What kind of Bridgestones did you get? I have a few more months to look around. Tire Rack actually rated the Pirelli P6000 better than the Michelin XGT. And I think they are a bit cheaper.
potenza re950 225-60-16 can't get them in 17's but i'm sure they have something bridgestonetire.com tested them in the rain last night, really good. they are based on the potenza racing rain tire. read bad reviews on those pirelis
Has Zaino changed their Z5? Yesterday I put a coat on my M and finished up the last of a bottle I'd had ordered several months ago. Got half-way through the car and started on a brand new bottle I just received last week. Totally different -- orange in color and much, much thinner. I don't know about you guys, but I always go through the Z5 much quicker than the Z2 as it went on thicker. This "new" stuff went on much thinner and easier. I couldn't really tell if there was any difference buffing it out or the way it works/looks though. (Or maybe I just got a weird batch?).
Now to decide if my second coat today will be Z5 or Z2 -- hmmm. I'm on vacation this week :-) and would ideally like to get 3 coats on and want the Z2 to be the last one.
The 300M Enthusiasts Club already gets a 10% discount from Midnight Moose. Look at http://www.300mclub.org/vendors.htm (will require your Club username and password to get in). There was also talk of a group purchase at a substantially lower price. Midnight Moose promised to contact me about a group purchase when the kits were available. They were originally promised in May, now slipped to "after July 4th." Still waiting.
The area of concern for me (and others) is that the kit does nothing to modify the beam pattern, so there could be a serious glare problem. I guess we won't know until someone actually buys a kit and installs it.
I agree with roger2k. HID headlights are more than the bulbs, ballast and harness. The optics (reflector, lenses) are an integral part of an HID *system*. It's not simply a matter of hooking up the bulbs and the electronics in the existing non-HID reflector housing. It has something to do with the way the HID arc is polarized. The existing reflectors are designed for the halogen filaments oriented in a specific manner. The HID bulbs do not have a traditional filament per se.
Now, I have also been told that the projector beam optics on the LHS *are* compatible with HID. I own an LHS and would love to put in an affordable HID kit, but I remain skeptical....
This morning on the way to work I was doing an honest 80mph on I-15 in light traffic (posted speed limit is 65mph). A CHP pulled me over and I decided to use a story I heard some months ago. He finally asked me why I was speeding and I said "Just last night my wife ran off with a California Highway Patrolman and I thought that it might be you trying to bring her back!". After a few moments, his face cracked to a huge smile and he gave me a warning and said "Be careful"! I got to work early today!
I got a set of these for my CL-S. They look really good, & are made of silicone, so I don't have to replace the blades for years! They also perform better then any set of stock, or aftermarket rubber blades I ever tried. No noises, no streaks.
this is the heighth of cheapness, but for years, instead of buying new refills i take a razor blade and carefully scrap a thin layer off the edge of the blades and this will restore the blades to a nice clean wipe pattern. this only works on quality refills...jackg
I got some Z2 & Z5 this spring. I'm now a Zainoholic . My Z5 is much thicker than the Z2 & is beige (NOT orange). You might try calling Zaino & ask them about your Z5. They are very nice on the phone. If you happened to get a bad batch I am sure they would want to hear about it.
I just ordered some Zaino for the first time last week and my Z-5 is relatively thin and orange in color. There was a change in the Z-5 and the thinner, orange Z-5 is the "new" formula.
I was driving my M the other day and noticed when I turned the wipers and foglights on the interior lights started blinking on and off, anyone here know the cause of this problem
that is a common problem others here have had. I have that problem too and they ordered a body control module to correct it. Not sure if that will fix it as others said it is caused by the headlight or dimmer switch. I will let them install it anyway as I have heard some BCM's have gone bad . If that doesnt solve it, I will tell them to replace the switch. Its covered under warrany if under 36k.
For those that had this problem, which switch did they have to replace--the dimmer switch or the rotary headlight switch?
Time zones and all, we take a jump on the Fabulous Fourth. Sunset this time a year is about 10:30 pm, doesn't really get fully dark all night, but it's pretty dark around midnight, so we do fireworks. We put a barge out in the middle of the channel, the explosions echoing off the mountains are simply awesome. So, to keep this on topic, I'm driving the M down to watch it all. Again, happy Fourth!
maybe our m's are celebrating the fourth... I too have had my interior (upper console and door) lights start blinking uncontrollably twice in the last week. Both times, the headlights/foglights were on (switch in the "auto" position). Are these the same lights others have described during "light show" incidents? The only thing I know has happened recently that's out of the norm is that I accidentally set the security alarm off a few days ago by reaching into the open window and hitting the unlock switch. It's probably unrelated, but in trying to tie the lights to an event, it's the only thing I can think of that's been out of the ordinary...
I didn't Zaino it, but I have washed, dried, and put some Meguiar's Wax on my bike before, in addition to putting some dressing on the small tire sidewall. We're not nuts...
With all this talk of tires lately, I thought I'd share some interesting tidbits. As you know, the Eagle LS's on many M's are garbage, blamed with crowing, vibration, lack of traction, and most of all, excessive noise. Our 2000 exemplified almost all of these traits. My grandmother has a 99' Intrigue with the Eagle LS's in 225-60-16 size, and though they're almost done to nothing at 30k, the car has never had any vibration, pulling, etc. And, having ridden in and driven in it several times, there isn't much in the way of road noise, only becoming noticable at freeway speeds.
And then yesterday I was detailing a 97' Oldsmobile LSS with the same exact 16" Eagle LS tires. Driving it was quite odd, as the car had virtually no road noise. That, and it tracked straight and true with no hands on the wheel at any speed.
Now, what suprises me more is the tires on our Avalanche. It has 265-70-17 Goodyear Wrangler HP OWL tires. For being such large, truck tires, they ride silkier than any other I've experienced, there's virtually no road noise on just about every surface, and there are no bad vibes or pulling.
I guess all of these circumstances might simply be due to insulation. Many cars use Eagle LS or other GY Eagle tires, like Buick, Cadillac, Lexus, Mercedes, etc., but only a few cars ever receive comments about any road noise.
Just a note too. As I said, the LS's on the Intrigue are down to almost nothing, and "will be replaced with some Michelins soon, even if it costs $500". I'm not sure what model may be used, and he may look also at some Dunlops, but it just goes to show another dis-satisfied GY Eagle tire owner.
Well, this person probably would qualify for the highest mileage so far on a Special. It's Silver with the full Dark Slate Gray interior and 23,950 miles.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but you can get a brand new one for practically the same price (w/in $1-2K tops). Not only that, the advantages of a new car are well worth it. - it's new (that's always nice it'll have a lower interest rate if you finance (used car rates always suck)
Have a Happy Forth of July!!!!! and a safe one too. Sdmike and others with red M's, becarful that they don't launch your M's with the rest of the fireworks. LOL
I didn't have the problems that others have had, and except for the lousy traction and road noise they weren't bad. I do like the Bridgestones Potenzas much better though.
Have a great day everyone and I hope these idiots in the world don't spoil it for you.
I also looked at the special on e-bay. It says the tires only have 30% left. Is this a misprint or am I reading it wrong? I have seen this car and have had my misgivings on these tires and not only on snow and ice, but only 30% left on that kind of mileage is crazy!!!!!
Mike - if there were 1/3 left of the tires, that would mean about 35k on them. That wouldn't surprise me too much, between being included with the car (seems tires that come with a new car always last less time) and being a high end tire(the more you spend, again the less time they last). They are also probably being cautious, don't want someone to complain about false info in the auction.
Rog - I thought the weather in seattle was almost always about that - rainy :-D OTOH - it's been over 100 here with high humidity. ouch!
He says, "...true dual exhaust...". Obviously he hasn't noticed the single pipe into the muffler. And no mention of the HID's, but then maybe he doesn't feel they're worth it. I'd certainly find it disappointing to revert to halogens again.
This was the first time I used anything but a spray-on polish, like Scwhinn's. Next time I wash it I will try the gloss enhancer. My bike is pretty retro (tubular "sewup" tires). Regluing those back on the rims always reminds me of the story about Bre'r Rabbit and the Tar Baby, only I'm the fox stuck in the tar baby. What a sticky mess! Rode my shiny bike in the Park Cities 4th of July parade. Great turnout this year.
Men Thrown From Overpass, One Dead One man was killed and another injured after they were tossed from an overpass in Dallas just after midnight. Police believe the incident started as a road rage confrontation between the two men. They say one man threw the other over the side, then was thrown off the overpass himself by a third man.
I discovered I can get eight bundles of hardwood flooring in the M (trunk closed) by lowering the rear seats and moving the passenger seat ahead. The bundles are 7 ft long, 10½" wide, 4" thick, (approx. 50 lb each, oak and black walnut)
wire2 - In my old concorde (98, newer lh style) Iput about 40 8' 2x3s (remember, no fold down seat there and a bunch of assorted hardware. It did ride a bit low on the back though
I live in the detroit, MI metro-area. Yesterday, I saw a white 300M limo driving down Mound road. Now I'm on a quest to find out which limo company has it.
Got the package today....thanks!! Dare I ask why you have so much of the "other" stuff? lol! My wife is already planning their use. Also, thanks for the kind words in the note. Appreciate it. Hey...this part never touched Christine, did it?
I used to clean up my road bike, but with the mountain bike a nice coating of sludge is a badge of honor. About the time I get it really gnarly something needs to be fixed or adjusted, and the local shop always cleans it up real good. They say they do it so 1) they can check for any other damage/issues and 2) so we feel a need to go get it dirty again!
The greatest all-around hitter ever to play the game, and a true American hero as a Marine fighter pilot in 2 wars. They just don't make 'em like that anymore. ........
