June too soon. July stand by. August you must. September remember. October, all over.
It is hurricane season and I have a curious question for those of you living in the Florida hurricane belt.
In the event of a hurricane, where do you garage your car? In other words is there a hurricane shelter for cars? And as to dealerships, how do they protect all these cars from flying debris and water damage?
Also, is there specific hurricane insurance coverage for cars similar to flood damage coverage for homes? Many cars on the auction block come from Florida and if they are exposed to sea water (directly or mist) rust could be a serious problem. Don’t know if this is a non-issue for others but I probably would not buy a used car in Florida for exactly those reasons.
Ironic that the company making the cheapest quality cardboard filters
In 1969 I was driving taxi cabs while going to teacher's college. The guys who owned the most cabs used a full roll of toilet paper as an oil filter...it was cheaper than buying real filters.
Those cars ran for 150K to 200K miles. It seems the cars lasted longer if we never turned them off. I am not sure if an oil filter had to be of great quality at that time, as long as it caught the major contaminates it would basically do what it had to do.
By coincidence, a friend sent this video of a guy who rented a VW in Europe and it gets over 70 mpg using deisel fuel. He looked into it and VW and Ford have engines that can get that kind of mileage, but they don't sell them in the U.S.
He says, they don't meet emission standards only because the government wants us to buy more fuel so we can pay through taxes for roads. Although these cars pollute more initially, they actually pollute less because the mileage is twice as high.
There's definitely something going on as all the pieces don't add up. If the engine hydro locked, the car would have dropped dead right then & there. Right? I think it was coincidence & that my friend was driving a "ticking time bomb" & just happened to drive thru a big puddle. I think the dealer knows about the problems these 3.2L V6s are having (I Googled & found some very interesting reading) & threw my friend a bone.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
If it was that important of a factor then why do 98% of BMWs who don't use Blackstone still run fine.
Again, your car, your choice. You use age and mileage as a justification to buy a new car every couple of years, so long-term durability isn't an issue for you. All I have said is that the M54 in my son's X3 depletes the additive package before @10,000 miles. If I was flipping cars every 2-3 years -to avoid being caught out by a dead battery(or worse)- I wouldn't care either.
I read several Blackstone reports, guys who are obsessive compulsive about their oil....you have a ounce too much sodium, there's a drop more copper than you should have, your oil would have held up for 8K miles so don't change it at 7K miles. I am not sure those slight findings really mean much in the real world.
UOAs are primarily useful to track trends. Obsessing over wear metal numbers below 100 ppm is overkill unless there is a sudden increase in one or more metals. That said, my concern is with depletion of the additives that prevent varnish/sludge- among other things.
I'll take my chances along with 99.9% of the other BMW owners.
As I said, your car, your choice- but do you really want to include yourself in that demographic? 99.9% of new BMW owners think trailing throttle oversteer is a band that used to open for Kansas. And they praise Munich's decision to delete the dipstick- since it keeps them from having to engage in such plebeian tasks as opening the hood.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My understanding of emission standards is that US government is targetting certain emissions (nitrogen, sulfur) and European govs target different ones (CO2). This makes many diesel engines impossible to certify here and those that are need very expensive modifications.
There's definitely something going on as all the pieces don't add up. If the engine hydro locked, the car would have dropped dead right then & there. Right?
Exactly! If the engine was truly hydrolocked, one or more combustion chambers would be full of water- and since water is not compressible, the motor would not even turn over. My indie BMW tech once showed me an S-shaped connecting rod from a M20 inline six. The idiot owner hydrolocked his 325is, and when it wouldn't crank he had an equally idiotic buddy tow the car up to @25 mph at which point idiot owner popped the clutch. Voilà- a completely trashed engine...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
All I have said is that the M54 in my son's X3 depletes the additive package before 10,000 miles.
Mobil 1 guaranties their oil will provide protection for 15000 miles. If you find the detergent doesn't last long enough, haul them into court...your court! Mobil 1 15K mile warranty
Also, if you want to keep your cars for many years and for a few 100K miles then by all means err on the safe side and do your oil changes more frequently....the worse that can happen is you will spend a few bucks more a year and be a little harder on the environment.
