B10 Gave up the ghost
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Category: Regional & Specific Forums
Forum Name: Scottish Forum
Forum Discription: where Scottish regional members can discuss upcoming events
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=44086
Printed Date: 14-May-2024 at 07:33
Topic: B10 Gave up the ghost
Posted By: Crombers
Subject: B10 Gave up the ghost
Date Posted: 21-February-2009 at 17:31
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Not a happy bunny having been deposited at the house by an AA recovery truck last night. The B10 started to misfire quite badly on the way home from work so thought it best to pull over rather than risk damaging the cats. Despite spanking over £2k on the Inspection 1 and suspension rebuild in the Edinburgh dealer last week I've now discovered that where bank 1 has a shiny new set of plugs, bank 2 appear to be original! Not impressed at all, not only that, but the the new plugs must have been torqued by a 5 year old girl with a gammy hand! I'm happy to moan at the edinburgh lot but I'm not sure where to put the car now. I've tried swapping coils and plugs from some of my spares, also swapped MAF and Cam sensor but to no avail as the car is still a cylinder down. I've a Warranty Direct policy on the go so that may cover some of the cost, but does anyone have any idea where best to send it in the Glasgow area? -------------  Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Replies:
Posted By: stevie53
Date Posted: 21-February-2009 at 19:00
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crombers, sorry to hear of your woes I hope it's not too serious.
I used these http://www.b4bmw.co.uk/ - guys for my last bit of trouble and I will be using them again. One of my mates knows the owner, infact the blue M3 on the site is his car. Ex Henry Bros Techs and were really good kept me informed at every opportunity as to what they were doing with the car and didn't charge the earth too.  ------------- ///2000 E39 M5 Imola Red/// NO MORE una volta lei ha avuto l'italiano lei non andrą mai tedesco di nuovo haha |
Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 21-February-2009 at 19:07
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Interested to hear you've used b4bmw. I had been googling the BMW specialists in Glasgow and came up with them, they seem to have the right diagnostic gear so given your thumbs up that may well be an option. It was either that or Douglas Park, but as I went to Edinburgh originally to avoid DP that went against the grain. Fairbairns would have been a preference had Mr Clark not got his mitts on it. I'll give them a bell Monday morning and see what they say. Thanks Stevie
------------- Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: fluffnik
Date Posted: 21-February-2009 at 19:58
 Hope no lasting harm has been done! Peter Vardy? I've found them pretty good, so far. I'd get on to them regarding a free fix and refund... ------------- ALPINA B10 V8 Touring #36 |
Crombers wrote:Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 21-February-2009 at 22:12
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No it's a more 'Easterly' dealer Fluff I shall recommence my rantings come Monday!
------------- Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: curnrik
Date Posted: 22-February-2009 at 02:15
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Just hope every thing ok by the time the rolling road pops up. Wouldn't want you to miss out.
------------- http://www.richardcurran.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/bmws/cunrik1024x768.jpg - My E36 323 pic1 |
Posted By: Cambell
Date Posted: 22-February-2009 at 08:22
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Bad news man, Hope you get it sorted. ------------- |
Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 22-February-2009 at 10:08
Hope so mate. Better be sorted next week otherwise I'll be blowing a gasket what with being stuck without a car again!
------------- Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: muppet 2
Date Posted: 22-February-2009 at 11:43
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I hope the big beastie gets better soon. Re plugs not getting changed I have heard that in days of yore the back 4 plugs on V12 jags didn't get changed because they were hidden under something(aircon?) and mchanics just didn't bother because the other 8 would work fine and hide any problems. I don't know why they would only change the plugs on one bank though, perhaps they thought 4 cyclinders would be enough!! ------------- I have been diagnosed with ADHOtS. Attention Deficit Hyperactive Ohh that's Shiney 
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Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 22-February-2009 at 15:07
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Cheers chap... Admittedly my continuing research leads me to suspect head gasket failure on bank 1 Looking at the plugs on bank 1. The core of the plugs from cylinders one & two are absolutely spotless, white as professionaly whitend teeth, whereas cylinders three & four have more normal deposits on them. The giant pool of knowledge on the net suggests this is steam cleaning from coolant at work. There is such a marked difference in the four plugs so its got me worried.. bah ------------- Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: Chas C
Date Posted: 22-February-2009 at 20:45
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I'm not an expert but I don't believe the steam cleaning theory... I'm more inclined to go with the lazy technician scenario, especially since the plugs weren't even tightened. The dinner bell must have gone when he was quarter of the way through the job and he's come back and decided he was finished. I'm also wary of assuming the worst. Despite Tony's suggestion on the Alpina forum, I'd expect you would notice head gasket failure in the coolant level etc. It's also too much of a co-incidence that it has just come back from a (clearly inept) spell at the main dealers. Hope it works out ok for you, whatever the problem. ------------- 
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Posted By: fluffnik
Date Posted: 22-February-2009 at 22:49
