Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

driver100 · July 2017

ab348 said:

thebean said:

Trade ya for ours.
They're just opposite sides of the same coin, both seeking attention constantly while not being particularly well-qualified for the job.

I'm probably feeling extra-cranky today because the towel bar just fell off the wall in my newly-renovated bathroom. Jerk kid apprentice put it on to 3/8 drywall without finding a stud, so he used some plastic anchors and for good measure some construction adhesive on the back of the bar. When the anchor pulled through the thin drywall, the adhesive made sure it took a good part of the finished wall with it.

Ab, I happened to turn the TV on when the Little Prince......our PM, was giving his Canada Day speech. It was so embarrassing, I thought I was watching a Grade 6 student (I guess the good thing is he doesn't tweet).

Sorry about the towel bar thing.......hate when that stuff happens.

oldfarmer50 · July 2017

graphicguy said:
Never been one to believe too much in "end of month" deals myself. I offer what I'm willing to pay, regardless of what the calendar says. If they accept, we have a deal. If not, no harm-no foul and I move on down the road.

That's a segue into taking a road trip in the Cobra since it's a beautiful day here, today. Went to the "Auto Livery" place today....same place that has the Z I posted earlier.

They were super busy. Nice folks. As mentioned, I've done business with them before, but it's been several years. The owner recognized me, even if he didn't remember my name. You know the Cobra is coming if you pull it up to a red light or into a drive way. Owner said he knew immediately what it was before he even turned around to see who was coming up their driveway. Not sure if that was BS or not, but he's proven to be a pretty knowledgeable guy in the past.

Anyway, they had 3 sales people working and all of them had deals going.

Owner asked if I was selling the Cobra. As I told him, everything is available for a price. But, my real reason was to look around at what he had. Probably 50% of his stock was what I'd consider semi-collectible.

They had this on the showroom floor....20K miles.....

This was right next to it for $122K....

I was going to say something funny about low maintenance but then the site glitched and spoiled the mood.

abacomike · July 2017

imidazol97 said:

I'll always have that sinking feeling every time I park the car and lock it.

The logic of what they said they are doing sounds good for the reprogramming.

One comment is that a lesser dealer would have lifted the trunk mats, soaked up the water, and told you to leave the trunk lid open in the sun. Or they would have kept the car a few days and left the trunk lid open.

The BMW dealer could have done that to remove the free water and put in a dehumidfier and circulation fan to extract all the moisture from the mats and other parts in the trunk that absorbed it. And could have had an ozone generator to kill mold and mildew that exists inside.

They did remove all trunk lining, air dried the trunk with fans in the air-conditioned service area and then replaced all trunk lining. They were quite quick to get the car dried out.

abacomike · July 2017

driver100 said:

Drove the car this morning and checked out the trunk open/close procedures. If the car doors are all "locked", if you press the trunk open button on the key fob, the trunk no longer opens. Once I unlock the doors to the car, the open trunk button works and the trunk opens itself. As for the rubber "trunk open" button just above the license plate area, if I press it and the key is in my pocket, it also opens. If I lift my leg under the rear bumper, the trunk also opens so long as I have the key fob in my pocket.

So, it would seem that the only sacrifice I made by them reprogramming the computer has to do with opening the trunk using the key fob button. Otherwise, everything else remained the same.

I had to go in and reprogram all my settings since they had to reset the computer. We'll see how this works - hoping that the trunk does not open by itself any more. If it does, they will have to replace the car. I got an email from BMW North America verifying that this fix was the second attempt at correcting the inadvertent trunk opening problem. I have a case number now. The email states that if the problem has not been corrected, the zone technical department will get involved in replacing my current car with another. I can't complain about that, that's for sure. At least they are treating me appropriately.

Well Mike, if nothing else, you know how the "replacement thingy" goes.

But, to be safe, I'd keep a roll of white duct tape handy if I were you.

jmonroe

An engineer and the best he can come up with is.....duct tape!

Tell me about it!!!

abacomike · July 2017

tjc78 said:

@abacomike and @roadburner

Does BMW have a switch to shut off the power trunk? On our Enclave there is a switch that deactivates the power lift gate even from the remote. If the car has that you could always shut it off when you are parked and there is a chance of rain

No. But by reprogramming the computer so that you must first unlock the car before you can open the trunk with the key fob is their fix for this. But I know it will happen again - trunk opening inadvertently. Remember, this is "AbacoMike" we're talking about - proof that Murphy's Law does prevail in this world - you know - the picture next to Murphy's Law in the dictionary is a selfie of me!!!

jmonroe · July 2017

tjc78 said:
@abacomike and @roadburner

Does BMW have a switch to shut off the power trunk? On our Enclave there is a switch that deactivates the power lift gate even from the remote. If the car has that you could always shut it off when you are parked and there is a chance of rain

Don't take this personal but it is suggestions like this that drive me up a wall.

