How much OEM BMW plastic can you buy for $200?

Posted By on July 3, 2016

NewPlasticForBMWX5_160702

Plastic is not cheap when it comes to engine compartment parts for our BMW X5 35d, although parts for most cars are all pretty expensive … ExhaustTempSensorbut what other options are there? Since they just came in today (Saturday), I’m hoping to work one the car Sunday or Monday – we will see since Monday is a July 4th holiday.

Initially I thought I might fabricate the pre-firewall shielding parts from aluminum since I still have a few sheet left from the Sonex project and last winter’s woodstove surround, but I was saved by online shopping.
Smile
Actually I was a little bit surprise in being able to source the part with relatively inexpensive shipping, so keeping the entire order under $200 with shipping wasn’t all that bad in my opinion … I thought it might be more.

Today’s project was all about tracking down the nagging code being triggered by a sensor. Finally I squeezed in and replaced an exhaust temperature sensor that has been throwing the code. Hopefully that is it, but it is going to take more than a short 15 minute test drive to really know if the check engine light remains off for good. I’m crossing my fingers.

ExhaustTempTooHigh

Archive: Keeping my eyes open for a Packard emblem

Posted By on July 2, 2016

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The 1958 Packard Hawk isn’t on the "to do" agenda for this summer, but when walking by it in the garage, it is difficult to not think about things that need to be done. One particular item I need to find is a gold "hawk" emblem just above the trunk lock mechanism (sort of like the one on the hood above, I think?) I’ve done a cursory look on Ebay but I didn’t find anything, so I’ll archive the "need" here just in case I need to look up the photos when I’m out and about OR if a reader spots something — email me here.

A short post to set up OLW on a new ASUS notebook

Posted By on July 1, 2016

AsusVivoBookE403SThis is a quick test for a new computer running Open Live Writer.

I’m retiring my 9 year old Gateway notebook computer and forging ahead with a low powered and low cost Microsoft Window 10 notebook. More to come on my recent addition in a future post, but after the Gateway overheated and cooked itself to death I had to make a quick decision. I would have loved a Mac Air, MacBook or MacBook Pro … but I don’t use the notebook computers like I use to now that nearly everything is on the cloud and accessable with an iPad and Brydge Keyboard. Sof for now, it will take a little tweaking to get this new ASUS VivoBook E403SA to my liking. So far, so good.

Open Live Writer – WordPress and a computer problem

Posted By on June 30, 2016

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Tinkering with a new notebook computer (tomorrow’s post) and a few Open Live Writer issues. This is at test image with the scaling set to 100% — makes no difference.  Next step is to look at the WordPress style.css to see if there is anything that might be causing display issues.

Blue Sky from 1972 – an Allman Brother classic for #TBT

Posted By on June 30, 2016

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Doggies in the Toyota window – Pre-4th of July

Posted By on June 29, 2016

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Summer Breeze, makes me feel fine …

Posted By on June 29, 2016

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Islamic State prime suspect after suicide bombers kill 41 at Istanbul airport

Posted By on June 29, 2016

Proving how difficult it is to secure soft targets from suicide committed terrorists.

Turkish investigators pored over video footage and witness statements on Wednesday after three suspected Islamic State suicide bombers opened fire and blew themselves up in Istanbul’s main airport, killing 41 people and wounding 239.

Source: Islamic State prime suspect after suicide bombers kill 41 at Istanbul airport

What Volkswagen TDI owners need to know about the settlement

Posted By on June 28, 2016

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As Volkswagen prepares to dole out $15 BILLION in a diesel emissions settlement for their cheating, here is what VW TDI owners need to know (Source: Yahoo Finance):

Who can file a claim?

Owners of certain Volkswagen and Audi cars with 2.0 liter diesel engines from model years 2009-2015 are eligible under the settlement. The deal covers the following models:

Volkswagen – Beetle, Beetle Convertible 2013-2015, Golf 2-Door 2010-2013, Golf 4-Door 2010-2015, Golf SportWagen 2015, Jetta 2009-2015, Jetta SportWagen 2009-2014, Passat 2012-2015

Audi – A3 2010-2013, 2015

What are the options?

Volkswagen will pay cash compensation of at least $5,100 to each owner. In addition, owners may opt for a buyback by Volkswagen or wait for VW to develop a fix that can win regulatory approval.

For cars whose owners sold them after the scandal hit, the cash payment will be divided between the previous and new owners.

Lessees will receive 10 percent of the car’s base value plus $1,529.005. They can have their leases terminated with no fee.

What is the buyback option?

Under the buyback option, owners who purchased vehicles before Sept. 18, 2015 will get the vehicle’s pre-scandal value, adjusted for options and mileage. The value will be determined based on the Clean Trade-In Value in the September 2015 edition of the NADA Used Car Guide.

What is the modification option?

Some owners may want Volkswagen to fix to their cars to make them compliant with environmental regulations. That fix may not be available until May 1, 2018, if at all. If no fix becomes available, those owners can then choose the buyback option. Owners choosing the fix will receive the same cash compensation as those who opted for the buyback.

How might the modification affect my vehicle’s performance?

The impact is not yet known. If and when a fix is approved by regulators, Volkswagen will send owners disclosures that will detail the effect on emissions levels, reliability, durability, fuel economy, noise vibration and harshness, vehicle performance, drivability and other vehicle attributes.

How soon must I decide what to do?

Owners do not need to choose between a buyback or a modification until they are notified whether a fix is available. Regardless of which option is chosen, owners must submit a claim to www.VWCourtSettlement.com by Sept 1, 2018. Owners may begin submitting information to Volkswagen on July 26, 2016.

How soon will I be compensated?

The earliest will be October 2016. Similarly, Volkswagen will begin buybacks no earlier than October 2016.

Does the settlement address 3.0 liter engine cars?

No. A settlement to address some 80,000 3.0 liter vehicles sold by Volkswagen in the United States is still pending.

What if I am not sure whether the settlement covers me?

You can go to www.VWClassSettlement.com or call 1-844-98-CLAIM. You may also write VW Court Settlement, P.O. Box 214500, Auburn Hills, MI 48326.

Why was there a lawsuit?

In the biggest scandal in its history, the German automaker admitted in September to outfitting its diesel cars with software to evade emissions tests. Those "defeat devices" allowed its 2.0 liter cars to emit up to 40 times legally allowable pollution.

LINK

Quadrotors are likely going to be the next personal aircraft

Posted By on June 28, 2016

I’m not sure how the whole "drone" future is going to turn out, but it is exciting to watch the improvements over a short period of time. The ease of flying, improvements in batteries and quality of video have really advanced. It will not be long before we’re "jumping" around town in a quadrotor. I still worry about safety and drones being used by terrorists, but the US needs to be on the cutting edge when it comes to innovation and amateur experimentation (just as will my EAA = Experimental Aircraft Association)

My son-in-law, Drew brought his older quadrotor to our house last summer, but recently upgraded to a more advanced model. He has sent me some amazing footage over their house. Hopefully later this year when we visit them in Wayzata, MN I’ll get a chance to play with his new quadrotor. It gives a whole new meaning to being an "armchair pilot."

Click for larger video or here for full screen ==>

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog