[ulfilias]

Originally Posted by onetwentie

Previously had issues with a binding rear caliper (was actually the motor which had suffered water ingress - perfect opportunity for the 'specialist garage' to rip me a new one at £1200!).

Actually had a caliper issue a couple of times, always the parking brake bit. I've taken it off and it separates and water gets in the back, and the helical gears get gunk and bind up. One side had a crack and i've patched over it with aluminium tape for water repair stuff. Cleaned and lubricated and then properly sealed it's been good for a couple of winters. Irritating as i rarely ever use the parking brake, as autos have engine brake etc!

Also had the compressor fail, which I manage to fix myself with the help of people on here and a local friend.

The bagpipingandy kit, ebay £25. Did 3.5ys and just sorted it again. So long as the motor is good, it fixes most of them back to working saving hundreds!

Sometimes the gears don't change as soon as they should do (auto), but that seems to depend on how cold the car is and the weather?

I had a bit of an issue there, rear seal leaks over time. A gearbox oil swap or actually just a top of up made a BIG difference. It's one you fill til it spills so you can't check, just top up from underneath. Changed from feeling changes and the the odd error, to smooth as anything and no issues for 2 years. Sure the seal could do with replacing, but, on taking two years to get a bit notchy on changes, i can live with it!

Going on to the bumper issue you mentioned, I'm currently having to remove it now to get the alternator out, as I think it's died.

I think i'm probably going to have to get a bumper....Maybe spray which would mean a strip down. Silver, black or just live with the mismatch.

To be honest as "Budget" luxury cars, they're stunning value, they have been since my early D2 S8 because the market drops like a stone for 100k+ miles, 10yrs+ on a £70k car. Who buys them....perceived as too rich for families and company directors want new!