Nor do I. I was shown a blown B10 gasket, it had failed between bores where there is very little meat. Any coolant to bore failure would probably affect only one cylinder, not the whole bank. ------------- ALPINA B10 V8 Touring #36 |
Posted By: pauliexjr
Date Posted: 23-February-2009 at 05:11
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I've used Stuart at M3 Motor Co in Bathgate for my past 4 BMWs and not had a single complaint. M3 Motor Co, Mossbank Cottage, A89 Caputhall, Bathgate, EH48 1JX Tel: 01506 811999 (no web site, they are too busy playing with BMWs!) Stuart is an excellent mechanic, has all the latest diagnostics, runs his own E39 M5, 2 X5s, a neat Ser 3 compact track car and his missus, Annie, drives an M3 convertible like she stole it! The live, eat and breath BMWs and are happy to look at whatever you want to do to your car. ------------- I'm only here for the beer! 535i E39 in Atlantis blue Shogun Sport 3.0 V6 lpg converted ('er in doors' baby!) Yamaha XV750 trike |
Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 23-February-2009 at 16:07
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Armed with my new Gunsons compressions tester the following has been found: Cylinders Think that tells me what I don't want to know! Awaiting the car to be picked up and taken to B4BMW Humphh ------------- Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: vpricey
Date Posted: 23-February-2009 at 17:42
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Sorry to hear of all your troubles with the beast, hopefully it's only the Head gasket failure as you say, fingers crossed good luck!
------------- Paul - '87 E30 325i Sport - '99 E39 M5 - '05 E53 X5 
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Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 23-February-2009 at 18:05
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Sorry to hear about your woes Crombers. Let us know how you get on. Just a note regarding Fairbairns. They told me at my service in October and again at my MOT on Friday that they aren't allowed to make reference to "Arnold Clark". The receptionist even went out her way to hide the Arnold Clark logo on her screen when I asked about it. She then scrolled down the screen making it disappear off the top. Were you charged for 8 plugs at your Insp 1? Aren't plugs changed at quite long intervals? Something like every second Insp 1? My beast is still on its first set of plugs and they don't need changing for another 20,000 miles or so. Where are you based in the country? There is BM Motors in Law that gets a good name from the guys on here and there is a 'new' specialist in Ibrox/Govan area. We all know why I wouldn't go to DP in Kyle Street or Hamilton or Hillington! Andrew ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: fluffnik
Date Posted: 23-February-2009 at 18:27
My guess is a break in the gasket between bores... Your suspect MAF hasn't been causing lean running has it? Hope it all works out. ------------- ALPINA B10 V8 Touring #36 |
Posted By: jke11y
Date Posted: 23-February-2009 at 18:45
| George Morrison motors in Rutherglen have worked on our Z3M Coupe for the last few years with good results, including an engine swap. Farmeloane Road. |
Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 23-February-2009 at 19:05
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No it was only in the car for a week before it conked out at yon meet. It was replaced with a genuine Bosch part thereafter I visited B4BMW today and it seems well run, chap I spoke to was helpful so I've given them the go ahead to arrange collection and see what the damage is. ------------- Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 23-February-2009 at 19:10
The plugs were quoted as being part of the B10s Inspection 1 by the dealer. I was happy for it to be done as hadn't changed them since buying the car. I'm pretty sure I didn't tell them just to fit the left side BM Motors is a little far from me, although I have used Davey for oil services and think he is a top chap. As it is the lack of any diagnostics gear is a negative point, though that's probably a moot point knowing what I know now. Interesting to hear about Fairbairns covering up Arnolds paw prints.. No wonder - wouldn't buy a Cinquecento from Arnold never mind a BMW
------------- Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: colb666
Date Posted: 23-February-2009 at 22:28
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Sorry to hear of your car issues,It'll work out in the
end mate... Has people been having issues with DP's in Kyle street? TBH they aren't as attentive as Henry's were but,i find them ok and since my cars over 4 years old now it makes a big difference in service costs. I've had a couple of recent wee problems and they've got on it right away and got me back on the road within an hour or two. I keep picking up leaflets off my windscreen for an Indie across in Ibrox but,know nothing about them? Anyone used them? |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 24-February-2009 at 16:20
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Well, you know http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=40115&PN=1&TPN=1 - nothing major or anything like that. cough Andrew ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: thepits
Date Posted: 24-February-2009 at 16:26
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------------- Cats know your every thought. But don't care. |
Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 24-February-2009 at 16:27
I don't know... what's a missing motor between a man and his dealer? ------------- Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 24-February-2009 at 16:32
Sorry, didn't mean to highjack the thread. Any update on the beast yet? I read one of your earlier posts, am I right in thinking that BM Motors doesn't have any diagnostic gear? Or did I pick you up wrong? Andrew ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: thepits
Date Posted: 24-February-2009 at 16:59
  ------------- Cats know your every thought. But don't care. |
Posted By: curnrik
Date Posted: 24-February-2009 at 17:25
Yeah Davy doesn't have diagnostic equipment. Too expensive, not worth his while.
