Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

ab348

graphicguy said:

Just a guess….but some of the oil they used in those “lift” bars tends to harden. If you can locate the tiny reservoir behind and underneath the bar that dampens the cue lever, see if there’s any “gunk” in there. If so, with a cue tip, clear as much as out as you can. They sell some super expensive dampening oil. But, in reality, it’s just synthetic oil. A few drops of much cheaper Mobile 1 does the same thing.

When I fixed the damping on my Pioneer lift/drop mechanism some years ago, it called for a special silicone-based lubricant that was very thick, far more than motor oil. I was able to obtain it from a specialty turntable parts supplier online.

tjc78

I don’t even remember what oil I used, but 10 years later it is still working (probably just jinxed myself)

kyfdx

@oldfarmer50

If you put synthetic in a vehicle that doesn't require it, that isn't going to change that company's recommended service interval. If you want a warranty to 150K miles, you should follow Kia's service interval recommendations.

Also, HyunKia isn't very good about living up to their extended warranty claims, if you believe anecdotal reports.

stickguy

question for the experts (paging Fintail!) My son asked for a dashcam for Christmas to go into his 2021 S4.

I know nothing about them, so any recommendations? Brand, features, anything? And how do they get installed? The car is a lease. He thinks about buying it out at the end but no guarantee, so probably not a good idea to get something that is too invasive to install (or later remove).

that car is so convoluted electronically, with integrated features, that messing with them at all scares me! So something stand alone if certainly desirable. But I assume they at least tap into power supply (through the mirror maybe?

stickguy

Hyundai/Kia do have overly short oil change intervals. 3,750 is for "severe" use, which to them, is pretty much anything. 7,500 for normal use which I think is 10 miles or more every time you drive it, without stops.

driver100

stickguy said:

question for the experts (paging Fintail!) My son asked for a dashcam for Christmas to go into his 2021 S4.

I know nothing about them, so any recommendations? Brand, features, anything? And how do they get installed? The car is a lease. He thinks about buying it out at the end but no guarantee, so probably not a good idea to get something that is too invasive to install (or later remove).

that car is so convoluted electronically, with integrated features, that messing with them at all scares me! So something stand alone if certainly desirable. But I assume they at least tap into power supply (through the mirror maybe?

As you probably know stick I wanted a backup camera for the C250 and I would pay to have it installed by a "pro". When they found out it was a Mercedes they all declined...too much can go wrong. The C250 is pretty low tech....not much fancy electronically on it. I would say if you get one that plugs into the cigarette lighter that should be OK, but do you want a wire always there in a new S4?

They do have backup cameras that will send a picture to your cell phone......but I don't have data...just $3 a month to make a few calls.

qbrozen

@driver100 said:

They do have backup cameras that will send a picture to your cell phone......but I don't have data...just $3 a month to make a few calls.

A camera linked to your cell would be direct communication and not require a data stream through a cell tower.

stickguy

BU camera is not required. Just the cam to record.

jmonroe1

@graphicguy said:
More than happy to help. Send it postage paid and return shipping included. But, I know what @jmonroe1 is shooting for…..a finders fee. AIn’t gonna happen! .

Am I really that transparent?

jmonroe

jmonroe1

@kyfdx said:
@oldfarmer50

If you put synthetic in a vehicle that doesn't require it, that isn't going to change that company's recommended service interval. If you want a warranty to 150K miles, you should follow Kia's service interval recommendations.

Also, HyunKia isn't very good about living up to their extended warranty claims, if you believe anecdotal reports.

Where did you hear that? 😫

jmonroe

roadburner

@graphicguy said:
Took another test drive of the M240 at my local BMW dealer yesterday. Told my sales guy I was interested. He was busy. I told him to put some numbers together on a purchase and call me when he got the chance. They had 2 of them, equipped similarly. Both in the low $50s.

Before I even got home, he called me and told me both had already been sold over the phone! Crazy!

My store received one and it sold within a day. Every one I have seen has a minimal set of options. I have yet to find out if I can order one with sunroof delete. On top of that, it's impossible to predict which features/options might be removed due to the chip shortage. Optioned to my specs MSRP is around $55,000 assuming the RWD model is $2,000 less than the xDrive version. A slick top, the cooling and high performance tire package, and H-K are mandatory.

roadburner

Also, if you wait until the end of January your M or M Performance BMW can wear BMW Motorsport 50th Anniversary roundels as well as some iconic M colors.

jmonroe1

@roadburner said:
Also, if you wait until the end of January your M or M Performance BMW can wear BMW Motorsport 50th Anniversary roundels as well as some iconic M colors.

