The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: billt on June 30, 2014, 07:14:43 AM
-
My wife and I are in the market for a new car early next year. One of the models on our short list is the BMW 320i. I thought I would join the BMW Forum to try to get some knowledge about the vehicle from people who own and drive them. Being as I was a new member, I started a thread in the "Off Topic" forum asking if anyone was into the shooting sports. I got several replies to the thread from people who were into both firearms, as well as reloading. That was last Thursday.
When I went to log on this morning I found out I was banned. There was no reason given, and the date the ban will be lifted is "never". Needless to say someone over there is very anti gun. It kind of surprised me, especially after all of the positive replies I got to the thread. Just thought I would pass it along.
-
This is a link to the forum. I was able to get around the "ban" by going through a link in Google, and not logging on. It appears the thread has been removed. If you scroll down there is a thread........"Post A Picture Of The Last Thing You Bought". It says (NO WEAPONS). Anti gun all the way. Might be fun for some of you guys to register just to screw with them.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=4&order=desc
-
It's funny the different cultures you see on various car forums. At one time I hung out and Volvo and SAAB forums but now I am into Mustangs. In the former talking about street racing would get you banned but several Mustang forums even have there own street racing section! Talking about guns won't get into trouble on the Mustang forums, just maybe some snide remarks from the Canadians.
But I never heard of anyone being banned for an off topic discussion topic. Just another reason to make fun BMW drivers.
-
Is the BMW still on your short list? If I were you I would go to a dealer and let them know. I understand that they do not have any control over the forum but at least you can let them know.
JMHO
Richard
PS: Sometimes I want to tell a car dealer that bans firearms from the dealership that I am going somewhere else but every one I go to bans them!
-
This doesn't effect my decision either way on the car itself. Anymore than those idiots at ARFCOM can sway my decision on which AR to purchase. I just thought it was odd for moderators on a car forum to be so anti gun. As I said, the guys on the forum responded positively to the thread. Many seemed interested in guns and shooting.
-
Two words...
Buy American!
And yes, I'm aware BMW has plants here in the US... F*#k 'em... Buy another Ford!
If my dealer had a sign banning firearms I never saw it nor would I have obeyed. I sat for five hours back in May negotiating on my new vehicle with a .38 in my front pocket of my shorts... No one was the wiser.
I don't visit too many forums other than this one....
-
In browsing that forum, I found a topic where they were discussing the high price of a battery replacement in a BMW...quoting dealer prices of up to $500.
Seems if you replace a old battery with not of the same type or with dissimilar enough specs, the car needs to be reprogrammed to charge the new battery correctly.
They said that this work can be done cheaper by independent garages, but unless you have the computer gear it was not a DIY job.
Also, if you replaced it with the a OEM equivalent battery the programming required a less expensive "computer" that might be DIY if you had it.
Just sounds WAY too complicated, but then I have not purchased a new vehicle since 2000.
-
Also, we should head to that forum and post complaints about going to a Firearms Related forum and getting banned by the idiots who run it for mentioning we were interested in BMWs :D :D
-
Just sounds WAY too complicated, but then I have not purchased a new vehicle since 2000.
My last 2 new cars were purchased in 1991, and I'm still driving both of them!
-
I've driven a couple BMW's from time to time.
Their handling qualities are similar to a Farm tractor, and the ride is not that good.
-
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-bmw-320i-test-review
This review isn't too convincing on the 320i. Granted, it's a base model review...
I'll stick to my Ford...and I have 4WD for 10K less though you don't need it much in scorpion country, do you?
-
There's a bad side to every car made.
-
There's a bad side to every car made.
But I have yet to find a good side to BMW.
They drive like a tank, they are uncomfortable they are overpriced to buy, the price of parts or service are ridiculous, and the company is a bunch of arrogant SOB's.
The only good thing about them in history is that it's where Willi Messerschmidt got his training.
-
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-bmw-320i-test-review
This review isn't too convincing on the 320i. Granted, it's a base model review...
I'll stick to my Ford...and I have 4WD for 10K less though you don't need it much in scorpion country, do you?
" If that still seems like a lot of money—and it is—recall that a loaded Ford Fusion costs about $35,000. Which would you rather have?"
This is what I'm finding. A decently equipped 320i runs in the upper $30K range. That seems high until you start comparing it to it's American counterparts. Add to it the fact that both Ford and GM recalled more cars than they made last year. Suddenly the BMW doesn't seem so costly. In fact, in many ways it seems like a bargain. I wish American cars didn't have this problem. But the fact is they do. I'm not saying a BMW is "bulletproof". But the odds are more in the purchasers favor of not buying into a $35K headache.
-
True but, the loaded Fusion is AWD as well and that doesn't come on a 320i!
