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Re: Need HELP WITH 2000 740i BMW [slammy420]
Written by: blnewto on Jun 17, 2010 8:32:21 PM
Just about every aftermarket warranty has a giant list of exclusions and the almighty "warranty doesn't cover parts that fail due to overheating". Good luck trying to prove your transmission or motor wasn't overheating when it failed. Even if by chance you can prove it they have ways to wait you out and more lawyers than you :(
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Re: Need HELP WITH 2000 740i BMW [slammy420]
Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Jun 12, 2010 9:03:34 AM
Well they can easily test for a bad head gasket or a clogged PCV. There doesn't have to be any guess work here. Not sure, but I think your car is too old for extended warranties. I haven't had much experience with them, other than that these are not warranties of course, they are insurance policies, with lots of exclusions possible. They are betting your car doesn't break and you are ... Read More
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Re: Need HELP WITH 2000 740i BMW [Mr_Shiftright]
Written by: slammy420 on Jun 12, 2010 7:28:35 AM
Yes it is BLUE/WHITE AND THICK. Stays in the AIR!!!! and it has a sweet smell. No SMOG like smell. I Dont know how to explain that. How do you Fix the PCV? By the way my check coolant signal is always coming on. I just filled it up a month ago and again it came up. I was reading about the head gasket and it was saying that if the ... Read More
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Re: Need HELP WITH 2000 740i BMW [slammy420]
Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Jun 12, 2010 7:16:10 AM
Well I wouldn't let them do that until they tested positively for a head gasket. If the smoke is BLUE, then they are on the wrong track---if it's white, like steam, then they might be right. The PCV is Positive Crankcase Ventilation, a kind of sucking device that removes fumes from your engine and reburns them. If it's plugged, your engine builds up a lot of crankcase pressure and could force ... Read More
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Re: Need HELP WITH 2000 740i BMW [Mr_Shiftright]
Written by: slammy420 on Jun 11, 2010 11:49:13 PM
I have talked with a machanic and they said it might be the head gasket. It might cost from 750 to 1200 to fix it. But my concern is that whether the head gasket actually causes this problem? What is PCV valve? What should i do? The car runs excellent but this smoke is drivin me nuts,
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Re: Need HELP WITH 2000 740i BMW [slammy420]
Written by: Mr_Shiftright on May 15, 2010 7:55:15 PM
Might be a defective oil separator, which is an elaborate German idea of a PCV valve. It's about a 3.5 hour job if that's the culprit. Only other thing I can think of is bad valve stem seals or worn valve guides (high miles engine?) and that would cost more to fix than the separator. No, sorry there is no fluid, additive, pill, device or chemical that stops oil burning.
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Need HELP WITH 2000 740i BMW
Written by: slammy420 on May 15, 2010 5:17:44 PM
I have a 2000 BMW 740i. Alot of smoke comes out of the muffler when i start the car but no smoke when its running. Just when it starts. But when i restart after 5 to 10 mins or an hr the smoke doesnt come out. Im planning to sell this one and get a 2000 BMW convertible. How can i stop it? Is there any Fluids i can use to ... Read More
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Re: BMW diesels in Europe
Written by: jlbl on Feb 8, 2007 4:54:52 AM
"Just out of curiosity, what kind of turbo compressor does the current BMW diesel in Europe have?" 530d BMW has two turbos, as hpowders says. I am not familiar with its mechanics nor with those of Series 7 BMW diesel. My 2004 530d (manual, 6 gears) has one turbo, with the following characteristics: 3 liters, 6 cyl. with 4 valves per cyl., compression 17:1 5500 rpm, autolimited. Max. velocity: 152.24 miles ... Read More
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Re: Well, [blkhemi]
Written by: brightness04 on Jan 24, 2007 6:14:17 PM
Oh and by the way, when China(not if) gets their way, they will be the number one market in the world by 2010/11, and what is the number one selling HELM in that country. Yes, it's true, the very second-rate, non-worthy(as you'd put it) Audi A8. Okay, let's put some numbers into perspective. How many A8's does that supposed #1 in China amount to? less than 2000 cars in a year. ... Read More
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2007 Detroit Autoshow Report!
