Opel Senator

Opel Senator
Production period:	1978-1993
Class :	Upper middle class / upper class
Body versions :	limousine
Previous model:	( Opel Kapitän / Admiral / Diplomat B )

The Opel Senator was a series of passenger cars produced by the car manufacturer Opel . It was the successor to the discontinued Kapitän / Admiral / Diplomat models and was built in two generations from February 1978 to May 1993.

The Senator was partly assigned to the upper middle class , but partly also to the upper class . It represented the top model in the Opel range. The body and technology were derived from the Rekord E (Senator A) and Omega A (Senator B). A successor to the Senator B was no longer developed due to the low sales figures.

At the same time as the Senator A, the Opel Monza coupé based on it was presented and delivered with a large tailgate. There was no longer a coupé version of the Senator B.

The Opel Senator A also served as the basis for the Bitter SC sports car, which was manufactured from the beginning of 1981 to the end of 1989 .

prehistory

From 1950 to 1964, Opel sold most of the six-cylinder vehicles in Germany, the Kapitän models .

This changed in the spring of 1964 with the appearance of the first KAD series (Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat), which could only be sold 89,277 times by autumn 1968, while the previous model (Kapitän P 2.6) was still sold around 140,000 units had been. The first KAD series was not only considerably larger than the previous captain. The expansive design and format, reminiscent of American models, as well as the up to 5.4 liter V8 engines from American production no longer met the taste of the German public as much as the earlier Kapitän models at the wedding of the Economic miracle .

At the beginning of 1969, Opel presented the KAD B series. It was 4.8 cm shorter, 1.5 cm flatter and 5 cm narrower than its predecessor and, thanks to a DeDion rear axle, had greatly improved driving comfort, but these improvements could not stop the downward trend in sales figures; From the mid-1960s, Mercedes-Benz and increasingly also BMW dominated the luxury class in Germany . In the summer of 1977, the series was withdrawn from the market after only 61,619 copies had been sold.

The development work on a successor series for the Admiral and Diplomat, which continued into the early 1970s, was discontinued not least as a result of the first oil crisis in 1973/74 and the associated changes in customer requirements. After all, Opel had recognized that it had become impossible for a mass manufacturer to be successful in the upper-class segment.

As a result, the Senator and Monza models introduced in May 1978 were initially planned as a replacement for the six-cylinder Commodore B , which had been offered as a sedan and coupé from the beginning of 1972 to the summer of 1977. However, the first internal public tests turned out differently than expected, as the people questioned rated the vehicles higher than anticipated by Opel's model strategists, with the result that both models were initially compared with luxury class vehicles in the first tests of the motor press:

The Auto Zeitung compared the Senator in 1978 with the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE ( W 116 ) and the BMW 730 ( E 23 ), the Monza was compared with the BMW 630 CS ( E 24 ) , which was more than 10,000 DM at the time . Both Opel models performed well, the Senator even won the comparison test because it was more comfortable, more dynamic and cheaper to buy.

Following the press tests, Opel published a brochure for the sellers of the Opel dealer network in which it was stated under the title Monza - in comparison : “Like the Senator, the Monza, with its outstanding properties and qualities, targets the middle and upper The large-car segment in which Mercedes-Benz and BMW previously set the tone. ”The focus of the publication was on the advantages of the Monza, the advantages and weaknesses of the Mercedes-Benz 280 C / CE , BMW 630 CS / 633 CSi , Porsche 924 and Facing Rover 3500 .

However, the technical and optical basis of the Senator A and Monza A - and the Commodore C presented in autumn 1978 - was the Rekord E : All models used the same basic body with an extended front for the installation of the in-line six-cylinder, which Opel called the "snout" , as the headlights were no longer traditionally vertical in the airstream, but were inclined aerodynamically backwards and the bumper stuck out in profile instead. The Senator had a differently designed side view, externally recognizable by the third side window, and a representative rear section with almost black-looking rear lights. Instead of the rear rigid axle guided by four trailing arms and a Panhard rod on the Rekord and Commodore models, Senator and Monza also had a technically more complex semi -trailing arm axle .

Model history Senator A

1st generation
Opel Senator (1978–1982)
Production period:	1978-1986
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Otto engines : 2.0–3.0 liters (81–132 kW) Diesel engines : 2.3 liters (63–70 kW)
Length:	4839 mm
Width:	1722 mm
Height:	1415 mm
Wheelbase :	2683 mm
Empty weight :	1335-1430 kg

Senator A1 (1978–1982)

Rear view

The Senator A1 (and also the Monza A1) was presented at the IAA in September 1977 and built from February 1978.