I do trade my cars early and find I pay a little more to have the convenience and reliability of a newer car. I do think it is possible that your X3 with over 100K miles has some normal wear and tear that lessens the affects of the detergent and wears it out at 10K miles. This might make some sense as the engine isn't going to perform at optimum performance forever. Is that possible?
s is that US government is targetting certain emissions (nitrogen, sulfur) and European govs target different ones (CO2).
I believe that is part of what the guy is saying. It's because of the different emmission standards that VW USA can't sell him the same car he drove in Europe. But, he thinks, it would actually pollute less because the mileage is almost double. I believe he is saying they base the pollutants on emmissions in a gallon of fuel, not in the fact the car uses half the amount of fuel.
European gallons are bigger than ours. 1 Imperial gallon = 1.2 US gallons.
I did remember since we use Imperial gallons in Canada. That is why I said he was getting 70 mpg, though he claimed to get 78 mpg (which would have been Imperial gallons - I don't know if he knew Euro gallons are larger, though I think he did because he said he got 70,and not 78).
I get really excited when driving to Florida and I figure out my gas mileage, and then I have to remember U.S. gallons are smaller
> I am not sure those slight findings really mean much in the real world.
I have used Blackstone for my finely tuned Buicks and found it very useful. I did pay extra for the additive package check the first time I ran an analysis and did it on 7600 miles on what I believe is real synthetic oil. It showed 2.5 which the person calling said was okay for more mileage before the additives would be below minimum.
The results give me confidence to run Platinum Pennzoil to 7000 miles and then drain and feel I'm doing the best for the engine without consuming extra resources. Makes me feel really green.
I check the appearance of the oil on the dipstick to help me judge when to make an oil change. So my cars will have to have dipsticks.
I check the appearance of the oil on the dipstick to help me judge when to make an oil change. So my cars will have to have dipsticks.
People got really upset when I said I can live without a dipstick. The car probably analysis the oil better than my eyeball. Oil can look dirty even if it isn't.
I wouldn't mind a dipstick, but the truth of the matter is the car takes a reading and I don't have to open the hood. The computer calculates my driving habits and other factors so it knows better than I ever will how much life my oil still has. We need and use computers to figure out everything else, so why do we need a dipstick to check our oil.
Even Buick will do away with a dipstick one day. :P
Lol, the only BMW I ever owned burned about that same amount of oil.
My 1997 and 2004 BMWs never used oil between 7,000-10,000 mile changes. I just changed the oil on the 2009 328i so the jury is still out on the latest addition to the RB garage.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I'm glad to see this discussion on oil changes. It made me check my SRX for oil status. The oil monitor says that I have 25% life remaining, but it's been 13 months and 11,500 miles since the last change. That bothers me, so I'm going in next week for an oil change. My service manual says to do it once a year regardless. I don't actually like waiting that long. I still do the Chrysler convertible every 3K.
Speaking of the convertible, I got it back from the body shop this morning. My former student did a magnificent job of removing the dents and repainting the side panel. I pride myself on having an eye for color. I checked it out in the sun, in the shade, and in the garage lights. It seems flawless to me. I honestly don't believe that a car dealer would ever know that it had been repainted on the passenger side. In addition, and at no extra charge, my nice student went around the car and removed all little "dings and dots". On top of that, he did a complete detail job on both the exterior and interior. I am absolutely thrilled with the results. I have had body work done over the years, but this surpasses all that I have ever encountered. For once, I spent $887 and got my money's worth. The detail job alone is worth $200. I am so proud of my former student for his attention to detail and quality. When I praised him, he said, "You took care of me, and now I had a chance to take care of you." Some days it is just great to be alive.
I am so proud of my former student for his attention to detail and quality.
A very heart warming story and a very satisfying outcome. This is the reward teachers get for years of low pay in the classroom. I hope you left your former student a generous tip or a gift certificate to a fancy restaurant.
