Siena: ...[/i]Had more than the regular servicing done, like:

01) Replaced timing belt and associated tensioner and idlers?
02) Replaced brake fluid?
03) Replaced clutch fluid (manuals)?
04) Replaced ATF (automatics)?
05) Replaced pollen filters?
06) Replaced coolant?
07) Had mechanical tappets adjusted (valve clearance)?
08) Had your wheel alignment checked, and adjusted as required?
09) Replaced secondary fuel filter?

I have left out the normal service items:

a) Engine oil.
b) Engine oil filter.
c) Primary fuel filter.
d) Air cleaner element.
e) Spark plugs[i]...

..[i].[/i]because the average mechanic would be aware of their existence. The items in the top list however, very rarely get touched by the average mechanic. Some mechanics (and vehicle owners) aren't even aware of their existence!

So guy, how often do you have the items in the top list (01 - 09) replaced / checked? Or when last were these attended to? Do you wait till the engine starts making horrible noises, runs rough, misfires and dies, before action is taken?

Let's share!

Siena: Of the two cars, the E46 BMW 325i is a better car. It handles better than the Mercedes-Benz C230. The Mercedes engine can be quite coarse at higher rpm, and it's also thirstier, despite being smaller that the BMW's.

The Mercedes-Benz suspension is softer than that of the Beemer, so more comfort-oriented. Not the best for bad roads though. The Beemer has a stiffer suspension, more set up to give a sporty ride, and will be better on bad roads, the components will also last longer.

So it all comes down to personal choice. But if I were to choose, my choice wouldn't be the Mercedes-Benz.

Amaizu: Apologies for sounding ignorant.Pls which one is secondary fuel filter.I use a Nigerian Assembly(PAN)Peugeot406(EW10)and i just changed the fuel filter which is under the vehicle on the passenger side.Would that be the primary or secondary fuel filter.

vitality22: Hello Siena, i might not be posting my complaints on the right thread. I scanned my Nissan xterra as it displayed service engine soon. So i got this code
P0705 Transmission Range Sensor Circuit malfunction (PRNDL Input)
What exactly is the problem and how serious is it? What do i need to fix on the truck?
my mechanic said i should change the transmission oil. He also advised i should buy dexron ii
Please i need your candid advice, before i start spending to make sure am doing the right thing.
Thanks a bunch

anneki: @dregun. Give this guy a call. His name is hope ( 0803 305 5366 ). he will sort you out. I have been using him since 2001.

Honda baby boy
The story

Before I changed the engine, I discovered that the car shaked violently when the ac was turned on and gets worse when the reverse gear is engaged. That I think started when I changed the AC compressor.

This continued with the new engine. Each time this happens, I noticed that the RPM goes close to 0. Mechanics have tried to raise the RPM but the sound continued.
One morning, I noticed that the sound and vibration was on even when the Ac was not on. NB, this sound disppears on top speed

One mechanic removed the rear sensor on the throttle body (what the mechanics called the injector mouth) and the vibration stopped for while stationary but the rpm was always high and driving was unplesant. I was advised to change the throttle body which i did. Vibration stopped momentarily and started all over again. I changed the throttle body again apparently because they had broken the knob that is used to rregulate the RPM.

Still no soilution.

I also changed the inner shaft cup that fits into the gearbox at one point.
Anyone has an idea what is going on? Any suggestions please?

Siena:

7, 9 and c will increase fuel consumption if neglected.

07) Valve clearance: This is very important. They require checking and adjustment every 105,000 miles. Since average annual mileage is 12,000 miles, you're talking well over 8 years and 6 months worth of driving, so it's not like you'll be having valve clearance checked often. So there's absolutely no reason not to have them attended to. Incorrect valve clearance means the engine can't breathe properly, resulting in poor fuel consumption.

09) and c) are filters, and if they're clogged, fuel consumption will increase.

With regards poor fuel consumption, is it possible you're expecting too much from your vehicle? The only way to see what your consumption's like, is to fill the tank to the brim at least three times. With each fill-up, you need to zero the trip meter (clear the trip to zero) and see how many kilometres / miles register by the time your fuel gauge hits the reserve (or when your fuel warning light comes on). This will give an average consumption.

dregun:
Hi all, pls I need help wit my 2005 acura tsx(16V DOHC, I4) transmission. I changed d gear box in july,and just dis morning on my way 2 work I noticed d " D " light on d dash keeps blinking,later on my gear wldn't select, I turned off d ignition and put it bck on, and everythn'seemed normal...Pls wot cld b responsible 4 dis event?, my mechanic said I'd need 2 replace d ATF,even though I jst did dat 3months ago..pls advice auto gurus, I dnt wnt 2 loose my tranny..