As you tube is such a great place to learn about things, i was glad when i came across several home videos of electric roof's giving their owners hassle.
Now i cheated and got a manual roof, so i guess this is why i find it funnier.
Enjoy.
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
E36 Why i choose manual roof
As you tube is such a great place to learn about things, i was glad when i came across several home videos of electric roof's giving their owners hassle.
Now i cheated and got a manual roof, so i guess this is why i find it funnier.
Enjoy.
Monday, 30 December 2013
E36 Tyres and Bearings
I've bitten the bullet as the rear tyres were in a shocking state, and in trying to keep with the age of the car and to keep costs down, I've put some part worns on there to enable me to drive it legally and still get round to looking at the wheel bearings and thermostat. Am just waiting on Christmas and New Year to get out the way then I will get my order in.
Am thinking either EuroCarParts or C3BMW and will get a quote from each.
2 rear wheel bearings and a thermostat for starters, with a battery to follow after I cure the initial noises.
Loving the drive and lovely to sample another straight six in my life, although early fuel signs are bad, which is possibility down to engine compensating for it running cold, and after thermostat this should hopefully sort this out.
Still no roof down but come on, it's December and every drive has been in near torrential rain, hence the needed tyres. One I'm ashamed to say was a F1 slick and the other was on the block with nearly all the tyre. Now previous owner is getting the blame, as he's clearly not here and was using the car knowingly in this state.
So New Year is nearly with us, and the only thing that might slow things is a possible house sale, which hopefully will happen in early 2014. Shame I've not decided on the new location yet!! No pressure.
Sunday, 22 December 2013
E36 Cabriolet
I think it's safe to say the previous owner was of the "not maintained because of cost" school of auto repair. Now usually I would get emotional and put it back up for sale, but there's a voice in my head that's reminding me it was cheap and it's not eating or drinking so it can stay a while, plus I've not lowered the roof yet so best not sell yet.
So the current issues after a week of ownership, I've only totalled 50miles including the drive home, put about £40 in fuel and it's sitting with half a tank so happy enough with that, and as it's a third car I can't see it ever being filled up. The real problems are, temperature gauge showing a little low, so possible thermostat, there's a problem with the battery and after trying a charge up with my intelligent charger is saying that there's a cell fault and if left for more than a couple of days it would need a jump start, so on Saturday the boost pack came out (lucky it was charged) and I gave it a little run round the block with a run up to get some logs on Saturday night (12mile round trip) on Saturday night and it started ok Sunday morning. So battery can wait for a while at least, as the major gripe apart from the lack of cleaning and general lack of being able to repair the simplest of things and not clean it properly or remove things properly, as the tools left in the boot and screws etc tell a story.
Back to the worst fault and it's a noise that sounds like a wheel bearing in bits or a noisy diff which I'm not looking forward to finding out what or where the fault is, so I'm tempted to put an order in with Euro Car Parts for the above which is around £87 for the x2 wheel bearings and thermostat with housing and also gasket. So first round of bills isn't that bad really, although I've never really taken on a mission such as this, I'm sure it will be fine, what's the worst that could happen.......
I've decided to go for the tried and tested method of getting a friend to sit in the passenger seat and listen to the car on a run round and see what his experience says, and as with doctors it's always better to get a second opinion, and all this before I order any bits. Although want to tackle all the messy jobs in the winter, so I've got my own little winter project. Love it, take 41 years to get to this stage, never had a winter project ever. Growing up..
Monday, 16 December 2013
BMW E36 Cab 2.5
Well its taken me far too long but i've become a BMW owner again, and its got a soft roof.
E46 Alloys are boring and 16's are too small, FACT.
Its a first for me with a BMW badge and so far i've been very impressed. Now all i've done is drive it home and put £20 of unleaded in it, but even with a wheel bearing drowning out the lovely straight 6 motor, its still a great drive and now its home i am slowly getting my list together of parts i need to replace.
Have already promised that i am going to add any missing bits, so the interior door handle surround is on order already, and i am very surprised at the cheap price of the wheel bearing kits. Also a front fog light is broke and they are only £29 each so its another price surprise on the cabriolet.
Not impressed with the look of the current alloys and already the search is on for some others, really like the 18' MV style and have missed out on a set already but am hunting some more down as i type.
So all i really need now is some sun and a few little bits and she's going to be a great little toy for a couple of years.