If you own a car that has a feature that you want/like, as I think Mike does with his trunk opening feature, it should WORK ALL THE TIME, as it was designed to work. An owner should not have to find a work around so that they are somewhat confident that their trunk does not open inadvertently in the rain and ruin the trunk contents or worse yet give access to the car by some passerby hood.

Like I said above it should work, especially when you spend 85 plus grand for a car. It sounds like BMW has an option that they can't figure out, so their fix was to make sure the doors have to be opened before the trunk is opened. That was not the way it was designed to work. And this leg waving thing under the bumper is ridiculous. I'm sure BMW's market for this car are senior citizens. Does it really make sense for seniors to balance themselves on one leg and wave the other under the bumper, while holding a grocery bag or two, to open the trunk? As of right now Mike is not sure how this dealer "fix" will play out.

With my wannabe '15 Genny, all I have to do is stand behind the bumper, for about 3 or 4 seconds, on two feet, and the trunk unlocks and raises automatically. Hyundai calls this a "Smart Trunk" and compared to what Mike is living with I believe them.

Now who is driving a wannabe?

End of rant.

jmonroe

jmonroe · July 2017

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

abacomike said:
Drove the car this morning and checked out the trunk open/close procedures. If the car doors are all "locked", if you press the trunk open button on the key fob, the trunk no longer opens. Once I unlock the doors to the car, the open trunk button works and the trunk opens itself. As for the rubber "trunk open" button just above the license plate area, if I press it and the key is in my pocket, it also opens. If I lift my leg under the rear bumper, the trunk also opens so long as I have the key fob in my pocket.

So, it would seem that the only sacrifice I made by them reprogramming the computer has to do with opening the trunk using the key fob button. Otherwise, everything else remained the same.

I had to go in and reprogram all my settings since they had to reset the computer. We'll see how this works - hoping that the trunk does not open by itself any more. If it does, they will have to replace the car. I got an email from BMW North America verifying that this fix was the second attempt at correcting the inadvertent trunk opening problem. I have a case number now. The email states that if the problem has not been corrected, the zone technical department will get involved in replacing my current car with another. I can't complain about that, that's for sure. At least they are treating me appropriately.
Well Mike, if nothing else, you know how the "replacement thingy" goes.

But, to be safe, I'd keep a roll of white duct tape handy if I were you.

jmonroe
An engineer and the best he can come up with is.....duct tape!

See my post above. I could have suggested that Mike buy a Genny but since I knew that would be out of the question, white duct tape was suggested.

Just like when I was working, when someone wanted advice, I would first ask, "are you going to listen to what I say or are you looking for the easy/maybe/might work answer"? No sense wasting time when you aren't going to be heard.

jmonroe

stickguy · July 2017

JM, first thing I reset was that smart trunk, turning it off. Got tired of having the trunk popped every time I stopped for a couple of seconds behind the car.

tjc78 · July 2017

@jmonroe
I can't disagree with anything you said, however, there are times you just need a work around.

@stickguy
I think I'm getting close to disabling it as well. It can be convenient, but sometimes is opens when I really didn't want it to, and other times I didn't feel like waiting the extra time and just pushed the button.

jmonroe · July 2017

stickguy said:
JM, first thing I reset was that smart trunk, turning it off. Got tired of having the trunk popped every time I stopped for a couple of seconds behind the car.

There is nothing wrong with what you did IF you don't like the feature. But from listening to Mike, he likes the feature. However, you weren't playing by the rules. Hyundai clearly explains how their Smart Trunk works in the manual so you knew you shouldn't stand behind the car too long but it appears you did. You can't blame the manufacture for that.

I leave my FOB in the car (cup holder) when it is in the garage so I can stand behind my car all day and the trunk will not open. When I'm returning to the car from shopping or any other time, I don't stand behind my car unless I want the trunk to open. Again, you gotta play by the rules.

FWIW, Mrs. j's 2012 Legacy does not have the Smart Trunk option but I/we have never opened her trunk accidentally because I guess you can say she has a Smart FOB. You have to hold the trunk open button for at least 2 or 3 seconds to unlock it and when it unlocks, it just pops but doesn't open completely. Subaru isn't known for being a high tech manufacture but they got that part right.

jmonroe

driver100 · July 2017

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

abacomike said:
Drove the car this morning and checked out the trunk open/close procedures. If the car doors are all "locked", if you press the trunk open button on the key fob, the trunk no longer opens. Once I unlock the doors to the car, the open trunk button works and the trunk opens itself. As for the rubber "trunk open" button just above the license plate area, if I press it and the key is in my pocket, it also opens. If I lift my leg under the rear bumper, the trunk also opens so long as I have the key fob in my pocket.

