Car is going to be booking it into dealers soon. Not sure if I want to do it before the meet and risk not getting it back or wait until afterward.
So far my list of problems:
Rattling - cant pinpoint exactly where its coming from, but it sounds like from behind the dash/
lower part of centre console/under handbrake. Open the door and it sounds like its coming from the centre part of the exhaust.
Problem is, its only there once warmed up, and its not there every day. Its also only rattling when at idle.
Head tecchie came and looked at it the other day, so hopefully he'll know what the
problem is (every other time its been put it in the garage, they can never replicate the sound. So when it happened again, I happened to be round the corner from service dept, so I made them come and listen lol)
Starting to have trouble getting into 1st gear - Only noticed in the last few days. If i'm sitting at lights, I sometimes have real trouble getting into 1st. Normally this can be cured by releasing the clutch then re-applying. But that doesn't always work
Slight hesitiation/flat spot at around 3-4.5k revs Only noticed the flat spot the other day. It has the feeling of a 'double boost' ie I feel the turbo coming on boost, then it gets to around 5k and i feel it come on boost again lol It never used to do this. Looking back at some very old threads, i've noticed 1 or 2 people saying the 'Cam Variator' can be the cause of such an issue. So I want to take it in and see what they think. This 'cam variator' is apparantly also possibly the reason why these engines sound like diesels on tickover??
Also while its in I want them to check the cam follower on the fuel pump. Am still a little unsure if my engine is actually affected or not But regardless I want it checked to be 100% sure.
Jacking point covers Mine has become very loose due to it having the plastic retainer clip snap off. So am going to take it off completely and get a replacement
Paint literally stripped from sideskirt edge:
This is drivers side, passenger side is on its way too.
So going by that list I imagine it'll be in there for a few weeks. Think i'll wait till after the meet.
In the mean time with regard to the rattle, and the flat spot/cam variator. Can anyone throw up any ideas?