🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Buick Model: Riviera Year: 1998 Model Generation: GMX323 (Eighth Generation) Platform: GM Epsilon platform (derived from Opel Vectra B/Vauxhall Vectra) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Personal Luxury Coupe Brand Perception: Premium American personal luxury, comfort-oriented Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Thunderbird, Chrysler LeBaron Coupe (earlier models), Cadillac Eldorado Key Features Design Philosophy: Focus on smooth ride, quiet cabin, comfortable touring Notable Features 1998: Front-wheel drive, V6 engine options, refined interior Value Proposition Manual Benefit: Essential for new owners to understand vehicle features, maintenance, and safety, especially if the original manual is missing. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Owner's Manual Additional Coverage: Maintenance, basic troubleshooting, system operation, safety features Page Count Estimated Pages: 150-200 Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered 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 Procedures Included 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 Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level operation, maintenance, and safety information. Does not cover in-depth repair diagnostics or component replacement procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable if OCR'd properly Print Quality Quality: Dependent on source scan; generally clear for reading and printing Binding Type Digital Binding: N/A (Digital File) Paper Type Digital Paper: N/A (Digital File) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1: 3800 Series II V6 (L36) Engine Description 1: 3.8L (3800 cc) naturally aspirated overhead valve V6 Performance 1 Horsepower 1: 205 hp @ 5200 rpm Torque 1: 230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Fuel System 1 Fuel Delivery 1: Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI) Engine Code 2 Engine Code 2: 3800 Supercharged V6 (L67) - Optional Engine Description 2 Engine Description 2: 3.8L (3800 cc) supercharged overhead valve V6 Performance 2 Horsepower 2: 240 hp @ 5200 rpm Torque 2: 280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Fuel System 2 Fuel Delivery 2: Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI) with Intercooler General 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 Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E) Optional Transmission Type Optional: None (Only 4-speed automatic available for this model year) Features Gear Selection: PRND321 Traction Control: Available on some models (TCS) 📐 Dimensions Exterior 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) Weights Curb Weight Approx: 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg) depending on engine and options Cargo Trunk Volume: 15.0 cubic feet (425 liters) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings 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. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Optional Traction Control System (TCS) Passive Features 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 Infotainment 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. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control. Keyless Entry: Optional keyless entry system. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited to basic audio and climate controls; no advanced connectivity like Bluetooth or USB. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals 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. Fluid Specifications 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 Known Issues 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.
Filter Part Numbers
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
Brand Heritage
Buick Legacy:
Buick has a long history of producing comfortable, refined, and near-luxury vehicles, often targeting an older demographic.
Model Evolution
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
Production Years:
1995-1999
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly, Michigan, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
While not directly awarded in 1998, the 3800 V6 engine was a Ward's 10 Best Engines recipient multiple times.
Ratings
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.