Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

MatthewLTL

macrumors 68000
Jan 22, 2015
1,684
18
Rochester, MN
They would need to be very warm light fogs for them to have any use. Cold white light will be pointless for fog lights and will not increase visibility.

I would have thought that repairing the useful features would make more sense opposed to putting aftermarket junk on that car.

It has no "Useful" features. It's an econemy car.
 

takao

macrumors 68040
Dec 25, 2003
3,827
605
Dornbirn (Austria)
It's strange how hatchbacks suck in the US but they're cool in Europe and minivans are cool in India, and Buicks are the car to own in China.


it's not so much a point of coolness but simply cost and practicality.
A hatchback door combined with single space interior is imensly practical for the average user.
Also japanese diesels apart from honda in general suck, and thus any relaibilty advantage they have with their petrol engines is pointless since apart from very small cheap cars or sports cars petrol engines aren't in very high demand.
French,German and Italian diesels are excellent

even ignoring the fuel economy the tax is a further hit to reliable japanese and american V6s because of their ever increasing power ratings:
in Austria for 122 hp you pay around 491 euro tax per year
for 300 hp ? 1648 euro per year

also some countries have additional taxes on gas guzzling vehicles.
In austria there is a CO2 limit of 120g. Once you exceed this you have to pay an additional progressive tax. A car with a V6 300 HP can easily reach 12% extra tax or more on the sticker price.
 

MatthewLTL

macrumors 68000
Jan 22, 2015
1,684
18
Rochester, MN
The legality of modifying the lights is dependent on what state you're in. I know in Connecticut is very strict, as they are with many things. My dad had some issue in 2001 with the inspection of his newly purchased Range Rover because it came with driving lights on the brush guard. He had to disable them for it to pass because of some confusion with the law and the puzzled inspection agent. Thankfully in CT, your car only gets fully inspected once- when you buy it. Emissions inspections are separate and they only check the emissions system. Driving with suspected illegal lights can get you pulled over as a primary offense. Just like driving with a burnt out license plate light.

My buddy was going to upgrades the lights in his Subaru to HID xenons but I guess it can be confusing to buy legal lights and I don't think he ended up doing it. A lot of companies will apparently attempt to mislead you or not provide any info. In addition to your state regulations, lights must be DOT/NHTSA certified and of equal importance the FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards). Some aftermarket lights may have DOT numbers indicating part or an aspect of the light may comply with their standards BUT in reality the whole unit might NOT actually comply as it should.

It seems complicated to me but I'm sure if you research it enough for your state you can figure out what's legal, what's illegal, and the best way of getting things done appropriately. I'm thankful I already have active/adaptive bi-xenons.

I understand how switchbacks would function in regards to the front lights. With the back you want to do it with the reverse lights? Post a picture of the back of your car so I can see the layout. There may be a law that the two R & L signals have to be a certain distance apart on a car. So if your back up lights were too central that might be an issue. Would the rear turn signal and backup light on each side flash together or alternate back an forth? I believe the late-early/early-mid 2000's generation 1500 Chevy/GM pickup line had two alternating turn signals on each side of their trucks- fit on the back and back corner. Additionally, somehow mustangs have gotten away with those sequential 3 phase turn signals for decades. Again, I would suspect there has to be a minimum distance between the right and left signals. They likely mandate that all turn signals be a certain height off the ground. Sometime reverse lights are low (idk what your car looks like) so that *could* be an issue unless they only care about where the upper set of lights is. I can say back in the 90's we had a Land Rover Discovery that had four turn signals in the back. One on each side with the regular taillight unit and one on each side along the rear bumper. The second generation discovery only had lights on the bumper, but then again a LR Disco, in its tall stature, has a rear bumper like 2.5ft off the ground as it is. The third generation moved them back up to the taillights where they were more visible.

For the reverse you might have to have the reverse function (white lights) override the turn signal and just have the regular turn signals do the work. I believe technically you only need 1 reverse light. So if you were in reverse with a turn signal on, you'd still have a reverse light. BUT, if you had you hazards on, then you'd have no reverse lights. You could consider the reverse light function override (only the regular turn signals blink) when the hazards are on, and the 1 reverse light if just one turn signal. There are some european cars sold in the US I can think of that only have 1 including some generations of the Mercedes G-Wagon/Class and Land Rover Defender. Those are old versions though so I'm not sure if newer cars are allowed that. Usually cars must comply by the standards of the years they were made, so if in 1998 (?) when you car was made one was illegal, then you have to have two no matter what. If rear switchbacks are legal, you'd probably just be best have reverse lights override the second set of turn signals. To be honest though, how often and how far do you drive in reverse using turn signals?

With rear switchbacks, which I've never seen to be honest or even considered them, I feel like you'd have to make sure it would look appropriate two. Both the turn and the turn/reverse lights would have to be same brightness otherwise it might look strange. Additionally, if the lenses for your turn signals and reverse lights are different, that might not look good aesthetically in the end (i.e. red/orange turn signal lenses vs. clear back up lenses). If you have eurostyle lenses, that is where you have clear turn signal lenses, it'd probably be fine since you're replacing all the standard lights with LED's I assume.

