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...

Hi guys. Further to the previous post for a decent small car/suv, I've been doing some checking around, and narrowed down the options to Vios, Civic ES8 - VTI, and Mazda Axela. Vios goes without saying, so that is like a third preference. Considering the Civic and Axela, on Driving fun, power, practicality - as a daily runner, fuel consumption, servicing and repairs, spares. Civic too, I have a considerable idea on spares, servicing and consumption, but not so on the Axela. Ive been checking out the following ads in the classifieds section. http://www.autolanka.com/ad.asp?ID=14876 http://www.autolanka.com/ad.asp?ID=9017 http://www.autolanka.com/ad.asp?ID=7906 http://www.autolanka.com/ad.asp?ID=9134 Last on the list is a Subaru Imprezza. Not so in line with the above list, but the price seems quite good, again, the question, consumption, and servicing. I believe since its a Japanese car, I wouldn't need to drag it to Senok all the time, or would that be the case? Any help guys?? Urgently need to get myself a set of wheels, cos Im without wheels right now, and I so don't want to be compelled to go for a Vios. Cheers.

After some research, and some sensibility being kicked in, Im sadly compelled to kick out the Driving fun aspect from a choice of car :-( which invariably means Axela and the Forrester are out. Eyes now are fixed on the 2004 Honda City/Aria or Toyota Vios of the same year or later. Still doing some research on both vehicles, Driving fun, interior, the dash, leg space in front and rear (Considering 4 passengers might travel :-p), aesthetics (where the Vios seems to have an edge over, unless theres a decent body kit on the City/Aria). Apparently there's the 7speed gear box version is supposed to be fun to drive, and quite economical. Interior and dash/steering feel - i believe the Honda scores here, over the Vios. Leg room front and rear - not sure for both. Anyways, any heads up from owners and prospective buyers/sellers about both these cars would be really helpful .

I was playing with the thought of a Forrester 03' - 04 earlier, and I did come across prices ranging 2.4-3.2mill. Sure would love to have one, but what Im not sure of is the servicing requirements - whether Ill have to bow to Senok for the upkeep or if there's any other option around. Obviously consumption, ill have to expect around 7-9kmpl. Nothing better i believe. Practicality, it would def be a good buy I believe, fun to drive, and good amount of space. Looks decent as well. Whats the word about the servicing aspect? Doubt I'd be able to get my hands on Turbocharged ver for around 2.6.. but Im hopefull still. Btw, im surprised you remembered bout the A4 Dev :-). Its up for sale yes, I'll be posting it on AL soon, waiting for Senok's service to finish, and a part replacement. Very to sad to let it go, cos it was quite fun, and surprisingly powerful cos the Tdi kept giving so much power over a wider rpm range. And the fuel consumption was pretty good, 12-13kmpl in the city, on Diesel, is just too good.

I'm looking for a vehicle, in the price range of 2.5-2.7 million. Currently I've got my eyes on a Toyota Vios, Mazda Axela, Honda CRV, and maybe even a Toyota Noah KR42. Factors to consider are varying from fuel consumption, repairs, servicing, practicality, usability as a daily runner, good driving, and good re-sale value. Obviously, the Vios would be in the price range, and considering the point that, it will be almost brand new/Reconditioned, very low mileage, Jap car which will be easy on maintenance and of course repairs. Presence and personal appeal - well its all over the place, and I would ideally like a car which has got good looks, not that the Vios doesn't. But I'd prefer a Axela in this department for some reason, and also considering the driving fun to be had. Then comes the love to own a Mid Size SUV, its practical, fun to drive, and go almost anywhere (Not proper Offroad- but well - bad roads considering SL's got plenty of them), in the lines of a Honda CRV - RD1. These are going around 2.6mill as well I think. Of course fuel consumption will be in the range of 9-10kmpl. Not too sure about the Servicing and repairs division tho. This would be one with YOM between 2003-2004. Finally, a spacious and modifiable to leisure - Noah KR 42 - Diesel at that. Prices are around 2.3 to 2.8mill I Believe. Supposed to be quite good on fuel as well, and its a comfortable ride for more than 5 (though that factor wont come into much use). So pretty much stuck at deciding what to go for, though the Vios keeps coming on top all the time, I'd like to make a decision which i wont regret, and since its something ill be using for a good 4-5 years ahead, it needs to something Id like to own, and drive everyday. Any help guys? Thanks soo much in advance.

