Just renewed my 5-month trial with XM. I was expecting to be rebuffed in getting another trial period or a real discounted rate. Offered a year for $99 plus fees plus travel link fee. I realized yesterday I am now attached to XM between the Fox News information and the SoulTown and 4 other similar channels. I spent 1.5 hours sitting outside a physical therapy office while my wife was having her session.
Fox News and Soul Town - that's an interesting combination
LOL. I've really enjoyed SoulTown channel. It makes me want to go to Hitsville Museum if it still exists and is accessible. The 60s, Hits, Love, Groove, and one other I'm trying mean I can bounce between channels and almost always find something I want to listen to. I'm wearing out the touch panel on my MyLink screen switching. If I had a BMW, I could just wave a finger in front of it and change probably, without touching. But I just have to rough it.
I got the $99/year Sirius/XM package too. Still not the cheapest, but I enjoy it on road trips, and I cut my cable TV back a notch (will go back another notch this year), so I can justify it.
I use about a dozen presets - most frequent (not in order) are First Wave, 80s, 90s, Lithium, Electric Area, Chill, sometimes I also tune to 40s, 50s, 60s, and a few others. The only news I tune to is BBC.
Congrats @dino001 sounds like a great vehicle. Interested to hear how you like the ED experience, I contemplated doing that when I bought my 2006 330i but didn't pull the trigger.
I can already tell you this based on my memories for my wagon. The experience is one of the kind. You arrive to the BMW Welt (World) in the morning. After a brief paperwork signing (legal documents for driving in Germany), they let you into the lounge, where some fine breakfast food is served. You can hang out there, go and site see the Center (essentially a big showroom for German versions of their cars), go and see their museum (adjacent building) and the factory (another building nearby) with and English-speaking guide (need a reservation for that). All included. You get a currency voucher for a meal at the restaurant and gift shop. As you hang out, you can already see your car brought on the closed-off second floor in the center, so you can peek from a distance. Then the moment arrives (they have a schedule with names posted in the lounge). Go into elevator down and meet a pleasant German fellow, who shows you your new shiny toy. Some pictures, demonstrations, and you can take off. Need to get gas right away (for safety reasons, the cars are on less than quarter tank), buy a highway safety vest (required if the vehicle is disabled) and you are onto your vacation. I took a two-week trip around Northwest part of Germany: Munster, Cologne, Aachen (that's where Charlemaigne reside, the Cathedral is even more amazing than Cologne's), Rhein country (with all those castles high in the river slopes). Also Trier - an ancient city with Roman ruins (gate, baths). Drove those autobahns - was able to get to 135+ mph - a scary speed, where a small road bend becomes a major obstacle. Did it once. Most of the time, you can't go too fast, as there is enough traffic. But can't get too slow, either. Must maintain speed around 85-95 mph to stay in the middle lane, or you get booted to slow traffic right lane. Yes, Germans actually do not tolerate somebody hanging out on the left lane. They'll let you know in more or less subtle way. Use it to pass, fine, but not at cruise control speed 1 mph higher than the other guy. You may be going 100 mph and you suddenly see a Porsche, or Audi R8 just zooming with 30-50 mph differential next to you. Have to adjust. Germans don't eat, don't drink in their cars (that's why it took them so long to figure out proper cupholders). They drive - full time job.
I got the $99/year Sirius/XM package too. Still not the cheapest, but I enjoy it on road trips, and I cut my cable TV back a notch (will go back another notch this year), so I can justify it.
I use about a dozen presets - most frequent (not in order) are First Wave, 80s, 90s, Lithium, Electric Area, Chill, sometimes I also tune to 40s, 50s, 60s, and a few others. The only news I tune to is BBC.
I got the $99/year Sirius/XM package too. Still not the cheapest, but I enjoy it on road trips, and I cut my cable TV back a notch (will go back another notch this year), so I can justify it.
I use about a dozen presets - most frequent (not in order) are First Wave, 80s, 90s, Lithium, Electric Area, Chill, sometimes I also tune to 40s, 50s, 60s, and a few others. The only news I tune to is BBC.
Does the $99 include Travel Link? The phone rep didn't indicate it did. I really like following the gas prices with a click along with the weather and my wife occasionally checks the movies list. I think all of that is Travel Link.