I don’t think that color will look very good on @graphicguy. Red looks best on him.

jmonroe

driver100

qbrozen said:

@driver100 said:

They do have backup cameras that will send a picture to your cell phone......but I don't have data...just $3 a month to make a few calls.

A camera linked to your cell would be direct communication and not require a data stream through a cell tower.

If that is true, that would solve my problem for the most part. The C250 doesn't have an outlet for my phone in a hidden spot, like the glove compartment, but I could leave my phone in the ash tray and hook it up to the cigarette lighter. I believe you, but find it hard to believe that my $3 a month telephone only plan would allow me to receive that signal. It sounds good....just hard to believe.

driver100

stickguy said:

BU camera is not required. Just the cam to record.

Understood, but somehow the camera needs to have power I would think....I don't think they have battery powered ones. This is an area I have little knowledge of, but if you need to run a wire to the power source, you will have to cut into a wire it seems to me - and that could lead to a problem IMHO.

driver100

jmonroe1 said:

@graphicguy said:

More than happy to help. Send it postage paid and return shipping included. But, I know what @jmonroe1 is shooting for…..a finders fee. AIn’t gonna happen! .

Am I really that transparent?

jmonroe

About as much as a brand new pane of glass fresh from the factory.

fintail

There are tons on the market now, and many are very good - different than when I started running a dashcam ~7 years ago, and many were janky. I've always ran Blackvue cams, and had them hardwired in (with an aux power supply hidden under the dash/knee area at left). I can't stand loose wires, so I don't mind paying a pro to do it, just gotta find a shop with attention to detail.

I'd recommend something with front and rear capability.

stickguy said:

question for the experts (paging Fintail!) My son asked for a dashcam for Christmas to go into his 2021 S4.

I know nothing about them, so any recommendations? Brand, features, anything? And how do they get installed? The car is a lease. He thinks about buying it out at the end but no guarantee, so probably not a good idea to get something that is too invasive to install (or later remove).

that car is so convoluted electronically, with integrated features, that messing with them at all scares me! So something stand alone if certainly desirable. But I assume they at least tap into power supply (through the mirror maybe?

oldfarmer50

kyfdx said:

@oldfarmer50

If you put synthetic in a vehicle that doesn't require it, that isn't going to change that company's recommended service interval. If you want a warranty to 150K miles, you should follow Kia's service interval recommendations.

Also, HyunKia isn't very good about living up to their extended warranty claims, if you believe anecdotal reports.

In my climate I fully expect my Kia to be a pile of rust long before 15years/150,000 miles. Kia is frustratingly obtuse as to whether they require conventional or synthetic oil but if it’s synthetic, a 3750 mile OCI is just nuts.

I’ll make the appointment and get a definite answer straight from the dealer. It’ll be the first time back since I bought the car.

driver100

fintail said:

There are tons on the market now, and many are very good - different than when I started running a dashcam ~7 years ago, and many were janky. I've always ran Blackvue cams, and had them hardwired in (with an aux power supply hidden under the dash/knee area at left). I can't stand loose wires, so I don't mind paying a pro to do it, just gotta find a shop with attention to detail.

I'd recommend something with front and rear capability.

stickguy said:

question for the experts (paging Fintail!) My son asked for a dashcam for Christmas to go into his 2021 S4.

I know nothing about them, so any recommendations? Brand, features, anything? And how do they get installed? The car is a lease. He thinks about buying it out at the end but no guarantee, so probably not a good idea to get something that is too invasive to install (or later remove).

that car is so convoluted electronically, with integrated features, that messing with them at all scares me! So something stand alone if certainly desirable. But I assume they at least tap into power supply (through the mirror maybe?

If the camera is mounted on the dash....to hide wires do they make holes in the dash? His car is a rental so I don't think he would want any holes made.
I agree, do it neat and do it professionally. In my case, hiding wires from the rear camera to the dash would be impractical...legit garages wouldn't attempt it with an MB. I am sure the underground youtube guys can do it though.

fintail

Mine are always mounted just below/ahead of the rear view mirror, and at rear at the top of the rear windscreen. Wires are ran up from the left through the A-pillar, headliner, and then out of the area near the mirror. Headliner and trim pieces usually pop out with little risk of damage on modern cars. Virtually no wiring is visible.

Usually in a metro area, there are high end car audio shops - people who patronize them have Ferraris etc. Those shops tend to be trustworthy, as the clientele are often very detail-oriented

driver100 said:

fintail said:

There are tons on the market now, and many are very good - different than when I started running a dashcam ~7 years ago, and many were janky. I've always ran Blackvue cams, and had them hardwired in (with an aux power supply hidden under the dash/knee area at left). I can't stand loose wires, so I don't mind paying a pro to do it, just gotta find a shop with attention to detail.

I'd recommend something with front and rear capability.

stickguy said:

question for the experts (paging Fintail!) My son asked for a dashcam for Christmas to go into his 2021 S4.

I know nothing about them, so any recommendations? Brand, features, anything? And how do they get installed? The car is a lease. He thinks about buying it out at the end but no guarantee, so probably not a good idea to get something that is too invasive to install (or later remove).

that car is so convoluted electronically, with integrated features, that messing with them at all scares me! So something stand alone if certainly desirable. But I assume they at least tap into power supply (through the mirror maybe?

If the camera is mounted on the dash....to hide wires do they make holes in the dash? His car is a rental so I don't think he would want any holes made.
I agree, do it neat and do it professionally. In my case, hiding wires from the rear camera to the dash would be impractical...legit garages wouldn't attempt it with an MB. I am sure the underground youtube guys can do it though.

stickguy

I need to stop in a local quality audio place. There are a few around.

tjc78

@stickguy said:
I need to stop in a local quality audio place. There are a few around.

Suburban Auto Radio in Oaklyn was fantastic years ago. I assume they are still good.

stickguy

I went there to get something done in about 1999 on my Quest. but if they are still there probably the place I will try.

stickguy

Any opinions on this one?

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/thinkware-f200-pro-front-and-rear-dash-cam-with-gps-accessory-black/6452869.p?skuId=6452869

jmonroe1

@stickguy said:
Any opinions on this one?

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/thinkware-f200-pro-front-and-rear-dash-cam-with-gps-accessory-black/6452869.p?skuId=6452869

Is that what Santa Claus is going to get for your son for Christmas?

jmonroe

stickguy

Depends.

jmonroe1

@stickguy said:
Depends.

Does that mean coal is still in play?

jmonroe

stickguy

depends what the people with opinions think about it.

graphicguy

ab348 said:

graphicguy said:

Just a guess….but some of the oil they used in those “lift” bars tends to harden. If you can locate the tiny reservoir behind and underneath the bar that dampens the cue lever, see if there’s any “gunk” in there. If so, with a cue tip, clear as much as out as you can. They sell some super expensive dampening oil. But, in reality, it’s just synthetic oil. A few drops of much cheaper Mobile 1 does the same thing.

When I fixed the damping on my Pioneer lift/drop mechanism some years ago, it called for a special silicone-based lubricant that was very thick, far more than motor oil. I was able to obtain it from a specialty turntable parts supplier online.

I have seen that “special” turntable damping oil. I remember calling the manufacturer on the bottle, and never could get a straight answer to what kind of “synthetic goo” it was.

The synthetic motor oil is a bit thinner. But, it raises/drops the tone arm at the same rate. Aside from some unknown reaction to the turntable parts (it’s still metal and plastic…just like a car) over time, I’ve been refurbishing cueing features on turntables with synthetic oil for about 7-8 years without any ill effects.

Now, the little bottle I use with the tiny spout is hard to come by. I’m using a small one that I found at a garage sale. The lady actually gave it to me. She used it to oil her sewing machine. She sold the sewing machine. Didn’t think the bottle was worth anything (it wasn’t, unless you had a very specific use for it).

IF you overfill the little turntable reservoir, the damping oil will ruin the little gasket under the screw. That will create a mess and you don’t want your records to have oil all over them. Underfill, and the tonearm will crash on to the record. Have to get it about 80% full so the screw can tighten without over spilling.

But, whatever works, run with it.

My turntable in the pics controls everything with magnets. The tonearm angle, the tracking weight, the anti-skate, the cueing…all of it is done with a little motor and magnets. There are no springs or little weights.

The good news, it’s extremely accurate. The bad news is, if the little motor gives up the ghost, I can’t replace a spring, gear or weight. That motor is made of unobtainium. The turntable becomes little more than a conversation piece at that point.

driver100

stickguy said:

Depends.

You're going to get your son "Depends"?

graphicguy

roadburner said:

@graphicguy said:

Took another test drive of the M240 at my local BMW dealer yesterday. Told my sales guy I was interested. He was busy. I told him to put some numbers together on a purchase and call me when he got the chance. They had 2 of them, equipped similarly. Both in the low $50s.

Before I even got home, he called me and told me both had already been sold over the phone! Crazy!

