"Anybody know how the non-sport LS (P215/60RX16) rides if you upgrade to Super Silvers with P245/45RX17 tires?"
Yep. I did that. The ride was a minute harsher over rough pavement, but overall, felt the same. I upraded to the sport shocks and 255/45/17 tires and am very satisified. There is a very large discussion on this subject at the unmentionable site.
How can it be?! The vaunted BMW 5 series bested in a handling comparison test? By an AMERICAN car no less! This test must be biased in some way . . . the tester's cheated!
It's true, so folks should just get used to the facts! Many of us on this board have been saying this for years, only to be laughed at by the bimmer crowd. Well, the laughs are on them.
Ha ha ha ha! Some people just can't handle the truth.
Keep it up! I made a wager on another board concerning the content of your posts. Thanks to you, I'm on track to win big! Now, I'm going back to the 5er topic to discuss the vehicles that roundly trounce the E39 in magazine comparison tests. Oh wait, I forgot. There aren't any.
Last time I checked the LS V8 trounced the 530i in all but 1 performance and handling test (5-60 time) in C&D. Just because the biased editors didn't pick it as their favorite doesn't mean it outperformed the LS.
hi i just bought ls didnt want bmw or binz because they r forein buy usa folks got a good deal cuz it had salvage title want to learn all i can about my new ride im going to do some mods and hope u guys can help me out thanx ty
Any takers on a wager that we haven't heard the last of div2 on this board? To him it seems that the BMW 530iA (E39) "trounced" the '03 LS V-8 in a recent magazine comparison. Pure fantasy, as is the BMW hype.
As I stated above, some people just can't handle the truth! The LS V-8 not only outperforms the BMW 530iA in nearly all performance related categories (while costing $3500 less), it also out handles the BMW 540. How much more is the BMW 540? I'm sure div2 knows, but does he care to admit his pretentious tastes are just a little bit expensive?
Look you guys, I don't need to be convinced that I own a great car, hence I don't need to discuss other competitors on any of the BMW boards I frequent. Now, if you want to talk real value, compare LS stats and prices with those of a G35. What's that I hear? Numbers aren't everything??? Oh yeah, when are you guys coming out to a CCA driving school? I want to see some trouncing! Now back to lurk mode before Pat goes all hissy again... PS: Excellent job Akirby; my bet remains in good hands.
Check out the February 2003 results and the Pylon Press (online Newsletter) . . .
You won't find a single BMW 5 series out there! In fact, I've been out there in my 2000 LS V-8 for the past year, and I've yet to see a 5 series compete. You'll also notice my placement in the Street Tire 1 class . . . care to comment div2?
Check out the Colorado SCCA SoloII autocross site . . . you'll find another highly placed LS V-8 (like #1) in it's class.
Where is the 5 series competition? There is none!
Now, about the G35 . . . what's that you say . . . can't defeat the traction control system? Isn't competitive in autocross? Oh, well, just another that can't hang with the LS in a competitive environment. Maybe better compared to the BMW 5 series. Ha ha ha ha!
BTW, how does your bet work when akirby posts once and you post how many times? Your logic escapes me div2, but then why doesn't that surprise me? Your mere presence on this board goes to show how "convinced" you are about the "greatness" of your BMW.
boy those bimma guys r so stuck up i dont need driving school i got my license so anybody know how big a wheel i can fit to my ls 18 or 19 in would be ok but i really want 20s where do u guys buy gold trim can u get it 4 the grill and bumbers r there any ls clubs i can join also
I seem to recall posting that my LS has seen more than it's fair share of race tracks. Also for your information one of NASAProRacing's executive directors has an LS that he uses for track days.
I agree with lolaj42, in the times I have participated at the San Diego and Cal Club autocrosses I have yet to see a number of 5-series BMWs at these events. Yet there have been LSes at these events, besides mine. At each of these events that have had a 5-series, excluding the M5, the LS has beaten the 5-series (530 and 540 series). And not just my LS either.
The G35 is a fine car. I'd still take my LS over it no matter what the cost. The LS handles better and I've driven both of them at the limits on a track to know that. I've also driven a 540i at the limits on a track. Nice car but I'd still take the LS for it's handling.
For being the "Ultimate Driving Machine" the folks on the 5-series board sure spend a lot of timing debating how to save a thousand bucks or how to get the best deal on their 5-series or the merits of ED. They sure don't talk much about the fun of driving their cars. If the 5-series is that great why don't they? I've followed that board and submarine surfed it since it was first started.
What do we talk about with the LS? The fun of driving it, problems that we encounter, not where can we get the best deal.
Which track? Watkins Glen? NHIS? Sears Point? Memphis Motorsport Park? Putnam Park Sports Car Course?
Autocross experience? 1st Place BMW CCA Touring Sports Class A 1994 1988 M6 3rd Place Mid South PCA Autocross 1994 Solo 1 behind two prepped 911SCs- same M6 I now spend my time insrtucting at track schools. My wife won't let me take her 5er out, so the Club Sport will has to suffice-at least until I find a 2002 Turbo or 540i M Sport..:) My next school is either Memphis or Putnam. Want to be my student? Look, people-I lurk here because my 68 year old computer-challenged uncle has an LS and thus I'm able to fill him in on the latest news re: TSBs, etc. I seem to remember it was a certain Akirby who jumped into the 5er board touting the LS-and then complained that he got flamed. FWIW, I think the LS is a a good car. It's not my choice, but that doesn't invalidate the choice YOU made. You should also know that I volunteered to help Brian with LS Mania in St. Louis-which died due to lack of interest. I even offered to line up some CCA instructors to help at Gateway. Relax, you guys own a fine car. But endlessly comparing it to other marques is not the name of the game. Enjoying driving the car YOU chose is what counts...
boy those bimma guys r so stuck up i dont need driving school i got my license so anybody know how big a wheel i can fit to my ls 18 or 19 in would be ok but i really want 20s where do u guys buy gold trim can u get it 4 the grill and bumbers r there any ls clubs i can join also ty
the more cars that can compete in the same arena the better for the enthusiasts. I'd love to see a day when the LS/BMW/CTS/etc. could all go head-to-head in a race series. I think it would be a major draw to a lot of people. It's too bad that most racing series choose smaller and lighter cars.
Seeing the 5-series against other makes in the same weight class would make for exciting racing. Especially if you kept the cars close to stock.
Personally, I love taking my car to the limit and beyond. If I didn't I don't think I'd know how much fun the LS and other drivers cars are like.
Just tootling around the neighborhood doesn't give you the same thrill as feathering a throttle in a decreasing radius turn and trying to figure out what you need to adjust to keep the car ends from swapping places! (On a track of course, not a public road).
Of course, there's also that other moment when you don't judge it right and head off into the weeds!
when you ask if someone knows what they're talking about. . .they do. A refreshing change. Hang in there, div2.
Several of us with LS's still appear to be seeking legitimacy. Several others are waiting to see how it all turns out.
BMW has been making cars like this for a number of decades. Lincoln is just starting. Even those of us with the LS wonder if they're serious. If they are, hang on, you're in for a real competition. The LS platform, with the '03 improvements, really merits consideration.
If not, well, several of us will go Bavarian when the time comes.
Thanks. Competition always improves the breed, and the LS is-as I said-a good car. The CTS may be OK but I can't get past the "Mini-Me Escalade" styling.
Yeah, I can see that too:) GM has never learned that "distinctive" styling is not the same as "goofy/weird/butt-ugly" styling. FWIW, the March 10 Autoweek has a glowing review of the '03 LS V8 Sport on page 14.
Hopefully, one of the Mags with have a real balls-out test of the new LS, CTS, G35, 530i, IS300, etc. I could be wrong, but the handling of the 530i and 540i should be very similar. Possibly, the 530i might be superior because of a lighter front end. Also, my fellow LSers, my Bridgestone Pole-Position SO-3 245/45/17's lasted only 8 months and 12,000 miles. Like the long-term M3 test in last month's C&D, in which their SO-3's lasted all of 14,000 miles, I suffered wear in the center of the tires, but only in the rears. The fronts are wearing evenly and have about 40% of their tread life left. My theory is that the SO-3 has a particular vulnerability to centrifigal force under acceleration, which causes the middle of the tread to bow out and wear faster. I ran 30 lbs in the rears. Or maybe 245 is just too much width for the Super Silvers. Anyway, I'm going back to the OEM Stones. They lasted 26,000 miles and I had no complaints. For the money, they are still a good deal. If you want the ultimate, then go for the Pilot Sports.
I have a 2000 V6 Sport with 75,000 miles. For some time now I have been experiencing a hesitancy when first engaging the transmission in Drive after it has sat overnight (or a couple of hours in the cold). The car will sit in "neutral" for 3-5 seconds before the transmission engages. Sometimes the engagement will be harsh. It's been to the dealer several times and the verdict is no trouble found. They have topped off the fluid, but no real improvement. Any ideas of where the problem might be? Anyone else with a similar problem?
The problem first appeared when it was still under warranty, but in those days it wouldn't always happen, so it was hard to reproduce on demand. It seems to be worse when the weather is cold, but does happen in warm weather also (although I haven't had a chance to prove that for months now!).
My only issue is that you say things like "the LS has never seen track time" and "the E39 did not get trounced in a comparison test" - both of which are absolutely untrue.
I only argued that the LS outhandled and outaccelerated the 530i in the test (and outhandled a non sport 540i in the commercial) for a lot less money. Why is it so hard for you to simply acknowledge that? There are plenty of other reasons to buy a BMW including styling, availability of a manual, dealer preference, etc. etc.
I think you've totally misunderstood my intentions and the substance of my posts, so can we just drop it and move on? I don't see anything productive.
Try 'teaching' the tranny the proper shift pressures. Drive the car for at least 15 minutes (preferably stop and go to get the tranny up to operating temperature) and then perform the offending shift (P-D in this case) 5 times waiting 15 seconds between shifts. If this fixes it then you're ok. If it happens again repeat the procedure. If that doesn't fix it then there is a definite defect. Have you had the tranny fluid changed? It really should be changed under the "severe" schedule which is 30,000 miles. It's also possible they aren't checking the tranny fluid level correctly - it has to be checked underneath the car with the transmission up to normal operating temperature. You might want to have a different dealer check it and do the T-tech type service where all of the fluid gets replaced though the cooler lines. But even then they need to check the fluid level.
Since the car is a 2000 model year, it is possible that it never got the updated PCM (Powertrain Control Module) software. You may need to get a PCM software reflash. There is a TSB descring it, though I don't recall the number offhand. Your dealer should easily be able to identify it though.
The service bulletin that lolaj42 referenced is number 01-14-5, and the description (from the alldata.com website) is: A/T - 5R55N Delayed DRIVE/REVERSE Engagements
This is a software update that improves shifting, and has been available for more than two years. Your dealer SHOULD have already applied it. If you have service records documenting the fact that you reported the problem while you were still in warranty, I'd suggest asking the dealer to apply the update at no charge to you. In my opinion, it should've been done the first time you reported the problem. (Of course, my opinion and two bucks will get you a plain cup of coffee at Starbuck's...)
Delayed shifting is not an uncommon complaint with early-build automatic LSs. As akirby said, it could also be a fluid problem, but I'd make sure the software update is done first, and then have the fluid changed. Also, as akirby said, there is a very specific procedure for changing the fluid in this transmission; be sure the dealer has the correct equipment and knows the procedure.
Although I only have 23,000 miles on my 2000 LS, I had the dealer do a "flush&fill" two weeks ago, when the car was in for another issue.The change in which the transmission behaves is noteworthy. The shifts are firmer, and without hesitation.
Through the communications both here, and the "other place", most of us are aware that fluid level is critical to the operation of the LS's transmission. Because of this, I asked my dealer to check the level last year, when the car was in for service. They said they did, however I'm somewhat skeptical, as the tranny hasn't performed so well, for as long as I can remember.
Anyway, the moral of the story is to maintain your transmission. It pays dividends.
I think that a lot of dealer's may not be following the proper procedure to check the fluid level since you have to put the car on the lift when the tranny is at operating temperature. A lot harder than just checking the dipstick. Of course that's just a guess on my part.
And that's exactly what would happen if the technician didn't get the tranny up to operating temperature before checking the level. I just can't see the dealers taking the extra time to do that on a consistent basis.
the first time my trans was serviced, the tech was unfamiliar with the process, didn't get it up to temperature, and UNDERfilled it by a quart. It shifted roughly, especially downshifting when coming to a stop, and made a noise when idling in gear that sounded like a bad alternator.
It pays to take what we learn here and at the "other" site, and make sure our dealer's service guys are as well informed as we are. If they are reasonable people and we present it diplomatically, it makes life easier for everybody. I count myself lucky that the people at my dealer say they love doing business with a well-informed customer.
Anyone see the new LS ad? I just got a magazine today with this full page showing the cup holder with a thermo travel cup sitting in it. That's it! Maybe I'm missing something but it sure wouldn't inspire me to go look at an LS.
Are definitely obtuse. Check out page 57 of the current Motor Trend or the back cover of the current Car and Driver. At first glance it doesn't even look like a car ad. A girl is holding a lit cigarette lighter in the back seat of the LS (but you can't really tell it's even a car without staring for a couple of minutes). I looked right past it the first time. It's a concert analogy for the THX audio system. I bet 90% of the readers don't even see it.
Mike - You are right. I missed the tea bag completely. I did see the string thing but it just didn't compute. As akirby says; "If it has to be explained" it is failing, and, " show the car!"
You'd think after the ride I gave those two Young and Rubicam "representatives", they'd understand! I guess they would do better with the Starbucks account. Or the latest in grunge fashions
The guys who dreamt up the ads were probably not even born then, but Infinity made the same mistake with their first Q45. The car was fantastic for its day but the advertisements showed rocks, babbling brooks - everything but the car and gues what? it didn't sell. I think these new advertising types are out to make their own personal mark rather than sell the product. My 23 year old son just landed a contract to produce TV ads for an electronics company.Their head honcho candidly told him they don't know how to reach out to his generation. Hope he doesn't come up with the tea bag idea. At the other end of the spectrum in toilet humor is the pickup truck commercial with the guy chocking on his lunch and then barfing it onto the windshield. I think middle America needs commercials that describe the product end of discussion. Some feminine commercials keep you guessing, is it shampoo, teeth whitener or pantyhose they're marketing? Put the car back in car ads.
The rest of the sad Q45 story: The original was a genuine hot rod; Consumer Reports said that year the Corvette was the only car they tested that accelerated faster than the Infiniti. So, after being trounced by Lexus in the marketplace, they neutered the car, making it less performance-oriented, thinking that was their problem.
I must admit to liking the tea bag ad; it shows both sides of this car's personality. Maybe it would be good for certain magazines, but there has to be more. The new TV spot is a good start.
Just thought you might be interested. Guessin' you'll agree and enjoy.
The April 2003 issue of Popular Mechanics has their "Owners Report" on the MY 2000-2002 Lincoln LS. Owners raved. PM loves it. You might especially enjoy the entire page worth of survey summary statistics (e.g., 78 percent said they'd buy another LS and another 18 percent said maybe, with only 4 percent saying no).
Well, I saw my first BMW 5 series out at the Phoenix SCCA Solo II autocross skid pad. The 540 had Washington tags, was running in the Novice category ("Street Prepared" class), and had Yokohama Z-rated rubber. In the end, he was a full 1.5 seconds SLOWER than me in my poor old 2000 LS V-8.
There must be some truth that new Lincoln commercial they're running out in California!
My understanding is that the customer ALWAYS has final say - selecting what ad 'concepts' actually are produced and distributed. For this, I therefore blame Lincoln Marketing / PR, not the ad agency.
Just my $.01.5 worth (adjusted downward for the recent economy). - Ray
Who is afraid that noone inside Lincoln (except the engineers!) knows what they have - or how to market it - still . . .
The problem is that most companies are selling undifferentiated garbage. Hence the P&G soap and detergent type marketeers who almost ruined GM have taken over advertising.
The thought process in the advertising world is that you try to hook in the consumer with emotion and they will forget that you are trying to peddle garbage on them.
I think one of the most ridulous commercials I ever saw was the one for the Hoover vacuum where they are playing some sappy music and trying so convice housewifes that ALL their problems will magically dissappear and life will be simply wonderful if they have a Hoover vacuum. IIRC over the sappy music a woman is singing "Nobody does it better than Hoover.........." Give me a break it's a stupid vacuum!
This soap & detergent type of marketing is a complete waste of money when you actually have a good product to sell.
Most US companies seem to have forgotten, the 10 most important things in trying to sell the public something (in order of importance) are:
Instead the mentality, is screw spending any money og giving the customer something better, put all the $$ in to advertising.
Keep your tea bags Y & R I'm intersted in the product. It doesn't matter whether I buy a Kia or a Maybach, there is no vehicle on this planet that is magially going to transform my life into that of Brad Pit's.
I wouldn't count on your expectation of a "buyable" 03 LS price. Suggest you look at the more affordable Ford Focus. NAV/THX will have to be aftermarket.
I have seen, and showed/pointed out to a good friend :
-The Aviator TV commercial with the pansy-as_ driver holding the umbrella thru an open moonroof while it's raining. -The 'cigarette lighter' LS magazine ad. -The 'tea bag' LS magazine ad.
This good friend used to work in marketing. I asked why the hel_ these marketing types would choose to make/buy these stooopid ads? Her conclusion, without hesitation:
"They're probably all doing heroin." She was serious.
Comments
Yep. I did that. The ride was a minute harsher over rough pavement, but overall, felt the same. I upraded to the sport shocks and 255/45/17 tires and am very satisified. There is a very large discussion on this subject at the unmentionable site.
It's true, so folks should just get used to the facts! Many of us on this board have been saying this for years, only to be laughed at by the bimmer crowd. Well, the laughs are on them.
Ha ha ha ha! Some people just can't handle the truth.
Now, I'm going back to the 5er topic to discuss the vehicles that roundly trounce the E39 in magazine comparison tests. Oh wait, I forgot. There aren't any.
ty
As I stated above, some people just can't handle the truth! The LS V-8 not only outperforms the BMW 530iA in nearly all performance related categories (while costing $3500 less), it also out handles the BMW 540. How much more is the BMW 540? I'm sure div2 knows, but does he care to admit his pretentious tastes are just a little bit expensive?
Oh yeah, when are you guys coming out to a CCA driving school? I want to see some trouncing! Now back to lurk mode before Pat goes all hissy again...
PS: Excellent job Akirby; my bet remains in good hands.
Feel free to check out the Arizona SCCA SoloII autocross web site.
http://www.azsolo2.com/
Check out the February 2003 results and the Pylon Press (online Newsletter) . . .
You won't find a single BMW 5 series out there! In fact, I've been out there in my 2000 LS V-8 for the past year, and I've yet to see a 5 series compete. You'll also notice my placement in the Street Tire 1 class . . . care to comment div2?
Check out the Colorado SCCA SoloII autocross site . . . you'll find another highly placed LS V-8 (like #1) in it's class.
Where is the 5 series competition? There is none!
Now, about the G35 . . . what's that you say . . . can't defeat the traction control system? Isn't competitive in autocross? Oh, well, just another that can't hang with the LS in a competitive environment. Maybe better compared to the BMW 5 series. Ha ha ha ha!
BTW, how does your bet work when akirby posts once and you post how many times? Your logic escapes me div2, but then why doesn't that surprise me? Your mere presence on this board goes to show how "convinced" you are about the "greatness" of your BMW.
I agree with lolaj42, in the times I have participated at the San Diego and Cal Club autocrosses I have yet to see a number of 5-series BMWs at these events. Yet there have been LSes at these events, besides mine. At each of these events that have had a 5-series, excluding the M5, the LS has beaten the 5-series (530 and 540 series). And not just my LS either.
The G35 is a fine car. I'd still take my LS over it no matter what the cost. The LS handles better and I've driven both of them at the limits on a track to know that. I've also driven a 540i at the limits on a track. Nice car but I'd still take the LS for it's handling.