Regarding the foglights- my vote would be to go with LED's. They'll be brighter, a better color temperature, and will be more durable down on below the front bumper. NOTE about the fog lights turning on with the parking and head lamps: I'm thinking it's a federal law that the foglights cannot be on at the same time as the high beams. Every car I've ever driven that I can remember automatically turns off the foglights upon switching on the highbeams. Once you turn the highballs off, the foglight come back on. I'm pretty sure it's a law, especially considering so many cars have that function. Then again it could be a feature carried over from european laws but usually they cut stuff out like that to save $$$ on parts. My Grand Cherokee had it, which was American made (though sold in Europe too). My BMW has it. My dad's Range Rover Sport. My mom's old Audi and Lexus as well as current Volvo as well. Just another thing probably worth looking into if you do this project.

Before you invest in any of this, I at least expect you to change your oil and coolant this century! :D

----------



Only if the they are 22" spinners... spinner hubcaps that is. Yes, neon underglow. Just do the full Pimp My Ride™ treatment on it.

It is federal law the fogs cannot be on with highbeams however i never use high beams the LED DRL kit has a wire that you connect to the headlights to shut off the DRLs when the headlights are on. I would use that wire on the fogs and connect it to the High beams so that the fogs shut off with the high beams.

here is a image of the ass of the car Tail/brake lights are on top turn signals in the middle. Using Switchbacks on the rear would re-locate the brake lights to where the turn signals are currently.
38251904018_original.jpg

(yes the plates are fake) Another thought going through my mind is to get some Amber LED side marker lights (like what semi trailers have) and put those beneath the taillights (under the reverse lights)
 

A.Goldberg

macrumors 68030
Jan 31, 2015
2,549
9,715
Boston
I ment to reply to this sooner but the damn MDD locked up again.

The E10 possible expains why I have to get the Carb rebuilt on my snow blower ever 1-2 years.

The engine coolant has just been replaced I had to replace it (Again) after replacing my Thermostat (Again) in May of 2014. It does not use DexCool (Expensive) it uses plain generic green coolant (or atlest that is what I put in it).

The Oil will be replaced this July (as the manual states to replace it every 6k or 3 years) and it will be 3 years this july. It was recommended to use High Mileage oil in my car due to how little it is driven.

A mechanic talk to (who has been working on cars over 40 years) actually stated that you never need to do anything to Power Steering fluid (A local mechanic said the same thing) He said the only time you change the Coolant (other than obvious servicing of the cooling system) is when it falls out of spec.

The Manual of GM vehicles (and the Daewoo) specifically state that you NEVER need to change or flush tranny fluid it specifically states in the Daewoo's manual that only the manual transmission fluid needs changing or flushing.


The 2009-2010 Winter broke records across the nation AND in Canada. States including Texas got several FEET of snow. In the Northern US and in Canada, Ontario was getting snow at a rate of 4 inches per hour it was the worst snow in Canada in over 30 years (Ontario anyway) here in Minnesota we got up to 12 feet of snow. In Rochester we got between 4-8 FEET. My part of Rochester we got 6 feet. Mind you this was on ONE overnight snow storm and the 1st snow of the winter season. It was the winter of 2010 that killed the ABS Sensor on the impala.

The 2013-2014 winter was one of the COLDEST winters in recent history. It broke records across the Midwest and Nor'east. (Even Florida got below freezing and a dusting of snow) And Georgia (a state that gets snow every year) shut down and abandoned their cars on the interstate from a DUSTING of snow! The night before that cold start video it was -60F ACTUAL temp NOT windchill The day OF that cold start is was like -25F with windchills getting close to -60F (later that day).

1. My MacBook Pro retina just about locked up typing the monstrosity.

2. From what I've read about DexCool, I'm not a fan, so that's good.

3. What kind of oil do you use? Regular, synthetic blend, synthetic? I've never heard of a 3 year oil change interval, ever. 6 months for regular, 1 year for full synthetic is generally the rule of thumb. After three years of temperature fluctuations, air contact, moisture, contaminants, it's going to loose it's properties. I'd love to see the documentation stating that.

4. Generally PS fluid changes aren't part of regular service in a lot of cars, though it wouldn't hurt. BMW wants it done every 50k on my car. I know some cars that recommend a change eventually and one specific case of fairly regular changes of the PS fluid because it also runs other hydraulic functions of the car in addition to the steering.

5. I'd probably replace my coolant more than every 16 years or whatever your schedule is. Coolant is cheap. Changing should in no way damage anything, only improve.

6. In terms of the transmission fluid, yes that's another game. A lot of transmissions now are not serviceable while others are but evidence has shown changing the fluid decreases the lifespan.

7. First you say -60, then -44, now -25. :p Note the attached images.
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2015-03-10 at 9.31.02 AM.png
    Screen Shot 2015-03-10 at 9.31.02 AM.png
    26.3 KB · Views: 92
  • Screen Shot 2015-03-10 at 9.31.26 AM.png
    Screen Shot 2015-03-10 at 9.31.26 AM.png
    296.5 KB · Views: 99

A.Goldberg

macrumors 68030
Jan 31, 2015
2,549
9,715
Boston
it's not so much a point of coolness but simply cost and practicality.
A hatchback door combined with single space interior is imensly practical for the average user.
Also japanese diesels apart from honda in general suck, and thus any relaibilty advantage they have with their petrol engines is pointless since apart from very small cheap cars or sports cars petrol engines aren't in very high demand.
French,German and Italian diesels are excellent

even ignoring the fuel economy the tax is a further hit to reliable japanese and american V6s because of their ever increasing power ratings:
in Austria for 122 hp you pay around 491 euro tax per year
for 300 hp ? 1648 euro per year

also some countries have additional taxes on gas guzzling vehicles.
In austria there is a CO2 limit of 120g. Once you exceed this you have to pay an additional progressive tax. A car with a V6 300 HP can easily reach 12% extra tax or more on the sticker price.

I America we don't even have any Japenese diesels. Aside from large truck engines, Europe has all the experience with them, that's who I'd trust. Chevy now has a diesel in the Chevy Cruz. I also saw a Hyundai Elantra (?) diesel but it got terrible gas mileage... like 34 highway or something atrociously low for a diesel in a small car. We also don't have the same taxes based on fuel economy. I suppose we're lucky in that sense.

That's crazy the price difference for HP!
 

oscillatewildly

macrumors 68000
Jul 17, 2007
1,808
56
23 Railway Cuttings
...

even ignoring the fuel economy the tax is a further hit to reliable japanese and american V6s because of their ever increasing power ratings:
in Austria for 122 hp you pay around 491 euro tax per year
for 300 hp ? 1648 euro per year

also some countries have additional taxes on gas guzzling vehicles.
In austria there is a CO2 limit of 120g. Once you exceed this you have to pay an additional progressive tax. A car with a V6 300 HP can easily reach 12% extra tax or more on the sticker price.

The required duty/tax should be put on the fuel, not the car.

Cheers,
OW
 

MatthewLTL

macrumors 68000
Jan 22, 2015
1,684
18
Rochester, MN
1. My MacBook Pro retina just about locked up typing the monstrosity.

2. From what I've read about DexCool, I'm not a fan, so that's good.

3. What kind of oil do you use? Regular, synthetic blend, synthetic? I've never heard of a 3 year oil change interval, ever. 6 months for regular, 1 year for full synthetic is generally the rule of thumb. After three years of temperature fluctuations, air contact, moisture, contaminants, it's going to loose it's properties. I'd love to see the documentation stating that.

4. Generally PS fluid changes aren't part of regular service in a lot of cars, though it wouldn't hurt. BMW wants it done every 50k on my car. I know some cars that recommend a change eventually and one specific case of fairly regular changes of the PS fluid because it also runs other hydraulic functions of the car in addition to the steering.

5. I'd probably replace my coolant more than every 16 years or whatever your schedule is. Coolant is cheap. Changing should in no way damage anything, only improve.

6. In terms of the transmission fluid, yes that's another game. A lot of transmissions now are not serviceable while others are but evidence has shown changing the fluid decreases the lifespan.

7. First you say -60, then -44, now -25. :p Note the attached images.

my memory is no good what the video says is what it was....

----------

Honestly I don't think the 4 turn signals on the rear with 2 different color lens will look that great.

wouldnt be four only 2. The entire tail light harness will be hacked up. the 1157 socket in the tail/brake lights will be removed and placed in the hole for the reverse lights. The reverse light and turn signal sockets will be moved up to provide the brake and tail lights seperately
 

sdilley14

macrumors 65816
Feb 8, 2007
1,242
201
Mesa, AZ
I think you're right here but probably using the term "aftermarket parts" instead of "accessories" - add on things to improve styling or preformance vs replacements for existing parts. Lexus = Toyota = Scion. The Toyota brand alone was the best selling car brand in the World last (year as usual), selling nearly 30% more units than the #2 spot, Volkswagen alone. When it comes to replacing parts on a Toyota or Lexus there are zillions of aftermarket replacement parts, it's the best selling car, that's where the most customers are.

Toyota-Lexus-Scion does not make sports cars, they're not performance cars. Lexus is a pure luxury car, Toyota is a smooth riding economy car- people don't modify them. People don't generally upgrade their appearance or performance substantially to anywhere close to the extent of VW-Audi-Porsche products, which are innately sportier and more of drivers cars. Have you ever really seen any (or many) 'suped up", "modded" or "tuned" Lexus or really many Toyotas? And despite the fact Lexus builds AWD cars and SUVs, they're not really shown as "sport" or "activity" cars, that would be marketed with recreational accessories the same way an Audi, high end VWs, Volvo, Land Rover, Jeep, etc would be.

In terms of service... Growing up my mother had A6 Allroad from 2001-2005. It was an "electro-mechanical nightmare" (her words), most mechanics wouldn't touch it, and she traded it in for an XC90. In 2009 when her commute increased and gas went up, she bought a Lexus ES350. She had zero problems with it, literally. The maintenance was done at a Toyota dealer next to her office and it was pretty minimal and affordable. If it needed it, I'm sure nearly every mechanic would work on it since it's essentially a glorified Toyota Camry.


It's a fair concern and justified concern. We've discussed it a lot in this thread. European (I'll extend beyond Germany) cars typically cost more to fix, have more problems, and have more complex solutions. That said, if you're looking for a premium drivers car, no one else builds a better car than Europe. Japan pumps out amazing products- well built, fantastic reliability, usually unmatched residual value, but the same level of driving quality, overall feel, and image has yet to be matched in my experience. America cars... Ehhhh no comment.

