The battery has died in my 66 plate spider.  Any suggestions for a good replacement that will fit all the connections, hold down clamps etc. to keep as close to stock as possible?  Can't actually tell what make the original is without removing it, I think.

Anyone know if you can retrofit rear parking sensors to a 124 Spider?
My wife will be driving the car more in future but would like these installed as she's used to them in her old car.  I'll give the dealer a ring, just wondered if anyone had experience and/or knowledge.

I've now done about 11,000 miles in the 124, having got back from a tour of Germany, Austria, Italy and France this morning.  The car has behaved brilliantly, again, this being the third continental trip we've done in it in 2.5 years.  Being able to throw the hood up and down in seconds is brilliant, and even the fuel consumption's been good at around 40mpg.  Only downside is boot space for my wife's packing....
However, on a long (350-mile) bit of German motorway a few days back with the hood up, I became aware of a faint transmission whine that appeared at around 72-3 mph and stayed up to around 80.  As it is linked to road speed and is present with light to hard throttle pressure, but goes the instant the loud pedal is released, I'd say it was differential noise.  It's a faint, fairly high-pitched whine which is (obviously) more noticeable with the hood up.
Has anyone else had this, or does anyone know of a reported issue with the LSD unit?  Not sure if it's the same as the ND Mazdas or not.  I need to decide whether it's normal or not (it's not very loud at all - yet) as my warranty will be up in November.  I'll probably take it to the dealer next week, but I suspect they won't be able to hear it easily.  Any thoughts gratefully listened to!

Roger

Coming up to a year since delivery now, and just wondering what others have done re: servicing.  I've had no communication from the supplying dealer, and the car's not telling me anything about servicing - I've only done around 3,500 miles so probably not due.  I did an oil change myself at 1,500 (engine only) using oil and filter from the dealer, but didn't do an oil analysis.  Be interested to know what others have done.

I hope this is a silly question, but I can't find the answer in the manual.
Today I noticed that when sitting in the car with the engine off I am getting a flashing red light in the tacho dial which depicts a car with a closed padlock.  I have never noticed this before, and the only reference I can find in the manual says that if this light is on the security system needs looking at.
I can't believe it's normal and I simply haven't noticed it before, but then again it seems to be the only light flashing when the engine is switched off, so is it just a flashing security light to warn that the car is alarmed?  Oddly it flashes all the time, even when the car is unlocked.  The only time it stays off is when the engine is running.  I noticed on start up, there is also a brief appearance of a light showing the bonnet in crash position, but blink and you miss it. 
Normal but paranoid, or dealer advice needed?

Roger

edit - think I've found the answer - it's normal.  Different section of the manual states that this light flashes all the time the engine is switched off.

Managed to get my first stone chip in the matt black wrap on the bonnet yesterday.  It's perforated the vinyl - anyone know the best way to treat this?  Tiny blob of touch-up, like I do on the paintwork?

Well, the idiots on Top Gear clearly didn't get it!  I guess they've got too used to 600 brake Mercs and Astons to appreciate small, lightweight quality.

Went to the GRRC Members' Meeting on Sunday, parked my red one a few cars away from a white one, also with a private plate.  Should have got them together!
Good day's racing, a bit cold, but my Cobra mate was well and truly beaten by a TVR.  Another was running the Ecurie Ecosse Lister Jag in the AS-B trophy, did OK.

Roger

Anybody got any tips for looking after the matte black vinyl wrap on the 124?
Consensus seems to be not to use any wax or polish on the vinyl parts, but what detergent do folks use?  And anything to protect it?