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Simply fantastic product and fantastic people. I had been suffering from white exhaust smoke and burning oil. I came across lots of symptoms on forums and came across the dreaded swirl flap issue. Needless to say I was very concerned and got in touch with PMW. There help, advice and expertise was invaluble.
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The government is currently reviewing recommendations from the secretary of state for transport, Lord Adonis, to lower the blood alcohol limit for drink driving convictions and bans from 80mg per 100ml of blood to 50mg (i.e. to just over half a pint of premium strength beer), which would bring us in line with most other EU countries.
Furthermore, research by road safety charity, Brake, suggests that the public (including drivers) would be in favour of an even more drastic reduction - to just 20mg per 100ml of blood. So, while it seems likely that we could wait a few more months before anything is announced for certain with regard to changes in legislation, it seems very probable that some degree of alteration to current limits will be introduced in either 2010 or maybe even 2011.
Now, as can be expected, this has provoked the usual array of complaints and protests, mainly it seems coming from drivers who quite enjoy the fact that the current laws permit them to have two, or even three, pints of beer before getting behind the wheel of their vehicle. The 70 or so deaths a year (and 230 serious injuries) that would be prevented by the change are a fair price to pay for this liberty according to their logic (or otherwise they dispute the validity of the figures, despite having very little to base this complaint on).
Moreover, apparently this will kill the rural village pub according to many of the same voices. Well, to me it seems quite likely that rural village pubs will be offering a range of other (non-alcoholic) beverages - plenty of them quite nice (fresh fruit juices, assorted teas and coffees, smoothies, fizzy pop, some nice elderflower cordials, ginger beers, tonics, etc etc) which will surely offer some degree of interest and refreshment to the drivers who wish to spend an afternoon or evening in the company of their local landlord and fellow villagers.
If not - (i.e. if the no booze factor is simply too significant to overcome and they end up staying at home with drinks from the off-license), then it seems quite clear that the pub, as a hub of the local community, was not that valued in the first place if something as little as no alcohol in one’s drink is enough to provoke abandonment of these supposedly beloved traditional social spaces.
So, I’m all ears if someone can provide a rational and sensible reason for opposing this proposed change but, in the meantime, i’m afraid the logic that this is some oppressive totalitarian measure of a power-drunk government, or that it signs the death warrant of the rural pub, seem like very thin arguments indeed. They basically represent an attempt forward a wider debate on issues such as individual freedom and local communities, when the underlying true fact is that the owner of such opinions simply quite likes being able to legally drive after a few drinks. This is hardly the most responsible position from which to evaluate this newly proposed piece of legislation…
Dejan Levi
brake, Dejan Levi, drink-driving, drink-driving limit, Road Safety, uk blood-alcohol driving limit
The moment we have all been waiting for is finally here: a real life comparison between the recently unveiled 2011 BMW 5 Series and the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class design. While we have been down this road just a few days ago with a photo comparison between the 5 Series and its competitors, this is time, the German magazine Autobild managed to get their hands on the new 5 and place it against the E-Class, and by place it, we mean, literally next to it.
The head-to-head photoshoot and comparison of the two models included the BMW 530d and Mercedes E350 CDI, two diesel engines very popular in Europe. The eternal confrontation, as Autobild has named it, creates and will create lots of controversy and disputes among BMW fans and plenty of comparison articles will flow from now on.
The new 5 Series not only put some more weight on, but it has also grown in size. It measures 4,899 mm in length, 1,86 mm in width and has a height of 1,464 mm. 28 centimeters more than the original 5 Series of 1972. Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the following dimensions: 4,868 mm in lengths, 1,854 mm width and 1,471 mm height. Pretty close dimensions, isn’t it?
Full story plus photos over at BMW blog online
A lightweight version of the mid-engined Porsche Boxster roadster, the Spyder represents the true, purist form of the Porsche sports car - light, powerful, open-roofed, and very efficient.
This is precisely the formula already applied in creating the most successful road-going sports and racing cars throughout the history of Porsche, ranging from the legendary 550 Spyder of the 1950s to the RS Spyder Le Mans Prototype race car so successful in motorsport today.
Weighing 1,275 kg, the Porsche Boxster Spyder is the lightest model in the Porsche line-up, and continues this clear-cut philosophy in a package offering full homologation for the road, and fulfilling a popular wish expressed by Porsche customers.
Read more at Carpages online
Without much of an introduction, here is a comprehensive press release from BMW around the anniversary of 25 years of Technik GmbH. At the end of this short intro, there is the full press release for download, along with 100 photos.
Innovative force entails future capability. The BMW Group owes its status as the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium automobiles to an outstanding development concept in all areas relevant to driving pleasure, sustainability and safety. The principles of this pre-eminence have been forged over the last quarter of a century in BMW (Forschung und) Technik GmbH. The researchers operating within the framework of this think tank develop technologies and concepts for individual mobility in tomorrow’s world. The subsidiary was created 25 years ago as BMW Technik GmbH. With this company the BMW Group has a centre of competence that is unique throughout the world. It safeguards and expands technology leadership for BMW by providing a constant stream of innovations.