You're going to have to explain to me how the car does an analysis of the dirt content and contaminants in the oil.
All new BMWs come equipped with a tiny guy in a lab coat who checks the oil every hour!
Just joking ha ha. You can read how monitoring systems work at this excellent site, and I am going to print this part because it refers to what we are talking about:
If your vehicle doesn't have one already, should you be adding an oil-life indicator to the list of must-have options on your next ride? And if you do have one, should you trust its computerized judgment?
It might not hurt. General Motors estimates that drivers of its oil monitor-equipped vehicles could have two to three times fewer oil changes performed each year. Theoretically, according to GM, if all the GM oil monitor-equipped cars on the road observed the maximum interval for changing oil, instead of the oft-advised every 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers), it could result in 100 million fewer gallons of oil being consumed annually. Nonetheless, GM still advises changing the oil at least once a year, regardless of how few miles you put on the odometer.
My 2 cents worth......Most systems count engine revolutions, take into account temperature, length of drive, pulling etc, much better than eyeballing a dipstick. Can it analyze oil like Blackstone? No, but, do 99% of the population really need to know that kind of information? I don't think so.
What driver100 listens to on the radio;). Hey now! Nyc.... Noticed the radio station.....va-va-voom.
LOL I copied that from a columnist writing about how the oil monitoring system works. Several readers of that column also commented on the station the columnist listens to. Apparently, in any picture he uses where the station is showed, he has that station on.
I have listened to that particular station for a short period of time and it gets a little boring after awhile...the topics are kind of restricted. I do enjoy 60s music and Howard 100 and 101.
There are so many different opinions on oil changes from tremendously respected people out there. Many of the arguments make sense. I know 1 thing for sure, my Yankees are in 1st place. Is your team?
Roadburner has more automotive knowledge in his fingernail clippings than I have in my brain. He says he wouldn't go more than 10K between oil changes & that's damn close to gospel for me.
Mike Miller of ROUNDEL fame believes in his "old school BMW Maintenance Schedule, get flat tires, & oil dipsticks." Mike is also someone who has more automotive knowledge in his facial hair shavings than I have in my brain. When I had my E30, there was a crazy amount of maintenance according to the Bentley Manual (Oil changes every 7500 miles, brake fluid every 2 years, Coolant flush every 2 years, trans fluid every 3 years, Valve adjustments...). Even my 328xi is light years more complex than an E30, so it should require AT LEAST the same amount of maintenance if not more. Logic dictates definitely not less.
Another point having to do with my mild intelligence level. The engineers in Munich say my car can go 15,000 miles before an oil change. They are BMW engineers. I'm sure if they say the car can go 15,000 miles, then it can go 20,000 miles. I'm just a simple guy who sells plumbing supplies in The South Bronx. Now the Munich engineers aren't perfect. They ditched that "lifetime fill" gearbox oil crap after BMW started buying people new transmissions.
dino001 makes some fantastic points supporting Munich's long intervals between oil changes. The enviornmental impact is a valid one. Europeans have been doing this for a long time. Perhaps the most convincing is the fact that modern BMWs are durable, reliable cars that don't t urn into pumpkins when the warranty is up.
I might just send oil samples from my 3 cars into blackstone to see what they have to say. I can just see this now: "Honey, you are spending $75 on WHAT?"
I've been completely NEUROTIC when it comes to the maintenance on my Prelude. Synthetic oil every 3K - 4K miles. My Prelude (147,000 + miles) has been on a steady diet of Royal Purple 10w40 since it started burning oil at 75K miles (regular trips to it's 7500 rpm redline will do that) instead of the factory 5w30. I also just used a can of CD-2 to control the car's oil comsumption habits. It hasn't burnt a drop in about 200 miles.
My wife's Pilot has had 3 oil changes in 23,000 miles. Full synthetic. That's about 7000 plus or minus between oil changes.
My BMW has 7200 miles and its still has another 9K to go before its 1st oil change.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
"...one thing for sure, my Yankees are in 1st place..."
Another thing for sure is that those bums will break your heart. I'm still waiting for them to pay me back the money I lost betting on them in 1964 when they blew the world's series. :mad:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Why yes....yes indeed....my beloved Reds certainly are in 1st place......thanks for asking. :P
NYC.....gotta agree about oil change intervals. I used to be a 5K mi zealot for oil changes. While I do believe your diligence with the Prelude has a direct result on its longevity, I personally don't keep a car long enough to worry about longevity. :surprise:
I have the absolutely strangest story to share with you. Please don't think that I have finally gone over the edge. I thought of you last week when it started happening, but I have been hesitant to mention it because it sounds so crazy. I can't wait any longer; so here goes.
At the far end of our patio and Japanese garden is a clean out pipe. It has that white screw on top with the square knob. One day last week, I noticed that the top was off of the clean out pipe. I asked our lawn care guy if he had removed it for some reason. He had not. Other than us, he is the only one with a key to the main gate that leads to the patio and garden. At any rate, I screwed the top back on the drain and went on my merry way.
A couple of days later, it happened again. The top was just sitting next to the clean out drain---not turned over, but as if it had been neatly placed by the drain. I discussed this with my wife who felt that I had not put the top back on as I thought that I had. I didn't buy that argument because the lawn care guy stood there with me as we had our discussion.
Another two days go by and it happens again. This morning was the final kicker. I went outside to discover that the cap was on the drain but it was upside down! What is going on here?! Here are five factors for you consider in helping me to solve this problem:
1. There is a large fountain across the patio from the clean out drain that is run by two electrical pumps. 2. There is another clean out drain about 10 feet from this one. The top on it stays in place with no problem. 3. There is a downspout at that corner of the house that appears to go into a circular cement drain at ground level. 4. Not far from this crazy drain is a downstairs guest bath that is on an outside wall of the house. 5. We have had a few heavy rain showers during the last week.
The above factors may have nothing to do with the top coming off the drain. I'm just trying to rack my brain as to what is happening. I've never had an experience like this one in any of the 14 houses that we have owned. Do you have any ideas, or is it time for me to check into the old folks home? Once again, I'm calling upon the wonderful youth in this country to assist me.
I was wondering how state consumer protection laws vary from state to state on used cars. Here in NY car dealers have to give you a full warranty on major components:
Warranty Term The term of the warranty is based on usage. A warranty must last: 90 days or 4,000 miles if the vehicle has 36,000 miles or less; 60 days or 3,000 miles if the vehicle has been operated more than 36,000 miles but less than 80,000 miles; and 30 days or 1,000 miles if the vehicle has been operated 80,000 miles or more but less than 100,000 miles. Warranty Coverage The law requires dealers to provide a written warranty when selling a used motor vehicle that covers certain specified components, including the engine, transmission, drive axle, brakes, radiator, steering, and the ignition system excluding the battery. The warranties may exclude defects due to lack of maintenance, collision, abuse, theft, vandalism, and other specified causes including odometer tampering.
How do the warranty laws in Florida compare? A quick Internet search didn't give me a clear answer as to whether your typical used car has one or if dealers can sell "as is".
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I have to agree with you about roadburner's knowledge base when it comes to automobiles. While I don't always understand what he is saying mechanically, I would follow his advice without question. You can add imidazol to that list as well. Both guys are walking research books when it comes to anything automotive.
As for you having a "mild intelligence level" and being "a simple guy who sells plumbing supplies", I strongly doubt it. As one of our younger posters, I've always been impressed with your knowledge and maturity. You also write extremely well.
This morning was the final kicker. I went outside to discover that the cap was on the drain but it was upside down.
Duh! It is a reversible cap. In all seriousness I believe either your wife or the gardener is playing a joke on you. To test that theory take the cap with you and then pretend it is missing. Their reactions will reveal the prank.
No such regulations for used car market in Florida. Cars are sold "as is" all the time. Manufacturer's warranty transfer applies, also subject to their terms (e.g. Hyundai's and Kia's original owner stipulations apply).
