This was on a separate thread, but thought I’d move it in here.
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Bought last Saturday on a whim after browsing on Friday afternoon, realising that I would need a car before the end of the year to put an 11 year NCB policy into or lose it.
325ti, 88k with an idle problem, occasional engine warning light and torn drivers bolster from a small time trader with a recovery truck. A deal was struck at £1150.
Drove it home and everything feels tight still, performs well until the eml comes on and reduces power.
Going through the extensive history with the car it appears to have been a pre-reg, then three years either the first owner, eleven with the second, four with the third (when it didn’t move for three years), then two owners in three months.
Anyway, the last owner spent over £1100 on it - Pirelli’s all round, rear trailing arm bushes, cam sensor, maf and I guess fell out of love with it because of the idle/power issue that two garages couldn’t trace.
Everything else works, including ice-cold a/c.
My eBay code reader said idle control valve stuck open, so I replaced it tonight (treated it to a genuine Bosch item) and it seems to be cured!
I’ll get the seat and worn steering wheel and gear knob sorted, a new window regulator as one is slow, and perhaps new rear springs as it sits a bit low.
I think I got a bargain!
Cars like this really remind you that for driver enjoyment, and everyday usability the peak is about 1999-2009.
Wife drive the Q7 for the first time today and brought it back with this addition to the previously near-perfect osf wheel:
