[Egdik]

A bit of technical first, with thanks to Andy. The photo below shows a bonnet strut prop, made from 15mm od aluminium tube. Cut a length out of one side and add a strip of bicycle inner tube to prevent scratching the piston. This fits over the strut piston to help support the bonnet, even though some stronger struts have been fitted.

bonnet strut prop.jpg

The M54 bmw engines [ours is a 3 litre auto] have acquired a reputation for burning oil because of the design of the oil rings. On our trip to Spain the engine consumed a litre in about 2000 miles. Earlier this year, when an oil change was due we added a litre of Liqui Moly ‘Flushing oil’ to clean out most of the detritus and sludge. We refilled with the same spec oil as before: 5 – 30W synthetic, along with 1 litre of Viscoplus Liqui Moly additive. We have just covered 3000 miles to Italy and back, using only 700cc of oil. 25 – 31mpg

Liqui Moly add and flush.jpg

These were purchased through ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/str/know-more-...p2047675.l2563


Autoroute laybys are very varied, but we found a great pair on the A26 east of Laon with flowers and picnic tables away from the road: Aire de la Croisette eastbound and Aire les Pelerins westbound:


0 sm Aire les Pelerins A26 E of Laon.jpg