Extended warranties are available, but are treated as insurance, therefore they have to be sold by licensed agents (like dealers F&Is) at registered prices (read no discounts on those plans).
Garson struck gold! The city rezoned his block & bought him out. His land was worth quite a bit to the city. Not only did he get a nice check from them, but sold his customer base list to Central. He is working with them as a consultant/liaison to ease the transition of his customers who are now Central's customers. They closed up 7/1/12.
On the other side of the coin, a small plumbing supply (similar to mine) named Royal went out of business not too far from me. It's tough out there & NOT getting any easier.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I completely agree that your wife is messing with you;). I like her. She's got spunk!
Graphicguy - interesting. Glad to hear 2012's version of "The Big Red Machine" is doing well. Maybe we'll have something to chat about in a few weeks. It's just crazy how well The Yankees are playing right now considering the fact they've gotten hit by the injury bus. I know the saying is "bitten by the injury bug," but when you loose CC, A-Rod, Mariano, Andy Pettite, & Bret Gardner it's the injury bus. There are so many role players shining right now it's ridiculous. The Yankees have the best record in the AL.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Comments
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
It is hurricane season and I have a curious question for those of you living in the Florida hurricane belt.
In the event of a hurricane, where do you garage your car? In other words is there a hurricane shelter for cars? And as to dealerships, how do they protect all these cars from flying debris and water damage?
Also, is there specific hurricane insurance coverage for cars similar to flood damage coverage for homes? Many cars on the auction block come from Florida and if they are exposed to sea water (directly or mist) rust could be a serious problem. Don’t know if this is a non-issue for others but I probably would not buy a used car in Florida for exactly those reasons.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
In 1969 I was driving taxi cabs while going to teacher's college. The guys who owned the most cabs used a full roll of toilet paper as an oil filter...it was cheaper than buying real filters.
Those cars ran for 150K to 200K miles. It seems the cars lasted longer if we never turned them off. I am not sure if an oil filter had to be of great quality at that time, as long as it caught the major contaminates it would basically do what it had to do.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My 2008 328 went 40K miles before being traded, had 2 oil changes, and didn't need one drop of oil added between oil changes.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
He says, they don't meet emission standards only because the government wants us to buy more fuel so we can pay through taxes for roads. Although these cars pollute more initially, they actually pollute less because the mileage is twice as high.
Something to think about;
Fords and VWs in Europe get over 70 mpg
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Again, your car, your choice. You use age and mileage as a justification to buy a new car every couple of years, so long-term durability isn't an issue for you. All I have said is that the M54 in my son's X3 depletes the additive package before @10,000 miles. If I was flipping cars every 2-3 years -to avoid being caught out by a dead battery(or worse)- I wouldn't care either.
I read several Blackstone reports, guys who are obsessive compulsive about their oil....you have a ounce too much sodium, there's a drop more copper than you should have, your oil would have held up for 8K miles so don't change it at 7K miles. I am not sure those slight findings really mean much in the real world.
UOAs are primarily useful to track trends. Obsessing over wear metal numbers below 100 ppm is overkill unless there is a sudden increase in one or more metals. That said, my concern is with depletion of the additives that prevent varnish/sludge- among other things.
I'll take my chances along with 99.9% of the other BMW owners.
As I said, your car, your choice- but do you really want to include yourself in that demographic? 99.9% of new BMW owners think trailing throttle oversteer is a band that used to open for Kansas. And they praise Munich's decision to delete the dipstick- since it keeps them from having to engage in such plebeian tasks as opening the hood.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Exactly! If the engine was truly hydrolocked, one or more combustion chambers would be full of water- and since water is not compressible, the motor would not even turn over. My indie BMW tech once showed me an S-shaped connecting rod from a M20 inline six. The idiot owner hydrolocked his 325is, and when it wouldn't crank he had an equally idiotic buddy tow the car up to @25 mph at which point idiot owner popped the clutch. Voilà- a completely trashed engine...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Mobil 1 guaranties their oil will provide protection for 15000 miles. If you find the detergent doesn't last long enough, haul them into court...your court!
