View Full Version : WIX Racing Filters/BM Wizard Car Specialists
Just had my car (Mercedes C320 CDI Avantagrde SE) serviced at BM Wizard in Knockin, Shropshire (apart from Beemers, they also specialise in Mercs, Minis and Audis), who are known amongst many enthusiasts on BMW-owner sites, as engine maintenance and diagnostic specialists, so much so that people travel 100s of miles from all over the UK to have their cars serviced/diagnosed and repaired there, as Kevin Tinsley (the chap who owns the business), is somewhat of an expert.
Website here: www.bmwizard.co.uk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bmwizard Also on the BMW owners forum, BimmerForums: http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f6/bm-wizard-review-t109434/
Anyway, apart from recommending Kevin, a most friendly and helpful chap, and his business for their excellent service (and total honesty - a rare commodity in garages today), I’d also like to recommend the oil/air filters he uses, from WIX Racing. For details see here: http://www.wixracing.com/ These filters are compatible with all BMW, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lotus, Peugeot, SEAT, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Volvo cars.
Driving the car back home (some 25 miles), after having been fitted with a new WIX Racing oil filter, I could definitely feel a significant improvement in performance, notably in terms of overall engine smoothness and responsiveness, whether or not that was because the old ones badly needed replaced (last changed 2000 miles ago), I don’t know, but I don’t remember the car going as well, or as lively/‘zippy’, when I last had it serviced at the Mercedes dealership in Chester, using Merc-badged parts.
Also, the oil I used this time (instead of the usual Castrol Edge) was a new formula from Mobil (Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30), see here: http://www.engineoildirect.co.uk/shop/4577907369/5w-30-mobil-1-esp-4l-1l-5l/8970193 so that could’ve also been a contributing factor towards the car’s increased performance. This seems to be the most widely recommend oil now for Mercedes cars.
Anyway, three things here to highly recommend: Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 oil, WIX Racing filters, and most of all, the superb expertise and friendly service of Kevin, from BM Wizard!
If anyone here lives in or around Shropshire, owns a BMW, Merc, Mini or Audi (and probably pretty much any other car), I’d recommend him very highly indeed as someone you can rely on to give honest advice, technical expertise (especially involving engine diagnostics), and very reasonable charges. Basically, he’s a serious car enthusiast with a garage, and really into what he does. Nothing is too difficult or too much trouble! :)
Marco.
No-one interested in this? I thought some of our resident ‘petrol heads’ would be! :eyebrows:
Anyway, some more geekyness about oil filters - all are NOT equal, so watch the vid and discover why it’s worth spending a little more:
hNDpzyu0aWE
Marco.
It's a bit far to drive. :ner:
I actually use Mobil 1 0-30W ESP.
Changing the air filter makes a little bit of difference in my experience. A clean filter helps, so if it was part of a service, a combination of this and thinner/clean oil will help.
A thinner oil will decrease drag on the engine components.
I dont use any fancy filters; I use exactly what the manufacturer recommends. There's little imho (and I have a history of re-building and tuning a fair few race bikes) to recommend anything other than a good quality oil filter that passes the required oil volumetric flow rate (not all do) as per the manufacturer's recommendations. I replace the oil filters on the car and the bikes every oil change (which for the bikes varies between every 1500 miles and every 3K miles). For air filters and turbo engines you have to be careful. Panel filters may be fitted by the boy racer brigade but generally they do more damage than good, passing oil mist and small debris through to the injectors and in some cases messing up the MAFF sensors. A standard paper filter often passes more airflow from new, and if regularly changed, allows as much or more airflow than some of these aftermarket filters whilst offering greater protection to the engine.
Your drive back Marco could be subjectively different for a whole host of reasons but changing to that oil from what you were using before is likely to be the main reason for the change in the feel of the engine, especially from cold. I only use a specific recommended oil for my PD (tweaked) engine but it's pretty much bog standard VW recommended stuff (Millars Oil). The bikes use fully synthetic motorcycle specific racing oils.
+1 high tech filters may be applicable in a race environment where reliable flow rates higher stress and elevated temperatures come in to play but for road use or even fast road use the manufacturers recommendations do for me
.... Panel filters may be fitted by the boy racer brigade but generally they do more damage than good, passing oil mist and small debris through to the injectors and in some cases messing up the MAFF sensors. A standard paper filter often passes more airflow from new, and if regularly changed, allows as much or more airflow than some of these aftermarket filters whilst offering greater protection to the engine.....
Spot on, I remember a very emotional debate about this years and years ago, when I was into tuning like you Paul, on an old Subaru forum, in the end it took a well know tuner of the time to cough up the dough and test the standard panel filter vs a number of expensive after market ones.....guess what, the paper filter was better flowing more air from new but clogged earlier than the 'performance' filters because it was more efficient in filtering the debris! The reason the performance filters clogged up later was down to large gaps in the filter meaning they filtered less and allowed the MAF to get damaged, both on hot wire and film types :rolleyes: Bottom line was use the standard filter and change it earlier than necessary if paranoid!
