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[ians]

Aside from the powerplant , are there any differences to spec?

I have also got the impression on here that the 2.5 autobox is less robust than the 3.0.   Is that correct, or only an issue if you put a 2.5 box on a 3.0?

Never had an auto before so look forward to be enlightened

Cheers,

Ian

[Jay w]

leather was standard on the 3.0, cost option on the 2.5's
Only other visual difference was that the 3.0 has dual tailpipe, 2.5 have singles


i believe the issue is with the 2.5TD engine on the R25 autobox, i haven't heard of many petrol ones chucking their teddy out of the pram

[RonaldMcBurger]

2.5 is 170 BHP, 3.0 is 205 BHP. Specwise, they are the same, so a 2.5 elite has all the toys that a 3.0 does. Generally 3.0 elite has leather whereas the 2.5 it was an option.

Autobox. the 2.,5 elite was fitted with an AR25. The 3.0 with an AR35. The AR35 will outlast any AR25. NEVER put an AR25 on a 3.0 car, it will kill the box in a week or two.

The 2.5 Elite is a good spec car. Changing the box to an AR35 when it does pack up is a good move. At the same time, change the thrust washer as per sassanachs excellent guide.

HTH

edit. Must have been typing same time as JayW!

[ians]

Thanks chaps - much appreciated.

What is estimated mileage lifespan on an AR25 box?  I'm looking at cars with about 120k on them - are they about to go pop?

[Dazzler]

If the cars had a good life, driven nicely and motorway cruiseing then the AR25 will be fine. If its had a hard life and been boy racered then yes it will fail.

[RonaldMcBurger]

They can go on for ever. My wifes 2.5 CDX estate has 160k on it, original box and still going strong. In fact, the best I have driven out of all the 17 I have owned.

There is no rule of thumb as such because it will depend on traffic coditions and driving style, but 120k seems to be a theme for AR25s to fail on the tuirbo diesel engined ones, and around 150k on some others. They can just as easily fail at 70k, but these boxes are one of thes best around. main problems being that the ATF shoud be changed every 50k, vbut often gets skipped by. Also the thrust washer is platic, so they failed a lot.

When trying one of these, give it a drive for a good 5 miles plus to warm it up, then floor it. It should picjk up smoothly and kick down the gears. Changes up in sports mode will be at red line, but should be VERY smooth. Any thumping or 'neutral' moments are a warning sign!


EDIT: Unreal! Another co-typer!

[TheBoy]

They can go on for ever. My wifes 2.5 CDX estate has 160k on it, original box and still going strong. In fact, the best I have driven out of all the 17 I have owned.

There is no rule of thumb as such because it will depend on traffic coditions and driving style, but 120k seems to be a theme for AR25s to fail on the tuirbo diesel engined ones, and around 150k on some others. They can just as easily fail at 70k, but these boxes are one of thes best around. main problems being that the ATF shoud be changed every 50k, vbut often gets skipped by. Also the thrust washer is platic, so they failed a lot.

When trying one of these, give it a drive for a good 5 miles plus to warm it up, then floor it. It should picjk up smoothly and kick down the gears. Changes up in sports mode will be at red line, but should be VERY smooth. Any thumping or 'neutral' moments are a warning sign!


EDIT: Unreal! Another co-typer!

Yup, the AR25 went on tractor at just under 121k (though LB66 reckoned it may not be original).  Replacement also went at just over 121k  

[Andy B]

......
Specwise, they are the same, so a 2.5 elite has all the toys that a 3.0 does.....

2.5 doesn't have sat nav as standard - 3.0 does.

[TheBoy]

......
Specwise, they are the same, so a 2.5 elite has all the toys that a 3.0 does.....

2.5 doesn't have sat nav as standard - 3.0 does.

Only after 1998.

[Andy B]

......
Specwise, they are the same, so a 2.5 elite has all the toys that a 3.0 does.....

2.5 doesn't have sat nav as standard - 3.0 does.

Only after 1998.

That's what I meant!  

[Tony H]

Can the AR25 and the AR35   auto boxes be identified by serial numbers or the like?

[TheBoy]

Can the AR25 and the AR35   auto boxes be identified by serial numbers or the like?

Easier to identify by the bloody great ID plate riveted to side...

[Tony H]

Can the AR25 and the AR35   auto boxes be identified by serial numbers or the like?

Easier to identify by the bloody great ID plate riveted to side...

Which side?

[ians]

the outside I think

 

[Andy B]

Can the AR25 and the AR35   auto boxes be identified by serial numbers or the like?

Easier to identify by the bloody great ID plate riveted to side...

I wish there was  F17 on the side of my Astra box. Mr Haynes says there should be but .... there isn't. I can see where the sticky paper label used to be.