I'm trying to find a above average, decent place to get the AC fixed on my A4, and also a interior cleanup, mainly the Leather Treatment. Checked Klean Park which offered a interior n exterior cut n polish job for 9k, n auto miraj offered the same for 7.5k. Another place down Marine drive, supposedly a 3M detailing center, offered the same, for 3.5k, which I thought to be a bit on the off side. Though its cheap, I wasn't convinced of it being value for money, so considering Kleen Park and Auto Miraj. For the AC, one mechanic suggested its a problem with the cooler, which might need replacing, but was not too keen to get into the system with all its complexity. AC duct lining; a sponge like material has deteriorated and keeps blowing out through the air vents like small black pieces of sponge. Which probably would require the remaining lining to be stripped and replaced. Any ideas of a good place to get the AC checked? Radio and the steering controls for the Radio's messed up as well. Only the CD player works, that too only with volume control, none of the buttons, including track change work. Suspension, apparently the Shocks have some good life left in them, except the "Bumper Boot" or the padding on top of the shocks which are apparently gone. I believed this to be a cause of lack of handling and control at times. Could this be the case? I'm thinking of installing a front strut bar, and looking for a good place to purchase and install it. Any ideas or suggestions greatly appreciated. Cheers Nilanka

Hey Guys Benn along time since i added any thing to this thread, and i promised a review bout the A4 1.9tdi. Off the head, its good handling, gutsy power thanks to the turbo (its got 145bhp), and its stable. Brakes are a bit scary, getting them checked soon, cos apparently the fronts have some issue, which is inherent in the 2000-2002 series A4, somethign to do with the ABS Circuitry. Anyhow, rides fantastic, and driving its like a wow feeling, wonderful and well u dont get the feeling of flooring it even cos its so smooth. Gear shifts are slick and smooth and u just love the changes. Seatings pretty cool and sorta wraps u up front. But rear lacks a bit of space. Consumption - now heres where i was surprised cos well soon after i bought it, everyone around said ahhh hell its gonna drink fuel and it wont do good, but my research and some heads up from u guys i know that its supposed to do 11+ and well yeah - it actually did 11.5 and above so far in Colombo, mind u doing 11.5 + on a diesel thats an enormous saving. U pump 3k worth of petrol u get around 26 odd liters, u pump diesel u get 38 odd. and with that u can do well over 420km's. All in all its a superb car and im so in love with it right now. Installed custom sound system, infinity all inside and infinity amp - jbl sub amp and sub. had to do some trickery on the front door but it worked out fine - and now it just needs tuning cos theres so much treble it just tweaks the ears. Cheers

Im glad to hear that ive not made a bad choice. For a moment there, just after purchasing, i started getting second thoughts, whether I jumped into this too quick, without considering maintenance and blahblah and if if i shud've done more research. Well research came out pretty good, the A4 1.9tdi's supposedly good on fuel and power. Like i said yet to see it, but contrary to my second thoughts, and from what ive seen and heard before bout diesels, im quite happy, and waiting to get my hands on the car and take it out of colombo for a proper test. Well devinda - ur right bout the prices, this was 2.6m. I checked around and the range was bizarre to say the least, this had done 58k km's ( and i do mean km's not miles), and at that price, one dude asked for 3.6 for one that had done 89k km's, meaning a tad close to a overhaul - no thank you. E46 on the other hand - yikes is the word. Hell one dude was asking for 4.5 - and another for 5 mill for 65- number plate 100k++ mileage 320D's. The risk of overhaul is one thing and asking for that price for that - exorbitant, come on even for a beamer. Anyways, bottom line - im happy I got my hands on a decent - or shud I say a surprisingly fun cute A4, for a bargain price. Now its just the driving test that awaits, and ill keep ull posted on the figures - power, fuel and handling.

Nice Comments GT. I'd like to add to what you've said. Well I started this post with the hopes of getting some heads up on which diesel german car I could go for, at a decent price of course, in the range of small -medium saloons. Most would say why diesel? Why German?Why not Jap? Spares?Repairs etc etc. But yeah like you said, theres also the factor of the drive thrill most Jap's fail to give compared to German marcs. Considering the fuel factor, I've done some research into it, maybe I'm wrong, but diesels can kick the ass of a similar capacity or even slightly higher capacity petrol, cos of the power to weight ratio and torque in a diesel would be far higher than a petrol. Pulling power over the 80's is constant and steady in Diesels. I was out hunting for a 320D, C200CDI, or A4 2.TDI and arrived at a 2k GG Reg 1.9TDI which has done 58k. Drove it home felt smooth and comfy, gear shifts are slick and smooth. Acceleration seems a bit dodgy, but yet to test it on an open road. Why A4 1.9TDI, well this one was one helluva bargain, really nicely maintained with all records n works, owner a nice gent who is also sorta big time car fan, so he knew his stuff well. Checked its specs and reviews, supposed to give good fuel consumption as well. That too, im yet to find out. All in all id say its a good buy and at a bargain. Repairs and Maintenance yeah i score I suppose '0' there with this one. But then again, at that price if I can get my hands on a decent german car, hell no will I miss it .

Hey madmax - can you tell me ur offer

Sorry pic's unclear cos the feller was flying - Sticker says " Happy Tuk Tuk " ;-) http://img514.imageshack.us/my.php?image=happytuktuknr5.jpg