6 cylinders and one of ~25 left - Omega Estate Manual
Discussion
Welcome to my Omega 2.5 V6 Elite. It’s a 99 Manual estate, with cream leather interior, the likes of which I’ve yet to see on another Omega.


Considering it is now a 23 year old car, it’s in pretty good condition, the interior is excellent, rear seats hardly used. Boot and headlining as new! Definitely no tip runs.
Big pile of history, dating back to new and the car has easily had more than the initial purchase price of £19500 spent keeping it on the road over the years.
I’ve a list of work that needs doing.
The cambelt coming up for replacement, and will be a priority for the Autumn.
I’d appreciate some PH advice on parts availability from fellow Omega owners as I know parts are hard to come by.
The exhaust is starting to go so would like to get hold of one when I can, for when it’s needed. I think it will be wise to begin to ‘collect’ parts for it as and when they are available, maybe getting a breaker even, as who knows what will happen going forward in terms of parts availability.
I will also give it a service.
I don’t know if the Manual box has ever had any attention in regards to oil. I’ve yet to get under the car to see, so does anyone know if there is an filler/inspection hole to check and change? Is it worth doing.? Likewise, the diff?
The positives from the history, It’s had new tyres recently, all be it cheap, I think they are called Nexen (??) never heard of the make before.
Rocker Gasket, HT leads and Coil & Plugs in late 2019.
Also, both the N/S and O/S central locking motors both replaced within the last 3 years.
Unfortunately, no more photos as of yet, but will add some as and when, and I’m sure I will be asking for help along the way
Hopefully, I will be able to get out and about in it for what’s left of the summer over some of the local routes around here in Wales, before tackling the bigger work over autumn and winter.
One things for sure, and I’m more than aware of the fact it’s not a driver’s car, but I that’s not the point of the Omega.
An E39 is definitely still on the cards
This may be a daft question, but any ideas what the ‘Tm’ button near the lights dial is for? Thanks

Considering it is now a 23 year old car, it’s in pretty good condition, the interior is excellent, rear seats hardly used. Boot and headlining as new! Definitely no tip runs.
Big pile of history, dating back to new and the car has easily had more than the initial purchase price of £19500 spent keeping it on the road over the years.
I’ve a list of work that needs doing.
- Some minor scratches that should polish out
- The headlights are starting to discolour but should polish out
- Minor rust on the rear arches (don’t they all!?)
- small oil leak, NS cam cover, which I’m yet to investigate.
- EML intermittent - Crankshaft sensor noted as cause but not replaced due to lack of part availability
The cambelt coming up for replacement, and will be a priority for the Autumn.
I’d appreciate some PH advice on parts availability from fellow Omega owners as I know parts are hard to come by.
The exhaust is starting to go so would like to get hold of one when I can, for when it’s needed. I think it will be wise to begin to ‘collect’ parts for it as and when they are available, maybe getting a breaker even, as who knows what will happen going forward in terms of parts availability.
I will also give it a service.
I don’t know if the Manual box has ever had any attention in regards to oil. I’ve yet to get under the car to see, so does anyone know if there is an filler/inspection hole to check and change? Is it worth doing.? Likewise, the diff?
The positives from the history, It’s had new tyres recently, all be it cheap, I think they are called Nexen (??) never heard of the make before.
Rocker Gasket, HT leads and Coil & Plugs in late 2019.
Also, both the N/S and O/S central locking motors both replaced within the last 3 years.
Unfortunately, no more photos as of yet, but will add some as and when, and I’m sure I will be asking for help along the way

Hopefully, I will be able to get out and about in it for what’s left of the summer over some of the local routes around here in Wales, before tackling the bigger work over autumn and winter.
One things for sure, and I’m more than aware of the fact it’s not a driver’s car, but I that’s not the point of the Omega.
An E39 is definitely still on the cards

This may be a daft question, but any ideas what the ‘Tm’ button near the lights dial is for? Thanks
Ffordd Ar Gau said:
Welcome to my Omega 2.5 V6 Elite. It’s a 99 Manual estate, with cream leather interior, the likes of which I’ve yet to see on another Omega.


Considering it is now a 23 year old car, it’s in pretty good condition, the interior is excellent, rear seats hardly used. Boot and headlining as new! Definitely no tip runs.
Big pile of history, dating back to new and the car has easily had more than the initial purchase price of £19500 spent keeping it on the road over the years.
I’ve a list of work that needs doing.
The cambelt coming up for replacement, and will be a priority for the Autumn.
I’d appreciate some PH advice on parts availability from fellow Omega owners as I know parts are hard to come by.
The exhaust is starting to go so would like to get hold of one when I can, for when it’s needed. I think it will be wise to begin to ‘collect’ parts for it as and when they are available, maybe getting a breaker even, as who knows what will happen going forward in terms of parts availability.
I will also give it a service.
I don’t know if the Manual box has ever had any attention in regards to oil. I’ve yet to get under the car to see, so does anyone know if there is an filler/inspection hole to check and change? Is it worth doing.? Likewise, the diff?
The positives from the history, It’s had new tyres recently, all be it cheap, I think they are called Nexen (??) never heard of the make before.
Rocker Gasket, HT leads and Coil & Plugs in late 2019.
Also, both the N/S and O/S central locking motors both replaced within the last 3 years.
Unfortunately, no more photos as of yet, but will add some as and when, and I’m sure I will be asking for help along the way
Hopefully, I will be able to get out and about in it for what’s left of the summer over some of the local routes around here in Wales, before tackling the bigger work over autumn and winter.
One things for sure, and I’m more than aware of the fact it’s not a driver’s car, but I that’s not the point of the Omega.
An E39 is definitely still on the cards
This may be a daft question, but any ideas what the ‘Tm’ button near the lights dial is for? Thanks

Is it something to do with Traffic Master?Considering it is now a 23 year old car, it’s in pretty good condition, the interior is excellent, rear seats hardly used. Boot and headlining as new! Definitely no tip runs.
Big pile of history, dating back to new and the car has easily had more than the initial purchase price of £19500 spent keeping it on the road over the years.
I’ve a list of work that needs doing.
- Some minor scratches that should polish out
- The headlights are starting to discolour but should polish out
- Minor rust on the rear arches (don’t they all!?)
- small oil leak, NS cam cover, which I’m yet to investigate.
- EML intermittent - Crankshaft sensor noted as cause but not replaced due to lack of part availability
The cambelt coming up for replacement, and will be a priority for the Autumn.
I’d appreciate some PH advice on parts availability from fellow Omega owners as I know parts are hard to come by.
The exhaust is starting to go so would like to get hold of one when I can, for when it’s needed. I think it will be wise to begin to ‘collect’ parts for it as and when they are available, maybe getting a breaker even, as who knows what will happen going forward in terms of parts availability.
I will also give it a service.
I don’t know if the Manual box has ever had any attention in regards to oil. I’ve yet to get under the car to see, so does anyone know if there is an filler/inspection hole to check and change? Is it worth doing.? Likewise, the diff?
The positives from the history, It’s had new tyres recently, all be it cheap, I think they are called Nexen (??) never heard of the make before.
Rocker Gasket, HT leads and Coil & Plugs in late 2019.
Also, both the N/S and O/S central locking motors both replaced within the last 3 years.
Unfortunately, no more photos as of yet, but will add some as and when, and I’m sure I will be asking for help along the way

Hopefully, I will be able to get out and about in it for what’s left of the summer over some of the local routes around here in Wales, before tackling the bigger work over autumn and winter.
One things for sure, and I’m more than aware of the fact it’s not a driver’s car, but I that’s not the point of the Omega.
An E39 is definitely still on the cards

