The Car Thread ... !

[kryten42]

@D.T. @bunnspecial @AutoUnion39

Any of you guys know which fuse I yank to disable ABS in my E60? All this snow lately in New England makes me realize yet again how useless ABS, traction control and stability control are. Increased braking distance, inhibition of forward movement, inability to slide around strategically... all worthless and dangerous features.

I would like to yank the same fuses in my girlfriends gen2 Volvo S60 as well. Disabiling the airbags too has been on my to do list as well. Those things are dangerous and cause more harm than good. I feel bad putting off these mods when her safety and wellbeing is the most important thing in the world to me.

I hope you are not being serious, but if you are...

The ABS on the E60 should have EBD enabled, so it will find the individual wheel(s) with the most grip and direct all braking to them as needed. You can always pull the e-brake

You can defeat the stability and traction on a BMW by pressing and holding the button for around 10 second. Could on the older E46/E39 for sure. You get a second warning light on the dashboard.

As for air bags, no idea where you get your information that they cause more harm than good. If you have correct position of seats, steering wheel use and use of seat belts, they are proven over and over that they save way more lives and serious injuries than the minor issues they can cause (e.g. minor burns).

Also you are in MA, so you need to pass state inspections, can't do that with warning lights etc. The BMW will glow up like a Christmas tree if you try to defeat any of the above, as would a Volvo. And may well not reset just by replacing the fuses etc, may need clearing with software and programming cable via the OBD2 port. Also, pretty sure you would invalidate your insurance if you did this and had an accident? And can't say that you would just replace the fuses if you had an accident, not the sort of thing you can do when you car is upside down on I-95 And not sure on the E60 or Gen2 S60, but the F10 I have has a built in data recorder that can be downloaded after an accident to understand what happened, this for sure would should the state of the stability control, the ABS and air bags as well as other parameters. Not sure if US authorities can download it and use it, but it is there.

Anyway, having said all that, check out the Bentley manual:

https://wiki.bentleypublishers.com/display/tech/BMW+E60+models,+rear+fuse+box,+fuse+positions

Probably the DSC and ABS are the same system, not 100% sure.

 

[bunnspecial]

@A.Goldberg

Don't know offhand on the ABS, but for the airbags the quickest and easiest way is to just cut the wires. You may have do dig a bit, but once you do that you can be absolutely guaranteed that they won't inflate under any circumstances.

Be sure you use plenty of electrical tape to cover the bare wire ends, and I'd suggest a generous application of zip ties to keep them well out of the way also.

 

[quagmire]

I hope you are not being serious, but if you are...

I think he is channeling someone that owns the best car ever built that has sadly left this thread/forum....

Anyway..... Two more weeks until my Daewoo Camaro is built.

#Daewoo4life

 

[AustinIllini]

I think he is channeling someone that owns the best car ever built that has sadly left this thread/forum....

Anyway..... Two more weeks until my Daewoo Camaro is built.

#Daewoo4life

Daewoo is the best of the car brands. Instead of airbags, the car throws its engine at you to stop you from hitting the wall.

Also, not sure I would ever consider disabling the airbag. That seems like a really bad idea.

 

[A.Goldberg]

I hope you are not being serious, but if you are...

No, I was not being serious. But be warned there are people in this world who evidently think that way.

Also, not sure I would ever consider disabling the airbag. That seems like a really bad idea.

It's not a bad idea if you only consider self-supporting anecdotal evidence or believe injuries sustained crashing - car 45mph into a ditch are actually caused by airbags, rather than the impact of crashing a car 45mph into a ditch.

May he Rest In Peace.

 

[0388631]

Here I thought you'd been sampling some of the pills you dole out at work. Then again, I also thought you were channeling Senor Neiman "Javier "Javi"" Marcus.

 

[blaine07]

 

[AustinIllini]

Nice looking. I prefer that gen to the current, personally.

 

[blaine07]

Nice looking. I prefer that gen to the current, personally.

It fun. Tuned, long tubes, full exhaust, cold air intake etc...

 

[quagmire]

Well got the Saturn fixed because it was throwing a fit over its impending replacement. Apparently the sunroof drain system got disconnected which let water into the car which corroded a wiring harness which caused it to throw a CEL. Repaired the harness, fixed the leak, and it was time for a new battery.

Feel so good about my decision to order the Camaro exactly the way I wanted it vs buying off the lot considering that damn sunroof caused an issue and all the lot SS's had sunroofs.....

 

[AustinIllini]

Feel so good about my decision to order the Camaro exactly the way I wanted it vs buying off the lot considering that damn sunroof caused an issue and all the lot SS's had sunroofs.....

I wouldn't worry too much about a sunroof. But yeah, sorry that happened. Kind of sucks on a car you're replacing.

Can't wait to see pictures

 

[0388631]

I've had a sun or moon roof in just about every car I've ever had. I think the grand total amount I've ever used them has been less than ten times. Though I do like the current trends of moonroofs in lieu of sunroofs. I'm not sure how I feel about panorama roofs. I know @AutoUnion39 and some of you are huge fans of the approach because it lets in a lot of nature light and beauty to the interior, but those don't seem structurally safe in a rollover. Not to mention the possibility of added weight due to the additional of more strengthening material on the underside of the car?

@blaine07 Nice GT. Don't see that color much on the Mustang let alone the GT.

 

[quagmire]

I wouldn't worry too much about a sunroof. But yeah, sorry that happened. Kind of sucks on a car you're replacing.

Can't wait to see pictures

I rarely if ever used the sunroof in my Saturn so I knew I didn't want it in my Camaro( only got it with the Saturn because it was included in a package that had features that I wanted and just lived with it). Knew it would be a potential source for water leaking down the road considering the Camaro would be a long term car( if I had my way, it will be another 10+ year car like my Saturn is now), didn't want that potential source of an issue for something I will ever hardly use.

So I find it a bit funny that low and behold, the sunroof in the Saturn caused an issue and totally justifies even more why I ordered it exactly the way I wanted it vs compromising again and buying a lot car to maybe save another $1000 or so( which would have just neglected the cost of said sunroof anyway).

And only went through with getting it repaired considering we are selling it. If we were just trading it in, we would just continue with band aiding it until trade in time.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Here I thought you'd been sampling some of the pills you dole out at work. Then again, I also thought you were channeling Senor Neiman "Javier "Javi"" Marcus.

No sir. What happened to our Neiman Marcus friend? It's about time you read up on the philosophy of our legendary MatthewLTL.

I've ever used them has been less than ten times.

Same, I occasionally crack it when parked to help vent the car in the hot weather. In terms of driving with the sunroof open it creates way too much of a mess with leaves and dirt and pollen.

I prefer sunroofs and panoroofs because the additional ambient light. It creates a much inviting and larger-feeling space. Nothing more depressing than a dark and gloomy interior.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I have just bought a VW with a sunroof. Like most above I doubt I'll ever use it, but it was a used vehicle so you don't get everything you want.
That said I'm sure it will have less issues than the last sunroof I had on a Ford Escort back in the 80's. Hopefully it doesn't cause any issues.
Do you think opening it regularly is more or less likely to cause problems. Sometimes things not being used causes the problem.

 

[0388631]

For clarification purposes, can we simply call glass with shade a moonroof and not a sunroof. A moonroof is technically a sunroof, but a sunroof is one piece and often part of the body. Regardless, I almost never use mine and open it while driving. I'll crack it open on warm days if need be. But I like driving with the shade retracted.


To not use it may cause some problems. The seals like to be used or else they crack overtime. May not be an issue in the UK, especially if you're up north. I'd ask your dealer or brand forums and see what they recommend. I use a seal dressing that keeps it conditioned.

 

[takao]

looks like GM is in talks to sell off Opel (and with it Vauxhall) to Peugeot:
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-38969791

Opel hasn't made any profits the last decade and peugeot needs more sales volume to operate more efficiently but it would leave GeneralMotors with literally zero presence in europe and Peugeot and Opel are strong in exactly the same markets and car segments and would literally cannabilize themselves.

Compared to the Fiat-Chrysler deal were both worked well in opposite markets and complemented each other this looks like a hilariously bad deal for Peugeot while GM literally surrenders Europe after dropping Saab and pulling out with the korean Chevrolets

 

[quagmire]

looks like GM is in talks to sell off Opel (and with it Vauxhall) to Peugeot:
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-38969791

Opel hasn't made any profits the last decade and peugeot needs more sales volume to operate more efficiently but it would leave GeneralMotors with literally zero presence in europe and Peugeot and Opel are strong in exactly the same markets and car segments and would literally cannabilize themselves.

Compared to the Fiat-Chrysler deal were both worked well in opposite markets and complemented each other this looks like a hilariously bad deal for Peugeot while GM literally surrenders Europe after dropping Saab and pulling out with the korean Chevrolets

This has reignited the rumors of GM gobbling up FCA, but they would be trading one money loser for another..... Jeep and possibly Alfa are the only brands worthwhile in the FCA group.