+1 high tech filters may be applicable in a race environment where reliable flow rates higher stress and elevated temperatures come in to play but for road use or even fast road use the manufacturers recommendations do for me
And me. The WIX oil filter, fitted at the recent service, is a recommended Mercedes part, albeit a slightly better one than the bog standard option. I’d never fit any item to my car that wasn’t appropriate, i.e. manufacturer recommended :)
Marco.
I actually use Mobil 1 0-30W ESP. A thinner oil will decrease drag on the engine components.
I do agree. I actually felt an improvement in performance moving from 5W-40 to 5W-30 oil (at the time, both Castrol Edge), most probably for that reason. Am I correct in saying that 0W-30 is thinner still, and for colder starts? I always get a bit confused about the oil code thing…
Marco.
Hi Paul,
There's little imho (and I have a history of re-building and tuning a fair few race bikes) to recommend anything other than a good quality oil filter that passes the required oil volumetric flow rate (not all do)…
That was kind of my point; in effect, the best ones are those which do that job best. However, unfortunately some claim to and don’t. In that respect (and overall as a company), WIX seem to have an excellent reputation worldwide.
Your drive back Marco could be subjectively different for a whole host of reasons but changing to that oil from what you were using before is likely to be the main reason for the change in the feel of the engine, especially from cold. I only use a specific recommended oil for my PD (tweaked) engine but it's pretty much bog standard VW recommended stuff (Millars Oil). The bikes use fully synthetic motorcycle specific racing oils.
"PD (tweaked engine)"… Wossat, then? :scratch:
Yup, I know what you’re saying, and you’re probably right.
However, after having driven the car during the last few days, it’s definitely performing better than it ever has done (indeed, better than after any other service, where the same things were done, but different products used), so I suspect that the combination of *this* new oil and filter is really doing the business. Again, Mobil 1 (ESP Formula) is what Mercedes recommend :)
Marco.
Another big thumbs up for Kevin, from me.
Whilst down visiting Marco, my cars central locking packed in completely. I'd been having a bit of trouble with it before and the price quoted to fix it was nearly £300.00. :eek:
I saw the rave write ups Kevin was getting on a BMW forum I'm a member of, so thought I'd take a look on the map to see how far away he was. Only 20 miles or so from Wrexham.
A quick call to Kevin, problem explained, I was booked in for the following Tuesday. Got a call 2 hours after dropping the car off and the fault was fixed.
Total price, £36.00. Result.
Hopefully I'll be back down in Wrexham next year and I'll definitely be booking the car into Kevin's for a service.
Hi Paul,
That was kind of my point; in effect, the best ones are those which do that job best. However, unfortunately some claim to and don’t. In that respect (and overall as a company), WIX seem to have an excellent reputation worldwide.
"PD (tweaked engine)"… Wossat, then? :scratch:
Yup, I know what you’re saying, and you’re probably right.
However, after having driven the car during the last few days, it’s definitely performing better than it ever has done (indeed, better than after any other service, where the same things were done, but different products used), so I suspect that the combination of *this* new oil and filter is really doing the business. Again, Mobil 1 (ESP Formula) is what Mercedes recommend :)
Marco.
The difference between 5W30 and 0W30 is that the apparent viscosity when cold is thinner with the 0W30 but the same viscosity at normal operating temperatures. In reality, there's nothing to choose between them even on the coldest mornings. Some engine manufacturers warn against using too thin an oil for very specific reasons but it's all engine dependent and depends on the engine tolerances, valve guides etc. On an older higher mileage engine, you'd expect to use more oil if using a low viscosity oil and it's not always the best choice. Newer engines are more usually designed for it these days. My old BMW 3 series was designed to use a fair bit of oil (0W30) and it did! Between the two you've mentioned, there are other oil parameters that are more significant to engine protection than just the viscosity rating, something that a lot of people miss.
PD = Pumpe Duse engine, partly designed by Bosch in association with the VW group which used individual unit injectors pressurised by individual small pistons and a robust Bosch injector design, later replaced by the (inferior as it turned out) early VW group common rail engines.
It was built around a 1.9 litre lump that powered everything from the smallest lower powered diesels in the VW group all the way up to Audi A8 1.9PD, Golf GTDi, Seat and Skoda range. The darling of taxi drivers world-wide, it was one of the most bomb proof designs ever to come out of the VW stable, also proved to be economical (75mpg isn't unknown depending on what it was in) and unbelievably, with some changes to intercoolers, turbo and injectors was good for 300+ BHP and super-car torque figures.