E46 Alloys are boring and 16's are too small, FACT.
Monday, 18 November 2013
Difference between a Fast Rider and a Racer
A lovely masterclass and a lesson for everyone that thinks there fast.
Ex racers never lose it.
Ex racers never lose it.
Diesel Sounding Awful
Now maybe it's an obvious statement but it's not all of Diesel cars that I'm having a go at, but some and the Mondeo I drive at the moment is one of these, they sound awful. Now some such as an old Passat have a fairly nice sound with a sometime turbo whistle, while this Ford has nothing nice about the noise at all.
Why is this? And is there a reason for it?
I've had in recent years a 530d and this sounded ok, i've driven lorries usually of 500hp or more and these sound nice, i've had a Discovery with the V6 Diesel and that was nice sounding but why is it that the more run of the mill cars in the car industry seems to be missing out on using some of there budget to make a diesel sound nice. Maybe a V8 rumble or at the very least a turbo whistle to drown out the awful diesel noise.
Can't be the only person to have thought this ? Am i ?
I've had in recent years a 530d and this sounded ok, i've driven lorries usually of 500hp or more and these sound nice, i've had a Discovery with the V6 Diesel and that was nice sounding but why is it that the more run of the mill cars in the car industry seems to be missing out on using some of there budget to make a diesel sound nice. Maybe a V8 rumble or at the very least a turbo whistle to drown out the awful diesel noise.
Can't be the only person to have thought this ? Am i ?
Sunday, 3 November 2013
Car Service Done
At last I've booked in the car and had the first service under my ownership at 68800k miles.
Not sure if it's bad timing or just the build quality letting it down but this time I had the usual service, a bonnet open sign which looked like a faulty switch and could be cured for a few days with a squirt of WD40 but I was still keen to resolve this as the beeping in the driving seat is annoying.
Also I had a engine malfunction light come on several times and the night before a headlight bulb go, so good to give them a fair days work. Unfortunately the Insignia hire car for the day was a low point, as was the service desk girl telling me that the engine malfunction wasn't a fault they could look into or resolve as it wasn't still there. Typical poor service from a garage that impressed at all other levels, the rest was as expected, although the valet of the car was poor and not clean to a standard that I would have expected.
It's very easy to say its a company car and the driver maybe wouldn't care but I'm not a normal driver and it's been noted for future visits. The after math is still having engine management light come on with the limp you home revs, usually on the long commute either Friday or Monday.
The good Ford news is the fact that it's not the best engine and at low gear it's a bit slow but have found the car on a run very comfortable and have already put the mileage upto just under 69500.
The lease has only to run till March, so am looking for the post every week to see the car pack arrive for the new one next year, realistic I guess it will be January before I see it but am hoping that the replacement will be the Zetec Business edition that includes park sensors, sat nav, smoked glass, and generally a vehicle that we normally wouldn't get in a thousand years, but timing could be an issue as the new mondeo is out next year so it could be the first of the new type which may have less toys but will be the one that looks like an Aston, we'll front end anyway.
Still missing the Passat as it's better made and better on fuel but the Bluetooth is better for an iPhone user as the last hands free was disappointing, although it was a Bury and nothing to do with VW.
Still anything could happen and maybe next year I will get a better choice....
Not sure if it's bad timing or just the build quality letting it down but this time I had the usual service, a bonnet open sign which looked like a faulty switch and could be cured for a few days with a squirt of WD40 but I was still keen to resolve this as the beeping in the driving seat is annoying.
Also I had a engine malfunction light come on several times and the night before a headlight bulb go, so good to give them a fair days work. Unfortunately the Insignia hire car for the day was a low point, as was the service desk girl telling me that the engine malfunction wasn't a fault they could look into or resolve as it wasn't still there. Typical poor service from a garage that impressed at all other levels, the rest was as expected, although the valet of the car was poor and not clean to a standard that I would have expected.
It's very easy to say its a company car and the driver maybe wouldn't care but I'm not a normal driver and it's been noted for future visits. The after math is still having engine management light come on with the limp you home revs, usually on the long commute either Friday or Monday.
The good Ford news is the fact that it's not the best engine and at low gear it's a bit slow but have found the car on a run very comfortable and have already put the mileage upto just under 69500.
The lease has only to run till March, so am looking for the post every week to see the car pack arrive for the new one next year, realistic I guess it will be January before I see it but am hoping that the replacement will be the Zetec Business edition that includes park sensors, sat nav, smoked glass, and generally a vehicle that we normally wouldn't get in a thousand years, but timing could be an issue as the new mondeo is out next year so it could be the first of the new type which may have less toys but will be the one that looks like an Aston, we'll front end anyway.
Still missing the Passat as it's better made and better on fuel but the Bluetooth is better for an iPhone user as the last hands free was disappointing, although it was a Bury and nothing to do with VW.
Still anything could happen and maybe next year I will get a better choice....
Monday, 14 October 2013
Bonnet Open
After all the good stuff i said about the Ford brand recently and how excited i was when i was getting another motor to use up the remaining 6mths of its lease.
Well first few weeks motoring was ok, the only issue was the clutch being a little high (64k miles) so i thought that as i had done with the Passat, i will have to book it in and get the clutch done.
Then a funny thing happened, it got better and easier to drive, so maybe self adjustment was working, but its got better to use so will monitor. Two major problems and the first being a bonnet open switch telling me thats it open, so first time i stop get out, make sure its shut and there's nothing hanging off ! Closed it all up and continued on my way.
Same thing happens again and the 2nd time its driving me insane by going every couple of minutes and the audible warning is slightly annoying. This time i used a bit of WD-40 to help the switch, that seemed to be very stiff and all was silent again.
Been silent for a couple of weeks then started again, another spray of some 3 in one oil and again back into silence.
A little bit less love for the beast after the next fault, Engine Malfunction came on the dash, slightly worried and after i realised, i stopped the car and turned it off to stop the limp home mode. Re started and it all came back to life without any further notice or issue !
The major positives are it drives well, and now touching 68k miles its about to go in for a service and the bonnet switch will get replaced at the same time.
Not sure how many services it will have as the lease runs out in 22 weeks but guess it might see one more in my ownership.
Have given it a couple of long drivers and also very impressed with the handsfree bluetooth system that has worked alot better than the VW one (aftermarket Bury).
Time will tell if the old Dagenham dustbin is better than an ageing VW Passat.
Well first few weeks motoring was ok, the only issue was the clutch being a little high (64k miles) so i thought that as i had done with the Passat, i will have to book it in and get the clutch done.
Then a funny thing happened, it got better and easier to drive, so maybe self adjustment was working, but its got better to use so will monitor. Two major problems and the first being a bonnet open switch telling me thats it open, so first time i stop get out, make sure its shut and there's nothing hanging off ! Closed it all up and continued on my way.
Same thing happens again and the 2nd time its driving me insane by going every couple of minutes and the audible warning is slightly annoying. This time i used a bit of WD-40 to help the switch, that seemed to be very stiff and all was silent again.
Been silent for a couple of weeks then started again, another spray of some 3 in one oil and again back into silence.
A little bit less love for the beast after the next fault, Engine Malfunction came on the dash, slightly worried and after i realised, i stopped the car and turned it off to stop the limp home mode. Re started and it all came back to life without any further notice or issue !
The major positives are it drives well, and now touching 68k miles its about to go in for a service and the bonnet switch will get replaced at the same time.
Not sure how many services it will have as the lease runs out in 22 weeks but guess it might see one more in my ownership.
Have given it a couple of long drivers and also very impressed with the handsfree bluetooth system that has worked alot better than the VW one (aftermarket Bury).
Time will tell if the old Dagenham dustbin is better than an ageing VW Passat.
Sunday, 22 September 2013
Replacement Car
Well it's unfortunate but the Passat has gone back, was Impressed by the collection chap who stated that the VW was the cleanest car he had collected this year.
So it's replacement is a Mondeo, similar miles to the VW when I got that, and as the lease is a short one, it would appear that I only have this one until March next year.
So first impressions, are good. The trim level is slightly higher than the VW which is a better drive, but already loving the Bluetooth and Stereo that does seem a better unit. The 1.6 motor is a bit gutless and the clutch feels like its on its way out but if I can nurse it to March then it's the next owners job. Have been spraying some product inside as it was previously a smokers car, but not letting this affect ownership of the car.
So far, even the kids prefer the ride, and am loving the electric windows in the back with a handy switch to stop the angels from operating. This also activates the child locks so another plus point for Ford.
Will start the serious driving on Monday and that will be the first use of the lights as its an early start.
