BMW 3 Series - why has the engine light come on?

My 2010 BMW 3 Series diesel has done just over 30,000 miles and the engine function light (Orange) is displayed intermittently. My Independent Garage has run a full diagnostic test and is not really sure...

Should I buy a diesel?

I'm looking to buy a diesel; mainly for the long distance drive I usually do and the tax rates. However my friend recently told me that diesel cars have received a huge backlash in publicity. He also...

Can a stop-start system cause turbo damage?

I have just ordered a Skoda Octavia 1.2 petrol. The car has a stop-start system fitted for economy, but surely it is good practice to let a turbo engine idle for a short time to allow the turbo to cool?...

Ford S-Max suffering injector problems - can I fix it myself?

My Ford S-Max has a diesel leak from what I believe is the fuel injector manifold. It sits in the middle of the engine and six silver metal pipes come off to feed the injectors and the top has three ridges...

Peugeot 206 SW - when should I change the glow plugs?

I have a 2004 Peugeot 206 SW with a 2.0 HDi engine. It has 72,000 miles on the clock, mostly on long motorway trips, and has been maintained according to its schedule. Do you think it worthwhile changing...

Ford C-Max suffering from turbo spindle play

I was servicing my Ford C-Mas 1.6 diesel the other day and noticed the end of the turbo spindle has about 1mm of play. The car has done 75,000 miles and has been serviced with OEM parts all its life and...

What's the best family car for £3000?

I'm after a cheap family estate or hatchback to get a dog, kids and and pram into. Ideally, I'd like a diesel Ford Mondeo, but only cover 24 miles a day. What do you suggest I buy? I have £3000 to spend.

Diesel Corsa blowing blue smoke on start up

My Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 diesel has stated blowing blue smoke on start up. The exhaust usually clears after a few minutes, under acceleration, and the car drive fine. I've also had the injectors checked,...

Diesel in oil - how has this happened?

I had the ‘Engine Malfunction’ warning light on my Ford Mondeo (2008) recently. I took the car to my local dealer and they said it was down to a faulty sensor and reset it. However, the car has now died...

Why does my Ford Mondeo stall in cold weather?

I have a repetitive problem with my 2002 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi - the car stalls in cold weather It only happens for the first few hundred metres and only when I stop accelerating and it drops to idle...