Leak from power steering pump reservoir.
Front seat hydraulics broke - MOT fail.
Water pump leaking at 182000 miles.
New jubilee clip fixed power steering leak.
2nd hand seats fitted - £100 for a pair. Seats are very uncomfortable - too wide & not enough support.
Water pump cost £25, but is a nightmare to fit - everything in the engine bay is in the way - will take the next one to a garage.
Engine is fantastic - as an ex-biker I wanted some cheap performance - the car cost £900 and with 172hp does the job nicely. Unfortunately the handling is typical rear wheel drive - you can slide the back so easily it's ridiculous, especially in the wet.
Very easy and relaxing to drive if you take your time, will bite you if you push too hard.
I can relate to your last comment about the handling - the combination of a greasy road, a little too much right foot and some very unforgiving trees signalled the end of my pride and joy.
My Mini has taken the same bend much, much quicker, so I suppose it was too much to expect the Bimmer to be as chuckable.
You live and learn.
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