As I am now on tenterhooks anticipating my AR25 box failing, could someone please advise which models have the AR35 box fitted, so that I can start looking for one?
Also, I would welcome several expert opinions as to whether I should change the oil in my current box at 93k. Never changed so far, and last topped up 10k ago.

Thanks in anticipation of some interesting replies. 8-)

3.0 and 3.2,omegas.I believe 3.0 senators and carltons also had them but unlikely to find one of those to salvage one from these days. :y

My AR25 has done 152K, its still on original fluid & performs impeccably

Pitchfork wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 17:35:

My AR25 has done 152K, its still on original fluid & performs impeccably

Fine ..but you haven't got a diesel with a performance chip in it .... like he has .. which is the cause of all the angst ...  :)

Albs wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 17:31:

3.0 and 3.2,omegas.I believe 3.0 senators and carltons also had them but unlikely to find one of those to salvage one from these days. :y

Senny ones won't do, 1) they are too old 2) they have a dip stick where Omega has extra ECU gubbins

Entwood wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 17:37:

Pitchfork wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 17:35: My AR25 has done 152K, its still on original fluid & performs impeccably Fine ..but you haven't got a diesel with a performance chip in it .... like he has .. which is the cause of all the angst ...  :)

Thanks ET, I forgot to mention the chip in my Post. :y

Just picked up some VX Oil today, £10 + on an Astra Owners club card! outside a guy walks over to admire the vehicle, and tells me I should join OOF! Vauxnut, hasn't posted for a while as his computer is down. :-?

tunnie wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 17:44:

Albs wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 17:31: 3.0 and 3.2,omegas.I believe 3.0 senators and carltons also had them but unlikely to find one of those to salvage one from these days. :y Senny ones won't do, 1) they are too old 2) they have a dip stick where Omega has extra ECU gubbins

Thanks very much Tunnie. Any thoughts on an oil change?

Albs wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 17:31:

3.0 and 3.2,omegas.I believe 3.0 senators and carltons also had them but unlikely to find one of those to salvage one from these days. :y

I'm answering these all back to front, but thanks very much ALBS. :y

For Jimbob, I'm not suggesting that your advice to leave it alone is not accepted, I was just hoping for more input on this issue, now that everyone's wound me up! :-/

Shackeng wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 17:45:

tunnie wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 17:44: Albs wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 17:31: 3.0 and 3.2,omegas.I believe 3.0 senators and carltons also had them but unlikely to find one of those to salvage one from these days. :y Senny ones won't do, 1) they are too old 2) they have a dip stick where Omega has extra ECU gubbins Thanks very much Tunnie. Any thoughts on an oil change?

If its a chipped 2.5 TD and its got a working AR25, i'd leave it be until it breaks. Changing the fluid is not going to do anything really

tunnie wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 18:02:

Shackeng wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 17:45: tunnie wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 17:44: Albs wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 17:31: 3.0 and 3.2,omegas.I believe 3.0 senators and carltons also had them but unlikely to find one of those to salvage one from these days. :y Senny ones won't do, 1) they are too old 2) they have a dip stick where Omega has extra ECU gubbins Thanks very much Tunnie. Any thoughts on an oil change? If its a chipped 2.5 TD and its got a working AR25, i'd leave it be until it breaks. Changing the fluid is not going to do anything really

Thanks Tunnie, thats 2 for leaving it alone. :y

Make that 3 ....  :y :y :y

But I think your idea of sourcing a "spare" AR35 for the day the present one says "enough" is a good move !!!  :)

Entwood wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 18:10:

Make that 3 ....  :y :y :y But I think your idea of sourcing a "spare" AR35 for the day the present one says "enough" is a good move !!!  :)

Agreed, buy a known gooden, and keep it in the garage, when it does go pop you have one ready to go  :y

Entwood wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 18:10:

Make that 3 ....  :y :y :y But I think your idea of sourcing a "spare" AR35 for the day the present one says "enough" is a good move !!!  :)

Good plan, and I'm keeping an eye out. If I find one I would get it overhauled before fitting, so I will probably be asking for recommendations for good auto box overhaul shops later. :y

PS I've only got a double garage, and its full of everything but cars already! : ::)