October 2002
I run a 1999 Merc C280. I'm delighted with the car, but every time it goes into the MB garage for routine services, the bills are frightening. Does anybody know of any independent operations who have access to MB tools and techniques in the West Midlands ... or anywhere else?? Read more
Sorry lads and lasses - our chair-warmers at work have decided to close down this particular avenue of pleasure...
To wit:
It has now been found that certain staff ... have repeatedly abused internet access privileges. A random check has revealed that a number of staff are spending a great deal of their working time (sometimes hours) visiting pornographic websites.
HJ - porn? Never ...
As a result, XXXXXX has announced that all staff who do not require internet access will have such access denied, and they are in the process of determining who may and may not have internet access. However, in the interim, we are not happy that innocent staff have to pay for the actions of others. Accordingly, those staff who are guilty of this misconduct have received a final warning.
Not me, phew ...
The response that "it was not me who visited that site; someone else was/must have been using my machine", will not hold since clear instructions on the necessary precautions to be followed and how to protect your privacy with password protection etc. were given at the above information sessions.
Therefore, herewith be advised that regular reports on e-mail and internet activity will be conducted. Failure to comply with the provisions of our e-Policy constitutes misconduct and will result in disciplinary action, which may include dismissal.
Big brother is indeed watching us ...
I may show my face occasionally - but given the above, it may be some time ...
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Uh-oh. There's always a few that spoil it for the others.
Is there no way you can claim that internet acces is a business need? Fingers crossed!
I like reading your posts - especially the stories of the local goings on which are often worthy of Private Eye's 'Funny Old World' column.
Rebecca
My Golf Gti 8v (1988, PB engine) says on the fuel flap that it would like 98 RON petrol. The garage last night had no idea what octane rating their petrol was (!) a little research on the web indicates I should use super unleaded. Any comments, anyone? Some people on the forum were using Shell Optimax : any conclusions yet?
(oh, alright, I was desperate to post : picked up the car last night. 5 door,Black, un modified, 99k on the clock on an 'F' plate.
Tax to end Nov. MOT to December, 450 quid. :-)! Read more
Just to confirm, the DX engine does need its timing set to 0 degrees (from 6 degrees). My scirocco had this engine, and the timing adjustment was needed so I could run it on 95RON juice.
I ran it for 60K miles like this with no engine problems. It did affect the acceleration and fuel consumption, though.
I am looking for a second car run about and can't decide which one - any views? Civic or Corolla or Almera? Looking at HJ's car by car breakdown the Almera looks hard to beat (reliability and longevity are my key concerns). Read more
I should have said - not new - but assuming 3 years old
Recently called out to a customer who had noticed a "rumbly" noise from cold on his 1.6 16v Bravo, 'S' Reg with 23,000.
Noise traced to cambelt tensioner, and subsequent investigation showed that the roller was running out of true due to the locating stud moving on it's mounting plate, which in turn had led to a damaged bearing. Fiat dealer admitted thay have done two others recently, both within normal replacement mileage.
HJ's Car-by-Car Breakdown advises cambelt / tensioner / rollers on all Brava/Bravo every 36,000 / 3 years, which from the above seems about right. Autodata (the standard Trade refference, based on manufacturer's information), however, say 72k / 6 years on all 1.4 and up to 2000 1.6,1.8,+ 2.0 changing to 72k / 5 years for 2001 1.6,1.8, + 2.0 with a "check and replace if necessary @ 36k.
Looks like yet another example of a manufacturer trying to maximise service intervals with owners bearing the risks. I strongly endorse HJ's advise therefore on these engines, with emphasis on the time interval, as the example qutoed was well inside on mileage. Incidentally, on all the Brava/Bravo engines a number of special tools are listed, and around 2.0 hrs dealer time.
Regards, Adam Read more
I read on an American website about applying silicon spray to CV rubber boots. They reckoned it would preserve the rubber and extend their life. Does this sound right? Thanks. Read more
Maplin do a silicone grease which is good for this purpose. You could also apply it to your door seals.
One tip: Don't spray it on rubber that is next to paintwork - spray it on a rag and rub it on. Silicone will wreck your wax finish. Also good for sunroof runners.
After the replacement of the rocker cover gaskets on my(*) '94 3.0 Omega a few weeks ago, the idle, especially from cold has been noisy. The noise disappears when the engine is warm, though the idle is still not as ultra smooth as it used to be. It's been to various garages including DK cars at Thatcham (who I would throughly recommend), but has been difficult to pin point as the engine has been warm/hot when looked at.
On cold startup the noise has actually got worse over the last week or so (maybe due to the colder nights/mornings?) and it seems to be coming from the pipe connecting the EGR valve to the manifold. Again as soon as the engine has warmed up the noise disappears.
Is this a common problem and how much will it cost to rectify?
If it costs a packet, is this something that I can "ignore" without causing any damage to the engine?
Thanks.
(*) Don't ask how I obtained ownership of this motor which previously belonged to my mate/neighbour!!
Chad.R Read more
My feeling is that the leak is from the pipe connecting the EGR valve to the exhaust manifold - on the manifold end. When the car warms up the manifold expands and reduces the leak and the symptoms??? The noise seems to be coming from that general area too. Though without some sort of detection device it is hard to be 100% certain.
I appreciate what DD said about the air injection pump but this "problem" has only started since the repair. Previously once warmed up the car would idle rock solid at 500rpm on the tacho without the slightest flicker. From inside the car with the windows/doors closed it was very hard to tell if the engine was running or not due to the lack of noise and vibration.
Now the engine idles a couple of (tacho) needle's widths above 500rpm (probably around 550-575) and fluctuates gently between a needle width above and below that. The increased noise is as mentioned before, even if your deaf you can easily feel the increased vibration from inside the car. Every 10 seconds or so the idle will spike up to around 700rpm and then settle back in to the above pattern.
Many thanks for your time and effort.
Chad.R
Just getting round to reading Sunday's Tmes! Spotted the following quote in Jeremy Clarkson's editorial ? not the motoring one, the other one:
"...Last year I made a catastrophic deal that cost me a lot of money. It hurt but I took it on the chin. I didn't up my invoices to everybody else..."
Just wondering if anyone knew how he got his 'fingers burnt'?... Read more
He bought a P1 English Electic Lightning thinking it was a Harrier and it wouldn't lift off the lawn where he parked it.
DVD.
Hello,
Not exactly a revelation, but an interesting story all the same:
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/2307601.stm
Kind regards,
Cyrill666 Read more
Why would anyone go to a dealer for an out of warranty repair? How about to maintain a car's service \ repair history for future resale value?
I'd also suggest you have more comeback on a franchised dealer (how much is debatable) including the ability to involve the manufacturer in any dispute than you would any other motor mechanic who is not part of the network.
Anyone for a chuckle ?
Take a look at www.eds-motorsport.de/indexenglisch.htm
German site, auto translated into English, somewhat badly.
Example, something about a performance cataclysmic converter...................
"Our EDS-D3 SPORTKAT can be assembled easily at all LET vehicle types so identical whether self-made exhaust fumes plants or cottage croft substitute pipes were used till now."
Good stuff..........dig deep, folks.
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Go on, have a peep. You'll enjoy it................
Browse
Lilly, take your car to Andy Gayle & you will not regret it.Details are to be found www.mercedesservicing.com. Click on questions/about us.He has the same equipment as franchised dealers,his master techs are vastly experienced, his knowledge on MB of all ages is second to none.His prices are extremely competitive. Many travel over a hundred miles to get their cars serviced/repaired.
Usual disclaimers.
Simon T.