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OWNER DerFuror
- Thread starter DerFuror
- Start date
Visit of another BMW hot rod 
The owner of the 1991 BMW 850i 500+HP 12 point Dinan V12 recently traded in his wife's 2013 MB C 300 on a 2016 BMW 435xi AWD M-sport Competition, sporting a remapped 3.0 liter 24 valve inline TT 6 cyl 8 speed with a bunch of M-sport goodies within & without. The deal was done via CarMax!! They loved the Benz & got $15K trade-in value for it.
View attachment 137156
The owners appeared happy as hell with everything except the kidney grill inserts, of which I was contracted to replace for them (going from stock to gloss black M-series inspired). Owner says, "6 screws, No Electrical. Watch "How to Change Grill on 2014 BMW 428i Sport" on U-Tube". He forwarded some video links demonstrating the process for me. Hilariously, the better video left out the demonstration of the most important part of the removal process. The second video turned into a knuckle-headed, ham-fisted demo on how to break inserts & irritate the viewer. Both videos had totally unnecessary & seriously crappy background music.
"Surgical" replacement was successful. Nothing damaged or broken. The inserts are MUCH easier to insert than remove. Removal of the first kidney takes the longest. Even with proper tools & attitude, the job ranked high on the PITA scale. Those with thick hands/wrists will be most disadvantaged by the removal process.
The owners are extremely happy & are now mentioning something about me changing exhaust tips....
Anyway, nice looking car. I liked the color combo. The day was extremely bright...hard for picture taking. The Sun, however, was most welcome compared to days of regional rain & flooding caused by the recent Hurricane aftermath.
View attachment 137157
View attachment 137158
Owner says it's nearly 500 HP & capable of 180 mph.
The owner of the 1991 BMW 850i 500+HP 12 point Dinan V12 recently traded in his wife's 2013 MB C 300 on a 2016 BMW 435xi AWD M-sport Competition, sporting a remapped 3.0 liter 24 valve inline TT 6 cyl 8 speed with a bunch of M-sport goodies within & without. The deal was done via CarMax!! They loved the Benz & got $15K trade-in value for it.
View attachment 137156
The owners appeared happy as hell with everything except the kidney grill inserts, of which I was contracted to replace for them (going from stock to gloss black M-series inspired). Owner says, "6 screws, No Electrical. Watch "How to Change Grill on 2014 BMW 428i Sport" on U-Tube". He forwarded some video links demonstrating the process for me. Hilariously, the better video left out the demonstration of the most important part of the removal process. The second video turned into a knuckle-headed, ham-fisted demo on how to break inserts & irritate the viewer. Both videos had totally unnecessary & seriously crappy background music.
"Surgical" replacement was successful. Nothing damaged or broken. The inserts are MUCH easier to insert than remove. Removal of the first kidney takes the longest. Even with proper tools & attitude, the job ranked high on the PITA scale. Those with thick hands/wrists will be most disadvantaged by the removal process.
The owners are extremely happy & are now mentioning something about me changing exhaust tips....
Anyway, nice looking car. I liked the color combo. The day was extremely bright...hard for picture taking. The Sun, however, was most welcome compared to days of regional rain & flooding caused by the recent Hurricane aftermath.
View attachment 137157
View attachment 137158
Owner says it's nearly 500 HP & capable of 180 mph.
Picked up a set of new 75mm black wreath center caps to try out on the Monoblocks. Also took the car out (before impending rain) for the first time in a long time after checking all fluids & pressures. Ran great. Felt great 
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Monoblock Mission Complete
I finally accomplished another long term mission while touring the peak season of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountain fall foliage.
I picked up a Monoblock wheel from Wheel Collision Center of Bath, PA to be used for the spare tire. I now have a complete matched set of five 17x8.5 Monoblocks.
At first I didn't think any were available. I emailed WCC my request with pictures because I couldn't find the model listed on their website. The Service Manager was able to locate one. He said it would take several days to have the wheel ready for me. I was hoping to pick it up while I was in the area. It looked like I would miss it by one day, but they must have focused on the wheel over the week end. I was elated by an early morning phone call notifying me the wheel was ready for pickup at their new location 1.5 hours away from me.
It was a beautiful driving day made even better by finally getting that last refurbished "as new" Monoblock! I was very pleased with WCC being able to make it happen for me within my window of opportunity.
I finally accomplished another long term mission while touring the peak season of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountain fall foliage.
I picked up a Monoblock wheel from Wheel Collision Center of Bath, PA to be used for the spare tire. I now have a complete matched set of five 17x8.5 Monoblocks.
At first I didn't think any were available. I emailed WCC my request with pictures because I couldn't find the model listed on their website. The Service Manager was able to locate one. He said it would take several days to have the wheel ready for me. I was hoping to pick it up while I was in the area. It looked like I would miss it by one day, but they must have focused on the wheel over the week end. I was elated by an early morning phone call notifying me the wheel was ready for pickup at their new location 1.5 hours away from me.
It was a beautiful driving day made even better by finally getting that last refurbished "as new" Monoblock! I was very pleased with WCC being able to make it happen for me within my window of opportunity.
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Something I Need to Do More Of
I took advantage of a rare free & mild day to wash the 500E and go leisurely tooling about mid-morning. It felt great to do nothing but drive around with the sun roof half open. As Lou Reed sang "Perfect Day", I realized it was also a perfect opportunity to take a few pics. So I did.
I can still feel my guts tighten up & my cheeks flush when I'm behind the wheel of this car...similar to when I first drove it home. In a World of Change, I kind of like when some things do stay the same
I took advantage of a rare free & mild day to wash the 500E and go leisurely tooling about mid-morning. It felt great to do nothing but drive around with the sun roof half open. As Lou Reed sang "Perfect Day", I realized it was also a perfect opportunity to take a few pics. So I did.
I can still feel my guts tighten up & my cheeks flush when I'm behind the wheel of this car...similar to when I first drove it home. In a World of Change, I kind of like when some things do stay the same
A picture perfect few days here in the Hinterlands. I took to the road for the first time since last season. Always a great time of year. I drove a bit of town & country for an hour or so. The burlwood steering wheel in my hands felt exceptionally pleasant & a bit overdue.
LONG TIME NO SEE IN OH SO MANY WAYS
The 500E was WAY overdue for a good “stretching of its legs”. Its State Inspection expires at the end of this month, so I figured it’s high time to hit the road for a good test run & discover if any sorting out is required beforehand. I know at the very least I must adjust the parking brake prior to inspection.
I also had a perfect reason to get it out on the road. I reconnected with an old high school chum a few weeks ago during a reunion event who fondly recalled buzzing around in my old British roadster of that time. I suggested getting together on a nice day to catch up on our lives’ events. I’d pull an old car out from the stable & we could take a leisurely back road cruise through the local wine country & Lake district. He was all in.
The day before the road trip, I removed the car cover, placed it in the trunk & then took some time going through all of the storage compartments, seat & door pockets, etc., to see what was going on within. I popped the bonnet open. Everything looked fine. All critical fluid levels were where they were supposed to be. I added just a couple psi of air to equalize each tire. The engine turned right over & sounded nice & smooth. I reacquainted myself with the control buttons and instrumentation. I became irritatingly aware of the degree of memory fade via lack of regular use.
I went for a little 20-mile solo ride to correct that situation. After a few minutes It was like picking up where I last left off. I still get that same “feeling” every time I’m out on the open road in the 500E.
The next day, I topped off with ethanol-free gas & picked up my pal at noon. We had until 5-6pm to return. He spent quite a few years living in Germany & Belgium. Nodding his head in approval as he approached the 500E, he then sat down on the Recaro & exhaled, “OOhh…Autobahner”. We took a casually paced scenic ride up to a Belgian-inspired brewery at the top of the Lake. It was a nice day to be out on the deck overlooking the Lake wine country. We had a great chat & laughed a lot. Very therapeutic for both of us.
Departing, we slowly drove back towards home along the opposite side of the Lake, checking out the cottages & goings-on. We then stopped at a lakeside restaurant for a dockside meal. We appreciated the light mid-week crowd. Food, service & atmosphere were all very good.
Back in the 500E, we drove up over a twisty hill road leaving the Lake behind. The time had evaporated amidst all the conversation & scenery. I was a good boy behind the wheel all day. I only took the 500E up to 100mph once on a long, barren straightaway with clear visibility. The car’s acceleration was effortless, silky smooth & quiet. Back in town, I dropped my friend off. We said our goodbyes, and expressed our mutual astoundment over the speed & enjoyability of this day trip. He was very appreciative of our time spent & our mode of transportation. I felt the same & departed with a big smile on my face.
NOW FOR THE GOOD PART
I mind my business but they KEEP drawing me in. I’m garaging the 500E at another property because my primary residence is undergoing renovations & its garage has become a warehouse supporting the effort. It’s supposed to rain so I’m taking the 500E back to the secondary garage. I’m at a three-way intersection just prior to leaving town. I’ve got time to zip out onto the main route before the oncoming traffic gets to me, but I’ve got that peaceful, easy feeling going on. I’m in no hurry so I yield to the oncoming traffic. Well here comes and goes a new blue/blacked-out Ford Mustang hot rod with its loud pipes trumpeting. I casually slide up behind it as we wait for the last traffic light leaving town to turn green. I kinda have that gut feeling starting to develop.
Now here’s the thing…we leave town heading across a long bridgeway. The traffic lanes merge from two to one (the left lane) because of bridgework. There’s three vehicles. A compact non-descript suv, the Mustang & me. The Mustang sees the merge sign, senses the opportunity & punches it! Passing the compact suv on the right with just enough time to swerve back into the left lane before the final merge. The speed limit is 35mph. I said, “Jeez, that was a bit reckless & unnecessary” as I watched the Mustang disappear across the spanse.
Two lanes become available again on the opposite end of the bridge. The compact suv returns to the right lane. I increase my speed to see if I can still make any eye contact with running Mustang. HA! There is one last traffic light providing the option to go to the highway on-ramp or to stay on this same road that parallels the highway. The traffic light is red & there’s the blue Mustang. I’m still distant but closing as I notice the Mustang going straight as the light goes green. The Mustang is off & running.
I carefully pass slower moving traffic after the junction & then open it up, reeling in the distance between us. This is the very same stretch of road where I had a great run against an Audi years prior. The Mustang is in the left lane going into a sweeping left curve. Two lanes available. Median guard rail on the left, guard rail, railroad tracks & River on the right. The Mustang obviously must see it’s me again increasingly filling the space of its rear view mirror. It slides over into the right lane. “Oh Boy! DRAG RACE!”
This section of road is often used for “Running It”. The challenge being that the two lanes ultimately merge back into one. We have about a half mile until we reach it. Oh Boy is the adrenalin & gut feeling going now!
I don’t get it…It certainly appeared we were going to go for it, but the Mustang heels over & lets me go past without even a snort of its dual exhaust. It bailed out onto a side road after the merge. Oh well, I’m still chalking one up for the old Young Timer.
My vital signs returned to normal by the time I made it back to the garage. The auxiliary fans ran until they stopped. Good to know. I popped the bonnet latch. Always remember to lift the bonnet up to dissipate the heat from your engine compartment. I grabbed the things that needed to come with me and as I exited the car, I opened the arm rest console lid to take the pressure off the strut.