So, it would seem that the only sacrifice I made by them reprogramming the computer has to do with opening the trunk using the key fob button. Otherwise, everything else remained the same.

I had to go in and reprogram all my settings since they had to reset the computer. We'll see how this works - hoping that the trunk does not open by itself any more. If it does, they will have to replace the car. I got an email from BMW North America verifying that this fix was the second attempt at correcting the inadvertent trunk opening problem. I have a case number now. The email states that if the problem has not been corrected, the zone technical department will get involved in replacing my current car with another. I can't complain about that, that's for sure. At least they are treating me appropriately.
Well Mike, if nothing else, you know how the "replacement thingy" goes.

But, to be safe, I'd keep a roll of white duct tape handy if I were you.

jmonroe
An engineer and the best he can come up with is.....duct tape!
See my post above. I could have suggested that Mike buy a Genny but since I knew that would be out of the question, white duct tape was suggested.

Just like when I was working, when someone wanted advice, I would first ask, "are you going to listen to what I say or are you looking for the easy/maybe/might work answer"? No sense wasting time when you aren't going to be heard.

jmonroe

Hope you read what stick said after your "fool"proof trunk plan;

stickguy Posts: 23,982
9:31PM
JM, first thing I reset was that smart trunk, turning it off. Got tired of having the trunk popped every time I stopped for a couple of seconds behind the car.

jmonroe · July 2017

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

driver100 said:

jmonroe said:

abacomike said:
Drove the car this morning and checked out the trunk open/close procedures. If the car doors are all "locked", if you press the trunk open button on the key fob, the trunk no longer opens. Once I unlock the doors to the car, the open trunk button works and the trunk opens itself. As for the rubber "trunk open" button just above the license plate area, if I press it and the key is in my pocket, it also opens. If I lift my leg under the rear bumper, the trunk also opens so long as I have the key fob in my pocket.

So, it would seem that the only sacrifice I made by them reprogramming the computer has to do with opening the trunk using the key fob button. Otherwise, everything else remained the same.

I had to go in and reprogram all my settings since they had to reset the computer. We'll see how this works - hoping that the trunk does not open by itself any more. If it does, they will have to replace the car. I got an email from BMW North America verifying that this fix was the second attempt at correcting the inadvertent trunk opening problem. I have a case number now. The email states that if the problem has not been corrected, the zone technical department will get involved in replacing my current car with another. I can't complain about that, that's for sure. At least they are treating me appropriately.
Well Mike, if nothing else, you know how the "replacement thingy" goes.

But, to be safe, I'd keep a roll of white duct tape handy if I were you.

jmonroe
An engineer and the best he can come up with is.....duct tape!
See my post above. I could have suggested that Mike buy a Genny but since I knew that would be out of the question, white duct tape was suggested.

Just like when I was working, when someone wanted advice, I would first ask, "are you going to listen to what I say or are you looking for the easy/maybe/might work answer"? No sense wasting time when you aren't going to be heard.

jmonroe
Hope you read what stick said after your "fool"proof trunk plan;

stickguy Posts: 23,982
9:31PM
JM, first thing I reset was that smart trunk, turning it off. Got tired of having the trunk popped every time I stopped for a couple of seconds behind the car.

Well, I guess you saw my response to him, right?

jmonroe

stickguy · July 2017

well, that is a silly rule. when I am in the garage behind the car, I have to keep moving constantly, just because Hyundai said I needed to? What am I, a shark?

I just walk over and put my hand on the latch, and pull the trunk open. No fob required. If the smart trunk was set, I would have to walk over, stand there 2 seconds, they still pull up the trunk lid. So I am really not quite sure what this feature actually does for me.

I did, however, try out the cooled seats this week. They actually do work pretty well. So that is a useful feature, but also one that only goes on when I tell it to.

jmonroe · July 2017

stickguy said:
well, that is a silly rule. when I am in the garage behind the car, I have to keep moving constantly, just because Hyundai said I needed to? What am I, a shark?

I just walk over and put my hand on the latch, and pull the trunk open. No fob required. If the smart trunk was set, I would have to walk over, stand there 2 seconds, they still pull up the trunk lid. So I am really not quite sure what this feature actually does for me.

I did, however, try out the cooled seats this week. They actually do work pretty well. So that is a useful feature, but also one that only goes on when I tell it to.