Senator A and Monza were the first Opel models to have independent rear suspension and mini block springs on the rear axle. Initially, the customer had the choice between two engines. The 2.8-liter engine known and revised from the Admiral / Diplomat was installed in the Senator 2.8 S; it developed 103 kW (140 PS) and was equipped with a Solex double register carburetor. The new Opel top model was the Senator 3.0 E with a three-liter displacement and an output of 132 kW (180 hp), which had an electronic Bosch L-Jetronic petrol injection. From August 1978 the Senator 3.0 S with a three-liter displacement, 110 kW (150 hp) and a Solex double register carburetor was also available. However, the latter was hardly noticed by customers. Equipped with a 4-speed gearbox as standard, the Senator was also optionally available with a 5-speed gearbox from July 1979.

Both the Senator and the Monza were available as basic versions with an interior in red, green, beige, blue or black, in which, in contrast to the Rekord / Commodore, almost all details were harmoniously color-coordinated. The dashboard corresponded to that of the Rekord / Commodore, but here it was also based on the color of the rest of the interior in the upper area. The seat covers used two different ( velor ) fabrics that are also used in the Ascona / Manta B. There were also steel rims like the Commodore.

The C equipment offered imitation wood strips on the dashboard (in the basic Senator only on the dashboard, but not in the basic Monza) as well as on the door panels and a velor trim that included the same seat covers that were also used in the Rekord / Commodore Berlina. The rev counter and two additional cockpit instruments for on-board voltage and oil pressure were also standard, as were 14-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels from Ronal (already standard in the Monza base) and narrow decorative strips on the side flanks, which were color-coordinated with the exterior and / or interior color . The C package was rounded off by a standard tool kit.

Optionally, the Senator and Monza in the basic and the C equipment also had the S package, which had a black instead of a chrome radiator grille, additional cockpit instruments, a tighter chassis setup and an "S" emblem on the front fenders as well as one Tool kit included.

The top CD equipment line was only available in five metallic colors as standard (white gold, opal green, aquamarine blue, astro silver, agate red). It could not be combined with the S package, externally recognizable by the black window frames and black aluminum rims and a "CD" emblem (until August 1979) affixed to the side of the front fenders (from August 1979) and in the center of the steering wheel.

In addition, the Senator CD included steering wheel height adjustment, automatic transmission, air conditioning, electric windows, central locking, seat heating, light alloy wheels, headlight wiper and washer system, and stereo radio / cassette player as standard. It was only available with the 3.0 liter injection engine. The seat sets were completely (instead of just on the seats) covered with velor and quilted even more elaborately. The trunk was completely lined with velor carpeting. The optional leather interior was only available in dark brown. In order to position the CD variant clearly upwards, Opel initially even decided not to offer a trailer coupling for these vehicles.

Opel Monza (1978–1982)

Both Senator and Monza were hailed by the auto press (including auto motor und sport ) when they appeared as a serious new beginning for Opel in the upper middle class. The few points of criticism concerned above all the similarity of body and interior between the Senator / Monza and the Rekord E. The criticism was justified, after all, Opel had taken over the dashboard and other interior details completely from the cheaper Rekord E and merely "upgraded" it with wood imitations. These cost-saving measures made it clear that the Senator and Monza were originally designed in the typical Commodore tradition as more powerful and luxurious record variants.

The 3.0 electric motor helped Senator and Monza to achieve superior performance compared to the competition, but ran relatively rough in higher speed ranges, especially compared to the BMW in-line six-cylinder engines, which were then considered exemplary in terms of running smoothness, and suffered from thermal problems when driving at full throttle Vibrations that were only eliminated by using an engine oil cooler and other measures on the engine in the A2 series.

In 1978 the Senator received the award “ The Golden Steering Wheel ” in Class 3. The jury's statement was: “Opel has made it into the top European class with this car. A luxurious limousine for particularly high demands, with a high level of driving comfort, excellent road holding and a robust engine. "

The launch was a success: From January to March 1979 9405 registrations of Senator / Monza were registered in Germany, however, 10,447 Mercedes-Benz S-Class / SLC and 5462 BMW 6 / 7 series . The Senator / Monza market share in the upper class was thus a good third. Sales figures plummeted as a result of the second oil crisis in autumn 1979. Almost all vehicles in Germany with large-volume engines were affected by this; many drivers of vehicles with high fuel consumption tried - mostly unsuccessfully - to sell them at reasonable prices in order to switch to more economical vehicles. The resulting changed customer needs were also reflected in the advertising campaigns for Senator and Monza, where instead of the previous motto “Form and Function” the focus was on “Economy / Energy Efficiency”.

