The same applies to BMW MINI when it comes to brake parts, so DIY or independent can save a lot when you need new disks or pads, although I found the Euro supplied brake wear sensor to be crap compared to the genuine one (stupid unecessary device anyway). But the servicing deals on MINI, which perhaps aren't available for BMW, do seem to be genuinely good value. I took out the extension "TLC XL" on mine last year - £275 to cover one simple oil-change service (includes filter and expensive long-life oil), one brake fluid service, and one major service (oil, plugs, filters, the lot). It only covers 3 years or 30K miles, and stops when the car reaches 80K, but I can't see a catch.
My Alfa services are also very expensive. I don't know if that is just Switzerland or whether they are a rip-off. I always go to the local Alfa garage (a small affair). I know I'm being ripped off because the owner has a collection of old Ferraris, not to mention an Alfa 8C. But on the other hand, the car hasn't really missed a beat in 13 years and 125k miles, so there seems to be something to be said for pampering it.
Unfortunately if your vehicle/bike has an ECU your a bit fucked , diagnostic equipment has meant the home mechanic is limited to the basics. That and wanting service stamps come resale time.
Same with Borrani Rims I was pricing up , they buy the rims from Taiwan , stamp them made in Italy , pack them in a red bag and put em in a cardboard box with Borrani tape . £80 rims up to £150 , and they get away with it because trade description isn't as stringent in Italy.
Too true, and they win two ways - first by charging huge prices for the discs, and then by replacing them every time they replace the pads. (that said, I have just bought some genuine Honda ones at a very fair price - I can recommend Cox Motor Parts Direct if anyone has a Honda car to service) I tried to call the bluff at the Mini dealer when, feeling lazy, I asked them to quote for changing the front pads only (slightly early, to make sure the second set would not wear the discs down too low) - they refused! When I pointed out that their "fixed price service" board listed a price for doing pads alone, they told me that "it all depends on how you drive the car". Needless to say, I am still on those same discs miles later, with new pads DIY.
You can buy a CANBUS reader/writer for £25-£50. I have one. Was very handy whilst my fuel pump/sender was giving me jip and stopping my car from starting due to a false error. When it occurred I would just clear the error and bingo, away i could go. Till the next time. (fixed now though, dodgy fuel sender)
just interested, level sensor i wonder how that would cause starting error? i love these snippets of info, makes me look clever when customers come in.
It is known in these French-speaking parts as an "expertise". it happens every two or three years at an official cantonal testing place. They go over the vehicle with a fine tooth comb, do all sorts of tests and ride/drive it around their little circuit (large carpark). For cars, they even test the suspension on a weird jigging rack thing. I don't think the Alfa will get through the next one without new shocks. My 999 is pretty standard, so I don't have to do anything for the test - should be fine (may need to check front tyre wear perhaps). You have to get your car engine and the underside all steam-cleaned though. A dirty vehicle and it's a fail. This is Switzerland! Needless to say, there are no rust buckets on the roads, but equally, if your vehicle differs from standard, you're going to have difficulties. I need a special certificate for my outrageous alloys on the Alfa.
I also like some of the older Alfas ... Kept looking at one I go past everyday... Brought VW and nice to drive but I may as well cut the top off it's like a pond
they leek from steel panel behind door card easily fixed with a bit of black R.T.V. or drill a hole in the floor and let it run out again.
Thanks il get that looked at .. So far sunroof done pollen filter checked new door rubbers fuse box area sealed ... Rains drivers foot well like a pond
When a Saab gets to a very low fuel level, it goes into safe mode and reduces the power to conserve fuel in order that you can make it to the petrol station. There is apparently a low level fuel sender attached to the fuel pump (they are one unit). This sender was giving me problems even when i had half a tank, it would go into safe mode and sometimes it would create an error signal and the car would not start at all. This was even more apparent as my drive in front of my garage is a slope. I could park at night, then return to the car the next morning and it would not start. I would have to clear the canbus error. I'd finally had enough of waiting till the weather got better and got the pump and sender replaced by a garage. I'd normally just do this myself but the constant rain etc prevented me getting under the car to remove the tank etc. So I bit the bullet and got it done. Apparently the low fuel sender thing is there to protect the turbo. Works fine now. But that safe mode could be a right pain. It was like a stammering/stuttering effect. You'd put your foot down and the car would feel like it was stalling. Like a real heavy dose of traction control, cutting the engine. Instead of a canbus tool you can also remove relay 1 (big red one) and put a paperclip over 85 to 87 pins to get rid of the error. I think i got the pins correct, basically the error from the sender prevented an earthing taking place and by earthing the relay with the paper clip you could clear it. The canbus tool was easier and anyway i havent got one and tools are always handy to have.
If it's a Passat, they are notorious for water leaks. May be problems with other VWs too, but start with HonestJohn. Here's what he says about the Passat (scroll down to "What's bad" section): Volkswagen Passat 2001 - Car Review | Honest John It's always worth seeing what HJ has to say about any car you own, or are thinking of buying. I found out after my old Golf 1.6 wrecked its gearbox that they are known for it!