------------- http://www.richardcurran.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/bmws/cunrik1024x768.jpg - My E36 323 pic1 |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 25-February-2009 at 08:25
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Cheers for that. ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 25-February-2009 at 18:49
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The car was picked up today and taken to the indie. Keith from B4BMW phoned this afternoon to confirm the cylinders in question were indeed poorly and quoted 10 hours to dismantle the engine for further inspection @ £50ph. He's confirmed that all gaskets / pcv etc will be replaced while they are accessible which is a plus point. I've given the go ahead and once the state of play has been assessed then we'll see what Warranty Direct have to say. ------------- Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: big pimpin
Date Posted: 25-February-2009 at 20:01
This thread makes me wince  ....the big V8's are great when they're
running good but god help us when they let go (touching wood!) ------------- E90 320d - M635 CSi - 635CSi Highline - GMC Typhoon - 4.6 P38 |
Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 25-February-2009 at 20:46
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Indeed, and every time the B10 or 540 conk(ed)s out I'm back in the 528, which, although not being cherished in the same fashion, has never let me down once in 5 years! Despite being at work someone in the household thought to take a goodbye pic of the recovery chap and the car going on its way Tata B10, hullo big bills...
------------- Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 26-February-2009 at 08:24
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Aww don't say that Sir So the indie is just as stumped as we are and needs to take it apart. I suppose it's the only way to tell. Is that just 10 hours for doing one side of the bank or is that a complete engine strip? It would be interesting to work on a big lump like that but quite daunting when you see bits of your cherished engine which aren't meant to see daylight. Hope you can still make the RR day. Keep us posted Andrew ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 28-February-2009 at 17:46
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Well thumbs up to B4BMW so for. I had a call from them on Friday to let me know that the engine had been stripped and that thankfully there appears to be no damage to the block other than a ruddy great hole in my head gasket between cylinders 3 & 4. The conversation surrounded what should be done while the engine is in bits. I'm keen to ensure anything that can be done to reduce the effect of 73k miles is carried out and the following work has been tabled: M5 Head gasket replacement (a given) The heads will also need to be pressure tested just to be on the safe side. Does anyone have any further advice on what should or shouldn't be done at this point. Although I'm fairly clued up about the M62 I'm a little less knowledgeable when it comes to internals. Cheers ------------- Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 01-March-2009 at 18:44
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Hi Crombers I can't add to that list. Although if the HG went on one bank could you not argue that t'other bank should have it's HG replaced? I know that's a big bill. Any idea what made one of them fail? Your car is the 4.8 or is it a 4.6? I did ask at the Feb meet but I've forgotten, sorry. I suppose your block is essentially the same as mine just bored out a bit more which would make the distance between cylinders smaller, and mibbie more prone to HG failure? I'm quite interested in finding out a bit more about my engine (N62 I think) but I'm not sure where to start. Andrew ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 02-March-2009 at 13:20
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Andrew, The work on the failed bank will be replicated on the second bank. Extremely false economy not to do so. The original HG on the Alpina 4.6 V8 (B8 / B10) between 1997 & 2001 is an organic paper affair rather than the usual steel HGs used by BMW. A ticking time bomb in effect :( which as you say is not helped by the reduced distance between the cylinders. This issue was address in 2001 when Alpina started using the steel X5 4.6i gasket in the B10s. A menace, but not something you should ever need to worry about The estimate is sitting at £2028, should hopefully hear what the Warranty company have to say this afternoon! ------------- Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: stephenperry
Date Posted: 02-March-2009 at 13:42
That's worrying... do you know if the 6-cylinder 3.2 and 3.3's use paper gaskets too? |
Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 02-March-2009 at 14:55
It's a known V8 issue, think you're home and dry Stephen ------------- Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 03-March-2009 at 08:06
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Hi Crombers You certainly do know your stuff! Good to hear you are doing both HGs. Anything organic in a cylinder head doesn't sound good. Car stuff should be metal. Ugg proper man parts! Let us know about the warranty claim. Will they cough up for both HGs do you think, or just the one that failed? Andrew ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: stevie53
Date Posted: 18-March-2009 at 20:19
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Crombers
I was down at B 4 BMW today to pick my car up and was asking Keith how your car was coming along and he said he was hoping to finish it very soon, maybe tommorrow with any luck. so hopefully you'll be back on the road and I hope you were happy with the service they've given. Once again they've come up trumps for me and I'll be using them again and it's the added bonus of having them on my doorstep ------------- ///2000 E39 M5 Imola Red/// NO MORE una volta lei ha avuto l'italiano lei non andrą mai tedesco di nuovo haha |
Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 18-March-2009 at 22:40
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Cheers Stevie! Didn't expect to get an update at this time of night! Would be over the moon to see it tomorrow, get me away from blasted buses I've certainly no complaints about Keith and the guys, extremely helpful on the phone. I just hope their mechanical skills match their communications skills as if they do then we've a tip top independant in our midsts! Glad to hear the M5 is back on the road.