 

[AustinIllini]

This has reignited the rumors of GM gobbling up FCA, but they would be trading one money loser for another..... Jeep and possibly Alfa are the only brands worthwhile in the FCA group.

Alfa would intersect with Cadillac's efforts, although the current Alfa Romeo offering is better than the equivalent Cadillac. I just don't see this making sense.

And where is Buick going to rip off its designs from if Opel is gone?

 

[D.T.]

It fun. Tuned, long tubes, full exhaust, cold air intake etc...

Fun. Who's tune are you running?

 

[blaine07]

Fun. Who's tune are you running?

Bama at moment. As much problems as one reads about associated with Bama I have ZERO tune problems. Drive ability 100% good. Not that my car is THAT highly modified though that it would be hard to tune.. Debated trying Lund or ?? Just for fun though.

 

[D.T.]

Bama at moment. As much problems as one reads about associated with Bama I have ZERO tune problems. Drive ability 100% good. Not that my car is THAT highly modified though that it would be hard to tune.. Debated trying Lund or ?? Just for fun though.

Nice, I'm going to get a tune pretty soon, I _kind_ of have more elaborate, longer term plans, but in the interim, it should be fun. Yeah, Bama, Lund, custom work from Beefcake or one of the dozens of shops - I've actually got a really good local tuner with Unleashed (Torrie is basically right around the corner from me).

My next bolt on with definitely be headers - they add so much mid range - probably go with the TSPs + HFC, I had a set from them on one my Vettes and the workmanship was superb, but they were a good bit cheaper than something like Kooks or Stainless Works.

 

[0388631]

looks like GM is in talks to sell off Opel (and with it Vauxhall) to Peugeot:
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-38969791

Opel hasn't made any profits the last decade and peugeot needs more sales volume to operate more efficiently but it would leave GeneralMotors with literally zero presence in europe and Peugeot and Opel are strong in exactly the same markets and car segments and would literally cannabilize themselves.

Compared to the Fiat-Chrysler deal were both worked well in opposite markets and complemented each other this looks like a hilariously bad deal for Peugeot while GM literally surrenders Europe after dropping Saab and pulling out with the korean Chevrolets

Isn't Peugeot majority owned by the French government?

 

[Huntn]

Today I drove this:​

82 Fiat spider 2000 (Body by Pininfarina)​

To test drive this:​

2017 Fiat Spider $30000
​

It looks ok, drove well, it felt heavier and larger than my 1982, but did not have the vibe I hoped for, a reinvented Spider of old. No back seat! Probably unrealistic expectations. Shocker, it's built on:

a Mazda Miata chassis

Now what caught my eye at the dealer was:

The Alpha Romeo 4C Convertible, Zowee! A bargain at $80,000.
No purpose in driving it. If I was going to spend that much, I would be looking at:

2017 Porsche 911 Targa. But the last time I looked at one, 1985 they sold for $45000. Unfortunately they have since gone Wild at $125000. That's just silly.

Conclusion: it's always good to want. If you could have everything you wanted, you would not appreciate it. ​

 

[0388631]

Beautiful Fiat you've got there, Hunt. I had no idea you had one of those, or I did and simply forgot. Personally, if I were looking for a fun weekend car in that price range, I'd go with the new Miata hardtop. I'm not a fan of Miatas, but the new hardtop looks very nice.

RE Porsche: Get a CPO one. There's no point in buying one and getting instant depreciation. Early 991.1 Targas or the even more beautiful 997.1-.2 Targa have bottomed out in price. With the 996 Turbos climbing in price along with the standard 996 now, and I believe that generation's Boxster for some reason, I see no point in buying a brand new Porsche unless you want to option it out to your personal liking. Considering these cars aren't driven much to begin with, it isn't like buying a cheap Japanese car or a tri-German car sans warranty. Even without warranty, these Porsche's have reasonable repair prices. Missus is a bigger Porsche fan, having driven several and owning one in the past. We'll definitely be looking at a 991.1 or .2 Turbo/S in the future when the kids are older and I can get a code clearance to build a two car addition to our house. We've got a 'neighbor' a couple blocks up who managed to convince the city to let him build a massive 6 vehicle garage, in addition to a laborious land grading, building and tamping cost. Though that was in the early 80s. I doubt it would fly now.

If I ripped out all the cabinetry and storage shelves I had installed, I could fit three cars in the garage, but the storage is essential for tools and whatnot. There's never been a huge emphasis on garage space here, which is strange considering we were and still are a car enthusiast state. Except the Prius drivers, but no one cares about them.

Going back to the Fiat, is that original paint or did you have it repainted? What maintenance products do you use?