What an enjoyable day. Felt great. As if we were never separated that long afterall.
The 500E was WAY overdue for a good “stretching of its legs”. Its State Inspection expires at the end of this month, so I figured it’s high time to hit the road for a good test run & discover if any sorting out is required beforehand. I know at the very least I must adjust the parking brake prior to inspection.
I also had a perfect reason to get it out on the road. I reconnected with an old high school chum a few weeks ago during a reunion event who fondly recalled buzzing around in my old British roadster of that time. I suggested getting together on a nice day to catch up on our lives’ events. I’d pull an old car out from the stable & we could take a leisurely back road cruise through the local wine country & Lake district. He was all in.
The day before the road trip, I removed the car cover, placed it in the trunk & then took some time going through all of the storage compartments, seat & door pockets, etc., to see what was going on within. I popped the bonnet open. Everything looked fine. All critical fluid levels were where they were supposed to be. I added just a couple psi of air to equalize each tire. The engine turned right over & sounded nice & smooth. I reacquainted myself with the control buttons and instrumentation. I became irritatingly aware of the degree of memory fade via lack of regular use.
I went for a little 20-mile solo ride to correct that situation. After a few minutes It was like picking up where I last left off. I still get that same “feeling” every time I’m out on the open road in the 500E.
The next day, I topped off with ethanol-free gas & picked up my pal at noon. We had until 5-6pm to return. He spent quite a few years living in Germany & Belgium. Nodding his head in approval as he approached the 500E, he then sat down on the Recaro & exhaled, “OOhh…Autobahner”. We took a casually paced scenic ride up to a Belgian-inspired brewery at the top of the Lake. It was a nice day to be out on the deck overlooking the Lake wine country. We had a great chat & laughed a lot. Very therapeutic for both of us.
Departing, we slowly drove back towards home along the opposite side of the Lake, checking out the cottages & goings-on. We then stopped at a lakeside restaurant for a dockside meal. We appreciated the light mid-week crowd. Food, service & atmosphere were all very good.
Back in the 500E, we drove up over a twisty hill road leaving the Lake behind. The time had evaporated amidst all the conversation & scenery. I was a good boy behind the wheel all day. I only took the 500E up to 100mph once on a long, barren straightaway with clear visibility. The car’s acceleration was effortless, silky smooth & quiet. Back in town, I dropped my friend off. We said our goodbyes, and expressed our mutual astoundment over the speed & enjoyability of this day trip. He was very appreciative of our time spent & our mode of transportation. I felt the same & departed with a big smile on my face.
NOW FOR THE GOOD PART
I mind my business but they KEEP drawing me in. I’m garaging the 500E at another property because my primary residence is undergoing renovations & its garage has become a warehouse supporting the effort. It’s supposed to rain so I’m taking the 500E back to the secondary garage. I’m at a three-way intersection just prior to leaving town. I’ve got time to zip out onto the main route before the oncoming traffic gets to me, but I’ve got that peaceful, easy feeling going on. I’m in no hurry so I yield to the oncoming traffic. Well here comes and goes a new blue/blacked-out Ford Mustang hot rod with its loud pipes trumpeting. I casually slide up behind it as we wait for the last traffic light leaving town to turn green. I kinda have that gut feeling starting to develop.
Now here’s the thing…we leave town heading across a long bridgeway. The traffic lanes merge from two to one (the left lane) because of bridgework. There’s three vehicles. A compact non-descript suv, the Mustang & me. The Mustang sees the merge sign, senses the opportunity & punches it! Passing the compact suv on the right with just enough time to swerve back into the left lane before the final merge. The speed limit is 35mph. I said, “Jeez, that was a bit reckless & unnecessary” as I watched the Mustang disappear across the spanse.
Two lanes become available again on the opposite end of the bridge. The compact suv returns to the right lane. I increase my speed to see if I can still make any eye contact with running Mustang. HA! There is one last traffic light providing the option to go to the highway on-ramp or to stay on this same road that parallels the highway. The traffic light is red & there’s the blue Mustang. I’m still distant but closing as I notice the Mustang going straight as the light goes green. The Mustang is off & running.
I carefully pass slower moving traffic after the junction & then open it up, reeling in the distance between us. This is the very same stretch of road where I had a great run against an Audi years prior. The Mustang is in the left lane going into a sweeping left curve. Two lanes available. Median guard rail on the left, guard rail, railroad tracks & River on the right. The Mustang obviously must see it’s me again increasingly filling the space of its rear view mirror. It slides over into the right lane. “Oh Boy! DRAG RACE!”
This section of road is often used for “Running It”. The challenge being that the two lanes ultimately merge back into one. We have about a half mile until we reach it. Oh Boy is the adrenalin & gut feeling going now!
I don’t get it…It certainly appeared we were going to go for it, but the Mustang heels over & lets me go past without even a snort of its dual exhaust. It bailed out onto a side road after the merge. Oh well, I’m still chalking one up for the old Young Timer.
My vital signs returned to normal by the time I made it back to the garage. The auxiliary fans ran until they stopped. Good to know. I popped the bonnet latch. Always remember to lift the bonnet up to dissipate the heat from your engine compartment. I grabbed the things that needed to come with me and as I exited the car, I opened the arm rest console lid to take the pressure off the strut.
What an enjoyable day. Felt great. As if we were never separated that long afterall.