For being the "Ultimate Driving Machine" the folks on the 5-series board sure spend a lot of timing debating how to save a thousand bucks or how to get the best deal on their 5-series or the merits of ED. They sure don't talk much about the fun of driving their cars. If the 5-series is that great why don't they? I've followed that board and submarine surfed it since it was first started.
What do we talk about with the LS? The fun of driving it, problems that we encounter, not where can we get the best deal.
>When's the last time you hit a track?<
Which track?
Watkins Glen?
NHIS?
Sears Point?
Memphis Motorsport Park?
Putnam Park Sports Car Course?
Autocross experience?
1st Place BMW CCA Touring Sports Class A 1994 1988 M6
3rd Place Mid South PCA Autocross 1994 Solo 1 behind two prepped 911SCs- same M6
I now spend my time insrtucting at track schools. My wife won't let me take her 5er out, so the Club Sport will has to suffice-at least until I find a 2002 Turbo or 540i M Sport..:) My next school is either Memphis or Putnam. Want to be my student?
Look, people-I lurk here because my 68 year old computer-challenged uncle has an LS and thus I'm able to fill him in on the latest news re: TSBs, etc. I seem to remember it was a certain Akirby who jumped into the 5er board touting the LS-and then complained that he got flamed. FWIW, I think the LS is a a good car. It's not my choice, but that doesn't invalidate the choice YOU made. You should also know that I volunteered to help Brian with LS Mania in St. Louis-which died due to lack of interest. I even offered to line up some CCA instructors to help at Gateway. Relax, you guys own a fine car. But endlessly comparing it to other marques is not the name of the game. Enjoying driving the car YOU chose is what counts...
ty
Now who first brought up the term "trounce"? . . .
Peace div2, though I'm not interested in taking "lessons" from you.
Seeing the 5-series against other makes in the same weight class would make for exciting racing. Especially if you kept the cars close to stock.
Personally, I love taking my car to the limit and beyond. If I didn't I don't think I'd know how much fun the LS and other drivers cars are like.
Just tootling around the neighborhood doesn't give you the same thrill as feathering a throttle in a decreasing radius turn and trying to figure out what you need to adjust to keep the car ends from swapping places! (On a track of course, not a public road).
Of course, there's also that other moment when you don't judge it right and head off into the weeds!
Several of us with LS's still appear to be seeking legitimacy. Several others are waiting to see how it all turns out.
BMW has been making cars like this for a number of decades. Lincoln is just starting. Even those of us with the LS wonder if they're serious. If they are, hang on, you're in for a real competition. The LS platform, with the '03 improvements, really merits consideration.
If not, well, several of us will go Bavarian when the time comes.
FWIW, the March 10 Autoweek has a glowing review of the '03 LS V8 Sport on page 14.
I could be wrong, but the handling of the 530i and 540i should be very similar. Possibly, the 530i might be superior because of a lighter front end.
Also, my fellow LSers, my Bridgestone Pole-Position SO-3 245/45/17's lasted only 8 months and 12,000 miles.
Like the long-term M3 test in last month's C&D, in which their SO-3's lasted all of 14,000 miles, I suffered wear in the center of the tires, but only in the rears. The fronts are wearing evenly and have about 40% of their tread life left.
My theory is that the SO-3 has a particular vulnerability to centrifigal force under acceleration, which causes the middle of the tread to bow out and wear faster. I ran 30 lbs in the rears. Or maybe 245 is just too much width for the Super Silvers.
Anyway, I'm going back to the OEM Stones. They lasted 26,000 miles and I had no complaints. For the money, they are still a good deal. If you want the ultimate, then go for the Pilot Sports.
The problem first appeared when it was still under warranty, but in those days it wouldn't always happen, so it was hard to reproduce on demand. It seems to be worse when the weather is cold, but does happen in warm weather also (although I haven't had a chance to prove that for months now!).
I only argued that the LS outhandled and outaccelerated the 530i in the test (and outhandled a non sport 540i in the commercial) for a lot less money. Why is it so hard for you to simply acknowledge that? There are plenty of other reasons to buy a BMW including styling, availability of a manual, dealer preference, etc. etc.
I think you've totally misunderstood my intentions and the substance of my posts, so can we just drop it and move on? I don't see anything productive.
