May 2005
I notice the question was raised in H.J`s column in this week`s Telegraph about oil changes using a vacuum pump via the dipstick tube, and that H.J. mentioned his dislike of this practice as not all the sludge was being removed from the sump.
Unfortunately to maintain/increase profitability, this practice is now becoming the norm in many main dealerships including BMW.
One can understand the use of this system when diesel engines are encased within sound proofing shrouds, but with an ordinary petrol engine the actual time saving would seem minimal and surely inferior to the traditional method. Read more
Hi all,
I am going to get myself a CLK (97-02)in the next few day and wonder if anyone can tell me which model is preferable...
I have discounted the 2.0L as most seem to be low spec.
So here's where I need some help as I am finding it hard to see the difference between the Elegance and Avantgarde spec apart from the harder ride of the latter.
Also is the 320 really a must ? there are loads of 230's out there but the 320's seem scarce.
Lastly (Gasp) can anyone tell me the differences between the phase one (97-00) and the phase two (00-02) model apart from the slight body changes.
Thanks everyone.
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Not much difference between Elegance and Avantgarde apart from suspension and interior trim details. The Avantgarde has lowered suspension and handles better as a result, though you wouldn't describe either as sports cars, they're more for cruising.
My personal preference would be the 320 as the 230 is rather agricultural, though the low down torque is impressive (at least in the Kompressor version). Actually my personal preference would be the 430 V8 which I looked at a few years ago, these are very cheap at the moment.
Differences in the post facelift models after 1999. Externally, different frontal styling, more modern bumpers, indicators in the mirrors. Inside there are more electronics (a mixed blessing?), an update to include the instrument display with combination readout from the E Class as well as the multifunctional steering wheel from the same. Seats are electrically adjustable, the Command Navigation System is available and you now have the Infrared ignition key instead of the folding metal one on the old model. Also the door window winds down when you open the door and back up again when you close it as per BMW 3 Series Coupe circa 1992.
My son's 1999 VTR appears to have a rear wheel with lots of play in it although the car drives reasonably. He's been told naff rear suspension is a common saxo problem but also has little faith in the local (Milton Keynes)dealer network- as do I. IS IT a common thing and is there an acceptable DIY fix?
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I've test driven an 02 plate S60 2.0 T (5spd manual) this morning, and the only thing I could really find fault with was the handbrake action - when applied it didn't actually engage the brakes immediately. This meant that when engaging the handbrake and then instantly releasing the footbrake there was a small movement from the car before the brakes came on.
Is this normal?
The saleman seemed to think that it wasn't an issue.
By the way the footbrake worked fine whilst driving.
Can any S60 owners relate to this?
PP Read more
Thanks for that, you've all put my mind at ease.
Anything else I should know as someone moving to the S60 from a Mondeo?
Cheers,
PP
I have a Fiat Ulysse 2.0 JTD which is coming up to the end of it's two year waranty period. I have always done all my own servicing and repairs on my vehicules but this is the first car I've owned that has ECU management system. I don't want to have to go to a Fiat agent if ever a warning light should come up and am therefore thinking of trying to get hold of an interface so that I can plug in the OBD2 port to my laptop. I have found at www.espautomotive.com an interface and software. They state that " ESP is compatible with most cars built since 2000" and list various cars that it has been used on, none of them Fiats. Does anyone know if this is what I'm looking for or if there is anything else out there for the home mechanic?
Ian Read more
There was a similar query about six months ago but I can't find it. I seem to remember that Halfords sell such software and that there are, of course, other outlets.
Some sources:
www.gendan.co.uk/
www.onboarddiagnostics.co.uk/eobd/
shopping.lycos.co.uk/search/code_reader.html
www.espautomotive.com/trolleyed/3/
and this HJ link should turn up others:
www.honestjohn.co.uk/directories/DirUrl.htm?blk=Di...l
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Following my question about the price of discs/pads for Micra 1L 2000, does anyone know if the discs for this car are solid or vented, I've been quoted £102 for vented and £74 for solid over the phone, but they don't know which discs they are until they see the car. They are the original discs. Read more
Rust around the edge is OK, providing the disc thickness is within limits. At that mileage I'd be surprised if you need new discs on such a lightweight car.
Going nuts trying to fit one of these, PSA part number 966844, to an 05 model Berlingo Multispace, Desire trim if that makes any difference.
Upper mount is a piece of cake; remove plastic trim cover and slot in. Any other owners sussed the lower mount?
Appears to rest on the trim immediately below the clipping point for the seatback. However would then require huge force (and massive bowing of non loadbearing plastic trim) to put the rear seat back in place. Read more
Gave up in end and got dealer to fit.
Lower mount for guard does indeed trap between back seat and trim around setback retaining clip. Excessive force now required to re fit seat, and considerable bowing acheived in trim. Whole thing rattles under any circs and flaps about when rear seat is folded up. Back to the dealer to try for a refund on basis that it's unfit for purpose.
OK -
Looking at getting an Estate, and have £5K to spend. So far - as got a family and a dog so for practicallity, and safety looking at Saab 95 Estate or Volvo v70 - both will have at that money 90K on the clock of there abouts
Both will either be brought privatley or through Auction.
Now, will be wanting to buy a Third Party Warranty, at least 12 months, but have never bought one of these before and was wondering who does the best deal.
Scott Read more
Why buy privately when you can get a dealer like PGI to sell you a good Volvo estate with some warranty. I had a 940 from them with 160k on the clock and it went on for three years when I changed it.....I lost only £1500 in depreciation into the bargain and maintainance was not expensive.
A friend has just bought a 96 Volvo 940 est. 2.3 LPT auto.
I believe that the cam belt change intervals are 50k miles can someone confirm this - also is it a difficult job?
Thanks Read more
50K is about right, they are easy to replace.
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groups.msn.com/honestjohn - Pictures say a thousand words.....
Saw this and thought of you
tinyurl.com/ak9zf Read more
Espada on E-bay? Sounds like the makings of a horror film.
And the price seems well over the top for a Espada that hasn't been used recently (even given the famous owner). Paul used to like his Lamborghinis and a better collectable would be his 67 400GT. Wings vs. Beatles - no contest..
I personally prefer George Harrison's E-type (the one he was supposed to have proposed to Patti Boyd in.) It was in Beaulieu.
I drive a diesel, so the oil gets black pretty soon, I change the fully synthetic every few thousand miles, but I drain in into an old washing up bowl, and leave it until I have time to mess about with a funnel and a container, when I come to put it into containers, it is evident that there is a thin layer on the bottom which is greasier than the oil, it's about 2mm thick and is just like the oil but a bit thicker, not sludge, no bits in it, just carbon that has settled I expect.
Well, I still get this whether I do vacuum changes or drains.
I thick because the bottom of the sump is flat, that much of this deposit would remain anyway and the oil will just drain over the top of it. We are talking about a very minimal film here!
I think if engine manufacturers made the dip stick tube align with a well in the sump, or something like that, the effect of removing heavier deposits woul be better than anything!