I love XM. So I pay. good deal to me. Plus the wife would be mad if I took it away. My car has 18 presets in one big list, and I have them all set, and rotate through as the mood strikes. I think maybe 6 are non-music (traffic, MLB, news, used to have a comedy station).
considering how bad over the air radio is, especially when travelling through boonie areas, almost a must have. I suppose can switch to pandora for music, but they don't have some of the extra stations. So I pay the $15/month or whatever it is.
I don't think so, I am not familiar with the name. I don't know if I would use it much, as I track gas prices and weather on my phone. I'll see if I have it the next time I drive.
Oh yeah, for presets I also have the NHL station, a couple of old school rap stations, and maybe an old dance/disco station, for the laughs.
< Does the $99 include Travel Link? The phone rep didn't indicate it did. I really like following the gas prices with a click along with the weather and my wife occasionally checks the movies list. I think all of that is Travel Link.
The last time I was at BMW Welt, in late 2015, I saw people taking delivery at the main building, too. Pretty cool to watch. They also had a driving track out front, where you could do light "off road" stuff in various X models. I didn't try it though. I might end up in that area later this year (some bargain airfare out of Seattle for later in the fall), but I don't know if I will be in Bavaria specifically. I'll definitely make it to MB facilities if I am in that area, though.
Have to adjust. Germans don't eat, don't drink in their cars (that's why it took them so long to figure out proper cupholders). They drive - full time job.
Mike....no hurry to enter into a relationship. I'm good where I'm at. But, I was able to get tix to see the play "Hamilton" (best play I've ever seen, by the way). Did it solo. Not ideal....would have been nice to have someone to share it with. Didn't detract from seeing it, though.
Sharing those types of experiences with an appreciative lady would be good. Not wanting to do the whole "chase'm down", join singles clubs, set up e-harmony, etc, though.
The best way to meet someone is doing the activities you enjoy, if you meet someone doing the same then you probably have some things in common, which helps. If you don't meet someone at least you will enjoy going and doing that particular activity.
It is nice to do things with someone you can relate to....you get more out of those activities, sharing them and experiencing them with someone else. OTOH, it is better to go alone, than with someone you aren't compatible with. Also better to live alone than with someone you aren't compatible with. Best if you meet someone that shares your interests and values.
So you're saying GG should have hit on the Cadillac customer service woman.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I usually cycle between First Wave, Watercolors, and Classic Vinyl. Sometimes Outlaw or 80's or 90's. On road trips, I like to listen to games or races to break up the music if I find something I am interested in.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Mike....no hurry to enter into a relationship. I'm good where I'm at. But, I was able to get tix to see the play "Hamilton" (best play I've ever seen, by the way). Did it solo. Not ideal....would have been nice to have someone to share it with. Didn't detract from seeing it, though.
Sharing those types of experiences with an appreciative lady would be good. Not wanting to do the whole "chase'm down", join singles clubs, set up e-harmony, etc, though.
The best way to meet someone is doing the activities you enjoy, if you meet someone doing the same then you probably have some things in common, which helps. If you don't meet someone at least you will enjoy going and doing that particular activity.
It is nice to do things with someone you can relate to....you get more out of those activities, sharing them and experiencing them with someone else. OTOH, it is better to go alone, than with someone you aren't compatible with. Also better to live alone than with someone you aren't compatible with. Best if you meet someone that shares your interests and values.
So you're saying GG should have hit on the Cadillac customer service woman.
lol......but, not a bad idea, it may have speeded things along!
Sorry, POST COMMENT froze so I posted twice. Since I don't know how to delete I scrubbed it. Go to next post
For the record I listen to 50s, 60, 70, and Love 17....I'm a lover not a fighter! Will probably cancel after 3 free months.....I might only be here for 7 months and Florida for 5, and I have my UBS Stick from Staples.....the $10 one....not the $65 one!
I enjoyed listening to some of the Sirius/XM channels but the business practices of the company are so odious I refuse to ever deal with them again.
I think you just have to learn how to play their game....they are better than they were....you can only abuse customers for so long. You just have to call them and negotiate your price before the deadline...when it automatically goes on your credit card.
I enjoyed listening to some of the Sirius/XM channels but the business practices of the company are so odious I refuse to ever deal with them again.
I think you just have to learn how to play their game....they are better than they were....you can only abuse customers for so long. You just have to call them and negotiate your price before the deadline...when it automatically goes on your credit card.
I did that for a long time but finally reached the breaking point. It is a terrible way to treat customers.
