🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Opel Model: Kadett Generation: E Body Styles: Hatchback (3-door, 5-door), Saloon (4-door), Estate (Caravan) (5-door), Convertible (2-door), Van (commercial) Codes Chassis Codes: T85 (Hatchback, Saloon, Estate, Convertible), T85V (Van) 👋 Introduction Market Position Description: The Opel Kadett E (1984-1991) was a highly successful compact car produced by Adam Opel AG. It competed in the fiercely contested European small car segment against rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, Renault 11, and Fiat Uno. Its strengths lay in its practicality, fuel efficiency, and modern styling for its era, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Volkswagen Golf Mk2, Ford Escort Mk4, Fiat Uno, Renault 9/11, Peugeot 309, Toyota Corolla E80. Key Features Manual Utility: Provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions tailored for both professional technicians and capable DIY enthusiasts, enabling owners to maintain and repair their Opel Kadett effectively. Manual Scope Scope: Covers all major mechanical, electrical, and bodywork aspects of the Opel Kadett E, acting as a digital equivalent to a factory service manual. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Model Years Covered: 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 Regions Covered: Primarily European market, with potential applicability to other markets where the Kadett E was sold or rebadged. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (typical factory service manuals of this era are several hundred pages). Manual Type Type: Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Internal combustion engines (petrol and diesel), including tuning, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul. Fuel System: Carburettor and Fuel Injection (CIH, Ecotronic, Motronic systems as applicable), fuel pumps, lines, tanks. Cooling System: Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications. Ignition System: Distributor, coil, spark plugs, ignition timing, electronic ignition systems. Exhaust System: Manifolds, catalytic converters (if fitted), mufflers, pipes, emissions control. Transmission: Manual transmissions (4-speed, 5-speed), automatic transmissions (3-speed, 4-speed), clutch, driveshafts, differentials. Brakes: Front discs, rear drums, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), master cylinder, calipers, brake lines, pads, shoes. Suspension: Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam/semi-independent, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment. Steering: Rack and pinion, power steering system (if equipped), steering column, linkages. Electrical System: Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting, instrumentation, ECUs. Body And Chassis: Body panels, frame, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, rust prevention and repair. Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning: HVAC system operation, components, refrigerant, diagnostics. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine checks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid top-offs, spark plug service, belt inspection/replacement. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems. Repair: Step-by-step instructions for disassembling, repairing, and reassembling all major vehicle components. Diagnostics: Fault code interpretation, electrical circuit testing, mechanical component testing. Installation: Procedures for installing replacement parts and accessories. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls, and advanced electrical system diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: Full Printable Zoom Capability: Yes Binding Type Binding Type: Digital Download (not applicable to physical binding) Paper Type Paper Type: Digital Download (not applicable to physical paper type) Delivery Delivery Method: Instant Download Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent decompression software) Compatibility Operating Systems: Compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Variants Available: Wide range including 1.2L, 1.3L, 1.4L, 1.6L (8v and 16v), and 1.8L petrol engines (CIH and OHC designs), as well as 1.6L and 1.7L diesel engines. Performance Hp Range: From approximately 53 hp (1.3L Diesel) to 115 hp (Kadett GSI 1.8i 16V). Torque Range: Varies significantly by engine, with larger displacement and performance variants offering higher torque figures. Fuel System Fuel Delivery Types: Rochester/Pierburg, Solex, and Weber carburetors; Bosch L-Jetronic and Motronic fuel injection systems. Engine Codes Notable Engine Codes: 13S (1.3L), 14NV (1.4L), 16V C16XE (1.6L GSI), C18NE (1.8L GSI). 🔧 Transmission Standard Manual Transmission: 4-speed and 5-speed manual gearboxes were common. Optional Automatic Transmission: 3-speed and 4-speed automatic transmissions were available on select models. Features Drive Type: Front-wheel drive (FWD). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Mm: Approx. 2520 mm (varies slightly by body style). Length Mm: Approx. 3990-4260 mm (varies by body style). Width Mm: Approx. 1660-1680 mm. Height Mm: Approx. 1350-1440 mm. Weights Curb Weight Kg: Approx. 900-1100 kg (depending on engine and body style). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Euroncap Rating: Not available (Euro NCAP was established later). Active Features Brakes Design: Front ventilated discs (on most models), rear drum brakes. ABS was an optional feature on higher trims. Passive Features Seatbelts: Standard 3-point seatbelts in the front, 2-point in the rear (later models may have 3-point rear). Chassis Design: Integral safety cage construction. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio Systems: Factory-fitted radio/cassette players, often with basic speaker systems. Aftermarket upgrades are common. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Systems: Limited by modern standards. ABS...
