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[miked]

I have owned three Omegas, all of which were fantastic (the last was only a 2.0l GLS in Star Silver (the best color))

It seems such a shame that Vauxhall do not have a replacement for the Omega.

After a few years in the wilderness (Mondeo estate, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Rover 25), a decision had to be made.

I had my heart set on an XJ but wanted a newer one (too expensive).  BMW 5's are just too expensive (and have no heritage!), Looked at the Saab 95 but didn't like the back end.  Ended up with a 2003, E320 Avantgarde with most of the optional extras.

I do find it interesting that, even though its 7 years old (only done 54k though ), people do look at the badge and seem to be oblivious to the fact that it only cost £9K, I could have bought a new Insignia for more???

Its also not been the ultimately reliable machine people expect.  Lots of electrical issues, heater control valves, batteries (there are two of them!) fly by wire break system recalls .....

It is still a nice car though.

Having said that, it is genuinely no better than than any of my three Omegas .....

[tunnie]

better start saving, that gearbox will blow at about 70k!

Trouble is of Mercs of that age is build issues, as you say its the badge on those.

[Webby the Bear]

love mercs. got any pics mate?

and yes there is snobbery around badges...i think though if we werent in such troubled fuel price times the car itself would be worth a lot more!

[miked]

By dawsonm at 2011-02-06


By dawsonm at 2011-02-06


By dawsonm at 2011-02-06

[miked]

better start saving, that gearbox will blow at about 70k!

Trouble is of Mercs of that age is build issues, as you say its the badge on those.

There are a number of niggling issues with this era, most of them being ancillary electrical issues.  There is a lot of info out there but a lot of it is based in the US so is not directly relevant.

There is no issue with the gearbox.  The issue lies with the radiators (with combined transmission coolers).  There were a spate of Valeo (Italian) coolers fitted that split and leaked coolant into the transmissions.  Some early (and all later models) were fitted with Behr radiators (german) which solved the problem.  The only problem left is identifying which type you have...  I think mine is OK but I am of a mind to have it changed as a precaution...

This is getting a bit MB orientated ......