Service and repair manuals for 17 model years of the Buick Riviera, 1982 to 1999. Each manual is matched to one exact year — the specifications and procedure sequences are the ones Buick published for that year's engine and trim, not values carried across the whole production run.
Engines across the range: 4.1L V6 — OHV · 5.7L V8 — OHV · 5.0L V8 — OHV · 3.8L V6 — 232 cu in, OHV, turbocharged · 3.8L V6 — 232 cu in, OHV · 3.8L V6 — 232 cu in, OHV, supercharged.
Federal safety record, all years: 18 recalls, 437 owner complaints and 216 technical service bulletins are logged for the Riviera. Refreshed 2026-08-21.
01 / Model yearsChoose your Riviera year
| Year | Price | Recalls | Engines | Trims | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | $29.99 | — | 3.8L V6 | Base Coupe 2-Door | select |
| 1998 | $29.99 | — | 3.8L V6 | Base Coupe 2-Door | select |
| 1997 | $29.99 | — | 3.8L V6; 3.8L V6 | Base Coupe 2-Door | select |
| 1996 | $29.99 | 2 | 3.8L V6; 3.8L V6 | Base Coupe 2-Door | details → |
| 1995 | $29.99 | 1 | 3.8L V6; 3.8L V6 | Base Coupe 2-Door | details → |
| 1993 | $29.99 | 1 | 3.8L V6 | Luxury Coupe 2-Door | details → |
| 1992 | $29.99 | 1 | 3.8L V6 | Luxury Coupe 2-Door | details → |
| 1991 | $29.99 | 1 | 3.8L V6 | Luxury Coupe 2-Door | details → |
| 1990 | $29.99 | 1 | 3.8L V6 | Luxury Coupe 2-Door | details → |
| 1989 | $29.99 | 2 | 3.8L V6 | Luxury Coupe 2-Door · T-Type Coupe 2-Door | details → |
| 1988 | $29.99 | 1 | 3.8L V6 | Luxury Coupe 2-Door · T-Type Coupe 2-Door | details → |
| 1987 | $29.99 | 1 | 3.8L V6 | Luxury Coupe 2-Door · T-Type Coupe 2-Door | details → |
| 1986 | $29.99 | 1 | 3.8L V6 | Luxury Coupe 2-Door · T-Type Coupe 2-Door | details → |
| 1985 | $29.99 | 2 | 3.8L V6; 5.7L V8; 5.0L V8 | Luxury Coupe 2-Door · Base Convertible 2-Door · T-Type Coupe 2-Door | details → |
| 1984 | $29.99 | 2 | 4.1L V6; 3.8L V6; 5.7L V8; 5.0L V8 | Luxury Coupe 2-Door · Base Convertible 2-Door · T-Type Coupe 2-Door · Base Coupe 2-Door | details → |
| 1983 | $29.99 | 1 | 4.1L V6; 5.7L V8; 5.0L V8; 3.8L V6 | Luxury Coupe 2-Door · Base Convertible 2-Door · T-Type Coupe 2-Door · XX Anniversary Edition Coupe 2-Door | details → |
| 1982 | $29.99 | 1 | 4.1L V6; 5.7L V8; 5.0L V8; 3.8L V6 | Limited Edition Convertible 2-Door · T-Type Coupe 2-Door · Base Coupe 2-Door | details → |
02 / InsideSample pages
From the 1999 Riviera manual.






03 / ContentsWhat the manual covers
- Quick Lookups 100
- General Information 1,751
- Accessories & Equipment 549
- Heating, Ventilation & A/C (HVAC) 273
- Body & Frame 291
- Maintenance 55
- Brakes 171
- Restraints 150
- Drivelines & Axles 16
- Steering 161
- Electrical 259
- Suspension 134
- Engine Mechanical 348
- Transmission 463
- Engine Performance 10,478
- Front 107
- Radiator Cap Pressure 15
04 / Other yearsOther Riviera years
1999 Buick Riviera · $29.99 select →
Engines: 3.8L V6 — 232 cu in, OHV, supercharged. Trims: Base Coupe 2-Door.
No recalls on federal record for the 1999 Riviera. 12 complaints · 38 TSBs.
1998 Buick Riviera · $29.99 select →
Engines: 3.8L V6 — 232 cu in, OHV, supercharged. Trims: Base Coupe 2-Door.
No recalls on federal record for the 1998 Riviera. 43 complaints · 34 TSBs.
1997 Buick Riviera · $29.99 select →
Engines: 3.8L V6 — 232 cu in, OHV; 3.8L V6 — 232 cu in, OHV, supercharged. Trims: Base Coupe 2-Door.
No recalls on federal record for the 1997 Riviera. 48 complaints · 43 TSBs.
05 / OwnershipOwn it — don't rent it
| Option | What you pay | After a year |
|---|---|---|
| eManualStore Riviera manual | $29.99 once | Still yours |
| Per-vehicle online subscription | from $29 / year, renewing | Pay again or lose access |
| Library membership services | $33 / month, capped | $396 spent, nothing kept |
| Professional shop databases | $499–$2,388 / year | Renew or lose access |
Competitor figures as published on their sites, August 2026.
FAQQuestions about the Riviera manual
Which Riviera years does this manual cover?
Every year from 1982 to 1999 — 17 separate manuals, one per model year. Pick your year in the selector; the manual you receive is matched to that exact year, engine and trim.
Is this the OEM Buick Riviera manual or an aftermarket guide?
The OEM version. It carries the procedures, specifications, torque values and wiring diagrams Buick published for the Riviera, organized by system — not a condensed aftermarket summary.
Does it include Riviera wiring diagrams?
Yes. Full wiring diagrams are part of every Riviera manual, alongside repair procedures, specifications and diagnostic information.
Does the manual cover Riviera recalls?
18 recalls are on federal record across the 1982–1999 Riviera, listed by year below. The manual carries the manufacturer's diagnostic and repair procedures behind the systems involved; the recall repairs themselves are performed free by Buick dealers.
Why do some Riviera years cost more?
Every Riviera year is $29.99.
Is this a subscription?
No. One payment, and the manual is yours to keep — unlike per-vehicle subscriptions that renew every year.
How do I get the manual after purchase?
It is a digital manual — nothing ships. Access details arrive by email right after checkout, and you can use it on any device.
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By year: 1999 · 1998 · 1997 · 1996 · 1995 · 1993 · 1992 · 1991 · 1990 · 1989 · 1988 · 1987