jimreidvehicle 255 Posted February 24, 2014 We opened our service /performance centre in April last year and in this time we have had to replace or recondition 8 Vauxhall 6 speed gearboxes! Some have been under our used car warranty some have been for vehicles part exchanged but as this seems to be quite a resent problem we have experiencing I would love to know if any one else experiencing the same problems? Mostly but not restricted to Vauxhall Astra (07 to 09) however we have also had two Zafiras about the same age and last week a 10 plated new model Astra 1.4 Turbo Sri! So is it just me, or just Aberdeenshire drivers or is it a major built quality issue that Vauxhall really need to address? your thoughts please. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
umesh 336 Posted February 25, 2014 Shocking Jim, personally not had issues having said that I don't tend to buy or get many Vauxhalls in ! A 10 Plate really is not acceptable ! I thought I'd been unlucky with Audi - VW #DSG Boxes but Vauxhall seems a nightmare ! Work shop next door has Vauxhall Vans ( Local company ) with about 4-5 gearbox issues ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c_cars 56 Posted February 25, 2014 Standard fault with the 6 speed box, normally a whining noise through the gears; we've had quite a few as we sell a lot of Astra SRI CDTIs. Also had it in Zafiras with the 1.9 Z19DTH engine and Fiat Grande Punto Sportings with the 1.9 diesel Multijet engine, all using the same gearbox. Its a common fault and doesnt seem to be age or mileage related, just assume it to be down to how the car has been driven from new! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gavin@Rousdon 137 Posted February 25, 2014 Welcome to the world of the Vauxhall M32 Gearbox !!! Whinning in 5th and 6th gear and finally the bearing goes through the gearbox casing. I think its due to the bearing overheating but maybe wrong, we have rebuilt a few as one of our trade customers buys 'Non-Running' Vauxhalls (oh Joy!!) but now prefer to just fit a recon box. It can happen at any mileage but watch out for car around the 80k mark. Also fitted to the Astravan and Vivaro (plus Renault Traffic and Nissan Primastar). Be carefull if using second hand gearboxes as a fix as I believe the ratio's are different for cars and vans. If anyone needs a recon M32 gearbox I use a company who are fantastic and slightly cheaper (about £150 ) then those who advertise on ebay and other sites. Very professional outfit and highly recommended (mainly by word of mouth) here in the South West. Happy to pass on their number if anyone wants it. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sparky 274 Posted February 25, 2014 Is the M32 box fitted to both 120bhp and 150 bhp models? Have replaced quite a few flywheels on the 1.9 CDTi's but touch wood, have yet to had to replace a gearbox. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimreidvehicle 255 Posted February 25, 2014 Welcome to the world of the Vauxhall M32 Gearbox !!! Whinning in 5th and 6th gear and finally the bearing goes through the gearbox casing. I think its due to the bearing overheating but maybe wrong, we have rebuilt a few as one of our trade customers buys 'Non-Running' Vauxhalls (oh Joy!!) but now prefer to just fit a recon box. It can happen at any mileage but watch out for car around the 80k mark. Also fitted to the Astravan and Vivaro (plus Renault Traffic and Nissan Primastar). Be carefull if using second hand gearboxes as a fix as I believe the ratio's are different for cars and vans. If anyone needs a recon M32 gearbox I use a company who are fantastic and slightly cheaper (about £150 ) then those who advertise on ebay and other sites. Very professional outfit and highly recommended (mainly by word of mouth) here in the South West. Happy to pass on their number if anyone wants it. Gavin yes please can you email me on jim@jimreidvehiclesales.co.uk regards Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tom 164 Posted February 25, 2014 1.9 CDTi engine and box is Fiat I believe, I don't touch them my mechanics ordered me not to! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Entwistle 96 Posted August 20, 2014 Hi Gavin I'll take that info too. My best mate has a 1.9CDTi vectra and his box self destructed last week, i've just been looking at the best option for him.. Andy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gavin@Rousdon 137 Posted August 20, 2014 Hi Andy The are called Gearchange in Bridgwater, there number is 01278 722359 or www.gearchange.co.uk I think after claiming they were cheaper earlier in this topic other companies now are cheaper but Gearchange don't charge if the casing is damaged whereas others seem to add £200 for that. Also they are very professional only doing gearboxs they know they can repair properly. Also Andy I think the Vectra is an F40 gearbox not the M32, I maybe wrong but if you give them the reg number they can check. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Entwistle 96 Posted August 20, 2014 Thanks Gavin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimreidvehicle 255 Posted August 22, 2014 Gavin is 100% correct the 6speed is the same M32 box Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Entwistle 96 Posted August 27, 2014 Box now out the vectra, def an M32 and wearing a large hole where the bearings tried to escape..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gavin@Rousdon 137 Posted August 27, 2014 Sounds like a M32 gearbox to me!!!!!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Del 0 Posted June 16, 2015 Hican anyone recommend where I can get a gearbox replaced on a 2008 zafira with 77k on it as it has all the hallmarks as described above with whining in 5 and 6 gears.I would like to find a reliable fitter in the west London or Twickenham area. Also does anyone know what I am likely to pay for the work?Any help would be appreciated ThanksDel Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phil H 124 Posted June 16, 2015 hi Jim, the box is rubbish, I drive a 59 plateAstravan and do about 25k a year in it and I'm on my third recon box in the last 18 months, my advice is that if there's any bearing noise at all get it fixed straight away because if the bell housing gets damaged they're a fortune to replace. My gearbox man has now managed to get hold of some uprated bearings for it and only charges £350 now for a full recon. Just about to get mine done again now with the newer bearing kit 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
williamblackshaw 43 Posted June 19, 2015 Surely James Baggot can help? He has a good relationship with Vauxhall i understand Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
James Baggott 227 Posted June 22, 2015 *no comment* Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimreidvehicle 255 Posted June 23, 2015 A little off thread but would like to mention this on here!it just shows the enormous reach this forum has. Because of this most many many month ago, I regularity get emails and calls about Vauxhall Gearboxes! Now can I put the record straight , I don't sell of recondition these gearboxes nor can I condem your gearbox over the phone even if you do hold the phone up whilst slipping your car into 6th gear, I am not a specialist however if you are local to the Aberdeen area I am more than happy to get one of my technicians to take a look for you ;-)Jim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GreenGiant 287 Posted June 23, 2015 For payment of the appropriate diagnostic fee, I hope? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimreidvehicle 255 Posted June 23, 2015 Of course GG we are not a registered charity ;-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GreenGiant 287 Posted June 23, 2015 Which is something the general public seem unaware of, mostly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce100 2 Posted January 26, 2016 Once again need to correct the unknowing public that the M32 gearbox is German Made to Opel Spec's . It is Built And Designed In Germany By GETRAG. This box is the thorn in the side of Alfa's 159, the previous 156 had an Italian Box and was Bullet Proff. THE M32 IS A GERMAN GEARBOX BUILT BY GETRAG. ciao The box fails due to small size containing too many gear so gets very hot and degrades the oil. a new bearing kit and yearly oil changes will prolong the box along with careful use. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
It's me 615 Posted January 26, 2016 2 hours ago, bruce100 said: The box fails due to small size containing too many gear so gets very hot and degrades the oil. a new bearing kit and yearly oil changes will prolong the box along with careful use. only problem is only an enthusiast with a hanky on his head would use this valuable advice, everyone else and his dog would think we were trying to spank them Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steve 0 Posted August 30, 2016 (edited) On 24 February 2014 at 10:10 AM, Gavin@Rousdon said: Welcome to the world of the Vauxhall M32 Gearbox !!! Whinning in 5th and 6th gear and finally the bearing goes through the gearbox casing. I think its due to the bearing overheating but maybe wrong, we have rebuilt a few as one of our trade customers buys 'Non-Running' Vauxhalls (oh Joy!!) but now prefer to just fit a recon box. It can happen at any mileage but watch out for car around the 80k mark. Also fitted to the Astravan and Vivaro (plus Renault Traffic and Nissan Primastar). Be carefull if using second hand gearboxes as a fix as I believe the ratio's are different for cars and vans. If anyone needs a recon M32 gearbox I use a company who are fantastic and slightly cheaper (about £150 ) then those who advertise on ebay and other sites. Very professional outfit and highly recommended (mainly by word of mouth) here in the South West. Happy to pass on their number if anyone wants it. Hello Gavin, I've got a whining noise in 5 and 6 on my Primastar.. You mentioned a recon job for £150 somewhere.. I'm in Southampton, where is it exactly? And could I have the number? Sorry Gavin I forgot to put on the alert to notify me if you respond, I've done it now.. Thanks Edited August 30, 2016 by Steve Thought I'd made a mistake Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
