Hi,
I am new to this forum, but already in debt to noz for his help in finding the brake valve linkage that gave me similar problems to his own experiences.

I have a 1992 (June tdi) estate with 97k. bought it 7 years ago, and until recently all the servicing for it was done by a local (UK) one man band garage..

I have done a further 100k with until recently very few problems...
Initially i had poor performance, but after new timing belt and set of injectors it was fine..very pleasant after volvo 740 petrol.

Now I have to do my own servicing having moved to France... and still wait to meet a mechanic with as many spanners as hammers. I used to enjoy fiddling with cars, and bikes ( mainly Jags and Triumphs) but lost interest. Although i am learning a lot about agriculteral machinery. I bought a 1980 Massey ferguson tractor, what attracted me was no oil leaks, and no signs of being fiddled with ( gasket sealer etc. ) When I got it home i decided to give it an oil change and new oil filter. From the paintwork on the filter it seems it was the original one that came with the tractor when it was new. The dealer who sold the tractor to me asked me why did I change the filter.. he simplycould not understand why anyone would change something that was still working, or at least had not caused the motor to stop :)

with the xm, First failure since jan 92 was the brakes locking due to the aforementioned pivot joint. Incidentally, I now think it was also the cause of many false warnings about bulb failures....
Speaking of lights, I have a pair of rhd headlights spare ( result of converting car to french MOT)
My speedo stopped working suddenly.... I am not sure what version my car is...how do i find out, and how can I fix the speedo? It is not a major problem as the rev counter is still working.


many thanks Larry