Facelift

In May 1981, a small facelift, mainly affecting the interior, was carried out in order to revitalize the declining interest of buyers. Since the unstable exterior mirrors of the A1 models came into contact with the front window panes at higher speeds, larger and angular exterior mirrors were now installed; Similar mirrors had already appeared on the first prototypes. Outwardly, the revised row was recognizable by a narrow black plastic border on the lower front spoiler edge. The interior, which was actually intended for the major overhaul (A2) towards the end of 1982 with a new cockpit and door panels, was already installed in order to give customers a stronger distinction from the record and the Commodore C (record with Senator front) presented in September 1978 ) to enable. The cockpit has become more massive, with large-format control buttons and a slightly angled orientation towards the driver. The imitation wood disappeared completely from the C and CD equipment. The Senator CD now has a narrow real wood strip as the upper end of the newly designed door panel.

An on-board computer with a digital clock was now also available on request. Even if the design and ergonomics of the interior had improved, there was still a gap to the competing models from Mercedes-Benz and BMW in terms of workmanship and the materials used.

The 2.8-liter carburettor engine, which was no longer up to date, was replaced by a more economical 2.5-liter injection engine with 100 kW (136 hp), which made the entry-level Senator the Senator 2.5 E. The 3.0 S with carburettor was initially retained, but was withdrawn from the range in July 1982, before the major facelift.

This series, known as the “A1 +” intermediate model, was only offered for a year and a half from May 1981 until the A2 series was released, but it was unable to give any new impetus to the sales figures.

For all its merits, the main obstacle to commercial success was the lack of upper class prestige from Senator and Monza.

Due to the partly technical and above all optical relationship with the “bread and butter car” Rekord E , Opel's marketing department did not succeed in giving the Senator an independent image and preventing the Senator from being perceived as a luxury record . The Monza, as the “sister model” of the Senator, inevitably suffered the same fate due to the “damage to the image” of the Senator in the public eye, although its concept was unrivaled at the time of publication.

For many traditional Opel customers, but also for potential brand changers, there was neither a body that was 22 cm longer than the Rekord E with more chrome, drive and chassis comfort, nor sharply calculated new prices from 23,380 DM for the entry-level model Senator 2.8 S to 37,325 DM for the Senator 3.0 E CD (as of September 1978) convincing purchase arguments for a vehicle in the upper middle class that ultimately had no prestige.

Opel's internal model policy also prevented larger sales figures, especially for the Senator 2.8 S (140 PS), because it also had competition from its own ranks in the form of the powerful and comparatively economical Rekord 2.0 E (110 PS) and the six-cylinder version Commodore 2.5 S (115 PS), both of which were already available for approx. 17,000 DM and thus approx. 6,000 DM cheaper.

The combination of a lack of prestige, the second oil crisis in 1979 and quality problems (an 80,000 km long-term test carried out by the magazine auto motor und sport in issue 21/1980 with a Senator 3.0 E ended with a disastrous result for Opel due to multiple major engine damage) led to the fact that Even in the first years of production, the sales figures came under strong pressure (a Senator or Monza was either not available for sale at all or only at high discounts during the second oil crisis) and, especially as used cars, both Senator and Monza suffered a dramatic loss in value and were already in the In the hands of second owners as cheap bargains they were little cared for and quickly worn out.

Senator A2 (1982-1986)

Opel Senator (1982–1986)

In the early 1980s, Opel was faced with increasingly fierce competition in the large mid-range sedans segment. While Mercedes-Benz and BMW had previously been the declared main competitors, the Audi 100 and various other models have now also been added as competitors.

In a last major comparison test by the magazine auto motor und sport (issues 11 and 12, June 2, 1982), the Senator A1 had to face the Mercedes-Benz 280 E, the BMW 528i and the new Volvo 760 GLE after four years of construction and only managed 3rd place in the final ranking (1st place: Mercedes-Benz 537 points, 2nd place: BMW 534 points, 3rd place: Opel 525 points, 4th place: Volvo 499 points).

Above all, the only average processing quality of the body and the sometimes uncultivated 3.0 e-motor were criticized. Although the Senator was able to confidently win the chapter “Driving comfort”, BMW and Mercedes-Benz had to admit defeat to BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the “Driving characteristics” discipline, in which it had set completely new standards when it appeared in 1978.

Rear view

Conclusion of the test: “The big Opel is getting on in years, it obviously lacks specific model updates. Apart from its exemplary driving comfort, it does not have any outstanding qualities. Its biggest disadvantages: just average workmanship and a little sophisticated engine. "

After a facelift in November 1982, the Senator A2 and the Monza A2, which were available from March 1983, were presented. In addition, a 2.3-liter turbodiesel with 63 kW (86 hp) was now available, which was available with both manual and automatic transmission.

Opel Monza (1982–1986)

At the beginning of the 1980s, the topics of “saving energy” and the associated “aerodynamics” were the main focus in the technical development of new car models.

With a _cd value of 0.45, the Senator and Monza were only average, which meant that Opel was forced to fundamentally adapt the four-year-old designs to the changed market conditions.

