Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[ukdave2002]

There was one exception when running my BMW 6 series, it had the factory fitted Logic7 sound system, when the car was about a year out of warranty, the system went wrong and the only sound I got out of it was bass delivered to the sub woofers; the amplifier had packed up

I went to the BMW dealer who confirmed my diagnosis as they had had a few before and then reassured me it was quick fix; they would replace the amplifier and as a gesture of good will not charge me any labour, just the £1200 + vat for the part

That told me it would be easy to get at the amp, and as my background is electronics I thought I'd take a quick look first; it took 5 mins to get the amp out, 10 mins to diagnose the faulty capacitor, 27p to purchase a replacement from Maplin ( I was a bit annoyed as I had to buy a pack of 2 , it should have really only cost me 14p ) and 15 mins to effect the repair and replace the amp.

This is an example of where the dealer module change rather than fix hikes up the cost and they would do the same with a noisy gearbox; swap the box rather than change a bearing.

The solution ( if you can't do it yourself) is to use independent specilists for these faults when vehicles are out of warranty, if I hadnt been able to fix the amp, i would have taken it to an audio repair shop and probably paid £100 for the repair.

Dave

[badhuis]

Old cars can be reliable too.

Last week my 1967 Jaguar 420 had its bi-yearly inspection. I have owned the car for 8 years now. Before I bought it had been stored for another 8 years. It has never been restored but had a respray 18 years ago.
Since I have owned it, I did nothing more to the suspension, steering and brakes of the car other than checking and greasing the grease points.
All gauges, switches and other electrics function as they should. I have never even replaced a bulb. Sometimes I do not use it for a few weeks but I can always rely on it that it starts promptly.
The car passed its test without problems (OK - I had to explain to the 25-year old tester where to find the hand brake and the main/dip switch).

I have to say I have had the same experiences with other regularly used classics. The TR4 for example, same as the Jaguar - never had electric / suspension / brake problems since I have owned it (20 years).
_________________
a car stops being fun when it becomes an investment