------------- Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 21-March-2009 at 11:24
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Wahey it's back! Collected it on Thursday morning and overjoyed to be back on the road. Oh aye, gave you a toot Stevie as I think I passed you on South Street on the way back Well, its cost me the best part of 3 big ones ££££, one of which Warranty Direct have offered to cover which I personally believe to be reasonable. In effect covering the labour and parts of replacing the HG on one bank. In addition I've had both heads reconditioned, Water pump, thermostat replaced & crank case breather replaced. Keith at B4BMW has done a great job and I'm very glad I used them. Even more credit to the guy - My dad took me there on Thursday morning to collect the car but on the M8 on the way in the rear of his E39 528 stepped out wildly with a thunk. An inspection on the hard shoulder and a gentle crawl into Clydebank had one of Keiths guys getting the car on the ramp and making a temporary repair for no charge. An absolute gent. (As it transpired his MOT Failure / Bush replacement was done without tightening the nuts and so failed within days! not B4BMW work I hasten to add). The car has been returned with engine performance far improved from what it was when I bought it. It's nice and tight, smooth as a babys bum and sounds sweet as a nut right across the rev range. When I bought the 66k B10 I was well aware of the top condition of the engine over my previous 155k 540, that said, the bar has been raised now and in conjunction with the fortune spent on suspension work I feel like I'm in a new car. Should be I suppose given what I've spent on it this year. No nights out for me for the next, oh, 5 years! but no more busses either - woot woot!
------------- Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: bluebro
Date Posted: 21-March-2009 at 11:30
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Great news, good to hear your back on the road and that we have another decent indy we can rely on to fix our cars. -------------  F22 Estoril Blue M235i |
Posted By: stevie53
Date Posted: 21-March-2009 at 12:41
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Crombers that's good news your back on the road. I did see you on South St on Thursday, you were already passed but I gave you a wave anyway.
I'm glad Keith came up trumps for you and that was nice of him to have a look at your dads motor too. ------------- ///2000 E39 M5 Imola Red/// NO MORE una volta lei ha avuto l'italiano lei non andrą mai tedesco di nuovo haha |
Posted By: big pimpin
Date Posted: 21-March-2009 at 20:52
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Good to hear the V8 is singing again! ------------- E90 320d - M635 CSi - 635CSi Highline - GMC Typhoon - 4.6 P38 |
Posted By: davy tombstone
Date Posted: 21-March-2009 at 23:25
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great news....enjoy. ------------- http://s324.photobucket.com/user/davytombstone/media/newsig_zpsd6056b1d.jpg.html" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: vpricey
Date Posted: 22-March-2009 at 01:17
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Fantstic Crombers, I'm you managed to get everthing sorted and running again
------------- Paul - '87 E30 325i Sport - '99 E39 M5 - '05 E53 X5
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Posted By: muppet 2
Date Posted: 22-March-2009 at 08:35
Great news, I was back down Keilder way yesterday and was telling my mate about the Big Alpina that followed me down the A7 the last time I was there ------------- I have been diagnosed with ADHOtS. Attention Deficit Hyperactive Ohh that's Shiney
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Posted By: jonsmiff
Date Posted: 22-March-2009 at 14:26
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3 grand!!! makes me so happy to know i can fix these things myself |
Posted By: gary
Date Posted: 22-March-2009 at 14:41
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You'll be glad the headache is away mate and can get back to driving it the way it should be driven. ------------- http://www.bmwccscotland.co.uk/cars/e30/sportevo.html" rel="nofollow - E30 M3 Sport Evo III |
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 22-March-2009 at 15:06
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Glad you've got it sorted. Hope to see it in the flesh soon again. Andrew ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: Shamus
Date Posted: 25-March-2009 at 18:11
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Congrats mate -------------  Gone but not forgotten.. |