Mobil 1 15K mile warranty
Also, if you want to keep your cars for many years and for a few 100K miles then by all means err on the safe side and do your oil changes more frequently....the worse that can happen is you will spend a few bucks more a year and be a little harder on the environment.
I do trade my cars early and find I pay a little more to have the convenience and reliability of a newer car. I do think it is possible that your X3 with over 100K miles has some normal wear and tear that lessens the affects of the detergent and wears it out at 10K miles. This might make some sense as the engine isn't going to perform at optimum performance forever. Is that possible?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I believe that is part of what the guy is saying. It's because of the different emmission standards that VW USA can't sell him the same car he drove in Europe. But, he thinks, it would actually pollute less because the mileage is almost double. I believe he is saying they base the pollutants on emmissions in a gallon of fuel, not in the fact the car uses half the amount of fuel.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I did remember since we use Imperial gallons in Canada. That is why I said he was getting 70 mpg, though he claimed to get 78 mpg (which would have been Imperial gallons - I don't know if he knew Euro gallons are larger, though I think he did because he said he got 70,and not 78).
I get really excited when driving to Florida and I figure out my gas mileage, and then I have to remember U.S. gallons are smaller
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
lol, you obviously don't need one!
(not sure what that means???)
Hope you have a sense of humor :P
Seriously though, I just have to press a few buttons and I get a reading on the oil level, so why get my hands dirty I always say.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I have used Blackstone for my finely tuned Buicks and found it very useful. I did pay extra for the additive package check the first time I ran an analysis and did it on 7600 miles on what I believe is real synthetic oil. It showed 2.5 which the person calling said was okay for more mileage before the additives would be below minimum.
The results give me confidence to run Platinum Pennzoil to 7000 miles and then drain and feel I'm doing the best for the engine without consuming extra resources. Makes me feel really green.
I check the appearance of the oil on the dipstick to help me judge when to make an oil change. So my cars will have to have dipsticks.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
People got really upset when I said I can live without a dipstick. The car probably analysis the oil better than my eyeball. Oil can look dirty even if it isn't.
I wouldn't mind a dipstick, but the truth of the matter is the car takes a reading and I don't have to open the hood. The computer calculates my driving habits and other factors so it knows better than I ever will how much life my oil still has. We need and use computers to figure out everything else, so why do we need a dipstick to check our oil.
Even Buick will do away with a dipstick one day. :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You're going to have to explain to me how the car does an analysis of the dirt content and contaminants in the oil.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
My 1997 and 2004 BMWs never used oil between 7,000-10,000 mile changes. I just changed the oil on the 2009 328i so the jury is still out on the latest addition to the RB garage.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Speaking of the convertible, I got it back from the body shop this morning. My former student did a magnificent job of removing the dents and repainting the side panel. I pride myself on having an eye for color. I checked it out in the sun, in the shade, and in the garage lights. It seems flawless to me. I honestly don't believe that a car dealer would ever know that it had been repainted on the passenger side. In addition, and at no extra charge, my nice student went around the car and removed all little "dings and dots". On top of that, he did a complete detail job on both the exterior and interior. I am absolutely thrilled with the results. I have had body work done over the years, but this surpasses all that I have ever encountered. For once, I spent $887 and got my money's worth. The detail job alone is worth $200. I am so proud of my former student for his attention to detail and quality. When I praised him, he said, "You took care of me, and now I had a chance to take care of you." Some days it is just great to be alive.
Richard
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Agreed! Glad it was fixed to your satisfaction.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Excellent!
Reading this was a nice way to start the day.
A very heart warming story and a very satisfying outcome. This is the reward teachers get for years of low pay in the classroom. I hope you left your former student a generous tip or a gift certificate to a fancy restaurant.
All new BMWs come equipped with a tiny guy in a lab coat who checks the oil every hour!
Just joking ha ha. You can read how monitoring systems work at this excellent site, and I am going to print this part because it refers to what we are talking about:
If your vehicle doesn't have one already, should you be adding an oil-life indicator to the list of must-have options on your next ride? And if you do have one, should you trust its computerized judgment?