If your passionate about you car, value the advantages of Euro/German car, and don't dropping lots money into your car -or- are unfazed by generally more frequent, more costly repairs and the time you must take out of your day to fix them/get them fixed, then owning one won't be an too big of a nuisance. Some people think they're set because they have a warranty but then are traumatized by the fact they get stuck going to the dealer for repairs all the time. In the early thousands my dad sold his beloved 2 year old Range Rover he bought brand new because after 30,000 miles (still under warranty) he couldn't afford the time it spent in the repair shop. He still considers it one of his favorite cars he's ever owned. Despite that, his little little maneuver to dump it cost him about 50% in depreciation. If you want a buy it and forget it car, with some extra features, head in the Acura/Lexus/Infiniti direction. They're excellent cars in their own respects. It all comes down to what you value.

When I graduated college 2 years ago my dad graciously gave me his 2009 BMW 535xi (currently with nearly 90,000 miles). I like it as a car, its fun, but am always afraid of things going wrong and wondering how I'm going to get the car to the dealer and my ass to work and my other obligations. A couple weeks ago the battery died, which isn't 100% user replaceable due to the possible necessity of "reprogramming the battery" and requires special computer. Not reprogramming the battery apparently can cause big problems. The cost of the job- battery, installation, and reprogramming was just under $500.00, which absurd in my opinion. If you go back a few pages we had a lengthy discussion about German/Euro repair costs. The question is, do I like the car enough to put that kind of money into it for something so simple? The car is still in my dad's name, registered in my home state, and I'm under his insurance so luckily usually pays for the major repairs/maintenance. I haven't sought reimbursement on the battery. Affording life in a nice area of Boston near my work and a BMW is a lot for someone getting paid my lowly resident wage at the hospital. :(

Thank you. I am much more of a "buy it and forget it" type person as opposed to an auto enthusiast that would want to spend a bunch of time/money on repairs, mods, etc. :)
 

A.Goldberg

macrumors 68030
Jan 31, 2015
2,549
9,715
Boston
my memory is no good what the video says is what it was....
Evidently. You already said 2 things in the video. I really don't think you remember what the temperature was period.

wouldnt be four only 2. The entire tail light harness will be hacked up. the 1157 socket in the tail/brake lights will be removed and placed in the hole for the reverse lights. The reverse light and turn signal sockets will be moved up to provide the brake and tail lights seperately

So you're replacing in the rear- two turn signals and two reverse lights (4 lights total there), with just 1 LED on either side? So you just want 1 light flashing two colors.

I entertained your idea of a while but I just don't share your vision.

This is my recommendation. I call it Operation Daweoo Rescue:

1. Get at least 4 sets of these stick on pseudo intake vents. The more you have the better performance you have.
PHV-OvlChrL.jpg


2. Get 1 of these. It'll make your 0-60 speed 2 seconds faster
dodge_journey_82208095AB.jpg


3. Can't forget these screw on pedal covers. I'm not sure what they do but they make your car faster.
pedals2.jpg


4. Forget 2 fog lights when you can have more. Pick up either (1) some old track lighting and bolt it on or (2) one of these bathroom fixtures. It'll look great.
tumblr_m1awe7yZ9p1qkx9qp.jpg

buying-light-bulbs-cfl-vanity_9f0ef8ee4e1a6e4f20b5bac8fb97a6ed_3x2.jpg


5. Get four of these and wire them up as turn signals:
Mircom_Fire_Alarm_HornStrobe_(crop).jpg


6. Here are your new headlights. Get 4- 2 high beam, 2 low beam. Just use different watt bulbs
173598_ts.jpg


7. Side repeater turn signals, easy solution. Get 2.
a98542_0801_seashell_xl.jpg


8. Snag one of these of a cop car. This will be your under glow. Just make sure you get one thats shatter proof
F5100AF5100-main.jpg


9. Tail lights- buy two strands of these red Christmas lights. Wrap them each up in a knot. Attach to car. (Alternatively get the multicolor ones and remove all the bulbs except the red ones)
030539015510lg.jpg


10. 1-2 of these to replace the back up lights
contemporary-outdoor-flood-and-spot-lights.jpg


11. Front Parking Lights (need 2)
jorge_garcia_lava_lamp_ss_medium_b343b8ce8a2e14f8e0f5deeea6a049efafe6d763.jpg


12. Finish it off with 10-15 of these magnetic yellow flashing lights and sick them all over your car and have them all flash at once.
image.php


Trust me you'll pick up all the chicks.
 
Last edited:

bunnspecial

macrumors G3
May 3, 2014
8,353
6,497
Kentucky
6. In terms of the transmission fluid, yes that's another game. A lot of transmissions now are not serviceable while others are but evidence has shown changing the fluid decreases the lifespan.

Ford says that the transmission fluid on my car never needs to be changed. One of the engineers on the design team for the transmission in my car(also on the Lincoln LS Onwners Club) says it should be changed every 30K miles.

Guess who I trust?

BTW, Ford, and I think a lot of other makers, quit putting transmission fluid dipsticks on some of their transmissions, and many shops are under the impression that it can't be changed because of this. In reality, it needs the correct equipment to flush it, but otherwise changing it isn't that big of a deal.