@dino001, I'm not German but I'd fit in nicely with them since you said, 'they don't drink or eat when they drive'.
Nobody drinks or eats in any car I've ever owned, once my Son's got past the bottle and the Cheerios stage, and even then I didn't have to clean up very much. Had some pretty good discussions with Mrs. j about that many years ago. My philosophy is simple, there is no table in my car so nobody does any table things in my car.
My cup holders are dust collectors for the most part. I use the two in the console for the key fob and phone if I can remember to bring it along.
Hard to believe there is a society that takes driving seriously and that cup holders aren't used. That would be damn hard to explain to people in this country. It is pretty novel, though.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
We are experiencing some system issues on our site - sorry for the molasses slow response times. I'm seeing duplicate and triplicate posts in many threads.
My wife and I fight about the eating thing. I allow the kids to have crunchy snacks and water only if needed. I don't like it, but really with a 3 year old and 17 month old you don't always have a choice. We take our coffee in the morning but that's in sealed mugs.
Hamilton, from my understanding, is mostly historically correct but they did take some liberties and did combine some sets of events in the interest of time and a cohesive story line.
I did not have a chance to read the article that @ab348 posted.
Yeah....most of the cast is not white, which isn't accurate regarding Washington, Burr, etc. Some of it is probably romanticized. I'm sure some scholars will take umbrage with the portrayal. But, as with anything else, in particular history, ask 2 different people about the same story, and you'll get two differing versions of the same event.
Mike....no hurry to enter into a relationship. I'm good where I'm at. But, I was able to get tix to see the play "Hamilton" (best play I've ever seen, by the way). Did it solo. Not ideal....would have been nice to have someone to share it with. Didn't detract from seeing it, though.
Sharing those types of experiences with an appreciative lady would be good. Not wanting to do the whole "chase'm down", join singles clubs, set up e-harmony, etc, though.
The best way to meet someone is doing the activities you enjoy, if you meet someone doing the same then you probably have some things in common, which helps. If you don't meet someone at least you will enjoy going and doing that particular activity.
It is nice to do things with someone you can relate to....you get more out of those activities, sharing them and experiencing them with someone else. OTOH, it is better to go alone, than with someone you aren't compatible with. Also better to live alone than with someone you aren't compatible with. Best if you meet someone that shares your interests and values.
So you're saying GG should have hit on the Cadillac customer service woman.
OldFarmer....you just made my coffee come out of my nose.
No eating or drinking in my cars. Even in the fintail when on a summer drive, I rarely even park and have something, I would rather get out of the car.
The cupholder thing is funny. I had a 1989 S-Class - no cupholders. People thought that was amusing. The C43 and E55 had cupholders, but weird fragile looking things that came out of the console, and kind of discouraged use - no doubt this was the intent. Only the more modern generations of MB have cupholders as one might be familiar with. In Germany, driving is serious business. I look forward to driving there again.
My wife and I fight about the eating thing. I allow the kids to have crunchy snacks and water only if needed. I don't like it, but really with a 3 year old and 17 month old you don't always have a choice. We take our coffee in the morning but that's in sealed mugs.
Oh if you have kids that's a whole different story. In those days I drove more pragmatic vehicles like minivans and Honda Civics. People over things.
Eating in any of my cars is verboten. They are no crumb zones.
When my family visits, I have them empty their pockets and carry totes to ensure they have no food, candy or drinks. If they do, they don't get in my car until the all the salacious contraband is physically disposed of. Nothing that can be eaten or drunk in my car Is allowed or you're barred from entry!!!
Come to think of it, I have family visiting Monday. I think I'll strip search all of them to avoid contraband from creeping its way into my castle on wheels!!!
We don't eat in the car very often but I am not OCD about it. I am more of a "I hope people are responsible and eat or drink carefully in my car" kind of person.
I do have a rule that I don't lend 3 things, I don't lend my toothbrush, my underwear or my car. A friend pointed out that not lending your car, even to family members, is a good idea. Even though they are probably covered by your insurance policy, if they are in an accident, guess who's rates will go up? Not worth it.
No eating or drinking in my car, either - I do carry a travel mug of coffee to work each morning with me, but it is never opened in the car.
The wife's car is another story.
Heh... just with all the travelling we did for sports with the kids all the way through college, eating on the go, in the car was pretty much a necessity! Grab n go!!
No eating or drinking in my car, either - I do carry a travel mug of coffee to work each morning with me, but it is never opened in the car.
The wife's car is another story.
Heh... just with all the travelling we did for sports with the kids all the way through college, eating on the go, in the car was pretty much a necessity! Grab n go!!
I figure I can't well put a moratorium on eating on both cars with an infant. Not practical.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
We don't eat or drink in our cars either. These are CARS and not restaurants.
You should have seen some of the trade ins we used to get. Honestly, a family of rats could have lived two years in some of them! Minivans were the worst! The detailers would have to pull out all of the seats and carpets and steam clean everything! Still, the cars would often stink inside afterwards. These cars were rolling cafeterias!
I once had to go park a trade had taken in from a VERY fussy customer who spent nearly an hour trying to find the slightest flaw on his new Civic I had delivered. I had a rag and a can of polish in my hand as he pointed out every pinpoint of dirt or whatever he would find.
His trade was disgusting and I almost got ill after parking it. The ashtray was overflowing with cigarette butts and ashes which were all over the carpet. Mc Donalds wrappers and junk were a foot deep on the floor and the dust was overwhelming. The car was such a roach that we had to end up taking to the auction because we couldn't get the stench out of it. Now, when our son was small we would allow some snacks and drinks but there was never a mess.
Dog odor is by far the worst thing. Much worse than tobacco. A smelly dog smell never go's away and after shampooing everything it usually gets even worse. Cigarette odor is bad too and this will quickly kill the sale of otherwise nice used cars.
His trade was disgusting and I almost got ill after parking it. The ashtray was overflowing with cigarette butts and ashes which were all over the carpet. Mc Donalds wrappers and junk were a foot deep on the floor and the dust was overwhelming. The car was such a roach that we had to end up taking to the auction because we couldn't get the stench out of it.
Sounds like you dealt with my brother. I don't know how people can do that. I even get disgusted at my wife's vehicles. I never leave any garbage on the floor. Even after I tote the kids, I make them take everything with them when they get out. I try to not let them eat in there, but sometimes it is unavoidable due to scheduling problems.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
If I have an early morning flight, I have my Leti coffee tumbler in my console filled, while driving to the airport. On the weekends, while running errands, I usually have a Costco Vitamin water in the console. Aside from that, no food nor drink.
Talking about smoking in cars, I remember my aunt and uncle (both passed) were heavy smokers. In the summer time, they'd smoke in their car, with the windows up and A/C blasting. Didn't think much of it at the time. But, whenever I was with them (they were childless, so they doted on my sisters and me), and came home to my parents, my Mother would make me change clothes because she said I smelled like an ashtray, which I probably did.
I do remember them in later years, each had a early-mid '80s Riviera. I thought they were pretty cool cars, with the big grill and 1/2 landau padded roof. But, they had their ashtrays full to the brim, with ashes overflowing to the floor.
The Audi has a "no food in Daddy's car" rule. The Kia has a "eat or drink whatever you want" rule.
So yes, drinks are allowed in the Audi, usually water, however, there is some spilled soda/coffee stains that need to be addressed on the red leather (side of passenger seat facing center console), and on the plastic trim around the center console cup holder, so I understand those that that make stricter rules.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
We don't eat in the car very often but I am not OCD about it. I am more of a "I hope people are responsible and eat or drink carefully in my car" kind of person.
I do have a rule that I don't lend 3 things, I don't lend my toothbrush, my underwear or my car. A friend pointed out that not lending your car, even to family members, is a good idea. Even though they are probably covered by your insurance policy, if they are in an accident, guess who's rates will go up? Not worth it.
Driver, you really don't need a rule about not loaning out your underwear to others - I'd rather go without underwear than wear your "fruit of the loom-holding underwear". I think I'd live a happier life and sleep more soundly!
Our dog is allowed in the Buick but not the Volt, for just that reason! We have a covering that works well for the Buick seats and backs. Spouse drove with the dog across country that way with nary an accident, thank G-d.
Comments
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Euro delivery would be pretty fun though, BMW Welt is a cool experience, more theme park like than the MB facilities.
I use about a dozen presets - most frequent (not in order) are First Wave, 80s, 90s, Lithium, Electric Area, Chill, sometimes I also tune to 40s, 50s, 60s, and a few others. The only news I tune to is BBC.
Wife and daughter listen to Pulse (pop hits), sometimes Blend. Wife and I occasionally listen to Coffee House on road trips.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
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2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
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considering how bad over the air radio is, especially when travelling through boonie areas, almost a must have. I suppose can switch to pandora for music, but they don't have some of the extra stations. So I pay the $15/month or whatever it is.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Oh yeah, for presets I also have the NHL station, a couple of old school rap stations, and maybe an old dance/disco station, for the laughs.
So you're saying GG should have hit on the Cadillac customer service woman.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Since I don't know how to delete I scrubbed it.
Go to next post
For the record I listen to 50s, 60, 70, and Love 17....I'm a lover not a fighter!
Will probably cancel after 3 free months.....I might only be here for 7 months and Florida for 5, and I have my UBS Stick from Staples.....the $10 one....not the $65 one!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Nobody drinks or eats in any car I've ever owned, once my Son's got past the bottle and the Cheerios stage, and even then I didn't have to clean up very much. Had some pretty good discussions with Mrs. j about that many years ago. My philosophy is simple, there is no table in my car so nobody does any table things in my car.
My cup holders are dust collectors for the most part. I use the two in the console for the key fob and phone if I can remember to bring it along.
Hard to believe there is a society that takes driving seriously and that cup holders aren't used. That would be damn hard to explain to people in this country. It is pretty novel, though.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
All-in-all....great play. I enjoyed it immensely.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The cupholder thing is funny. I had a 1989 S-Class - no cupholders. People thought that was amusing. The C43 and E55 had cupholders, but weird fragile looking things that came out of the console, and kind of discouraged use - no doubt this was the intent. Only the more modern generations of MB have cupholders as one might be familiar with. In Germany, driving is serious business. I look forward to driving there again.
The wife's car is another story.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I do have a rule that I don't lend 3 things, I don't lend my toothbrush, my underwear or my car. A friend pointed out that not lending your car, even to family members, is a good idea. Even though they are probably covered by your insurance policy, if they are in an accident, guess who's rates will go up? Not worth it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I went into systems and found the spot where you check audible lock OFF.
I also set the lumbar and back supports---------that feels really good on the old back now!
I feel so empowered now....I actually fixed these myself. As I learn more I like and enjoy the E400 even more.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You should have seen some of the trade ins we used to get. Honestly, a family of rats could have lived two years in some of them! Minivans were the worst! The detailers would have to pull out all of the seats and carpets and steam clean everything! Still, the cars would often stink inside afterwards. These cars were rolling cafeterias!
I once had to go park a trade had taken in from a VERY fussy customer who spent nearly an hour trying to find the slightest flaw on his new Civic I had delivered. I had a rag and a can of polish in my hand as he pointed out every pinpoint of dirt or whatever he would find.
His trade was disgusting and I almost got ill after parking it. The ashtray was overflowing with cigarette butts and ashes which were all over the carpet. Mc Donalds wrappers and junk were a foot deep on the floor and the dust was overwhelming. The car was such a roach that we had to end up taking to the auction because we couldn't get the stench out of it. Now, when our son was small we would allow some snacks and drinks but there was never a mess.
Dog odor is by far the worst thing. Much worse than tobacco. A smelly dog smell never go's away and after shampooing everything it usually gets even worse. Cigarette odor is bad too and this will quickly kill the sale of otherwise nice used cars.
Sounds like you dealt with my brother. I don't know how people can do that. I even get disgusted at my wife's vehicles. I never leave any garbage on the floor. Even after I tote the kids, I make them take everything with them when they get out. I try to not let them eat in there, but sometimes it is unavoidable due to scheduling problems.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Talking about smoking in cars, I remember my aunt and uncle (both passed) were heavy smokers. In the summer time, they'd smoke in their car, with the windows up and A/C blasting. Didn't think much of it at the time. But, whenever I was with them (they were childless, so they doted on my sisters and me), and came home to my parents, my Mother would make me change clothes because she said I smelled like an ashtray, which I probably did.
I do remember them in later years, each had a early-mid '80s Riviera. I thought they were pretty cool cars, with the big grill and 1/2 landau padded roof. But, they had their ashtrays full to the brim, with ashes overflowing to the floor.
Doesn't seem like all that long ago.......
So yes, drinks are allowed in the Audi, usually water, however, there is some spilled soda/coffee stains that need to be addressed on the red leather (side of passenger seat facing center console), and on the plastic trim around the center console cup holder, so I understand those that that make stricter rules.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT