http://www.car4play.com/forum Car4play forum en-gb Mon, 21 May 2012 15:57:27 +0100 Copyright: Car4play webmaster@car4play.com (Technical) 5 car4play237808 Mon, 21 May 2012 15:57:27 +0100 When I was researching Mercedes as an option for us I discovered not only that you could have one with a black headlining but that this was something people were prepared to pay extra for. Why? Even a coffin has a white lining to the lid. There can't be that many people who never grew out of their goth phase, can there? http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237808&v=e car4play237807 Mon, 21 May 2012 15:57:22 +0100 Reminds me of the old Jimmy Tarbuck gag Vx .... Tom Jones sings ' Its not unusual '...... ........I shared a dressing room with him, I 've seen it and believe me .....it is ! http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237807&v=e car4play237806 Mon, 21 May 2012 15:38:59 +0100 Yes, the handling of the E90 is exceptional. My car is now on summer tyres and it has the M-Sport suspension. It is sometimes quite disconcerting to steer into a curve at autobahn speeds (above ca. 180km/h) and experience no understeer whatsoever. The coal hole interior on mine (including black roof lining and gloss black trim) is only relieved by the blue stitching on the alcantara seats. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237806&v=e car4play237805 Mon, 21 May 2012 15:35:33 +0100 >> Well I found out today that my car IS going to the dealer in Scotland >> to be prepared before being brought down to Gloucestershire for me. >> >> I found that out as I was chasing up when delivery will be and the >> lease company advised that the car has been delayed by a week and that their >> dealer is only taking delivery of my car next week. They they went on to >> say that I should get it three WEEKS later. I couldn't believe it could take >> so long and she explained that it needs to be transported from Glasgow to their >> Worcestershire depot and then to my Head Office. That takes two to three weeks. >> >> I said that I'd collect it from Glasow and save myself three weeks. They are >> going to look into it but I am not confident even though it would save >> them a few quid in transport fees. >> >> I hope I can as this is he only way I'll get my car in >> time for my French holiday. >> Fairplay to the lease company. They have pulled a few strings and arranged for me to collect the car next week so that I have the car for my French holiday. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237805&v=e car4play237804 Mon, 21 May 2012 15:20:47 +0100 I knew that this was a case of deja vu - see the previous thread http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?t=8483&m=187304&v=e and my contribution......................... I spent the best part of an hour in a Santander Branch trying to retrieve money from a dormant account that had been thro 2 takeovers, (IIRC, it started life as a Bradford & Bingo Account). During that time not only was I told a pack of lies, (different lies from different people), but witnessed many disgruntled customers trying unsucessfully to effect the simplest transactions. They represented about 50% of the Bank visitors! In each and every case, had I been the unfortunate punter, I would have closed the account on the spot. Never again will I enter their premises, physical or virtual! http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237804&v=e car4play237803 Mon, 21 May 2012 15:20:06 +0100 ">>I always come second http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237803&v=e car4play237802 Mon, 21 May 2012 15:06:43 +0100 This actual rule has been in place for some time for vintage heavy commercial vehicles; bringing everyday cars into the equation for the same cut-off date is perhaps a little too radical. I can understand the likes of a 1950's Scammell being exempt from MOT testing, after all it's not the sort of thing you'd be likely to go shopping in; but the likes of Series One Land-Rovers is a different matter, as they're frequently still in use even as daily drives. I'm inclined to agree with GB on this one, although actually administering it as a seperate entity would probably cause more trouble than maintaining the status quo, and would go against the principle of actually reducing red tape, which I suppose is to be applauded. This might seem odd to people outside the classic scene, seeing owners actually having resevations about accepting what is after all a useful privelege. I doubt some of the rural independent garages are jumping for joy either, given that classic MOT's would form a decent revenue stream for the very reasons described by the government; that they're inevitably well-maintained when they're presented for test and are therefore less hassle to carry out. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237802&v=e car4play237801 Mon, 21 May 2012 14:56:34 +0100 And by the way, note that I was still wrong about Berkeley wheel and cylinder numbers the second time around. I didn't know the single rear wheel was optional. It may have been safer than the four-wheel option though in clodhopping hands like mine. The rear suspension may have been independent but was of fairly crude swing-axle type. Power-off it could get very frisky at the back like most swing-axle cars. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237801&v=e car4play237800 Mon, 21 May 2012 14:50:55 +0100 >> According to FiL who is a spec anorak he says the new 3 is 3 >> inches longer and 1/2 an in wider - it certainly feel wider in the cabin >> but may be the illusion caused by the very light leather interior. No, I have the classic Germanic coal-hole black/grey interior, and it is noticeably more spacious than the E90's, particularly in the rear. The kids booster seats no longer foul the seat belt anchors, and there is noticeably more generous rear legroom. Can't say I find the build "lighter", personally. Biggest failing over the E90 is the handling. The F30 simply isn't as good on standard suspension as the E90 was. Rides better, but otherwise a significant backwards step. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237800&v=e car4play237799 Mon, 21 May 2012 14:47:38 +0100 >> It remains to be seen what view insurers take of this. At present they charge >> very low premiums for classic cars on the basis that they are tested annually. Could create a nice little sideline for testing stations doing non-MOT tests with a written report. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237799&v=e car4play237798 Mon, 21 May 2012 14:46:04 +0100 I'm not too sure about this either, don't like the idea that just because a car reaches a certain age it doesn't need a reliable set tests or inspections to pass. Maybe a different category of testing could apply, where qualified mechanics who know about such things could prove to a responsible body that they have the skill and knowledge to test such vehicles, and be licensed as inspectors...wouldn't be hard to set up, indeed i imagine the classic car scene would prefer something rather than nothing. No testing sounds like a charter for Bodgit and Scarper to cobble together old salvage, cut and shut, stones of filler, lick of paint, there you go. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237798&v=e car4play237797 Mon, 21 May 2012 14:45:05 +0100 It remains to be seen what view insurers take of this. At present they charge very low premiums for classic cars on the basis that they are tested annually. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237797&v=e car4play237796 Mon, 21 May 2012 14:42:29 +0100 >> A little history: Thank you bt. Evidently the thing was at least amusing in the hands of someone who could drive. Or rather, someone who had learned to drive a Berkeley whose characteristics were the ones I describe above and which, combined with my own late-adolescent jumpiness, cockiness and total incompetence, resulted in a crash into someone's very substantial stone bank on the other side of a road with a fair amount of traffic on it. Very fortunate no other car was contacted as we at least might then have been injured. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237796&v=e car4play237795 Mon, 21 May 2012 14:41:30 +0100 I'd worry that the value of expensive historic cars could be >> affected in the future if no further MoT history was available. >> If we're being honest, genuine enthusiasts do not give a hoot what their car is worth in financial terms. That is the premise of investment-based collectors who have ruined the classic car scene, especially for beginners, by hoarding stuff instead of putting their money into banks. Good for people like me who already have stuff like the WLC Harley, but not so for our sons. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237795&v=e car4play237794 Mon, 21 May 2012 14:41:01 +0100 >> I think it was Abbey National who instilled the customer care, and IT systems into >> Santander. They certainly are very closely matched in the crap stakes. I wish. If they had, we'd probably still bank with them. We were very happy Abbey National customers for 15 years. We had a mortgage, three current accounts and a savings account with them. Within 6 months of Santander takeover, the call centre was outsourced to India, and the customer service disappeared. More seriously, the cock ups started in earnest. Botched transfers, money "disappearing" for days at a time, and even stupid things like not cancelling a direct debit when asked. The Indian staff didn't have a clue. And you simply couldn't speak to anyone who had any authority to do anything about the problems. Needless to say, we are no longer Santander customers. I have never known an organisation go so spectacularly downhill so quickly. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237794&v=e car4play237793 Mon, 21 May 2012 14:38:38 +0100 >> I responded to the FHBVC survey when this was mooted and suggest pre 1960 was >> too new. I'm not too sure it's wise to exempt XK150s that will do over >> 120mph and are pretty much a modern car. Doubt the Herald is exempt, few really >> early cars survive. >> >> >> Likewise SP. Prior to WW2 would have been the sensible option, as a good few 50's cars still exist in either original or modified form as daily drives; ISTR there's another thread on here about this where I suggested that many testers actually enjoy the novelty of pitting their wits against vehicles of a previous era. My worry is that stuff like terminal body-rot could easily go unnoticed or even be deliberately ignored; one distinct advantage of the MOT is that it does allow a second pair of eyes to go over the vehicle, especially underneath if you haven't got a pit or ramp. It's all too easy to miss that vital split pin in a ball joint or suchlike which could have disastrous consequences. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237793&v=e car4play237792 Mon, 21 May 2012 14:37:46 +0100 >> claims owners can voluntarily take their car for an MoT I wondered if that would be the case. I delivered a beautiful 1959 Aston DB4 Vantage the other week, I'd worry that the value of expensive historic cars could be affected in the future if no further MoT history was available. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237792&v=e car4play237791 Mon, 21 May 2012 14:33:25 +0100 I wonder if speed cameras could get that front number plate down there? http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237791&v=e car4play237790 Mon, 21 May 2012 14:19:17 +0100 >>slightly imperfect memory of the Berkeley A little history: http://www.pearsy.co.uk/BerkModels.htm http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237790&v=e car4play237789 Mon, 21 May 2012 14:12:27 +0100 Would be nice... http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237789&v=e car4play237788 Mon, 21 May 2012 14:10:39 +0100 One for Dutchie ... Greg Palast - investigative journalist -published a book last year called 'Vultures Picnic' Here he talks about it to Alex Jones http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0dD5pwsfMQ&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLD88EEC9B63121883 Worth a listen if you've got a couple o' light years to spare. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237788&v=e car4play237787 Mon, 21 May 2012 13:31:12 +0100 I'd buy it just to annoy the neighbours (if I had any) :) http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237787&v=e car4play237786 Mon, 21 May 2012 13:27:57 +0100 Mmm... the engine has only been chipped? Shame, I would have expected a monster truck to have a monster V8 engine, not a 2.5 diesel! I wonder if the transmission has been modified to allow for the bigger wheels? http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237786&v=e car4play237785 Mon, 21 May 2012 13:25:38 +0100 Valid point, but part of the problem with taking an old car to an MOT is that few testers understand the principles by which they work. While it has not happened to me, I know somebody whose car was going to fail for defective steering joints, despite being un-worn and correctly adjusted. The tester had never met the type of joint before and actually suggested the spring nuts be tightened. Had this been done, the car would have been very dangerous, if even drivable. I responded to the FHBVC survey when this was mooted and suggest pre 1960 was too new. I'm not too sure it's wise to exempt XK150s that will do over 120mph and are pretty much a modern car. Doubt the Herald is exempt, few really early cars survive. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237785&v=e car4play237784 Mon, 21 May 2012 13:24:22 +0100 >>Mint, low mileage Renault Fuego Turbo, anyone? http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237784&v=e car4play237783 Mon, 21 May 2012 13:20:14 +0100 >> I heard it was called Really rather good Ischl these days. It's interesting when you use Google translate to translate a sentence with Bad Ischl in it. Lovely town, I'm lucky enough to live 10 minutes away :-) http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237783&v=e car4play237782 Mon, 21 May 2012 13:19:07 +0100 Isn't it partly recognising that many MOT testers have no idea what a 1950s or older vehicle should be like in terms of brakes, suspension, steering play etc. I think it's a cop out abandoning the test for older vehicles altogether though. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237782&v=e car4play237781 Mon, 21 May 2012 13:15:29 +0100 >> If the Spanish and British bits are separate, why did they saddle the British half with the distinctly dodgy name "Santander"? Don't know the real reason but there may be hidden tax avoidance logic behind that. There was a BBC Panorama show on tax avoidance which explained how a multinational corporation can transfer billions of pound from one country to another country's branch as "loan" and then avoid tax by showing "interest" on that huge loan as "expenses". http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237781&v=e car4play237780 Mon, 21 May 2012 13:12:25 +0100 >> I came second after a numpty sung some Tom Jones rubbish. It's not unusual. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237780&v=e car4play237779 Mon, 21 May 2012 13:11:20 +0100 >> If they're like the ones in Cambridge, they only let one vehicle through before going >> back up. Then the subsequent vehicle has to get them to drop them. In Cambridge >> you would have to go through a red light in order to end up in >> this trouble. Pure stupidity/arrogance. +1 The area beyond the bollards is prohibited to motor vehicles. They are designed to admit the few vehicles permitted by exception. If people try and tailgate the bus to gain access or are too close to see/react to signs they deserve all they get. They're not unique to UK either. We were in Avignon a couple of years ago and had to wait for one of those little train things that often run round historic French towns to emerge from a side street. Nothing else coming so The Lad steps into the road, pauses for a moment to look for me and finds himself rising up atop a bollard!! I wish I'd had the camera ready to catch his expression. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237779&v=e car4play237778 Mon, 21 May 2012 13:06:04 +0100 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2000-LAND-ROVER-DISCOVERY-TD5-S-BLUE-MONSTER-TRUCK-ADVERTISING-VEHCILE-/330722102603 http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237778&v=e car4play237777 Mon, 21 May 2012 13:05:11 +0100 I'd think that the car >> you parked outside says more than a watch You'd think so wouldn't you, but you'd be quite wrong. Chap i know parked his 2 year old Focus car outside the local BMW dealer a few years ago, he fancied trying a 3 series. Wandered in and had a nose around, after speaking to someone masquerading as a salesman he was invited to return when he could afford to buy one. If the numpty in the shiny suit had looked out the window he might have twigged the Focus' number plate would buy a brand new good car and give change, and if they followed him home they would have had an even bigger shock as they negotiated his drive. On the other hand my MB indy who is well known in the marque, visits ruralish MB dealers in his green (not grey..;) overalls and is greeted as an old chum. Books and covers judging eh? http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237777&v=e car4play237776 Mon, 21 May 2012 13:00:39 +0100 Mint, low mileage Renault Fuego Turbo, anyone? http://tinyurl.com/d6e8o8d What a pretty car. Always wanted one, but not £10k badly. Still, it's nice to look at. If nothing else, it proves that crowded engine compartments are not the preserve of modern cars. :-) http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237776&v=e car4play237775 Mon, 21 May 2012 12:57:21 +0100 I stopped buying TG mag ages ago because of the adverts first and then the abysmal playground humour and expletives offered up by that Lesser Spotted Great Tit, Tom Ford. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237775&v=e car4play237774 Mon, 21 May 2012 12:55:23 +0100 >>What's wrong with a fixed penalty camera? People ignore them and complain that there is no barrier when they get a bill. Foreigners ignore them completely. Repeatedly. >>How did it damage the car? If they're like the ones in Cambridge, they only let one vehicle through before going back up. Then the subsequent vehicle has to get them to drop them. In Cambridge you would have to go through a red light in order to end up in this trouble. Pure stupidity/arrogance. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237774&v=e car4play237773 Mon, 21 May 2012 12:51:00 +0100 "Owners of classic vehicles will still be legally required to ensure that they are safe and in a proper condition to be on the road but scrapping the MoT test for these vehicles will save motorists money." Another article I've found claims owners can voluntarily take their cars for an MOT. I'm all for keeping old cars on the road but is is really safe to presume the owner is an expert in all things automotive who will fettle and check their car. What if the owner of an old car is an 80 year old who might polish the AA badge on the front once every Sunday but might not be able to get down on hands and knees and and spot a leaking fuel pipe or be able to hear a worn wheel bearing above the din of an older engined car with less sound deadening? My BIL has recently bought a Triumph Herald and whilst he has the benefits of a doctorate from a well known university, I wouldn't trust him to be able to spot a worn trunion. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237773&v=e car4play237772 Mon, 21 May 2012 12:47:33 +0100 Right, Took it apart, (not easy needed a thin shafted torx driver). Cleaned out the segments on the motor commutator, plenty of brush left so not an issue there. Attention turned to the cord retraction/switch/speed controller assembly. With trepidation I undid the screw on the cord drum shaft, pulled it gently back and the clock spring leapt out and attacked me savaging my finger and drawing blood. (The sole purpose in life of a clock spring is to maim the person who tries to take it apart) Cleaned the rings and wipers (retensioned the wipers) taking power from the rotating drum to the speed controller. Sprayed out the wiper on the speed controller slider. Didn't bother to try and reassemble the clock spring, sometimes I can, but this one was a complex double reverse spool design so I just cut it out (where it tried to remove my fingers again) Bingo! The Bosch sucks! Working but with no cord retraction. ( Its never really worked well anyway.) Buying decision delayed! http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237772&v=e car4play237771 Mon, 21 May 2012 12:47:20 +0100 That sounds sensible to me - there will still be an obligation to keep the car roadworthy and most owners I know of 50-year old cars are passionate about their maintenance http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237771&v=e car4play237770 Mon, 21 May 2012 12:39:42 +0100 >> The only watch i wear is a rado sintra, got it for £950 for sale.. it a >> subtle sign, to the sales man that is if you were going to for a >> test drive or buy a car, theres a old saying clothes make a man... http://tinyurl.com/7kgxpjv To me it says "man with no taste". And boasting about how much it cost is another indicator of no taste. BTW, how often do you go to buy a car? I'd think that the car you parked outside says more than a watch that TBH looks as though it might have cost a fiver at the market. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237770&v=e car4play237769 Mon, 21 May 2012 12:33:50 +0100 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18146326 Vehicles manufactured before 1960 will no longer have to have to pass an MoT from 18 November, Roads Minister Mike Penning said. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237769&v=e car4play237768 Mon, 21 May 2012 12:19:00 +0100 >>I always come second http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237768&v=e car4play237767 Mon, 21 May 2012 12:18:52 +0100 You get what you pay for, plus the genuine Sebo bags are not that expensive. You can also buy the Duo-P carpet cleaning powder direct from Sebo (for use with the upright models) for far less than in retail outlets...:-) http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237767&v=e car4play237766 Mon, 21 May 2012 12:02:43 +0100 Which reminds me, the VW Up!, as is the way with many small cars nowadays, is available with a selection of optional graphics. The roof one saying 'This way Up!' made me chuckle. They do have a sense of humour, ze Germans... http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237766&v=e car4play237765 Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:35 +0100 I don't think a modern turbo is *that* fragile; certainly all of mine have been driven briskly much of the time, but they have all been serviced in line with manufacturers requirements and nothing has gone wrong. I like petrol turbos - the torque characteristics of the 1.8T made it feel like a much larger engine, and the same is true of the 1.4T in my experience. Sure, they're more complex than a normally aspirated engine of the same capacity, but to get the same power / torque combination of a 1.8T would have needed a larger capacity 6. IIRC in the original A4 the 1.8T and 2.8V6 had very similar performance, though the V6 had slighlty more power and torque and a higher weight. I'm not sure a V6 24 valve DOHC engine is much less complex than a 1.8T, and certainly brings its own cost disadvantages, as well as increased weight. Lighter and more economical is better, regardless of legislation IMO I do miss the sound of a straight 6 though... :-) http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237765&v=e car4play237764 Mon, 21 May 2012 11:57:27 +0100 In a big hotel in Gran Canaria a couple of years ago, I was harassed by my kids to take part in Karaoke in front of hundreds of people. Of course, I chose "How Deep is Your Love" after a few quick shots of vodka to keep up the courage, but it's my special "shower song" so I'd had plenty of rehearsing. I came second after a numpty sung some Tom Jones rubbish. It's all there on the camcorder. (I always come second) http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237764&v=e car4play237763 Mon, 21 May 2012 11:51:34 +0100 Isn't the forthcoming Focus ST lump supposed to be a 250bhp 2.0 litre? Albeit with 4 cylinders not 6. That's the same specific power output as the 1.0 3-pot, but I bet it will use less than twice the fuel to do it. Without getting nitpicky, the 3 cylinder job is inherently off-balance and made smoother by an eccentric flywheel, but a 6 cylinder would be naturally smooth anyway :) http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237763&v=e car4play237762 Mon, 21 May 2012 11:43:01 +0100 Recently bought a Dirt Devil bag less vacuum cleaner for 95 Euros to replace a 12 year old Dyson with various broken bits that I considered beyond repair. Couldn't believe how much difference a brand new vacuum cleaner makes, getting the dust off our floors (no carpets) and the cat hairs out of the cushions. Couldn't be bothered taking the Dyson to the tip, so stuck it in eBay - got 90 Euros for it! http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237762&v=e car4play237761 Mon, 21 May 2012 11:42:50 +0100 I had a go in a VW Up! a couple of weeks ago - the lower power output version (a Move Up! I think - 60PS). I thought it was a cracking little car - very willing engine, with a lovely 'thrum' to it. The whole car was deeply impressive in terms of feel - nothing like a small car really. My only criticism was that it was a little breathless on A road sliproads (not it's intended habitat I know), and I expect the higher powered (75PS) High Up! would be a better all-rounder http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237761&v=e car4play237760 Mon, 21 May 2012 11:29:57 +0100 >> I guess, as ever, that I am alone here in being able to vouch personally >> for the lovely sound of the Wartburg 991cc triple I didn't own one but used to drive my sisters Knight regularly, went like a scalded cat and sounded wondrous. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237760&v=e car4play237759 Mon, 21 May 2012 11:28:10 +0100 I posted a while ago about a mate who had a Charade GTti. I remember it as it was terrifying. All or nothing turbo giving you boost when you least expected/wanted it, lift off oversteer and panels which felt they were made of paper. With the noise and the white knuckle handling you could almost convince yourself you were driving a 911 Turbo. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=237759&v=e