A Bluetooth was originally conceived so that any two communication devices could be connected together without the need for wires. Over time, however, mainly as a result of telephone manufacturers using many different systems, this hasn’t proved to be the case and only some Bluetooth phones are now compatible with BMWs.
BMW says it has worked to try to make as many phones as possible compatible but, like other manufacturers, can’t keep pace with an increasing number of systems. Dealers are now supposed to be aware of which Bluetooth phones are compatible with their cars, and that includes compatibility with phone-based, internet/e-mail devices.
For advice on BMW Bluetooth call 0800 325 600, or go to www.bmw.co.uk/bluetooth. Options for the 6-series include the Nokia 6230i and the Motorola V600.
Q A tiny (3-4mm) tear has appeared in the leather surface of my car seat. When brushed flat it is invisible but when brushed in the opposite direction it is visible and susceptible to further tearing. Is a simple repair possible? — JH from St Ives, Cambridgeshire
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AYou’re right not to leave this one because once the flap of leather rips off it will become much more difficult to deal with. We suggest you try the Vinyl & Leather Repair
Kit from www.speeding.co.uk (0845 230 7071), which costs £12.99 including postage.
The kit can be used on various interior trims and includes an adhesive that should be used sparingly to prevent it seeping out and spoiling the surrounding leather during the repair.
It will be easier if you can somehow reach under the seat to press the area from below while an assistant applies pressure from above. Unfortunately this usually means removing the seat. This is easier for some models than others. It could be as simple as unscrewing a couple of bolts and sliding the base off its metal runners but it’s best avoided if there are complex electrics involved.
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Q Is it possible to combine small, practical, safe, cheap to run and low insurance with cool? I’m planning to buy my 17-year-old daughter a car when she passes her driving test and would like to avoid destroying her street cred. My budget is about £4,000. What do you think is the coolest first car option? — MT from London
A Your daughter’s timing could not be better as there is a whole batch of cool small cars starting to appear on the used car market.
You can pick up the cute Fiat Panda 1.1 Active 2003 53 registration with 30,000 miles on the clock for about £3,700. It is insurance group 1 and scored three stars for safety in the Euro NCAP tests.
There is also the funky Citroën C2. A 1.1 litre 53 plate with 30,000 miles on the clock will cost about £4,000. It is also insurance group 1 and received four Euro NCAP stars.
If your daughter is unimpressed with those two then show her the Smart Fortwo. It has only two seats but is packed with great styling features and is a super little drive, plus you can park it practically anywhere. A 2003 03-registration Smart Fortwo Pure costs about £4,000 with 30,000 miles. The 50bhp model is in insurance group 1 and received three Euro NCAP stars.
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It comes with a semi-automatic tiptronic-style gearbox. This is the sort of gearbox that is used on some high-performance Porsches and Audis. There is no clutch pedal but the car can be driven as an automatic or the driver can override this and change gear manually (although the clutch is still automatic). It’s great fun to use.
Q I have been told I should have the cam belt changed on my four-year-old Vauxhall Omega. The advice is to have it changed after four years or 40,000 miles, whichever comes first. My car has done only 26,000 miles. As the replacement will cost £380, do you think it’s necessary? I have just had the cam belt on my wife’s VW Polo changed after eight years. — HB from Eastbourne
A Camshafts used to be driven by chains that could stretch a little at very high mileages but there were still only lottery odds of one snapping.
However, a “rubber” belt was quieter for the occupants and cheaper to make and so became the norm. The downside is that they’re prone to snapping, and when this happens it can totally wreck the engine long before you can switch off the ignition.
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Though you haven’t reached the suggested mileage, you’re at the age limit and wear is only one factor contributing to the need for replacement, the other being the general deterioration and disintegration of the belt over time.
We’d advise you to get the job done. For your own peace of mind, ask the mechanic if you can see the old one, which may be showing signs of wear and/or degradation. You were lucky with your Polo but you might not be lucky again with the Omega.
Q We went into a Ford showroom, wanting to buy a new restyled Galaxy, and asked for a diesel automatic version. The manager’s face fell as he explained we were the fifth family that week to ask for that combination, and that Ford is only making petrol versions at the moment. Do you know when a diesel version goes on sale? — JH from Cheshire
A Ford anticipated that around 75% of new Galaxy sales would be manual gearbox vehicles so initial production is of the manual only. However, a diesel auto is expected in early 2007.
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Although Ford remains tight-lipped about the details, it recommends you register an interest with your Ford dealer who will keep you updated with product information, prices and availability as soon as it comes on the market.
E-mail your questions for our experts to carclinic@sunday-times.co.uk or write to Car Clinic, Driving, The Sunday Times, 1 Pennington Street, London E98 1ST. Please give a daytime telephone number. We cannot send personal replies or deal with every letter. Please do not send original documents or SAEs. Advice is offered without legal responsibility.