OV9

Focus ST update:
Bought ELM327 cable and installed FOCCCUS software to enable auto-lock function, on-line guides poor to say least. Not too much hassle after reading numerous forum posts and working out H-scan/m-scan functions.

Not cost me a lot so far (20month approx) other than service @ £170 and er some choice mountune parts which I am not counting . Budget tyres on front still have a few mm but will ditch them soon, shocking in wet, will either match with eagle f1's on rear or go all out and put some pilot sports on. Pads also shot, will prob do discs at same time although it's only done 32k approx.

What are best road legal pads these days, looking at EBC stuff and it seems mixed reviews. Still enjoying it although I keep looking at m3's, c63's and ISF's. Will see how things pans out with work in new year.

M140i reaches first milage milestone (see below). Also while off work I seem to be averaging 22mpg. Need to stop being a cock (but won't)

You need a microfiber cloth.

I've had a 2017 MG 3 for 2 days as a courtesy car and I don't believe I've driven a more shite car in the last 15 yrs. Even my dad's Dacia Duster feels a decade more modern in terms of how it drives.

I haven't experienced bump steer for a long time and along with poor stability under braking made it a scary car to drive outside of an urban environment.

What side of the car do you think the fuel filler flap is on ?

McSwede wrote: Sat Dec 29, 2018 4:19 pm M140i reaches first milage milestone (see below). Also while off work I seem to be averaging 22mpg. Need to stop being a cock (but won't)

Why an image of a battery next to the 'Efficient Dynamics' ? Although averaging 22, have you even been into that zone to find out?

Carlos wrote: Sat Dec 29, 2018 8:31 pm What side of the car do you think the fuel filler flap is on ?

I'm guessing thats a bluff, so off-side

The BMW mpg gauge is the most idiotic gauge I’ve ever come across. It makes no sense how it goes to max/infinite mpg when you’re sat idling in stationary traffic when it should be at 0. The battery is for the start stop models so at least those make a tint bit of sense.

Matty wrote: Sun Dec 30, 2018 12:36 pm

McSwede wrote: Sat Dec 29, 2018 4:19 pm M140i reaches first milage milestone (see below). Also while off work I seem to be averaging 22mpg. Need to stop being a cock (but won't)

Why an image of a battery next to the 'Efficient Dynamics' ? Although averaging 22, have you even been into that zone to find out?

Ha. Yes, as per the photo. Whenever you coast or brake it recharges the battery

Having been given a trolley jack and some Poorboy's World Wheel Sealant for my birthday, I cleaned the wheels on NYE on the Megane and applied the sealant stuff.

Which went fine apart from on the first, previously pristine wheel my boy rolled it over on the drive and scratched up the lacquer (front left). I did them on the grass after that





Bought a couple of spare wheels off eBay with MP4Ss fitted, for changeover for/after track days, for less than the cost of two new MP4Ss, so fingers crossed they are as described

JonMad wrote: Wed Jan 02, 2019 11:05 am
Which went fine apart from on the first, previously pristine wheel my boy rolled it over on the drive and scratched up the lacquer (front left). I did them on the grass after that

Can’t get the staff these days!

Just received the renewal notice for the insurance of the GT3, £524 inc UK track days.

Last year the Carrera was £442, with £56 top up in August when changing cars.

Not bad.

My insurance halved when changing the M140 to the 4s

Many M-lites getting written off it seems!

Carlos wrote: Sat Dec 29, 2018 8:31 pm What side of the car do you think the fuel filler flap is on ?

I'm guessing the outside.

Foz wrote: Wed Jan 02, 2019 2:30 pm My insurance halved when changing the M140 to the 4s

Many M-lites getting written off it seems!

And stolen I’m sure.

Coaster1 wrote: Wed Jan 02, 2019 3:42 pm

Foz wrote: Wed Jan 02, 2019 2:30 pm My insurance halved when changing the M140 to the 4s

Many M-lites getting written off it seems!

And stolen I’m sure.

Yep - that's what I was thinking. No keyless entry shenanigans on a 996 (or 997 for that matter)!

Speaking of the '7 - I think the alternator might be the next 'consumable' to need replacing. Its getting sluggish starting now its cold and i'm using the heated seats/wheel and there is a grumbling noise emanating from the vicinity of the alternator which I expect is worn bearings. Battery is a good quality Bosch S5 which is not yet 2 years old so I'd be surprised if it is that.

Coaster1 wrote: Wed Jan 02, 2019 3:42 pm

Foz wrote: Wed Jan 02, 2019 2:30 pm My insurance halved when changing the M140 to the 4s

Many M-lites getting written off it seems!

And stolen I’m sure.

I think it's ease of theft that's the issue for Beemers at the moment. MrsREVs 420d is more expensive to insure than my Golf R by about £200 this year. Normally we pay about the same.

NotoriousREV wrote: Wed Jan 02, 2019 4:32 pm

Coaster1 wrote: Wed Jan 02, 2019 3:42 pm

Foz wrote: Wed Jan 02, 2019 2:30 pm My insurance halved when changing the M140 to the 4s

Many M-lites getting written off it seems!

And stolen I’m sure.

I think it's ease of theft that's the issue for Beemers at the moment. MrsREVs 420d is more expensive to insure than my Golf R by about £200 this year. Normally we pay about the same.

IIRC on the babybmw forum they have logged about 45 thefts of M140i/135i's most of which have been forced entry into home to obtain keys when car is parked outside the house or on the drive.

They're quite nickable but apparently not as much as Golf R's and especially not the RS3

I was messing around with insurance quotes today - M135is and Golf Rs we’re coming out cheaper than 330is and older Golf GTIs for me. Insurance is bonkers.

I've been looking at getting an I Pace and the insurance for that is 30 quid a year more than my Peugeot 308! 298 quid!

And cheaper than my S60 T5! All 2 grand of it!

I don't understand the insurance premiums, don't think anyone does. Insuring the Galaxy was cheaper than the Mazda despite having the same level of cover, annual mileage and "add-ons" on a car worth five times more.

I paid less for my M5 as a reckless 20-something year-old than my renewal quote as a dull 30-something year-old driving an Accord. <£500 verses >£600

DeskJockey wrote: Wed Jan 02, 2019 7:56 pm I don't understand the insurance premiums

One of my "takeaways" from years on this place was either Jobbo or MarkBT musing that insurance premiums are established by one insane man, in a room by himself, sporadically shouting out random numbers. I think it was Mark, and that Jobbo had the masterstroke of suggesting poor people get given the access code at cashpoints to play Nintendo, which is why they take so fucking long to withdraw a tenner