I've had two fail 'by' over cooling one on a P38 and one on a 90; didn't work out why they failed but opening far more than they should at a give temperature was the problem, fixed by a new 'stat in both cases (with the same temp spec)

Island 4x4 supply a 'quality aftermarket' one from Nissans but the middle man supplying it to Island is Britpart according to the sticker on the box

Hate to say it but it might be worth checking the dipstick every so often - if the oil starts to emulsify or go grey then you have a very duff head or headgasket. I change my rad recently and had none of the problems you are describing

Er, forgive the obvious - you have checked the tightness of the battery connections and the earth return from the engine (+ live to the starter)?

Hi I've had a 2000 DSE P38 for about a year now and it has been pretty good to me (there is a blend motor awaiting attention!). Before that I had 200 TDi 90 which had to go because of Boris and his low emission zone and that in turn replaced a diesel Series 3. I've found this forum to be a great...

Not sure how much difference it would make but the handbook specifies DIID or DIII, not DII