By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Kind of the same principle behind containing livestock with split-rail fences - they're not inclined to try to leave, but if they get spooked or otherwise want to leave, nothing will contain them.
Or maybe he has an electric fence too.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Sometimes they are found but usually the coyotes get the blame :P
There's something to be said for having distance from your neighbors. Even driver100 in a Speedo wouldn't look so bad if you're far enough away.
My neighbors are great. 30 years ago my neighbor planted a row of trees along our shared property line. Shortly thereafter I had a survey done for an unrelated reason. When he looked at the location of the pins he realized he had encroached about 8 feet onto my property. He had his own survey done which confirmed this. I told him not to worry about it but he went out and dug up all 100 trees and moved them on to his side of the property line. A few week ago his wife came over and offered to show me how to detail my Vette using Crisco. Great neighbors.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Nah, when we moved here 30 years ago it was pretty rural but now we are solidly suburban. There is only one real farm left on our road (I don't count mine any more). 5 minutes to all the malls and supermarkets.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I'm not sure if that's allowed in here....
I loved those old baseball machines! They had several of those as well. One was the first one I ever remember playing. The machine was from 1954. I was three at the time.
I don't think it is quite that bad. We made a conscious decision to live as normally as possible. Our kitchen window overlooks their yard, and consequently their pool. I do walk by several times, to get a snack, answer the phone, let the dog out.
From the window my wife is looking directly at the neighbor sitting in his chair, smoking and drinking and gazing ....what did they call it - dog stare? I get up to help put dishes away and there he is.
Wedecided we will live as comfortably as we can, but I am not going to avoid the kitchen because I don't want the guy to see us. Yesterday was the first day and so they wanted to use and admire their new toy. He was so excited about the water feature he couldn't wait to get it going.
I only write now about it in response to posters who ask a question or make a comment. Today it was cool and light rain, so they aren't out there as far as I know. They do have one of those heaters, so they may be out there in the winter for all I know, maybe he will try ice fishing. But, I am going to use the kitchen in the usual way, and it is only natural to look outside the window when I go by, if he is sitting there gazing into the pool then I can't help seeing it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I have a B-I-L who likes to live in the middle of nowhere.....no civilization nearby. He bought a place about 15 miles from the nearest town. The surveys have grown and he is now about 500 yards from the suburban house line. He is getting ready to move again.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The "hidden trades" that they would spring on me after telling me their neighbor was "probably" going to buy it.
Body language that suggested they were deeply buried in a trade or had bad credit.
Many a rookie salesperson has found out the hard way on a busy Saturday that they were "ambushed" when the "sale" became a no sale.
On the other hand, pre qualifing or sizing up a customer could cost sales too and because of this sometimes the "dumber" a new salesperson was the more successful they were.
I'll admit it. I got jaded toward the end and so does every other veteran in the business.
I didn't mind one bit if a customer told me they might have a problem up front.
And, sometimes, these "problems" weren't as bad as the shoppers thought they were and we were able to make a deal happen.
I once had a woman tell me she was so happy because she had just made her last "note" on a car she had never liked. She said the title hadn't arrived yet but she wanted to trade it in.
When I pulled her (bad) credit, I saw a 13,000 outstanding car loan!
" That can't be! I made all of the notes!"
Then she remembered they had sent her a fresh book of payment coupons.
She thought they had made a dumb mistake. They didn't make a mistake. They had written her an 84 month contract and the books only held 60 monthly coupons to use.
You don't want to know what came out her mouth when I explained to her that she had two more years to go!
*driver, your obsession with your neighbors has obviously had a negative effect on your sense of humor. You don't even realize when someone is pulling your leg! Obviously there is no difference between BMW oil sold on Canada and the U.S. But I baited the hook, cast the line into the creek, and low and behold, I got a bite!!!
Hang on while I remove the hook and throw you back to fight another day!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I agree, *driver. I really don't read the manual(s) unless I have a question about a function or can't figure out something for myself.
The day I picked up the new E350, Mike, my salesman, opened the trunk and showed me where the Comfort Box was and how to operate it. If he hadn't shown me how to pull it out from the top of the trunk, drop the bottom, and then press a button to get it to reset and push it out of the way, I would never had known where it was, how it worked, or even used it (which I did today after shopping) because the description on its operation in the manual was too obscure and too complicated to operate.