I don't think it is a silly rule. It's the way the manufacture wants to open the trunk of their cars. I'm sure they could have chosen other ways to do it but they must have liked the method they chose as being the best. Of course that can be argued all day long because some would like it one way and another person another way. There comes a point when you have to throw down your design pencils and go with it.

If you want to talk about something silly, I think standing on one foot and waving your other foot under the bumper to open your trunk is silly but I doubt that BMW will agree with me about that. If you want to know another silly thing about the BMW trunk feature, according to Mike, you can't turn it off with a switch. You have to live with it and hope the re-programming works.

I don't think you are a shark, maybe a little stubborn to play by the rules but, no, you are not a shark. Although I'm not sure why you would use that analogy anyway.

The way your trunk operates I wouldn't call that a true Smart Trunk, maybe an Almost Smart Trunk but not a Smart Trunk.

As for cooling seats, since I have black leather seats, I like them a lot.

jmonroe

roadburner · July 2017

You don't "wave" your foot under the bumper; you make one forward kick. I haven't run across one person at our center who thinks it is a difficult procedure- including the 88 year old 7 Series owner that I worked with when I first got hired.

venture · July 2017

stickguy said:
well, that is a silly rule. when I am in the garage behind the car, I have to keep moving constantly, just because Hyundai said I needed to? What am I, a shark?

I just walk over and put my hand on the latch, and pull the trunk open. No fob required. If the smart trunk was set, I would have to walk over, stand there 2 seconds, they still pull up the trunk lid. So I am really not quite sure what this feature actually does for me.

I did, however, try out the cooled seats this week. They actually do work pretty well. So that is a useful feature, but also one that only goes on when I tell it to.

I would think you still have to have the fob in the vicinity. Otherwise, anyone walking by could open your trunk.

driver100 · July 2017

roadburner said:
You don't "wave" your foot under the bumper; you make one forward kick. I haven't run across one person at our center who thinks it is a difficult procedure- including the 88 year old 7 Series owner that I worked with when I first got hired.

I have to walk behind the car to get to the drivers side when I come out of the house.......this is in the garage.
Sometimes Gigi runs beside me and the car thinks she is a foot and the trunk opens. The engineers didn't think of that happening.
Maybe Mike has a cat that is walking by his car when he drives into his parking space.

stickguy · July 2017

sharks have to keep moving or they sink. Something like that. And yes, the fob has to be in my pocket (where it always is) but I don't have to actually touch any of the buttons.

At least Hyundai makes it an optional feature, right in the configuration menu, so it is just one way of doing it, so obviously they know that it makes no sense for some owners!

driver100 · July 2017

Stick, I know exactly what you meant when you said a shark....sharks have to keep moving, they can never stop and rest.
I have to admit, I think the Hyundai methods makes the most sense.

Speaking of definitions, I heard what the meaning of the word "vegetarian" is.
It is an old Indian word that means, "very poor hunter".

graphicguy · July 2017

Farmer....thought of you while I was at the "Auto Livery". They had a PT Cruiser Turbo Convertible. DIdn't even know something like that existed. Did ChryCo make them, or is the convertible an aftermarket thing? I wonder how quick it is with a turbo strapped to it?

driver100 · July 2017

GG, The PT Cruiser GT (also known as the GT Cruiser) is a high output turbocharged hot hatch variant of the PT Cruiser introduced as a 2003 model. Much like the Dodge Neon SRT-4 sedan, the PT Cruiser GT uses the same 2.4L turbocharged I4 engine. The engine is upgraded over the standard PT with improved cooling, oiling, an aluminum cylinder block with steel sleeves, and forged internals. The PT Cruiser GT is much more powerful than the standard model and has the potential to make significantly more power with available and relatively simple performance upgrades. Upgrades such as MOPAR Stage 1 and supporting turbo components are common. Most performance parts from the Dodge Neon SRT-4 are compatible with the PT Cruiser GT.

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT, 2.4L Turbo
Performance
215 hp (160 kW) @ 5000 rpm and 245 lb·ft (332 N·m) @ 3600 rpm (2003–2005)
230 hp (170 kW) @ 5100 rpm and 245 lb·ft (332 N·m) @ 2400 rpm (2006+)

oldfarmer50 · July 2017

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:
JM, first thing I reset was that smart trunk, turning it off. Got tired of having the trunk popped every time I stopped for a couple of seconds behind the car.
There is nothing wrong with what you did IF you don't like the feature. But from listening to Mike, he likes the feature. However, you weren't playing by the rules. Hyundai clearly explains how their Smart Trunk works in the manual so you knew you shouldn't stand behind the car too long but it appears you did. You can't blame the manufacture for that.