I had to argue with the dealership the first time I took mine in to have it changed, but they did it. Since then, I've had no trouble-the same tech always does mine, and does a fine job.

Again, I trust the guy who designed the thing over what the manual says, especially considering that he gave me some really sound reasons as to why 30K was a good idea and the 100K+ interval that Ford specifies is NOT a good idea.
 

A.Goldberg

macrumors 68030
Jan 31, 2015
2,549
9,715
Boston
Ford says that the transmission fluid on my car never needs to be changed. One of the engineers on the design team for the transmission in my car(also on the Lincoln LS Onwners Club) says it should be changed every 30K miles.

Guess who I trust?

BTW, Ford, and I think a lot of other makers, quit putting transmission fluid dipsticks on some of their transmissions, and many shops are under the impression that it can't be changed because of this. In reality, it needs the correct equipment to flush it, but otherwise changing it isn't that big of a deal.

I had to argue with the dealership the first time I took mine in to have it changed, but they did it. Since then, I've had no trouble-the same tech always does mine, and does a fine job.

Again, I trust the guy who designed the thing over what the manual says, especially considering that he gave me some really sound reasons as to why 30K was a good idea and the 100K+ interval that Ford specifies is NOT a good idea.

Good point! I think I remember hearing the Lincoln LS/Jaguar S-Type having a bunch of transmission problems... am I right or am I thinking of something else. I confident reading they have head gasket issues in the V8, correct? I'd generally trust the engineer myself . You never know Ford may have some weird statistical data to support not changing it.

I believe it was my brothers car where they stopped recommending the tranny fluid change. It was a ZF transmission (good stuff) and I guess the way it designed it couldn't be drained well or siphoned and cleaned appropriately so for whatever reason changing the fluid reportedly caused more harm than good for many.

That's another thing I hate about this BMW I have. It has no oil dipstick and as far as I know no way of installing one. Instead, you dial your way through the iDrive menus to check your oil levels. This sensor has already malfunctioned once. The unfortunate thing is with no dipstick, when the car alerts you that you have low oil, you have no way of verifying that and then you're stuck until you actually get it towed and inspected. Or you risk it.

It doesn't have tranny fluid dipstick either, naturally. God its like you open the hood and theres nothing you can even pretend to do! I'm surprised you don't need a special tool to open the hood. They might as well do that as it is now!
 

MatthewLTL

macrumors 68000
Jan 22, 2015
1,684
18
Rochester, MN
Evidently. You already said 2 things in the video. I really don't think you remember what the temperature was period.



So you're replacing in the rear- two turn signals and two reverse lights (4 lights total there), with just 1 LED on either side? So you just want 1 light flashing two colors.

I entertained your idea of a while but I just don't share your vision.

This is my recommendation. I call it Operation Daweoo Rescue:

1. Get at least 4 sets of these stick on pseudo intake vents. The more you have the better performance you have.
Image

2. Get 1 of these. It'll make your 0-60 speed 2 seconds faster
Image

3. Can't forget these screw on pedal covers. I'm not sure what they do but they make your car faster.
Image

4. Forget 2 fog lights when you can have more. Pick up either (1) some old track lighting and bolt it on or (2) one of these bathroom fixtures. It'll look great.
Image
Image

5. Get four of these and wire them up as turn signals:
Image

6. Here are your new headlights. Get 4- 2 high beam, 2 low beam. Just use different watt bulbs
Image

7. Side repeater turn signals, easy solution. Get 2.
Image

8. Snag one of these of a cop car. This will be your under glow. Just make sure you get one thats shatter proof
Image

9. Tail lights- buy two strands of these red Christmas lights. Wrap them each up in a knot. Attach to car. (Alternatively get the multicolor ones and remove all the bulbs except the red ones)
Image

10. 1-2 of these to replace the back up lights
Image

11. Front Parking Lights (need 2)
Image

12. Finish it off with 10-15 of these magnetic yellow flashing lights and sick them all over your car and have them all flash at once.
Image

Trust me you'll pick up all the chicks.

smartass half that **** you pictured is illegal Underglow is illegal in EVERY state for street use Storobe lights are ILLEGAL on any passenger vehicle in EVERY state
as for number 3 ...... Already got those! and here they are:
16243621_large.jpg


----------

Ford says that the transmission fluid on my car never needs to be changed. One of the engineers on the design team for the transmission in my car(also on the Lincoln LS Onwners Club) says it should be changed every 30K miles.

Guess who I trust?

BTW, Ford, and I think a lot of other makers, quit putting transmission fluid dipsticks on some of their transmissions, and many shops are under the impression that it can't be changed because of this. In reality, it needs the correct equipment to flush it, but otherwise changing it isn't that big of a deal.

I had to argue with the dealership the first time I took mine in to have it changed, but they did it. Since then, I've had no trouble-the same tech always does mine, and does a fine job.

Again, I trust the guy who designed the thing over what the manual says, especially considering that he gave me some really sound reasons as to why 30K was a good idea and the 100K+ interval that Ford specifies is NOT a good idea.

most stopped having tranny dipsticks because changing it is NOT ideal you talk to an old-timer mechanic (atleast 35 years or more) they wlll tell you athough changing and flushing IS possible it is NOT recommended because 9 times out of 10 doing so will make you transmission FAIL a few months later if an auto tranny is not slipping or its shifting properly it don't need servicing. AGAIN this comes from a mechanic i have talked to that has been a mechanic for over 40 years
 

bunnspecial

macrumors G3
May 3, 2014
8,353
6,497
Kentucky
Good point! I think I remember hearing the Lincoln LS/Jaguar S-Type having a bunch of transmission problems... am I right or am I thinking of something else. I confident reading they have head gasket issues in the V8, correct? I'd generally trust the engineer myself . You never know Ford may have some weird statistical data to support not changing it.

There are no headgasket problems I'm aware of at least on the Ford/Lincoln variant of the AJ V8. I've not had any issues in over 130K miles, and don't recall reading any of it from regular reading at the LS Owners Club. That site has probably the largest concentration of LS owners(or at least ones who take an active interest in their car) and as I've mentioned several folks who were part of the design team regularly participate.

The transmission issues are fairly well know, though, and as per the guy who designed the thing the fluid should be changed every 30K miles. My first change was at 70K-I did it at 100K and really am overdue to do it again at 134K now. The engineer says that Ford really dropped the ball by not calling for more frequent fluid changes. He admits that his 30K number is probably on the very conservative side, but still I stick to it because $100 ever few years for a flush is a lot less than $3K for new transmission.

most stopped having tranny dipsticks because changing it is NOT ideal you talk to an old-timer mechanic (atleast 35 years or more) they wlll tell you athough changing and flushing IS possible it is NOT recommended because 9 times out of 10 doing so will make you transmission FAIL a few months later if an auto tranny is not slipping or its shifting properly it don't need servicing. AGAIN this comes from a mechanic i have talked to that has been a mechanic for over 40 years

You can trust your mechanic, and I'll trust the guy who designed the transmission in my car.

BTW, of heard of many folks blaming transmission failure on changing the fluid. I suspect that in most cases, folks change the fluid in the first place because they are having trouble and think changing the fluid will fix it. The transmission dies a few months later, and they blame it on the fluid change when it probably would have happened with or without a fluid change(in fact changing the fluid probably bought them a few more months).
 

puma1552

Suspended
Nov 20, 2008
5,559
1,947
Thanks for the input. LEDs on a Daowoo? Are you serious?

Available at Autozone!

LEDs are the best! I love the white light. Also I'd suggest a drop in HID kit for maximum light output.

I'm thinking of putting 22s on my X5 and putting some ground effects with neon lights. What do yall think?

Available at AutoZone!

The night before that cold start video it was -60F ACTUAL temp NOT windchill The day OF that cold start is was like -25F with windchills getting close to -60F (later that day).

No. No it was not. Please stop, and exit thread stage left. 90% of what you say in this thread is just plain garbage and wrong.

This is my recommendation. I call it Operation Daweoo Rescue:

1. Get at least 4 sets of these stick on pseudo intake vents. The more you have the better performance you have.
Image

2. Get 1 of these. It'll make your 0-60 speed 2 seconds faster
Image

3. Can't forget these screw on pedal covers. I'm not sure what they do but they make your car faster.
Image

4. Forget 2 fog lights when you can have more. Pick up either (1) some old track lighting and bolt it on or (2) one of these bathroom fixtures. It'll look great.
Image
Image

5. Get four of these and wire them up as turn signals:
Image

6. Here are your new headlights. Get 4- 2 high beam, 2 low beam. Just use different watt bulbs
Image

7. Side repeater turn signals, easy solution. Get 2.
Image

8. Snag one of these of a cop car. This will be your under glow. Just make sure you get one thats shatter proof
Image

9. Tail lights- buy two strands of these red Christmas lights. Wrap them each up in a knot. Attach to car. (Alternatively get the multicolor ones and remove all the bulbs except the red ones)
Image

10. 1-2 of these to replace the back up lights
Image

11. Front Parking Lights (need 2)
Image

12. Finish it off with 10-15 of these magnetic yellow flashing lights and sick them all over your car and have them all flash at once.
Image

Trust me you'll pick up all the chicks.

Available at Autozone!!

smartass half that **** you pictured is illegal Underglow is illegal in EVERY state for street use Storobe lights are ILLEGAL on any passenger vehicle in EVERY state
as for number 3 ...... Already got those! and here they are:
Image


LMAO

im dyin over here
 

MatthewLTL

macrumors 68000
Jan 22, 2015
1,684
18
Rochester, MN
Available at Autozone!



Available at AutoZone!



No. No it was not. Please stop, and exit thread stage left. 90% of what you say in this thread is just plain garbage and wrong.



Available at Autozone!!



LMAO

im dyin over here

most of that statement is false. AutoZone don't even sell half that stuff
 

A.Goldberg

macrumors 68030
Jan 31, 2015
2,549
9,715
Boston
LMAO
im dyin over here

You may actually have to go to Home Depot for a few of those but there's probably an Autozone next to the Home Depot. You know what they say? Get in the Zone, Auto Zone! !!!

smartass half that **** you pictured is illegal Underglow is illegal in EVERY state for street use Storobe lights are ILLEGAL on any passenger vehicle in EVERY state
as for number 3 ...... Already got those! and here they are:
1. Why are calling me a smart ass? I think I'm quite artistic and creative... but no one understands me or my craft and I guess you don't either :(
2. You said half my "****" (as you would call it) is illegal. I listed 13 items and assuming the first three- the faux pedals, faux chrome exhaust tip, and faux racing pedals would be legal because they sell them at AutoZone. You ruled out the police lights. What others things would be illegal?
3. Items 1-3 DEFINATELY are not **** by the way!!!