Not trying to argue. I know BMWs are German engineered, well made vehicles. How they ride is nothing I've experienced so I can't comment on that.
I can still do basic maintenance on my 2014 Ford, my older truck and most everything made by an American maker. I doubt very much I'd want to try that with a German import of any variety. I can also pretty much repair anything on my truck, and have over the eleven years I've owned it, because I can ill afford to pay for 75-100 labor charges. Sometimes there's no avoiding it but if I can do the work, I will...
I would talk to folks who bought them who don't have the large bank accounts to maintain them... I'm biased, admittedly and I've bought the last car I'll ever buy. When it's paid for, I'm done working or at least that's the plan.
If I was looking for a 20 year vehicle, could afford the maintenance and the original sticker price, it's a Mercedes anyway. A few can be had for less than 40K... WITH all wheel drive...
-
You're right. Out here in the desert, 4 wheel drive on a road car is about as useful as heated seats in July. Just more mechanical crap to break, and have trouble with. Back east I could understand it in the snow.
As far as maintenance, about all I do myself now a days are oil and filter changes. Anything else, and it's going in. My shade tree car mechanic days are over. All I intend to do with this vehicle is press the button, and drive it. BMW can do all the rest. It will cost what it costs. So be it.
-
Have you looked at the C class Mercedes? Several under 35k.
-
Have you looked at the C class Mercedes? Several under 35k.
We did, but to me they look like a Civic. I may have to take another look.
-
You're right. Out here in the desert, 4 wheel drive on a road car is about as useful as heated seats in July. Just more mechanical crap to break, and have trouble with. Back east I could understand it in the snow.
As far as maintenance, about all I do myself now a days are oil and filter changes. Anything else, and it's going in. My shade tree car mechanic days are over. All I intend to do with this vehicle is press the button, and drive it. BMW can do all the rest. It will cost what it costs. So be it.
even oil changes are not something you can do. No bmw even has a dip stick. Lots of good choices in new cars these days, but none will last.
-
I can also pretty much repair anything on my truck, and have over the eleven years I've owned it
I hope that truck is not a 2003 and you just bought it around then!!!
-
I hope that truck is not a 2003 and you just bought it around then!!!
New in April 2003...3L V6 with nothing done but a K&N intake and filter.
99K and still running strong. Rotting miserably but it's running, cheap and repairable by my standards! About to do my 20th oil change, flush the tranny, check the pumpkin 90 weight, check the withers, saddle up and hope for another 75K!
Bed is getting pretty bad so I'm looking at cutting it out and welding in a replacement baseplate.
-
We did, but to me they look like a Civic. I may have to take another look.
Side by side...
-
Side by side...
They do look a lot alike, don't they? As far as no dipstick, that is a feature a lot of the newer models have. People have become lazy, and many don't look under the hood as often as they should, if they do at all. Especially since full service gas has all but disappeared. This is especially true with women today. Oil levels in a lot of the newer models are monitored electronically. With BMW you can check the oil level right on the dashboard screen. There is a quantity gage much like a fuel gage.
Modern machine tools will shut down much the same if you allow the lubricant level to get too low. You will get an alarm long before that happens. Same with a BMW, and several others. It's only a matter of time before they all go to this.
If one were to let it get too low the engine will shut down to prevent damage. It's a sad fact people need to be "idiot proofed" so much, but they do. Drain plugs and oil filters are no different than on any other car.
-
http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/gm-recall/nearly-every-gm-model-touched-recalls-year-n145961
And they wonder why people are becoming disinterested in purchasing American cars.
-
New in April 2003...3L V6 with nothing done but a K&N intake and filter.
When you said: I can also pretty much repair anything on my truck, and have over the eleven years I've owned it
I took that as: the truck has had pretty much *everything* break on it. I guess I read too much into it.
That's why I wondered if you bought it new.
My '03 Tundra (155,000 mi.) hasn't had anything break except the passenger door handle I yanked off trying to pull the door fully closed from reaching over the console from the drivers side @ 20deg F.
(Mongo strong! ;))
After owning a couple of Toyotas, I can't see myself EVER buying another "American brand" car in my lifetime.
The Toyota Camry was the "most American built" car for several years in a row. One source cited the F150 has finally taken that top spot, this one said it's the Tundra but they didn't test the F150.
Yep, the Camry still takes the most "American" Sedan spot and the Corolla takes the compact title.
http://wallstcheatsheet.com/stocks/10-most-american-made-vehicles-for-2014.html/?a=viewall
-
When you said: I can also pretty much repair anything on my truck, and have over the eleven years I've owned it
I took that as: the truck has had pretty much *everything* break on it. I guess I read too much into it.
That's why I wondered if you bought it new.
