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[bootie]

Not that I'm suggesting for one minute that there may be cars out there that are not very truthfully represented.
I would like to know any pitfalls I may come across when owning/driving a 3.2 V6 with a manual box.

I had a look at the common issues but these are for specific faults rather than a general overview of what to look out for during ownership.

So, calling upon the combined experience/expertise of 3.2 manual or auto owners to help me have my eyes wide open should I decide to buy the biggest engined car I have ever owned.

Ayethangyoo.

Jon

[TheBoy]

Nothing beyond standard Omega things.

The V6 (all of them) suffer the cam cover gasket failure, crank sensor faults leave you stranded and can at first seem daunting to work on. DBW V6 (2.6/3.2), if the throttle fails, its bloody expensive...  ...but reliable enough to use replacements from a breaker. Coil Packs seem to fail at relatively low mileage (as low as 80k), easy enough to change, and Bosch ones can be had for £80 a side.

The 3.2 often has a very slight hunt at idle, and isn't as economical as the earlier 3.0l, despite giving similar power.

The 3.2 is particularly susceptable to 0420/0430 cat efficiency codes. Cure is to have the rearward lamdas moved back beyond the main cat, which permenently overcomes the issue.

HTH

[05omegav6]

After 264,000 on the original engine, gearbox, diff, springs and rear wheel bearings, it would be fair to say they are pretty bombproof

Budget for HBV, wishbones, camcover gaskets, coilpacks and crank sensor same as ANY other Omega and you'll not go wrong

Plod cars have stronger springs fitted, which along with self levelling makes them very capable and alot less wallowy than an Elite estate

Had I the cash or space, that car would already be on my drive

[GastronomicKleptomaniac]

Remember to clean the breathers regularly and you'll have no problem with failing cam cover gaskets

[05omegav6]

Remember to clean the breathers regularly and you'll have no problem with failing cam cover gaskets

There is also that

[terry paget]

Am I right in the belief that the only manual 3.2s were police specials?
Great cars but lacking certain toys, like computer, variable intermittent wipe speed, cruise control, and radio. Tricky to tax as bought too, though I presume all are now re-registered.

[GastronomicKleptomaniac]

Am I right in the belief that the only manual 3.2s were police specials?
Great cars but lacking certain toys, like computer, variable intermittent wipe speed, cruise control, and radio. Tricky to tax as bought too, though I presume all are now re-registered.

Officially yes, I've been told that VX could build you one if the dealer begged them. If anyone did I doubt theres any left...

Most have had a radio retrofitted, and some plod cars accidentally ended up with a MID instead of the basic TID...

[Kevin Wood]

Yes, there were no retail manual 3.2s, sadly. Autos have been converted, though.

All the other bits you mention can be retro-fitted easily enough.

[05omegav6]

Am I right in the belief that the only manual 3.2s were police specials?
Great cars but lacking certain toys, like computer, variable intermittent wipe speed, cruise control, and radio. Tricky to tax as bought too, though I presume all are now re-registered.

The beauty of Plod spec cars is that they are a blank canvas when it comes to spec... mine has electric windows all round, auto dimming mirror, heated seats front and rear, memory front seats, cruise and a MID...

All easy to retrofit, as being a 3.2, most of the wiring is present, the notable exception being the door looms for electric rear windows... plug and play at the B post though

[terry paget]

I see original post came from Spain. Perhaps there were lots of 3.2 manuals with left hand drive.

[Shackeng]

The main problem you will find is that it is a manual, and has one too many pedals.

[05omegav6]

The main problem you will find is that it is a manual, and has one too many pedals.

Not related to Andy B perchance

[Andy B]

The main problem you will find is that it is a manual, and has one too many pedals.

Not related to Andy B perchance

No, but Chris knows a proper car/gearbox when he sees one 

[Shackeng]

 

[bootie]

Very comprehensive replies, thanks indeed.

I'm thinking very hard about replacing the TD estate as the engine has let me down and I don't have the facility to investigate myself. Thought I had a complete (everything included) engine at a reasonable price but that turned out not to be.....

There is Zirk's 3.2 for sale which I am very interested in as some might have guessed, but I have to talk to SWMBO and be really honest with myself, is this a heart over head decision.
I really wanted to know the ins and outs of the bigger petrol engine and by the look (or read) of it, I got them.

Saying that I have also been offered another 2.5TD!!!!