In order to reduce the air resistance by approx. 10%, extensive changes to the body were necessary. The front of the vehicle was changed and now looked even more similar to the record E2 front, which was also later lifted. The Ronal aluminum rims have been replaced by rims in the "wool ball design". The stern has been raised slightly. Between the taillights, a US-style cover was attached to match the look of the taillights. The license plate has since found its place between two bumper horns in the lower area on the bumpers, which were formerly made of chrome and now completely made of plastic. The interior, including the new decors and upholstery designs, was largely adopted from the so-called A1 intermediate model. The 3.0 electric motor received an oil cooler, a redesigned crankshaft to increase its service life under high loads and the improved Bosch LE Jetronic injection system.

The entry-level engine was the 2.0 E with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder injection engine and 81 kW (110 hp) from the Rekord E, which was sold a little later with 85 kW (115 hp).

From August 1983 there was also an optional anti-lock braking system in the Senator, which was standard in the CD.

In February 1984 the Senator CD received a digital speedometer, also known as a “mouse cinema”.

The 2.5 E with 100 kW (136 hp) was replaced in October 1984 by the 2.5 i, which offered more torque and now developed 103 kW (140 hp).

Also in October 1984, the 2.0 E was replaced by the more torque 2.2 i with 85 kW (115 PS). At the same time, the 3-speed automatic was replaced by a 4-speed automatic.

From March 1985, 700 units of the supercharged 2.3-liter Comprex diesel (70 kW / 95 PS) could be ordered as an alternative to the 2.3 TD . The Senator Comprex diesel was only available with a five-speed manual transmission. A special feature of the manufacturer is not Opel, but Irmscher on the nameplate. The Comprex pressure wave charger was developed by the BBC . All diesel variants of the Senator could be recognized from a distance by a hump on the bonnet because of the higher engine.

In September 1985 a 3.0-liter engine with a regulated catalytic converter was introduced (3.0 i with 115 kW / 156 PS). The engine also had a reduced compression and was therefore suitable for operation with normal unleaded gasoline.

Auto Bild compared the Senator C 2.5i 1986 with the Saab 9000i 16 , Ford Scorpio 2.8i GL , Audi 100 CD 2.2 , Mercedes-Benz 230 E and BMW 525i . The Senator took fifth place behind Saab, Ford, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. The Senator's assessment was as follows: “The Opel Senator held its own against its competitors in all technical assessments without any serious weaknesses. Only the less luxurious equipment ensures that it has slipped to fifth place in the overall ranking. "

The last Senator A / Monza A were produced in June 1986. In order to bridge the time until the appearance of Senator B, the sale of Senator A continued for almost a year. From January to April 1987 only 590 Senators were sold, whereas 7067 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans were sold in the same period .

Despite all the update measures, the sales figures for the A2 series were significantly worse than for the A1 models. The image of both series was further watered down by the orientation “downwards” through the use of four-cylinder engines and made even more difficult for customers to understand. While the A1 models could still be considered the legitimate successor to Opel's last upper-class KAD series in the public eye (at least initially), this nimbus was completely forgotten in the 1980s.

Engines

The engine program corresponded to that of the Monza. However, this was not offered with the two diesel engines.

model	Engine type	Displacement	power	Torque	construction time
2.0 E.	In-line four-cylinder	1979 cc	85 kW (115 PS) at 5600 rpm	160 at 4200 rpm	11 / 1982-10 / 1984
2.2 i	In-line four-cylinder	2197 cc	85 kW (115 PS) at 4800 rpm	182 at 2600 rpm	10 / 1984-06 / 1986
2.5 E.	Inline six-cylinder	2461 cc	100 kW (136 hp) at 5600 rpm	185 at 4600 rpm	05 / 1981-10 / 1984
2.5 i	Inline six-cylinder	2461 cc	103 kW (140 PS) at 5200 rpm	205 at 4000 rpm	10 / 1984-06 / 1986
2.8 p	Inline six-cylinder	2784 cc	103 kW (140 PS) at 5200 rpm	218 at 3500 rpm	02 / 1978-04 / 1981
3.0 p	Inline six-cylinder	2969 cc	110 kW (150 PS) at 5200 rpm	230 at 3400 rpm	02 / 1978-07 / 1982
3.0 E	Inline six-cylinder	2969 cc	132 kW (180 PS) at 5800 rpm	248 at 4500 rpm	02 / 1978-06 / 1986
3.0 i	Inline six-cylinder	2969 cc	115 kW (156 hp) at 5600 rpm	225 at 4200 rpm	09 / 1985-06 / 1986
2.3 TD	In-line four-cylinder	2244 cc	63 kW (86 PS) at 4200 rpm	192 at 2300 rpm	03 / 1983-06 / 1986
2.3 Comprex D	In-line four-cylinder	2244 cc	70 kW (95 PS) at 4200 rpm	195 at 2400 rpm	10 / 1984-06 / 1986

On request, there were also engines from Mantzel or Irmscher, among others with 3.6 liters displacement and 200 hp.

