Warning light after failed emission test - should I worry?

My 3 Series had its MOT today and showed a problem with the emissions test. 1st fast idle test it failed with twice the limit. The car display showed engine managment system in "limp home" mode. So they...

Which tyre size for an X1?

A friend is buying a BMW X1, due for delivery in October. I asked him if he knew which profile tyres he was getting and he though that it would have 18 inch wheels. The spec says 17 or 18 inch wheels....

Which of these two X3s should I buy?

I am considering buying a BMW X3. Can you please advise whether it is better to buy new with not so many options or buying a 1 year old model with say 10,000 miles but more options for less money?

Should I buy winter tyres for my BMW 1M or buy a winter runabout?

I recently bought a BMW 1M which I really love, but I guess it will be useless in the winter without winter tyres. I think a new set of wheels and tyres will be around £2000. For that money would I be...

Which diesel car for economical long-range commuting?

I commute 150 miles a day, mainly on the M25. I need a car that is very economical on fuel, with minimal annual tax, petrol or diesel costs, for my use only. What would you recommend?

What are swirl flaps and can they cause problems on my BMW?

A friend has sent me an article suggesting that ‘swirl flaps’ can fail on post-2003 BMW 530d models and cause serious damage. What are swirl flaps? Does this apply to my 2010 F10 model and, if so, should...

How does the Honda CR-V compare to the Volkswagen Tiguan?

I know you have enthused about the latest BMW X3 but wonder how you would rate, or compare, the current Honda CR-V against the Volkswagen Tiguan diesel.

Fixing a misfuelled problem

I was in a hurry to get to the airport and accidentally put 14.8 litres of Shell Fuelsave Petrol in my 2006, 56 model diesel BMW 520d SE Auto. At the advice of an old man who happened to be at the forecourt,...

Buying an extended warranty - what would you recommend?

My BMW Z4 factory warranty is due to expire. I have received a letter from BMW Warranty offering me an extended warranty. My car has done 33,000 and has a full BMWSH. For comprehensive cover for 12 months...

Which 3 Series engine?

I need to change my 1 series BMW as I now need something slightly larger and am considering buying a nearly new F30 3 Series. I do less than 10000 miles per year, mainly through my daily 16 mile round...