My '03 Tundra (155,000 mi.) hasn't had anything break except the passenger door handle I yanked off trying to pull the door fully closed from reaching over the console from the drivers side @ 20deg F.
(Mongo strong! ;))
After owning a couple of Toyotas, I can't see myself EVER buying another "American brand" car in my lifetime.
The Toyota Camry was the "most American built" car for several years in a row. One source cited the F150 has finally taken that top spot, this one said it's the Tundra but they didn't test the F150.
Yep, the Camry still takes the most "American" Sedan spot and the Corolla takes the compact title.
http://wallstcheatsheet.com/stocks/10-most-american-made-vehicles-for-2014.html/?a=viewall
Basic maintenance, brakes, exhaust system (though with four catalytic's, a real pain), all consumables. The only mechanical issue was the mass air flow sensor and fuel gauge sensor failed under warranty and my tailgate cables rotted out. It's a truck, been used and abused like any other. I did let a garage do the ball joints, tie rods and such since I didn't have access to the air tools needed or the alignment equipment. I have done dozens of front ends back in the old days though. Worked in a 10 bay auto garage all through HS.
Like the Toyota's too, 'specially the Tundra but I can't afford the sticker or the price of feeding the beast. My SIL owned one a few years back, nicest riding PU I've ever driven. Now he has a Silverado, nothing good I can say about that one..
-
I like the US diesels. 2003 Excursion w/340,000 miles on it. Replaced the fly-by-wire gas pedal under warranty, two alternators and a water pump, couple of sets of brake pads and an A/C compressor. The driver's side seat is getting a bit ragged. Needs to last another 4 years until youngest son is out of school.
2006 F250 w/ 6.0L diesel...just went through injectors (injectors are a problem on the 6.0) at 185,000 miles, preempted intercooler failure and a couple of set of brake pads for it too...and an alternator....going to need an A/C compressor for next year though. Oughta be good for another 185k...
No exhaust issues with the diesels but the price on diesel pinches some....
-
Funny, my wife has got me looking at Jeep Grand Cherokee's. I have to admit, they're a lot more vehicle for the money than these little foreign compacts. Beautiful inside and out. 290 HP V-6 with a 8 speed automatic. I didn't see any with diesels though. I wouldn't mind a diesel.
-
Read up on the Jeeps!
Nearly bought one but there's tranny problems with them.
-
Read up on the Jeeps! Nearly bought one but there's tranny problems with them.
The issue is with the 9 speed automatic on the standard Cherokee models. The Grand Cherokee uses a different 8 speed automatic, which has been relatively problem free.....Or so I've read. It's a more heavy duty unit that comes with an available heavy duty towing package.
-
Yea, now that I recall it was with the new little Cherokees 9 speed. No confidence at all with Chrysler though...
-
With GM being Govt owned you have to wonder where your engine computer control is reporting to .
-
This is becoming a lesson in futility. What the hell do you buy? Everything is being recalled. Or if it isn't it costs a fortune, and you can't do anything to it yourself. This new PC I just bought is a POS. It skips keystrokes, and is slower than a turtle. I'm damn near ready to take it back and rehook up my old one. >:(
-
Don't get to excited about "recalls".
Look to see what they are for.
When I bought my Focus I got 3 recall notices in 2 years . None of them amounted to anything, take it in to the dealer, wait 20 minutes while they switched glove box latches or what ever and off you go.
-
This is becoming a lesson in futility. What the hell do you buy? Everything is being recalled. Or if it isn't it costs a fortune, and you can't do anything to it yourself. This new PC I just bought is a POS. It skips keystrokes, and is slower than a turtle. I'm damn near ready to take it back and rehook up my old one. >:(
Build your own PC (or have your son, daughter nephew, niece, neighbor kid, etc. do it). Get your hands on an old tower, buy a motherboard,processor, hard drive, sound and vid cards, etc. Get EXTERNAL DVD (they are faster and easily replaceable plus you can use it on any system) and an EXTERNAL Hard or flash drive for back ups.
You can download any programs you need for free from Pirate Bay.
Do the whole thing for ~$500 or less and have a ROCKING system.
-
Build your own PC....................................
Ha! I've got all I can do to hook up a printer without smashing stuff. To me a motherboard was something my mom used to put under her mattress.
-
Ha! I've got all I can do to hook up a printer without smashing stuff. To me a motherboard was something my mom used to put under her mattress.
It looks daunting but in reality, PC's are pretty simple to build.
You've used more grey matter to program a Bridgeport than required to build a PC from store bought parts.
Tiger Direct is a decent source...
-
Don't get to excited about "recalls".
Look to see what they are for.