Prices

The new price in DM was as follows:

model	06/1978	07/1979	08/1980	01/1982	05/1982	01/1983	05/1983	07/1983	02/1984	10/1984	05/1985	06/1986
Senator 2.5 E.				27,195	28,530	29,180	30,065	30,335	31,000
Senator C 2.8 S	25.110	26,161.52	27,443
Senator C 3.0 S.	25,915	27,284.47	28,621	30,396
Senator CD 3.0 E with automatic	37,250	38,919.42	39,695	42,890	45,000	46.225	47,630	48,055	49,465
Senator 2.0 E.						26,600	27,400	27,645	28,250
Senator 2.2 i										29,065	29,765	30,340
Senator 2.5 i										32,035	32,800	33,435
Senator CD 3.0 i with automatic										50,800	52,100	53,100
Senator C 2.3 Comprex D										34,745	35,610	36,310

production

A total of 129,644 units of the Opel Senator A were produced. These are distributed among the individual models as follows:

Senator A1

model	units
2.5 p	1
2.5 E.	6,765
2.8 p	21,237
3.0 p	7,966
3.0 E	33,352
total	69,321

Senator A2

model	units
2.0 E.	3,889
2.2 i	3,926
2.3 TD	1,668
2.3 TDX	700
2.5 i	22,969
3.0 i	25,613
3.0 i cat	1,558
total	60,323

Model history Senator B

Senator B (1987-1993)

2nd generation
Opel Senator (1987-1993)
Production period:	1987-1993
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Petrol engines : 2.5-4.0 liters (103-200 kW)
Length:	4845 mm
Width:	1763 mm
Height:	1430-1452 mm
Wheelbase :	2730 mm
Empty weight :	1440-1640 kg

The Opel Senator B is a four-door notchback sedan based on the Opel Omega A . It was presented in May 1987 and was available from September 1987. The Opel tuner Keinath produced a few copies of a two-door convertible.

In 1987 Senator B received the award " The Golden Steering Wheel " in class 3.

In Germany the Senator B was only offered with six-cylinder in-line engines. Initially, the 3.0-liter injection engine without a catalytic converter with 130 kW (177 hp) and the 3.0-liter injection engine with a regulated catalytic converter and 115 kW (156 hp), also known from the Senator A, were available. At the beginning of 1988, a more powerful 3.0-liter variant with a regulated catalytic converter and 130 kW (177 hp) was added.

The 2.5-liter injection engine with 103 kW (140 hp), also from the predecessor, was also available for export. In some countries, the Senator B was also offered with a 2.3-liter turbodiesel.

In October 1989, the 3.0-liter 24-valve engine with a variable intake system ( dual ram ) was presented, which developed 150 kW (204 hp). At the same time a facelift was made; The Senator B received a lowered body, dark-colored rear lights and a rear spoiler.

The 4.0-liter 24-valve Irmscher with 200 kW (272 hp) was available from March 1990 .

In September 1990, the engines without a catalytic converter and the 3.0-liter engine with 115 kW (156 hp) were withdrawn from the range. Instead, the 2.6-liter engine with dual ram (110 kW / 150 PS) was now the smallest engine for the Senator B.

In May 1993, production of the Senator B ended after six years of construction and 69,943 copies produced.

• 

  Rear view

• 

  From autumn 1989 the Senator had a rear spoiler and dark rear lights

body

Compared to the Omega A, the Senator B is 15.8 cm longer, 0.9 cm narrower and 0.5 cm higher with the same wheelbase. The body of the Senator B is aerodynamically shaped, the windows are flat on the outside. The c _w value is 0.30 and thus slightly more than that of the Omega A of 0.28.

A distinguishing feature of the Senator B is in particular the large radiator grille, whereas the Omega A has a smooth front with a narrow cooling air inlet. The rear wheel cutouts in the Senator B are round instead of square. The rear triangular side windows are larger in the Senator B than in the Omega A. The front indicators are not next to the headlights, but below the bumper next to the fog lights. The Senator B also differs from the Omega A in its large, split taillights. Half of this is integrated into the tailgate. The taillights of the Senator B were also used by Bristol Cars for the Bristol Blenheim sports car produced from 1993 to 2008 .

In contrast to the Senator A, the Opel logo is not in the radiator grille, but on the bonnet. The radiator grille swings upwards with the bonnet.

In 1987 Auto Bild described the appearance of the Senator B as “a mixture of old and new: RO 80 at the front, Audi 100 at the rear”.

Equipment and technology

The Senator B was initially offered in two trim levels: Senator and Senator CD .

