And the 94 L27 and L67.

basically everything after 93 has the resonator

I have to side with Willwren,

series 1>series 2

I just answered his question, thats all. Im sorry that i like my 96 and had alot to say about it. Didnt think i would get negative responces from it, nor a new comer thinking that i am giving bad info. the car has the stuff so i posted it.

Steve, this is ridiculous. But let's finish it up. You presented those things by simply renaming half the features. And you presented those features as being something that makes the S2 better than the S1 (which is actually incorrect using this reference, as the S2 is strictly the drivetrain, not the body/trim changes that happened in 1996).

The only difference between the S1 and S2 is the amount of hp and tq, and at what rpm's it's delivered at.

The differences in body and trim are minor, and happened in 1996.

I don't think the Series I engines are nearly as quiet as the II. For one, every single Series I engine my family has ever owned made a ticking noise at idle. (Either lifter noise, or maybe fuel injectors.) The Series II is a totally smooth sound at idle and is almost inaudible once fully warmed up and quiet. I say this after owning 1 88 3800, 1 92 3800, 1 93 3800, 1 95 3800, 1 97 3800 S/C, 1 00' 3800 S/C and, 1 00' 3800 N/A. I really doubt the loudness was just by "chance." These were all well maintained vehicles. But of course one must remember that the series I 3800 will always be superior to the series II. Why on earth was GM so silly to upgrade so many things on the newer Bonnevilles? If we had it your way, the 2006 Bonneville would be the same car exactly as a 1993 Bonneville SSEi. :roll: Out of line? Sorry. Lets move on.

The 1996 and on models add a lot of creature comforts. You can't keep the same basic body style and not upgrade things. The things added made the Bonneville seem a lot more luxurious. People like the additions that were added. Maybe a select die-hard "the more you have the more there is to break" group won't like them, but to the general public all the additions are a good thing.

Here, let me do some counter examples:

More comfortable starting in my year., I didn't really notice a different in the seats either..

Idiot blinker protection-You still sometimes don't see that the light is flashing. Sometimes the chime sounding will make you remember. Not everyone is perfect enough to realize they left their signal on. Just because you are, doesn't mean everyone is. ;)

Trunk lock out (but aren't you still givin the person the key that works in the trunk?)
um. The 96+ have a valet key, or atleast they should. This key can unlock the dors and start the car but cannot open the trunk, or the glove box. Tell me how this is a bad thing? You can allow someone to get in the car and move it (note the use of the word VALET!) but they cannot get into your trunk and steal something.

theatre lighting-Yeah, it has no use, but it's one of those "ooo ahhh" sort of things. Passengers appreciate it and gives a more expensive feel to the car then the "alright, you're done with the lights, I'm turning off Now."

D321. a more "correct" way to arrange the gears. It's a change but not a big deal. It makes more sense to me than the Dd21 configuration.

SRS VS SIR it is NOT just a different name. these two airbag systems are different. the SIR airbags deploy at maximum force in all conditions. The SRS system determines how severe of a crash you are involved in, and decides how much force the airbag system needs to use to keep the occupant safe.

Delayed Locking- It's nice for those times where you hit the lock switch and immediately remember you forgot something as you close the door. You don't have to fumble for the keys to get back in for a second. It's another one of those nice-to-have creature comforts.

Better stock radio. speaks for itself.

Different name on the steering. again, it's not just a different name, it's a totally different system. the 92-95 variable assist steering was much softer than the 96-99 system. I like the steering feel on the 92-95 much better without it because it is a very firm steering system. With the variable assist it's one finger steering most of the time. The magnasteer does a MUCH better job firming up the steering at the appropriate time. I see it as an improvement.

did i mis something?? :?

Thanx Custom for clearing up some of this for me. Never did I say, Bill< that the 96-99 was better, it just haev some nicer things added and I like it! I do pay alot of attention to these cars from the 92-99 more than the 87-91 or the 00-GXP becasue I rarely be in them but still know what the trims are from the times I have been in it.

Thanks for the replies guys (although I was worried for a moment ;)).

I was actually looking for both the "little things" as well as the drivetrain differences.

What are some common repairs necessary to the S2 drivetrain? Do they still use the CCR? If so is it anymore reliable?

yes they still had them available until the last year of 99. the 00+ dont have them. No they are now better than the 92-95's