Pontiac Bonneville

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Comments

  • ginman3ginman3 Member Posts: 11
    Ken, I'd be happy to e-mail you if I only could figure out how to get your address from the profile section. You've exposed me as being only semi computer literate. Help!

    Mark
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Mark - That new screen name has me looking forward to warm summer evenings on the screen porch at my camp - gin and tonic in hand with local jazz station playing in the background!

    Anyway - just click on my screen name here - brings you directly to the profile and the address is printed there - oh what the hay - I'm probably not going to get any messages at that work address till next Tuesday since I'll be out of here for 4 days so use Galle5@aol.com - shouldn't have any problem now!

    Hope you're enjoying your camp - I've got to get to mine and start opening it up real soon.

    Ken
  • mlm4mlm4 Member Posts: 401
    Ken,

    I tried it out today on my car and sure enough turning on the parking lamps don't turn off the DRL. At least it's consistent...
  • smfransmfran Member Posts: 432
    but the only way to turn off the DRL is to switch to parking lamps and turn on the fog lamps. Michael and Ken, please confirm.
  • HenryHenry Member Posts: 1,106
    Can anyone tell me if the Magnasteer is adjustable on all 1995 -2001 Bonnevilles??? I don't want to seem pushy but I want to see if I can make the adjustment on 95 Aurora.
  • refinerrefiner Member Posts: 59
    Henry, Its only ajustable starting in 2000. Sorry
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    I'll try tomorrow

    Ken
  • bdreggorsbdreggors Member Posts: 143
    Finally posted some pictures of my Bonneville in the 'Photo Gallery' section of the Owner's Club.

    Check 'em out if you want.
  • timebombtimebomb Member Posts: 2
    I am thinking of buying a 2000 bonnie SSEi and was wondering if any one has towed a trailer with one? I want to pull my Pop up trailer with one, approx 1800 lbs. I will plan on adding an aux tranny cooler to one also. If anyone has any infop on towing limits let me know. Thanx.
  • boosted1boosted1 Member Posts: 90
    Looks great!!!

    I love that rear shot with the reflector "on" across the back of the car.

    Boosted1 (2001 SSEi)
  • zzahhzzahh Member Posts: 47
    Well, I have not put my 2 cents worth in in a while, so I have decided to comment. Thank God they found a job for the Aztec designers. I figured after that fiasco they were all taken out back and shot, along with whoever approved their bad dream. But NO! I have just seen some Cadillac Escalade / new sport ute of some form or fashion that tells me thay are in fact alive and well, and unfortunately, still working for the General.

    Now, I have been known to imbibe once in a while, and although I have not done any halucinagenic drugs in my day, I KNOW if I were to buy an Aztec in some drunken stupor, it would be no different than the old one bagger, two bagger, cyote syndrome, and I would pay dearly the next morning. I am not sure what they sell for, but if I found myself spending vastly greater amounts on this new Cadillac THING, I would have to shoot myself. No chewing the arm off, just launch off of the highest bridge one could find.

    I am jealous. These "designers" have way better drugs than I will ever be privy to.
  • phildo75phildo75 Member Posts: 22
    Rob,Did you find out how to set the firmness on the steering?
  • h101h101 Member Posts: 62
    This is an answer to timebomb about towing... not a message that trailer towing is a timebomb :)

    I tow my boats with my 2000 SSEi, it does a very nice job. UHaul has a custom hitch that really blends in, very hard to see when the insert is removed and the cap is in place. I'll post a photo in the photo area.

    Bill
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Bill - what weight are you towing? I use my Suburban to pull my 2500 lb boat and trailer (just back and forth to camp 50 miles each way) and don't intend to use the Bonneville but I'm just wondering in case we ever decide to sell the Suburban.