My PD lump happens to live in a Skoda Fabia vRS SE (1 of 1000 limited edition versions made) which started life as a standard 130BHP diesel hot hatch. It's a little more than that now ;) (ok a little bit more than a little, along with some suspension tweaks and other safety enhancements). Bought for a bit of fun and the odd track day where in tuned form, it's always a giggle to drive. Very rapid (eye popping torque), decent handling little motor (with a little work).
We also have the same motor as you (smaller engined version) as our general workhorse. It's unbreakable (touches wood!).
The difference between 5W30 and 0W30 is that the apparent viscosity when cold is thinner with the 0W30 but the same viscosity at normal operating temperatures. In reality, there's nothing to choose between them even on the coldest mornings.
Cheers, that’s pretty much what I thought.
Between the two you've mentioned, there are other oil parameters that are more significant to engine protection than just the viscosity rating, something that a lot of people miss.
Such as? :)
PD = Pumpe Duse engine, partly designed by Bosch in association with the VW group which used individual unit injectors pressurised by individual small pistons and a robust Bosch injector design, later replaced by the (inferior as it turned out) early VW group common rail engines.
It was built around a 1.9 litre lump that powered everything from the smallest lower powered diesels in the VW group all the way up to Audi A8 1.9PD, Golf GTDi, Seat and Skoda range. The darling of taxi drivers world-wide, it was one of the most bomb proof designs ever to come out of the VW stable, also proved to be economical (75mpg isn't unknown depending on what it was in) and unbelievably, with some changes to intercoolers, turbo and injectors was good for 300+ BHP and super-car torque figures.
My PD lump happens to live in a Skoda Fabia vRS SE (1 of 1000 limited edition versions made) which started life as a standard 130BHP diesel hot hatch. It's a little more than that now ;) (ok a little bit more than a little, along with some suspension tweaks and other safety enhancements). Bought for a bit of fun and the odd track day where in tuned form, it's always a giggle to drive. Very rapid (eye popping torque), decent handling little motor (with a little work).
Ah, I see. Sounds very interesting!!
We also have the same motor as you (smaller engined version) as our general workhorse. It's unbreakable (touches wood!).
Great cars, aren’t they? Is yours also the Avantgarde SE, with all the toys and full leather interior inside? The 3L V6 version shifts like fook!! Love keeping mine in tip-top condition, both mechanically and visually :exactly:
Marco.
Cheers, that’s pretty much what I thought.
Such as? :)
Ah, I see. Sounds very interesting!!
Great cars, aren’t they? Is yours also the Avantgarde SE, with all the toys and full leather interior inside? The 3L V6 version shifts like fook!! Love keeping mine in tip-top condition, both mechanically and visually :exactly:
Marco.
Yes. Had it a long time now. Best car we've ever had really...amazing handling for a 1.6 ton estate. The little vRS blows it into the weeds though but that's not what it's all about.
RE Oil: Google is your friend, there's a raft of oil specs that matter a lot. Shear resistance, flash point, detergent content, etc etc etc. Oils are not all the same and have some very specific qualities. The oil for the Skoda has to withstand incredible pressure for the PD units, hence it has to be to a special grade specifically formulated for that. The bike oil is engineered for use in gearboxes so must withstand high shear stresses without breaking down but also has to be suitable for use with wet clutches. It's a science in its own right.
Yes. Had it a long time now. Best car we've ever had really...amazing handling for a 1.6 ton estate. The little vRS blows it into the weeds though but that's not what it's all about.
What size of engine is in your C-Class then, Paul? I’m guessing 2.5L… The 3L is quite a bit quicker, as I’ve driven both.
Your vRS sounds like a riot, and I do like cars like that, but ultimately I prefer smooth, ‘effortless power’, that allows you to glide along in a ‘pillow of air’, if you know what I mean (which big Mercs are all about), rather than having a ‘revvy’, but undoubtedly savage engine battering your ears :)
In the Merc, you can cruise all day long at 125mph (as I did last year on the Autobahn), and feel as if you’re doing about 70mph, as it just takes it all in its stride in such an ‘unperturbed’ and effortless, 'non-obvious’ way. Ultimately, I prefer graceful greyhounds to nippy terriers - but it depends on the job you need them both for! ;)
RE Oil: Google is your friend, there's a raft of oil specs that matter a lot. Shear resistance, flash point, detergent content, etc etc etc. Oils are not all the same and have some very specific qualities. The oil for the Skoda has to withstand incredible pressure for the PD units, hence it has to be to a special grade specifically formulated for that. The bike oil is engineered for use in gearboxes so must withstand high shear stresses without breaking down but also has to be suitable for use with wet clutches. It's a science in its own right.
Gotcha, and that makes perfect sense. For me, I just go with what I think ‘feels best’. I know this car so well now that I can instantly sense when it’s got its mojo or not!
Marco.
