Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

I’ve ordered this so hopefully it will do the trick.

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Nah just use toothpaste like the youtube guides show ;)

Last set of lights I did, used some 3m clear coat wipes that local trade paint shop had as I didn't fancy removing the lights.

I need a new air con compressor - genuine new Audi part £1600. Used genuine Audi part £93 posted (with one month warranty). Do I even need to ask?

Any idea what caused the failure? Is it a common thing and the replacement will be the same?

Any other of the VAG group share the pump?

Old age is the likely reason for its demise.
My mechanic hasn’t mentioned another suitable replacement part and he would know. The £93 one is probably the best option. Fitting etc will be around £100 including regas- the air con place will fit it not the mechanic.

I'm considering chopping in the Outback for something newer, plug in hybrid, capable of towing (small caravan or backing ski boat down a pier).

Top candidate is a Mitshubishi Outlander, enough plug in range to do my daily commute on electronic only. Petrol power for family holidays and can tow.

Any other good alternatives?

Any known issues with the Outlander? I've seen rumblings about battery degradation.

Any known issues with the Outlander? I've seen rumblings about battery degradation.

My brother has one and seems happy with it, although he's only had it for 9 months or so.

So what do we think of the lucid air? I'm quite a fan, purely based on looks. Has a simplicity about the design but very cleverly done to disguise the proportion. Also has a slight Citroen vibe, from the rear 3/4.
Now if only we could get an affordable ev hatchback that isn't $60,000 plus. And no, Australia doesn't get the Honda e.

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Ok so is the £93 going to be in a similar condition.
I'd see what other VAG cars the pump fits and try and find one with the newest possible. Then again £100 for fitting and regas and re oil is a good price compared to just a regas.

Also, the Polestar O2, I think they have designed a better Z car than Nissan did. Concept only but...

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The air con guys have worked at the car twice. Bumper off job. And they took no money. They changed a valve that wasn’t faulty and checked the pressure on the system so I can’t complain.
The used part will likely be of a similar age to the current part but it’s been broken for about three years so I can live with it.

I’m not paying £1600!!!

Just saying the price to fit everything and re gas is good.

Am thinking that if there is a new model VAG car fitted with the same pump. Find a pump with less miles and less age. But at that price I'd have the pump changed and hope that seals hadn't dried from not being used for so long.

Thanks. You are right but it’s finding the right part. And, so far, I haven’t been charged for the labour etc for removing the bumper.

Normally not a fan of over designed wheels (pepper pots being the exception), but those cross ones on the Polestar do look cool.

Need bike transport options for the e46.

It strikes me that tow bar will be convenient but pretty (very) expensive.

Roof rack will be easy to source but crap for fuel efficiency and I’ll no doubt damage the bikes forgetting they’re on the roof.

For occasional trips, are the ones that just strap to the back door ok? We’ve used an ancient one on my wife’s jazz, but it’s pretty ancient and now missing bits. Will just be for 2 bikes.
Any tips?

Edit: Halfords and other websites saying you can’t fit a rear mount to an e46 touring.

Also, is getting the e46 320d remapped a terrible idea that’ll make it explode?
The remapping companies make some fairly big claims (which is tempting of course).

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So you're worried about the fuel economy of having a bike on your roof, but also want a remap?

🤔

Ignore the Halfords website, it’s shit - go to specific manufacturer sites to check fitment.

Fb marketplace is a good place to get lightly used racks.

If your bikes don't have mudguards buy this ?

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/373584/

Halfords and other websites saying you can’t fit a rear mount to an e46 touring.

Do you have a plastic or metal wing at the top of the tailgate. Rear racks don't play nicely with plastic.

Good (which, sadly, is synonymous with expensive) tow-ball mounted racks will drop on, lock in place and generally make your life easy. Those spiders webs of cheap webbing and hooks will always be a pain to install, and you'll never be 100% confident that the damn thing is going to stay attached for the whole journey.

Neither of my Mercedes estates were homologated for towing, so I had to use roof mounted racks - which tbh were fine and I can state with some authority that they'd cope with the speeds your remap will unleash.

I can state with some authority that they'd cope with the speeds your remap will unleash.

Genuinely lolling. Would rep.

Edit: even if I get it remapped I’ll still drive it like a pensioner tbh.

Should have bought the Rover 75 tourer with the same engine and no flaps in the inlet.

Don't drive it like a pensioner, learn to use the engine properly.