I leave my FOB in the car (cup holder) when it is in the garage so I can stand behind my car all day and the trunk will not open. When I'm returning to the car from shopping or any other time, I don't stand behind my car unless I want the trunk to open. Again, you gotta play by the rules.

FWIW, Mrs. j's 2012 Legacy does not have the Smart Trunk option but I/we have never opened her trunk accidentally because I guess you can say she has a Smart FOB. You have to hold the trunk open button for at least 2 or 3 seconds to unlock it and when it unlocks, it just pops but doesn't open completely. Subaru isn't known for being a high tech manufacture but they got that part right.

jmonroe

I'd rather have a dumb trunk. The fancier a system gets the more things that can break. I don't even like the trunks that open with a fob. Rather have a lock and key. I don't want a trunk that I have to dance behind or do one foot acrobatics. I don't hang out in high crime areas like you guys so I don't even have to lock my doors.

oldfarmer50 · July 2017

graphicguy said:
Farmer....thought of you while I was at the "Auto Livery". They had a PT Cruiser Turbo Convertible. DIdn't even know something like that existed. Did ChryCo make them, or is the convertible an aftermarket thing? I wonder how quick it is with a turbo strapped to it?

Driver100 beat me to it with the specs but yeah, they made 'em. I guess that old fashioned 2.4L is pretty robust and can handle turbo stress pretty well.

I'm assuming my engine will last a pretty long time but I doubt the rest of the car will. Did I mention that my Mustang gets better gas milage?

carnaught · July 2017

driver100 said:
GG, The PT Cruiser GT (also known as the GT Cruiser) is a high output turbocharged hot hatch variant of the PT Cruiser introduced as a 2003 model. Much like the Dodge Neon SRT-4 sedan, the PT Cruiser GT uses the same 2.4L turbocharged I4 engine. The engine is upgraded over the standard PT with improved cooling, oiling, an aluminum cylinder block with steel sleeves, and forged internals. The PT Cruiser GT is much more powerful than the standard model and has the potential to make significantly more power with available and relatively simple performance upgrades. Upgrades such as MOPAR Stage 1 and supporting turbo components are common. Most performance parts from the Dodge Neon SRT-4 are compatible with the PT Cruiser GT.

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT, 2.4L Turbo
Performance
215 hp (160 kW) @ 5000 rpm and 245 lb·ft (332 N·m) @ 3600 rpm (2003–2005)
230 hp (170 kW) @ 5100 rpm and 245 lb·ft (332 N·m) @ 2400 rpm (2006+)

Sheesh....a face only a mother could love.

graphicguy · July 2017

driver100 said:
GG, The PT Cruiser GT (also known as the GT Cruiser) is a high output turbocharged hot hatch variant of the PT Cruiser introduced as a 2003 model. Much like the Dodge Neon SRT-4 sedan, the PT Cruiser GT uses the same 2.4L turbocharged I4 engine. The engine is upgraded over the standard PT with improved cooling, oiling, an aluminum cylinder block with steel sleeves, and forged internals. The PT Cruiser GT is much more powerful than the standard model and has the potential to make significantly more power with available and relatively simple performance upgrades. Upgrades such as MOPAR Stage 1 and supporting turbo components are common. Most performance parts from the Dodge Neon SRT-4 are compatible with the PT Cruiser GT.

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT, 2.4L Turbo
Performance
215 hp (160 kW) @ 5000 rpm and 245 lb·ft (332 N·m) @ 3600 rpm (2003–2005)
230 hp (170 kW) @ 5100 rpm and 245 lb·ft (332 N·m) @ 2400 rpm (2006+)

Thanks! That's the exact color of the one I saw. Interesting.....a "go fast" PT Cruiser.

This car lot had lots of odd ball cars. They also had one of those Chevy "I'm a pickup...no, I'm a muscle car....no I'm a convertible". Forget what they called those things. I don't think they made them for very long, though.

Seems there was a period of time when everyone was trying to follow the retro craze.....started with the PT Cruiser and Plymouth Prowler ( they had one of those, too).

dino001 · July 2017

So, fellas, I owe you couple of pics. and stories from my Euro delivery. I was too busy, tired to do things on the fly, but the trip is coming to an end. I'm in the Holiday Inn Munich Airport waiting for tomorrow to drop my car off. Made over 4000 km, around 2700 miles mostly on French, Swiss and Italian highways, many narrow streets of French towns, sweated through Genoa's insane moped riders. Will say more when come back to the US, in couple of days. For starters, couple of pictures.

dino001 · July 2017

dino001 · July 2017

dino001 · July 2017

houdini1 · July 2017

abacomike said:

ab348 said:
Another black mark for the sales guy at my Caddy dealer: got an email from Cadillac thanking me for the purchase of a new Cadillac and asking me to do a survey on the sales process. I figured that would be fun, so I started it, but the first question was "Did you recently take delivery of a new 2017 Cadillac?" and when I said "no", the questionnaire stopped with some wording about how their information must have been wrong.
Hey, ab, what you need to do is double-check the car in your driveway (or garage) to make sure they didn't do a "slight of hand" and switch cars on you. It's pretty hard to get a sales survey without RDR'ing a new car (that's registering and recording a new car deal with the manufacturer for those of you unfamiliar with "car sales lingo")! I'd laugh my derriere off if you get a statement in the mail next month for the new car payment. It's happened to many others - so watch for it!

Identity theft ? One ghost purchase would set off my alarm, but two, both car related ?

driver100 · July 2017

Dino, Great looking car and the red looks fantastic. Since we won't be doing the drive to Florida anymore, just flying, a 3 Series would be at the top of my list of cars to buy, and my first choice would be red. I'd have to compare it to a C300, but I like the look of a 335 more.

dino001 · July 2017

Consider 4-series Grand Coupe, such as this one. Looks almost just like 3, but you get the hatch.

stickguy · July 2017

Dino, lovely car.

isellhondas · July 2017

Looking at that PT makes me wonder if anyone is strong enough to pick it up by it's "handle"!

abacomike · July 2017

dino001 said:

Beautiful, Dino. I love the color. Great looking BMW - enjoy with much happiness!

abacomike · July 2017

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:
JM, first thing I reset was that smart trunk, turning it off. Got tired of having the trunk popped every time I stopped for a couple of seconds behind the car.
There is nothing wrong with what you did IF you don't like the feature. But from listening to Mike, he likes the feature. However, you weren't playing by the rules. Hyundai clearly explains how their Smart Trunk works in the manual so you knew you shouldn't stand behind the car too long but it appears you did. You can't blame the manufacture for that.

I leave my FOB in the car (cup holder) when it is in the garage so I can stand behind my car all day and the trunk will not open. When I'm returning to the car from shopping or any other time, I don't stand behind my car unless I want the trunk to open. Again, you gotta play by the rules.

FWIW, Mrs. j's 2012 Legacy does not have the Smart Trunk option but I/we have never opened her trunk accidentally because I guess you can say she has a Smart FOB. You have to hold the trunk open button for at least 2 or 3 seconds to unlock it and when it unlocks, it just pops but doesn't open completely. Subaru isn't known for being a high tech manufacture but they got that part right.

jmonroe

How my trunk opens or closes is not very important to me so long as I can get into the trunk twice a month when I go food shopping or on the very rare trip up the coast to visit my brother when I have to put a suitcase in there. Otherwise, the trunk remains closed 98% of the time.

The issue is with the inadvertent trunk opening, not with "how the trunk opens or closes". The only change that was made to my car's programming and functioning is that now I first have to unlock the doors with my key fob before I can open the trunk with my key fob. Otherwise, the car functions exactly the way it did before the reprogramming. This is not an issue I would get bent out of shape on - I never open my trunk with my key fob anyway - I press the rubber switch under the trunk lip by the license plate recess and, so long as I have a key fob to my car on my person, the trunk opens - just like before. As for the leg under the rear bumper, I almost never use that feature - much simpler to just press the rubber switch. I am not concerned over the fact that my car does not function exactly like by brother's 740i. There are four different ways I can access my trunk:

*I can use the switch on my driver's door to release the trunk
*I can use my key fob to open the trunk once the doors are unlocked
*I can use the rubber switch on the trunk lip to open the trunk
*I can use a simple leg raise under my rear bumper to raise the trunk

Now, if my trunk again opens inadvertently, that's a different story - it would be obvious that the "fix" they used did not solve this problem. Then, I prepare for battle. But, if it "fixes" the problem, I'm a happy camper!

driver100 · July 2017

dino001 said:
Consider 4-series Grand Coupe, such as this one. Looks almost just like 3, but you get the hatch.

I don't think I am a hatch man.

I have had SUVs and wagons........I like a real live trunk, where windshield washer fluid can't slosh around and be heard.....but, that is strictly a personal preference. SUVs are like work vehicles to me, they lack the handling that a sedan has. I like the look of the 4 Series though, and you are getting the dynamics of a car as far as handling is concerned, and the convenience of wagon type room. . In Europe it seems over half the cars are wagons or SUVs. I saw a row of cars just at random parked on a lot, there were about 20 cars, and all of them were wagons or SUVs.

Mr_Shiftright · July 2017

Geesh...all you'd need to complete that car's image is a propeller beanie for your head.

abacomike · July 2017

I had to call my doctor at 4:30 PM yesterday because I was just about out of my Keflex antibiotic and the cist on the left side of the nape of my neck was getting more painful and was not reducing in size. He called the pharmacy and ordered Levofloxacin 250mg (7 tablets, one per day for 7 days) and Clindamycin 150mg (14 capsules, two per day for 7 days). He told me to come to his office at 9:00 AM Monday so he can refer me to a surgeon to have the thing drained and/or removed.

Just another notch in my Murphy's Law pistol grip - if something can screw up, in my case it definitely will!

suydam · July 2017

abacomike said:

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:
JM, first thing I reset was that smart trunk, turning it off. Got tired of having the trunk popped every time I stopped for a couple of seconds behind the car.
There is nothing wrong with what you did IF you don't like the feature. But from listening to Mike, he likes the feature. However, you weren't playing by the rules. Hyundai clearly explains how their Smart Trunk works in the manual so you knew you shouldn't stand behind the car too long but it appears you did. You can't blame the manufacture for that.

I leave my FOB in the car (cup holder) when it is in the garage so I can stand behind my car all day and the trunk will not open. When I'm returning to the car from shopping or any other time, I don't stand behind my car unless I want the trunk to open. Again, you gotta play by the rules.

FWIW, Mrs. j's 2012 Legacy does not have the Smart Trunk option but I/we have never opened her trunk accidentally because I guess you can say she has a Smart FOB. You have to hold the trunk open button for at least 2 or 3 seconds to unlock it and when it unlocks, it just pops but doesn't open completely. Subaru isn't known for being a high tech manufacture but they got that part right.

jmonroe
How my trunk opens or closes is not very important to me so long as I can get into the trunk twice a month when I go food shopping or on the very rare trip up the coast to visit my brother when I have to put a suitcase in there. Otherwise, the trunk remains closed 98% of the time.

The issue is with the inadvertent trunk opening, not with "how the trunk opens or closes". The only change that was made to my car's programming and functioning is that now I first have to unlock the doors with my key fob before I can open the trunk with my key fob. Otherwise, the car functions exactly the way it did before the reprogramming. This is not an issue I would get bent out of shape on - I never open my trunk with my key fob anyway - I press the rubber switch under the trunk lip by the license plate recess and, so long as I have a key fob to my car on my person, the trunk opens - just like before. As for the leg under the rear bumper, I almost never use that feature - much simpler to just press the rubber switch. I am not concerned over the fact that my car does not function exactly like by brother's 740i. There are four different ways I can access my trunk:

*I can use the switch on my driver's door to release the trunk
*I can use my key fob to open the trunk once the doors are unlocked
*I can use the rubber switch on the trunk lip to open the trunk
*I can use a simple leg raise under my rear bumper to raise the trunk

Now, if my trunk again opens inadvertently, that's a different story - it would be obvious that the "fix" they used did not solve this problem. Then, I prepare for battle. But, if it "fixes" the problem, I'm a happy camper!

We hear you, but some of us wonder if the method of opening the trunk is related to why it sometimes inadvertently opens. Hope the reprogramming works.

jmonroe · July 2017

roadburner said:
You don't "wave" your foot under the bumper; you make one forward kick. I haven't run across one person at our center who thinks it is a difficult procedure- including the 88 year old 7 Series owner that I worked with when I first got hired.

Aren't we getting into semantics here? Waving your foot vs. one forward kick are pretty much the same to me.

I was blessed with better than average athletic ability and played softball until I was 60 but if and when I get to 88 years old, I'd be thrilled to be able to stand on one foot, holding a grocery bag or two, and kick.

Not needing help would be a plus for me but doing a one foot thing is beyond what I could hope for.

jmonroe

abacomike · July 2017

suydam said:

abacomike said:

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:
JM, first thing I reset was that smart trunk, turning it off. Got tired of having the trunk popped every time I stopped for a couple of seconds behind the car.
There is nothing wrong with what you did IF you don't like the feature. But from listening to Mike, he likes the feature. However, you weren't playing by the rules. Hyundai clearly explains how their Smart Trunk works in the manual so you knew you shouldn't stand behind the car too long but it appears you did. You can't blame the manufacture for that.

I leave my FOB in the car (cup holder) when it is in the garage so I can stand behind my car all day and the trunk will not open. When I'm returning to the car from shopping or any other time, I don't stand behind my car unless I want the trunk to open. Again, you gotta play by the rules.

