Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

robr2 · January 2015

Both Apple and Android phones are good phones. It's just a matter of preference. Many geeks like Android because they can jailbreak them without falling out of the good graces of Google. Apple doesn't like people messing around with the OS.

bwia · January 2015

abacomike said:
@driver100‌

99% of the comments I post here are done on my iPhone 6. I use it as a computer, a word processor, email, texts, etc. I check my balances in my checking accounts and CD's, pay all my credit card bills using Apps, make appointments, set reminders, important dates to remember such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc. I use the iPhone as an iPod by plugging it right into my car in the console storage area - and the music is awesome compared to Bluetooth or CD's.

By the way, I also make and receive phone calls too!

Ditto for me too, except I use the Samsung Galaxy S-5. Video is a strong suit of the S-5 and I enjoy making and watching 4K resolution videos.

Ironically, I started contributing to this thread three years ago when Kirstie suggested that I ask you "experts" for advice as I was debating whether I should buy a smart phone or stay with my clam shell phone. Your recommendations were all over the place but in the end I went with Samsung since the screen size and high resolution was an important consideration.

I have never regretted that decision and everyday the first and last thing I touch is my S-5 to get the weather forecast, catch up on the latest news or watch a YouTube video. The next frontier is to stream Pandora music to my car since I recently cancelled my XM/Sirius subscription. Finally, I rarely talk on the cell phone; I text instead. Besides, I can do all of my communications without disturbing my wife. Without my Smartphone I would be miserable. Isn't technology great?

robr2 · January 2015

bwia said:
The next frontier is to stream Pandora music to my car since I recently cancelled my XM/Sirius subscription. Finally,

My son swears by Spotify instead of Pandora. With Pandora, you make radio stations and you never know what the next song will be. It does allow you hear artists and songs you never have before based on the genre/artist the station is based on.

Spotify lets you pick the songs you want to hear and it has a radio component that does what Pandora does.

Most importantly, watch your data usage. I have unlimited data so I don't worry.

abacomike · January 2015

bwia said:

@driver100‌

99% of the comments I post here are done on my iPhone 6. I use it as a computer, a word processor, email, texts, etc. I check my balances in my checking accounts and CD's, pay all my credit card bills using Apps, make appointments, set reminders, important dates to remember such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc. I use the iPhone as an iPod by plugging it right into my car in the console storage area - and the music is awesome compared to Bluetooth or CD's.

By the way, I also make and receive phone calls too!
Ditto for me too, except I use the Samsung Galaxy S-5. Video is a strong suit of the S-5 and I enjoy making and watching 4K resolution videos. Ironically, I started contributing to this thread three years ago when Kirstie suggested that I ask you "experts" for advice as I was debating whether I should buy a smart phone or stay with my clam shell phone. Your recommendations were all over the place but in the end I went with Samsung since the screen size and high resolution was an important consideration. I have never regretted that decision and everyday the first and last thing I touch is my S-5 to get the weather forecast, catch up on the latest news or watch a YouTube video. The next frontier is to stream Pandora music to my car since I recently cancelled my XM/Sirius subscription. Finally, I rarely talk on the cell phone; I text instead. Besides, I can do all of my communications without disturbing my wife. Without my Smartphone I would be miserable. Isn't technology great?

Yes it is, bwia! I have learned to take things slowly when it comes to learning about and using/applying technology on computers, in my car and on my phone. People get into trouble when they try to rush things or try to "master" every last bit of the technology too quickly. It's best to slow down and "discover" the benefits of technology. There are still hundreds of applications in my new car or on my new iPhone 6 that I have yet to learn or even know about. In time, it all comes together.

imidazol97 · January 2015

venture said:
I was afraid to mention it.
Not to start a phone war, but the iPhone less functional, but is easier to use. I think ease of use is the important thing here.

bwia said:

Ditto for me too, except I use the Samsung Galaxy S-5. Video is a strong suit of the S-5 and I enjoy making and watching 4K resolution videos.

I have never regretted that decision and everyday the first and last thing I touch is my S-5 to get the weather forecast, catch up on the latest news or watch a YouTube video. The next frontier is to stream Pandora music to my car since I recently cancelled my XM/Sirius subscription. Finally, I rarely talk on the cell phone; I text instead. Besides, I can do all of my communications without disturbing my wife. Without my Smartphone I would be miserable. Isn't technology great?

I realize that, as with cars, people have their preferences. I wanted to determine if I was wrong in my thinking. I don't have a Bluetooth phone to link with my car other than my son's Android Samsung which he loves after 1 week of having it instead of the 2-year old LG model.

Someone mentioned that the Androids are more flexible for the geek in us to work with. That would fit what I thought was true of the Apple devices and their ability to sync among the various pieces a person might own. I had a MacPlus as my 2nd computer (TRS 80 Model III was first) and could do word processing more easily as well as page layouts than on the PCs of the time. However, the Apple was slower, more costly, less able to be modified or expanded, and software cost much much more for it. I left the Mac world and got a PC Pentium IV from Systemax in Ohio and never looked back. I laughed at the Apple stock which had dropped to a few dollars at the time and did not buy any more (big mistake!!!). I also missed on buying Intel and Microsoft back in the 70s and early 80s. But that's water over the bridge.

There's an aura around Apple and its products, perhaps deserved. But a lot of Androids are out there as well.

driver100 · January 2015

I was curious to see if there was an Apple Store near me...back in Canada. There is a store 14 minutes away, so that would be convenient.

My wife is a little sceptical about me getting an iphone or any phone, since I hardly ever use my Galaxy 10 tablet. I prefer the laptop in most cases, it has a real keyboard and is easier to use. I did like the Galaxy 10 for our trip to Europe, much easier to carry and can double as a camera etc. I know this is just my technophobia acting up, but my Gmail looks way different, and even trying to do posts here is a lot more difficult.

Have to think about that.

Today we went to tour the seeing eye dog facility in Palmetto Florida. There are only 10 training centres in the US and this is the only one in the South East. These are beautiful intelligent animals and they provide such a great service.

While I was walking through the lot I saw a Cadillac Wagon. That is the nicest looking wagon, I have ever seen. It is too bad they were discontinued in 2014. Wagons are slow sellers in North America, but the Cadillac design really comes out nice as a wagon.

Reviewer loved these Cadillac V-Sport Wagons

abacomike · January 2015

Just got a call from my twin brother who lives just south of Jacksonville, Florida. He was at his Mercedes-Benz dealership and wanted me to review what he was going to be paying for a 2015 E 400 Cabriolet. It is white with red leather seating and a red convertible top. MSRP is $72,700 and he bought it for $68,000 less the $3500 USAA incentive - or $64,500 plus tax and fees, etc.

I told him it was an excellent deal because of the rarity of E 400 cabriolets - they are in limited production.

They took his 2014 SL 550 in trade and gave him $86,000 for it - about $2000 over what the trade would bring wholesale. He originally paid $95,000 for it last year.

I had a feeling he was going to unload his red SL 550 because of his back problems - getting in and out of those cars is no easy task for a 70 year old with a fused spine.

I wished him good luck and asked him to call me when he got home with his new car. I'll pass along any interesting details he shares with me.

driver100 · January 2015

abacomike said:
Just got a call from my twin brother who lives just south of Jacksonville, Florida. He was at his Mercedes-Benz dealership and wanted me to review what he was going to be paying for a 2015 E 400 Cabriolet. It is white with red leather seating and a red convertible top. . He originally paid $95,000 for it last year.

I had a feeling he was going to unload his red SL 550 because of his back problems - getting in and out of those cars is no easy task for a 70 year old with a fused spine.

I wished him good luck and asked him to call me when he got home with his new car. I'll pass along any interesting details he shares with me.

Sounds nice. I'd be interested in what he says about it. I don't understand buying a convertible in Florida, especially since the sedan has so much headroom and is so easy to enter and exit from.

driver100 · January 2015

ab348 said:

abacomike said:
You can do your banking, pay credit card balances, and begin downloading apps that are very useful.
Now wait a minute. He still hasn't even figured out how to make a phone call on it yet. Actually that was one of the areas I seem to recall having issues with on my old Blackberry a few years ago when I first got it. The phone functions baffled me, but then again, everything on the Blackberry tended to baffle me. The iPhone is a bit better in that regard. But as for banking, credit card balances, etc, let's get him walking first before asking him to run. He may end up accidentally transferring all his assets to some scammer in Nigeria.

Yeh, that would be quite a learning curve for me. First I have to learn how to answer it and call someone.

abacomike · January 2015

driver100 said:

Just got a call from my twin brother who lives just south of Jacksonville, Florida. He was at his Mercedes-Benz dealership and wanted me to review what he was going to be paying for a 2015 E 400 Cabriolet. It is white with red leather seating and a red convertible top. . He originally paid $95,000 for it last year.

I had a feeling he was going to unload his red SL 550 because of his back problems - getting in and out of those cars is no easy task for a 70 year old with a fused spine.

I wished him good luck and asked him to call me when he got home with his new car. I'll pass along any interesting details he shares with me.
Sounds nice. I'd be interested in what he says about it. I don't understand buying a convertible in Florida, especially since the sedan has so much headroom and is so easy to enter and exit from.

I am not a fan of the E Class Coupe or Cabriolet. They are built on a C Class frame/chassis and they are very tight inside. I sat in one a few weeks ago and found it very uncomfortable - the front seats are very narrow compared to the sedan. The wheelbase is about 4 inches shorter and the width is about 3 inches narrower.

Headroom is tight as well, similar to the CLS 550. But remember, he is coming out of the SL 550, which is even tighter and more uncomfortable than the E 400 Cabriolet. So to him, this might be more comfortable in the long run.

As for your comment about a convertible in Florida, where else would you want to drive a convertible in the United States - California? Arizona? Texas? Georgia? Florida, especially northeastern Florida, is a perfect place to own a convertible. From November through May, it is quite cool up there in the evenings.

But I agree - it is not a car I would be interested in. As long as he is happy, that's all that matters.

boomchek · January 2015

abacomike said:
Just got a call from my twin brother who lives just south of Jacksonville, Florida. He was at his Mercedes-Benz dealership and wanted me to review what he was going to be paying for a 2015 E 400 Cabriolet. It is white with red leather seating and a red convertible top. MSRP is $72,700 and he bought it for $68,000 less the $3500 USAA incentive - or $64,500 plus tax and fees, etc.

I told him it was an excellent deal because of the rarity of E 400 cabriolets - they are in limited production.

They took his 2014 SL 550 in trade and gave him $86,000 for it - about $2000 over what the trade would bring wholesale. He originally paid $95,000 for it last year.

I had a feeling he was going to unload his red SL 550 because of his back problems - getting in and out of those cars is no easy task for a 70 year old with a fused spine.

I wished him good luck and asked him to call me when he got home with his new car. I'll pass along any interesting details he shares with me.

They paid well for his SL probably because there aren't many 2014's on the market. I did a duPont Registry nationwide search and there are no 2014's listed. I was surprised however to learn that you can get 2015's with a V6 engine (SL400). There was no 6 cylinder SL offered in North America since the 300SL of late 80s/early90s.

abacomike · January 2015

boomchek said:

Just got a call from my twin brother who lives just south of Jacksonville, Florida. He was at his Mercedes-Benz dealership and wanted me to review what he was going to be paying for a 2015 E 400 Cabriolet. It is white with red leather seating and a red convertible top. MSRP is $72,700 and he bought it for $68,000 less the $3500 USAA incentive - or $64,500 plus tax and fees, etc.

I told him it was an excellent deal because of the rarity of E 400 cabriolets - they are in limited production.

They took his 2014 SL 550 in trade and gave him $86,000 for it - about $2000 over what the trade would bring wholesale. He originally paid $95,000 for it last year.

I had a feeling he was going to unload his red SL 550 because of his back problems - getting in and out of those cars is no easy task for a 70 year old with a fused spine.

I wished him good luck and asked him to call me when he got home with his new car. I'll pass along any interesting details he shares with me.
They paid well for his SL probably because there aren't many 2014's on the market. I did a duPont Registry nationwide search and there are no 2014's listed. I was surprised however to learn that you can get 2015's with a V6 engine (SL400). There was no 6 cylinder SL offered in North America since the 300SL of late 80s/early90s.

Yes! For 2015, the new 3.0 L V6 Twin Turbo is available in the C 400, E 400, CLS 400, SL 400 and ML 400.

I have also read in several mags that Mercedes will be coming out with an inline 6 twin turbo for the redesigned 2017 E Class. I was sure surprised to read that. I wonder why Mercedes would develop an inline 6 - it would be the first one in their lineup since the 1950's/1960's.

robr2 · January 2015

I found a few 2014/2015 SL550's via autotrader.

As for the I6, simple enough to chop a V12 in half....

boomchek · January 2015

Abacomike:

Actually Mercedes had inline 6's in their passenger vehicles in the 80's and 90's. I believe they slowly reintroduced V6's across their lineup starting in the mid 90's.

ab348 · January 2015

Having sat in an E350 coupe last year I would not call it easy to get in and out of, though perhaps a convertible is better, at least if the top is down.

verdugo · January 2015

robr2 said:
Both Apple and Android phones are good phones. It's just a matter of preference. Many geeks like Android because they can jailbreak them without falling out of the good graces of Google. Apple doesn't like people messing around with the OS.

I like Android because I have a lot more flexibility than with Apple -- and I don't jailbreak it.

A few years ago, iPhones were superior to anything else. That is not the case anymore and in some cases some Android phones are better than iPhones in some aspects.

I have a Sony Xperia Z3 and I love it. It's waterproof, which is one thing that iPhone is not.

abacomike · January 2015

ab348 said:

Having sat in an E350 coupe last year I would not call it easy to get in and out of, though perhaps a convertible is better, at least if the top is down.

Definitely a tight seating arrangement.

Just got off the phone with my brother. He said they gave him $86,000 for his 2014 SL550 which is over wholesale value by several thousand dollars. He said he likes the ride and handling of the car. The 329 hp bi-turbo V6 is very responsive according to him even after coming out of a 402 hp V8. I had the same opinion after coming out of my CLS550 - same horsepower at 402.

He further stated that it is much easier getting in and out of the new car considering how difficult it was entering and exiting the SL550 with his bad back. The 30-40 mile trip from the dealership to his house netted him 34+ mpg at 70 mph which sounds about right - I get 31 mpg in my E400 at that speed but my sedan is heavier than the E400 Cabriolet.

The red leather seats are really sharp looking with the black wood interior trim according to him. Exterior white with red seats, black dash and side panels and a red cloth roof makes for a great color combination. He said the MSRP was just over $72,000. I checked invoice on the car and it was about $67,400 + whatever they get for advertising fees - my guess is that dead invoice (not counting holdback) is around $67,700. As I stated previously, he paid $68,000 less $3500 for the USAA incentive - or $64,500+++ (taxes, tags, title and dealer fee of $699).

