I would like to buy a new BMW 520 - should I get a petrol or diesel version?

It is now time to change from my nine-year old BMW 525 diesel. I am retired and do about 4000 miles per year. I do lots of short journeys of around seven miles, with very occasional longer trips. The dealer...

What's causing my Mondeo diesel to hesitate momentarily?

I have noticed while travelling between 50-70 mph that the engine of my Mondeo 1.6 TDCI seems to hesitate or cut-out momentarily, and then cut back in immediately without any dashboard indication. What...

Why did Royal Mail buy Fiat diesel vans with DPFs?

My postman tells me that Royal Mail recently took delivery of new Fiat vans fitted with diesel particulate filters. Now postal workers on suburban stop-start 'walks' are sitting revving the engines to...

Is DPF technology improving in modern diesel cars?

A few days ago the BBC R4 ‘You & Yours’ programme had a feature on DPF problems. It said that the Salvation Army, which apparently runs 700 company cars, had stopped buying diesel models because of DPF...

Do you agree with this BMW service manager's views on DPF maintenance?

I had a very interesting chat with a service manager at BMW Battersea whilst collecting my car. I have a 12-month-old new model X3 3.0-litre diesel. I do a low mileage for a diesel (about 9000 miles a...

Will the Porsche Cayenne stop-start system damage the battery or DPF?

A friend is purchasing a Porsche Cayenne diesel with a stop-start fuel saving cut-out facility. Firstly, does this rapidly destroy a battery (with all the re-starts)? Secondly, as a diesel with a DPF,...

Is a seven mile journey enough to allow my BMW 320d's DPF to regenerate?

I drive a BMW 320d and was interested in your response to the email from EJ, Market Rasen concerning the burning off of diesel particulates. What do you consider to be a short journey? I travel seven miles...

Buying a SEAT Leon - petrol or diesel?

I am buying a new SEAT, but am undecided between buying a Leon 1.4TSI 140 or the 2.0TDI 150. I lean towards the petrol version but plan to keep the vehicle long term and wonder about the potential longevity...

What's the best cleaning products for diesel engines?

The emissions warning light is illuminated on my BMW 5 Series diesel. My local garage has said it is due to carbon deposits in the manifold and wants more than £2000 to clean it. Can I do it myself? I...

Dacia Duster - do they suffer DPF problems?

My husband is thinking of buying a diesel Dacia Duster, but is hesitating because of the DPF - he is a mechanic so is aware of the problems they can cause. He’ll drive around eight miles a day and the...