When I bought my Focus I got 3 recall notices in 2 years . None of them amounted to anything, take it in to the dealer, wait 20 minutes while they switched glove box latches or what ever and off you go.
True! My Escape had two recalls on it before I even signed the paperwork!
Minor stuff, nothing safety related. So much information is available from so may review sites that I find it hard to believe that some cars ever get sold. Some are real junk right off the assembly line!
Still sticking with Ford; on my seventh straight (I think) in twenty years and none have failed me!
-
It looks daunting but in reality, PC's are pretty simple to build.
You've used more grey matter to program a Bridgeport than required to build a PC from store bought parts.
I bet Bill could do any number of *to him* mundane tasks with his mill that seem like voodoo to anyone else. I suspect Bill is like me when it comes to PCs. I'm a plug 'n play guy and if it doesn't do what it's supposed to, then what?
Endless web searches ahead!
If you were dying/dead from a heart attack I could restart it, protect your airway and give meds that would keep blood going to your brain. I could and have done it literally in my sleep.
Computers? Those are a mystery to me.
-
I'm a plug 'n play guy and if it doesn't do what it's supposed to, then what?
Endless web searches ahead!........Computers? Those are a mystery to me.
Me as well. I go to the HP website and download the Windows 8.1 64 bit driver for my exact model HP printer.....And it doesn't work. Now what?
-
Find a junior high geek and let him analyze your problems. I bought a new laptop before I was forced into Win 8! I already knew of problems.
Probably my last Windows based uniblab. I'm switching to a tablet based on Apple OS.
-
Find a junior high geek and let him analyze your problems. I bought a new laptop before I was forced into Win 8! I already knew of problems.
Probably my last Windows based uniblab. I'm switching to a tablet based on Apple OS.
LINUX
-
Me as well. I go to the HP website and download the Windows 8.1 64 bit driver for my exact model HP printer.....And it doesn't work. Now what?
I can tell you your problem without even hearing any more info.
Want to know what it is?
Windows and HP. Two of the worst companies ever.
-
LINUX
I'm with ya Haz, but I'm not looking for more than a web portal. I don't use a PC at home for anything more these days.. If I were it'd be different.
-
I can tell you your problem without even hearing any more info.
Want to know what it is?
Windows and HP. Two of the worst companies ever.
I can second the HP thing........ as for Windows, it has its issues....but I just stick with what I know. ;)
I look at computers like the computer guys do.....they are disposable goods. When my last desktop crapped out in 2009, money was tighter with a senior in HS (needing a computer replacement fast, to do two online classes)....so I bought one of the cheapest tower systems wal-mart had for $300: a 750 gig eMachines unit with dual processor. It has Win 7 and so far, fills my simple needs (if it makes it to Oct, it'll be five years old).
When it craps it's diaper, I'll probably do the same thing again.
I went back later and bought an 18" flat screen LCD monitor and all is well.
I run a Kodak all-in-one scanner/printer and it has the cheapest ink cartridges as well. Printers have always been my bane in the computer world. The last printer I had was an HP and replacing the two ink cartridges cost about 90% of the price of buying a completely new printer (yep).
-
Printers have always been my bane in the computer world. The last printer I had was an HP and replacing the two ink cartridges cost about 90% of the price of buying a completely new printer (yep).
They could give you the printer and still make a fortune selling the ink cartridges.
-
I have seen this on some of the motorcycle forums as well. Usually a PM from a member who is anti-everything.
Odd.
Andy
-
I can tell you your problem without even hearing any more info.
Want to know what it is?
Windows and HP. Two of the worst companies ever.
Windows I can understand, given that Bill Gates apparently brayed like the jackass he is when the doctor slapped him fresh out of his mommy's womb. But HP? It used to be an excellent company, great reputation for engineering and R&D. Software? Not so much. Its MPIII operating system was rewritten by a teenager and made faster, more effective and more efficient - by a teenager!!
All that went away when Carly Fiorino turned an excellent R&D company into one that got its profit from ink!
-
I'm not even a "Plug and Play" guy.
I cultivate the teenagers hired as weekend dish washers at the local coffee shop, gives me all the tech expertise I need ;D
What did Ford say to GM ?
I don't recall . ;D
-
I'm not even a "Plug and Play" guy.
I cultivate the teenagers hired as weekend dish washers at the local coffee shop, gives me all the tech expertise I need ;D
My son built his own gaming computer, I thought it was cool but not my thing. Now I need to run Solidworks at home and after looking at what it would cost to get a unit I'm going to build my own for at least half price. And yes I'll run Windows 8.1 64-bit because everyone I deal with or will have to deal with works with windows.
What did Ford say to GM ?
I don't recall . ;D
LOL!
IIRC wasn't Union control at GM going to solve all these problems? ::)