The basic equipment of the Senator B contains an anti-lock braking system and a servotronic from the Friedrichshafen gear factory , which regulates the power of the power steering depending on the driving speed. While the steering is easy at low speed, it becomes tighter as the speed increases. In 1987, Auto Bild described the Servotronic as "a novelty for German cars". Shortly before, the Servotronic had already been introduced in the BMW 7 Series (E32) . Auto Bild criticized the fact that the Servotronic "looks a bit spongy at high speeds". According to a ZF technician, the servotronic in the Senator is “more comfortable than in the BMW”.

The Senator B was delivered with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard. An electronically controlled 4-speed automatic with three programs: Power , Economy and Winter was available on request . The CD equipment has the automatic as standard. In addition, the CD equipment includes a radio, a digital speedometer, electric windows and electronic chassis control. Three settings can be selected with a wheel on the dashboard: normal, sporty and comfortable. Depending on the setting, the shock absorbers become harder or softer.

The instruments and the steering wheel come from the Omega A, the center console has been redesigned. Auto Bild criticized the "abundant processing of plastic". In the interior, the outer ventilation nozzles are located at the front of the doors. They pivot outward with them. The seats, the steering wheel and the front and rear seat belts can be adjusted in height. The seats are covered with velor , the interior is clad in velor. According to Auto Bild , the space available in the back seat is “princely”. The rear seat can be folded down in three parts. The trunk holds 530 liters, 10 liters more than in the Omega A.

The chassis of the Senator B comes from the Omega A. In the Senator B it is softer and more comfortable. Auto Bild wrote in 1987 that the Senator's chassis offered “very high safety reserves and good comfort”. It counts "among the best (...) what is feasible today with rear-wheel drive cars".

Market position and competition

In the specialist press and literature, the Senator B was certified as having upper-class quality. The fact that it was still unable to assert itself against its competitors in the vehicle market was attributed to the lack of image and the similarity to the Omega A.

Auto Bild judged in 1987: “The new Senator is a very good car. From a technical point he is living up to the upper class justice. "As a competitor called the Mercedes-Benz 300 E and the Audi 100 / 200 .

Auto Bild compared the Senator 3.0i CD 1987 with the Audi 200 Turbo , BMW 730i , Ford Scorpio 2.9i Ghia and Mercedes-Benz 260 SE . The Senator took second place behind the BMW and level with the Mercedes-Benz. The Senator's assessment was: “The Opel appeals with many modern detailed solutions that you don't see straight away (e.g. electronically controlled gearbox). It drives very safely and comfortably. What it lacks is charisma. ”The price of the Senator CD of around DM 60,000 was slightly below the BMW 730i and slightly above the Mercedes-Benz 260 SE and Audi 200 Turbo. In the basic equipment costing around 45,000 DM, the Senator was comparable in price to the Ford Scorpio 2.9i Ghia.

The ADAC wrote in 1991: “Opel's biggest doesn't have it easy in the luxury class of automobiles. It lacks the image of comparable products from Munich or Stuttgart, but not their quality. "

Peter Schneider wrote in 2002: “When the last Senator rolled off the assembly line in 1993, Opel's traditional luxury class came to an end. To this day she has not found a successor. "