He he said he got financing through PNC Bank at 1.63% which is a great rate.

At least now he is driving a more practical vehicle in terms of size and comfort. That SL550 is really a roadster with seating for 2.

abacomike · January 2015

boomchek said:

Abacomike: Actually Mercedes had inline 6's in their passenger vehicles in the 80's and 90's. I believe they slowly reintroduced V6's across their lineup starting in the mid 90's.

I believe you are correct. I had an '87 300E that I think was an inline 6 and my '91 300E also had an inline 6.

It should be interesting to see what they do in terms of horsepower production in an inline 6 with turbos. BMW uses an inline 6 with turbos in their 535i. That is a peppy engine - I had a 2008 535i and it was a nice, smooth power plant.

driver100 · January 2015

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

abacomike said:
Just got a call from my twin brother who lives just south of Jacksonville, Florida. He was at his Mercedes-Benz dealership and wanted me to review what he was going to be paying for a 2015 E 400 Cabriolet. It is white with red leather seating and a red convertible top. . He originally paid $95,000 for it last year.

I had a feeling he was going to unload his red SL 550 because of his back problems - getting in and out of those cars is no easy task for a 70 year old with a fused spine.

I wished him good luck and asked him to call me when he got home with his new car. I'll pass along any interesting details he shares with me.
Sounds nice. I'd be interested in what he says about it. I don't understand buying a convertible in Florida, especially since the sedan has so much headroom and is so easy to enter and exit from.

I am not a fan of the E Class Coupe or Cabriolet. They are built on a C Class frame/chassis and they are very tight inside. I sat in one a few weeks ago and found it very uncomfortable - the front seats are very narrow compared to the sedan. The wheelbase is about 4 inches shorter and the width is about 3 inches narrower.

Headroom is tight as well, similar to the CLS 550. But remember, he is coming out of the SL 550, which is even tighter and more uncomfortable than the E 400 Cabriolet. So to him, this might be more comfortable in the long run.

As for your comment about a convertible in Florida, where else would you want to drive a convertible in the United States - California? Arizona? Texas? Georgia? Florida, especially northeastern Florida, is a perfect place to own a convertible. From November through May, it is quite cool up there in the evenings.

But I agree - it is not a car I would be interested in. As long as he is happy, that's all that matters.

Convertibles can be nice in certain situations....about 68 to 75F, in the city or a slower moving country kind of road, on a nice evening possibly. Very limited...under ideal conditions it is a great feeling being in a convertible, but that is for only a limited number of days a year. 90% of people who buy a convertible don't buy another one, kind of been there done that...it was nice but the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

An E400 that is really a smaller car is an E400 in name only. I sure wouldn't want to sacrifice the comfort and handling of an E400 sedan for the thrill of driving a convertible...but that's just me.

I was exaggerating about convertibles in Florida. It is about as good a place as any to have one, but, I don't see any more here than I do back in Canada. Getting that sweet spot for when you can enjoy it is going to be limited...not too cold, not too hot, not too windy, not if your wife or girlfriend doesn't want her hair blowing around.....etc..

I am sure your brother will enjoy his new E, it will probably seem like a big step up in comfort for him.

ab348 · January 2015

Last model year some of the M-B E coupes (maybe convertibles also) could be had with a tan and blue interior that I thought looked fabulous. Does not appear to be available now.

abacomike · January 2015

@driver100‌

He hasn't had an E Class Mercedes for several years. He had a 2012 CL550 in White with beige interior that was, in my opinion, the most beautiful car he has ever owned. Very roomy and comfortable in the front seats. It drove like a Rolls on the highway. Why he went into an SL550 I don't know. But his description of how the car handles and performs is refreshing. Quite frankly, I am sure he would have liked to have gotten another one.

He said that the dealership had a brand new 2014 CL550 in stock and made them an offer on it, but they refused to sell it to him at the price he offered. I think he told me the MSRP on it was $145,000 and his offer was around $105,000+/-, etc. I am sure it could have been had for $110,000 because that model was discontinued when they came out with the S Class Coupe this year. Lots of trunk money available on that car from the manufacturer.

graphicguy · January 2015

abacomike said:

stever said:

I did a lot of that in my first job, then I learned to type and lost the art. That was, oh, 1977ish. Could be worse - you should see my handwriting (even I can't read it half the time...).

I became so dependent on my executive secretary because she was such a good stenographer that I pulled strings in my school district to get her transferred to my new school when I opened it in 1980. Her typing skills left a lot to be desired though. But sometimes you overlook an individual's shortcomings because their assets in other job-related skills outweigh those liabilities.

When I got my first computer in my office, I quickly started using the word processing program to write my memos and letters. I had a daisy-wheel printer that printed up letters as professionally as an IBM Selectric. Things have changed so quickly in the past 20 years. I now have an HP Laser Printer and use MS Word for my word processor.

How tech is taking over our cars....i told CUE to send a text to my wife. Via Siri eyes, it sent...."about 40 minutes late...sorry..will be home in time for daye night". Worked perfectly.

jayrider · January 2015

abacomike said:
@driver100‌

He hasn't had an E Class Mercedes for several years. He had a 2012 CL550 in White with beige interior that was, in my opinion, the most beautiful car he has ever owned. Very roomy and comfortable in the front seats. It drove like a Rolls on the highway. Why he went into an SL550 I don't know. But his description of how the car handles and performs is refreshing. Quite frankly, I am sure he would have liked to have gotten another one.

He said that the dealership had a brand new 2014 CL550 in stock and made them an offer on it, but they refused to sell it to him at the price he offered. I think he told me the MSRP on it was $145,000 and his offer was around $105,000+/-, etc. I am sure it could have been had for $110,000 because that model was discontinued when they came out with the S Class Coupe this year. Lots of trunk money available on that car from the manufacturer.

You and your brother should read Stephen King's book "Mr. Mercedes."

abacomike · January 2015

@jayrider‌

Can you give me a brief "teaser" synopsis so I can make the decision to buy the e-book or not to buy it?

driver100 · February 2015

abacomike said:
@jayrider‌

Can you give me a brief "teaser" synopsis so I can make the decision to buy the e-book or not to buy it?

I think jay is referring to a Stephen King novel, which King fans seem to enjoy, so you have to be a Stephen King fan to appreciate it.

The main plot seems to be centred on a recently-retired and divorced police detective in his mid-60s who failed to solve that last big case (of a Mercedes running over and killing 8 people, including an infant, waiting in line at a job fair).

Hope that helps you decide whether it is for you.

driver100 · February 2015

abacomike said:

boomchek said:

abacomike said:
Just got a call from my twin brother who lives just south of Jacksonville, Florida. He was at his Mercedes-Benz dealership and wanted me to review what he was going to be paying for a 2015 E 400 Cabriolet. It is white with red leather seating and a red convertible top. MSRP is $72,700 and he bought it for $68,000 less the $3500 USAA incentive - or $64,500 plus tax and fees, etc.

I told him it was an excellent deal because of the rarity of E 400 cabriolets - they are in limited production.

They took his 2014 SL 550 in trade and gave him $86,000 for it - about $2000 over what the trade would bring wholesale. He originally paid $95,000 for it last year.

I had a feeling he was going to unload his red SL 550 because of his back problems - getting in and out of those cars is no easy task for a 70 year old with a fused spine.

I wished him good luck and asked him to call me when he got home with his new car. I'll pass along any interesting details he shares with me.
They paid well for his SL probably because there aren't many 2014's on the market. I did a duPont Registry nationwide search and there are no 2014's listed. I was surprised however to learn that you can get 2015's with a V6 engine (SL400). There was no 6 cylinder SL offered in North America since the 300SL of late 80s/early90s.

Yes! For 2015, the new 3.0 L V6 Twin Turbo is available in the C 400, E 400, CLS 400, SL 400 and ML 400.

I have also read in several mags that Mercedes will be coming out with an inline 6 twin turbo for the redesigned 2017 E Class. I was sure surprised to read that. I wonder why Mercedes would develop an inline 6 - it would be the first one in their lineup since the 1950's/1960's.

A friend who is pretty mechanically inclined told me inline 6's are superior to V6s. If I remember correctly, a V6 is a simple way to convert a V8 into a 6 cylinder engine. A straight 6 will be smoother, as the pistons are placed in a better pattern.

Hopefully, someone can explain if this is true and maybe explain it a bit better.

qbrozen · February 2015

They had inline 6s up into the '90s.

"Superior" is kind of subjective. They are typically smoother and torquier due to the configuration, although both of those detriments in the V-type configuration can be largely mitigated with additional engineering and counterbalances (which add weight and complexity). The biggest disadvantage to the inline configuration is, of course, its measurements. I don't know if a V6 is "simple" just because you can slice 2 cylinders off. I mean, it still requires mostly dedicated parts, of course. What it does do is allow for a more compact engine bay and shorter nose.

I'm a fan of old inline 6s. These days, however, I'm not sure there is any perceptible advantage.

bwia · February 2015

I need an excuse to take a day off.

In anticipation of excessive celebration tonight on the Patriots big win I am looking for a half-baked excuse to skip work tomorrow. I was counting on the predicted 12" of snow beginning tonight but I think that is a long-shot since the sun is out and shinning so brightly this morning.

I am not alone in my thinking as the Boston Police Department is getting ready to handle the raucous behavior of Boston area college students, to wit.

"Dear Students:

I want to take this opportunity to give you some general information relative to the Boston Police Departments plan for Superbowl Sunday and ask that you take an active role in celebrating responsibly. [

sic]

The Boston Police Department, in the interest of general public safety, has requested certain temporary parking and access restrictions to several locations in the city both due to the Superbowl event and the recent storm....

