Is it possible to use copperslip when replacing exhaust studs or is there a better grease to use.

They were a little tricky to get off even after 7 days of regular WD40 bathing.

Also do hex sockets come in longish lengths? 4 Studs are *really* hard to get to and a 7 inch *long* hex that would fit into a socket would be perfect. An allen key would do but I need more beef behind it... [1]


[1] Currently using a 14 inch 1/2inch breaker bar with 8mm hex. I'm glad the studs were strong!


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Parp, Parp! Read more

I have a 1994 Mondeo with a factory fit Bosch immobiliser. It has developed a fault where it is not releasing the fuel pump when you deactivate it. My garage has isolated this part of the system, but say it will have to go to Ford for a complete fix. Has anyone any experience of this system or had a similar problem? Thanks Jason Read more

Help and/or advice please. Nne month out of warranty my partner's SAAB 9-3 2.2 turbo diesel is proving reluctant to start, first time anyway. I think it is the same engine as in the 2.2 Frontera. At UK temperatures we never see the diesel glow plug light - I think the plugs only operate at very low temperatures. It won't start, but it does if you keep trying and once it cut out after it had started.

The local SAAB agent has had it in for a day and can't find anything wrong but it still won't start first time every time. They say that any further checking will involve taking things to bits to assist the diagnosis and obvioulsy this will will run up a bill, and quite rightly. Can any Back Roomers suggest a fruitful area of investigation? The engine obviously has to have fuel under pressure to start and run. Once it does start, it runs OK. All help most welcome Read more

I have previously described the boss's BMW X5 as a ridiculous machine but I got a chance to have an extended ride in the front passenger seat when we did a round trip from Scotch Corner to Reading. It's a 3 litre sport automatic with black rear windows and the optional monster wheels.
We set off round the Scotch Corner roundabout like it was a 5th gear road test with VBH at the wheel, and settled into a steady cruise at 95-100 mph down the A1. (Well it was 6 in the morning and traffic was light). First impressions were of useful power, good acceleration, good ride on the tarmac, not as much lean as I expected on the roundabout, and unshakeable grip on the road. As a passenger, I had no idea what gear we were in; the box changing silkily up and down. The cabin was civilised and well-built with climate control and electric seat adjustment in all possible directions, but everywhere was so dark. Dark grey German plastic on the dash, black leather and black trim everywhere else, and the heavily tinted windows didn't help either.
Interestingly, although the traffic on the M1 thickened as we headed south at our illegal cruising speed, no-one seemed to get in the way; the traffic parting in front of us like magic. I conclude that the X5 has that indefinable quality of road presence that belongs to BMW and Merc saloons.
The trafficmaster screen advised that the M25 was slow so we left the M1 about 9:30 and headed across country to look for the M4.
Following a truck at 40 mph we felt the penalty of all that rubber bouncing from pothole to pothole. I don't think the tyres are compliant enough to give the kind of ride one might expect. Surprisingly, the boss (a bit of a hooligan on the motorway) couldn't find an opportunity to let loose all those lovely sounding BMW horses and pass the truck, so we pattered and jiggled along uncomfortably behind it.
When we stopped at a services on the M4, the disadvantages of using such an enormous device as everyday transport became obvious. It couldn't be parked in a normal slot and have passengers exit easily on both sides. Leaving the passenger seat was uncomfortable and arkward and the running boards left wet muddy marks on the trousers.
After our meeting, it was time to fill up and head north. The extravagant £67 worth of petrol equated to an outrageous 17.5 mpg. 12 hours after we set off, we returned to Scotch Corner and motoring sanity in the shape of the trusty Synergie.
So, Back Roomers, what's the point of the X5? If you must have BMW power and glory in a luxury 5 seater with a delicious-sounding motor, I would have a 4 year old 523i and trouser about £25k for a holiday to remember, wouldn't you?






Darcy Read more

Hi, I am looking to buy a used MB but am wondering what to get.

Does anyone know about the fuel consumption of W126 300SE? (Urban, 56mph & 75 mph)

Low depreciation is my first priority, then low servicing and running cost. I do all the work on my Mondeo so I am technically proficient. Also, I need aircon but not sunroof.

I do not have a price limit but I believe the less I pay, the less I lose. I do not have a time limit to find a very good example so I will be looking for the next 6 months.

I have seen 96N-reg C200 at auction in good condition with aircon for about 4800-5000 pounds at the moment.

I believe I can find a very good 91H-reg W126 300SE for about 2700-3000 pounds.

I do not know 92J-reg W140 300SE enough to comment.

I would not choose the four-headlight E-class because of the quality issue.

Out of W126, W140 and W202, which one should I choose and why? Also, what will be the potential problems and more importantly, how much to solve those problems?

Thank you very much for reading my long message.

Garrison Read more