January 2006
Hello everyone
I've got a CD changer and cable to fit to my '94 GM900 convertible. For some reason there's no cable from the original head unit to the boot in place already, so I'm going to have to fit the one I've bought.
Anyone any tips on the routing and fitting for this? I'm guessing it will follow the aerial lead. Is this the kind of job it might be better to pay someone else to do?
Also, the Clarion CDC634 changer will almost fit in the glovebox. A little cutting up of the interior of the box and it would fit nicely. Has anyone ever done this or seen this done? Or would under the passenger seat be a more sensible place?
Thanks for any help!! Read more
While mooching round the web at work, I noticed that the 206 (I assume the newer model) HDi's have an oil temperature gauge. My 306 has the gauge, but only uses it for a level check when I first turn the iginition on.
Does anyone on here know if it would be possible to wire it up? The 306 petrol sport models do use the temperature function, so I assume most of the components are already there... Read more
I have recently discovered that I am one of many 5 series (E39) owners with the dash board pixels disappearing after a short time. My car showed signs at 3 years old. Now it is 4 years old the on board computer is ilegible. New units are over £500.
BMW have been known to offer some good will out of warranty but not too much. In the USA they apparently replace free of charge.
The Watchdog programme on TV last night highlighted a similiar problem with Audi TTs and Audi are now giving free of charge replacement dash pods.
Any other 5 series owners out there with the problem please contact Watchdog and perhaps we can get a similiar result for BMW owners.
Cheers
Peter Read more
Just a quick question about clutch adjustment. The mondeo biting point seems a little high these days. Have a Haynes manual and looks straightforward (1 spanner!). Just wondered whether there are any pitfalls - I don't want to be in the situation of the car being on the drive and being unable to move it as I've messed up the clutch adjustment! I presume the adjustment simply takes up wear much the same as adjusting a handbrake cable.
Regards,
ajsdoc Read more
Hi
A technical question on diesels in general.
With a petrol engine efficiency can be raised by having the coolest possible air coming in (heavier, more dense charge), and having the exhaust temperature as high as possible - without melting anything of course. Generally speaking this gives an indicated water temperature of 90-100 degress with a pressurised system.
Now I know diesel engines naturally run cooler. The 2.0HDi turbo-diesel in my Berlingo Multispace runs at 80 degrees, and never goes above this.
Is there anything to be gained by blanking off part of the radiator to raise the water temperature, or is there no benefit on a diesel? Read more
I used to worry about the temperatures shown in my Fiat-it had degress shown on the dial;thenI remembered my Fiesta just had blue,white and red-much better.
I'm off on a skiing holday next week and will be taking the car for the first time. Three of us are travelling in my Alhambra. I'm off to La Clusaz which is 20 miles south of Geneva. I reckon I've got everything together, but would appreciate feedback if I'm missing anything.
Map (ViaMichelin details toll costs and speed camera locations)
Snowchains
Oil
De-icer (non aerosol)
Anti Freeze x 1l
Fire Extinguisher
Scrapers x 2
Warning Triangle x 2
First Aid Kit
Spare Bulb Kit
Screenwash x 10l
Headlight Beam Diverters
GB sticker
Shovel (fold up army type)
Hi-vis cold weather coat
Small toolkit and 2 torches
Lots of CD's
Clothes
2 new tyres (just happened to need them anyway)
This is everything I can think of that's in the boot. Any advice appreciated. Read more
Sounds pretty comprehensive to me, I'd sling in a good towrope for good measure.
If you haven't already done it, I'd try fitting the snow chains to familiarise yourself - might reduce your time out of the car when you really want to be in it and moving?
Screenwash is probably cheaper enroute, you'll need a lot this time of year and in higher concentrations than you're probably used to.
Check your tyre pressures before you leave, you'll probably find the new tyres have lost a little and I'm assuming from your speed camera avoidance you'll be toeing it.
I've got to "retumble" a door lock on my 97 mondeo. I've had the key number read by two garages and they've both come up with the same number. The key isn't worn.
When I assemble the tumblers into teh lock, putting the pin into the side after the first tumbler, putting shims between each tumbler, then I find that I can only get teh key in as far as the first two tumblers and then it stops.
What am I doing wrong? any tips would be appreciated. I do know that there are two types of shim in the kit, four of type A and one of type B. Shold the type B shim be put in after the first tumbler or before the last.
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I read often, only post occasionally Read more
that sounds very sensible trymybest will check this myself next time i do one as i sometimes stumble on these.
Has anyone out there tried them? Read more
Thanks for the replies. Need to replace the makers OE soon & just wondered how good the EBCs were. Always liked Ferodos in the past & from what you've all said, I think I'll go for those...
Cheers
Hi all, here's an interesting one for you. My father has a Focus 2.0 Ghia, 1999, and its started to do a strange thing. When the radiator or A/C cooling fans (not sure which) cut out it stalls the engine if its idling. Very strange problem. I've searched the archives but only found a couple of articles on cooling fans etc being on constantly, nothing like this. Any pointers will be much appreciated. My father seems to think when the cooling fan is running it ups the revs slightly, so could be related to idle control somewhere.
Cheers, Jonathan
Read more
Sometimes (like on my Jag) there is a diode in the feed from the A/C or the water temp switch, as either one can activate the fan. What you don't want is for one to affect the other, so the diodes (electrical one-way valves) prevent current flowing the wrong way. If one of these fails in the short circuit position, it can kill the ignition when the fan turns off. Re-reading your message, implies that you have separate fans for each function, so I may be barking up the wrong tree. Still, you never know!
I'd really like to go and see the rallying live in Wales (Or elsewhere) at some point.
Has anyone ever been? Do you need to pay? Are you told where to stand? Would you go again?
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Easiest way to go and see rallying,and where it doesn't cost you anything,is to join a motorclub.
However,the down side is,you have to be on stage,long before any spectators and cars appear,and still be there long after they've gone.
I used to be a co-driver many moons ago,but also used to marshal on the,then,RAC rally.It was the norm to be on stage up to 2 days before to set up,and on the day of the event itself,be present up to 4 hours before the 1st car,and be tidying up for up to 3-4 hours after the last course car had been through.This is the face of the event that spectators don't see.
But it did have it's plus side.
If you were lucky enough to get one of the time controls,you would then get the chance to have brief chat with the crew of each car,and I have been fortunate enough to have a few words with some of the stars that were prominent in the 80's/90's.
As for leaving the stage because you've seen the Cosworths,Impreza's,Evo's etc because it's lost some of it's novelty,well,that's your perogative,but remember this,no rally would exist for the above cars,if it wasn't for the Mini's and 106's etc,because the clubmen make up the bulk of the entry on a rally,and without their numbers,you wouldn't have any rallying to watch.
Browse
I would suggest you also post this message on www.BMWland.co.uk
as this is a known problem on the E39.