Oil consumption was steady at 500ml (1/2 a litre) every 5,000kms entirely acceptable. This example (2001-built engine and so fitted with modified pistons and rings) only had moderate lifter noise (a light, regular tapping) until it reached operating temperature, then it was fine and the tapping disappeared completely. In the first few years of production (from 1997) there was a lot of concern about "piston slap" and oil consumption issues with this engine. It is capable of some very impressive steady-speed fuel consumption figures considering. The Generation 3 small block all-alloy engine is good. All V8s from MY2005-on were fitted with the up-rated and much stronger 4L65-E (M32) transmission. ** The 4L60-E was deemed to be not reliable enough as fitted to this car model. First gear is ridiculously low (3.06:1) and with 2nd being a more normal 1.62:1 there is quite a jump (or drop in rpm) when shifting-up third and fourth gear are well chosen and just about right for the open roads. The four-speed automatic transmission is based on the old GM TH700-R4 with the exact same ratios, but is now re-designated as a 4L60-E* ('E' for electronic control). The only way to REDUCE the amount of dust from coating the innards of the a-c/ventilation system and entering into the car interior is to keep the selector permanently on "recirculate." The consequence is that on start-up there is a musty bad smell in the car for about 30 seconds or so. The A-C system works adequately enough, but doesn't have an intake filter to stop dust coming into the car interior. *From MY 2003 the car was fitted with a better steering rack with improved feel. With the steering being over-assisted and lacking in feel it isn't a car that you would be able to enjoy on twisty roads. The car is a safe handler with built-in under-steer, which it does even at moderate cornering speeds. In a 1660kg high-performance car it is totally un-acceptable any medium-to-hard braking WILL cause brake fade. A vented 296x28mm disc up front and a solid 286x16mm one at the rear (Euro hatch-backs with 2-litre engines have bigger brakes than this as standard factory fit). The brakes are in-adequate and probably the worst thing about the car. The car has "FE-2" suspension (as fitted to all M-E SS-V8 cars) which provides a nice and firm ride. The whole suspension design and layout is 90% identical to the Omega. The seats are comfortable enough though the front seats are on the soft side and lack side support for both the cushion and the backrest. Inside, the car is comfortable and the controls and instruments are well laid out and easy to use, though the two column-mounted stalks along with most of the dash switches and knobs feel a bit cheap, imprecise and "clunky." The overall fit and finish of the car is average and the paintwork a little patchy (all available showroom cars looked at were much the same, though the MY2004 cars improved considerably in fit and finish along with choice of interior materials). The 2002 M-E export model also came without the transmission "Power" and "Normal" mode of shifting as was available in all other model years, and it also lacked the limited-slip-differential that every other model came with as standard factory fit too. There are no options to buy a manual car which was requested through the distributor, or in fact to specify better (up-graded brakes) like any buyer is able to in Australia, New Zealand and U.K. The M-East cars come with 4-speed automatic transmission only. This car is the Middle East version of the GM Holden Commodore and is badged as a Chevrolet Lumina SS.īased on the GM-Europe Opel/Vauxhall Omega, though considerably cheaper and certainly not built to the same standard of quality, fit and finish as the Opel version. (NOT covered by warranty due to owner changing transmission from auto to GM manual transmission. R.U.W.Ĩ) Transmission 4th gear selection failure: Transmission re-built U.W.ĩ) #7 piston failure which cracked the engine block: Engine block replaced and re-built. & again 40k svc.) : R.U.W.ħ) Rear door restraining straps corroded and noisy. 1) Drivers door window-seal faulty caused scratches on glass: Seal & glass Replaced Under Warranty.Ģ) Front wheel vibration issues: Cured by on-car balancing.ģ) Electric window control switch failure: R.U.W.ĥ) Front bumper & rear spoiler poor paint finish: Re-painted U.W.Ħ) A-C compressor noisy (replaced 20k svc.
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