    Ken
  • rb8225rb8225 Member Posts: 33
    Phil-
    Yes, I got it programmed, but I don't have the exact instructions because my friend with the Tech2 went through the first setup part real quick before he handed it to me to play with. You have to have the Tech2 to program the DIC Driver Greeting and the Steering Firmness.
    The steering firmness programming is found in the 'Chassis' section of the Tech2 main menu. You have 3 choices; Less Firm, Factory Setting, and More Firm.
    As far as steering firmness goes, what you are really doing is programming in how much power assist you want. So, More Firm = Less Assist at higher speeds. I do notice a difference on the highway, but little or no difference at low speeds
    Programming the steering firmness and DIC greeting isn't covered in the printed service manual (my dealer even let me look through the book with one of his guys & we couldn't find anything beyond what is in the owner's manual) but since then I've been told that they have access to an on-line, web based service guide that is much more detailed. This is where the instructions for programming the car can be found.
  • h101h101 Member Posts: 62
    Ken,

    My boat is an EScow. While it is 28 feet long and carries lots of sail, it only weighs 985 pounds... so with trailer, probably about 1250 pounds. The owners manual says 1,000 pounds max (I just looked for the first time today.... hmmm)

    Bill
  • blacksilverblacksilver Member Posts: 69
    A Bonneville (or any uni-body vehicle) is a poor choice as a towing vehicle. PERIOD (no matter what it says in the users manual).
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    seems to be relegated purely to the truck and SUV classes these days. Even the new Crown Vics and Grand Marquis are no longer rated for this task. Seems I remember our 89 Taurus LX wagon with the 3.8 had a fairly decent towing capacity - 2000 lbs or so but it appears that pulling anything more than 1000 lbs is verboten now with a passenger car.

    Glad I have the Suburban for now. I suppose minivans are the only other choice but their capacity was pretty much limited to 2000 lbs last time I looked too.

    Ken
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Saw 2 midnight blue babies yesterday - an SE that is parked near my office every day now as well as an SSEi that followed me home for a while. That SE definitely needed a good wax job but the SSEi was immaculate.

    Ken
  • timebombtimebomb Member Posts: 2
    Thanx all. I am looking at getting an SSEi for my wife and would prob use it for ocassional towing. I drive a 1991 GMC Jimmy {last year of the REAL TRUCKS} and only get about 11mpg with the trailer and my lead foot!
  • ginman3ginman3 Member Posts: 11
    I had a very nice visit with Ken the other night at his home in Kittery, Maine. They have a lovely home on an estuary with an especially scenic view. He was also kind enough to give me a tour of historic Kittery and Portsmouth, NH in his Bonneville. His was the first green one that I have seen and the color was quite different from the greens that Pontiac, or GM for that matter, has used in the past. It is almost an avacado green as Ken said.
    He's now on his way to having the best handling SE around. I gave him the rear sway bar from my SSEi and while he isn't set up to install it himself, he knows who can. For those of you with SEs, the SE does come with the proper holes in the control arms and most importantly, the drilled and tapped holes in the rear cross-member. So, if you can lay your hands on one, you too can reduce the "sloppy handling" that Consumer Reports commented on. While Ken will be installing the standard stabilizer bar, it probably would be cheaper to buy the larger one from Saner than ordering a setup from a Pontiac dealer. The only thing about ordering one from Saner is that he doesn't provide the metric bolts that attach the bar to the rear cross member but any good hardware store should have Grade 8 metric bolts or whatever the metric equivalent is of Grade 8.

    Mark
  • fantascpfantascp Member Posts: 175
    hi guys

    ken: i'll be getting a new computer in June- finally can get back on line with the Bonneville
    link etc.

    I just read the messages with you and Mark- in regards to the rear sway bar- could you let me know if there is a significant difference in the handling/ride etc after you get your's put on-
    as you know, i get to use the bonneville on weekends- my wife has the car mon-fri- so i really would'nt know if there is that "SLOPPY HANDLING" referred to by Consumer Reports- as far as i know the car handles great just as is-
    I'd appreciate any further info/benefits etc to going ahead and having this done on my SE also.