We also want to remind you of your part in celebrating in a responsible and safe manner. The BPD will have extra patrols monitoring license premise locations as well as those neighborhoods where we typically see an increase in activity. Should you behave in a way that warrants the intervention of police because of misconduct your name will be turned over to your respective Dean of Students for appropriate discipline. [

sic]

We are fortunate to have exceptional athletic teams and the most loyal and enthusiastic fans. It is our hope that you enjoy the festivities and celebrate in a safe and responsible manner. Please remember that there will be zero tolerance for disruptive and illegal behavior. Keep in mind that you all play a role in our effort to ensure that the City of Boston is a shining example of stellar sports teams and their fans! Go Pats!

Police Commissioner William B. Evans"

driver100 · February 2015

qbrozen said:
They had inline 6s up into the '90s.

"Superior" is kind of subjective. They are typically smoother and torquier due to the configuration, although both of those detriments in the V-type configuration can be largely mitigated with additional engineering and counterbalances (which add weight and complexity). The biggest disadvantage to the inline configuration is, of course, its measurements. I don't know if a V6 is "simple" just because you can slice 2 cylinders off. I mean, it still requires mostly dedicated parts, of course. What it does do is allow for a more compact engine bay and shorter nose.

I'm a fan of old inline 6s. These days, however, I'm not sure there is any perceptible advantage.

Thanks for your thoughts and it does make sense to me. I would think poorer firing power could be remedied by todays engineering and computer monitoring.

His theory, and it might have made more sense in older cars, was because of the cross firing of pistons something gets missed, so the engine doesn't get as much smooth power.

But, your explanation seems to say that wouldn't be a problem in todays cars, and that soulds good enough for me. I'll change my thinking to the present...and shed some of these dinosaur thoughts.

stever · February 2015

Ward's has moved on to turbo engines but the Nissan V6s were highly rated in their best engine lists until just a few years back. Always was impressed with the one in my Quest. There's a V6 on the current list for a Ram - but it's a diesel. (MotorAuthority)

driver100 · February 2015

What a game....that was spectacular!.

Oh,and to stay on topic there were some good car ads

mako1a · February 2015

I didn't have a dog in that fight, but thought Superbowl 49 was spectacular. Even the halftime show was something to see and enjoy for me. Great job Patriots.
The guy coming out of the elevator into the Chevy truck then turning up AC/DC was good as well.

nyccarguy · February 2015

Congratulations to everyone here who roots for the Patriots!

oldbearcat · February 2015

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qbrozen said:
They had inline 6s up into the '90s.

"Superior" is kind of subjective. They are typically smoother and torquier due to the configuration, although both of those detriments in the V-type configuration can be largely mitigated with additional engineering and counterbalances (which add weight and complexity). The biggest disadvantage to the inline configuration is, of course, its measurements. I don't know if a V6 is "simple" just because you can slice 2 cylinders off. I mean, it still requires mostly dedicated parts, of course. What it does do is allow for a more compact engine bay and shorter nose.

I'm a fan of old inline 6s. These days, however, I'm not sure there is any perceptible advantage.

I have cars with both an in-line 6 ( 1948 vintage) and a modern V6. The "slice 2 cylinders off" applied to the Buick's venerable 231 CID V6. They did that so that the same machine lines could do both the V8 and V6 engines. The original version of the 231 was an un-even firing engine, and, have a funny galloping idle and some NHV problems. GM solved that in later versions by stepping the crank journals for the rods. These Buick V6 engines were 90 degree engines because they were derived from the Buick V8s. Most modern V6's, I believe, are 60 degree engines, which are easier to balance. One of the problems with the in-lines, back in the days of carbs, was fuel distribution to the end cylinders of the engine - #1 and #6 didn't get as much air fuel as the ones closer to the center mounted carb. Folks like BMW and Jaguar solved this by mounting multiple carbs on the side of the engine. With modern fuel injection, this is no longer a problem. Yeah, my old 3.5 Liter in-line runs smooth, and, makes about 200 Ft-Lbs of torque at 1200 RPM. The most modern in-line I've fooled with a lot was a 3.0 Liter unit in my Dad's 1977 BMW 530i with Bosch fuel injection. I'm guessing it made about 200 HP, whereas my old in-line only makes 90. Since 2003, I've had vehicles with modern V6's in them - Jaguar X - Types with 2.5 and 3.0 liter engines, and, now, a 2011 Mercedes with the 3.5 engine making about 268 HP, and, 300 Ft-Lbs of torque. All 3 of these V6s, with sophisticated induction systems and variable valve timing, make peak torque over a wide range, , have high redlines, and run very smoothly. I've driven late model Japanese cars with V6s, and, they don't seem to make peak torque over near as wide a range as the European engines do. A modern design of a in-line may be able to accomplish the same thing, but, the crank is obviously longer, and, I would expect the in-line to be a bit heavier because of the beefier bottom end. The most recent direct comparison I've made was in 2003. I researched and test drove a BMW 325i (in-line 6) and the Jaguar X-Type 2.5 (V-6). While both engines were very sophisticated at the time, and, the same size, the Jag engine made about 30 more horsepower than the BMW did.