This may be a daft question, but any ideas what the ‘Tm’ button near the lights dial is for? Thanks
My old mans Vectra GSI had traffic master - when he got the car it worked, but he never bothered renewing the subscription. If I remember correctly if there was a crash up ahead the light was red, then a description of the problem would come through as a robotic voice once pressed. It remained green if all was ok. Can’t quite remember it as I was only a kid at the time, but it was a bit crap to be honest.
I can remember once going through Eurotunnel we were pulled in for more security checks. One of the blokes accidentally knocked it and it did this weird countdown, they didn’t half move!
I can remember once going through Eurotunnel we were pulled in for more security checks. One of the blokes accidentally knocked it and it did this weird countdown, they didn’t half move!
Chedders said:
My old mans Vectra GSI had traffic master - when he got the car it worked, but he never bothered renewing the subscription. If I remember correctly if there was a crash up ahead the light was red, then a description of the problem would come through as a robotic voice once pressed. It remained green if all was ok. Can’t quite remember it as I was only a kid at the time, but it was a bit crap to be honest.
I can remember once going through Eurotunnel we were pulled in for more security checks. One of the blokes accidentally knocked it and it did this weird countdown, they didn’t half move!
My dad had it on his 7 Series, it would show up on the sat nav screen. Living inside the M25, most of it displayed red until you zoomed in I can remember once going through Eurotunnel we were pulled in for more security checks. One of the blokes accidentally knocked it and it did this weird countdown, they didn’t half move!

Ffordd Ar Gau said:
Welcome to my Omega 2.5 V6 Elite. It’s a 99 Manual estate, with cream leather interior, the likes of which I’ve yet to see on another Omega.


Considering it is now a 23 year old car, it’s in pretty good condition, the interior is excellent, rear seats hardly used. Boot and headlining as new! Definitely no tip runs.
Big pile of history, dating back to new and the car has easily had more than the initial purchase price of £19500 spent keeping it on the road over the years.
I’ve a list of work that needs doing.
The cambelt coming up for replacement, and will be a priority for the Autumn.
I’d appreciate some PH advice on parts availability from fellow Omega owners as I know parts are hard to come by.
The exhaust is starting to go so would like to get hold of one when I can, for when it’s needed. I think it will be wise to begin to ‘collect’ parts for it as and when they are available, maybe getting a breaker even, as who knows what will happen going forward in terms of parts availability.
I will also give it a service.
I don’t know if the Manual box has ever had any attention in regards to oil. I’ve yet to get under the car to see, so does anyone know if there is an filler/inspection hole to check and change? Is it worth doing.? Likewise, the diff?
The positives from the history, It’s had new tyres recently, all be it cheap, I think they are called Nexen (??) never heard of the make before.
Rocker Gasket, HT leads and Coil & Plugs in late 2019.
Also, both the N/S and O/S central locking motors both replaced within the last 3 years.
Unfortunately, no more photos as of yet, but will add some as and when, and I’m sure I will be asking for help along the way
Hopefully, I will be able to get out and about in it for what’s left of the summer over some of the local routes around here in Wales, before tackling the bigger work over autumn and winter.
One things for sure, and I’m more than aware of the fact it’s not a driver’s car, but I that’s not the point of the Omega.
An E39 is definitely still on the cards
This may be a daft question, but any ideas what the ‘Tm’ button near the lights dial is for? Thanks

