MOT Done

[Glync]

Morning All
Took the 8 for its yearly check yesterday and apart from the tyres getting near the end of their life she flew through without a hitch!
I was interested to know what has changed on the MOT for 2012 and the chap showed me a crib sheet of "new" items they are supposed to be looking at now. Especially as I had the airbag light on for 20 minutes the other day ( no sign of it since )
Most of it was the usual nonsense but from what the tester said he felt it's down to common sense and thought some of the wording to be ridiculous typical Euro influenced items. It would appear that they will encourage the scrapping of more perfectly useable cars and modern classics will be ever harder to keep on the road
Luckily this is the same garage I take my old classic motors to and he is a classic enthusiast who has an understanding of older cars. But I am sure eventually the Euro bureaucrats will create so much paperwork that even the MOT tester common sense will be over ruled!
I now need to start hunting for some tyres, mine are 255/40/19 and currently Dunlop Sport 9000. I don’t want these again as they have a habit of wearing quickly and in some case going slightly out of shape. I have also had the edges wear off despite having the alignment done and have been told by a couple of tyre places this is common when using directional tyres and that it would be worth trying “non directional” jobs next. I could also swap them around then too, anyone else been told this?
I have also been steered toward the Barum bravuris 2, I have been told these are made by Continental who own Barum now, and they get extremely good ratings. Has anyone else got these on an 8 ? National Tyres have them on offer at the moment and its coming in at around £550 for the set which is damn good value. The dunlops were £220-250 each.
Cheers Glyn

[PsYcHe]

Barums are 'OK'.. I have them on the front on they've got a tendency to slide easily when pushed in greasy conditions, or I'm overdriving

550 for the 4 is a decent price for the Barums, or you could always hit up the local part-worn place.. I don't want to start a debate on the 'safety' of part worns as it's been done before, but there are plenty of decent places about (my mate runs one).

[Reffro]

Originally Posted by Glync

I have also had the edges wear off despite having the alignment done and have been told by a couple of tyre places this is common when using directional tyres and that it would be worth trying “non directional” jobs next. I could also swap them around then too, anyone else been told this?

More likely its a problem with the camber our 8's run. My car is perfectly aligned yet still takes off the inside edges.

Oh and as for the tyres, personally I would avoid any cheap brands. But I accept you pays your money, you makes your choice. I bought some virtually untouched Continentals from a chap via eBay last year. His name was Mark, he was at Sharnford Garage, why not call him on 01455272336, a bit of a long shot, but it might pay off.