Regards:
Oldbearcat

oldfarmer50 · February 2015

Very exciting game last night and I'm not a big football fan.

abacomike · February 2015

oldbearcat said:

<
They had inline 6s up into the '90s. "Superior" is kind of subjective. They are typically smoother and torquier due to the configuration, although both of those detriments in the V-type configuration can be largely mitigated with additional engineering and counterbalances (which add weight and complexity). The biggest disadvantage to the inline configuration is, of course, its measurements. I don't know if a V6 is "simple" just because you can slice 2 cylinders off. I mean, it still requires mostly dedicated parts, of course. What it does do is allow for a more compact engine bay and shorter nose. I'm a fan of old inline 6s. These days, however, I'm not sure there is any perceptible advantage.
I have cars with both an in-line 6 ( 1948 vintage) and a modern V6. The "slice 2 cylinders off" applied to the Buick's venerable 231 CID V6. They did that so that the same machine lines could do both the V8 and V6 engines. The original version of the 231 was an un-even firing engine, and, have a funny galloping idle and some NHV problems. GM solved that in later versions by stepping the crank journals for the rods. These Buick V6 engines were 90 degree engines because they were derived from the Buick V8s. Most modern V6's, I believe, are 60 degree engines, which are easier to balance. One of the problems with the in-lines, back in the days of carbs, was fuel distribution to the end cylinders of the engine - #1 and #6 didn't get as much air fuel as the ones closer to the center mounted carb. Folks like BMW and Jaguar solved this by mounting multiple carbs on the side of the engine. With modern fuel injection, this is no longer a problem. Yeah, my old 3.5 Liter in-line runs smooth, and, makes about 200 Ft-Lbs of torque at 1200 RPM. The most modern in-line I've fooled with a lot was a 3.0 Liter unit in my Dad's 1977 BMW 530i with Bosch fuel injection. I'm guessing it made about 200 HP, whereas my old in-line only makes 90. Since 2003, I've had vehicles with modern V6's in them - Jaguar X - Types with 2.5 and 3.0 liter engines, and, now, a 2011 Mercedes with the 3.5 engine making about 268 HP, and, 300 Ft-Lbs of torque. All 3 of these V6s, with sophisticated induction systems and variable valve timing, make peak torque over a wide range, , have high redlines, and run very smoothly. I've driven late model Japanese cars with V6s, and, they don't seem to make peak torque over near as wide a range as the European engines do. A modern design of a in-line may be able to accomplish the same thing, but, the crank is obviously longer, and, I would expect the in-line to be a bit heavier because of the beefier bottom end. The most recent direct comparison I've made was in 2003. I researched and test drove a BMW 325i (in-line 6) and the Jaguar X-Type 2.5 (V-6). While both engines were very sophisticated at the time, and, the same size, the Jag engine made about 30 more horsepower than the BMW did. Regards: Oldbearcat

That was a great explanation of inline vs. V6 engines. If I read you right, it's 6 of one and a half dozen of the other!

abacomike · February 2015

Yesterday morning, I woke up with a 102.4 fever. Called the doctor and he ordered levaquin for me, a strong antibiotic. By 5:00 PM, my temp hit 103.2 - I couldn't believe it because I have never had such a high fever. So I took it again, and sure enough - 103,2.

So I drove to the emergency room and I was admitted to the hospital once again. They think it might be the early stages of pneumonia. I just can't seem to get a break.

They are are going to keep me here for a few days. At least my fever broke.

bwia · February 2015

driver100 said:
What a game....that was spectacular!.

Oh,and to stay on topic there were some good car ads

Ask and ye shall receive. I wanted an excuse to stay home today after last night's Superbowl party and the Pats big win. And what do you know it is snowing cats and dogs. On top of last week's blizzard we are expecting a foot or more of new snow today. Yikes. It will be while before this new storm subsides.

At age 37, Tom Brady is pushing the boundaries of playing in the NFL. If he keeps in shape he could play until 40. And as long as he keeps throwing touchdowns he could play forever for the Pats.

bwia · February 2015

abacomike said:
Yesterday morning, I woke up with a 102.4 fever. Called the doctor and he ordered levaquin for me, a strong antibiotic. By 5:00 PM, my temp hit 103.2 - I couldn't believe it because I have never had such a high fever. So I took it again, and sure enough - 103,2.

So I drove to the emergency room and I was admitted to the hospital once again. They think it might be the early stages of pneumonia. I just can't seem to get a break.

They are are going to keep me here for a few days. At least my fever broke.

Hope you feel better soon Mike. We're all pulling for you.

imidazol97 · February 2015

bwia said:
And what do you know it is snowing cats and dogs.

Sorry about your repeat snow after the previous storm.

The storm that was supposed to drop 4-8 inches here that was used to scare all the old folks into emptying the grocery shelves missed us completely. We got a long slow rain and a dusting of snow overnight.

