Ask a Shiter

[twosmoke300]

BMW use a different system again where the car guesses the life of the brakes based on distance and driving style. Condition based servicing its called. Where you have a service done then two days later it pings up service on the dash cos it thinks the pads are low. 

 

You can reset it manually on idrive cars but I usually plug em in

 

Oh and you need to trick it into thinking its had new pads by unplugging the sensor and plugging it back in first

[xtriple]

Do Bentley/Royce etc match electric window motors & mechanisms? Every car I've ever driven (even brand new ones) opens/shuts the windows at irritatingly slightly different rates. I'd pay a hefty premium* for synchronised windows.

 

 

* Nowhere near a Bentley/Rolls premium, but definitely a few quid.

I believe they do/did. When they were new all windows glided silently at warp factor 5. As they age, they slow just like your nrmal, plebby. motor. One of mine makes a noise like pulling a Nun out of a kittens arse when it nears the top!

[BorniteIdentity]

Please can anyone help me with a number plate query? 

 

I have a 'cherished' (!) number plate that I put on retention back in 2013.  The retention expired, and I never had money to extend it (this was when you had to do it for 1,2 or 3 years - rather than the 10 years you get now).  I'm aware, from here and the .gov.uk website, that I can just pay whatever I should have paid NOW - and then start using it again.  

Great!

 

Apart from two issues.

 

1) I can't find the V778 anywhere - only the reminder letter from 2014 saying that my retention is about to expire.    I can send THAT to DVLA, and explain why I've not included the original document, but that leaves me another problem.

 

2) I've moved house since this.  Would they only issue the new documents to the old address?  

 

I would like to get it back really.  I'm happy to speak to DVLA on the phone today - but just wondering if anyone has recent experiences of it all.  

 

Ta!

[Mally]

Zetec engine? If so Mally on here might be interested

 

I do buy zetec blacktop 2.0 engines, but have no room for a complete car, and also depends on distance.

I pay more than £50 though

Might be wrong but I thought they were only used in mk 2 Mondeos, not mk3?

I'll try and check that. Autos are good, less wear they say.

[BorniteIdentity]

I do buy zetec blacktop 2.0 engines, but have no room for a complete car, and also depends on distance.

I pay more than £50 though

Might be wrong but I thought they were only used in mk 2 Mondeos, not mk3?

I'll try and check that. Autos are good, less wear they say.

 

Zetec was the mk2 aye - The mk3 got the Duratec HE which is just shy of 150bhp stock.

[MorrisItalSLX]

Was there ever an automatic MGB?

 

My Mum wants to know. (sign of things to come?  )

[SiC]

Was there ever an automatic MGB?

 

My Mum wants to know. (sign of things to come? )

Yes there was! A 3 speed unit.

[Jazoli]

I don't know if anyone can assist, but I am after a new diesel daily as my Rover has become more of a pet, and I don't want to break it commuting every day.

 

I nearly acquired a MK1 Punto TD, but apparently someone beat me to it, despite me messaging the seller 30 mins after listing. What is the 1.7TD lump actually like? I doubt one will appear again soon but who knows.

 

I see the MK2 Puntos came with the 1.9 JTD too, which seems like a huge diesel for a small car, are they worth a second look, or should I avoid at all costs?

 

Why would you want a diesel version when the petrol ones average at least 45mpg and are much more pleasant to drive?

 

Most sub 1.4 petrol small cars are cheap enough to run without having to resort to derv, the wife's 207 1.4 averages 48mpg.

[MorrisItalSLX]

Yes there was! A 3 speed unit.

 

I've let Mum know.

[Mally]

I've let Mum know.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-MGB-B-ROADSTER-AUTOMATIC/382165261697?hash=item58fad31d81:g:k7kAAOSwd3dZadpI

 

I wouldn't advise it, but each to their own.

[BorniteIdentity]

I've let Mum know.

 

Does she want an automatic because of mobility difficulties?  I dare say a clutch pedal would be the least of her concerns - peeling herself in and out of an MG each day.  

[MorrisItalSLX]

Does she want an automatic because of mobility difficulties?  I dare say a clutch pedal would be the least of her concerns - peeling herself in and out of an MG each day.  

 

She just does not like manuals, she has driven autos all her life.

 

I suspect she would want a GT, but I think that she would only buy one if it was exactly what she wanted (Auto, colour etc.).

 

If Dad had his way they would be driving around in air-cooled VWs! (He loves his VW busses)

[5speedracer]

Please can anyone help me with a number plate query?

 

I have a 'cherished' (!) number plate that I put on retention back in 2013. The retention expired, and I never had money to extend it (this was when you had to do it for 1,2 or 3 years - rather than the 10 years you get now). I'm aware, from here and the .gov.uk website, that I can just pay whatever I should have paid NOW - and then start using it again.

Great!

 

Apart from two issues.

 

1) I can't find the V778 anywhere - only the reminder letter from 2014 saying that my retention is about to expire. I can send THAT to DVLA, and explain why I've not included the original document, but that leaves me another problem.

 

2) I've moved house since this. Would they only issue the new documents to the old address?

 

I would like to get it back really. I'm happy to speak to DVLA on the phone today - but just wondering if anyone has recent experiences of it all.

 

Ta!

As it expires does it not mean just that, ie. back to being an available plate?

 

 

Sent from my Redmi 4 using Tapatalk

[NorfolkNWeigh]

Please can anyone help me with a number plate query?

 

I have a 'cherished' (!) number plate that I put on retention back in 2013. The retention expired, and I never had money to extend it (this was when you had to do it for 1,2 or 3 years - rather than the 10 years you get now). I'm aware, from here and the .gov.uk website, that I can just pay whatever I should have paid NOW - and then start using it again.

