Shame it’s not on the BBC NI channel I’ve just found on sky channel 953.. unless the listings don’t reflect what’s on.. BBC lond/yorks/east etc all showing same.

Thanks for sharing. Was just wondering about this earlier!

Oh.. and that ^^^ driving instructor wants a good shake, actually no a punch in the throat, and his license taken off him. Tosser

Seen this pop up on my FB feed the other day. Read a few comments then just left it.. It’s a really sad state of affairs that so many people just don’t get it. I like to think of myself as relatively good at problem solving but I just can’t see a solution to this..

I’ve started taking increasingly longer routes to and from the office to just avoid some roads completely.

I had an absolute blinder pulled on me last week.. Car overtook me as I was overtaking a parked van with a car coming the other way.. I checked over my shoulder took position early but the car just came anyway and forced me towards the parked van.. reckon I had about 2 inches either side between car and van. Absolute **** dickhead of the highest order.

Agree that the bars look like Thule but the footpacks look awfully tall and very different from my Thule ones that hug the roofline a lot tighter.

Steve – did you get a photo with your bus lane fine as evidence? There were two or three photos attached to mine when I received it IIRC.

Assuming the bus lane was on the nearside and the camera mounted on the pavement there would be a good view of the bus lane and the normal lane and loads of vehicles skewed all over the bus lane as they avoided the fire engine? Mine had time stamps on as well which could have helped demonstrate that you were stationary/moving slowly.

Also – common sense surely dictates that if a smart motorway sign changes from 70-40 immediately that you’re not expected to jab the brakes on. I’ve never stamped on the brake and never received a speeding fine from such a scenario.

WOW! That is a renovation project of epic proportions! Thanks for sharing and good luck with the works.

You are very brave taking on something as big as this. We renovated our 1960’s 3 bed semi and that was hard work! I’m sure it will be absolutely stunning once you’re finished. ‘Tis a propa hoos that ^^^!

I’m with you on that one MrSalmon. I’m losing patience with it as well. I’m paying a chunk of money every month to have SkySports and I think I’m just going to cancel it.

The lack of overtaking is making the races extremely boring. I know some tracks lend themselves more to being able to overtake but still.. The amount of aero dripping off every conceivable surface of the car is crazy.

I think I’m going to start following the superbikes to get my motorsport fix!

Lol @ aracer!

Bez – just read that. Excellent article. Spot on.

That’s poor form from the bus driver 2tyred. I hate that “tit for tat” argument and have heard it myself – like you say, as if we’re all just equal units on the road. The potential for harm with bus vs cycle is horrific and they scare the shit out of me..

Late last year I had a bus close pass (a foot or less) at circa 50mph and it knocked my confidence. I rang the bus company after getting the reg/bus number/time etc. and basically just said “have a word with the driver because someone will end up dead”. I provided my details but never heard back… Worst bit was there was sweet FA coming the other way so I genuinely think he may not have even seen me. On the plus side, the same bus (not sure about driver) give me plenty of room this morning!

It really is bizarre some of the behaviour you come across riding a bicycle on the road. I got beeped at (twice in 5 seconds) commuting home tonight by a learner (vehicle at least).. I can only assume this was because I dared to ride a whole metre from the curb as it was blowing a hooly and it meant I couldn’t hold as straight a line as I would have liked.

The thing I really don’t get is that me riding to work is 1 less car on th road as it’s sat on my drive! I’m doing them a bloody favour!

In addition to the beeping learner I also had a close pass followed immediately by a sharp braking manoeuvre as the tit stopped to let van coming the other way turn right across the front of them. Nearly went straight thru the rear windy. Imagine overtaking another car in your car and then just slamming the brakes on? Wouldn’t happen.

PMSL! What a toppa!

From the photos the door doesn’t look too bad.. But that rear panel is a mess and it has all the fuel filler cap gubbins in it. I definitely agree with the local (1 or 2 man) bodyshop approach. Where are you? I know a good one in Newcastle I’ve used a few times. However, I think you’re looking at at least £800 ish.

It absolutely boils my piss too. I’ll have to get a photo of this absolutely tosser in me mates street and his work van.. it’s making my angry just writing this and I don’t even live there! Basically think of that Beemer on the previous page but the path is a foot narrower. I don’t know what he thinks will happen to his precious van if he parks it reasonably, the dickhead. I can’t even get started on the prize theobber round the corner running a business from his house.. 3 vans and a pickup with lads coming to get them in the morning and leaving their cars littered about all day. Cheeky bar steward.

Mine doesn’t tram line at all on the non RFT Michelin pilot super sports. They’re a great tyre in the dry.. not so much in the winter!

My old 325i used to tram line pretty badly on the Bridgestone potenza RFTs and that was an SE on 17’s. Deffo more to do with tyres than suspension. I think the RFTs have come a long way but both of our cars (despite not having spares) are on normal rubber.