Weather forecasting on TV must be the only place you can be wrong most of the time and stand up and blame your errors on other things. No accountability. Only similar job would be car reviews written for specific mags where the bias of the mag's demographics of its readership determine the slant of the review.

jayrider · February 2015

A heads up on my car rental in Phoenix. Made the reservation for one week a few months ago with Autoslash at $411 with Budget [Fusion]. They check the price for coupons and discounts automatically and just received my new price at $201. I just record the Budget confirmation number and I'm good to go. Hoping for more off -- will keep everyone informed. Is this a great country or what !!

abacomike · February 2015

I saw the last 10 minutes of the game last night from my hospital room. What a game! In the last 4 minutes, the excitement reached a peak.

What I can't figure out was that goal line pass by Seattle. With the best running back in the conference, why would you pass the ball for a TD?

Both teams played well up to the last 3 minutes.

isellhondas · February 2015

abacomike said:
I saw the last 10 minutes of the game last night from my hospital room. What a game! In the last 4 minutes, the excitement reached a peak.

What I can't figure out was that goal line pass by Seattle. With the best running back in the conference, why would you pass the ball for a TD?

Both teams played well up to the last 3 minutes.

Up here in Seattle we are asking the same question. Why would we blow the game like we did?

Very frustrating and just a bonehead move on Pete Carrol's part.

But, you need to concentrate on getting well and out of that hospital! My best wishes to you Mike!

robr2 · February 2015

abacomike said:
Yesterday morning, I woke up with a 102.4 fever. Called the doctor and he ordered levaquin for me, a strong antibiotic. By 5:00 PM, my temp hit 103.2 - I couldn't believe it because I have never had such a high fever. So I took it again, and sure enough - 103,2.

So I drove to the emergency room and I was admitted to the hospital once again. They think it might be the early stages of pneumonia. I just can't seem to get a break.

They are are going to keep me here for a few days. At least my fever broke.

Did the doctor prescribe that for the fever or other symptoms? I'm not a doctor but I looked it up. Levaquin is for bacterial infections but a side affect is fever.

In any case, good luck and get better?

abacomike · February 2015

@robr2‌

I have had 3 bouts of bacterial pneumonia In the last12 months. When my temp hit 102+, he said he had to put me on levaquin immediately because I was also coughing up green slime.

They are now giving me levaquin IV in the hospital along with steroids and breathing treatments with albuterol ever 6 hours.

Still weak but the fever is gone now.

robr2 · February 2015

abacomike said:
I saw the last 10 minutes of the game last night from my hospital room. What a game! In the last 4 minutes, the excitement reached a peak.

What I can't figure out was that goal line pass by Seattle. With the best running back in the conference, why would you pass the ball for a TD?

Both teams played well up to the last 3 minutes.

Pete Carroll said they lined up 3 wide receivers against NE's goal line defense. He hoped to trick them into thinking a pass would go deeper instead of a slant.

I to feel that handing off to Lynch would have resulted in a touchdown. Heck I could run that offense: Lynch left, Lynch right, Lynch up the middle.

driver100 · February 2015

abacomike said:
@robr2‌

I have had 3 bouts of bacterial pneumonia In the last12 months. When my temp hit 102+, he said he had to put me on levaquin immediately because I was also coughing up green slime.

They are now giving me levaquin IV in the hospital along with steroids and breathing treatments with albuterol ever 6 hours.

Still weak but the fever is gone now.

Get better Mike....

driver100 · February 2015

robr2 said:

abacomike said:
Yesterday morning, I woke up with a 102.4 fever. Called the doctor and he ordered levaquin for me, a strong antibiotic. By 5:00 PM, my temp hit 103.2 - I couldn't believe it because I have never had such a high fever. So I took it again, and sure enough - 103,2.

So I drove to the emergency room and I was admitted to the hospital once again. They think it might be the early stages of pneumonia. I just can't seem to get a break.

They are are going to keep me here for a few days. At least my fever broke.
Did the doctor prescribe that for the fever or other symptoms? I'm not a doctor but I looked it up. Levaquin is for bacterial infections but a side affect is fever.

In any case, good luck and get better?

I am not a doctor but maybe since fever is actually a good thing in that it fights infections......having fever as a side affect may not be a bad thing.

**Bearcat...thanks for your thoughts about inline 6 vs V6.

robr2 · February 2015

Just finished clearing the first 10" of new snow. Again, light and fluffy which is easy to deal with.

driver100 · February 2015

robr2 said:
Just finished clearing the first 10" of new snow. Again, light and fluffy which is easy to deal with.

Sorry to hear that. I played tennis for 2 1/2 hours this morning and it was 70F. We did get a shower at 1 pm, but it is sunny and dry now.

Back home near the western end of Lake Ontario they got 15 inches and a lot of places were closed. Glad I am here.

There is a lot of house construction going on all over Florida, but a massive amount in the Tampa area. I saw a builders sign yesterday that I thought was peculiar:
"Houses Starting from the High $190,000s"

Why not just say from $200000? Or even from under $200000.

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