Mot...

[Themoog2]

Had the MOT today.
Pass. No advisories. Get in! Not bad for a 20yr old..
The only thing he mentioned to me was that I have the wrong tail light bulbs in. Apparently they should be 5w but mine are 21w (?) so they are as bright as my brake lights. Never knew. Been like that for years.
It's still in having the AC compressor swapped for a used one that hopefully won't vibrate like the one that's on now.

[Alan Gunn]

I think 21w is correct.
They dim to be side lights then full for brake well i think that is what i have in my 21 year old.
Changed one for last MOT in December ???? pretty certain it was 21w i put in.

[X5Sport]

21W is what the spec says for all taillight unit lamps.

Worth having a look in case there is a fault with the dimming circuit itself.

[Themoog2]

Disaster!
The used ac compressor turned out to be seized.. So much for a 30 day warranty. Its been in my garage for over 6 months.
I've had to order a new one at £185 ( should have done that in the first place) so now I'm driving around with no ac as the old compressor has been removed.
I shall have it all put back together when the new one arrives.

[Leslie]

Used compressors always a bit of a gamble really , most will be well worn by now

[Themoog2]

The new compressor is on its way so I'm booked in next week to have it put back together.
Would you believe it - a tail light bulb blew this morning..
Mine has the top bulb lit and also the one below it. Is that correct? Why does it need 4 bulbs lit up

[Alan Gunn]

My 2002 E53 has them all lit up as well.

[X5Sport]

I thought that the upper pair should only come on with really heavy braking. BMW call it ‘brake force display’ and it’s supposed to wake dozy drivers behind that you really are stopping and in a hurry. I believe in later models the brake lights will flash as well. I can’t remember which model/version and year it happened though.

[Alan Gunn]

Learn something new every day.

[Themoog2]

Finally got round to having a new AC compressor installed today. What a difference- engine is smooth as. Fresh MOT so all good.
Got a few other bits to sort out over the summer. New front driveshafts and the steering universal joint (I think). Not necessary but I’m gradually going through the car to make it as new or better than it was when new in terms of NVH.