Flaperon – sounds like you had a bad experience with your 120d. Surprised you thought it was thirsty though? Mate of mine had one and said he rarely went for fuel it was so good. Anyway, I think you’re tom late for Kryton as he already has one..

Cheers Julians – I thought it must be after 300 quids worth of warranty work and no difference! I’d have been raging if it was my own money.

Plus the ZF box is good enough for the new 500bhp quadrafoglio so it must be sporty.. right?

Didn’t know you could play dvds with the pro nav!

I agree with hammy re the sports auto. It’s rapid at shifting in sport and the paddles are a nice size and feel. Nice rev matching on down shifts but not a massive blip. Been passenger in my bosses M3 and now M5 equipped DCT and it’s more aggressive but we’re talking margins. Any doubters just look up the Chris Harris vid they had to re shoot after he thought it was a dual clutch.

Can the people with an M135 do me a favour and wiggle the steering wheel with the engine off please? Does it make a knocking noise? BMW replaced the “shaft” on mine but it still makes a noise… I was told it’s normal but mine was “excessive”.. I only found out when trying to get the steering lock to engage but was told it only comes on when you lock the car.

Robz – what happened to your gearbox and steering column?! I had a steering “shaft” replaced because of a knocking but not sure if that’s the same thing..

Aye, forgot to mention that under cons.. also the coolant issue I posted on here about..!

I’ve had one since new on a 65 plate and done 15k in it. I agree with the comments above especially around the poor sound insulation and some cheap(er) materials. In fact the noise on the motorway is my main con. My two pennies worth:

> ZF ‘box is sweet as a nut. Incredibly smooth in comfort and almost as punchy as a DCT in sport. Only slight niggle here is having 8 speed.. its a couple too many when on the paddles – a head up display would be helpful here but not an option on a 1 series.
> Engine is an absolute cracker – pulls from low down and although not a banshee top end it’s very good. If I haven’t put my foot down for a while I forget how fast it is.. Full bore starts from a standstill are hilarious and 18months in still have me howling like an idiot at the complete unnecessary nature of 320bhp in a little hatch.
> I’m on standard dampers – it’s not exactly an S class on ballon tyres but i wouldn’t call it crashy.. just firm.
> Since the LCI (facelift) you can now spec a LSD but for some weird reason the misses wanted the comfort pack for parking sensors over a differential.. weird that! But, I think it needs it.. I’m no Chris Harris but the few times I have stepped beyond the limit have scared the shit out of me as its hard to control once going sideways and adjusting what’s going on needs to be done quicker than my reactions!!
> As above re fuel economy. Good relatively speaking. 23 round doors. 40 possible driving like an angel..
> I’ve got the standard BMW speaker system and it’s dog shit.. but the HK one is an expensive option but for the most part I just like the sound of the engine/exhaust! (Neighbours may not like you as it’s loud on a cold start and that’s not even with the sports exhaust)

That’s the main bits I think. The car can be as mad or friendly as you want really.

Cheers crofts/footflaps.

Lol @ Submarined. I had quite a lot of moss last year and could not believe how much moss and other crap the scarifier pulled out of the lawn! Think I filled 1 black sack from the mower and about 8 from the scarifier.. there wasn’t much green left!

I did my theory a few weeks ago.. hazard perception can catch some people out as noted above. Make sure to do plenty of practice ones. You can click the button a lot more often than you would imagine before it thinks you’re just systematically clicking all the time. I was clicking 3-4 times for all “potential” hazards on the real thing and passed no bother. Whereas on the first few practices I was only clicking once and losing lots of points. I’m about to book my rider training so will consult this thread when I do! Good luck with it.

I had some howlers in the theory. Something along the lines of: you are first on the scene of an accident, someone is injured on the ground, do you:

A Get them a cup of tea
B Take then for a walk
C Talk to them and reassure them
D Offer them a cigarette!!

I giggled and got a hacky look off the invigilator..

Well played that man. Cool, calm, collected and absolutely nowt wrong with his riding. Copper didn’t know his stuff. Amazes me how many people think bikes should be in the gutter and say stuff like “well how am I meant to get past otherwise?”… Well your not you dick you just have to wait.. even more incredible in city centres where the bike will inevitably re-overtake them and 20 other cars! Gonna stop typing now.. getting angry!

Bloody hell – so are the numbers from BMW conservative then?! I thought they were 4.8 to 60… I’m going to have to time my 135i using launch control now! (Never even tried it before..)

335d? Is it stock or chipped? 4.4s to 60 is impressive either way!

Luggage carousels at the airport.. Specifically anyone standing in front of the yellow line/in the hatched area and thus making it impossible to actually get your case off when it eventually comes round because:

a) You can’t **** see it because of all the people; and
b) If you’re lucky enough to spot it through a baws hair line of sight there’s no space to approach the bloody carousel!!

