XSeries-forum

So the specialist came back to me and said it needs a rear back plate and fitting kit and it'll be £500 to fix the issue with the handbrake... anyone any idea where that falls on the reasonableness scale?

I’d say the little pin are missing that hold the shoes in place because the back plate has rusted and they can’t do their job. To renew the backplate properly they need to remove the hub which means disconnecting the drive shaft and well a whole mountain of work which will probably show up/create other problems. A ridiculous amount of work and money to renew a backplate. Personally I’d cut the backplate off and cut a line in the new one which can then be fitted and if it made you feel better put a couple of spot welds where it was cut. Putting at least £300 back in my pocket. Backplates are normally renewed if rusted when a wheel bearing needs changed. I feel these people are taking advantage. £500 to renew a backplate, I’m still palpating.

Even if the handbrake cable needs replacing OEM is £40 and after market is £20. A pair of backplates are £33. Having done both on the driveway with a jack it not rocket science and in a workshop with a lift would be piss easy.

The saga continues!

So I went to the specialist this afternoon, paid the remaining £230 of my £345 bill and collected my car.

The door card nearly came off in my hand when I got in - admittedly there was an issue with it, it wasn't 100% secure, but it was attached top and bottom when I took it in, but okay if not expecting it and a little rougher, I could see it coming off and can't argue about that too much.

However, when I put the key in, I just thought the display looked a bit blank - nothing came on at all until I pressed the button on the left hand stick. Something was missing but I couldn't quite place it.

Anyway, it's only after looking at some dashes online and going out and double-checking mine and doing a cluster check that I realised the mileage / temp strip is no longer displaying, so I'm going to have to call them about that tomorrow.

I know for a fact it was working when I took it in, I got the mileage off it a few days ago and noted it down, I also have a picture from my cluster check a few days ago as evidence if they try to dispute it - very frustrating.

Does that mean the parking brake and backplate saga is fixed.

No, I have it booked in on Wednesday to hopefully get that resolved. Not with the Specialist.

I called the specialist this morning about the LED strip not being visible, I had to chase them up for a reply this afternoon and got them to agree to take it back in and look at the cluster, albeit they'd clearly rather I just accepted their assertion it was working the last time they touched it.

Quick update on this one:

1: So we established DPF and O2 sensors not relevant to my car, nor the EML light for MOT.
2: The EML now does light up when putting the key in the ignition, the specialist fixed this without really realising.
3: Got the handbrake adjusted for £60.
4: The specialist restored functionality to the mileage strip.
5: Passed MOT with flying colours.

Now to fix the door card and maybe look for fun and interesting retrofit projects.

Glad it’s all worked out. Onward and upward.

Result

Great news