🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Opel Model: Kadett Year: 1990 Codes Chassis Code: E (T85) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact/Small Family Car Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Volkswagen Golf Mk2, Ford Escort Mk4, Fiat Tipo, Peugeot 309 Key Features Design Philosophy: Practicality, efficiency, and affordability, with robust German engineering Manual Value Proposition: Enables comprehensive DIY maintenance and repair, saving costs and empowering owners 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Scope: Full Service Repair Detail Level: Professional Technician & Do-It-Yourself Page Count Estimated Pages: N/A (Digital format, variable depending on specific content) Manual Type Type: Service & Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Delivery: Instant Download Requirements Software: Adobe PDF Reader, WinRAR Compatibility Operating Systems: Windows & Mac (all versions) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Comprehensive engine overhaul, tuning, diagnostics, and component repair Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission service, repair, and overhaul Brakes: Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), disc and drum brake service, adjustments, and component replacement Electrical: Detailed wiring diagrams, troubleshooting procedures, component testing, lighting, ignition, starting, charging systems Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension components, alignment, power steering system, rack and pinion service Cooling Heating Ac: Radiator, thermostat, water pump, fan, heater core, A/C system servicing and repair Fuel System: Fuel injection systems (CIS-E, etc.), carburetor service (if applicable), fuel pump, filter, and line replacement Body Chassis: Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, chassis component inspection and replacement Exhaust: Exhaust system inspection, repair, and replacement Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides for common problems, fault code interpretation (if applicable) Repair: Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems and components Rebuild: Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and major component rebuilds Refurbishment: Procedures for restoring worn or damaged components Restoration: Guidance applicable to comprehensive vehicle restoration projects Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repairs and diagnostics Illustrations: Detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos included Formatting Aids: Numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, notes, cautions, warnings, enlarged insets 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Type: PDF Print Quality Quality: Full Printable Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options General: Multiple gasoline and diesel engine variants were available for the Kadett E. Performance Typical Hp Range: Approximately 55-115 hp depending on engine and trim Typical Torque Range: Approximately 80-160 Nm depending on engine and trim Fuel System Common Systems: Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic, or Pierburg/Solex carburetor systems, depending on engine Engine Types Gasoline Examples: 1.3L (13N, 13S), 1.4L (C14SE), 1.6L (16SV, C16NZ), 1.8L (18SE), 2.0L (20SEH - GSI) Diesel Examples: 1.5TD (1.5LD - Isuzu sourced), 1.6D (16D1) 🔧 Transmission Standard Manual: 4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions Optional Automatic: 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmissions were often optional Features Clutch Type: Dry single-plate clutch (manual transmission) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: Hatchback (3-door and 5-door), Saloon (4-door), Estate/Caravan (5-door), Convertible Weights Curb Weight Range: Approx. 900-1150 kg depending on body style and engine 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test History: No specific Euro NCAP ratings available for this era, but generally followed contemporary safety standards. Active Features Braking Systems: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. ABS was an option on higher trims. Passive Features Restraints: Seat belts (front and often rear), optional airbags were not common at this time. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Features 1990: Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Analog instrumentation. Driver Assistance Available Systems: ABS was a notable option for the era. Power steering was also available on higher trims. Connectivity Connectivity Features: N/A for the period; no modern connectivity options. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Timing Belt: Recommended replacement every 60,000-90,000 km or 4-5 years for most gasoline engines (e.g., C16NZ). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: API SG/CD, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 recommended, consult manual for specific viscosity based on climate. Coolant: Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific OAT/IAT requirements. Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on system specification. Always use clean, sealed fluid. Transmission Fluid Manual: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil. Transmission Fluid Automatic: Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Known Issues Common Problems: Rust (especially wheel arches, sills, door bottoms), carburetor issues (if fitted), ignition system components (coil, distributor), cooling system leaks, exhaust system corrosion. Electrical Gremlins: Due to age, minor electrical issues can arise, often related to wiring harness degradation or earth points. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Opel Legacy: Opel, a German automotive manufacturer owned by General Motors (GM) during this period, known for producing reliable and practical vehicles. Model Evolution Kadett E Development: The Kadett E (T85) was the fifth generation, designed with aerodynamic efficiency and launched in 1984. It was a significant evolution...
3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmissions were often optional
Features
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate clutch (manual transmission)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
Hatchback (3-door and 5-door), Saloon (4-door), Estate/Caravan (5-door), Convertible
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 900-1150 kg depending on body style and engine
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test History:
No specific Euro NCAP ratings available for this era, but generally followed contemporary safety standards.
Active Features
Braking Systems:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. ABS was an option on higher trims.
Passive Features
Restraints:
Seat belts (front and often rear), optional airbags were not common at this time.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Features 1990:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Analog instrumentation.
Driver Assistance
Available Systems:
ABS was a notable option for the era. Power steering was also available on higher trims.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
N/A for the period; no modern connectivity options.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Timing Belt:
Recommended replacement every 60,000-90,000 km or 4-5 years for most gasoline engines (e.g., C16NZ).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG/CD, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 recommended, consult manual for specific viscosity based on climate.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific OAT/IAT requirements.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on system specification. Always use clean, sealed fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Rust (especially wheel arches, sills, door bottoms), carburetor issues (if fitted), ignition system components (coil, distributor), cooling system leaks, exhaust system corrosion.
Electrical Gremlins:
Due to age, minor electrical issues can arise, often related to wiring harness degradation or earth points.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Opel Legacy:
Opel, a German automotive manufacturer owned by General Motors (GM) during this period, known for producing reliable and practical vehicles.
Model Evolution
Kadett E Development:
The Kadett E (T85) was the fifth generation, designed with aerodynamic efficiency and launched in 1984. It was a significant evolution from its predecessor.
Production
Production Years:
1984-1991 (Kadett E)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Rüsselsheim), but also manufactured in other GM plants globally.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Popular Votes:
The Kadett E was a very popular car in Europe, winning numerous 'Car of the Year' polls and consumer awards in various countries for its class.
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