Evening all. I've just received some good news and some bad news.

[lardhelmet]

Which would you like first?

[craft1948]

tell us both and we'll decide which is which.....

[lardhelmet]

My car passed its MOT with flying colours.

At 40,000 miles the cam belt is due to be replaced according to BMW (and it's very expensive). My car's done 43,000 miles

[Everhelpful]

Should be good for another 10,000 miles at least.

[craft1948]

oh er........well if you don't drive it much you'll have longer to save up.

[lardhelmet]

Thank you Ever - do you know how much-ish "very expensive" might be?

[wiggal]

Very expensive will be considerably cheaper than a new engine if your cam belt does go!

[lardhelmet]

Thanks wiggal. Just wanted to know if we're talking hundreds or thousands here - need to mentally prepare myself you know?

[wiggal]

When we had a Vectra 2.5 v6 and the cam belt went, it was going to be around £2000 to fix, we ended up scrapping the car!

If it goes, you are very likely to be talking about replacing the engine, which in general is pretty pricey whatever car you have!

[lardhelmet]

Bl**dy 'ell! Have all cars got these belts then?

[wiggal]

Are you sure it is a belt and not a chain?

[4getmenot]

no some cars have chains

[4getmenot]

chains should last same as car and wouldnt need changing

[lardhelmet]

I was told belt. Why - would that make a difference?

[wiggal]

Yea, because a chain is much durable.

What model BMW is it?

[lardhelmet]

It's not a BMW - it's a Hyundai 2l coupe. BMW only did the MOT

[wiggal]

In which case it would be about £200/£300 to get it replaced, which definitely would be worth it and could be saving you a lot in the not too distant future!

[lardhelmet]

Thanks to everyone who answered - especially wiggal - it's much appreciated

[wiggal]

Aw ta lard!

[theonlyone]

Can't you ring around for a quote ? It maybe cheaper ...

[lardhelmet]

I'm on it theonlyone - but I bet the Hyundai garages are the only ones with the special cambeltfixing grommet gun and I'll have to let them do it if I extend the warranty.