front (requiring a fuel return solenoid and a number of other tweaks).

That said, this looks a nice thing, and "barely run in" 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Opel-Vectra-2-8i-V6-24v-Turbo-Nav-2784cc-auto-2006-5MY-Elite-/272526417482?hash=item3f73d71e4a:g:ONoAAOSwopRYf1u-

However, it is 3 times the price of the 3.2 . The whole experience with the M140i has put me off running anything other than a shed as my daily. I have garage space, and am now leaning towards a classic/weekend toy. I could, in truth keep the Desmond, but I think that the v6 would be a much better tool for motorway work (>90% of my miles). I reckon it will cost me about £500 to "upgrade" from the Desmond.

What's your 2.2 Estate like? Why not use that? Or lacking Ooomph?

[Viral_Jim]

Ironically, its probably one of the cleanest left around (I estimate). '03, 78k, no meaningful rust (coin sized bubble starting below the tailgate wiper), mechanically pretty perfect.

The problem is that mated to a slush-box the engine really is underhorsed for the task, meaning its for ever up and down the ratios, even on relatively minor inclines. I just want something a bit more relaxed.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Indeed, I would agree. However, my current thinking is that the 3.2 will be a simpler engine to maintain and (dare I say it) easier to LPG. The 2.8T's are known to be a bit of a pig on the LPG front (requiring a fuel return solenoid and a number of other tweaks).

That said, this looks a nice thing, and "barely run in" 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Opel-Vectra-2-8i-V6-24v-Turbo-Nav-2784cc-auto-2006-5MY-Elite-/272526417482?hash=item3f73d71e4a:g:ONoAAOSwopRYf1u-

However, it is 3 times the price of the 3.2 . The whole experience with the M140i has put me off running anything other than a shed as my daily. I have garage space, and am now leaning towards a classic/weekend toy. I could, in truth keep the Desmond, but I think that the v6 would be a much better tool for motorway work (>90% of my miles). I reckon it will cost me about £500 to "upgrade" from the Desmond.

I agree.

£3995 for a decade old Vectra is far too much.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Indeed, I would agree. However, my current thinking is that the 3.2 will be a simpler engine to maintain and (dare I say it) easier to LPG. The 2.8T's are known to be a bit of a pig on the LPG front (requiring a fuel return solenoid and a number of other tweaks).

That said, this looks a nice thing, and "barely run in" 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Opel-Vectra-2-8i-V6-24v-Turbo-Nav-2784cc-auto-2006-5MY-Elite-/272526417482?hash=item3f73d71e4a:g:ONoAAOSwopRYf1u-

However, it is 3 times the price of the 3.2 . The whole experience with the M140i has put me off running anything other than a shed as my daily. I have garage space, and am now leaning towards a classic/weekend toy. I could, in truth keep the Desmond, but I think that the v6 would be a much better tool for motorway work (>90% of my miles). I reckon it will cost me about £500 to "upgrade" from the Desmond.

Will BMW allow you to cancel you agreement/setup, now if it's failed again? As you maybe left with something you have to keep paying for plus a shed on the side?

I would think they now have no option.

They should also give Jimmy £1000 compensation for selling him a 'lemon' and send a bunch of flowers and a bottle of champagne to his good lady.

The card should read " We fu*ked up and we are so very sorry"

Will this scenario become reality, I wonder?

[amba]

Other issue with a 3.2 Turbo is the Road Fund Licence will make your wallet squeal 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Other issue with a 3.2 Turbo is the Road Fund Licence will make your wallet squeal 

3.2 is N/A Mr Ambla.

2.8 is turbocharged........and cost £500 + to tax each year.