I'm getting some things for my Father's car for his birthday. He has a 2012 Range Rover Sort HSE. It's very stock though, the only accessory it has are roof rack cross bars. Here's what I'm thinking (WITH LINKS TO AUTOZONE)
-Camo 4x4 Decal: After are it is a Range Rover and its 4WD but it doesn't say it. His car is tan with brown leather so I think this color camouflage would match the paint nicely. This would go on the rear quarter panels.
-Limited Edition Badge: Right now his car just a badge that says HSE and Luxury underneath. I think adding this would make it look cooler. HSE Luxury Limited Edition. The fonts don't quite match but I think it'll be alright.
- Pedel/Wheel Lock: I saw this an think this might be really good. It's always concerning that someone might steal his car, especially since he often goes into the city for work. I've never seen this design before, but it looks interesting.
- Rear Window Decal 1 or Decal 2: He has always also has always wanted a horse or two. He's also very patriotic, both of america and his Jewish heritage but they don't have any Jewish ones. I'm sure the confederate flag will be ok, right? These look cool and definitely majestic enough. I don't think they they make any of these specifically cut for his car, so we'd have to get creative. This Decal might be cool cause when people think of Rovers they think of Safaris.
- This shift knob with front seat covers instead. That way his seats won't get wrecked you know.

What do you think?

I'm thinking of modding out my BMW too? What do you think I should do? You seem to know a lot the products available as Aftermarket Mods I can I get locally at AutoZone. I don't want to spend more than $100. I was thinking a Turbo badge to start off with. My car is a has a twin turbo, but it does not explicitly state it.
 
Last edited:

iLog.Genius

macrumors 601
Feb 24, 2009
4,925
479
Toronto, Ontario
I'm thinking of modding out my BMW too? What do you think I should do? You seem to know a lot the products available as Aftermarket Mods I can I get locally at AutoZone. I don't want to spend more than $100. I was thinking a Turbo badge to start off with. My car is a has a twin turbo, but it does not explicitly state it.

335iTurbo? Be very afraid...:D
 

MatthewLTL

macrumors 68000
Jan 22, 2015
1,684
18
Rochester, MN
You may actually have to go to Home Depot for a few of those but there's probably an Autozone next to the Home Depot. You know what they say? Get in the Zone, Auto Zone! !!!


1. Why are calling me a smart ass? I think I'm quite artistic and creative... but no one understands me or my craft and I guess you don't either :(
2. You said half my "****" (as you would call it) is illegal. I listed 13 items and assuming the first three- the faux pedals, faux chrome exhaust tip, and faux racing pedals would be legal because they sell them at AutoZone. You ruled out the police lights. What others things would be illegal?
3. Items 1-3 DEFINATELY are not **** by the way!!!

I'm getting some things for my Father's car for his birthday. He has a 2012 Range Rover Sort HSE. It's very stock though, the only accessory it has are roof rack cross bars. Here's what I'm thinking (WITH LINKS TO AUTOZONE)
-Camo 4x4 Decal: After are it is a Range Rover and its 4WD but it doesn't say it. His car is tan with brown leather so I think this color camouflage would match the paint nicely. This would go on the rear quarter panels.
-Limited Edition Badge: Right now his car just a badge that says HSE and Luxury underneath. I think adding this would make it look cooler. HSE Luxury Limited Edition. The fonts don't quite match but I think it'll be alright.
- Pedel/Wheel Lock: I saw this an think this might be really good. It's always concerning that someone might steal his car, especially since he often goes into the city for work. I've never seen this design before, but it looks interesting.
- Rear Window Decal 1 or Decal 2: He has always also has always wanted a horse or two. He's also very patriotic, both of america and his Jewish heritage but they don't have any Jewish ones. I'm sure the confederate flag will be ok, right? These look cool and definitely majestic enough. I don't think they they make any of these specifically cut for his car, so we'd have to get creative. This Decal might be cool cause when people think of Rovers they think of Safaris.
- This shift knob with front seat covers instead. That way his seats won't get wrecked you know.

What do you think?

I'm thinking of modding out my BMW too? What do you think I should do? You seem to know a lot the products available as Aftermarket Mods I can I get locally at AutoZone. I don't want to spend more than $100. I was thinking a Turbo badge to start off with. My car is a has a twin turbo, but it does not explicitly state it.

