nilakicha

Guess this forum was last updated a long long time ago. But I'm looking at options for putting my E46 320D to service, as its due in 3500miles. Topping my list of considerations is M*lroy, P----e is not the 2nd, and actually looking at other options, specially cos of the distance I have to travel to get it done. I've been thinking of checking out Wurth and KleanPark (Dehiwela) who apparently are rumoured to be doing it as well. My question though is, are there any garages who would do the proper BMW service required, inclusive of the diagnostics and software what not apart from Milroy, or is it the case that my ONLY option is that. Appreciate any info on the subject. Btw, I've been meaning to post about a issue I had with the heating plugs or startup sometime back. I read around on the internet and found it to be a common issue on Diesels. And a common approach is to suggest change of Diesel fuel pump(s), and checking injectors etc. Bit of outside thinking and a known mechanic who had been trained at P.....e informed that the root cause would most probably be the heating elements or heater plugs. 1st time it happened I didn't do much, and got the car up and running in a matter of days. 2nd time it happened, I ended up replacing the Diesel pump located in the rear near the fuel tank it seems, (around 65k) and still it didnt fire up. After some jugglery, the garage managed to fire it up. Later on, I took it on the ultimate test, which was a drive to Bandarawela. Driving there was not the issue, but a cold start was. First day, it didnt fire up and only started thanks to a slope just outside. 2nd day, as I was advised by a few motor experts, tried a simple heating and offing process about 5-6 times, apparently to heat up the plugs enough to fire it up. 7th time, on a cold morning, Viola it fired up without a fuss. I tried this after I got back from Bandarawela as well, and well, have to say, its not given me any starting issues since. If I'm worried about it all I have to do is to do a few heating and off steps, and it fires up like a charm. Thought of adding that note for anyone who might need the info.

Hi Guys, I'm keen on going for a FD3, and frankly been looking around and saw a few good examples. One thing that worried me, especially after hearing from someone at St----d, the battery can give/has problems. Any experiences such as this ? The car seems a good buy, drove it and felt really good. Having driven a Civic ES8, I simply dont want to look at any other option. Tried a Lancer CY2A, didnt cut it either. So any advise/opinions here regarding the FD3?

I thought so too, about the Lancer. Looks plus the handling and breed, plus being used to driving a Civic, its hard to not miss the handling and response part, without guzzling gas. Looked around for a few good examples of Lancer Ex's in here, but most of them are already gone sadly. Want to test drive one and see how it really feels to drive. Thanks for the heads up. Resale value actually is an important factor, but the drive element, took a bigger preference somehow ;-).

Hi Guys, Been searching for a Car to upgrade from a Civic ES8, with decent power, good consumption and handling included, cos' I've got so used to the handling and response of the Civic, a tad bit too much. Want to know the opinions of you guys, any owners, or who ever may have driven a Lancer CY2A (2008-2010), whether these consumption figures are real or just dreams, and how is it on power and handling. Secondly, owning it, maintenance, Spares, servicing, and last on the list, Re-sale value. I've been considering an Allion, but to hit the power requirement, put the A18 on my list instead of the A15. Actually, considering the most sensible of elements, it was the Allion or a Corolla 141 which made it to the list, but somehow, a Lancer CY2A caught my eye, and the steed at the back of my mind just jumped out, and thought I'll include that in my list too. So hopefully, with your input, I'd be able to either, drive one, or chuck it out of the list entirely. No I'm definitely not gonna add any more options to my list.

Hi Guys, I've been asked to advice about a purchase on the tax payers permit (~ 25% off I suppose), for a relation of mine whose convinced on the below vehicles. I need to convince him otherwise, cos, frankly, I see it as a waste of a permit (even a tax payers permit). Option's considered are Chevy Aveo, and a Mahindra SUV, apparently some sales guy had quoted Rs. 3mill to him (which I highly doubt). Now, I happen to check out this Aveo cos in the newspaper ad, it looked decent. Close inspection told me otherwise. Cheap Indian plasticy feeling, attention to detail, beeding's running the windows looked loose or not in proper place, and the finishing touches, well gents I dont need to write a book about it. I need your opinion to give a final verdict, cos me just saying it aint good cos its assembled in India, and it just wont be worth the money after two years, even granted that its BRAND NEW! I'd rather go for a Toyota Vitz or a Daihatsu option.

Hi Guys A big switch from my recent post for possibly going for a Diesel vehicle - the thought of which I put on hold, atleast for now. I'm about to put my ES8 for service (exactly after a year) and has over 105k KM's on the clock. Which engine oil would be ideal to replace the Mobil engine oil I've been using thus far? Synthetic or Semi synthetic. I've looked around in AL and outside forums for some info or recommendations and came up empty handed. So any recommendations for a good engine oil to use for over 100k KM's would be greatly appreciated. Plus I'm looking at doing the next change - hopefully in about 10k KM's. Cheers.