ARRRGHHHHHH!! I had this on Friday.. not much you can do with a) but on b) I was quite happy with myself for just shouting “move” and smashing our suitcases off anyones legs that didn’t listen. Inconsiderate arseholes the lot of them. This would be punishable by death in my world.

I subscribe to Evo magazine.. saved up 4 editions for me holidays and I’ve nearly read them all cover to cover after 8 days.. gonna have to start talking to my lass shortly!

If you’re a petrolhead it’s a brilliantly written car mag. I also play the classifieds game at the back of the magazine..

Haven’t read all the replies but I would tell them to go take a running jump the bunch of ***** chancers. If it goes on the road it needs proper marking with signs/lights. We had some block pavers leave a load of bags of sand and some blocks on the road with only some red/white tape… before my dad uttered “should we move that son?” Some lass cattled her hatchback into the lot.. proper shunt/bang and bumper hanging off job. Guessing she was pissed/on phone as no one ever came knocking!

Haven’t read all the replies but I’d avoid the exterior/interior scotch/X/guard stuff unless free. I managed to get it free and TBH wasn’t impressed. The dealer will probably introduce more swirls than do any good.. I explicitly tell the dealer (BMW) to NOT wash my car when it’s in… on account of me being a pure fanny (DIY car detailer)! They went against that once and guess what? Shite loads of swirl marks.. interesting seeing onlookers in the dealer watching me having a right pop for them actually washing my car. If you’re interested in protecting your new motor just take your cash to a local company for a new car detail/protect.

Cracking episode!! The Porsche vs Lambo up the mountain was incredible and looked like so much fun! Would love to do something like that. Lucky boys getting to do that for a living.

It’s got mr questioning M3 or Giulia though.. always thought it would be the Beemer but not so sure now! Can’t afford either one of them mind.

It’s also a king size pain in the arse.. Ours broke recently and within 24 hours conversations along the lines of “what should we eat tonight to minimise dishes” were happening. Luckily it magically started working again before I had to part with cash for an engineer to look at it

We live on a busy main road but as above it’s the noise pollution that’s starting to piss me off.

It was a 30 zone when we moved in but no the whole town is a 20. We live maybe 20 metres from a 90 degree bend but it still doesn’t stop people hammering down at 40mph (50 at night sometimes with the boy racers), heavy on the brakes then accelerate again. Absolutely crazy and within 12 months of moving in there was a lassy wedged in a neighbours garden after clearing 2 big kerbs and narrowly missing the paper lad.

Anyway bit off topic/ranty there but noise is a big factor and that’s in a bloody 20 zone!

Haha! I can relate to most of that lot ^^^. The “getting in contact with moving parts” one is my pet hate though. You can hear it through the cycle, CLUNK CLUNK CLINK CLUNK!!! We’ve had full blown barnies in our house about dishwasher loading.. my better half can fill it with 4 items.

Petrol all day long in a Mini Cooper. We have a 59 plate Cooper with the 1600 NA 4 pot in it. Think it’s 120 bhp or thereabouts. Cracking little motor. Petrol is much more refined in a little car, more finesse to it and they don’t sound like a tractor. Nothing worse than a diesel motor being thrashed – bloke round the back of mine red lines his derv Audi most mornings and it’s a nasty harsh sound.

Each to their own though. I’ve never owned a diesel, never plan to. I test drove a 335d xdrive F what’s it and thought it was dull as dishwater.. mental fast but ultimately dull. I quite happily jumped back into my old 325i at the time knowing the diesel wasn’t for me.

FD – I take it the fuel consumption has got a lot better since when it was new?! You were reporting 20mpg (on the IC engine alone admittedly) a couple of months back

A favourite of mine at the moment is “piss ant”

One of the lads came out with this cracka the other day to one of the other lads: “you’ve got a vein of pure idiot running straight through you mate”

I was ill laughing

5p8 – depends on the cam.. the older style ones take two photos and and calculate distance/over time (between painted lines). Photo 1 = you getting blinded. Photo 2 = nowt there..

You won’t get done by a fixed cam overtaking on a single carriageway.. camera’s pointing the wrong way innit.. bloody bright flash tho!

Sounds like rats.. We’ve had issues in the past and it’s not a nice thing to deal with. As above – definitely go with traps over poison.. I had the displeasure of fishing a dead ‘un from under the floor at peak smelly phase.. the single most awful smell I have ever encountered! (thanks next door for putting loads of poison down!)

If it is rats, you need to try and find out where they are getting in. They live in the sewers so any entry/exit of waste pipes etc. is a good place to start. Do you have easy access under the floor? Get a few traps down there as well. As above, their pee stinks to high heaven as well so if you pull up some boards and it stinks you have an answer.

Fly! That was it! My mate had a couple of cars (Dodge Viper I think..) and they were ridiculous, and that was them – been trying to recall that one for a while.

PMSL at “designated wife space”!