I would actually NOT get car mods at AutoZone. Stick to car parts or tools (throttle body cleaner, etc) getting anything but CAR parts at autozone is hella expensive as i have looked I can get my LED Fog light kit (with DRL Harness) and DRL LED kit (With DRL harness on eBay for less than what LED DRLs themselves cost at AutoZone.

but i will have to goto AutoZone *makes mental note to goto AutoZone for a battery and Alternator check (Impala) and a code scan on the Daewoo*

EDIT: #1 wouldn't look good on a Daewoo (it would look good on a more exotic car however such as a Beemer or a Lexus)
#2 My Daewoo came from factory with a chrome exhaust tip
also I called you a smartass for the comentary not the picture (which i found most to be halarious
 
Last edited:

puma1552

Suspended
Nov 20, 2008
5,559
1,947
I would actually NOT get car mods at AutoZone. Stick to car parts or tools (throttle body cleaner, etc) getting anything but CAR parts at autozone is hella expensive as i have looked I can get my LED Fog light kit (with DRL Harness) and DRL LED kit (With DRL harness on eBay for less than what LED DRLs themselves cost at AutoZone.

but i will have to goto AutoZone *makes mental note to goto AutoZone for a battery and Alternator check (Impala) and a code scan on the Daewoo*

ok ok pep boys
 

A.Goldberg

macrumors 68030
Jan 31, 2015
2,549
9,715
Boston
335iTurbo? Be very afraid...:D

I've attached a rendition of what I'd like to do. Add a Turbo, V8, High Output, and Limited Edition badges on the back of the car. Because for some reason the E60 BMW's don't put the X-Drive logo on the trunk lid, only on the front quarter panels, I will get a 4x4 and Off-road decal to prove it's worthiness.

You know the badge will cut your 0-60 time by a 2 seconds at least, don't you?
Yes, with all the extra signage I'll be faster than a Tesla! I should get a giant "HYBRID" decal to stick down the side.
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2015-03-10 at 10.21.51 PM.png
    Screen Shot 2015-03-10 at 10.21.51 PM.png
    25 KB · Views: 92
Last edited:

A.Goldberg

macrumors 68030
Jan 31, 2015
2,549
9,715
Boston
I would actually NOT get car mods at AutoZone. Stick to car parts or tools (throttle body cleaner, etc) getting anything but CAR parts at autozone is hella expensive as i have looked I can get my LED Fog light kit (with DRL Harness) and DRL LED kit (With DRL harness on eBay for less than what LED DRLs themselves cost at AutoZone.

but i will have to goto AutoZone *makes mental note to goto AutoZone for a battery and Alternator check (Impala) and a code scan on the Daewoo*

EDIT: #1 wouldn't look good on a Daewoo (it would look good on a more exotic car however such as a Beemer or a Lexus)
#2 My Daewoo came from factory with a chrome exhaust tip
also I called you a smartass for the comentary not the picture (which i found most to be halarious

What's wrong with AutoZone? AutoZone is super knowledgable and they never carry any crap. Everything is top quality and they never are out of stock on anything, ever. They give out really great advice. The last time I was there the guy working there helped me add salt to antifreeze keeps out bacteria. He told me if you use aquarium salt you save a lot of money because you can get it in bulk and it dissolves well. He also showed me how you can dilute gasoline with engine coolant to save money. The time before that two employees were nice enough to fill my tires up with air. I didn't realize but the hirer the pressure the better gas mileage so substantially. BMW says 36 psi they recommended I pump my tires up to 68 Psi and rest assured I get better gas mileage. It's the quality service, great advice, and friendly people that keep me going back. It's because of that I'm ok paying slightly more. Online store will always be cheaper without the overhead.

My BMW only has exhaust on one side of the car (2 pipes)- See attached, don't mind the pup. I think I should put tips on the end and then mount 2 on the other side to make it match and look like na M5. Or I could do 3 on either side. :D
 

Attachments

  • IMG00567.jpg
    IMG00567.jpg
    634.3 KB · Views: 107
Last edited:

MatthewLTL

macrumors 68000
Jan 22, 2015
1,684
18
Rochester, MN
Ford Focus Titainium

does anyone know what the "Titainium" means on the 2014 Ford Focus?

----------

What's wrong with AutoZone? AutoZone is super knowledgable and they never carry any crap. Everything is top quality and they never are out of stock on anything, ever. They give out really great advice. The last time I was there the guy working there helped me add salt to antifreeze keeps out bacteria. He told me if you use aquarium salt you save a lot of money because you can get it in bulk and it dissolves well. He also showed me how you can dilute gasoline with engine coolant to save money. The time before that two employees were nice enough to fill my tires up with air. I didn't realize but the hirer the pressure the better gas mileage so substantially. BMW says 36 psi they recommended I pump my tires up to 68 Psi and rest assured I get better gas mileage. It's the quality service, great advice, and friendly people that keep me going back. It's because of that I'm ok paying slightly more. Online store will always be cheaper without the overhead.

My BMW only has exhaust on one side of the car (2 pipes)- See attached, don't mind the pup. I think I should put tips on the end and then mount 2 on the other side to make it match and look like na M5. Or I could do 3 on either side. :D

Never heard of any of that actually makes me question that AutoZone. If you OVER Inflate tyres it leads to quicker wear and would actually HURT gas mileage. Salt in coolant seems to be a disaster waiting to happen.... talk about eating away the cooling system. Beemers are not cheap to own or maintain personally i think that AutoZone is ****ing with you so when the parts do need replacing from their "advice" you'll come to them to get the new part(s)

EDIT: Why block your plate? Not much point in that when you drive down the street people see it anyway! I left my plate visable in this thread (look at previous posts) That plus the fact that that particular plate is now expired.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.