New Boy On The Block

I am buying a 04 reg 260 Mk1 SE with 45K on the clock. Its in XPower Grey. Pick it up on Tuesday afternoon. Tested it on Saturday (big grin) slight stone dents in bonnet (can fix). otherwise paint in good condition as is the interior. Engine really smooth though I did think it took a long time to start up the first time from cold (Is that normal or is it because it may have been standing around for a long time). I have traded in my ZT CDTi 135+ auto which is modified up to 170bhp with a 122K on it. Same shape and colour/style.

Always wanted a 260 when they came out. Got mine for £8450 from up in Lancashire near ecclestone.

Have a couple of questions please guys. I believe these engines have timing chains not belts. How easy is it to change the spark plugs and how often should I change the gear box and rear diff oil?

Looking forward to Tuesday and a 125 mile drive home to Worcester.

Plan to fit LPG in the near future as I do a lot of driving (thankfully with a good mileage allowance). Any issues with doing this that anyone knows of.

Thanks,

Hello Max

Welcome to the Two-Sixties.

The car should start quiet easily but like you say may have been hanging around for a while.

Chains, Plugs are okay-ish, just the normal problem of getting to them. The diff oil is okay for 150k, gear box not sure but someone will be along to help with that one.

Good luck for tomorrow and don't forget to complete the questionnaire.

I would change the diff oil. It is quite an easy task. The oil is available from Dreadnought.

The word is that it should be changed at 1000 miles from new, then it is good for 150k. As you probably don't know whether it was changed, I would do it now.

There is no need to change the gearbox oil for 120k, but I would change the engine oil and plugs. Get the oil filter and drain plug kit from Dreadnought. The drain plug is made of plasticene (not really) and you will need a new one.

If you're feeling flush while you're speaking to Dreadnought (or ebay), you may want to order a K&N air filter. The OE paper ones can get quite wet and the K&N is almost a fit and forget. A bit fiddly to change, but if you read through a few threads on the subject, you will see that it is worth checking the air filter housing while it's out, for a drain hole and sealing the joint properly, as water can cause a slight misfire in very heavy rain on the motorway if you don't.

The only other two things you must check are the heater hose and the fuel tank filter clip.


And welcome !,

Phil

Just found out the this is number 167 - ANywone have any info on this one. The car seems in very good condition and as someone who has looked after his CDTi with passion. I am happy with the 260.

I asked the garage this morning about the CD for the SATNAV. He doesnt seem confident that they have that. How bad is that, can I get one from anywhere?

Thanks,

pm sent about sat nav disc

Hi and welcome!

Hope to see you and 167 soon!

:cool:

Hi max and welcome.
The dealership is only a couple of miles up the road from me- I had seen the car in, and am glad it is going to a good home:)

Welcome Max

I called Dreadnought for some advice on a few things and they were very clear that changing plugs shouldn't be necessary until about 90K, -and they're expensive. I'd give it a little while and if it's still slow to start look for something else!
Diff oil is a good idea though, everyone says that the original stuff is "cheap treacle" or something similar. After that forget for at least 90k
I'd advise getting a quote for the diff oil and heater pipe change if you're not going to do it yourself
My garage charged me £130 labour for doing the diff oil, fuel clip and the heater hose, which I thought was OK. I bought some stuff from one guy who'd paid £170 just for the heater hose change!

Any news on th new car Max ?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by black olive

Any news on th new car Max ?

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I've heard pick up is either today or tomorrow now.

Car now safely in my driveway. Very impressed. Have now had a real good look all over, as has my son. Bodywork is a bit better than my old MG, interior is very nice (a bit of wear on the drivers seta (has done 45K)). Drives so very well, so quiet... then! We'll - oh boy..... feel the G's. Fuel comsumption not too much worse than my modified diesel. Issurance is around £800 (only got 3 years no claims).

A lovely british ish muscle car. Everyone in the family loves it. Generally in a very good condition. Looks like the previous owner looked after it. Not much of a service history and the MOT says there is seepage from the diff (so guess the oil has not been changed). Oil service done by garage. Look to change diff and perhaps gearbox oils next month (nearing 46K now). Engine bay looks very good, no leaks etc - some bounch I think from the aux belt as there are marks on the block. Otherwise everyhting looks good. Very quiet when running.

Has standard exhausts (just the right sound for me) and comes with 225 40 x 18 tyres (All new) should this not be 45's? as my old mg has 45s.

Bonuses that I didn't know were in it are. HK Hifi upgrade and Directed Video HVM 700 installed in the headrests (though the remote is missing so wont work at present). But have sourced one I hope from supplier (Directed Electronics).

A very very happy person. Just need a bank loan to drive it now.....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by omnimaxuk

Car now safely in my driveway. Very impressed. Have now had a real good look all over, as has my son. Bodywork is a bit better than my old MG, interior is very nice (a bit of wear on the drivers seta (has done 45K)). Drives so very well, so quiet... then! We'll - oh boy..... feel the G's. Fuel comsumption not too much worse than my modified diesel. Issurance is around £800 (only got 3 years no claims).

A lovely british ish muscle car. Everyone in the family loves it. Generally in a very good condition. Looks like the previous owner looked after it. Not much of a service history and the MOT says there is seepage from the diff (so guess the oil has not been changed). Oil service done by garage. Look to change diff and perhaps gearbox oils next month (nearing 46K now). Engine bay looks very good, no leaks etc - some bounch I think from the aux belt as there are marks on the block. Otherwise everyhting looks good. Very quiet when running.

Has standard exhausts (just the right sound for me) and comes with 225 40 x 18 tyres (All new) should this not be 45's? as my old mg has 45s.

Bonuses that I didn't know were in it are. HK Hifi upgrade and Directed Video HVM 700 installed in the headrests (though the remote is missing so wont work at present). But have sourced one I hope from supplier (Directed Electronics).

A very very happy person. Just need a bank loan to drive it now.....

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Good man.

Lets have the details (including pictures) and I'll open up the other 80% of the site.

Yes 45's

Yes... tyres should be 225/45/18.

Dont worry too much about the belt marks on the block. They all seem to do that. Just keep an eye on the actual belt and monitor for damage.

Ive just had the propshaft end rear diff seal replaced (47k). Dreadnought have replaced a few and have a stock of seals, so possibly quite a common issue with the diff. Changing it is akward though, so take it to a specialist.... or just monitor it and top it up when required until you have traced the problem.

If its got to 46k then I would think if it has had any problems then they will have been found and sorted by now.


And yeah... Love mine. Love the weight, the ride, the feel, the noise etc etc etc :D

Welcome to the fold.

well done - enjoy it!

:cool: