Eddy Matthews wrote on 11. Jan 2007 at 15:43:

Welcome.

I know little about the diesels,someone will be along to comment on the engine.  I know the BMW sourced 6 cylinder is probably the best of the variants fitted, but can be expensive to fix when it breaks.

However, the car itself is fairly reliable. The autobox on the 2.5TD was weak on earlier models. The 2.5TD also has 4.5k service intevals.  Obviously, like any car, shocks will need changing with mileage, and front wishbone bushes and droplinks will show wear with mileage.

Facelift ones have better rust prevention and better interior. You price range should easily but you a facelift model.

The diesels only really show their economy on longer runs, and tend to be not hugely better than petrol around town.  A petrol model with lpg option should not be discounted.

Although I've not owned my 2.5TD Omega (BMW Engine) for too long (few months) I've known the car for a couple of years or so (as I bought it from a friend).

The car has been regularly serviced and oil changes have been adhered to (as far as I'm aware the oil changes are important but they're quick and easy to carry out - other 'servicing' can be carried out less frequently).  The only trouble I've really had is when the A/C compressor broke, smashing up the radiator and fan.  The car I've got is a '98 and to be honest I felt it was just bad luck that it broke.
I've also currently got an air-bag light warning, but that was my own fault for cleaning too vigorously under the seats and disturbing the wiring.

The car has (and yes, I'm touching wood here) never missed a beat.  Started first time, every time.  Always.

Economy is fair, but not record breaking by any means.  Motorway's are where I do my miles and I'll sit at 40mpg, or a smidge more if I'm careful.  Around town it will drop to 30mpg.

Engine power is, again, nothing to write home about but will happily pull you along at motorway speeds without any real effort.  I've got an auto-box and wouldn't have a manual (although like I say - I sit on motorways, either crawling in queues or just trundling along at 70, or so).

It's a big, comfortable car though - and I wouldn't swap it for anything else around the same cost / size.

Should have added.... the 4.5k for 2.5TD service interval ..... probably only means oil/filter change....will stand corrected if other things need doing. I know quite a few if not more on this forum do a oil/filter change at that interval on their petrol omegas......i admit im one of the 'naughty' ones and let it drift to 10k before doing an oil/filter change 

Thanks for the replies guys.... They are a a great help.

After reading up a bit more on the Omega, and having taken the comments made so far into consideration, I'm now wondering just what I'm likely to get for my money?

Remember, a budget of £4000, I could probably stretch to another 200-300 but that would be it.....  The car MUST be an estate to haul all my daughters stuff around - Lifting a heavy wheelchair over a large boot sill isn't practical.

So what models would I be looking at?  Age? Engine (petrol or diesel)? I'd prefer manual gearbox. Trim level?

I still have the best part of a year before I need to change cars, so I'm not in any desperate rush - And I'd like to get everything fixed in my mind before making a purchase.

Again, your help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Regards
Eddy

If LPG on an estate where's the gas tank go? I'd have thought that unless you can use a toroidal tank in place of the spare LPG is a no no. 'We' still need room for a wheel chair.

Andy B wrote on 11. Jan 2007 at 23:26:


Search the LPG threads and you should find pictures of TDs estate with tank.

Eddy,

one point of note on the engine is that every 2.2 deisel seems to get a weep of oil at the front of the engine between the head and the block. It is not noticable on oil levels and only leaves a dirty area across the front of the engine. No one seems to have had one that has gotten any worse but at least knowing it is there will save you from worrying if you do look at one.

Steve