Been a while without any updates.
Still haven't got to the bottom of the 'bearing' noise - just been advised to leave it and see if it worsens to make a diagnosis easier.
However developed a misfire the other day - at anything close to WOT the CEL flashed and got a horrendous vibration through the wheels.
Figured it'd be one of the coilpacks as they're fairly common to go on these.
So ordered up R8 coils and NGK Iridium IX plugs.
Straightforward job - was stuck for a minute as the socket I had wouldn't keep a hold of the old plugs.
Scratched my head for a while then decided to use the old coils to grab a hold of them - worked spot on.
Turns out all the coils bar one looked brand new. Plugs looked a little worse for wear. On near 83k miles now so prob well overdue a change.
Anyway - some pics.
Excuse the filthy bay - had no time as rain was on and off like a hoors drawers.