Lovely old bus you have there mate. AUTODOC is your friend for stuff for these, and join any club you can for advice and help. Try and get hold of a TIS disc for the car manuals, it was brilliant for stuff like cambelts and other such things. It helped me a lot with my Vectra with the same engine. Considering it is now a 23 year old car, it’s in pretty good condition, the interior is excellent, rear seats hardly used. Boot and headlining as new! Definitely no tip runs.
Big pile of history, dating back to new and the car has easily had more than the initial purchase price of £19500 spent keeping it on the road over the years.
I’ve a list of work that needs doing.
- Some minor scratches that should polish out
- The headlights are starting to discolour but should polish out
- Minor rust on the rear arches (don’t they all!?)
- small oil leak, NS cam cover, which I’m yet to investigate.
- EML intermittent - Crankshaft sensor noted as cause but not replaced due to lack of part availability
The cambelt coming up for replacement, and will be a priority for the Autumn.
I’d appreciate some PH advice on parts availability from fellow Omega owners as I know parts are hard to come by.
The exhaust is starting to go so would like to get hold of one when I can, for when it’s needed. I think it will be wise to begin to ‘collect’ parts for it as and when they are available, maybe getting a breaker even, as who knows what will happen going forward in terms of parts availability.
I will also give it a service.
I don’t know if the Manual box has ever had any attention in regards to oil. I’ve yet to get under the car to see, so does anyone know if there is an filler/inspection hole to check and change? Is it worth doing.? Likewise, the diff?
The positives from the history, It’s had new tyres recently, all be it cheap, I think they are called Nexen (??) never heard of the make before.
Rocker Gasket, HT leads and Coil & Plugs in late 2019.
Also, both the N/S and O/S central locking motors both replaced within the last 3 years.
Unfortunately, no more photos as of yet, but will add some as and when, and I’m sure I will be asking for help along the way

Hopefully, I will be able to get out and about in it for what’s left of the summer over some of the local routes around here in Wales, before tackling the bigger work over autumn and winter.
One things for sure, and I’m more than aware of the fact it’s not a driver’s car, but I that’s not the point of the Omega.
An E39 is definitely still on the cards

This may be a daft question, but any ideas what the ‘Tm’ button near the lights dial is for? Thanks
Are you going the DIY route with cambelt change?
Edited by Huskyman on Saturday 25th June 08:24
Looks like a good ole' bus that 
Can't go wrong with 6 cylinders
Re the Nexen's, if they're the N'Fera SU1s then they're good tyres. Running them on my E39 V8 currently as I needed to get new tyres ASAP and the alloys refurbed, but because I'm not the biggest fan of the alloys on my car I decided to stick with the Nexen's in case I do sell them
But I also don't drive like an idiot and may do c4k miles this year; so I don't feel I need the likes of PS4s etc

Can't go wrong with 6 cylinders

Re the Nexen's, if they're the N'Fera SU1s then they're good tyres. Running them on my E39 V8 currently as I needed to get new tyres ASAP and the alloys refurbed, but because I'm not the biggest fan of the alloys on my car I decided to stick with the Nexen's in case I do sell them
But I also don't drive like an idiot and may do c4k miles this year; so I don't feel I need the likes of PS4s etc
thebraketester said:
Cambs_Stuart said:
From what I've read they were supposed to be a good drive. Didn't someone on here turn one into a track car?
I'm pretty sure that they are rwd are they not?Lots of people weld the diff or put in LSD and they are supposed to slide well….
I would like to keep it original, it’s got to 23 years old in original condition so I think I owe it to stay that way.
Ouroboros said:
I'm colour blind but your creme leather looks grey to me.
It is described as ‘Ivory’ somewhere or other, I cannot find that just now though. It’s not as gloomy looking as my pictures show, just a crap camera and bad light to blame!
d_a_n1979 said:
Looks like a good ole' bus that 
Can't go wrong with 6 cylinders
Re the Nexen's, if they're the N'Fera SU1s then they're good tyres. Running them on my E39 V8 currently as I needed to get new tyres ASAP and the alloys refurbed, but because I'm not the biggest fan of the alloys on my car I decided to stick with the Nexen's in case I do sell them
But I also don't drive like an idiot and may do c4k miles this year; so I don't feel I need the likes of PS4s etc
Thanks! They are, we’re replaced less than 3k miles ago in 2019. Had Michelin on before which were replaced by the Nexen after 5k miles! Still on the original spare I think, but form the days where you got a full size rim.
Can't go wrong with 6 cylinders

Re the Nexen's, if they're the N'Fera SU1s then they're good tyres. Running them on my E39 V8 currently as I needed to get new tyres ASAP and the alloys refurbed, but because I'm not the biggest fan of the alloys on my car I decided to stick with the Nexen's in case I do sell them
But I also don't drive like an idiot and may do c4k miles this year; so I don't feel I need the likes of PS4s etc
Thanks for the Traffic Master guidance, I’ve found some booklets from the previous owners subscriptions in the early 2000’s, needless to say I won’t be bothering with it.
Huskyman said:
Lovely old bus you have there mate. AUTODOC is your friend for stuff for these, and join any club you can for advice and help. Try and get hold of a TIS disc for the car manuals, it was brilliant for stuff like cambelts and other such things. It helped me a lot with my Vectra with the same engine.
Are you going the DIY route with cambelt change?
Probably not as I don’t have any covered workspace yet and I don’t fancy working outside in autumn/winter in Wales Are you going the DIY route with cambelt change?
Edited by Huskyman on Saturday 25th June 08:24

However, that does leave me worrying slightly about choosing a decent garage to do the job, most here are small independent that don’t specialise, or main dealers further afield: I have trust issues with main dealers.
One thing I do need is a code reader as it has been noted several times in the history about EML coming on, but the previous servicing Main Dealer didn’t do anything about it, apart from clear it and ‘monitor’.
Ffordd Ar Gau said:
Huskyman said:
Lovely old bus you have there mate. AUTODOC is your friend for stuff for these, and join any club you can for advice and help. Try and get hold of a TIS disc for the car manuals, it was brilliant for stuff like cambelts and other such things. It helped me a lot with my Vectra with the same engine.
Are you going the DIY route with cambelt change?
Probably not as I don’t have any covered workspace yet and I don’t fancy working outside in autumn/winter in Wales Are you going the DIY route with cambelt change?
Edited by Huskyman on Saturday 25th June 08:24

However, that does leave me worrying slightly about choosing a decent garage to do the job, most here are small independent that don’t specialise, or main dealers further afield: I have trust issues with main dealers.
One thing I do need is a code reader as it has been noted several times in the history about EML coming on, but the previous servicing Main Dealer didn’t do anything about it, apart from clear it and ‘monitor’.
te, I remember being quoted £1200 plus vat for a cam chain for a 2.2 Astra from a main dealer…. I did it myself, first time ever doing it and it wasn’t too bad. If you have space you could set up a gazebo to work under to keep the good old Welsh rain off you 
What a great thing!
I used to get 2.5 or 2.6 V6’s on hire back in the day and they were great for the Glasgow to Chester trips that I was doing. Good memories of these.
I’ll second AutoDoc. I’ve got an Audi S8 of the same era and parts are getting tricky. AutoDoc is good for forward planned maintenance tasks.
Happy motoring!
I used to get 2.5 or 2.6 V6’s on hire back in the day and they were great for the Glasgow to Chester trips that I was doing. Good memories of these.
I’ll second AutoDoc. I’ve got an Audi S8 of the same era and parts are getting tricky. AutoDoc is good for forward planned maintenance tasks.
Happy motoring!
Lovely!!!
I've had two estates-both autos and both Titanium in colour. First was an S reg 2.5GLS auto bought at 3 years old. Had it quite a few years and replaced it with a T reg 3.0 Elite (think it was about 9 years old at the time.)
Cracking cars-used to pull a caravan with both of mine - effortless towcars-super comfy if a little thirsty. The Elite had Xenons and heated rear seats - both had the trafficmaster.
Can only find a couple of photos of the Elite. Keep us posted with progess!


I've had two estates-both autos and both Titanium in colour. First was an S reg 2.5GLS auto bought at 3 years old. Had it quite a few years and replaced it with a T reg 3.0 Elite (think it was about 9 years old at the time.)
Cracking cars-used to pull a caravan with both of mine - effortless towcars-super comfy if a little thirsty. The Elite had Xenons and heated rear seats - both had the trafficmaster.
Can only find a couple of photos of the Elite. Keep us posted with progess!


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