General New to the Forum - Panda 100hp

[P3rks]

Hi Guys,

New to the forum and Fiat Ownership. I'm typically a VW chap and currently own a BMW M140i.

I've just bought a 100hp for the Mrs with a genuine 22k on the clock!

I can't upload pictures as yet.. Only 4 more posts to go!

It's in great condition all around other than the exhaust flexi as an MOT advisory and it has a knock/wobble sound coming from the driver's side rear over bumps. I suspect this is bump stop or shock related? The passenger side bump stop has actually popped out and is rattling around inside the spring.

I think I'm going for Fiat Coupe Bump Stops as they are shorter but unsure on the shocks. Any recommendations? I'm not wanting anything stiff, it's stiff enough as it is. I'm thinking Bilstein B6 - Would I be fine just swapping the rears or would I need to do fronts too?

 

[jackwhoo]

I expect the mot noted sound is the bump stop bouncing around and location of noise was "accidentally​" swapped on report.
My advice is just drive it for several weeks before changing anything . that way you get used to it's characteristics and if you change anything in future you will be attuned to the benefits.

 

[P3rks]

The bump stop is defiantly loose on the passenger side and the noise is drivers side. Very odd.

I'll be getting the car on ramps tomorrow for a poke around and I'll probably remove the shocks for inspection.

 

[The Beard]

Welcome to the Forum. If you haven't already done so, have a good look around to get an idea of where everything is. If you're looking for any items take a look at the Classifieds section first as sometimes people replace things that didn't actually need replacing and the items they've taken off are often offered there.

There's usually plenty of advice to be had, especially from the more enthusiastically minded folk, most of whom own 100HPs.

There is a Sticky that includes most of the known faults and you may find that some of your queries can be easily answered there; including some excellent guides.

As these cars get older, some Pandas are 14 years old, my MJ is now 12 and has recently passed the 110,000 mile mark, corrosion becomes more of an issue. When new the Panda had plastic/nylon ferrules for the number plate screws to go through; they were supposed to prevent the supplying dealer drilling into the steel of the tailgate. However, as often happens with the motor trade, the PDI bloke tended to drill holes in the plates before realising the ferrules were there. That happened to mine with the consequence that water gets through the spare holes and collects in the bottom of the tailgate with rust setting in along the bottom edge.

I had mine done a couple of years ago and the bodyshop taped over the surplus holes to try and limit water intrusion. He also pointed out that the very neat rubber drainage trims that protect the holes in the steel at the bottom probably did more harm than good and should be taken out.

Anyway, enjoy your ownership and use the Forum as a place to get information and also have a good laugh. Any problems give me a PM.

The Beard.