It might not hurt. General Motors estimates that drivers of its oil monitor-equipped vehicles could have two to three times fewer oil changes performed each year. Theoretically, according to GM, if all the GM oil monitor-equipped cars on the road observed the maximum interval for changing oil, instead of the oft-advised every 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers), it could result in 100 million fewer gallons of oil being consumed annually. Nonetheless, GM still advises changing the oil at least once a year, regardless of how few miles you put on the odometer.
How Stuff Works - Oil Monitoring System
My 2 cents worth......Most systems count engine revolutions, take into account temperature, length of drive, pulling etc, much better than eyeballing a dipstick. Can it analyze oil like Blackstone? No, but, do 99% of the population really need to know that kind of information? I don't think so.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I spent $987 and all I got was a new 2" drainage pipe for the kitchen sink. You got a much better value.
I just hope that kid didn't spit on your car after he did it.
No, no, I know, he's 66 years old and runs a good shop.....me just being silly again!
Sounds like he did a beautiful job and he is an excellent worker, and what goes around comes around or something like that.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
As a matter of fact, I did.
Richard
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Richard...how great is that story about your former student's repair. Loved it!
What driver100 listens to on the radio;). Hey now!
Nyc.... Noticed the radio station.....va-va-voom.
LOL I copied that from a columnist writing about how the oil monitoring system works. Several readers of that column also commented on the station the columnist listens to. Apparently, in any picture he uses where the station is showed, he has that station on.
I have listened to that particular station for a short period of time and it gets a little boring after awhile...the topics are kind of restricted. I do enjoy 60s music and Howard 100 and 101.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Roadburner has more automotive knowledge in his fingernail clippings than I have in my brain. He says he wouldn't go more than 10K between oil changes & that's damn close to gospel for me.
Mike Miller of ROUNDEL fame believes in his "old school BMW Maintenance Schedule, get flat tires, & oil dipsticks." Mike is also someone who has more automotive knowledge in his facial hair shavings than I have in my brain. When I had my E30, there was a crazy amount of maintenance according to the Bentley Manual (Oil changes every 7500 miles, brake fluid every 2 years, Coolant flush every 2 years, trans fluid every 3 years, Valve adjustments...). Even my 328xi is light years more complex than an E30, so it should require AT LEAST the same amount of maintenance if not more. Logic dictates definitely not less.
Another point having to do with my mild intelligence level. The engineers in Munich say my car can go 15,000 miles before an oil change. They are BMW engineers. I'm sure if they say the car can go 15,000 miles, then it can go 20,000 miles. I'm just a simple guy who sells plumbing supplies in The South Bronx. Now the Munich engineers aren't perfect. They ditched that "lifetime fill" gearbox oil crap after BMW started buying people new transmissions.
dino001 makes some fantastic points supporting Munich's long intervals between oil changes. The enviornmental impact is a valid one. Europeans have been doing this for a long time. Perhaps the most convincing is the fact that modern BMWs are durable, reliable cars that don't t urn into pumpkins when the warranty is up.
I might just send oil samples from my 3 cars into blackstone to see what they have to say. I can just see this now: "Honey, you are spending $75 on WHAT?"
I've been completely NEUROTIC when it comes to the maintenance on my Prelude. Synthetic oil every 3K - 4K miles. My Prelude (147,000 + miles) has been on a steady diet of Royal Purple 10w40 since it started burning oil at 75K miles (regular trips to it's 7500 rpm redline will do that) instead of the factory 5w30. I also just used a can of CD-2 to control the car's oil comsumption habits. It hasn't burnt a drop in about 200 miles.
My wife's Pilot has had 3 oil changes in 23,000 miles. Full synthetic. That's about 7000 plus or minus between oil changes.
My BMW has 7200 miles and its still has another 9K to go before its 1st oil change.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Another thing for sure is that those bums will break your heart. I'm still waiting for them to pay me back the money I lost betting on them in 1964 when they blew the world's series. :mad:
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
NYC.....gotta agree about oil change intervals. I used to be a 5K mi zealot for oil changes. While I do believe your diligence with the Prelude has a direct result on its longevity, I personally don't keep a car long enough to worry about longevity. :surprise:
Hey NYC - I read Garson sold out to a developer. Now that's the way to make a profit in plumbing supplies.
