Just for starters I own an 08 197 and recently I noticed a couple of problems emerging.
1) Knock from nearside when going over bumps - occurs when going over the other side of speed bumps or through dips in road - my first instinct was the shocks.
2) I can feel a knock through the steering wheel - when pulling off stopping and turning at slower speeds. I can feel increased vibration when I put the car through its paces. It also knocks when stationary and you turn the wheel from quarter lock to centre on both sides.
Took it to the local dealer (Co-op Nottingham) for them to investigate. They told me they couldn't hear the near side knock but they could feel the knock through the steering when they test drove it, however as it was intermittent there is nothing they can do - my response was - rubbish if it's there's any knock through the steering at all then something isn't right.
I re-booked to take the RTE out to prove the near side knock existed and duly did so. Within 20 seconds of driving we heard it at least 4 times. I then showed him the knock when stationary and explained about the vibration at high speed. He said he would investigate.
I then received a phone call telling me that they can't find the fault for the knock on the nearside so I've got to let it get worse and bring it back! Ok yes I'll just let a suspension/control arm component get worse on a 190bhp car - very safe advice.
Then I asked about the knock through the steering and they said what's that? I said the other problem on the card....the lady replied it's not on the card! She told me she's ask the mechanic and call back. I got a call about an hour later stating that they'd test drove it around the local area and couldn't find anything. I then said "hmmmm the local area is a built up area isn't it?" "yes" the lady replied. "so how exactly did they test for vibration at speed then if they didn't go above 30? She had no answer.
Let's just say I was slightly irritated. Two trips to the dealer that is 12 miles away only to get fobbed off twice and still I've got a quick car that I dare not push too hard for fear of a steering/suspension problem mid-corner.
This is beyond a joke. Has anyone experienced either of the above issues? If so can you shed some light please? so I can at least point them in the right direction.
Secondly does anyone know of a good dealer in the east midlands? I fear I may have to make a trip to an RS specialist -nearest one is 90mins away in Peterborough!
Cheers.
1) Knock from nearside when going over bumps - occurs when going over the other side of speed bumps or through dips in road - my first instinct was the shocks.
2) I can feel a knock through the steering wheel - when pulling off stopping and turning at slower speeds. I can feel increased vibration when I put the car through its paces. It also knocks when stationary and you turn the wheel from quarter lock to centre on both sides.
Took it to the local dealer (Co-op Nottingham) for them to investigate. They told me they couldn't hear the near side knock but they could feel the knock through the steering when they test drove it, however as it was intermittent there is nothing they can do - my response was - rubbish if it's there's any knock through the steering at all then something isn't right.
I re-booked to take the RTE out to prove the near side knock existed and duly did so. Within 20 seconds of driving we heard it at least 4 times. I then showed him the knock when stationary and explained about the vibration at high speed. He said he would investigate.
I then received a phone call telling me that they can't find the fault for the knock on the nearside so I've got to let it get worse and bring it back! Ok yes I'll just let a suspension/control arm component get worse on a 190bhp car - very safe advice.
Then I asked about the knock through the steering and they said what's that? I said the other problem on the card....the lady replied it's not on the card! She told me she's ask the mechanic and call back. I got a call about an hour later stating that they'd test drove it around the local area and couldn't find anything. I then said "hmmmm the local area is a built up area isn't it?" "yes" the lady replied. "so how exactly did they test for vibration at speed then if they didn't go above 30? She had no answer.
Let's just say I was slightly irritated. Two trips to the dealer that is 12 miles away only to get fobbed off twice and still I've got a quick car that I dare not push too hard for fear of a steering/suspension problem mid-corner.
This is beyond a joke. Has anyone experienced either of the above issues? If so can you shed some light please? so I can at least point them in the right direction.
Secondly does anyone know of a good dealer in the east midlands? I fear I may have to make a trip to an RS specialist -nearest one is 90mins away in Peterborough!
Cheers.
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