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Thanks all.
Tony, my garage is local one but specialises in Mercs, BMWs etc. He's a good guy and I know him well. He's fairly certain it is the master cylinder so I'll take him at his word. Tbh, it was a cheap car that we bought when we just needed something to tide us over but I stuck with it and it doesnt owe me anything.
I've now got my eyes on a neat little SLK, but that's a daft idea on these roads. But hey, I can drive Mr BM's car when it's horrid....... (every cloud.....)