1992 Opel Senator CD 24V 3.0 petrol from Finland

Summary:

Fantastic! I've always loved it

Faults:

Electronic faults and jerking due to module aging.

The timing chain stretches as mileage increases, causing metallic noises.

Hoses and ducts become brittle, making coolant leaks and overheating more likely.

The brake discs and pads wear out quickly due to the vehicle's heavy weight.

Rust on the front shock absorber mounts and cups.

The availability of spare parts for this CD model is very limited, and they are very expensive when you can find them. Consequently, maintaining the car is quite costly.

General Comments:

It is a fantastic car in every respect, from the mechanics to the quality of the components. In fact, I bought it when it was 12 years old with 30,000 km on the clock, and I sold it after nearly 18 years, still in pristine condition.

The car is imposing, measuring nearly 4,845 millimeters in length—a truly majestic size for the 1990s. The Senator 3.0i boasted features that set it apart from certain rivals. It stood out for adopting the trends of the era, such as digital instrumentation, the only option for the Senator 3.0i CD, along with a trip computer, ABS, air conditioning, an adjustable steering wheel, electric windows on all doors, and alloy wheels; all of which came as standard equipment. As an interesting side note (something unimaginable today) there was the option to install a limited-slip rear differential.

The 3.0-liter engine was the same one used in its successor, the Omega; it was highly reliable and offered excellent fuel economy, especially impressive given its large size and automatic transmission, so that is another plus. Its performance was by no means poor; it matched or surpassed that of a Mercedes W124 260 from the same year. I would even say the Senator was more agile and faster, though perhaps slightly less luxurious, but does that really matter in the end?.

It was great to drive; despite its size, it handled like a smaller car thanks to its excellent steering. The brakes were also excellent, although they eventually wore out and I had to replace them after the 130,000 km mark (I bought the car used, and not everyone takes proper care of their vehicle).

I’ve always liked big cars, but it was love at first sight with the Senator, and I still miss it to this day. It’s one of those cars that leaves a mark on your life.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th August, 2026

17th Aug 2026, 18:47

Nice review, we had these in the UK as the Vauxhall Senator. I had one back in the day. Fast, reliable, luxurious, one of my best cars, loved it. Police used them here as well as motorway patrol cars in the 1990s. I miss those times.

1982 Opel Senator CD 3 litre injection from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Superb, but thirsty

Faults:

Torque converter seal replaced.

General Comments:

Very comfortable

Solid and very reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th September, 2006

31st Oct 2008, 11:28

I brought a 1982 Opel Senator 2.5E FOR £250. It had a broken tappet and a sticking front caliper, got those fixed and you couldn't hear the engine on tick over, and it was so comfortable to drive, went to Wiltshire in it and it ate the miles up in its stride.

I sold it when it hit 18-20 miles to the gallon. It had 149,500 on the clock and I got £900 for it. It still sounded sweet, but I couldn't afford to run it, as in fuel costs.

1983 Opel Senator CD 3.0 straight six turbocharged from Bulgaria

Summary:

My Senator CD 3000 straight six turbo is the ultimate road predator with the comfort of a sedan

Faults:

The camshaft had to be replaced because of the bad motor oil the previous owner had used. The engine blew up from overheating while traveling at 260 km/h - this is well in the red zone of the rpm. The pistons had big holes between the rings. And the piston rings were in the bottom of the engine. All the bearings were totally out of order. Even with this severe damage it was still running I would say very smooth above 3000 rpm.

General Comments:

For the beginning of the 90`s it was one of the fastest and powerfull cars in Bulgaria except the real sports cars.

It is still very spacey and comfortable and luxurious and competitive to any other luxury car of all times.

But from several years I began feeling lack of power and speed while comparing to a brand new Mercedes or BMW.

So I decided to go supercharged I mean turbo supercharged. And the result is 353 HP @ 6400 rpm and 420 nm @ 2700 - 5400 rpm the acceleration is 5.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h against 8.5 seconds withe the stock slightly tuned engine.

It have Koni electrically adjustable shocks Garrett T3/T4 hybrid turbo computerized ignition front and rear spoiler. Wheel arcs spoilers Vacuum skirt in the front. Ventilated front hood - increasing the amount of air running trough the radiator and allowing less air to go under the car.

Probably the biggest advance is the superb transmission from Aisin Warner with four gears and double electronical automatized overdrive allowing 120 km/h at 2100 rpm and 200 km/h at 3800 rpm. the top speed is tested only to 270 km/h approximately.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th December, 2004

19th Mar 2005, 10:06

I think thay you have done a very good work with the car, but did you took any photos of the car? And where can they be viewed?

30th May 2005, 14:43

Wow! hope, i'll do with my senator 2.8s '78 the same.

15th Jun 2005, 07:09

OK the pictures are coming soon if you want some now please tell me where to send them at "senator3000@abv.bg".

You may ask me whatever you want about the car mechanics.

And I must tell you that the 2.8s engine is tunable only with carburetors and increasing the compression ratio and camshaft degree and solid, but not hydraulic driven valves - I forgot the word for the device between cam and valve!

18th May 2026, 03:14

Excuse me, but a top speed of 270 km/h for a Senator from the early 1980s seems completely unrealistic to me, even with the 3.0-liter engine and other modifications.

No sedan from that era could reach or exceed 250 km/h; only a supercar like some Porsches or Ferraris could, but not this car.

It's still a brilliant car, a worthy successor to the Diplomat. I know it because my family owned one back in the 1990s, with a 2.5-liter engine; excellent build quality and mechanics.

1986 Opel Senator C 3.0E petrol from Sweden

Summary:

Comfort all the way

Faults:

Small and easily fixed petrol leaks.

Heater fan only works on highest speed.

EGR-valve failed MOT, easily fixed.

General Comments:

This is a very comfortable car, runs like its new.

Made for high speed cruising.

The 3 liters straight six is very strong with a tremendous torque on every gear.

In very good condition, keeping it forever.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2002

1983 Opel Senator Model 2A CD 3.0E petrol from Finland

Summary:

Wonderful car

Faults:

Rear brakes. Now I have Omega 3000 Caravan rear brakes (discs are original) and they are working great!

Rear tires won't last more than a week.

Rust in the rear fenders and in the lowest edge of the front door.

Water pump blew up (new costs about £8..).

License plate lights need new wires.

Electric windows don't work anymore in the rear doors.

General Comments:

Very sporty family car. Quite good performance with a manual 5 speed gearbox. Engine gives about 220 horses and sounds just like a new.

Manzel springs and koni shock absorbers gives a good touch to road the with BMW 7x16" wheels and 215/45 ZR 16 tires.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th May, 2001