At the far end of our patio and Japanese garden is a clean out pipe. It has that white screw on top with the square knob. One day last week, I noticed that the top was off of the clean out pipe. I asked our lawn care guy if he had removed it for some reason. He had not. Other than us, he is the only one with a key to the main gate that leads to the patio and garden. At any rate, I screwed the top back on the drain and went on my merry way.
A couple of days later, it happened again. The top was just sitting next to the clean out drain---not turned over, but as if it had been neatly placed by the drain. I discussed this with my wife who felt that I had not put the top back on as I thought that I had. I didn't buy that argument because the lawn care guy stood there with me as we had our discussion.
Another two days go by and it happens again. This morning was the final kicker. I went outside to discover that the cap was on the drain but it was upside down! What is going on here?! Here are five factors for you consider in helping me to solve this problem:
1. There is a large fountain across the patio from the clean out drain that is run by two electrical pumps.
2. There is another clean out drain about 10 feet from this one. The top on it stays in place with no problem.
3. There is a downspout at that corner of the house that appears to go into a circular cement drain at ground level.
4. Not far from this crazy drain is a downstairs guest bath that is on an outside wall of the house.
5. We have had a few heavy rain showers during the last week.
The above factors may have nothing to do with the top coming off the drain. I'm just trying to rack my brain as to what is happening. I've never had an experience like this one in any of the 14 houses that we have owned. Do you have any ideas, or is it time for me to check into the old folks home? Once again, I'm calling upon the wonderful youth in this country to assist me.
Richard
Warranty Term
The term of the warranty is based on usage. A warranty must last: 90 days or 4,000 miles if the vehicle has 36,000 miles or less; 60 days or 3,000 miles if the vehicle has been operated more than 36,000 miles but less than 80,000 miles; and 30 days or 1,000 miles if the vehicle has been operated 80,000 miles or more but less than 100,000 miles.
Warranty Coverage
The law requires dealers to provide a written warranty when selling a used motor vehicle that covers certain specified components, including the engine, transmission, drive axle, brakes, radiator, steering, and the
ignition system excluding the battery. The warranties may exclude defects due to lack of maintenance, collision, abuse, theft, vandalism, and other specified causes including odometer tampering.
How do the warranty laws in Florida compare? A quick Internet search didn't give me a clear answer as to whether your typical used car has one or if dealers can sell "as is".
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Either that, or the local rats have a tool set and a case of OCD.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
As for you having a "mild intelligence level" and being "a simple guy who sells plumbing supplies", I strongly doubt it. As one of our younger posters, I've always been impressed with your knowledge and maturity. You also write extremely well.
Richard
Richard
Duh! It is a reversible cap. In all seriousness I believe either your wife or the gardener is playing a joke on you. To test that theory take the cap with you and then pretend it is missing. Their reactions will reveal the prank.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Extended warranties are available, but are treated as insurance, therefore they have to be sold by licensed agents (like dealers F&Is) at registered prices (read no discounts on those plans).
2018 430i Gran Coupe
On the other side of the coin, a small plumbing supply (similar to mine) named Royal went out of business not too far from me. It's tough out there & NOT getting any easier.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I completely agree that your wife is messing with you;). I like her. She's got spunk!
Graphicguy - interesting. Glad to hear 2012's version of "The Big Red Machine" is doing well. Maybe we'll have something to chat about in a few weeks. It's just crazy how well The Yankees are playing right now considering the fact they've gotten hit by the injury bus. I know the saying is "bitten by the injury bug," but when you loose CC, A-Rod, Mariano, Andy Pettite, & Bret Gardner it's the injury bus. There are so many role players shining right now it's ridiculous. The Yankees have the best record in the AL.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Do you have a video recorder?
Find a nice hiding place for it near the drain.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali