Davie F

the disa Vv is held on by 2 T 40 torx bolts and 1 electrical connection, remove these and pull straight out, my one was sheared at the cam drive so simply remove the flap and cam and replace with the kit. Instead of a pin from the top as in the original the new one is bolted through the cam making it a better design. When refitting the flap it must be in the open position as when power is applied it closes. There is a guide on utube for the old design which shows where the screws are and the position of the flap. As I said it is really simple and 15 mins tops. Hope this helps just look on ebay for x5 disa valve. Davie

Hi guys, probably common knowlege but got the repair kit from i6 on the net, all aluminium flap and cam, much better than the original plastic crap, really easy job about 15 mins and only £54 so much cheaper than a replacing the whole thing. Seriously if you can wire a plug you could do this job. Rough idle was the symptom, now running smoooothly again Davie

Thanks for the replies, as said have seen a 4.8 localy on the internet and if still there when I get home in a few weeks will check it out as thinking about it I might aswell get what I really want but the 4.4 was so low in miles that it is mighty tempting. Still I know idealy I want a blue 4.8. Davie

Too true Daz, any tips on checks for the intermadiate levers or just hope its a cold morning. Davie

Not really as I did not think you got them after the 2004 facelift and x drive upgrade but will have a look. Cheers Davie

Thinking of changing my 3.0is, touch wood but it has been a great car and the model of reliability but fancy something with a bit more go. Have seen a 06 4.4is and a 05 4,8is. The 4.4 has only 38K on it while the 4.8 has mid 60s and the 4.4 is slightly cheaper. I prefer the colour of the 4.8 as its exactly the same dark blue as the one I have just now, the 4.4 is black, both the same spec with pan roof and all the toys so the million dollar question is the 4.8 the daddy, I know its only an extra 400cc but have been told they are awsome, is the v8 as reliable as the straight six and any known problems. I work away for more than 6 months a year so slightly older cars in good nick make more sense for me and fuel consumption is not such a huge issue. Cheers Davie

Got a chance to try them in the wet tonight, quite a lot of puddles and the grip were very good , so far given the choice I would buy them again. Davie

Pleased with the Generals so far, have not had a chance to try them in the wet yet but dry grip is great, obviously they are smoother and quieter as they are new so we will see as they wear in, but yeah really happy with my choice so far. Davie

Ok gone for General Grabber UHP, get them when I get home in a fortnight so hopefully they prove to be a good buy. Davie

Removed the offending caliper, it was more dragging than binding and heating the disc over a longer run and causing vibration through the steering wheel when braking. Chipped the corrosion off and cleaned it back to bare metal, extended the piston out without popping it from the seal and cleaned off some light localised corrosion with a scotch pad, gave the caliper a coat of paint, put it back on and gave it a good bleed through and all seems to be fine. Rattle is the lower tailgate as found when I accidently jammed a glove below it and it stopped rattling. Still have not decided on tyres but need to soon as the wheels are going for a refurb and hopefully that will be it. Cheers Davie

Hey Guys, when I bought the car it came fitted with Nexen tyres, 285 rear and 255 front on 19s. Not too happy with them as find the front breaks away due to planing when hitting puddles, back stays planted though. Did not have this problem with the Rangie but it had ATs on. Was thinking about something slightly more aggresive pattern like General Grabber UHP or something like Cooper Zeon 4XS. My dads Terracan has Generals and they seem good and I have used Coopers in the past with good results. Has anyone had any experience with these tyres, Michelin is a no go as had a couple of near misses with them in the past when on wet roads which has put me off them for life. Cheers Davie

Thanks for the reply, its new discs when I bought the car, there is heat at the wheel as I could see it steaming when I washed the car after a long run, have taken off the caliper and cleaned the slides so going a run today and see what happens, will check the back plate. Cheers Davie

Wish the rattle was that simple, have been over everything including checking the exhaust heat shield, tailgate, spare wheel, seems to be worst when going round a right hand corner. Think my vibration is a nearside front sticking caliper, will check that out this weekend. Cheers Davie

Hi guys, had my 04 3.0i sport with 73K & FSH for 2 weeks now, I get an occasional vibration through the steering wheel when braking after about a 50 mile run, it almost feels like a warped disc but it then goes away. It also has an annoying rattle from the rear nearside quarter and cannot find it. Anyone got opinions on getting the autobox flushed, there is no problem with it just thinking about prevention I also don't know if this year model has the gm or zf box, other than that no complaints except my 76 year old dad finds the doors very heavy to open on a hill. Cheers Davie

Thank's for the welcome guy's, will upload some photo's when I work out how to do it. Davie