Still believe the VW badge is better but the Ford isn't as far away as they used to be.
This might be a fun 6mths.
So far, even the kids prefer the ride, and am loving the electric windows in the back with a handy switch to stop the angels from operating. This also activates the child locks so another plus point for Ford.
Will start the serious driving on Monday and that will be the first use of the lights as its an early start.
Still believe the VW badge is better but the Ford isn't as far away as they used to be.
This might be a fun 6mths.
Thursday, 5 September 2013
Traffic
Can't get my head round how this years traffic, especially when the kids were off, seems to have been worse than ever. I have the miss fortune of using the M25 M3 and A303 on a Monday and Friday, now the Monday as long as you leave early is fine, very few issues until you get after 7am which is normally the key time for the hell to start but my main problem is the Fridays of pure hell, that result in a 2 1/2 hr journey being nearly a 5hr trip.
Understand that the M25 is what it is but why after a major revamp is the Solstice area of the A303 so bad. They've spent loads sorting the road out around Stonehenge, but they appear to have missed out one major key point, you are always going to have trouble getting two lanes into one.
146 mile drive home on a Friday and the last 30mile is usually hell because of this part of the road.
I don't pretend to be a roads expert, although I've passed more tests for driving than most, but come on, someone look at this part of the road network and do something positive. Dual carriageway all the way past those bloody stones and ease the traffic to the A350 junction.
Don't want anything impossible, should money be no object I would have a east to west motorway and really speed things up, but I'd settle for a dual carriageway.
Oh and if I have a wish list, can you blow up the cars that use the M3 lane and cut back onto the M25 at the last minute, this is a nightmare and would love to get this problem sorted as well.
More chance of winning the lottery, so im off to get a ticket.
Wednesday, 28 August 2013
Top of the League
Couldn't be happier, and it won't last but i am Top of the League.
For at least a week.
Sunday, 25 August 2013
Might never happen again, so quick screen shot
 |
| This might never happen again, but i'm 2nd in the fantasy football. |
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
Fuelly
Started using this Fuelly web site, and now after over a years motoring it shows some good results for the mighty Passat.
Basic Stats
- £1.42Avg. Price/Litre
- £84.51Avg. Price/Fuel-up
- £0.124Avg. Price/Mile
- £4,056.68Total Spent
Cost Analysis 2013
Total Miles Tracked
75
averaging
1 per week
1 per week
Total Fuel-ups
City vs Highway Driving
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
Love this truck
Seen at several shows now, and always some good pictures on his twitter feed.
Sean Taylor
@seanv8power
Sean Taylor
@seanv8power
For people who don't take things too seriously
Without going into too many details, we have a tannoy at work and thankfully there are still people in this world that don't take things too seriously.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Sunday, 11 August 2013
Friday, 9 August 2013
Wessex Truck Show Yeovil
www.wessextruckshow.co.uk
Well the clue is in the title, but 2013 is the first year of this show, making up for the moving of the Shepton Mallet (Truckfest) this year and bringing something to the south west.
370 trucks at last count and the entrants list could have been so much longer, it would appear that this has been conceived at the right time.
Am going today saturday so will post pictures later.
370 trucks at last count and the entrants list could have been so much longer, it would appear that this has been conceived at the right time.
Am going today saturday so will post pictures later.
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Sunday, 7 July 2013
Malvern Truckfest 2013 (Sat)
Malvern 2013 Truckfest South West
A selection from Saturday walk round, some different trucks there as location has moved.
Must admit that it will be missed at the Royal Bath & West Showground but as a replacement venue, it did what it was suppose to do.
Excellent to see some new hauliers to the show circuit mainly due to location, also the old faithful that seem to make all shows.
The amazing paint on the trucks was great to see, though people were doing less and less of this but i think there is a market for a nicely painted truck.
Kids favourite was the Terry Peach truck pictured below, Toy Story theme.
A selection from Saturday walk round, some different trucks there as location has moved.
Must admit that it will be missed at the Royal Bath & West Showground but as a replacement venue, it did what it was suppose to do.
Excellent to see some new hauliers to the show circuit mainly due to location, also the old faithful that seem to make all shows.
The amazing paint on the trucks was great to see, though people were doing less and less of this but i think there is a market for a nicely painted truck.
Kids favourite was the Terry Peach truck pictured below, Toy Story theme.
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