Technical specifications

model	2.5 i	2.6 i	3.0 i	3.0 i	3.0 i	3.0 i 24V	4.0 i 24V
Construction period:	05 / 1987-08 / 1990 1	09 / 1990-05 / 1993	05 / 1987-08 / 1990	05 / 1987-08 / 1990	01 / 1988-05 / 1993	10 / 1989-05 / 1993	09 / 1990-05 / 1993
Engine code:	25NE	C26NE	C30LE	30NE	C30NE	C30SE	C40SE
Engine:	6-cylinder in-line engine (four-stroke)
Catalyst:	without	regulated		without	regulated
Displacement:	2490 cc	2594 cc	2969 cc	2969 cc	2969 cc	2969 cc	3983 cc
Bore × stroke:	87 x 69.8 mm	88.8 x 69.8 mm	95 x 69.8 mm	95 x 69.8 mm	95 x 69.8 mm	95 x 69.8 mm	98 × 88 mm
Compression ratio:	9.2: 1	9.2: 1	8.6: 1	9.4: 1	9.2: 1	10.0: 1	10.0: 1
Max. Power at 1 / min:	103 kW (140 PS) at 5200	110 kW (150 PS) at 5600	115 kW (156 hp) at 5400	130 kW (177 hp) at 5400	130 kW (177 hp) at 5800	150 kW (204 hp) at 6000	200 kW (272 hp) at 5800
Max. Torque at 1 / min:	205 Nm at 4000	220 Nm at 3600	230 Nm at 3900	240 Nm at 4400	240 Nm at 4200	270 Nm at 3600	395 Nm at 3300
Mixture preparation:	Injection (Bosch LE2-Jetronic)	Injection (Bosch Motronic)		Injection (Bosch LE2-Jetronic)	Injection (Bosch Motronic)
Number of valves per cylinder:	2	2	2	2	2	4th	4th
Valve control:	Overhead valves, hydraulic valve lifters, camshaft in the side of the cylinder head, duplex chain					Diagonal hanging valves, hydraulic valve lifters, 2 overhead camshafts, 2 chains
Cooling:	Water cooling
Drive:	Rear wheel drive
Gearbox, as standard:	5-speed gearbox, center shift
Gearbox, optional:	4-speed automatic (Opel)
Front suspension:	MacPherson struts, coil springs, pendulum stabilizer, from Oct. 1989: gas pressure shock absorbers
Rear suspension:	Semi-trailing arm axle, cross member, mini-block coil springs, torsion bar stabilizer, from October 1989: gas pressure shock absorber, diagonal arm
Brakes:	Four-wheel disc brakes, Ø front 280 mm, rear 270 mm					Ø front 296 mm, rear 270 mm
Body:	Sheet steel, self-supporting
Track width front / rear:	1462/1484 mm
Wheelbase:	2730 mm
Length:	4845 mm
Width:	1763 mm
Height:	1452 mm						1430 mm
Empty weight:	1440-1500 kg	1490-1550 kg	1470-1530 kg	1455-1515 kg	1490-1550 kg	1520-1580 kg	1640 kg
Top speed:	210 km / h	215 km / h	210 km / h	220 km / h	225 km / h	240 km / h	255 km / h
Acceleration, 0-100 km / h:	11 s	10.5 s	10.5 s	9.5 s	9.5 s	9 s	6.5 s
Consumption (liters / 100 kilometers):	13 p	12.5 S.	13 p	13 p	13.5 S.	12.5 S.	14.5 p
Fuel tank:	75 liters
Swell:

¹ For export only.

Prices

The new price in DM including the automatic transmission was as follows:

model	09/1987	09/1988	10/1989	01/1990
Senator 3.0 i (156 HP)	48,100	48,555	49,655	50,830
Senator 3.0 i (177 hp)	50,100	50,555	51,655	52,880
Senator CD 3.0 i (177 HP)	60,500	61,600	63,300	64,900
Senator CD 3.0 i 24V (204 HP)			67,400	69,100

production

The annual production figures from 1990 onwards were as follows:

year	1990	1991	1992	1993
units	14.007	9,561	5,952	2,688

quality

Auto Bild published a used car test for the Senator B in 1998. As a result, the 3.0 liter 24 valve (204 hp) tended to crack in the cylinder head gasket. In addition, the crankshaft was undersized for the engine power. The weaker 3.0 liter 12 valve had the longer life expectancy. Occasional damage to the tappets and camshaft occurred on the 2.6-liter models. Auto Bild came to the following conclusion: “The Senator class has the most cars for the money. Rust is not an issue, the automatic works smoothly and agile with the solid 177 hp engine, plus there is ample comfort. Typical weak points are oil loss, defective water pumps and worn brake discs. The poor workmanship, rattling fittings and failures of the central locking are annoying. Otherwise a flawless executive class - just without an image. "

In autumn 2002, Opel carried out a service campaign for Senator B. The heating heat exchanger was replaced free of charge because the unit originally installed tended to leak at high continuous speeds. Senator B from model year 1991, which were equipped with air conditioning, were affected. Since these were not safety-relevant parts, no official recall was started via the Federal Motor Transport Authority.

Export models

In Great Britain, the Senator A was sold as the Vauxhall Royale with right-hand drive, the Monza had the name Royale Coupé there . It was not until Senator B was offered in Great Britain as the Vauxhall Senator .

• 

  Vauxhall Senator

• 

  Vauxhall Senator: A Favorite of the British Police

In Australia, the Senator was offered with a retouched body with 3.8-liter V6 engines from Buick and 5.0-liter V8 engines from Holden . The models were called Commodore and Statesman . As part of a cooperation with Toyota on the Australian market, the Holden Commodore was also available under the brand name Toyota Lexcen , but only with a 3.8-liter V6 engine.

literature

• Eberhard Kittler : German Cars since 1990. Volume 6. Mercedes, Ford, Opel and Porsche . 1st edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2001, ISBN 3-613-02052-1 , p. 315, 323-325 .
• Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 3. Ford, Opel and Volkswagen . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02116-1 , p. 306-311, 348-351 .
• Peter Schneider: German cars in the picture. The milestones from 1886 to today . 1st edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2002, ISBN 3-613-02233-8 , p. 164 .