My store received one and it sold within a day. Every one I have seen has a minimal set of options. I have yet to find out if I can order one with sunroof delete. On top of that, it's impossible to predict which features/options might be removed due to the chip shortage. Optioned to my specs MSRP is around $55,000 assuming the RWD model is $2,000 less than the xDrive version. A slick top, the cooling and high performance tire package, and H-K are mandatory.

Talked to my BMW guy for quite a while yesterday (BMW North Cincinnati). He’s been there for 30+ years. Never saw anything like what’s happening. At one point, they had furloughed ¾ of the sales staff. Sales people who had a customer following over a long period of time (like my sales person), had a well to dip from. Anyone there who was a green pea or only had been there a couple of years, they had to cut loose.

He said he doesn’t have any issues getting the high buck vehicles, as those sit on dealer lots, and are easy to do dealer swaps with. He said he’d give me a jingle if he spots an M240 headed there way before it hits their driveway. But, he said the M240 is probably the hottest car in their line up right now. I believe him.

driver100

stickguy said:

Any opinions on this one?

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/thinkware-f200-pro-front-and-rear-dash-cam-with-gps-accessory-black/6452869.p?skuId=6452869

It looks good but lots of them will do the same. Even if you don't get it installed at Best Buy, asking if they will install it might give you an idea how easy it will be to install in an Audi S4 or R4 (forget the model).

I bought a backup camera at Best Buy. Made arrangements to have it installed, They emailed me the salesgirl made a mistake,,,they wouldn't install it in an MB. I drove 20 miles home, and 20 miles back on I-75, I should have sued!

stickguy

well, Fintail has installed them on a couple of newer MBs, so must have been your store, not the device.

tjc78

Dash cam looks solid. Pretty convenient to be able to grab the videos through your phone or pop out the SD card. Rear camera seems to be a weak point based on reviews but the front cam is the one I’d be most concerned about.

kyfdx

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

Any opinions on this one?

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/thinkware-f200-pro-front-and-rear-dash-cam-with-gps-accessory-black/6452869.p?skuId=6452869

It looks good but lots of them will do the same. Even if you don't get it installed at Best Buy, asking if they will install it might give you an idea how easy it will be to install in an Audi S4 or R4 (forget the model).

I bought a backup camera at Best Buy. Made arrangements to have it installed, They emailed me the salesgirl made a mistake,,,they wouldn't install it in an MB. I drove 20 miles home, and 20 miles back on I-75, I should have sued!

Backup camera is not the same as a dash cam. Backup cameras have to be integrated with the car, while a dash cam is plug and play.

stickguy

tjc78 said:

Dash cam looks solid. Pretty convenient to be able to grab the videos through your phone or pop out the SD card. Rear camera seems to be a weak point based on reviews but the front cam is the one I’d be most concerned about.

thanks. My sister found this one (she decided to pluck it off his Xmas list) but is using me as a SME to make sure she gets a suitable unit.

fintail

Not to knock Best Buy, but I doubt I would take my car there anyway. Go online and look for a high end shop, check google reviews, and go there. It probably won't cost substantially more, and the installers are likely more experienced with similar cars.

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

Any opinions on this one?

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/thinkware-f200-pro-front-and-rear-dash-cam-with-gps-accessory-black/6452869.p?skuId=6452869

It looks good but lots of them will do the same. Even if you don't get it installed at Best Buy, asking if they will install it might give you an idea how easy it will be to install in an Audi S4 or R4 (forget the model).

I bought a backup camera at Best Buy. Made arrangements to have it installed, They emailed me the salesgirl made a mistake,,,they wouldn't install it in an MB. I drove 20 miles home, and 20 miles back on I-75, I should have sued!

stickguy

He doesn't live around here so I would have to do research to find something local. Plus I am not buying it (my sister will be). Could always just buy it and let him find an installer, but I would prefer to get it as a package.

stickguy

Fin, does that unit look about right at least? I have zero experience with these. But the reviews at least sound OK.

snakeweasel

stickguy said:

we host Thanksgiving. Only going to be 12 this year since we had to jettison a couple of strays due to vaccine rules (since we have some 92 YO attendees). And one that we just didn't want here.

peak was probably 22-24. That got crowded.

We hosted thanksgiving with my wifes family, she is the youngest of 7 so with all her sisters, spouses we are around 12. Then add nieces and nephews and all the nieces and nephews kids and a few family friends we were likely around 3 dozen. Everyone brough food so we had three large turkeys which didn't survive the day (barely enough left of them to make soup). We stocked up on drinks but ended up the day with more soda and beer than we started with. However we are less some wine and whiskey.

snakeweasel

ab348 said:

Home at last!