 

Great!

 

Apart from two issues.

 

1) I can't find the V778 anywhere - only the reminder letter from 2014 saying that my retention is about to expire. I can send THAT to DVLA, and explain why I've not included the original document, but that leaves me another problem.

 

2) I've moved house since this. Would they only issue the new documents to the old address?

 

I would like to get it back really. I'm happy to speak to DVLA on the phone today - but just wondering if anyone has recent experiences of it all.

 

Ta!

As with most things DVLA, there's a procedure. You have to send them a letter explaining your foolishness and be prepared to pay £25 per year it's been expired.

 

I did all this only to discover I'd left the number on a Jag that's sitting in a mate's field , not actually put it on retention. So just did an online transfer , luckily the SORN hadn't expired and it was still in my name.

The house move , shouldn't be an issue - they'll know from your licence.

[BorniteIdentity]

As with most things DVLA, there's a procedure. You have to send them a letter explaining your foolishness and be prepared to pay £25 per year it's been expired.

 

I did all this only to discover I'd left the number on a Jag that's sitting in a mate's field , not actually put it on retention. So just did an online transfer , luckily the SORN hadn't expired and it was still in my name.

The house move , shouldn't be an issue - they'll know from your licence.

Spot on.

 

I always find DVLA helpful, and today was no exception. I have to pay the £100 for 4 years lapse but that puts it on retention for 10 years - and the assignment fee has been paid.

 

I was worried about the address mismatch, but they’ve now got computers and everything so can see my address history.

 

Happy days. Thanks y’all.

[Coprolalia]

I don't know if anyone can assist, but I am after a new diesel daily as my Rover has become more of a pet, and I don't want to break it commuting every day.

 

I nearly acquired a MK1 Punto TD, but apparently someone beat me to it, despite me messaging the seller 30 mins after listing. What is the 1.7TD lump actually like? I doubt one will appear again soon but who knows.

 

I see the MK2 Puntos came with the 1.9 JTD too, which seems like a huge diesel for a small car, are they worth a second look, or should I avoid at all costs?

Hey Bramz, I saw this and thought of you straight away. Sorry I'm on mobile. ZX derv, banging wheel trims, seats covered in old man trouser material.

 

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F273081122550

 

J must be the first year of production on these no?

[Vince70]

Today my brother got his gearbox oil changed by a local fast fit type place and was told it didn’t need doing as it’s BMW so it’s sealed for life which everyone knows is rubbish.

The thing is when he did change the oil he only put in 1.7 litres as he told my brother that’s all it needs but I always thought a midland box took 2 litres.

I wonder if someone could tell me if that’s correct as I don’t fancy getting under a car on my day off in the cold to fill it up.

[Bren]

Old chap reversed into passat.

A couple of paint chips are of no concern.

What is was the room the guy had and still reversed into the car. Many old people driving that should'nt be.

[3VOM]

Old chap reversed into passat.

A couple of paint chips are of no concern.

What is was the room the guy had and still reversed into the car. Many old people driving that should'nt be.

You could try reporting him to DVLA on the basis that his eyesight mustn't be up to standard but I doubt it will cause any action to be taken.

[Cavcraft]

Today my brother got his gearbox oil changed by a local fast fit type place and was told it didn’t need doing as it’s BMW so it’s sealed for life which everyone knows is rubbish.

The thing is when he did change the oil he only put in 1.7 litres as he told my brother that’s all it needs but I always thought a midland box took 2 litres.

I wonder if someone could tell me if that’s correct as I don’t fancy getting under a car on my day off in the cold to fill it up.

 

It's should take a smidge under 2litres. The 1.7 litres could take in to account any residual oil left over in the box that couldn't fully drain out, I would presume they've used the correct Mtf94 fluid?

 

 

Two litres for sure. That's what went in mine (well 1.9 something before it started dripping out)

 

Could be the garage didn't let it drain for long so here was some leftover oil in there - or they measured what came out and replaced with the same amount. Either way 2 litres is the specified capacity.

 

Maybe try topping up yourselves? Not that tricky. At least that way you will know for sure. Has he mentioned if the change has improved or the box seems quieter?

 

EDIT - just re-read Brandon's post - just realised I repeated what he said!

[Mally]

You could try reporting him to DVLA on the basis that his eyesight mustn't be up to standard but I doubt it will cause any action to be taken.

 

He'd just say " I haven't got eyes in the back of my head"

[UltraWomble]

DAFUQ is that?
A ZX?

 

[Sigmund Fraud]

Carlton ?

[twosmoke300]

Merc

[Jazoli]

Green Wheelie bin

[Guest Hooli]

Brick paving.

[cort16]

It’s a Carlton it plagued eBay a few years ago.

[AMC Rebel]

About one in 50 oncoming vehicles has a headlight that seems to shine straight into my eye. 

 

I'm not on about legal OEM HID or LED lights as they don't do it - nor the illegal HID conversions that whilst they sear my retina, do it consistently. 

 

What I mean is that an otherwise normal looking car/van with Halogen lights (not the projector ones) seems to have one of the two angled straight into my eyes.

 

Does anyone else find this?  

 

I've looked at the light the car/van casts after it's passed and it isn't obviously faulty - i.e not obviously pointing skywards, so the driver mustn't know.

 

I am wondering if it's a faulty bulb installation or something or just "they all do that sir" - (except they don't)

[twosmoke300]

I think people have been to halfords to have their bulbs changed and they have been put in pissed up

[taxi paul]

Noticed a small leak on the primera radiator. So threw a cartin of radweld in but then found out it had an airlock so lots of pipes off and flushing and bleeding to get rid of it. So radiator still leaking . Is it worth another radweld going in or just skip straight to new radiator .