Article continues over at BMW blog online
With the government’s scrappage scheme due to end in the next week or so it seems likely that the used car market will soon be enjoying a boost in sales thereafter. However, since the Office of Fair Trading has this week declared that many used dealers are still failing to provide a satisfactory service, it seems worth re-iterating some of the most commonly occurring areas where buyers get ripped off.
(N.B. This is not intended as a comprehensive list of buyers’ rights - simply a reminder of some often forgotten, but very crucial, points).
1. Do not buy a car from a dealer posing as a private seller. This is a common example of malpractice wherein dealers attempt to avoid the industry obligations that are a legal requirement for them by looking to hide the fact that they are an independent small dealership. It’s estimated that buyers spend an average of £425 per car fixing problems which should be the dealer’s responsibility - make sure you don’t expose yourself to this risk by buying from a dealer avoiding their obligations of after-care to the customer.
2. ‘Sold as seen’ and ‘No refund’ are words you sometimes see or hear during a dealer’s sale masquerading as a private one. Be on the lookout for this as it represents an illegal practice and one which should be reported to the OFT. It goes without saying of course that it’s not usually a good idea to buy the car in question as well…
3. Finally, make sure that key documents relating to MoT and the vehicle registration are supplied. Buying a car without this exposes you to all sorts of legal problems later on, not to mention increasing the chances that you are being sold a stolen, unregistered or faulty car.
Those are the three most essential key points to bear in mind, though there are many more further explanations of statutory rights and buying tips available both from the OFT and online. Ensure to inform yourself if entering the used car market in coming months, to avoid contributing to the millions of pounds a year that buyers unnecessarily pay out as a result of unfair business practice. It goes without saying that most dealerships do respect both the law and their customers - but it’s nonetheless essential to report, and avoid, the ones that don’t.
Dejan Levi
Dejan Levi, OFT, Tips for buying a used car, Used car market
With the 2010 Geneva Motor having been a pretty well-attended success earlier this month, it seems there’s plenty of exciting developments to look forward to over the coming year (and beyond) for motoring enthusiasts.
The convention featured an interesting mix of new technologies for the future (generally in the direction of improved efficiency and lower CO2 emissions) as well as some rather exotic looking concept cars from the major manufacturers.
For those who weren’t lucky enough to attend and see these intriguing creations up close, here’s a link to a great photo gallery of some of the highlights posted on Telegraph motoring online:
Enjoy!
Dejan Levi
Hot on the heels of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon that goes on sale in March 2010, BMW’s popular Touring model will reach the UK market in September 2010. It will be the fourth generation of Touring models in the BMW 5 Series range and brings traditional BMW driving qualities and elegance to those seeking flexibility, adaptability and versatility from their car.
Initially available in four derivatives, the new BMW 5 Series Touring offers a choice of two petrol cars, the BMW 523i and BMW 535i, and two diesel models, the BMW 520d and BMW 530d. All four are packed with innovative technology that ensures class-leading performance, fuel economy and CO2 emissions, while providing an elegant, comfortable and driver-oriented estate car.
Read more at Carpages online
Hot on the heels of yesterday’s Patent Office ’scoop’ on the new Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster, comes a possibly more controversial set of images - this time showing a four door Porsche Panamera Cabrio.
A Panamera ‘Cab’ has been the subject of speculation long before these images escaped onto the internet, but the most recent reports quoting Porsche company insiders have strongly implied the project was not going to get the green light.
Now, a new Autocar article reckons a series of ‘fresh patent applications in the US’ indicate the programme is still alive and well.
Full story continues with photos over at Pistonheads
An enlightening new exhibition on the green future of the motor car has been opened at Mercedes Benz World, Weybridge, Surrey.
The special BlueEFFICIENCY display, at Britain’s largest automotive brand experience centre brings together the latest cutting-edge technology aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating CO2 emissions.
For the first time Mercedes Benz World has brought to life this most recent stage in hydrogen powered fuel cell development with the B-Class F-Cell - the latest evolution of this technology that will for the first time be used around the world with customer trials in 2010. A special cutaway version of the car forms a key part of the new exhibition allowing a unique insight into this zero emission vehicle, which has already entered limited-series production. The F-Cell’s electric motor uses energy generated by a state-of-the-art fuel cell converted from hydrogen. The only emissions are pure water vapour.
Article continues over at Carpages online
Dear Sir/Madam
The information on your web site regarding swirl flaps has proved to be very valuable. I decided to take the advice and placed an order for the blanking plates. They arrived the following day as promised. All good stuff up to now. My Indie performed the surgery this morning and found one flap had sheared off completely. Fortunately the flap had lodged in the port so no engine damage, you can imagine my delight. My car is an E39 525d se 2002 with 102200 miles and I intend to double the mileage. Tonight I can sleep well in the knowledge that I chose to have this preventative maintenance carried out. Once again thank you for the service you have provided.
Eddie Jones Location: Burnley.
