2000-present model Bonnevilles

MRWSM · #1 08-26-2004, 01:28 PM

Just wanted to start this thread for specific new body style Bonneville. Lets talk about things you like about them and yes problems also because nothing is perfect.

I have (2) 2000 Bonnevilles, one has the common steering noise, the other does not yet. One has 130,000 miles, the other 123,000 miles and I can't complain because they have both been problem free besides the steering noise on one. As far as I know they are still suggesting special lubrication of the steering column to solve this problem. If anyone has any updates on this please post.

BTW, these are great driving cars, smooth and solid. Highly suggested by me.

kpn · #2 08-26-2004, 06:49 PM

I have a 2002 with 26k on it. I love it for the most part. Is the steering thing you describe a like several small pops when you turn the wheel a lot. I have been hearing this and wondering what it was. Maybe pops isn't the best way to describe it, but I can't think of another word to describe it.

Keith

MRWSM · #3 08-26-2004, 09:44 PM

Yes that's what I was describing. I think yours should be covered under warranty, you should bring it in.

MRWSM · #4 08-26-2004, 09:49 PM

By the way I was just looking at buying a DeVille and was comparing the dimensions to the Bonneville. I was surprised to find that they are the same width, just about the same hieght, and only 4.5 inches longer. Why does the DeVille look so much bigger on the road? Guess these Bonnevilles are pretty large cars. Although I'm not sure how they did it but the DeVille does have quit a bit more room inside, more than that 4.5 inches would suggest.

markwb · #5 08-29-2004, 09:23 AM

Yes, these Bonnevilles are great cars. I previously owned a '97 SE which was also a good solid car. That problem with steering on the 2000+ is the intermediate shaft needing lube from time to time I think.

MRWSM · #6 08-29-2004, 10:03 PM

MPG question: How many MPG do you guys get on average city and highway? I think I'm getting a little more than the average. My normal driving that includes both highway and city and sometimes traffic I get 28-29 MPG. On long highway trips loaded with 4 people on board I get 34 MPG. My guess is I can probably do better with a lighter load on long trips. One thing I do that probably helps is I keep 40 pounds of air in all 4 tires.

markwb · #7 08-30-2004, 04:27 AM

My combined figure is approximately 22 mpg. On trips (all highway) I can get an estimated 26-27 mpg. I run my tire pressures 30-31 psi cold inflation. MRWSM, Have you accomplished mods on your Bonnie? Your mpg figures are exceptional.

MRWSM · #8 08-30-2004, 07:54 AM

Tire pressure & Mobil 1 Synthetic 5w30 are the only things I can think of. Actually one of my Bonnevilles consistently gets 2 MPG less than the other but it has climate control. Might be my driving style, I cruise at 65-70 on the Hwy, and in the city I accelerate with traffic rather then trying to beat the traffic. One thing I notice is when I let go of the gas peddle it will continue rolling longer than any other car I've had. The 40 psi might be helping a lot in this respect. I suggest using 40 psi on these cars, they drive and handle much better. I learned this trick from my last car which was a BMW 740iL, it required 40 psi just to avoid 45-55 MPH shimmy.

Flatrater · #9 08-30-2004, 08:45 PM

Their is a new lower steering shaft to cure your popping noise out. Just came out in the last month. Call the dealer and ask. GM has several carlines with this problem and they are releasing new shafts one at a time.

MRWSM · #10 08-31-2004, 09:11 AM

Interesting, any chance it's a pro bono procedure? Or any idea how much they will charge. From my guess replacing a steering shaft would be around $1000.

BTW Kerry does seem like a losing deal. He advertised a $50k catastrophic health plan for all Americans and then never talked about it anymore. I emailed their campaign headquarters with the question and they replied but wouldn't answer my question. So he changed his mind about this also.

silverws6ta · #11 11-01-2004, 09:14 AM

What I did was write to Pontiac and told them about the problem and that it was rediculous that the dealer even told us there were problems with this component. I thought it was something in the Magnasteer. The total cost for repair was going to be $240, the part has been ordered which is about $140 (retail) Pontiac has agreed to cover the replacement part on ours which a simple email to their CAC might be able to help you out too. I will get a specific part number for this once we take it down to be replaced. The part was ordered over a week ago but evidently hasn't came in yet.

Luke Home · #12 02-21-2005, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverws6ta

What I did was write to Pontiac and told them about the problem and that it was rediculous that the dealer even told us there were problems with this component. I thought it was something in the Magnasteer. The total cost for repair was going to be $240, the part has been ordered which is about $140 (retail) Pontiac has agreed to cover the replacement part on ours which a simple email to their CAC might be able to help you out too. I will get a specific part number for this once we take it down to be replaced. The part was ordered over a week ago but evidently hasn't came in yet.

Did you get this issue resolved yet?

Luke

silverws6ta · #13 03-09-2005, 06:53 PM

That I did - I would up purchasing the shaft myself and Pontiac agreed to cover the labor - they told me it could be a couple of months before the replacement shaft would come in and I got lucky on finding one a person had ordered but had canceled the pickup on it. I bought the shaft for about $89 online, so I think that I came out well ahead. Its been about 3 months now since it was replaced and its doing well. Also had the rear valve cover gasket replaced and the Magnasteer set to firm.

My mom even noticed how much better it was to drive after having the repairs made and the magnasteer firmed up; I also added 18" GXP Wheels and tires. Still no comparison when I get out of her 1SG '05 STS from driving it but I guess that to be expected!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke Home

Did you get this issue resolved yet?

Luke

kbopp · #14 03-19-2005, 11:47 AM

I have a 01 SSEI and my wife can only get about 16 MPG around town starting and stopping. It will get about 26 - 28 on the HWY. I have heard that opening up the air box will help. I use Mobil 1 and have a K&N air filter. Can I squeeze any more out of it? Premium is getting expensive.

kbopp · #15 03-19-2005, 12:04 PM

I have had some issues with window regulators and after the dealership replaced them the leaks that followed. I have actually taken the door panel off and replace the water shield because they just would not stick back into place. GM has already replaced two regulators and I hope this does not become a habit for these cars.

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