    Thanks,

    Chuck
  • theicemantheiceman Member Posts: 736
    You guys were so good to me about a month ago when I was looking for advice on that second car. We finally sold our minivan earlier this week so yesterday was the day to make the deal on the replacement.

    You may remember that I'm partial to the GM W-bodies - in other words, the Century, Regal, Impala, Intrigue and Grand Prix. And I was leaning to the Century because it offered the most car for the best deal I could get. It turns out that I was able to get a Grand Prix GT for just a few hundred more than the best deal I could get on a Century Custom.

    Is this not what they call a "no brainer"?

    I'll be picking up my second Pontiac next week some time - they're searching for a navy blue metallic one for me (I test drove a white one but checked out the interior of a 2-door blue one) but our second choice is silver (3rd is redfire metallic).

    What I liked about the GP GT is: (1) styling (2) handling - could use 17" wheels but I'll live with the 16's (3) everything drives and feels like the Bonneville so there won't be much of an adjustment to make when you move from car to car (4) the 3.8 Series II engine - I just love that powerplant (5) cupholder - will definitely hold more than 1 travel mug.

    There's no question that the interior finish is nowhere near the Bonneville's - but the GP GT lists for about 10 grand (Cdn.) less than my SLE did so I guess that's understandable. I also wish that a fold-down rear seat was available but my wife and I decided that that wasn't such a big deal after all.

    Anyway, while we'd have been happy with the Century, my wife can't wait for her new wheels.
  • stnelstnel Member Posts: 338
    I just bought a Grand Prix SE 2-1/2 weeks ago. I see we like some of the same colors. My first choice was Redfire and second choice was Silver. I hadn't seen any Bronzemists though. The fourth dealership I went to had a Dark Bronzemist and I got that. They have more of a color selection in the GT's. Blue or gold aren't offered in the SE.

    I hope you enjoy your car!
  • stnelstnel Member Posts: 338
    Since I talked to you earlier about the car bra, I thought I'd let you know that I'm holding off a little on the purchase. I was thinking those bugs came twice a year but I talked to my brother and he said it's only once a year--in late summer or early fall.

    I never realized the owners section before but looked at it the other day and saw the pictures from the Rockaway Mall. (Did I get the name right?) Anyway, those were nice looking cars.
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Iceman - Dan - Way to GO buddy! Can't wait to see those side by side pics. You and KZM Kevin are going to have to get together for a joint pic - talk about seeing double - or quadruple in this case!! Lucky Icewoman!

    Stnel - Stacy - thanks for checking out our owners forum. We certainly did have a great time there in Rockaway and the cars were looking good!


    Smfran - Stephen - when is good for you for local get together? Did we say late June sometime?

    Have a great weekend everybody. It's glorious here in New England today. I even mowed my lawn already (in advance of the coming rain).

    Ken
  • smfransmfran Member Posts: 432
    Late June is fine. Let's schedule something.
  • theicemantheiceman Member Posts: 736
    How many of you use the speed-sensitive volume control? At what setting? I personally find anything higher than min. to be annoying. The Bonneville is a pretty quiet car and when you come to a stop from highway speed, the change in volume can be pretty noticeable.

    Ken: theicewoman will be indulging me with a side-by-side pic. Truth be known, this is what I've been waiting for before I posted a pic. Well, that and some Zaino-friendly weather.

    I'll let you all in on the size of theicewoman's smile once we take delivery.

    Cheers for now.
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    I too have played with this and find that at high setting it's too much contrast and at low not enough. I leave mine in the middle but still find myself adjusting manually at times (wish I had those steering wheel controls!)

    Ken
  • smfransmfran Member Posts: 432
    I use the mid setting and find it the most useful. I also have to manually adjust sometimes depending on conditions.

    I tried yesterday to put on the fog lamps with the parking lights (during sunlight) thinking the DRL would shut off but they didn't. Has anyone figured out how to do this. It seems to work this way in my garage (no sunlight). Can anyone shed any light (no pun intended) on this subject?

    Ice - Congratulations! I'm looking forward to all the comparisons you'll be making.
  • homer2000sseihomer2000ssei Member Posts: 159
    I have the volume settings in the middle - but they rarely come into play - since the stereo is almost always on full anyways. Idont find the car to be that quiet as far as wind noise though. My last bonne was also noisy - and i guess until someone mentions it, or im in someone elses car I dont notice or think about it.

    as for the lights - i havent found a way to defeat the DRL, but there is a complictaed procedure to stop the driving lights from going out when you hit the hi-beam. it has been posted at clupgp.com and for the life of me i cant figure out why they designed them that way. Just when you want more light, they drop two out of the loop.
    But, i turn my full light package on most times anyways, so i dont want to defeat the DRL . I replaced my bulbs with the "blueish" coloured ones and i think they look great when on - even during the day.
  • ezraponezrapon Member Posts: 348
    I too find my ssei a bit noisy (compared to my wife's park). I am interested in those blue lights you spoke of. How hard to put in, hi and lo beams (drl), and where and how much are they? Do they help at night or just look cool? What about part numbers.
    Thanks... nice pics. I've had my black one over a year and have yet to wax it... what about this Zanio?
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    I also tried the suggested method to defeat the DRLS and was not successful. During daylight, when the parking lights are turned on with the fog lights - DRLs still on - no apparant way to defeat them. Interesting that other GM cars seem to be different.

    I am pushing at work for a possible trip to the Toronto area perhaps in July for some new software training. If I'm successful in getting this at the Toronto supplier instead of having them come to us (any non Bonneville owning 'normal' person would want the other guy to travel right?) I may be able to spend about 4 days in the area and then travel around a bit on vacation. If so - I'll be looking for you Canadian Bonnevillians!

    Have a good night all - what a lousy day here - rained all day long!

    Ken
  • theicemantheiceman Member Posts: 736
    Let us know the dates - hopefully, our schedules can mesh and we can have a mini-meet in the Toronto area.

    Nice (ish) day up here - at least enough to cut the grass - but the forecast for the next few days remaining distinctly Zaino-unfriendly. (why oh why did we pick dark blue for the new GT?)

    Dan
  • homer2000sseihomer2000ssei Member Posts: 159
    Changing the bulbs are pretty easy - once you have done it and realize that there is a chance to skin a knuckle or two.
    The driver side can be done without light system removal. The outside light is easy - twist and pull. The inside light is tight but can be done.

    Passenger side light system needs to be removed by undoing to two bolts you see on the top at the two ends. They both are simply a case of undo it - there is no washer or assembly to hold at the bottom - they just undo. That is the only way to get at the inside light - and also a chance to clean the area nicely too.

    Part numbers vary from supplier to supplier - but you are looking for 2 9005 and 2 9006 bulbs. Canadian they range from 10-20 bucks a bulb - but i got mine wholesale from one of my suppliers at work. They are brite white - but really have the blueish tint - and yes - they absolutely improve lighting at night. Now i have to find replacement driving lights, cause they are the old yellow colour light - and dont match. That has proven to be very difficult - as there are no simple replacement bulbs on the market to replace the 880 bulbs down there. it requires a complete kit to be put in - as far as my research shows anyways.

    Homer
  • homer2000sseihomer2000ssei Member Posts: 159
    Ok, it it - in my humble opinion - simply the best car finish product on the market for do-it-yourself polishers. it is not a wax - but a polymer finish and there is a great deal of difference between the two products. I suppose the best way to let you find out is to send you to www.zainobros.com and you can check it out yourself. if your questions are not answered there - almost any car forum will have a discussion section for finish and appearance where you can get input from regular users. I have used it exclusively on the Bonne since Nov99 - and it is amazing. After the first prep session - a covering can be done in almost 30 minutes on and off - depending on weather. i have about 20-25 coats this year alone, and each one lookd better. You have to read the site to understand.
    You can check out :
    www.ls1.com
    www.corvetteforum.com
    www.clubgp.com
    etc etc for user info and discussins on the tips and tricks etc....those are some serious car care people there - but like i said - after the first prep session - it is just as, or easier than reg wax to put on and take off.

    im sure people here are using it too, and will chime in with their opinions.
  • homer2000sseihomer2000ssei Member Posts: 159
    Ken
    absolutely - keep us informed if the visit happens -

    would like to get together. . . .

    Homer
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    is also being discussed (extensively!) in Town Hall at this link on our Maintenance & Repair Board: Zaino Car Care Experiences.

    Hope this is helpful.

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
  • refinerrefiner Member Posts: 59
    Homer, I just replaced my fog light bulbs with the white bulbs. They install just like the head light bulbs. Just push in and twist. I got them from www.xenonlightbulbs.com
    They say Xenon HID but their not HID. Their $27.95 a set. Their on page 2 on the web site. One thing, I had to use the rubber washer from the stock light beccause the one that came with it was too thick.
    Matt
  • homer2000sseihomer2000ssei Member Posts: 159
    I have heard from people who have tried so far - and they almost always say that the heat generated by these higher wattage bulbs will crack the glass. How long have you had them, and how much are they on during a day ?
  • homer2000sseihomer2000ssei Member Posts: 159
    geez, what was I thinking - vapour lock in the brain. No wait - it's all the rain - im waterlogged.

    I havent been to the maint and repair section yet - sorry. I should have known there would be one here too . D'OH !

    off i go to main and repair - -following the link . . . now. . . .
  • refinerrefiner Member Posts: 59
    Their the same wattage as the stock bulb. I've only used them at night and so far no problems.
  • smfransmfran Member Posts: 432
    1) You can not defeat the DRL.
    2) You can defeat the main headlamps when on due to darkness. If you put on the parking lights the headlamps will go off.
  • homer2000sseihomer2000ssei Member Posts: 159
    Well - thats good news then - how long have they been instsalled now ?
  • skyhawk3skyhawk3 Member Posts: 42
    I'm interested in a late June meeting. Do you have a location you are considering?
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Ed - where do you live? I am in Kittery Maine although we'll be moving to camp the last week of June. Stephen (Smfran) is on the south shore (of Boston) I believe. Perhaps the Burlington mall on Rt 128 or else the Mall Rockingham Park off Rt 93 in Salem NH? Either would work for me.

    Things are beginning to get very hectic for me and I suppose others but how about Sunday afternoon the 24th as a possibility?

    We need to consider who else to invite - anyone know of other Edmunds posters in the metro Boston area?

    Ken
  • smfransmfran Member Posts: 432
    Sunday June 24th (early afternoon) at the Burlington Mall sounds good.
  • skyhawk3skyhawk3 Member Posts: 42
    I live in Rhode Island. Either location works for me. Early afternoon or late morning is fine for me. June 24th is a good date.

    Ken, Ogonquit is a favorite weekend spot for my wife and I. We like Marginal way early in the morning and "The Steakhouse" for dinner. We usually plan a weekend just after the Steakhouse opens in the Spring and just before it closes for the winter.

    Ed
  • mlm4mlm4 Member Posts: 401
    I wish I could participate in your New England meet, especially because I grew up in the Boston area (and I miss it!). I'll be in Boston and Portland in August on vacation but I'm flying up so I won't have my car with me. Have a great time and make sure you share photos with the rest of us!
  • tpkentpken Member Posts: 1,108
    Hmmm - If Michael (mlm) is going to be around in August - should we do it then? Even without a Bonneville (Hey - why not rent one, Michael!!) we could at least get to meet each other - as I did with Mark (Mfahey) recently.

    In fact - I've offered before and still stand by my invitation to visit our camp that is located on a lake just across the border into NH from Mass right next to Salem NH.

    Mark - are you interested in this?

    Stephen and Ed - what do you think?

    The June 24th is fine for me if you'd rather - but the more the merrier!

    Anyone else planning to vacation up this way?

    Ken
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