Ask Honest John

My 2012 car failed its MoT due to a faulty DRL - is this right?

A couple of days ago my 2012 BMW 520d failed its MoT due to O/S DRL not working. The dipped and high beams worked fine. It cost me almost £800 to change the whole headlight and the DRL module to pass the...

Will the BMW Z3 become a classic?

Do you think the 2.0-litre, six-cylinder BMW Z3 will become a classic? I have 2000 Z3 with 76,000 miles on it. It needs some work and I'd like to evaluate whether it's worth investing in it if it has the...

Should I keep get my car serviced by a main dealer or by my local garage?

I have a 2014 BMW 3 Series xDrive with 48,000 miles on it, which I intend to keep for at least three years. It's due a service. Is it worth keeping a BMW service history (very expensive) or do I go to...

Is it a bad idea to buy a BMW X1 considering BMW are stopping production of some models?

I'm thinking of buying a used, 2017 BMW X1 M Sport diesel. Is this a bad move given that BMW are stopping production of some models?

Do I have to accept a refund for a car that I want repaired?

Can I insist on a dealer repairing a car instead of refunding me? I bought a BMW i3 from a used car supermarket. It developed a major, complicated drive train fault on day one. The dealer and I agreed...

What checks do I need to make on a pre-reg car that's been sat around?

I am purchasing a BMW 340i Touring from a main dealer. It was first registered in April 2017 but only has 72 miles on the clock and has been sat round for a while. Is there anything you would recommend...

I've seen an affordable Cat D BMW for sale - should I buy it?

I'm looking to purchase a 2016 BMW 1 Series M Sport, but they are out of my budget. However, I have seen a Category D write off with a front wing replacement. It also has a small dent in the chassis. It...

I've seen a used BMW 4 Series for £36,999 - so why is the road tax £450?

I’m confused with the new road tax rules. I want to buy a used BMW 4 Series. I've found a nice car, registered in June 2017 - so new road tax rules apply. It's £36,999 - so my understanding is that I would...

My car judders when accelerating - could this be down to previous misfuelling?

On odd occasions my 2013 BMW X1 suffers the judders as I accelerate through the gears. As if it doesn't know whether to go on - but you can easily just accelerate through it. BMW can find nothing amiss....

Could you recommend a good SUV that doesn't cost too much?

We moved to the North East of England from the South and would like to replace my wife’s 2016 Ford Fiesta (6500 miles, Titanium Ecoboost) with a small 4x4 SUV. She likes the look of a used BMW X1, Kia...