I bought a real brushed aluminum dash kit on eBay. I wanted to use some of the trim pieces that the carbon fiber kit I have didn't come with. Anyway, I have 11 pieces left over that I am not going to use, so if anyone is interested, email me at 300M@Glenn.net. I must say the quality is excellent; real aluminum about a 1/16" thick and brushed beautifully. Here's a pic of the pieces:
Ok guys let's get a contest going on the 300M board to guess which parts are missing. Glenn,you will have to be judge. Winner gets first choice in case more than one person is interested in obtaining some or all of the parts
Comments
http://www.sfxaudio.com/index.asp
http://www.sounddomain.com
Soundfx is better than sounddomain as far as service goes, but sounddomain has a bigger selection...
read bad reviews on those pirelis
Now to decide if my second coat today will be Z5 or Z2 -- hmmm. I'm on vacation this week :-) and would ideally like to get 3 coats on and want the Z2 to be the last one.
The area of concern for me (and others) is that the kit does nothing to modify the beam pattern, so there could be a serious glare problem. I guess we won't know until someone actually buys a kit and installs it.
Now, I have also been told that the projector beam optics on the LHS *are* compatible with HID. I own an LHS and would love to put in an affordable HID kit, but I remain skeptical....
http://www.silblade.com
I got a set of these for my CL-S. They look really good, & are made of silicone, so I don't have to replace the blades for years! They also perform better then any set of stock, or aftermarket rubber blades I ever tried. No noises, no streaks.
instead of buying new refills i take a razor blade and carefully scrap a thin layer off the edge of the blades and this will restore the
blades to a nice clean wipe pattern. this only works on quality refills...jackg
SilBlade remains flexible and maintains a superior wipe in extreme temperatures from -80°F to 400°F.
Why do I get the feeling that this is a bit irrelevant?
I got some Z2 & Z5 this spring. I'm now a Zainoholic
Jon
For those that had this problem, which switch did they have to replace--the dimmer switch or the rotary headlight switch?
(looks pretty good, tho):>)
Silver
I too have had my interior (upper console and door) lights start blinking uncontrollably twice in the last week. Both times, the headlights/foglights were on (switch in the "auto" position). Are these the same lights others have described during "light show" incidents?
The only thing I know has happened recently that's out of the norm is that I accidentally set the security alarm off a few days ago by reaching into the open window and hitting the unlock switch. It's probably unrelated, but in trying to tie the lights to an event, it's the only thing I can think of that's been out of the ordinary...
300michael - rotfl! Feels like it here too. I was playing ultimate (frisbee) last eve in 100 degree weather. Talk about hot!
http://www.manassaschrysler.com/Chrysler/290292.html
And, here's a Concored Limited Pro-Am!
http://www.manassaschrysler.com/Chrysler/280202.html
And then yesterday I was detailing a 97' Oldsmobile LSS with the same exact 16" Eagle LS tires. Driving it was quite odd, as the car had virtually no road noise. That, and it tracked straight and true with no hands on the wheel at any speed.
Now, what suprises me more is the tires on our Avalanche. It has 265-70-17 Goodyear Wrangler HP OWL tires. For being such large, truck tires, they ride silkier than any other I've experienced, there's virtually no road noise on just about every surface, and there are no bad vibes or pulling.
I guess all of these circumstances might simply be due to insulation. Many cars use Eagle LS or other GY Eagle tires, like Buick, Cadillac, Lexus, Mercedes, etc., but only a few cars ever receive comments about any road noise.
Just a note too. As I said, the LS's on the Intrigue are down to almost nothing, and "will be replaced with some Michelins soon, even if it costs $500". I'm not sure what model may be used, and he may look also at some Dunlops, but it just goes to show another dis-satisfied GY Eagle tire owner.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1839929490
I also looked at the special on e-bay. It says the tires only have 30% left. Is this a misprint or am I reading it wrong? I have seen this car and have had my misgivings on these tires and not only on snow and ice, but only 30% left on that kind of mileage is crazy!!!!!
Everyone have a safe and happy holiday, and I hope you all get to spend it with loved ones...or your family.... lol!
Rog - I thought the weather in seattle was almost always about that - rainy :-D OTOH - it's been over 100 here with high humidity. ouch!
Obviously he hasn't noticed the single pipe into the muffler. And no mention of the HID's, but then maybe he doesn't feel they're worth it. I'd certainly find it disappointing to revert to halogens again.
My bike is pretty retro (tubular "sewup" tires). Regluing those back on the rims always reminds me of the story about Bre'r Rabbit and the Tar Baby, only I'm the fox stuck in the tar baby. What a sticky mess! Rode my shiny bike in the Park Cities 4th of July parade. Great turnout this year.
Happy 4th of July everyone!
Silver
Local news provided by:
Metro Networks
Men Thrown From Overpass, One Dead
One man was killed and another injured after they were tossed from an overpass in Dallas just after midnight. Police believe the incident started as a road rage confrontation between the two men. They say one man threw the other over the side, then was thrown off the overpass himself by a third man.
DALLAS
From your friends north of the border
-vman
Has anyone out there seen one of these?
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click here Ted Williams
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and may the force be with you...
EasyRider300M
He deserved a final ride in that white 300M limo!
Jon
Glenn,you will have to be judge. Winner gets first choice in case more than one person is interested in obtaining some or all of the parts