A doctor who bought a used import S55 Mercedes-Benz took it into Auckland dealership Coutts to get a spare key, an electronic remote. Coutts sent the car’s identifying details to Benz in Germany and back came the spare … but it didn’t work. Try as they might, it couldn’t unlock the doors, start the car, or open the boot. So Coutts sent to Germany the actual key that … [Read more...] about Used Mercedes-Benz rejected spare key from the factory
BMW
Owner takes his protest out on his BMW
One car that didn't take centre stage at the Frankfurt motor show was this BMW 6-Series. Frustrated that BMW in Italy couldn't fix rattles and vibrations in his 6-Series, Iranian-born owner Pourmohseni Hadi and a friend took a sledgehammer and axe to the car outside the show gates. When police arrived, Hadi promised to tidy up any mess and was allowed to continue smashing up … [Read more...] about Owner takes his protest out on his BMW
The top five concept cars at Frankfurt
Car designers all say the same thing: coming up with a concept car that immediately turns heads is hard enough. Making one that blends elements from the past and present with design ideas for the future is harder still. Actually showing one that says “follow us, we’re heading in a different direction”, takes some sort of commitment. 1. Citroen Cactus Citroen has … [Read more...] about The top five concept cars at Frankfurt
New iPhone has ‘car-friendly’ smarts
Apple’s new iPhone and its iOS 7 operating system is expected to be one of the most car-friendly smart phones on the market. Apple hinted at a host of technical smarts in the phone when it unveiled iOS 7 in June and claimed compatibility with “95 per cent” of cars in the United States. The software in the new iPhone (to be called 5S or 6, say reports, and out soon) is … [Read more...] about New iPhone has ‘car-friendly’ smarts
Used import BMW ‘unsafe to drive’
Auckland engineer Peter Macauley emerged from a win in the Small Claims Court with one aim in mind: to shut down the garage that gave a clean bill of health to a used BMW he had bought off TradeMe. A BMW specialist said the 2005 sedan was unsafe to drive. Macauley tabled the report in court. “What annoys me is the car should never have passed compliance,” he … [Read more...] about Used import BMW ‘unsafe to drive’