Audio Al
29-11-2014, 00:44
This is a great thread , Just replace filter with CABLE and we are off :lol:
Ninanina
29-11-2014, 01:19
I always use Mercedes original oil, air and fuel filters as they are the cheapest and probably the best... and my Merc is 24 years old, with just 307,000 odd miles on the clock... :stalks:
This is a great thread , Just replace filter with CABLE and we are off :lol:
Exactly! It’s about real enthusiasts (A.K.A daftees), seeking to obtain the absolute best performance from the stuff they own - in this case cars! I’m like that with most things in life: constantly striving for the best I can achieve with something, never satisfied with the merely mediocre.
It’s just the way I’m wired up :)
Marco.
I always use Mercedes original oil, air and fuel filters as they are the cheapest and probably the best... and my Merc is 24 years old, with just 307,000 odd miles on the clock... :stalks:
Impressive mileage, Bev, but then you’ve got a ‘proper’ Merc, from the days when quality was paramount!
Marco.
What size of engine is in your C-Class then, Paul? I’m guessing 2.5L… The 3L is quite a bit quicker, as I’ve driven both.
Your vRS sounds like a riot, and I do like cars like that, but ultimately I prefer smooth, ‘effortless power’, that allows you to glide along in a ‘pillow of air’, if you know what I mean (which big Mercs are all about), rather than having a ‘revvy’, but undoubtedly savage engine battering your ears :)
In the Merc, you can cruise all day long at 125mph (as I did last year on the Autobahn), and feel as if you’re doing about 70mph, as it just takes it all in its stride in such an ‘unperturbed’ and effortless, 'non-obvious’ way. Ultimately, I prefer graceful greyhounds to nippy terriers - but it depends on the job you need them both for! ;)
Gotcha, and that makes perfect sense. For me, I just go with what I think ‘feels best’. I know this car so well now that I can instantly sense when it’s got its mojo or not!
Marco.
It's the 150BHP C220 twin turbo Avantgarde Sport SE which I think adds to the Avantgarde SE trim lowered and stiffened suspension (although some Avantgardes may have this as an optional extra), large alloys with fatter, low profile tyres, Brembo front brakes and a few other enhancements. Best handling and stopping Merc by a country mile for its day and makes the standard Mercs feel like driving a boat in the corners. Downside is a firmer ride. We like it as it's taken lots of abuse, been round the clock and still drives as new and been a great, well screwed together (the best built merc?) family workhorse.
The vRS isn't revvy. It is a diesel. It has more torque than the Merc and around 30BHP more power in something that weighs half a ton less. It is as effortless as you like. Even in standard trim, it out drags a bimmer 330d or a Porsche Boxster in a 5th gear roll-on (according to the reviews of the day). In tweaked form, it can cruise all day at 120mph (speed limits allowing) and is quicker than most GTis in the 0-60 sprint. The joke is that I still return twice the fuel economy of the Merc which isn't that economic but has been reliable so swings and roundabouts.
A few reviews which should fill in the gaps:
http://www.superchips.co.uk/roadtest/skodafabiars.pdf
http://www.topgear.com/uk/skoda/fabia/road-test/vrs-se
http://www.fastcar.co.uk/2012/04/12/15-best-performance-diesel-cars/4/
It should be noted that the superchips review figures are incorrect. The figures are actually from Skoda for the first Mk1 in standard trim which was tested by AutoExpress to have 0-60 times of closer to 8 seconds and in gear roll on quicker than any hot hatch of the day. The superchips version actually tested 0-60 in a shade over 7 secs. Quantum performance mapping and some other minor tweaking sees 0-60 in under 7 seconds. In fact, they went a little overboard with mine when I had that and other work done and I was getting wheelspin in 4th gear which was pointless, so I had it de-tuned to a more sensible figure as anything much over 180BHP seems pretty pointless in a car this size, especially being FWD.
Two Mk1 models: ASZ coded engines (around 130BHP as standard) and later BLT engines as fitted to the SE (around 150BHP as standard..Skoda kept the conservative earlier spec figures though, so they're stated as the same as the earlier models, which they're not!)
walpurgis
29-11-2014, 10:15
Try a motorbike. Sub 3 second 0-60 times are not uncommon. Wheeee!!
Try a motorbike. Sub 3 second 0-60 times are not uncommon. Wheeee!!
I have Geoff...and do (try!):
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Random%20Images/_MG_8470_zps3fab560a.jpg
and...
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Random%20Images/_MG_8468_zps9c1b0847.jpg
Sorry for thread drift Marco.
It's the 150BHP C220 twin turbo Avantgarde Sport SE which I think adds to the Avantgarde SE trim lowered and stiffened suspension (although some Avantgardes may have this as an optional extra), large alloys with fatter, low profile tyres, Brembo front brakes and a few other enhancements. Best handling and stopping Merc by a country mile for its day and makes the standard Mercs feel like driving a boat in the corners. Downside is a firmer ride.
Nice one. Ours is the same, in that respect (dunno about the brakes, though), with 18” AMG alloys, fitted to ultra-low profile Pirelli P-Zeros. They look fab!
Yeah, the ride is firm, but I’d take that every time over a more comfortable ride, but poorer handling. Much depends, anyway, on the road surfaces you’re driving on. Fortunately here in North Wales the local authorities spend decent money on them, so most are nice and smooth, on low-profile tyres, even the B-roads :)
The vRS isn't revvy. It is a diesel. It has more torque than the Merc and around 30BHP more power in something that weighs half a ton less. It is as effortless as you like. Even in standard trim, it out drags a bimmer 330d or a Porsche Boxster in a 5th gear roll-on (according to the reviews of the day). In tweaked form, it can cruise all day at 120mph (speed limits allowing) and is quicker than most GTis in the 0-60 sprint. The joke is that I still return twice the fuel economy of the Merc which isn't that economic but has been reliable so swings and roundabouts.
Gotcha. What I was referring to really was ‘smooth, effortless power’ (and refinement) versus ‘uncouth insane power’, as in say the difference between driving an Aston Martin and a souped-up Subaru, if you see what I mean? I’m definitely in the former camp :cool:
Marco.
walpurgis
29-11-2014, 10:33
Nice couple of bikes Paul.
(both too tall for a shorty like me :))
Motorbikes? Very nice, but too much like hard work in our climate! I like my creature comforts way too much these days to entertain riding motor bikes. I mean, for starters, where do you put the stereo system and heated seats? ;)
Marco.
Nice couple of bikes Paul.
(both too tall for a shorty like me :))
With the way my back is at the minute Geoff, I probably wont be riding either for a few months now. I use the KTM as a local runabout (it's a fun thing for local trips and easier on my back than the RSVR). The Aprilia I use for longer trips, track events and the occasional local run out. I want to limit mileage on that one as it's only one of 40 ever imported into the UK and like hen's teeth to find.
Know what you mean about the car Marco. Sure, the vRS is a little uncouth in comparison, not as smooth higher up the rev range but still able to mile munch in comfort. It's down to driving style though. My older S60D5se was more of a waft up to speed in all the comfort of a gentleman's club but way too expensive to keep on the road longer term.
Know what you mean about the car Marco. Sure, the vRS is a little uncouth in comparison, not as smooth higher up the rev range but still able to mile munch in comfort. It's down to driving style though. My older S60D5se was more of a waft up to speed in all the comfort of a gentleman's club but way too expensive to keep on the road longer term.
Lol - you see, that ‘wafting up to speed in all the comfort of a gentleman’s club’ is *precisely* what I’m into: essentially cocooning myself from the environment inside a sumptuous mobile pillow of air, but that when desired, can deliver a suitable adrenaline rush, by kicking down on the accelerator... :eyebrows:
Being semi-retired now, and *almost* a man of leisure, the car is used pretty much for local trips to the country, and jaunts to France and Italy, where a ‘big comfy tourer’ hits the spot nicely. When fully retired, I might treat myself to a vintage Bentley :)
Have you ever read the car magazine ‘Octane’? Pretty much anything featured in there is drool-worthy!! See here: http://subscribe.octane-magazine.com/look-inside/
Marco.
walpurgis
29-11-2014, 11:15
http://i59.tinypic.com/r8cgg9.jpg
Lovely! But perhaps a little ‘too vintage’ to be practical (and I’d want 4 doors). I was thinking of something more like this:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/674/bd1aDr.jpg
http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/bentley/arnage/2003-bentley-arnage-in-los-angeles-california-united-states/14199/ad
Or this: http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/bentley/arnage/bentley-arnage-saloon-in-codmore-hill-west-sussex-united-kingdom/18280/ad
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/661/hKTA7d.jpg
Not bad for under £30k :)
Marco.
Lovely! But perhaps a little ‘too vintage’ to be practical (and I’d want 4 doors). I was thinking of something more like this:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/674/bd1aDr.jpg
http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/bentley/arnage/2003-bentley-arnage-in-los-angeles-california-united-states/14199/ad
Or this: http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/bentley/arnage/bentley-arnage-saloon-in-codmore-hill-west-sussex-united-kingdom/18280/ad
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/661/hKTA7d.jpg
Not bad for under £30k :)
Marco.
...which is about what it would cost to run a year!!!
Specialist service at between £1 and £2K per year, at say 20K miles, around £8K in fuel, tyres at a few hundred per corner minimum, insurance at £££££? That would likely cost more than most people receive in pension each year just to keep on the road at that mileage. A lot of car for the money but a pointless waste of cash imho unless you're exceptionally well off. "Wafting" can be done on a fraction of the budget if you're prepared to drop the badge kudos. Even a used S Class is likely cheaper to run. If I wanted that sort of thing, I'd probably opt for the diesel Jag XF route or the S Class route. Good used ones can be had for under £10K.
I can’t argue with that, Paul. Even the Merc isn’t cheap to keep on the road. However, when I get around to treating myself to such a beast, as the Bentley shown (or similar), the cost of running it won’t be an issue ;)
Bear in mind, in terms of mileage and fuel costs, that even now I’ll be lucky if I do 2000 miles a year (in the Merc), driving locally, and about another 3000, driving abroad. When I fully retire, that’ll be even less, so it’s not a car that would be getting used that much.
We’d have a little ‘runaround’ to soak up local mileage, so the big car would be kept for trips out to country pubs, for Sunday lunch, and jaunts abroad to our property in Tuscany :)
Marco.
If it were me retiring, I would be leaving North Wales, and heading off to Tuscany.
I'm buying a defender when I retire. :eyebrows:
The retirement property is a farm and I'll need something practical to run round the green lanes.
If it were me retiring, I would be leaving North Wales, and heading off to Tuscany.
Indeed, and that’ll be the plan when we no longer have family here to look after - or perhaps not, if they outlive us! :eyebrows:
Therefore, until then (say for the next 10 years or so, after the Merc has ‘had its day’, with full retirement happening for both Del and I in 5 years max), bearing in mind that I’m only 49, and Del 50, we’d like something really nice to use for our trips abroad - and something like the Bentley, shown earlier, would be ideal.
I'm buying a defender when I retire. :eyebrows:
The retirement property is a farm and I'll need something practical to run round the green lanes.
Nice one. There’s loads of farmland and narrow lanes, where our property is in Tuscany (just north of Lucca), but with the weather there I’d probably be more inclined to use a Vespa, for that purpose, or a souped-up quad bike! :D
Marco.
Ninanina
29-11-2014, 23:26
Impressive mileage, Bev, but then you’ve got a ‘proper’ Merc, from the days when quality was paramount!
Marco.
You are probably right there Marco... she isn't pretty, getting a bit 'rough round the edges' now, but I just don't care, I'm not proud!! and she has been so ridiculously reliable and has never ever let me down..... in all the time i've owned her i've replaced the glow plugs (diesel) x6, which was great fun to do, no really it was fun!!, Colin and I did it over a couple of days, as we had to buy a couple of extra little tools to help extract them easily
I have replaced 2 bulbs and one set of front disc pads, again Mercedes originals as they were cheaper than pattern parts, and replaced a couple of tyres and that's it in about 9 years of ownership. I have to say that she is so easy to work on as everything is huge and you can get at bits easily. We have got an oil change down to about half and hour now.. really easy..;)
Even though she is 3 litres I can still get 42+ mpg on a run and about 28 round town
I keep thinking about replacing her but I think it'd have to be yet another E-class W124 model but they are going up in value at the moment... I have a wicked thought about running her until she literally grinds to a halt, but I can't actually see that happening anytime soon...:hotrod:
walpurgis
29-11-2014, 23:40
I'm buying a defender when I retire.
I'm retired and keep toying with the idea of getting one myself, but they're so damn juicy. 25 to 30 mpg (for a diesel?), not very good. Admittedly my annual mileage is not high.
Ex military models rather appeal. They don't have turbos and are therefore more dependable (if slower).
Ninanina
30-11-2014, 00:00
I'm retired and keep toying with the idea of getting one myself, but they're so damn juicy. 25 to 30 mpg (for a diesel?), not very good. Admittedly my annual mileage is not high.
Ex military models rather appeal. They don't have turbos and are therefore more dependable (if slower).
If you want a great 4x4 then get a Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon.. Colin has a 4.7 V8 petrol version... very juicy but it's like riding in a limo, soo comfortable.. and you just cannot hear the engine, a very impressive vehicle. We pretty much only use it for towing the caravan (oh go on then have a laugh!!) and for occasional load carrier, so the lack of mpg isn't a problem ;)
walpurgis
30-11-2014, 00:14
the lack of mpg isn't a problem ;)
Lack of mpg is always a problem unless you don't use the damn thing! :)
I've now gone from having juicy motors to owning three small cars that do in excess of 60 mpg (and cost me £155 tax for all three).
I actually find small cars a lot of fun to drive (as well as sporty ones and I like big comfy jobs too. I just don't like medium sized saloons much).
Ninanina
30-11-2014, 00:20
Lack of mpg is always a problem unless you don't use the damn thing! :)
I've now gone from having juicy motors to owning three small cars that do in excess of 60 mpg (and cost me £155 tax for all three).
I actually find small cars a lot of fun to drive (as well as sporty ones and I like big comfy jobs too. I just don't like medium sized saloons much).
The Toyata Amazon also comes in diesel version of 4.2 and unfortunatley that isn't great on mpg either, about 18-26'ish... but they really are a great 4x4.. and the most reliable you can come by... I drove a Defender, as well as the old 3 Series and Range Rovers and to be honest they just don't compare to the Amazon... call me biased ..... "Your biased" :D
walpurgis
30-11-2014, 00:26
The Toyata Amazon also comes in diesel version of 4.2 and unfortunatley that isn't great on mpg either, about 18-26'ish... but they really are a great 4x4.. and the most reliable you can come by... I drove a Defender, as well as the old 3 Series and Range Rovers and to be honest they just don't compare to the Amazon... call me biased ..... "Your biased" :D
Yes, but a Defender is infinitely maintainable and will still be on the road in thirty years, when the Amazon will have been long scrapped! (as will I. I expect!)
Unfortunately, the Defender will still return only 28 mpg and by then diesel will probably be £145 per litre.
I can't see me putting a load of freshly felled logs in the back of a Toymota Amazon.
The most reliable land cruisers are not the latest generation, but the earlier ones.
Ninanina
30-11-2014, 18:47
I can't see me putting a load of freshly felled logs in the back of a Toymota Amazon.
The most reliable land cruisers are not the latest generation, but the earlier ones.
That's true enough, however if you are not wanting to carry logs etc then I would still highly recommend the Amazon as a super 4x4
It may well be true that the early ones are the most reliable but you would still be hard pushed to find a more reliable vehicle than the Amazon
and if you've never even tried one then you should and I am quite sure you would be as impressed as we are with it ;)
Visited Kevin today at BM Wizard to have some work done, which he had outlined in the health check that was carried out as part of the recent service, namely to repair a leaking crankcase breather pipe and attend to the CAT Lambda/oxygen sensor, which was faulty.
I also had some K&N high-flow air filters fitted, as after having read about them recently, I fancied trying them. Anyway, in terms of the cumulative effect of all of the above, all I can say is :eek: :wow:
I asked Kevin to explain why the performance improvement was so significant, and this was his reply:
Everything we did this visit was on the mixture, so a leaking breather pipe can cause extra air to enter the system after the maf sensor, making a slight imbalance on the air/fuel ratio, plus the oxy sensor also has a part calculating the afr measuring the gas contents, after the engine has dispensed its waste gas. both of these things together will have caused slight imbalances within their monitored areas, so now they are correct you will have a perfect afr, thus giving you the results you have plus the extra air flow will have released a couple of extra hp on top.
All I can say is that I’m delighted with the work Kevin has done, and that it pays to ensure that all areas of your car's engine are performing to their maximum potential. The K&N filters, apart from providing a bit more zip, also give the engine a nice deep ’tone’, throughout the rev band... :eyebrows:
Info here: http://www.knfilters.com/filtercharger.htm
Delighted is an understatement! :cool:
Marco.
Ali Tait
04-12-2014, 22:49
Yep, use one in the Jag.
Nice one. Which Jag have you got, Ali? :)
Marco.
Ali Tait
04-12-2014, 23:02
3.0 V6 X Type.
Ali Tait
04-12-2014, 23:43
Aye it's ok, I like the permanent 4WD, gives a very planted feel on the road and especially in the wet.
walpurgis
04-12-2014, 23:56
3.0 V6 X Type.
Nearly bought a tidy one about three years ago, but found a low mileage Hyundai Coupe 2.7 V6 in very nice nick and after a rather impressive test drive, I bought that instead (it felt much faster than the Jag). It was a really nice motor. Only sold it 'cos I got done for speeding. It was too easy to go fast in without realising.
The K&N filters, apart from providing a bit more zip, also give the engine a nice deep ’tone’, throughout the rev band... :eyebrows:
Info here: http://www.knfilters.com/filtercharger.htm
Delighted is an understatement! :cool:
Marco.
I have one fitted on my lawnmower (and the Caterham). I have been using them for years.
They are great, as long as you remember to clean them.
Ali Tait
05-12-2014, 07:12
Nearly bought a tidy one about three years ago, but found a low mileage Hyundai Coupe 2.7 V6 in very nice nick and after a rather impressive test drive, I bought that instead (it felt much faster than the Jag). It was a really nice motor. Only sold it 'cos I got done for speeding. It was too easy to go fast in without realising.
Aye, looked at those before I bought the Jag, didn' t drive one though.
Your lawnmower? Love it! You always ‘go the extra mile’, eh Cagerz? :D
Do you use the K&N stuff to clean the filters or something else, and how often do you clean them (the ones in your car, that is)? I was presuming that the garage would do that when a service is due, rather than replacing the standard paper ones.
Marco.
Aye, looked at those before I bought the Jag, didn' t drive one though.
I don’t get on with the looks of the majority of Jap cars - just not my thing… For me, it’s German, Italian, British, Swedish or American.
Marco.
Use the K&N filter charger kit for cleaning.
I do mine every service. If you go back to see the guys that fitted it, I am sure they will do a proper job.
The key is not to over-oil it though.
Just be wary of the issues Paul and I noted about aftermarket air filters earlier in the thread, over oiling is one sure way to kill your MAF if unlucky.
