Michael McAleer answers your queries
From Michael MacMahon:
For the past 20 years or so we have owned a car with a sunroof. We like the absence of a draught from an open side-window. We are considering changing to a car with climate control but no sunroof and have been told that climate control is just as good if not better than a sunroof. What do you think?
Once only found in continental cars, climate control has now become increasingly common in Irish cars and a popular feature with motorists. For our money we would opt for air-con rather than a sunroof, if only because we don't like to tempt fate.
Without disparaging the quality of those who fit them, sunroofs offer yet another opportunity for water to leak in, rust to build up around the edges, and yet another mechanical part that can fail. All for the benefit of getting sunburn on the crown of your head. Furthermore, for temperature purposes it's a rather arbitrary way of cooling the car. Climate control offers more calculated control, with the benefit of cooling or heating the car as required, combined with the comfort of mind in knowing that there is one less opening for leaks.
From Brian Burke:
I own a 1996 E200 and am interested in trading up. Can you advise on a four-wheel drive that could be compared favourably in terms of comfort and driving style? I'm aware of the ML320 and 270 options but the costs (€30,000 to €40,000) are outside my range.
Unfortunately your price bracket limits the range of new 4x4s available to you. What's more, this year will see the launch of a broad range of new or updated 4x4 offerings from some of the premier marques. There is no use listing off the usual suspects in the 4x4 market, most of which are outside your price bracket.
That's not to say that there are not some very good value 4x4s on the market within your price bracket, such as the Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4-litre petrol at €32,245. But, if you are more inclined towards executive marques, all is not lost. You could try the second-hand market. A quick survey of used prices in recent weeks in this paper shows that you could get a 1999 ML320 for about €45,000.
From M Dore, Co Dublin:
My father bought a Morris Commercial van about 1934/'35 and I'm looking for information and photos for the family scrapbook. Do you know of a Morris car museum or club which might have such information? I'd be obliged for any information you can give me.
Our mine of motoring information, RIAC archivist Bob Montgomery suggests your best course of action is to get in touch with the Morris Owners Club in Ireland: The Irish Morris Minor Owners Club, c/o Ms Maureen Dillon, 48 Merchamp, Seafield Road East, Clontarf, Dublin 3. There is also a British club that may be able to help - its website is at www.morrisminoroc.co.uk
From Maurice Jones, Dublin:
I'm driving a BMW 728i 1986 model with 100,000 miles on clock. It's a beautiful car to drive though I cover only about 5,000 miles per year. I'd love to get it a make-over as it's now quite unique.
My difficulty is that I feel that a major BMW dealer wouldn't be interested in the work as it would be rather fiddley and time-consuming thus prohibitivly expensive. Mechanically the car goes well but the wiring etc is now showing signs of wear and tear.
I'd be happy to spend a few thousand to restore it. Could you advise me if there are any specialist companies who would undertake this kind of work?
First impressions are that, if you enjoy the car so much and want to ensure it stays mobile, you may as well do the job right. You could try contacting Dave Breech of Breech Motors, Walkinstown, who specialises in BMWs and comes well-recommended in BMW circles.