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• "Lack of feel" on electric PAS - why? 23 May 2008 (Forum)
  The introduction of electric power steering in recent years has brought about an outcry from the motoring press about the lack of feel these steering systems impart. Even BMW have reverted to a traditional PAS system for their M series models, having allegedly admitted that they cannot get the required feel using the electric system from the lesser models. Does anyone know what the technical reason for this is?
• Get back in your box Ken 9 Nov 2007 (Forum)
  You all knew I meant Livingstone didn't you ? At last someone (Jim O Donnell - MD of BMW UK) has started speaking some sense to counter the anti-car rhetoric spoken by many councils and MP's. Have a look at the link below for more details. I have said for a while now that someone needs to respond to the anti-car brigade in a sensible cohesive manner and it looks like Jim has done it.
• Super-saloon - realistic running costs? 5 Nov 2007 (Forum)
  With the Boxster it seems to cost about 1k-1.5k a year using specialists, which I can stomach (just). I know the M3 needs valve clearances adjusted by BMW periodically @ quite a cost. I'm not fussed about using main dealers if I don't have to although it might be more appropriate with a 5 year old car like this than my 9 year old Porsche. Interested to get views on this especially from anyone who has run one of these beasts
• Mazda CX-7 Road Test 24 Jul 2007 (Forum)
  The tyres alone (235x60x18) must cost near £1K per set. The same applies to the other ridiculous monstrosities produced by BMW (X5), LandRover (RangeRover petrol versions esp.) Porsche (Cayenne) & the Benz Behemoths. The SUV acronym stands for Silly Ugly Vehicles, imho.
• Do all cars drive the same these days?? 4 Jun 2007 (Forum)
  I've had 2 vectra's (the first one was so bad, I thought there was something wrong with it, hence the 2nd Vectra - which was even worse), a new shape Mondeo, a Volvo S40 and a BMW 3 series compact. In my opinion, all of these have been dreadful to drive compared to the cars I used to drive in the 90's, and maybe even the 80's. Can anyone recommend a medium size car that has a supple suspension and a civilised, smooth drive?
• A couple of Automatic gearbox issues 6 May 2007 (Forum)
  1. BMW e36 320i auto. It's done about 140k miles now and it's my friend's car. The car has no reverse gear now, can only go forward, but when going seems to be going fine, is it the reverse gear needs rebuilding or the whole gearbox??
• What car for 10-12k? 2 Feb 2007 (Forum)
  Hi Everyone, Apologies if this is an oft aired subject here, but I need a new car, have a budget of 10-12k, and have no idea what to get My requirements would be; - fuel consumption not an issue, don't drive far, had a V6 2.5 auto last time, so something similar would be great - favourite car I've owned would be my 2001 Audi S3, they do fall into the budget this time round, so a consideration - I like the look of the Alfa 147, but worried about depreciation - ideally would like something FAST, with leather, air con, CD etc, maybe auto - like the look of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 2.7 diesel sounds like an ideal choice, this is in budget - other end of the scale, Lotus Elises seem to be going for around this price, as do some Honda S2000's - also seems like some BMWs - 330, 325 - fall into budget, shape before the current one, older M3's look nice Any advice greatfully received, as you can see I'm all over the shop really Thanks Dirk
• Selecting a parking space 19 Jan 2007 (Forum)
  I went to check if there was any parking charge, and as I returned to the car, a woman squeezed her new BMW into the space next to me. She had some difficulty in getting out of the car, as did SWMBO in getting into our car when we returned. But - why do they always do it when there loads and loads of vacant spaces.
• Car buying advice - kerb appeal for £10k 15 Nov 2006 (Forum)
  Hoping for some car buying advice. Currently own a 3 Series BMW Compact which I like mainly for the fact it is incredibly reliable, feels solid and looks decent (I think). But with the arrival of our first child this year I am feeling the pressure from the other half to get something bigger.
• Think I'm gonna get a 5 series. Volume 1 21 Aug 2006 (Forum)
  Absoloutely nothing else will do, and I've found the one that I want, it's a 2001 X Reg 525i SE Auto. Euipped with Leather, TV, Sat Nav etc. The car has full BMW history and is reprtedly in very good condition. Scren price is £6,900 nd I've been offered £5,800 for y Focus TDCi Sport. I know it's a much bigger cost to hange than I originally wanted, but the car is so nice I'm afraid my heart is ruling my head.