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Always good to hear from you. I checked & confirmed that I bought my race ramps in 2010. Wow, the time has flown! I use the ramps several times a year, every year on a variety of vehicles. Evidently a long lasting, dependable, quality product for me. I’ve been
quite happy with them, but I see some type of Lift somewhere in my future to satiate my dreams of a quick & easy 5 tire rotation
We Gotcha Covered
I bought a very nice Weathershield car cover from Jimbo way back in 2014. A great all-around product. Its only anomaly was that the side mirror pockets were several inches longer than necessary (and as you know, the 500E passenger mirror length is even shorter than the driver side). Fixing this anomaly was another task on my back burner list. My lovely & talented wife finally remedied this situation. The proper equipment along with her background in textile manufacturing made short work of it.
She pinned the desired mirror pocket length perimeters,
took the cover up to her sewing machine & basically tailor-fit the mirror pockets using the same factory-style stitching.
After a thorough inspection,
Quality Control gave its "paws up" approval
I'm also very pleased with the end result!
We celebrated with a picnic lunch at a historical amusement park that was having a car show & music festival going on.
I bought a very nice Weathershield car cover from Jimbo way back in 2014. A great all-around product. Its only anomaly was that the side mirror pockets were several inches longer than necessary (and as you know, the 500E passenger mirror length is even shorter than the driver side). Fixing this anomaly was another task on my back burner list. My lovely & talented wife finally remedied this situation. The proper equipment along with her background in textile manufacturing made short work of it.
She pinned the desired mirror pocket length perimeters,
took the cover up to her sewing machine & basically tailor-fit the mirror pockets using the same factory-style stitching.
After a thorough inspection,
Quality Control gave its "paws up" approval
I'm also very pleased with the end result!
We celebrated with a picnic lunch at a historical amusement park that was having a car show & music festival going on.
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Shorty. My wife's "special boy". 11 years old. There is no degree of mischief he can't get into...
She says, "He's too intelligent for his own good...He gets bored easily."
Baby Needs A New Set Of Shoes
I confirmed the status of my parking brake shoes this past weekend. My brother-in-law offered me the use of his beautiful garage. I looked forward to gauging his receptiveness to any soiling of its magnificently pristine floor. My intent was to adjust the shoes in anticipation of State inspection. My current inspection expires at the end of this month.
Well, I discovered that no adjustment was necessary after all. A full replacement is required. The linings are gone!
No wonder star adjustment was bottomed out & did nothing (I lubricated the adjusters anyway for something to do).
Then I started intently concentrating on my recollections of my most recent brake job of November 2019. That’s right! Because back then when I saw that these shoes were shot, I ordered a new set which I stored in the garage or cellar until the time was right for installation. Yeah! That’s what I did. I remember physically holding them in my hands & then putting them back in the box.
Wrong. No brake shoes in a box anywhere to be discovered. But I did rediscover my spare tumbler & throttle cable that I purchased last year.
I then checked my parts order receipts. Nothing. I must be thinking of the parking brake shoes for my former daily driver that I sold to a neighbor a few years ago. Yeah, that’s what it was! Sheesh.
Ok...Now that that's sorted out (I think), I ordered a new kit of Genuine Mercedes from FCPeuro today & made a vow to get back in sync with the 500E.
I confirmed the status of my parking brake shoes this past weekend. My brother-in-law offered me the use of his beautiful garage. I looked forward to gauging his receptiveness to any soiling of its magnificently pristine floor. My intent was to adjust the shoes in anticipation of State inspection. My current inspection expires at the end of this month.
Well, I discovered that no adjustment was necessary after all. A full replacement is required. The linings are gone!
No wonder star adjustment was bottomed out & did nothing (I lubricated the adjusters anyway for something to do).
Then I started intently concentrating on my recollections of my most recent brake job of November 2019. That’s right! Because back then when I saw that these shoes were shot, I ordered a new set which I stored in the garage or cellar until the time was right for installation. Yeah! That’s what I did. I remember physically holding them in my hands & then putting them back in the box.
Wrong. No brake shoes in a box anywhere to be discovered. But I did rediscover my spare tumbler & throttle cable that I purchased last year.
I then checked my parts order receipts. Nothing. I must be thinking of the parking brake shoes for my former daily driver that I sold to a neighbor a few years ago. Yeah, that’s what it was! Sheesh.
Ok...Now that that's sorted out (I think), I ordered a new kit of Genuine Mercedes from FCPeuro today & made a vow to get back in sync with the 500E.
Wow! How did the parking brake linings come to find themselves in a state of null-set!!???!Baby Needs A New Set Of Shoes
I confirmed the status of my parking brake shoes this past weekend. My brother-in-law offered me the use of his beautiful garage. I looked forward to gauging his receptiveness to any soiling of its magnificently pristine floor. My intent was to adjust the shoes in anticipation of State inspection. My current inspection expires at the end of this month.
View attachment 172750
View attachment 172751
Well, I discovered that no adjustment was necessary after all. A full replacement is required. The linings are gone!
View attachment 172752
No wonder star adjustment was bottomed out & did nothing (I lubricated the adjusters anyway for something to do).
View attachment 172753
Then I started intently concentrating on my recollections of my most recent brake job of November 2019. That’s right! Because back then when I saw that these shoes were shot, I ordered a new set which I stored in the garage or cellar until the time was right for installation. Yeah! That’s what I did. I remember physically holding them in my hands & then putting them back in the box.
Wrong. No brake shoes in a box anywhere to be discovered. But I did rediscover my spare tumbler & throttle cable that I purchased last year.
View attachment 172754
View attachment 172755
I then checked my parts order receipts. Nothing. I must be thinking of the parking brake shoes for my former daily driver that I sold to a neighbor a few years ago. Yeah, that’s what it was! Sheesh.
Ok...Now that that's sorted out (I think), I ordered a new kit of Genuine Mercedes from FCPeuro today & made a vow to get back in sync with the 500E.
PS - your brother in law’s garage is much too neat and tidy. Especially for housing a Raptor. Is he Marie Kondo, except male?
I guess one too many p-brake induced 180 degree evasive turns?Wow! How did the parking brake linings come to find themselves in a state of null-set!!???!
PS - your brother in law’s garage is much too neat and tidy. Especially for housing a Raptor. Is he Marie Kondo, except male?
Linings used to be riveted onto shoes decades ago. They stayed put until you replaced them. Now they are bonded & can fall off from age, temperature cycles, overuse or forgetting to release them prior to driving. From time to time I like to test stopping at a traffic light or stop sign using just the p-brake (simulating a failure of the hydraulic brake system).
My brother-in-law would give her a good run for the money. They'd either get along famously or she'd see him as a threat & become immensely defensive
The window of opportunity presented itself yesterday. The new parking brake shoes were installed with a slight amount of teeth gnashing until adequate tooling was eventually discovered. The new brakes work as expected & State inspection appointment has been scheduled.
This is basically a "one & done" type of job. Under normal operation, I don't forsee ever having to replace these again.
This is basically a "one & done" type of job. Under normal operation, I don't forsee ever having to replace these again.
Alarming Discovery
I was reading one of Capt Ruff's posts regarding the window affixed alarm decal. It got me wondering about mine. I have one alarm decal on the driver's side rear quarter window, but I couldn't remember if it was on the car when I bought it, or if I attached it at a later date.
I went to check the earliest pictures of my car for validation & much to my surprise discovered the pics weren't attached to the first post of my Owners thread. They may be posted on a subsequent thread but I didn't feel like reviewing 9 or so pages to find out, so here are the Dec 2008 pics (absent the rear view) for historical documentation.
I've concluded that the alarm decal currently on the window (the same as illustrated by Whitemamba23's IMG_7741.jpeg) was not on the window when I bought my car. I added it. I also have added a front windshield decal (compliments of gvz to replace a heinously sun curled one) & a new front bumper license plate panel.
Conversely, some external items no longer on the car are the North American market headlight assemblies (sold to a Member), the chromed oem wheels (still in storage; couldn't sell locally, couldn't ship distantly & couldn't let myself scrap them), the original grille (in storage; replaced by the avant garde style) & the road blast on the lower front valence.
I was reading one of Capt Ruff's posts regarding the window affixed alarm decal. It got me wondering about mine. I have one alarm decal on the driver's side rear quarter window, but I couldn't remember if it was on the car when I bought it, or if I attached it at a later date.
I went to check the earliest pictures of my car for validation & much to my surprise discovered the pics weren't attached to the first post of my Owners thread. They may be posted on a subsequent thread but I didn't feel like reviewing 9 or so pages to find out, so here are the Dec 2008 pics (absent the rear view) for historical documentation.
I've concluded that the alarm decal currently on the window (the same as illustrated by Whitemamba23's IMG_7741.jpeg) was not on the window when I bought my car. I added it. I also have added a front windshield decal (compliments of gvz to replace a heinously sun curled one) & a new front bumper license plate panel.
Conversely, some external items no longer on the car are the North American market headlight assemblies (sold to a Member), the chromed oem wheels (still in storage; couldn't sell locally, couldn't ship distantly & couldn't let myself scrap them), the original grille (in storage; replaced by the avant garde style) & the road blast on the lower front valence.
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Opening Season
Cinco de Mayo has come & gone. For me, it marks the time when I can bring the 500E out because April showers have brought May flowers & have cleaned Winter’s detritus from the roads.
Today was a picture perfect day here. My heart goes out to all those suffering from the recent terrible weather elsewhere in the Country. I am so thankful to be unaffected so far.
My daily driver went in for its “60,000 mile service” at 66,000 miles. It was going to be at the Dealer’s for the day, so the 500E came out to play. It had 3/8 tank of fuel & I literally picked up where I left off last season.
I still get that same feeling when head out in the 500E. The oil pressure & running temperature was just where they should be & it ran fine.
I previously had a situation (at least I thought I did) where my parking brake indicator light wouldn’t actuate when I actuated the parking brake pedal. I felt this was a contributor to the premature consumption of my brake linings I had to replace last year. I’d drive a bit before realizing the brake was on. The light itself was good. I would see it light up during the engine start process.
I planned on troubleshooting the situation this year, but lo & behold, when I stopped to check the mailbox before hitting the road, I instinctively stepped on the parking brake pedal & the BRAKE light was feverishly illuminated!
I actuated it a multitude of times today & it works as it should. Yay! Less screwing around & more drive time.
And “Drive” I did. Very enjoyable.
I’ll only sell the car when I can’t drive it anymore, or when the “Thrill” is gone…
…I don’t forsee that happening for quite a while if at all.
Cinco de Mayo has come & gone. For me, it marks the time when I can bring the 500E out because April showers have brought May flowers & have cleaned Winter’s detritus from the roads.
Today was a picture perfect day here. My heart goes out to all those suffering from the recent terrible weather elsewhere in the Country. I am so thankful to be unaffected so far.
My daily driver went in for its “60,000 mile service” at 66,000 miles. It was going to be at the Dealer’s for the day, so the 500E came out to play. It had 3/8 tank of fuel & I literally picked up where I left off last season.
I still get that same feeling when head out in the 500E. The oil pressure & running temperature was just where they should be & it ran fine.
I previously had a situation (at least I thought I did) where my parking brake indicator light wouldn’t actuate when I actuated the parking brake pedal. I felt this was a contributor to the premature consumption of my brake linings I had to replace last year. I’d drive a bit before realizing the brake was on. The light itself was good. I would see it light up during the engine start process.
I planned on troubleshooting the situation this year, but lo & behold, when I stopped to check the mailbox before hitting the road, I instinctively stepped on the parking brake pedal & the BRAKE light was feverishly illuminated!
I actuated it a multitude of times today & it works as it should. Yay! Less screwing around & more drive time.
And “Drive” I did. Very enjoyable.
I’ll only sell the car when I can’t drive it anymore, or when the “Thrill” is gone…
…I don’t forsee that happening for quite a while if at all.
One task that I will be working on this season is to reattach the skin to my driver side B-pillar. I noticed it was detached yesterday.
I believe my method of exiting the vehicle is the cause. I put my shoulder/humerus bone into the B-pillar & push to leverage myself out.
The passenger side is fine.
I believe my method of exiting the vehicle is the cause. I put my shoulder/humerus bone into the B-pillar & push to leverage myself out.
The passenger side is fine.
DerF, it's a common issue whether one brushes/pushes against it or not. The glue just gives way over time.
I think there is some information here on the forum from folks who have repaired this in the past, but I can't put my cursor on a specific post right now. Perhaps the search function could help.
I think there is some information here on the forum from folks who have repaired this in the past, but I can't put my cursor on a specific post right now. Perhaps the search function could help.
Where’s Waldo?
I did it again. I let my inspection lapse. I didn’t mean to forego the end of last September, but my decades-long inspector retired from the task & I didn’t know where I could/should go, or who/what facility to trust.
I was aware my registration was due to expire on Feb 5. A week prior to expiration, I read the renewal document’s fine print which stated, “YOU CANNOT RENEW THE REGISTRATION IF THE VEHICLE HAS AN EXPIRED INSPECTION”.
Uh oh. I can’t just mail the check in. Crunch time.
I immediately stopped by the place that I took my daily driver to several months ago; the same place my Sister has been going to & had previously recommended. I explained my dilemma to the desk manager, knowing there was also a very brief window of opportunity to perform the task while the roads were clear & dry between snow storms (this car never sees Winter & rarely encounters crappy weather in general). The earliest available time slot was on the 3rd. “I’ll take it!”
Then I explained that this was my special car & I would really like to accompany it into the Shop during the inspection (some places refrain from this due to understandable potential liabilty concerns).
To my relief, the desk manager said, “No problem”. I also asked for a written appointment card (aka my tried & true Get Out of Jail Free card), just incase I was to get nailed by the cops on my way to the Inspection.
On the day of Inspection, I did a quick self check to make sure all the lights & signaling equipment performed properly. I then hit the road for the 10 mile ride in.
Everything functioned properly. The 500E fired right up, felt great & performed fine. I listened to everything & watched gauges all along the way. I kept to the Highway & drove as inconspicuously as possible, keeping my eye on the speedometer. You know how that goes otherwise…85mph seems like 65mph until you realize you are actually going 85…
The huge overhead door opened & we crept in, guided by the Technician. I noticed all 4 lifts on one side of the cavernous bay were occupied.
After an initial greeting, the Technician walked back across the bay & fired up the computer. He came back with a hand wand & scanned my windshield sticker. He walked halfway back across the bay, stopped, then returned & inquired on the mileage. He then returned to the computer for a few moments. Upon his subsequent return to the car, I exited the car & popped the hood in anticipation of the inspection.
He reached into the car, scraped off the old inspection sticker & adhered the new one. Done.
“That’s it?”
“I can tell you take real good care of this car”.
Holy sh*t, I’d be at my previous inspector’s for well over an hour because he’d check everything (including putting the car on the lift). He also loved talking about everything going on in the World which made up for the majority of the time spent there.
I paid my $10 (another reason my old inspector bailed on the inspection process) & drove immediately to the local Department of Motor Vehicles to renew my registration.
No line. The renewal process was shockingly expedient & pleasant. I walked out of the place with a weird, slightly unsettling feeling of satisfaction. No drama. No adrenaline as in previous years. This was unfamiliar grounds for me.
I was brought back into reality when I hit the highway & quickly realized I hadn’t reclosed the hood entirely (the inspector never having looked in there). I slowed down, then pulled over in a safe spot to resecure it. “That could’ve Sucked…” Reminded me of a classic story when my brother wasn’t so lucky on the State Thruway, but that’s a Story for another day.
We returned to the protective sanctity of the garage using the long & pleasant back roads. Mission complete.
It snowed horrendously the following day
I did it again. I let my inspection lapse. I didn’t mean to forego the end of last September, but my decades-long inspector retired from the task & I didn’t know where I could/should go, or who/what facility to trust.
I was aware my registration was due to expire on Feb 5. A week prior to expiration, I read the renewal document’s fine print which stated, “YOU CANNOT RENEW THE REGISTRATION IF THE VEHICLE HAS AN EXPIRED INSPECTION”.
Uh oh. I can’t just mail the check in. Crunch time.
I immediately stopped by the place that I took my daily driver to several months ago; the same place my Sister has been going to & had previously recommended. I explained my dilemma to the desk manager, knowing there was also a very brief window of opportunity to perform the task while the roads were clear & dry between snow storms (this car never sees Winter & rarely encounters crappy weather in general). The earliest available time slot was on the 3rd. “I’ll take it!”
Then I explained that this was my special car & I would really like to accompany it into the Shop during the inspection (some places refrain from this due to understandable potential liabilty concerns).
To my relief, the desk manager said, “No problem”. I also asked for a written appointment card (aka my tried & true Get Out of Jail Free card), just incase I was to get nailed by the cops on my way to the Inspection.
On the day of Inspection, I did a quick self check to make sure all the lights & signaling equipment performed properly. I then hit the road for the 10 mile ride in.
