🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buick

Model:

Riviera

Year:

1998

Model Generation:

GMX323 (Eighth Generation)

Platform:

GM Epsilon platform (derived from Opel Vectra B/Vauxhall Vectra)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Personal Luxury Coupe

Brand Perception:

Premium American personal luxury, comfort-oriented

Key Competitors:

Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler LeBaron Coupe (earlier models), Cadillac Eldorado

Design Philosophy:

Focus on smooth ride, quiet cabin, comfortable touring

Notable Features 1998:

Front-wheel drive, V6 engine options, refined interior

Manual Benefit:

Essential for new owners to understand vehicle features, maintenance, and safety, especially if the original manual is missing.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's Manual

Additional Coverage:

Maintenance, basic troubleshooting, system operation, safety features

Estimated Pages:

150-200

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Instrument Panel:

Gauges, warning lights, controls

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, airbags (SRS), child restraint systems

Comfort And Convenience:

HVAC, power windows, door locks, mirrors, seats, audio system

Driving Operations:

Starting the engine, driving, parking, fuel recommendations

Emergency Procedures:

In case of breakdown, tire changing, jump starting, towing

Maintenance And Care:

Scheduled maintenance, cleaning, appearance care, fluid checks

Technical Information:

Vehicle identification number (VIN), tire pressure, capacities

Pre Drive Checks:

Visual inspection, fluid levels, tire pressure

Adjustment Procedures:

Seat, mirror, steering wheel adjustments

Maintenance Tasks:

Oil changes, filter replacements (basic guidance)

Troubleshooting Tips:

Basic guidance on common warning lights and issues

Depth:

Owner-level operation, maintenance, and safety information. Does not cover in-depth repair diagnostics or component replacement procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if OCR'd properly

Quality:

Dependent on source scan; generally clear for reading and printing

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital File)

Digital Paper:

N/A (Digital File)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

3800 Series II V6 (L36)

Engine Description 1:

3.8L (3800 cc) naturally aspirated overhead valve V6

Horsepower 1:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 1:

230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery 1:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Engine Code 2:

3800 Supercharged V6 (L67) - Optional

Engine Description 2:

3.8L (3800 cc) supercharged overhead valve V6

Horsepower 2:

240 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 2:

280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery 2:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI) with Intercooler

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3800 cc)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for supercharged)

Emission Control:

Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)

Transmission Type Optional:

None (Only 4-speed automatic available for this model year)

Gear Selection:

PRND321

Traction Control:

Available on some models (TCS)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.7 inches (5072 mm)

Width:

73.9 inches (1877 mm)

Height:

54.5 inches (1384 mm)

Wheelbase:

110.5 inches (2807 mm)

Front Track:

62.0 inches (1575 mm)

Rear Track:

61.0 inches (1550 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg) depending on engine and options

Trunk Volume:

15.0 cubic feet (425 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Not rated separately, generally considered good for its era.

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Not rated separately, generally considered good for its era.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS)

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all occupants, front seat belt pretensioners

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard on this model; typically utilizes seat belts for child restraint systems.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player and CD player (optional), seek-and-scan tuning, speed-sensitive volume control.

Climate Control:

Manual or Automatic Climate Control (optional), dual-zone climate control available.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Keyless Entry:

Optional keyless entry system.

Connectivity Features:

Limited to basic audio and climate controls; no advanced connectivity like Bluetooth or USB.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or as per oil life monitoring system if equipped.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Change:

Check fluid level regularly, replace fluid and filter every 60,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and manual recommendations.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 3.8L V6: SAE 5W-30; Supercharged V6: SAE 5W-30, synthetic recommended

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

GM Dex-Cool (Orange) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Power Steering Fluid:

GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF

Common Issues 1:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on older 3800 series), coolant leaks, transmission issues (e.g., torque converter shudder).

Common Issues 2:

Fuel pump failures, electrical gremlins, power window motor issues.

Common Issues 3:

Supercharger pulley bearing noise on L67 engines.

Oil Filter Example:

AC Delco PF1218 or equivalent (e.g., Fram PH3506, Wix 51515)

Air Filter Example:

AC Delco A1833C or equivalent

Cabin Air Filter Example:

Not typically equipped with a cabin air filter on this model.

📚 Vehicle History

Buick Legacy:

Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, refined, and near-luxury vehicles, often targeting an older demographic.

Riviera Lineage:

The Riviera nameplate has been a flagship personal luxury coupe for Buick since the 1960s, evolving through various design trends and technologies.

Eighth Gen Context:

The 1995-1999 generation, particularly the 1998 model, represented a significant shift towards a more contemporary, less flamboyant design compared to some earlier generations, aligning with GM's global Epsilon platform strategy.

Production Years:

1995-1999

Manufacturing Location:

Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

While not directly awarded in 1998, the 3800 V6 engine was a Ward's 10 Best Engines recipient multiple times.

Consumer Reports Evaluation:

Generally rated as average to above average for reliability in its class for the era, with the 3800 V6 engine being a strong point.