April 2005
I have a Merc estate W210, 320cdi. It's now done 115K miles and is past the stage of £100/hour maintenance at my local but very poor Merc agent (who for some months has not been able to even do MOT's for its customers!). So I took it to a specialist, got great service at half the price, job done on time etc etc. The only thing is.....I've done 2K miles since the service now and the computerised service countdown has dropped from 13000 to 11000, matching the miles travelled. Yet before, the service due mileage showing on the computer lagged behind the actual mileage travelled by at least 30%. Can these gadgets be reset to maximise serviving revenue by only reading back to the next service on a mile-for-mile basis rather than on how the car is driven?
The use of the car has not changed and I am the ony driver. I will take it up with the garage but can anyone let me know if a fiddle exists? Read more
Hi all,
Just a bit of advise please. I need to remove the engine and transmission (together) from my Fiesta XR2i 1.6 1991 for an overhaul and clutch replacement. However I want to remove the unit in one piece from under the car but was wondering is this possible with just Axle stands, and trolley jacks, ie will there be enough clearance to remove the unit from under the car?
Many Thanks
Steveo Read more
It's not a bad method, I can confirm. It's amazing what weight you can slide on a sheet of ply or hardboard.
Why is that car makers still fit cam belt in new cars and not chains, sure it is cheaper than chain when building the car but a snapped cambelt for the consumer is nothing short of financial disaster. Nissan prove that it can be done time and again by fitting chains to their bread and butter brands. Is the cost of fitting a chain and not some time bomb in the shape of a fibreglass belt worth the maker all the bad PR and loss of consumer loyalty?
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Will stick to Nissans at this point! Read more
Yes, it will rattle badly when you start up. Eventually it will rattle all the time. Then it will break..
Whilst fitting some wishbones, I was wondering if the torque settings would be any different if I put the torque wrench on the nut at the top or the other end on the bolt (could only get a spanner on the nut but there was no problem getting a socket on the bottom.) I always seem to think it is easier to undo a nut when it is fitted to a bolt but perhaps I am mistaken? Read more
The principle is always that the bolt is static (it carries the load) the nut is the holding device, i.e. it needs to be torqued. Not be too tight (can strip or snap) or loose (comes undone). Bolt static, turn nut. It is that simple.
Please keep subjects on Motoring.
Please recall the FREQUENTLY stated message about moderating queries in e-mail. Read more
I think they already have. The SUV is all part of the american dream like the fifties fin tailed enormities were. That's why toyota do so well over there; they sell the affordable dream. Ford is in trouble, ditto GM so there are going to be some interesting times ahead.
teabelly
Just had some new alloy wheels fitted to my Vectra C , a local tyre fitter done the change over for me .
BUT.........................the standard valves are too long as they are catching the brake caliper while wheels turning. The valve is not situated on the outside of the alloy but more towards the middle of the alloy wheel. I obviously asked cant he fit shorter valves , but said he didnt have any and also he didnt think you can get them ! ! !
Only things Ive seen are the flush fitted valves which cost around the £15 mark !!!!
All I need are valves that are about 1cm shorter than standard , can anyone help me out here please . Where can I go ??? Read more
Maybe the wheels are meant to have the solid metal stems rather than rubber ones?
Has any 1 experienced a broken cam belt on the above at 78k miles, blowing the engine massive repair job service hand book states on this model change at 100k, citroen denies all responsibilty.......thinking of going to small claims court ...
any advise?
Read more
cam belt ......as far as we know (according to the garage)
Hi there, first post.
I just caught a sneak look at my new car prior to delivery. It's 40K worth and I am pretty sure the dealer has neglected to order the sports suspension (factory fit) and optional alloys.
I have the spec in writing confirmed by both parties.
If I am right I am going to be mighty un-happy having waited 11 months for the car.
What do you reckon my options are? Read more
My problem is with Autocar which has catered widely for all
types of motorist for over 100 years: I think it should make
more effort to do just that.
I'm sympathetic, as it is unsettling to lose something familiar in this way.
But Autocar is a commercial organisation, and I think it should make an effort to appeal to whatever readership gives it the best return and ensures that its magazines and its ad space sell. The alternative fate is that of Rover.
If there is a market opportunity for a sensible car mag, and no mag is filling that space, then let's set one up.
Having had 3 attempts to get the rear miiror to stick and suffering it failing dismally after each attempt what is the best adhesive to use to get the mirror to stay stuck. The MOT's coming up and i want it in place before then. Read more
I found another one which I remember reading. I don't recall starting it though! Oh well...
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=18775
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Thanks for the reply. I am going to speak to the garage this week but this gives me some clues as to what may have changed.
The use the car gets is mixed - a work commute is 9 miles each way, but once or twice a fortnight the car will get a long trip (100+ miles).
The car is brilliant - although the fuel consumption is not quite as good as it was, it still exceeds 41mpg on longer trips and 36+ locally - excellent for a 3.2 litre 'barge' with loads of comfort.