So, I agree with you about not reading manuals cover to cover and the importance of being shown and having demonstrations by the salesperson. When I was a sales manager, I hired a delivery specialist to make sure each customer fully understood the intracasies of the equipment and proper operation of their new vehicle.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I'm sorry; I should have explained in more detail. Between the split rails was a light gray mesh screen that was only visible if you were close to the fence. It was the only type of fence that the village would allow an owner to erect.
Richard
You and me both. At age 16, I was only allowed to drive during the day light hours. As for dating, I either double dated or cheated and drove at night. My mother was actually more lenient about that than my dad. At age 20, my dad gave the license examiner ten cases of the examiner's favorite beer in order for me to get a full license. After that, my eye doctor at Duke Eye Clinic took care of my getting a full license each time. His best friend just happened to be the head of the N.C. Highway Patrol. My eye surgeon finally retired about 15 years ago at the ripe old age of 85. I like my doctor that I have now. He's also helpful with the license examiner's office.
My students always knew that I had only one eye. I caught them doing more stuff becasue they couldn't tell which eye I was using to watch them. Like you, I never really used the one eye thing as an excuse. There was always a way to work around the problem.
Richard
That's the same advice the service manager gave me for the SRX. He also said that when the oil monitor reaches 20%, I need to check in with his department. I'm honoring all of that advice.
Richard
See post 83744.
Richard
Richard
I would like to hear more about that method.
Richard
Richard
I think you have done that to me before. It must be an old teaching trick you picked up. Sometimes there are subtle differences with the same brand. Coca Cola is made slightly different in different areas, sweeter in some areas. I thought it possible that they may not offer oil that gets thinner in winter in Florida, that is, not offer 5W 40 oil, maybe just 10 W 40 oil which could be a problem for me when I get back to Canada.
I am a trusting person though, I assume everyone is basically honest, or descent, until they mess with me....and then I put them on my "warning" list. That's where you are now....ha ha...just joking.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
, we built a beautiful split rail fence that blended in with the wooded rear yard at a cost of $5,000. This was necessary because we had our beloved Lab at the time.
Oh, I thought the dog insisted on the split rail fence because he had good taste.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I would like to hear more about that method.
Good question. I am wondering if he heard her right about what she wanted the Crisco for.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I'm glad someone else asked. I was afraid to ask because my minds sees some dark meaning to that statement...
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Over on Inside Line the writers usually take their long term test BMWs to Santa Monica BMW for service- and then squawk loudly when they get hosed for non-warranty work. Anyway, back in 2008 Santa Monica had reamed them for some work on an E46 M3 they had in the fleet; I had just had my local dealer perform an Inspection II and brake fluid flush on the X3 for a total cost of $374. Just for giggles I called Santa Monica and asked how much those services would be. I was told that I was in luck as they had a "service special" going on. Their quote?
$1104.95
Only $730.95(295%) more than my dealer...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Yeh, this bmw dealer did a lousy job of putting on these oversize tires.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I thought I commented on this one when it hit the posting board but I didn’t.
I for one am not offended but I think they have gotten too cute about how to measure your oil level in a car.
As for measuring your oil level within one millimeter, as you noted in another post, that is a wickedly accurate system, which I’m not so sure is an accurate statement but I guess almost anything is possible today. After all, it came from a poster on the internet. I deal with monitoring plant processes every day and if I can get an accurate and repeatable measurement within an inch of water level in a tank that requires a measurement anywhere within its calibrated level range of 300 inches, I’m dancing around the block in my skivvies.
I realize that full level in a cars oil pan is just a few inches but a millimeter is still pretty good if that internet statement is correct. If it is I should be going to BMW for my tank level instrumentation. I’m sure I won’t like the price but I’ll do almost anything for a more accurate level system.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
As for Coca Cola, you are correct. I have had Cokes in various parts of the world and the taste does vary. A regional Coke distributor explained it to me years ago. Coke sends the barrels of syrup to the various countries around the world.. Those countries use their own water and carbonation process. Cokes in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran definitely have a different taste---not one that I wish to experience again. I think that they were trying to kill me the last time that I was there.
Richard
Richard
I debated about that post. At my age, I figured what the hell. Go ahead and ask.
Richard
(I am so glad you have a good sense of humor)
There is a very good article that gives, what I think is very thoughtful informative information about BMWs "Condition Based Servicing" Monitor System". I tried to copy the relevant part but it said it was copyright information.
You can view it at; Condition Based Service
In short, it says most systems measure distance travelled, temperature, hours of operation etc. The BMW system uses fuel useage and sensors in the oil pan to measure the quality of the oil.