FWIW, Mrs. j's 2012 Legacy does not have the Smart Trunk option but I/we have never opened her trunk accidentally because I guess you can say she has a Smart FOB. You have to hold the trunk open button for at least 2 or 3 seconds to unlock it and when it unlocks, it just pops but doesn't open completely. Subaru isn't known for being a high tech manufacture but they got that part right.

jmonroe
How my trunk opens or closes is not very important to me so long as I can get into the trunk twice a month when I go food shopping or on the very rare trip up the coast to visit my brother when I have to put a suitcase in there. Otherwise, the trunk remains closed 98% of the time.

The issue is with the inadvertent trunk opening, not with "how the trunk opens or closes". The only change that was made to my car's programming and functioning is that now I first have to unlock the doors with my key fob before I can open the trunk with my key fob. Otherwise, the car functions exactly the way it did before the reprogramming. This is not an issue I would get bent out of shape on - I never open my trunk with my key fob anyway - I press the rubber switch under the trunk lip by the license plate recess and, so long as I have a key fob to my car on my person, the trunk opens - just like before. As for the leg under the rear bumper, I almost never use that feature - much simpler to just press the rubber switch. I am not concerned over the fact that my car does not function exactly like by brother's 740i. There are four different ways I can access my trunk:

*I can use the switch on my driver's door to release the trunk
*I can use my key fob to open the trunk once the doors are unlocked
*I can use the rubber switch on the trunk lip to open the trunk
*I can use a simple leg raise under my rear bumper to raise the trunk

Now, if my trunk again opens inadvertently, that's a different story - it would be obvious that the "fix" they used did not solve this problem. Then, I prepare for battle. But, if it "fixes" the problem, I'm a happy camper!
We hear you, but some of us wonder if the method of opening the trunk is related to why it sometimes inadvertently opens. Hope the reprogramming works.

Good point. It would seem that BMW thinks it is "fob" related or possibly "frequency" related. I don't think they are correct - I think it's some technology and/or programming flaw in my particular automobile. The trunk has inadvertently opened at the Boca Raton Mall, outside my condo and at Walmart's parking lot. We shall know for sure in the next few weeks or months. I have absolutely no intention of buying another car - so it's this car or a replacement car from BMW, nothing else.

jmonroe · July 2017

stickguy said:
sharks have to keep moving or they sink. Something like that. And yes, the fob has to be in my pocket (where it always is) but I don't have to actually touch any of the buttons.

At least Hyundai makes it an optional feature, right in the configuration menu, so it is just one way of doing it, so obviously they know that it makes no sense for some owners!

Thanks for explaining the shark thing, I never knew that. About all I know about sharks is that I don't want to be in the same water with them. I have heard that a solid punch to a sharks nose may send them away. Even though I used to be quite athletic, I'm not so sure I could pull that off today. Maybe I should be sure to take Mrs. j with me when I go into the ocean. I don't think a shark would want to get in the way of her famous left hook.

jmonroe

carnaught · July 2017

@dino001, had to wipe the drool off the computer after seeing your car pics. - beautiful! Hope you enjoy!

jmonroe · July 2017

dino001 said:

That is a very sharp looking car. My '09 Genny was about that color and compared to the old man gray on my '15 there is no comparison in looks. If I had it to do all over again I would have kept the '09. The only draw back there is that it didn't have a Smart Trunk.

.

Yeah, I really like that color.

Good luck with it.

jmonroe

ab348 · July 2017

isellhondas said:
Looking at that PT makes me wonder if anyone is strong enough to pick it up by it's "handle"!

With the top down, they always reminded me of a peach basket.

ab348 · July 2017

stickguy said:
Dino, lovely car.

x 2 here.

oldfarmer50 · July 2017

dino001 said:

That's a beauty. Love the color. I've seen some 4 series around town and I like the looks better than the 3. More details please. Engine, 0-60 etc.

graphicguy · July 2017

@dino001....love it. Now, seems we're getting a rash of red cars lately.

That's the BMW I'd get if I were in the market.

jmonroe · July 2017

@abacomike said:

*I can use the switch on my driver's door to release the trunk: I can do that with my Gennny.

*I can use my key fob to open the trunk once the doors are unlocked: Nope, I'm not limited for my trunk operation like that. I can use my FOB without first unlocking the doors.

*I can use the rubber switch on the trunk lip to open the trunk: Me too.

*I can use a simple leg raise under my rear bumper to raise the trunk: Nope, I don't have to do that. I just have to stand there for a few seconds.

Two out of 4 ain't a passing grade where I come from. Like I said before..."now who is driving a wannabe"?

jmonroe

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