After five years on the market, the Rekord Caravan received an update along with the rest of the range before being replaced by the Omega in 1988.
While the other carmakers started to change their lineups, Opel had to stick with the Rekord until the new generation was ready. Still, it could make some major improvements to a car that helped the carmaker survive through an oil crisis and new emission regulations. The 1982 model offered more comfort, better fuel efficiency, and, in station wagon shape, a more straightforward flat-folding rear bench.

The car received a redesigned look. At the front, the hood was extended and bent over the grille, while the headlights were raked and reshaped with a rounded inside edge. For the diesel versions, the hood received a bulge in the middle. The metallic bumpers were replaced by plastic, shaped bumpers with a lower apron in the front. The roof was extended over the trunk area at the back, and two side windows found their place behind the rear doors.

Almost half of the dashboard was bigger, with the instrument cluster and the center stack in one piece. It featured a radio cassette player and ventilation controls. As an option, the car was fitted with power windows and a sunroof. The folding rear bench expanded the trunk area up to 881 liters (31.1 cu-ft).

Another essential upgrade was for the engine compartment, where the carbureted versions were completely dropped, favoring the fuel-injected versions. There were two new gasoline engines and a 2.3-liter turbo-diesel that joined the range.