Was discharged from the hospital fairly early today (around 1030) and my brother picked me up and brought me home. Lucy that cat had been in a bit of an upset with me gone and my brother coming in to feed her twice a day and now she is trying to figure out how to react to my return but she's coming around.

Some bizarre hospital experiences I can post about later, but for now I just want to have a nap. Giving thanks today, even though I'm in Canada.

Glad you're back home.

snakeweasel

roadburner said:

My son is going old school,; for his birthday he wanted a record player. I bought him an Audio-Technica turntable and Edifer powered near field monitors.
He should be happy.

My wife has been talking about getting a turntable. That means I'll have to get and set up a whole system. Plus buying new vinyl disks that are required for it (I'll never recreate my old record collection).

snakeweasel

kyfdx said:

@oldfarmer50

If you put synthetic in a vehicle that doesn't require it, that isn't going to change that company's recommended service interval. If you want a warranty to 150K miles, you should follow Kia's service interval recommendations.

Also, HyunKia isn't very good about living up to their extended warranty claims, if you believe anecdotal reports.

I don't know about that, my experience with Hyundai and their warrantees have been absolutely positive.

snakeweasel

More fun with squirrels. Last weekend I cleaned up the leaves in the yard muchled and bagged them with the intent to use them as mulch for some landscaping for the winter. Well I had one bag left over the weekend and the squirrels decided that wanted the bag for nesting material. Well now this is what's left.

driver100

kyfdx said:

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

Any opinions on this one?

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/thinkware-f200-pro-front-and-rear-dash-cam-with-gps-accessory-black/6452869.p?skuId=6452869

It looks good but lots of them will do the same. Even if you don't get it installed at Best Buy, asking if they will install it might give you an idea how easy it will be to install in an Audi S4 or R4 (forget the model).

I bought a backup camera at Best Buy. Made arrangements to have it installed, They emailed me the salesgirl made a mistake,,,they wouldn't install it in an MB. I drove 20 miles home, and 20 miles back on I-75, I should have sued!

Backup camera is not the same as a dash cam. Backup cameras have to be integrated with the car, while a dash cam is plug and play.

Good point. I guess a backup camera has to work with putting the car in reverse somehow. Dash cam just records. Though some start up if your car is moved I think, like if someone hits you while you are parked.

driver100

fintail said:

Not to knock Best Buy, but I doubt I would take my car there anyway. Go online and look for a high end shop, check google reviews, and go there. It probably won't cost substantially more, and the installers are likely more experienced with similar cars.

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

Any opinions on this one?

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/thinkware-f200-pro-front-and-rear-dash-cam-with-gps-accessory-black/6452869.p?skuId=6452869

It looks good but lots of them will do the same. Even if you don't get it installed at Best Buy, asking if they will install it might give you an idea how easy it will be to install in an Audi S4 or R4 (forget the model).

I bought a backup camera at Best Buy. Made arrangements to have it installed, They emailed me the salesgirl made a mistake,,,they wouldn't install it in an MB. I drove 20 miles home, and 20 miles back on I-75, I should have sued!

Best Buy wasn't my first choice. A very popular BMW indie garage that gets 5 stars would not install it, and the best after market radio/alarm installation place in the area wouldn't do it.......when I was near BB I went in just to look around, I saw a unit, the saleslady said they would install it....so I made an appointment. They emailed me a few days later and the technician said no way.

jmonroe1

@snakeweasel said:
More fun with squirrels. Last weekend I cleaned up the leaves in the yard muchled and bagged them with the intent to use them as mulch for some landscaping for the winter. Well I had one bag left over the weekend and the squirrels decided that wanted the bag for nesting material. Well now this is what's left.

That looks like you used old fashioned leaf glue. I didn’t know they made that anymore.

jmonroe

snakeweasel

jmonroe1 said:

@snakeweasel said:

More fun with squirrels. Last weekend I cleaned up the leaves in the yard muchled and bagged them with the intent to use them as mulch for some landscaping for the winter. Well I had one bag left over the weekend and the squirrels decided that wanted the bag for nesting material. Well now this is what's left.

That looks like you used old fashioned leaf glue. I didn’t know they made that anymore.

jmonroe

Just pressed it down into the yard waste bag. I found it interesting that in a matter of under 3 days those darn squirrels managed to piece by piece torn that bad to shreds and ran off with it without disturbing the contents.

tjc78

@snakeweasel said:
My wife has been talking about getting a turntable. That means I'll have to get and set up a whole system. Plus buying new vinyl disks that are required for it (I'll never recreate my old record collection).

Wait until you see the prices of new vinyl.

tjc78

Brain cells must deplete around the holidays.