Dicky

I did a search before posting because I've a feeling I've seen this issue posted before some time ago but didn't pay to much attention to it at the time. I do however seem to remember it was a common issue but not a heat shield issue Thanks anyway

Can't shake this one to the top using search, so any help welcome. On odd occasions I get a rattle noise from the passenger side of the engine (sounds low down) when I first start up in the mornings. It only lasts a few seconds and I don't fancy it's a serious issue, but would like to know what it is. Cheers

Cheers young man for that. Thanks for your offer of help but Its not an imminent job at the moment. However I have thought about it for a while as the miles are begining to build up. Ive also worried how much it would cost at the main dealers, BIG BUCKS probably. It would be cheaper at a back street garage but who can you trust, having said that which main dealer can you trust. Neither will take the degree of care that I would. My garage is small but I've got good space in the back garden and would do it there, but need good weather. I don't do much milage so should get through to next spring and do it then. Reading your post inspired me and made me think that given the spare time I have now why not have a go. so I will. if I'm still alive next spring and your still a member I may well take you up on your offer of advice. Cheers

Youve inspired me now! Being retired from all that 9-5 stuff I've got the time to do the clutch myself, which can't be far off as I've done around 65k now. Can you tell me if you had to buy any of the specialised tools as recommended in the manual or did you just improvise?

10 hrs for all that work in a garage that looks as small as mine........RESPECT!

All of the above and poss Sticking solenoid?

Pm sent Alex

Alex you are a really helpful guy you know!

Noticed what look like fine radial cracks in my front discs. Tried to rub them out with emery cloth but they remain visible. Anyone experienced this? Do you think they are a surface issue or should I be looking to change them.I don't have the right size micrometer but using other means I would guess Im close to the wear limit of 28.4mm (Brembo Brakes)( well Brembo calipers and I assume discs are Brembo as they were on from new)

BUGGER! It probably won't help but saw a guy cause similar damage when he turned his new car into the local supermarket car park and didn't see a concrete post as he turned. The crunch was sickening to hear. So your not alone!

Sorry guys, Im toooooooo old to get under the car to take pictures, my post was simply to make local Z owners aware of this company. Sorry grovel, grovel

Had a new st st cat back exhaust fitted last week by Advanced Automotive Systems (AAS) in Newcastle. What a nice job they've made as well. All bits are made by them with the exception of the tin cans on the back. They managed to get the sound just right for my taste and the car seems perker too with more pulling power. I'd certainly recommend their work to anyone from this neck of the woods. Now to fit my plenum spacer and get the UPREV done.

In my day you could get your wheels balanced "Dynamically" ie on the car, so that the discs are balanced as well. My mate has a 330d BM and had slight vibration problems. He had the wheels balanced (not dynamically) but it only made the problem slightly better. As far as I can remember the garage told him he had a slight amount of play in the steering that could have caused the prob, but not sure if he got it seen to and resolved.

Not an expert but as far as Im aware alignment is carried out with the wheels on the car(mine was). What do you mean by "skittish" dodo you feel vibration over 70 or the car wandering? Vibration would indicate a balance problem, wandering could have something to do with tyre wall strength or tyre pressure. Best I can do Im afraid hope it helps

Cheers lads,thanks for the help. Brake fluid gets changed at recommended intervals during main dealer service but can't be sure they actually change it! Will do a search for the bleeding procedure and give it a go myself.

Thanks Alex, this problem is why I approached you about new pads even though their part worn. Can anyone confirm that the brakes should be bled using one of these pressure bleeding machines or manually in the normal way. Also if there were air in the system why should it show itself only when the pads wear down a bit ?

Do I have a problem or does anyone else experience this. When I fit new pads the braking is spot on, no pedal travel at all before feeling the brakes bite. However after the pads have worn a bit the pedal feels spongy when first pressed, lifting off and pressing again makes the pedal hard again ( same as if air in the system) Spoke to the main dealer service manager who said it was due to the brake servo operation. Can't understand this because I wouldn't have thought the servo operation would vary with pad wear. Any suggestions anyone?

I live in the N. E. and use Vic Young in South Shields. There very helpfull. Don't use Benfieldscthough I've had nothing but trouble with them. Read your history with interest and hope u get it sorted. Would like to help but unfortunately Im not up on modern cars, to many sensors, computers and interdependent control systems. Good Luck

Just wondering if you would say the splitter noticably improves performance in some way or is it more of an aesthetic addition?

Yeah, goes with my eyes!

EDIT....The missing word is "time" ha ha

Cheers I've been in this garage twice now and each its offered. No price discussed. I've watched the Royal Purple promotional video which looks impressive. What bothers me though is if its as good as they say why is it hardly anyone knows about it and you never seem to see it advertised. If its as good as they say you'd expect it to be splashed all over the Tv

Anyone used Royal Purple oils? Are they as beneficial as advertised or should I take care? My local garage is fitting a st st exhaust for me and are pushing me to change diff, gearbox and engine oil to gain better performance, less wear and increased fuel economy. Sounds to good to be true. Is it?

You say you've removed the cats. I'm no expert but I thought the cats were fitted with pre and post lambda sensors who's job it is to adjust the fuel mixture to keep the emissions in limits. Could this be a possible cause?

I have an 04 and my air con gets noticeably cold although no idea how low it goes