I tried not to twist anything around. I know I didn't address the measuring in mms. but I don't recall what was said, I think a poster wrote bmws can measure oil levels in mms. That might be overstating it, but, the real point is the oil quality is being scientifically monitored, and should be a better measure than arbitrarily saying you need an oil change at 3K miles or 10K miles.
Just my opinion, but this sounds more scientific and reliable, than just saying you need an oil change at 10K miles, or eyeballing the dipstick.
But that's just me. Some people don't trust using a calculator, they think that adding figures in their head is more reliable.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It does make me feel better. Honestly, I thought Mike was off his rocker saying BMW oil would be different in the US compared to Canada, but, the one thing that would make sense is in some areas they may not sell winter grade oil. I didn't want to say Mike was off his rocker because I was sure he had a point to make, he is usually quite sane and rational, besides it wouldn't be nice to say that.
Coke can vary depending on the water used and how much and what kind of sugar is used. Apparently in Mexico they use real sugar cane instead of corn syrup and there are people who swear Coke in Mexico tastes much better. Soda fountain Coke can be very different, tends to be sweeter as they add more syrup. And, some people find Coke tastes different in a bottle compared to a can.
I am not sure if they were trying to kill you with their Coke in Afghanistan or Pakistan, but maybe that could become a new weapon.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
lol..................
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Thought? He is definitely off his rocker!
The only "point" I was trying to make is that I like to throw curve balls at people every so often (not just *driver) just to see if they will "swing and miss" or actually "hit one out of the park"! I am not sarcastic or facetious, but our posting board often gets a little boring and spicing it up every once in a while cuts the ice and gives us all a little chuckle.
We've all done that to each other just to get a smirk or a cheap laugh - but life is getting more and more hectic with the economy and the Middle East, so we all need to learn to laugh at each other a little more - don't you think?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I think the failures are too serious and devastating to many people, especially in the Middle East where 3 days notice of threats was given, for me to have much levity.
On to lubing the skids, the oils are oils--if a manufacturer recommends a different viscosity for extreme cold winter use it will show in the service manual. The multi-grade oils are good these days. As to what to use, Just look for the designation in the manual that needs to be on the container to meet the qualification standards.
Manufacturers have for years convinced some folks that their oils are special and the consumer can only use their own brand special super duper oil. But just look at the container, whether it's in the States or in Canada. We're actually fairly up-to-date on those things in the US. :grin
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Pep Boys and some other franchises will sell you full synthetc extended milage oil, like Mobil 1 and allow you to do-it-yourself by providing you with a lift, tools, etc. I called one up this morning and they told me if I purchased the Mobil 1 extended and brought my own MB filter, and I did it myself, it would cost me $65.00. That's actually not too bad. But how often do I or others change their oil and filter using full synthetic? Not very often.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Never mind retail prices - you have to look at cost.
Oil is probably closer to $3/qt - they buy it in bulk and don't deal with those little plastic jugs. The filter is probably $10-12. Tech time is about 30 minutes for a simple oil change. Cost wise is probably $30 in parts and $15 in tech time. So at $89 it's about a 50% gross margin.
Now let's look at the other things eating away at the cost. The loaner car, the espresso machine in the service area, the nice MB shirts the service writers wear, et al. They probably net about $10 on the oil change.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I am sarcastic and facetious and don't mind admitting it. I love the humor on this site, I wouldn't be here if it was always serious discussions....especially about oil! Now there will probably be a conspiracy to keep the talk serious until I leave :mad:
Often, world events can be depressing, but there are some things we just can't change, so we have to enjoy what we can.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I guess I did not explain myself very well on that post - my apologies! My dealer will charge "me" that price if I decide to change my oil more frequently than at the "A Service" interval, which is 12 months. Their normal rate is $139.00, but they do me a favor since I buy so many cars from them.
What I meant to say is that what they charge "me" is a fleet price, or close to their cost.
Still, if you compare what oil changes used to cost you per year prior to the advent of extended mileage oil changes (once a year, on average), it works out about the same. An oil change w/filter used to cost $30.00 at a dealership every 3000-4000 miles. So, the costs are about the same on a yearly cost basis today.
I hope you understand what I am trying to convey - remember I am "nuts" to begin with!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
So when I got home, I looked for lettuce and tomatoes and som ham and cheese to make a nice wrap for lunch with these tortillas. Bit my Dad had eaten the last of the lettuce and tomatoes and ham for lunch when he made himself a chef's salad. So much for my lunch!
