Segment:
Executive car / Large family car
Positioning:
Competed in the premium segment against rivals like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6, offering a blend of comfort, space, and performance.
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E39), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C4/C5), Ford Scorpio, Volvo S80
Design:
Sleek, modern design with a spacious and comfortable interior, often praised for its ride quality and refinement.
Powertrain Options:
Wide range of engines, including efficient four-cylinder units, smooth V6 engines, and powerful V8 options, along with diesel variants.
Technology Adoption:
Incorporated advanced features for its time, such as electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and advanced infotainment systems on higher trims.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU/ECM diagnostics and calibration)
Transmission:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (including electronic controls and diagnostics), clutch system, driveline, propshaft, CV joints, differential
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear, including adaptive systems if applicable), steering system (power steering, rack and pinion), braking system (ABS, EBD, brake pad/disc replacement, hydraulic system), wheels and tires
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator, starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuse box locations and identification, power windows, central locking, mirrors, seats, HVAC controls, instrument cluster, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II)
Body:
Body shell construction, exterior panels (doors, hood, trunk lid, fenders), interior trim, seats, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts), body sealing, glass replacement, crash repair procedures (structural alignment recommendations)
HVAC:
Air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator), heating system, climate control module, ventilation
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, brake inspections, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Repair:
Component replacement (alternator, starter, water pump, fuel pump, radiators, master cylinder, shocks, struts, CV axles), engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, body panel repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, braking problems, HVAC malfunctions, and starting/charging system issues
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine timing procedures, valve clearances, fluid capacities and types, electrical system voltages, resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic owner maintenance to advanced diagnostics and full mechanical rebuilds. Suitable for professional technicians and knowledgeable DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed guidance on interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), using scan tools, and performing electrical system diagnostics with multimeters.
Engine Code Examples:
X20SE, X25XE, Y26SE, X30XE, Y32SE, DTi (Ecotec Diesel variants)
Displacement Range:
2.0L to 3.2L (Petrol), 2.0L to 2.5L (Diesel)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 115 hp (2.0L petrol) to 210 hp (3.2L V6 petrol), Diesel variants around 100-130 hp
Torque Range:
Varies significantly by engine. Example: 2.5L V6 (X25XE) approximately 230 Nm.
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for petrol engines, common rail direct injection (CRDI) for diesel engines.
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with distributorless ignition system (DIS) or coil-on-plug systems on later models.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Required for most petrol engines, typically at intervals around 60,000 miles or 4 years (refer to specific engine manual for exact interval and part numbers).
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic (e.g., GM 4L30-E, 4T65-E), 5-speed automatic (e.g., GM 5L40-E) on higher-spec models.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-III or Dexron-VI for automatic transmissions (check specific vehicle/transmission type for exact specification, e.g., Opel/GM transmission fluid)
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate clutch for manual transmissions.
Body Styles:
Saloon (Sedan) and Caravan (Estate/Wagon)
Length Saloon:
Approx. 4,895 mm (192.7 in)
Length Caravan:
Approx. 4,980 mm (196.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,784 mm (70.2 in)
Height Saloon:
Approx. 1,450 mm (57.1 in)
Height Caravan:
Approx. 1,500 mm (59.1 in)
Cargo Volume Saloon:
Approx. 530 liters (18.7 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Caravan:
Approx. 540 liters (19.1 cu ft) (seats up) to 1600 liters (56.5 cu ft) (seats down)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1,450 kg (3,197 lb) to 1,650 kg (3,638 lb) depending on engine and specification.
Euro Ncap Rating:
4 stars (for early models, later facelifts may have improved safety features and potentially different ratings - specific rating for the 1994-2003 Omega B varies by testing period).
ABS:
Standard on most models, with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) on later versions.
Traction Control:
Optional or standard on higher trims (TC).
Esc:
Optional or standard on higher trims (ESP/ESC) in later production years.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags available as an option or on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned seatbelts with load limiters for front occupants.
Crumple Zones:
Designed with front and rear crumple zones for improved crash energy absorption.
Head Units:
Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD players. Later models offered advanced CD receivers with graphic displays and optional multi-CD changers.
Speaker Systems:
Various configurations, from basic 4-speaker setups to premium systems with subwoofers on higher trims or optional packages.
Cruise Control:
Available on most models, particularly higher specification and longer-wheelbase variants.
Parking Sensors:
Optional on later models, particularly the Caravan.
Onboard Computer:
Driver Information System (DIS) often included, displaying trip data, fuel economy, and warning messages.
Telematics:
Limited connectivity options by modern standards, but some later models may have offered integrated phone systems as options.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. Varies by engine oil specification and driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 20,000-30,000 miles or as per manual, depending on operating environment.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Petrol engines: often recommended at 40,000-60,000 miles. Diesel engines: more frequent, check manual.
Engine Oil Specification:
Varies by engine, commonly API SJ/SL or ACEA A3/B3/B4. Viscosities like 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40. Examples: GM-LL-A-025 (petrol), GM-LL-B-025 (diesel).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically meeting GM 6277M or equivalent. Often OAT (Organic Acid Technology) type for later models.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Problems:
Mass airflow sensor (MAF) failures, ABS sensor issues, minor oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, sump gaskets), power steering pump whine, fuel pump reliability (especially on earlier models), radiator support corrosion, dashboard display issues (pixel loss), ignition coil pack failure.
Diesel Specific Issues:
Glow plug issues, potential turbocharger problems on higher mileage examples, injector seals.
Vauxhall Opel Legacy:
Vauxhall and Opel have a long history of producing robust and family-oriented vehicles, with the Omega nameplate succeeding the Carlton/Senator lineage.
Omega A To B Transition:
The Omega B, launched in 1994, was a significant redesign from the Omega A, featuring a more aerodynamic profile, improved interior quality, and a wider range of advanced technologies.
Facelifts:
Received a significant facelift (Omega B2) in 1999, featuring updated styling (e.g., new headlights, grille, bumpers, and interior trim), and revised powertrains, particularly the introduction of the 2.2L Ecotec and improvements to the V6 engines.
Production Location:
Mainly produced at the Rüsselsheim plant in Germany.
Production End Year:
2003