Web links

Commons : Opel Senator  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• http://www.senatorman.de/
• http://www.senator-monza.de/
• Info page for the model series Rekord E, Commodore C, Senator Monza A

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b c d e f g h i j} Eckhart Bartels, Rainer Manthey: Opel: Vehicle Chronicle Volume 2: 1952–1990. Podszun, Brilon 2012, ISBN 978-3861336204 , pp. 71, 72, 80, 96 and 105.
2. ↑ ^{a b} Wolfgang Scholz: Opel Senator and Monza celebrate their 30th birthday. Adam Opel AG, May 5, 2008, accessed October 21, 2015 . 
3. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 3. Ford, Opel and Volkswagen . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02116-1 , p. 306 .
4. ↑ ^{a b c} Heiko Haupt: Lover's Cars: Opel's last reach for the stars. Global Media Services GmbH, April 7, 2001, accessed October 21, 2015 . 
5. ↑ auto, motor und sport 10/1978
6. ↑ auto, motor and sport 1/1979
7. ^ Opel - Chronicle of a fight: The history of the car brand since 1970 by Frank O. Hrachowy
8. ↑ ^{a b} The winners of the Golden Steering Wheel (1976–2013). (PDF) In: The Golden Steering Wheel 2013 - Press Kit - Axel Springer. Bild am Sonntag and Auto Bild, November 12, 2013, pp. 18-19 , accessed on October 21, 2015 . 
9. ↑ Opel at high speed. (PDF) In: DER SPIEGEL 20/1979. May 14, 1979, p. 129 , accessed October 21, 2015 . 
10. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 3. Ford, Opel and Volkswagen . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02116-1 , p. 306 .
11. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 3. Ford, Opel and Volkswagen . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02116-1 , p. 307 .
12. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 3. Ford, Opel and Volkswagen . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02116-1 , p. 306 .
13. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 3. Ford, Opel and Volkswagen . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02116-1 , p. 307 .
14. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 3. Ford, Opel and Volkswagen . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02116-1 , p. 307 .
15. ↑ Andreas Borchmann: Six with power and comfort: which one offers the most? (PDF) In: AUTO BILD 19/1986. May 4, 1986, pp. 18-22 , accessed October 21, 2015 . 
16. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 3. Ford, Opel and Volkswagen . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02116-1 , p. 307 .
17. ↑ ^{a b c d e} Andreas Borchmann: Opel's greatest on the way up. (PDF) In: AUTO BILD 24/1987. June 9, 1987, pp. 28-36 , accessed October 21, 2015 . 
18. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 3. Ford, Opel and Volkswagen . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02116-1 , p. 307 .
19. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 3. Ford, Opel and Volkswagen . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02116-1 , p. 307 .
20. ^ Eberhard Kittler : German Cars since 1990. Volume 6. Mercedes, Ford, Opel and Porsche . 1st edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2001, ISBN 3-613-02052-1 , p. 323 .
21. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 3. Ford, Opel and Volkswagen . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02116-1 , p. 348 .
22. ^ Eberhard Kittler : German Cars since 1990. Volume 6. Mercedes, Ford, Opel and Porsche . 1st edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2001, ISBN 3-613-02052-1 , p. 323 .
23. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 3. Ford, Opel and Volkswagen . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02116-1 , p. 348 .
24. ↑ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k} Jürgen von Gosen, Alfred Weinzierl: From the sewing machine to the new Senator. (PDF, 1.39 MB) In: AUTO BILD 20/1987. May 11, 1987, pp. 22-28 , accessed October 21, 2015 . 
25. ↑ ^{a b c d e f} Andreas Borchmann: Technically great - finally something for the upper class? (PDF, 717 kB) In: AUTO BILD 31/1987. July 27, 1987, pp. 20-21 , accessed October 21, 2015 . 
26. ↑ ADAC SPECIAL AUTO ´92 . General German Automobile Club eV, Munich 1991, p. 141 .
27. ^ Peter Schneider: German cars in the picture. The milestones from 1886 to today . 1st edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2002, ISBN 3-613-02233-8 , p. 164 .
28. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 3. Ford, Opel and Volkswagen . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02116-1 , p. 350, 351 .
29. ^ Eberhard Kittler : German Cars since 1990. Volume 6. Mercedes, Ford, Opel and Porsche . 1st edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2001, ISBN 3-613-02052-1 , p. 324, 325 .
30. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 3. Ford, Opel and Volkswagen . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02116-1 , p. 349 .
31. ^ Eberhard Kittler : German Cars since 1990. Volume 6. Mercedes, Ford, Opel and Porsche . 1st edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2001, ISBN 3-613-02052-1 , p. 315 .
32. ↑ The misunderstood size. In: AUTO BILD 26/1998. autobild.de, archived from the original on March 4, 2006 ; accessed on October 21, 2015 . 
33. ↑ The misunderstood size. autobild.de, February 25, 2002, accessed October 21, 2015 . 
34. ↑ Change the heat exchanger. autobild.de, November 8, 2002, accessed October 21, 2015 .