Segment:
Mid-size family car (CD-segment)
Target Audience:
Families, commuters, fleet operators
Key Competitors:
Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Peugeot 406, Renault Laguna, Fiat Croma
Design Philosophy:
Focus on comfort, practicality, and a solid driving experience, with a strong emphasis on safety for its era.
Value Proposition:
Offered a good balance of features, performance, and value for money, particularly in the European market.
Regions Covered:
Primarily European markets (UK, Germany, etc.)
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds (specific count not provided, but implied extensive)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, starting and charging
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch, driveshafts
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (including ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, power accessories, body control module (BCM), engine control unit (ECU), infotainment systems
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension arm replacement
Rebuilding:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission rebuild specifications
Refurbishment:
Bodywork restoration, interior component refurbishment
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing quick access to specific topics
Quality:
High-resolution digital scans suitable for printing
Binding:
Not applicable (digital format)
Paper Quality:
Not applicable (digital format)
Engine Options:
Wide range including 1.6L (X16XEL, Z16XE), 1.8L (X18XE, Z18XE), 2.0L (X20XEV, Z20LET - turbo), 2.2L (Z22SE), and diesel variants (1.9 DTI, 2.0 DTI, 2.2 DTI).
Example 2.0 16V Performance:
Approx. 136 PS (134 hp; 100 kW) @ 6000 rpm, 188 Nm (139 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (X20XEV)
Example 2.0 Turbo Performance:
Approx. 192 PS (189 hp; 141 kW) @ 5500 rpm, 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) @ 1950 rpm (Z20LET - GSi/VXR)
Fuel Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) or direct injection for some diesel variants
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR valve, secondary air injection (depending on engine and market)
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual (e.g., F17, F18, F23 based on engine)
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic (e.g., AF13/AF17, AF20, AF33 based on engine)
Transmission Controls:
Cable-operated clutch (manual), electronic or hydraulic control (automatic)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Typically GM Synchromesh Fluid (e.g., 93165299) or equivalent GL-4 rated gear oil.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
GM Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., 93160394).
Body Styles:
Saloon (4-door), Hatchback (5-door), Estate/Caravan (5-door)
Example Dimensions Saloon:
Length: ~4510mm, Width: ~1730mm, Height: ~1420mm
Example Cargo Volume Saloon:
~460 litres
Example Curb Weight:
~1300-1500 kg depending on engine and trim
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x110
Euro Ncap Rating:
4 stars (for models equipped with side airbags, tested in 1999)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on base trims.
Traction Control:
Optional on some higher trims (TC/TCPlus).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags standard, side airbags and curtain airbags optional or standard on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned seatbelts with load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific engine.
Timing Belt Interval:
For X16XEL, X18XE, X20XEV: 40,000 miles or 4 years. For Z16XE, Z18XE, Z22SE, Z20LET: 60,000 miles or 6 years (check manual for exact interval for specific engine).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on spark plug type (standard or iridium).
Engine Oil Specification:
Typically API SJ/SL or ACEA A3/B3/B4, with viscosity grades like 5W-40 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Consult manual for specific engine oil.
Coolant Specification:
GM original coolant or equivalent (e.g., G12/G12+ pink antifreeze), a 50/50 mix with deionized water. Part numbers like 1940671/1940672.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension bushes, shock absorbers, rear wheel bearings, exhaust system components, mass airflow sensor (MAF).
Engine Specific Issues:
Head gasket failures on some 1.8L (18XE) engines, oil leaks, thermostat issues.
Electrical Issues:
Corrosion on electrical connectors (especially earth points), intermittent central locking, faulty window regulators, ABS sensor failures.
Bodywork:
Rust, particularly on sills, wheel arches, and rear screen surround.
Vauxhall History:
Long-standing British automotive manufacturer with a history dating back to 1857, known for reliable and accessible vehicles.
Vectra B Introduction:
Introduced in late 1995 as the successor to the Vectra A. The 1999-2002 period covers the facelifted ('facelift 2' or 'Series II') model, which featured significant styling and mechanical updates.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Ellesmere Port, UK (for Vauxhall) and Rüsselsheim, Germany (for Opel).
Production Period:
Vectra B produced from 1995 to 2002.
General Reputation:
Generally well-regarded for comfort and practicality, though often criticized for reliability compared to some German rivals. Offered good value for money.
Owner Satisfaction Contemporary:
Mixed to average in contemporary reviews, with some praising its refinement and others highlighting build quality and electrical gremlins.