This is a software update that improves shifting, and has been available for more than two years. Your dealer SHOULD have already applied it. If you have service records documenting the fact that you reported the problem while you were still in warranty, I'd suggest asking the dealer to apply the update at no charge to you. In my opinion, it should've been done the first time you reported the problem. (Of course, my opinion and two bucks will get you a plain cup of coffee at Starbuck's...)
Delayed shifting is not an uncommon complaint with early-build automatic LSs. As akirby said, it could also be a fluid problem, but I'd make sure the software update is done first, and then have the fluid changed. Also, as akirby said, there is a very specific procedure for changing the fluid in this transmission; be sure the dealer has the correct equipment and knows the procedure.
Good luck; let us know how it turns out.
Through the communications both here, and the "other place", most of us are aware that fluid level is critical to the operation of the LS's transmission. Because of this, I asked my dealer to check the level last year, when the car was in for service. They said they did, however I'm somewhat skeptical, as the tranny hasn't performed so well, for as long as I can remember.
Anyway, the moral of the story is to maintain your transmission. It pays dividends.
It pays to take what we learn here and at the "other" site, and make sure our dealer's service guys are as well informed as we are. If they are reasonable people and we present it diplomatically, it makes life easier for everybody. I count myself lucky that the people at my dealer say they love doing business with a well-informed customer.
You missed the string from the tea bag (inside the cup). It is pointing straight back due to rapid acceleration.
Show the CAR!
I think these new advertising types are out to make their own personal mark rather than sell the product.
My 23 year old son just landed a contract to produce TV ads for an electronics company.Their head honcho candidly told him they don't know how to reach out to his generation. Hope he doesn't come up with the tea bag idea. At the other end of the spectrum in toilet humor is the pickup truck commercial with the guy chocking on his lunch and then barfing it onto the windshield. I think middle America needs commercials that describe the product end of discussion.
Some feminine commercials keep you guessing, is it shampoo, teeth whitener or pantyhose they're marketing?
Put the car back in car ads.
I must admit to liking the tea bag ad; it shows both sides of this car's personality. Maybe it would be good for certain magazines, but there has to be more. The new TV spot is a good start.
The April 2003 issue of Popular Mechanics has their "Owners Report" on the MY 2000-2002 Lincoln LS. Owners raved. PM loves it. You might especially enjoy the entire page worth of survey summary statistics (e.g., 78 percent said they'd buy another LS and another 18 percent said maybe, with only 4 percent saying no).
There must be some truth that new Lincoln commercial they're running out in California!
Just my $.01.5 worth (adjusted downward for the recent economy).
- Ray
Who is afraid that noone inside Lincoln (except the engineers!) knows what they have - or how to market it - still . . .
The thought process in the advertising world is that you try to hook in the consumer with emotion and they will forget that you are trying to peddle garbage on them.
I think one of the most ridulous commercials I ever saw was the one for the Hoover vacuum where they are playing some sappy music and trying so convice housewifes that ALL their problems will magically dissappear and life will be simply wonderful if they have a Hoover vacuum. IIRC over the sappy music a woman is singing "Nobody does it better than Hoover.........." Give me a break it's a stupid vacuum!
This soap & detergent type of marketing is a complete waste of money when you actually have a good product to sell.
Most US companies seem to have forgotten, the 10 most important things in trying to sell the public something (in order of importance) are:
1. Product
2. Product
3. Product
4. Product
5. Product
6. Product
7. Product
8. Product
9. Product
10. Product
Instead the mentality, is screw spending any money og giving the customer something better, put all the $$ in to advertising.
Keep your tea bags Y & R I'm intersted in the product. It doesn't matter whether I buy a Kia or a Maybach, there is no vehicle on this planet that is magially going to transform my life into that of Brad Pit's.
-The Aviator TV commercial with the pansy-as_ driver holding the umbrella thru an open moonroof while it's raining.
-The 'cigarette lighter' LS magazine ad.
-The 'tea bag' LS magazine ad.
This good friend used to work in marketing. I asked why the hel_ these marketing types would choose to make/buy these stooopid ads? Her conclusion, without hesitation:
"They're probably all doing heroin." She was serious.