Everything functioned properly. The 500E fired right up, felt great & performed fine. I listened to everything & watched gauges all along the way. I kept to the Highway & drove as inconspicuously as possible, keeping my eye on the speedometer. You know how that goes otherwise…85mph seems like 65mph until you realize you are actually going 85…
The huge overhead door opened & we crept in, guided by the Technician. I noticed all 4 lifts on one side of the cavernous bay were occupied.
After an initial greeting, the Technician walked back across the bay & fired up the computer. He came back with a hand wand & scanned my windshield sticker. He walked halfway back across the bay, stopped, then returned & inquired on the mileage. He then returned to the computer for a few moments. Upon his subsequent return to the car, I exited the car & popped the hood in anticipation of the inspection.
He reached into the car, scraped off the old inspection sticker & adhered the new one. Done.
“That’s it?”
“I can tell you take real good care of this car”.
Holy sh*t, I’d be at my previous inspector’s for well over an hour because he’d check everything (including putting the car on the lift). He also loved talking about everything going on in the World which made up for the majority of the time spent there.
I paid my $10 (another reason my old inspector bailed on the inspection process) & drove immediately to the local Department of Motor Vehicles to renew my registration.
No line. The renewal process was shockingly expedient & pleasant. I walked out of the place with a weird, slightly unsettling feeling of satisfaction. No drama. No adrenaline as in previous years. This was unfamiliar grounds for me.
I was brought back into reality when I hit the highway & quickly realized I hadn’t reclosed the hood entirely (the inspector never having looked in there). I slowed down, then pulled over in a safe spot to resecure it. “That could’ve Sucked…” Reminded me of a classic story when my brother wasn’t so lucky on the State Thruway, but that’s a Story for another day.
We returned to the protective sanctity of the garage using the long & pleasant back roads. Mission complete.
It snowed horrendously the following day
Nice experience, love seeing your writeups! I do you one better: For decades, in Texas... once your ride was 25 years old, they checked lights, horn and brakes. PASS it was safety inspection only. This year, no longer an issue. You register like normal and need to do nothing, not even visit the inspection booth. I recently renewed both W126 SEC and the W124 E500 from this very keyboard in less time than my write up response here.
That's something. Makes me wonder how many cars with potential &/or real safety issues are out and about sharing the road with the general population.
Although I take decent care of my vehicles, I do appreciate an extra set of experienced eyes double checking things annually. I like the thought of at least the safety inspection being performed during an official State Inspection. $21 here for emissions-compliant, $10 for non emissions-compliant. I've been conditioned over the decades by my previous Inspector's thoroughness...that thoroughness becoming my normal paradigm.
I'd pull in over the lift. We'd go through the lights & horn. Then I'd pop the hood & exit the vehicle. We'd check hoses, the serpentine belt, fluid levels, signs of abnormalcy. Then up on the lift it went. He'd check hoses, tie rods, bearing play, tires, brake pads. I'd be able to walk underneath & get a great visual of everything.
In hindsight, I was very fortunate (and probably spoiled) in that aspect of care & scrutiny. This Brave New World I've now entered has been eye opening. I know Time is Money. The Business has better paying tasks to perform during their hours of operation than Inspection. But still, it's at least a basic safety check opportunity for Heaven's sake.
I'll adapt.
Although I take decent care of my vehicles, I do appreciate an extra set of experienced eyes double checking things annually. I like the thought of at least the safety inspection being performed during an official State Inspection. $21 here for emissions-compliant, $10 for non emissions-compliant. I've been conditioned over the decades by my previous Inspector's thoroughness...that thoroughness becoming my normal paradigm.
I'd pull in over the lift. We'd go through the lights & horn. Then I'd pop the hood & exit the vehicle. We'd check hoses, the serpentine belt, fluid levels, signs of abnormalcy. Then up on the lift it went. He'd check hoses, tie rods, bearing play, tires, brake pads. I'd be able to walk underneath & get a great visual of everything.
In hindsight, I was very fortunate (and probably spoiled) in that aspect of care & scrutiny. This Brave New World I've now entered has been eye opening. I know Time is Money. The Business has better paying tasks to perform during their hours of operation than Inspection. But still, it's at least a basic safety check opportunity for Heaven's sake.
I'll adapt.
The Best Time of the Year
Cool mornings, warm low humidity days with just a hint of Autumn on the horizon.
Took the opportunity to add a can of LiquiMoly Jectron prior to filling up with ethanol-free fuel.
The U.S. Vintage Grand Prix weekend at Watkins Glen is just around the corner. Porsche will be the celebrated marque this year.
I should fit in fine enough, but I better start cleaning up a bit for the occasion.
Cool mornings, warm low humidity days with just a hint of Autumn on the horizon.
Took the opportunity to add a can of LiquiMoly Jectron prior to filling up with ethanol-free fuel.
The U.S. Vintage Grand Prix weekend at Watkins Glen is just around the corner. Porsche will be the celebrated marque this year.
I should fit in fine enough, but I better start cleaning up a bit for the occasion.
A Porsche-only car show & rallye took place today in Watkins Glen from 10am-2pm. This event kicked off the town’s Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) Grand Prix weekend The morning was glorious but early afternoon showers were forecast. My plan was to get there & get back before the rain.
The 500E drove marvelously to its destination. I had filled the tires to 35 psi (or at least thereabouts. Curious how three tire gauges can’t agree with each other
). Oil pressure & engine temp were sublime. The ride to the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes region was effortless & thoroughly enjoyable.
About 50 pieces of Porsche eye candy ranging from 1948 to the present were on display amidst the shady trees of LaFayette Park.
I had parked just across the street from the gathering. It was an easy in & out.
