[Phil100100]

HI All
New here, so hope I'm doing this correctly! I'm after any recommendations as to where I can source service bits for my recently acquired 1988 213SE Auto. Local garage won't take it in until I find the filters etc. Amateur question, but is the 1.3 chain or cambelt?
Many thanks

[220 GSi turbo]

Filters are readily available on eBay and not too expensive, either.

The engine has a timing belt and it is definitely an 'interference' engine, so if the belt snaps, pistons and valves will collide.
I know this as I bought a 213 with a snapped belt many years ago and the most cost effective way of repairing it was an engine swap from an MoT failure.

[Mr Teddy Bear]

My advice is that of late I've wasted a lot of money on Ebay buying parts that don't fit. Build order changes and component supercessions are becoming lost in the mist's of time.

I would try Rimmer's or DMGRS on the South coast or Jon Wilcox in Wickwar Glos' or any other ex-Rover Dealership that still carries stock and retains some expertise. Jon knows what he's looking at and routinely buy's up Rover original parts as and when offered to market. Where as the Xpart people are not interested in anything further back than 1995.

[g259fsg]

You didn't mention whether the car came with any service history so you can decide what needs to be changed like the timing belt.