May 2013
Hi everyone, I'm looking for something under £4,000 and I'd like something with a bit of style. The reason I'm looking at BMW/Merc/Lexus is for reasons of build quality and reliability. I can't afford to buy something that will constantly cost me money so a big thirsty engine is probably not what I want. If anyone can suggest other ultra-reliable makes (VW) go ahead!
All advice gratefully received.... Read more
Most insurers allow you take your vehicle to the republic of Ireland for a duration of 30days or 90 days. What is the best insurer for multiple extended breaks to ireland as my father is intending to spend 4months over in ireland. The revenue in ireland allow you a temporary exception to have the UK car in ireland over 12mths but given the insurance may only cover you for 30day/ 90days at any one time or for just one 90day trip this does not help. Re-registering the car isnt an option as its pre 2008 and has a 3 litre engine making it 1500 euro in road tax per year and another 3k in VRT. The VRT and road tax in Eire appears to be very beneficial to the motor industry as all pre-2008 cars are hammered for tax. Any thoughts ? Read more
That's a statutory obligation under the international reciprocal agreement, which also applies a time limit of 6 months in any 12 month period - otherwise the car would need to be re-registered, taxed, tested and insured locally.
That'd be the sort of thing. At the time I was doing this, there were quite a few of us in the same position. We were there for several years and the local plod didn't give a monkey's as long as the paperwork was in order when they looked at it.
I'm trying to keep my 1996 405 diesel on the road - it's still in great condition! However, I've noticed that the PAS pipes f***hest from the engine under the passenger area are corroded. One of the pipes is weeping. I can't find replacement stock anywhere and no fabricator I've contacted is willing to make me a replacement. So, apart from finding an equally rusty pipe from a scrap merchant, I just wondered whether anyone had any ideas on how to either save the pipe or where I could find a replacement? Epoxy metal would just be a quick-fix, I guess! Thanks if you can help. Read more
Right, thanks. I'll perhaps go down the replacement pipe route.
I have been quoted circa £2500 by a BMW main dealer for the replacement of the ACC ( after charging £120 for 20mins for telling me why my cruse control was not working ) . This was two years ago and have learned to live without Cruse Control for that period but am keen to get the feature working again.
Accordingly i would be pleased to know if there any alternatives to going to a main dealer for such a replacement fitting... I am resident in Kent and would ideally seek a garage in the area but would happily travel. Read more
Difficult to believe that a function on a nine year old car can only be sorted by a main dealer, you'd have thought the diagnostics and software would be easily available to those who know how to get it.
A friend of mine speaks very highly about this BMW independent in Windsor. ...
See this video of my X reg 1 Litre Corsa. 130,000miles.
Its been doing this for a while now, could it just be work tappets, or oil not getting up to them at first or is it something more serious like the timing chain, notice it sounds ok after the first few seconds it only happens the first time I start it from cold.... Read more
I guess you cant be a***d changing the oil
Hi,
Does anyone know which refrigerant is used in the above,please.... Read more
Thanks
Dave
Missing when cold but accelerates OK, glow plugs changed but no difference Read more
had a camshaft sensor fitted 10 months ago which has now failed. there is a 2 year warranty on part.
bmw mini refuse to replace the part as they say there is rust on camshaft causing the failure.... Read more
The CV joint has split its gaiter on the front o/s. This seems to be a regular occurrence as I've had to have new gaiters put on in the past for it to pass the MOT. Just checking my receipts file and it was the front o/s that had a new CV joint and gaiter fitted only last August. That's less than 12 months and its split chucking moly grease over everything again :-(
It doesn't have a hard life and has probably only done about 3000 miles since then - should they go that quickly or has it been badly fitted do you think? Read more
In our road you can drive straight up the road and round the block but everyday,parkers insist on doing three or more point turns from stone cold and then wonder why they get excess wear on steering and suspension components.
how do I gain acess to the fuse es behind the instrument panel? Read more
You open the glove compartment and then pull it towards you. That will remove it completely and the in car fusebox is behind it. That then unclips and hinges down for access.
That puzzled me the first (and only!) time I needed to access the in car fuses, too!
C class 180 would suit the bill, should be lots about so you have plenty of choice.