The Opel Kadett E (1984-1991) was a highly successful compact car produced by Adam Opel AG. It competed in the fiercely contested European small car segment against rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, Renault 11, and Fiat Uno. Its strengths lay in its practicality, fuel efficiency, and modern styling for its era, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf Mk2, Ford Escort Mk4, Fiat Uno, Renault 9/11, Peugeot 309, Toyota Corolla E80.
Key Features
Manual Utility:
Provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions tailored for both professional technicians and capable DIY enthusiasts, enabling owners to maintain and repair their Opel Kadett effectively.
Manual Scope
Scope:
Covers all major mechanical, electrical, and bodywork aspects of the Opel Kadett E, acting as a digital equivalent to a factory service manual.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Model Years Covered:
1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
Regions Covered:
Primarily European market, with potential applicability to other markets where the Kadett E was sold or rebadged.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typical factory service manuals of this era are several hundred pages).
Manual Type
Type:
Repair Service Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Internal combustion engines (petrol and diesel), including tuning, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul.
Fuel System:
Carburettor and Fuel Injection (CIH, Ecotronic, Motronic systems as applicable), fuel pumps, lines, tanks.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications.
3-speed and 4-speed automatic transmissions were available on select models.
Features
Drive Type:
Front-wheel drive (FWD).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Mm:
Approx. 2520 mm (varies slightly by body style).
Length Mm:
Approx. 3990-4260 mm (varies by body style).
Width Mm:
Approx. 1660-1680 mm.
Height Mm:
Approx. 1350-1440 mm.
Weights
Curb Weight Kg:
Approx. 900-1100 kg (depending on engine and body style).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Euroncap Rating:
Not available (Euro NCAP was established later).
Active Features
Brakes Design:
Front ventilated discs (on most models), rear drum brakes. ABS was an optional feature on higher trims.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Standard 3-point seatbelts in the front, 2-point in the rear (later models may have 3-point rear).
Chassis Design:
Integral safety cage construction.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio Systems:
Factory-fitted radio/cassette players, often with basic speaker systems. Aftermarket upgrades are common.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Systems:
Limited by modern standards. ABS was optional on some higher-trim models. No airbags were standard; some later models might have had driver-side airbags as an option.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None in the modern sense (no Bluetooth, USB, etc.).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Km:
Typically 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific intervals based on plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for interference engines (e.g., 1.6i 16V C16XE). Intervals typically 60,000-80,000 km or 4-5 years. Refer to manual for specific engine.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly 10W-40 or 5W-40, depending on climate and engine. Refer to manual for specific API/ACEA ratings.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a blue or green silicate-based coolant (pre-mix or concentrate, requires mixing with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II (or equivalent).
Known Issues
Rust And Corrosion:
Common on wheel arches, sills, door bottoms, and rear spring mounting points due to age and materials used.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion in connectors, failing relays, and aging wiring looms can lead to intermittent electrical faults.
Engine Wear:
Valve stem seals, piston rings, and engine mounts can wear over time, leading to oil consumption and vibration.
Suspension Bushings:
Worn control arm bushings, anti-roll bar links, and ball joints can affect handling and cause noise.
Cooling System Leaks:
Radiator, hoses, and water pump are common areas for leaks.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Opel History:
Opel, a German manufacturer founded in 1898, has a long history of producing reliable and accessible vehicles, known for their engineering and value.
Model Evolution
Kadett Lineage:
The Kadett E was the fourth generation of the Kadett line, succeeding the Kadett D. It was a significant redesign, offering more modern styling and technology, and shared its platform with the Chevrolet Kadett in South Africa and the Vauxhall Astra Mk2 in the UK.
Production
Production Years:
1984-1993 (globally, with minor variations in end dates by market).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Rüsselsheim), but also manufactured in other Opel/GM facilities across Europe and licensed production globally.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Design Awards:
The design, by Ercole Spada, was considered aerodynamically advanced and stylish for its time, contributing to its sales success. The Kadett E won 'Design and Innovation' awards in some publications.
Ratings
Reliability Reputation:
Generally considered a reliable and robust car, especially with proper maintenance, though age-related issues like rust are prevalent.