The 500E drove marvelously to its destination. I had filled the tires to 35 psi (or at least thereabouts. Curious how three tire gauges can’t agree with each other
). Oil pressure & engine temp were sublime. The ride to the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes region was effortless & thoroughly enjoyable. About 50 pieces of Porsche eye candy ranging from 1948 to the present were on display amidst the shady trees of LaFayette Park.
I had parked just across the street from the gathering. It was an easy in & out.
I had to stop by the harbor for a traditional peek at the marina & a wiff of the Lakeside breeze before heading out.
Just within a short period of time I saw the clouds quickly moving in from the west.
The clouds were moving in faster than anticipated. The wind also became more noticeable. Time to go!
I took the local shortcut to avoid the tourist district & powered up the long steep hill leaving town like it was nothing. I noticed clouds were also appearing in the direction I was going. Time to fly!
Nearly at the last second at the top of the hill, I took a hard right hand turn. It’s traditional to pay homage to the race track (Watkins Glen International) when in the area, so away I went.
It really started getting breezy as I neared the track, so I rolled the windows up most of the way.
Homage was quickly given. I spun around and flew back towards the now ominous looking clouds enveloping my destination. Only a fool disputes reality, so I closed my sun roof.
I couldn’t break tradition, but it cost me a dry car.
Just within a short period of time I saw the clouds quickly moving in from the west.
The clouds were moving in faster than anticipated. The wind also became more noticeable. Time to go!
I took the local shortcut to avoid the tourist district & powered up the long steep hill leaving town like it was nothing. I noticed clouds were also appearing in the direction I was going. Time to fly!
Nearly at the last second at the top of the hill, I took a hard right hand turn. It’s traditional to pay homage to the race track (Watkins Glen International) when in the area, so away I went.
It really started getting breezy as I neared the track, so I rolled the windows up most of the way.
Homage was quickly given. I spun around and flew back towards the now ominous looking clouds enveloping my destination. Only a fool disputes reality, so I closed my sun roof.
I couldn’t break tradition, but it cost me a dry car.
I got caught by the storm front about 5 minutes away from my return destination (there was no choice. It beat me there & I had to drive right into it). I decided to look at this event positively.
I was happy to rediscover the windshield wiper switch, that it worked & the wiper wiped.
I was happy to confirm that the sunroof & window/door weatherstripping sealed out the inhospitable elements & that the a/c worked well with all the window openings closed.
The rain was actually doing me a favor by spritzing away much of the road dust attached to the car body. When I pull into the garage, I’ll wipe down the upper body with a big luxurious microfiber towel to clean, dry & deter rain spotting.
One problem. This property has been renamed, “The House of Perpetual Renovation”. Everything gets moved out of the way for progress & then sometimes returned. I looked everywhere but couldn’t find the tub filled with the big luxurious microfiber towels…just a few inadequately small ones.
But I did remember the recently purchased compact, high powered Ryobi One+ 18v Brushless Blower. It’ll blast the water away so the little towels can handle mop up duty!
It worked well. Maybe I’ll have to add it to the DIY favorite garage tools.
After the fact, when I mentioned the microfiber towel storage tub dilemma to my wife…she showed me where it was.
I was happy to rediscover the windshield wiper switch, that it worked & the wiper wiped.
I was happy to confirm that the sunroof & window/door weatherstripping sealed out the inhospitable elements & that the a/c worked well with all the window openings closed.
The rain was actually doing me a favor by spritzing away much of the road dust attached to the car body. When I pull into the garage, I’ll wipe down the upper body with a big luxurious microfiber towel to clean, dry & deter rain spotting.
One problem. This property has been renamed, “The House of Perpetual Renovation”. Everything gets moved out of the way for progress & then sometimes returned. I looked everywhere but couldn’t find the tub filled with the big luxurious microfiber towels…just a few inadequately small ones.
But I did remember the recently purchased compact, high powered Ryobi One+ 18v Brushless Blower. It’ll blast the water away so the little towels can handle mop up duty!
It worked well. Maybe I’ll have to add it to the DIY favorite garage tools.
After the fact, when I mentioned the microfiber towel storage tub dilemma to my wife…she showed me where it was.
Totally love it. I know EXACTLY how you feel! Thanks for the tip on the Ryobi Air Blaster thing!The 500E drove marvelously to its destination. I had filled the tires to 35 psi (or at least thereabouts. Curious how three tire gauges can’t agree with each other
Yeah! That looks cool!
I wonder if there is a Milwaukee (or DeWalt) equivalent. All I can find are what look like fake/counterfeit items from "budget" vendors.
Yeah! That looks cool!
I wonder if there is a Milwaukee (or DeWalt) equivalent. All I can find are what look like fake/counterfeit items from "budget" vendors.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 120 MPH 500 CFM 18V Brushless Cordless Battery Powered Leaf Blower with Tinted Safety Glasses 3017-20-48-73-2015 - The Home Depot
Fulfill the demands in your jobsite with the help of this Milwaukee M LithiumIon Brushless Cordless Handheld Blower.
www.homedepot.com
Sorry, I should have clarified... I was looking for a Red or Yellow equivalent of the "drill size" Lime Green (Ryobi).Milwaukee M18 FUEL 120 MPH 500 CFM 18V Brushless Cordless Battery Powered Leaf Blower with Tinted Safety Glasses 3017-20-48-73-2015 - The Home Depot
Fulfill the demands in your jobsite with the help of this Milwaukee M LithiumIon Brushless Cordless Handheld Blower.www.homedepot.com
Milwaukee does have the full-size leaf blower linked above, but that seems like it would be a bit unwieldy for vehicle dewatering.
Why not just get the Ryobi tool and use a battery adapter to put in the Milwaukee battery? Does the car air blower dryer really need to be super duty Milwaukee robust?
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