• Should I buy this Nissan QX 21 Jun 2006 (Forum)
  I need a largish car (three growing children - and I'm pretty big). I could afford to buy a 'prestige' car, but after an expensive encounter with a BMW 7-series I'm looking for something that will not hammer me financially on depreciation (I'd rather spend the money on nice holidays). Anyhow, today I had a drive in a 1998 Nissan QX V6 2.0 litre Auto.
• a cunning plan? 13 Jun 2006 (Forum)
  So, GF has sold her BMW, and really likes the MX5 or poss MR2 (will spend about £2500). No space in those, or in my MG. Hit upon cunning plan. Will need third car (!) to have room for people & stuff. So, leave purchase of sports car until autumn, prices will be cheaper, and buy banger now.
• Advice on replacing car in Dec. 9 Sep 2005 (Forum)
  However, due to 1) constant nagging by my mum that my car does not look presentable at work 2) car being over 10 year old now (1995 N-reg) and 3) hopefully passing my final charter accountant exam and therefore a promotion, I would hopefully be getting a newer car and pass my QX to my girlfriend :-) I have limited my choice as follows (I have driven both and I liked the drive of both); a) 2002 Ford Mondeo TDCI GHIA X manual b) 2002 BMW 525d SE auto with leather Both would be 100k miles, ex-company car at auction, probably bought through Joe Dowd. I know this is still early days but what would be the predicted the cost of the two cars?
• Fiesta MK4 trade in for 323ci 20 Apr 2005 (Forum)
  It has a 2-3 minor dents. Having recently got a pay rise I am considering treating myself to a 4-5 year old BMW 323ci coupe which I have yearned after for many years, and was wondering if you guys had any tips (hopefully not too sarcastic!) about how best to get rid of the Fiesta and what I could hope to get for it in sale / px.
• Yipee it's here 13 Mar 2005 (Forum)
  For you diesel drivers it was this forum that started me thinking (PU and his 530d), I ordered a 530d with head up display but BMW could not supply and then 535d was launched, so every cloud has a silver lining. Rgs Jim M
• Audi Coupe Quattro 20V / Corrado G60 11 Feb 2005 (Forum)
  {In which case, to avoid repetition, the one in Tech Matters has subsequently been deleted. DD} I'm finally considering changing my beloved E30 BMW for an Audi Coupe Quattro 20V or a VW Corrado - not the original quattro but the rounder one from '89-'91. I would be very grateful for any opinions on these cars from those who have owned or driven them as I cannot make up my mind.
• Too Porky to Park 26 Oct 2004 (Forum)
  The new 2005 model Ford Focus for example is 184 cms (compared to the current model at 170.2 cms), and if you include the mirrors 199.1 cms, which is wider than the current BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class. As a fan of the current model Ford Focus, I question whether we need these continually larger vehicles and where will this eventually lead. Manufacturers are claiming it is necessary to provide ever larger crumple zones and more rigid crash structures along with more interior space, but if this trend continues we are all going to end up driving Hummer size vehicles that will not only cause further urban congestion, but will not even fit into the average size garage.
• Help with next car please: 21 Oct 2004 (Forum)
  Hiya, I am new to this forum but have been on many others; mondeo, seat, bmw, audi, focus, peugeot, golf etc etc. I am on my 38th car and about to swap it for my 39th, but, what do I get next? I wondered if I put my requirements on here, you lot out there might be bored enough to have a read and come up with some answers for me.
• Vauxhall Omega Coolant Level 11 Aug 2004 (Forum)
  Driving the car on Monday, I had the same message come up several times, and I also noticed that the temperature gauge went from zero to about the halfway mark in about 10 minutes (while my BMW takes about 20minutes or so). While drving I have noticed that the needle creeps past the halfway mark - but when I'm stopped at a traffic light the needle comes down below the halfway mark (possibly because the fan has kicked in).
• Audi A6 MMI 2 Aug 2004 (Forum)
  It not a bad car in many respects, but what really disappointed me was the so-called 'MMI' (Multimedia Interface). This is another of those 'control everything with one button' jobs that BMW had a go at. The only one I have had any success with is Nissan's N-Form - which seems to work reasonably well. The Audi effort is awful, and IMHO borders on being a driving harzard since doing something simple (e.g. trying to play a CD) is inordinately involved and hence distracting.