Then I remembered when I lived in Palm Desert, I used to order quesidias (not sure of the spelling) with jalopinea peppers (spelling?). So I took out my electric grill and put some cheddar cheese and sliced peppers on the tortillas and folded them over. After the cheese melted and the tortillas were slightly browned I put them in a plate, cut them in thirds, and ate lunch. Boy, they sure were great. Took less than 5 minutes to prepare and heat - definitely a great lunch entree.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Sounds delicious! I like things like that. Another easy one to do that is similar;
toast one or two slices of bread.
Cover the bread with thin strips of cheese.
Add sliced tomatoes.
Put in the microwave or even better in the oven if you know how to use an oven :P
Add salt and pepper to taste.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My kids often make those after school. Soft tortillas with mexican cheese and salsa, fold in half and toss in the toaster oven for 5 minutes. Of course that's just the start for my teenage son. He then heats up some pasta, drinks 3 glasses of orange juice, tosses a couple of Oreos down and then asks what we're having for dinner.
Ahhhh, to be young again and burn up thousands of calories an hour. Now, if I ate what your kids have as snacks, I'd be the size of a house by the end of the month!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Good idea. Who wants to get in on this? :P
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Remember every time they mentioned "Frau Brucher" the horses would whinny. Definitely one of the best movies Mel Brooks ever made!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Don’t go back. Either of those places would welcome a second chance to get an American and I am not being facetious about this.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
We went to Egypt 2 years ago and it was magnificent, I am so glad we saw it when we did. The pyramids, the museum in Cairo, and the "friendly (at the time) people. When we were on the tour bus the people would wave to us, the guide said they thought we were like movie stars.
The guide on the bus made a special point of telling us how much better off their country was since their economy was growing since they have friendly relations with Israel and the US. OMG, what happened! I sure ain't going back. And what are you giving all those billions of $$$s in aid for?
Sorry, I got a little political, but it's all JMonroes fault....he wants to kick me out anyway
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If you posed that question to my Hyundai dealer when the XG350 blew up, the answer would be NO but I could be accused of that at all other times.
I know I didn't address the measuring in mms. but I don't recall what was said, I think a poster wrote bmws can measure oil levels in mms. That might be overstating it, but, the real point is the oil quality is being scientifically monitored, and should be a better measure than arbitrarily saying you need an oil change at 3K miles or 10K miles.
In post 83490 it said, "one millimeter increments".
“The real point is”, in addition to oil quality, oil QUANTITY is very important. As I said before I don’t want to wait for the SYSTEM to tell me to add oil if that warning comes on at the point where I need a full quart. There goes that OCD thing again.
I tried not to twist anything around.
Some people don't trust using a calculator, they think that adding figures in their head is more reliable.
Until you made that statement you were doing a pretty good job of staying on topic but I knew it couldn't last. :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
We haven’t even started yet give us a chance will ya? :P
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Here's a question for you. What is the benefit (if any) of using full synthetic oil over the extended 15,000 mile synthetic. When I have an oil change done, I just tell them to use the Mobil 1 synthetic. In fact, I don't even ask now; they just do it. Don't throw me any curve balls because I don't know anything about "under the hood operations".
My Pinehurst dealer always charged me around $105 for the oil change. My dealer here at home charged me $79 last time. I'm sure that he is still making a profit. Everything in Pinehurst (resort area) was more expensive. Now that we moved back home, we're saving a lot of money on gas, groceries, utilities, dry cleaning, car service, etc.
Richard
But not quite as good as a Chick-Fil-A, huh?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
You are correct. This is a very sad time both at home and abroad. I realize that the veteran posters here know me as an old tea party radical but, regardless of one's political views, we all have to admit that our country's troubles are very real and very threatening. Regardless of who becomes president, I just pray for strong leadership and guidance. I also pray that congress will be more bipartisan in order to bring some solutions to our many problems.
During the weekend I heard from three of my former students. One managed to get a flight out of Tunisia for himself and his family. They left behind their home and most of their belongings. Another student got a flight out of Egypt for his wife and daughter. I have a third student living in Israel. He says that in recent days there has been a lot of activity and build up in anticipation of a major event. So many people in so many countries living in danger, going through riots, or anticipating terrible consequences.
In addition to the world stage, we have all known so many people that have suffered job loss, lost savings, lost homes, etc. My heart aches for our young people and our grandchildren. Though I believe in the American spirit, I realize that it will take many years to correct our current problems. Even good legislation done quickly takes a good amount of time to reach the citizens in order to have positive results.
It's good to post here---a sharing among friends and a chance to take a moment away from the harshness of life. This ends my venting, along with a thank you for allowing it.
Richard