Car (or bike) Chat!

[Filterlab]

Strangely the engine was the only bit that didn't break. It had had the Nikasil block replaced with an Alusil block under warranty before I owned it. Rock hard, sounded magnificent - like a NASCAR, 290bhp and revved so smoothly. Went very fast indeed as it was comparatively light compared to today's safety-laden saloons.

But in the 1.5 years I had it almost every front suspension component failed, fuel pump failed, gearbox failed, power steering pump failed, CD changer failed, electric window switches failed and then it got smashed into whilst I was waiting at a set of traffic lights.

I gave up and dumped the thing.

[struth]

Yes, but at the end of it one is left with no car and no money, whereas with a used car purchase there's always a good chunk of cash in it and a car if one doesn't want to change. Plus the first owner has taken the hit on depreciation.

Leasing would be great if the company was paying, but I'm paying so ownership and mileage claim is more tax efficient.



Nice. I had a BMW 740i V8 many moons ago. Bit of a nightmare if I'm honest, but I'm sure things have improved a bit.

How do you find it?

sure, it depends on your needs but its not a bad system, especially with service costs of modern cars soaring. they are tbh becoming difficult to service outwith main dealers now. also its good for the peace of mind if anything goes wrong, as they do.
i dont think i'd buy a new car nowadays or even a nearnew

[Filterlab]

There is that I suppose. I know that Porsches are rather pricey on servicing, but it's that final 'left with nothing' that would gore me.

[Ali Tait]

Strangely the engine was the only bit that didn't break. It had had the Nikasil block replaced with an Alusil block under warranty before I owned it. Rock hard, sounded magnificent - like a NASCAR, 290bhp and revved so smoothly. Went very fast indeed as it was comparatively light compared to today's safety-laden saloons.

But in the 1.5 years I had it almost every front suspension component failed, fuel pump failed, gearbox failed, power steering pump failed, CD changer failed, electric window switches failed and then it got smashed into whilst I was waiting at a set of traffic lights.

I gave up and dumped the thing.

BMW reliability eh.

[Filterlab]

Yes indeed.

[Marco]

Interesting choice of jalopy, Robster.. I'm a 911 man, or nowt, myself, in any colour as long as its black, but if you get a Panamera I hope you enjoy it!



Woof, WOOF: https://www.porsche.com/uk/models/91...s/911-turbo-s/

Marco.

[Marco]

BMW reliability eh.

Lol, I think a lot of it is your Donald Duck... I know folk who've had various Beemers for years, with next to no problems. With German cars though, I do think that quality wise/reliability, overall, Mercs have the edge over BMWs, Audis better still, and with Porsche at the top of the tree

The Brabster's 12 years old now, and done 102,000 miles, but of course is a diesel, which longevity-wise is quite different from a petrol engine. However, although I've replaced and upgraded/modded quite a few bits, some just through wear and tear, nothing major has gone on the car so far. It's been great, but it does get rather pampered!

I've just had one major thing done, which was to completely replace the (steel) brake pipes, which were badly corroded (still the originals, so not bad for 12 years use), with copper ones throughout, and which will now be a permanent job. I also had to replace the windscreen washer motor, which had gone, again an original part.

It's also had four new tyres on it recently (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S), and front and rear discs and pads (EBC performance drilled and slotted, for the former and Yellow Stuff for the latter), which form part of the car's uprated brakes, and interestingly also a professional 4-wheel alignment (carried out on a £40k machine), to optimise the tracking...

The latter has resulted in a notable improvement in the car's handling (which was already excellent), as a few key parameters were out. It also holds a straight line perfectly for a lengthy time on a straight road (although I haven't counted the number of secs), depending on camber, and which will also ensure even wear and greater longevity of the rather pricey tyres!

It's a process I'd thoroughly recommend doing for any car, as apparently even the tracking on brand new cars can be out.

Marco.

[Macca]

On the 2019 JD Power Survey (UK) both Merc and Audi were below average for dependability, BMW came in last.

https://europe.jdpower.com/press-rel...dability-study

[Marco]

Yup, I guess it depends on which studies or polls you look at. If I was getting another German car though, whenever I retire the Brabster, it would be an Audi RS of some description - just awesome cars!

Either that, or a BMW M4, and tune it up to buggery. Don't like the new Mercs, and Porsches, lovely as they are, are impractical (for my needs).

BUT - I suspect I'll be scratching the Italian itch I've so far never scratched, and end up with an Alfa Giulia!

Marco.

[Ali Tait]

Always liked Alfas.