Can BMW be forced to recall alloys where there's significant failure

My two BMW's with 19-inch alloys have experienced cracks on four of the wheels. This is a common problem which BMW continue to contest responsibility. The cracks are normally formed on the inside of the...

Winter tyres or all-weather tyres for rear-drive cars?

My daughter would like either a BMW or Mercedes-Benz but is very nervous about rear wheel drive in the snow & ice. I know from your excellent articles that you have enthusiastic views on winter tyres....

Buying replacement tyres

I am at present running a 2009 BMW 120d SE convertible (with which I am very pleased). It is fitted with Continental Premium Contact SSR tyres size 205/55 R16 91V runflats. What would you recommend replacing...

Water got into my BMW - should I repair or write-off?

My seven year old, 125k miles BMW 530d suffered water ingress last week. The insurer's garage won't take the engine to bits and have costed £13k for a replacement power unit - so it's a write off. The...

Too many short trips

I have been told by my local BMW dealer that my driving profile, as it appears on the car’s computer, is 'undesirable', due to too many short trips (like many of your readers have already confessed to...

Audi Q5 or BMW X3 - which SUV?

We intend to trade in our Audi Q5 2.0 TDI SE soon. Although the car has been reliable, the unsettled ride and the DSG gearbox have made us think twice about owning another Q5. We have dismissed the Range...

Choice of three executive saloons - which would you recommend?

I have a budget of around £25k to buy an executive saloon. My criteria are as follows: - Diesel, over 45 combined mpg - Auto preferable but manual okay - Extras to include sat-nav, leather, heated seats -...

Winter tyres

My new BMW 3-Series has R18 run-flat tyres fitted as standard. BMW offers R17 run-flat winter tyres and wheels; would that be better than an independent supplier fitting R18 run-flat winter tyres only...

My BMX X5 sat-nav only accepts four- or five-digit postcodes

My sat-nav on my BMW X5 SE 2009 model only accepts four- or five-digit postcodes in the UK. Works superbly in France, but useless in the UK. Is there an upgrade that I can load to bring it up to the latest...

Could you do a long range economy test on a hybrid vs a modern diesel?

I love diesels as they suit the terrain here in southern Spain; lots of steep hills where you do not need to change to a lower gear to easily get up them, but we have to go with the flow I guess. I have...