Fitted a set of NGK plugs into my classic Alfasud last week and its made quite a difference, the OEM recommendation are for no-longer available Golden Lodge Multi electrode plugs...I've always used them and still have one new and one hardly used set. The car has never run 'cleanly' occasional plug fouling and running on 3 cylinders when in traffic, a bit hesitant when pulling away and a bit 'lazy' over 4K rpm...the NGKs seem to have cured all of that.
It now picks up cleanly and revs like a good Alfa should, it's a real hoot and feels much quicker than it has any right too! Luuverly ;)
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/_NRG_/other/ALFA/IMG_2551.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/_NRG_/other/ALFA/IMG_2553.jpg
In my experience, K&N and ITG are pretty good filters.
I don't need to worry about a MAF on the mower though. :eyebrows:
Nice looking Alfaslug. I bet that's a bit of fun.
I always use NGK plugs. They seem to work well, as long as you get the correct heat rating.
Ali Tait
05-12-2014, 09:20
Looking great Neal, enjoy!
walpurgis
05-12-2014, 10:00
I love that series of Alfas. I had a 1.3 Sud and a 1.5 33, both went like little rockets and that flat four engine sounds amazing. Good to see one as nice as Neal's.
walpurgis
05-12-2014, 10:31
Aye, looked at those before I bought the Jag, didn' t drive one though.
The Hyundai Coupe SE is a decent motor. I found it very well made and it had excellent handling & roadholding. The ride was rock hard, but strangely it's the only car I've owned that didn't give me backache on a long run. That V6 engine is the smoothest motor I've ever come across, not a tremor from it at all.
http://i62.tinypic.com/14wc1ly.jpg
They come from South Korea.
Just be wary of the issues Paul and I noted about aftermarket air filters earlier in the thread, over oiling is one sure way to kill your MAF if unlucky.
Fitted a set of NGK plugs into my classic Alfasud last week and its made quite a difference, the OEM recommendation are for no-longer available Golden Lodge Multi electrode plugs...I've always used them and still have one new and one hardly used set. The car has never run 'cleanly' occasional plug fouling and running on 3 cylinders when in traffic, a bit hesitant when pulling away and a bit 'lazy' over 4K rpm...the NGKs seem to have cured all of that.
It now picks up cleanly and revs like a good Alfa should, it's a real hoot and feels much quicker than it has any right too! Luuverly ;)
Good choice on the NGK's, all current Alfa's (and indeed most of the FIAT Group) cars ship with NGK plugs as standard. They replaced the Golden Lodge brand a while back (though I too have a set of GL for my Alfetta GTV). BTW I own an Alfa Garage, and we always fit NGK at service time. Lucky you don't have a twin spark engine, then you'd need to fit 8 plugs!
The Hyundai Coupe SE is a decent motor. I found it very well made and it had excellent handling & roadholding. The ride was rock hard, but strangely it's the only car I've owned that didn't give me backache on a long run. That V6 engine is the smoothest motor I've ever come across, not a tremor from it at all.
http://i62.tinypic.com/14wc1ly.jpg
They come from South Korea.
That’s about the nicest looking ‘oriental’ car I’ve seen… Nice ‘lines’ and overall shape/proportions, which is not something I’m prone to saying about such cars :)
Marco.
Ali Tait
06-12-2014, 12:37
Aye, the coupe is a nice looking car.
Just be wary of the issues Paul and I noted about aftermarket air filters earlier in the thread, over oiling is one sure way to kill your MAF if unlucky.
Fitted a set of NGK plugs into my classic Alfasud last week and its made quite a difference, the OEM recommendation are for no-longer available Golden Lodge Multi electrode plugs...I've always used them and still have one new and one hardly used set. The car has never run 'cleanly' occasional plug fouling and running on 3 cylinders when in traffic, a bit hesitant when pulling away and a bit 'lazy' over 4K rpm...the NGKs seem to have cured all of that.
It now picks up cleanly and revs like a good Alfa should, it's a real hoot and feels much quicker than it has any right too! Luuverly ;)
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/_NRG_/other/ALFA/IMG_2551.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/_NRG_/other/ALFA/IMG_2553.jpg
Nice, Neal :thumbsup:
Always loved Alfas! When I used petrol cars, my favourite spark plugs were from Champion and Denso (Iridium).
Marco.
Cheers Macro!
Good choice on the NGK's, all current Alfa's (and indeed most of the FIAT Group) cars ship with NGK plugs as standard. They replaced the Golden Lodge brand a while back (though I too have a set of GL for my Alfetta GTV). BTW I own an Alfa Garage, and we always fit NGK at service time. Lucky you don't have a twin spark engine, then you'd need to fit 8 plugs!
Hi Graeme, thanks for that, what garage? PM if you want, its hard finding good specialist garages locally that know how to look after the older Alfas and who have the special tools...
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