Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: firemoth on 19 July 2016, 12:13:15

Title: Considering a return
Post by: firemoth on 19 July 2016, 12:13:15
Considering coming back to an omega. Had to sell mine when the need for a 7 seater reared its head again. So the omega got sold and replaced with a galaxy. Talk of what's coming after the galaxy came up (it's still going and not expecting replacement in the immediate future) but an option came up as an idea. An omega with 7 or more seats. And my mate came across.....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191895503368

Yes I'm mental enough to think it's a great idea. Ok tight spots might be an issue, and I can kiss goodbye to multi storey car parks, but this genuinely peaks my interest. I'm an hgv driver so no concerns handling it. I spend every day driving something 3x the size. Already sussed where it can be parked at home, and at work i Park my car where my wagon is parked anyway.

My only issue with this is I hate automatics with a passion. (No offence, I know a lot of you drive automatics) but they're not for me.

Does anyone know if they built these with manual boxes? Or would my hunt be in vein? Or, how hard would it be to swap the auto box for a manual?
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: STEMO on 19 July 2016, 12:37:29
2.5 litre diesel, 69000 miles, hardly run in.

Except it's probably done those miles at 10mph.  :-\
And, if you really like it, just put up with the auto box or you'll end up spending more than it cost to change the box and all the grief that goes with it.
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: Kevin Wood on 19 July 2016, 13:31:06
That reminds me. Must update my will. No tractors for my last journey, please! ;)

It's not going to be that spritely being hauled around by a TD with an auto box.
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 19 July 2016, 13:52:21
That reminds me. Must update my will. No tractors for my last journey, please! ;)

It's not going to be that spritely being hauled around by a TD with an auto box.

Manual conversion and a little bit of EEPROM trickery....
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: zirk on 19 July 2016, 14:03:00
If you are seriously thinking about getting it, I would consider a Manual Conversion, in standard form on the 2.5TD's the Autobox killed the MPG over a Manual, so a 7 Seater Auto fully loaded with bodies (sorry people) is going to be ridiculously poor MPG and will just add another minus point to your love of Auto's.

The BMW 2.5TD's can be easerly Chipped for around 75 notes (ask on here) to get back up to BMW power and beyond, as they were detuned for the Omega ready fit, so the extra BHP and Torque you get could compensate for the extra weight, but in my book would need to be Manual. 
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: Kevin Wood on 19 July 2016, 14:15:18
Not to mention that the AR25 auto box wasn't that long-lived in many standard TDs. Add a load of extra weight and it will only get worse.
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: omegod on 19 July 2016, 14:30:18
Pretty sure I spotted an LPG limo last week on the bay or AT, can't look too hard as I'm supposed to be saving lives in work  :D
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: Lazydocker on 19 July 2016, 14:32:23
Most funeral cars are very well maintained and normally given a "spirited" drive when serviced :-X

I doubt you will find a manual one as auto is much smoother when driving slowly. As said, a conversion is possible  :y
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 19 July 2016, 14:39:26
Well worth the box swap... I know that AR25s aren't worth thruppence ha'hapenny, but surely for such a low mileage example someone would be willing to buy the old box off you, just help offset the cost of a Manual?
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: STEMO on 19 July 2016, 14:53:09
Oh well...just me then. ;D
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: firemoth on 19 July 2016, 15:21:21
The fact it's the BMW engine is a huge plus to me. I had the dti in mine and it was no end of problems. And 2 extra cylinders is always nice.

I've seen a few is these pop up. If I wag going to do a conversion, is probably get one that's had a harder life, then get it cheaper to account for the cost. Does anyone know what's involved? Is it as simple as drop the auto box out, remove the selector lever and gibbons, then fit a manual box straight to the engine? Would the gear cables just slot into place as if I was just replacing cables?

I had a quick search for anyone doing the conversion (on standard car) but didn't spot anything. Anyone aware of anyone doing it?
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: RobG on 19 July 2016, 15:27:03
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90592.0
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: zirk on 19 July 2016, 15:49:42
Oh well...just me then. ;D
Yep, ......    as per normal.  ;D
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: BazaJT on 19 July 2016, 18:32:02
I know some on here have done the conversion,does the prop need changing[different lengths maybe?]if so would the op have problems there with a limo which I'd imagine to be longer wheelbase?
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: BazaJT on 19 July 2016, 18:36:38
Another thing to consider-if it'd be of use and if one could be found is an Omega 7 seater estate.I saw one of these at Billing a few years ago,it was an official Vx option I was told,with the rearmost seats directly behind the ordinary rear seat so the occupants faced backwards.
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: Nick W on 19 July 2016, 18:46:37
I know some on here have done the conversion,does the prop need changing[different lengths maybe?]if so would the op have problems there with a limo which I'd imagine to be longer wheelbase?


Depends where the car was lengthened. But it doesn't matter as custom props are cheap and easy.
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: Mr Gav on 20 July 2016, 07:44:44
I know some on here have done the conversion,does the prop need changing[different lengths maybe?]if so would the op have problems there with a limo which I'd imagine to be longer wheelbase?

I think it`s the front half of the propshaft that are different lengths, it could even be a bespoke front half for these limos so sourcing one may be a problem.
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: Keith ABS on 20 July 2016, 07:55:29
 Imrsher or Steinmetz did a seven seat version

Keith ABS
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: STEMO on 20 July 2016, 10:55:38
Seven seaters are only any good for carrying people, no room for any luggage/shopping.
Title: Re: Considering a return
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 20 July 2016, 11:04:26
So that's where this limo idea comes in, then, I suppose. Still have the nice big Omega boot to play with.  :)