Agreed. CRD technology's the best to go with power/fuel consumption taken to consideration. But the point comes up again with regard to servicing - i.e. I take it to a garage, most often than not, mechanics would look like they've seen a ghost the moment engine bay is shown to them and quote " Apo mahaththaya, mekata atha thiyanna baa, api danne naa mewa monawada kiyalawath" - this the response I got when I wanted a simple check up in the A4 1.9Tdi. Only one place down Saranankara Road gave some decent advice on what to do. That be the main fear I have, cos i dont want to be hunting for mechanics or decent garage's to get it checked. What say?

I don't mind a Bimmer at all, considering I had a 1.9Tdi A4 once, but had to let go of, cos I nearly had to let go of an arm and a leg to have it serviced or a big repair which was nearly around. That's my question overall, I know the returns are usually good especially on TDI engines. Catch is, cost of ownership i.e. how often I need to service it, what issues should I look for besides Injectors and Air Flow sensors, basically to get at, whether it really is a good option to switch to a Diesel right now, or to stick with the VTI.

Hi Guys, Im not sure whether this topic has been discussed already, but I want to get your opinion about it nonetheless to lay to rest a thought I have. I'm considering switching to a Diesel manual vehicle - preferably a medium saloon (though Cedric's and Crown's have caught my attention big time). What are the pro's and con's like owning a Diesel manual - and I mean strictly, Manual - AUTO's are out! Right now, I'm in a ES8 VTI which is good but considering the possibility of running 12+kmpl & the possibility of doing around 260-280 clicks for Rs.2000/- thats a far cry from what it would cost me for petrol for a week. Cheers

Having had a time deciding from a Diesel Manual Noah, to a Legacy B4 (import) and finally somehow settling at a Petrol Manual Import, I couldn't help but look for a Import Taxation Calculator or Regulations for import and somehow, came across the following info, which I thought might be useful. HS Codes or Harmonized System code is a classification system, and for us lot, Vehicles are classified as in the below link, which is useful in the second link. Import Export Bulletin Board - HS-Codes: Vehicles, Aircraft, Vessels & associated Transport Equipment http://www.imexbb.com/hs-codes/vehicles-ai...-equipment.html Sri Lanka Customs Tax Calculation - Using the above HS Code - 8703 i think applies to us most. http://www.customs.gov.lk/TC/Sheet1$_list.asp You can roughly calculate the total tax component based on CIF price. Quite handy but I still think there's a lot more taxation to be added to the end figure.

Hi All, I'm considering a Diesel/Manual Toyota Noah KR/CR 41/42 (Original Diesel or converted). One thing, I believe the 2C and 3C engine's on these things give adequate power, and fuel economy. My concerns are on the following: Repairs Spares Known problems Reliability - Long term running/ long distance running. Auto is definitely a no, so looking for your opinions before I make the final call. Cheers. Nilanka.

Pardon the inferior quality due to a phone camera, while driving. Introducing...... SSS Starship Impreza, with Neutron Cannons at the Rear, and the Bluetooth Enabled Ferrari TukTuk. http://img132.imageshack.us/i/starshipimpreza.jpg/ http://img34.imageshack.us/i/bluetoothtrishaw.jpg/

I was doing some research for a car around the similar price, and happily landed at a Civic ES8 Vti, n luckily enough had nice aesthetics to go with, n decent alloys. Stafford did some work on it, n its in good running order now. The km's on the clock on Vti's apparently get meddled with for sure according to pp's at Stafford, no reason not to trust their sentiments on a car with a 2000 YOM. Considering your budget, I suppose B4 is in your range, which will be about 2-2.2, you can surely bargain on that I believe. Personally, I've left the big agents realm cos they rip you off royally on repairs and spares. Servicing on Subaru I think is quite alright considering its Jap. Consumption wont be that economical, especially if its Turbo obviously. My options were Toyota Vios and ES8 Vti, the latter which I definitely preferred, but re-sale goes down a bit. Sacrificed that for a lovely ride, good power delivery, and a good looking car. Cheers Mate.

Righty, waiting on this budget this to turn around sounds near a fairy tale then huh. Back to the purchase decision then, which circles around Vti/Axela/Vios. Considering the budget, Axela seems a rarity. Vti's some how seems rare too... for some weird reason. Very few seen on sale now a days. Any comments bout the question I asked earlier bout the overhaul situ on a Vti if its done more than 100k, and the suspension issue which so many keep talking about.

I was advised by a friend to delay the purchase till around 2 months (which I really cant do :-( ) cos the budget MIGHT reduce prices of BN vehi's by as much as 1.5mill and 1mill for recon, n 2nd hand around 500k. Which is quite a significant drop. Just heard from a feller selling a VTI bout an issue with suspension and gearbox. Any one knows bout this and how much it would be roughly to sort it out? Btw, if a VTI has done over 100k km's, whats the best move around, without going for a over haul...