Written by: merc1 on Jan 15, 2007 1:01:02 PM
This year seems to have been more crowded than in recent years, maybe because I went on the first public day. It was very tough to get good pics this year, but I stil managed to get some great shots. I will posts the pics in a day or so. Now down to the business: Jaguar - The XF concept wasn't present. It was only for the preview days. They did ... Read More
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Who needs a Lexus-F when Infiniti can make a better car?
Written by: dewey on Dec 4, 2006 9:17:09 AM
IMO Infiniti would be a far better contender in producing exclusive limited production performance cars than Lexus. Unlike Lexus, Infiniti has proven with the M and G that they can produce both a chassis and a drivetrain that can easily compete with the Germans. Also the Nissan GT-R shows what potential Infiniti has in producing exciting cars. So why Lexus-F models? I guess Toyota is continuing its tradition of imitating Germans ... Read More
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Re: And...continuing to stay on topic [tagman]
Written by: blkhemi on Nov 29, 2006 5:24:05 PM
Tag, I don't know if you remember or not, but back in the summer, Merc and I, during the much-heated debates of the LS' redesign, brought up Lexus pricing stragegy of late. This opened up a whole can of WTF? And of course, we all never fully agreed on anything. Well the time has come, and as predicted, the new LS460(especially in L) is no longer that "value-conscience, sensible" buy that ... Read More
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Tag
Written by: drfill on Nov 25, 2006 6:21:54 PM
... and not changing for changes sake. Change is an ongoing process in the automobile industry. Merc has constantly, ad-nausium, put up pics of Mercedes evolution in exterior styling. But they are at best inconsistent on interior styling, as the 1998, 2000, and 2006 have little incommon with each other. I didn't know the wheel needed reinvention. Meaningless point. And the interior relationship to BMW is well-known and unmistakable. How is ... Read More
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Re: Tag [drfill]
Written by: tagman on Nov 25, 2006 10:29:54 AM
... and not changing for changes sake. Change is an ongoing process in the automobile industry. Merc has constantly, ad-nausium, put up pics of Mercedes evolution in exterior styling. But they are at best inconsistent on interior styling, as the 1998, 2000, and 2006 have little incommon with each other. I didn't know the wheel needed reinvention. Meaningless point. And the interior relationship to BMW is well-known and unmistakable. How is ... Read More
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Tag
Written by: drfill on Nov 25, 2006 10:10:35 AM
So, it also makes sense to re-style the interiors of cars as well. Not an easy accomplishment, but Mercedes rose to the occasion. Lexus only tweaked the same old interior dash/center stack/console layout, while Mercedes S-Class interior represents a more recent and contemporary restyle. Contemporary to what? Buyers wanted the LS to offer AWD, more trunk sapce, more rear seat room, more features, more power. Lexus delivered. Apparently, the interior design ... Read More
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Re: Quality is Job One Again for MB [tagman]
Written by: dewey on Nov 13, 2006 2:29:14 PM
Remember that article about BMW I posted recently? That was also a good one, IMO. How can I forget. I think that BMW article you had posted was responsible for at least 2000 posts in what was then called the HELM forum. ;)
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Re: Mercedes-Benz - A short lesson... [merc1]
Written by: brightness04 on Oct 26, 2006 7:53:38 AM
Thanks for the valiant effort to clear up some of the confusions. MB certainly lacks the BMW marketting department's clarity of vision. E class was derived from the old 300 series, and you are certainly correct about where the letter E came from. MB used to be engine-centric, building cars around engines. It may not have been unique in that regard, just witness all the car companies with "motor" in their ... Read More
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Re: Finally a threat to BMW? [mariner7]
Written by: reality2 on Oct 8, 2006 7:13:08 PM
This is conjecture and based more on conspiracy theories than actual information. It is a stupid article at best considering some of the moronic comments by the the magazine CAR. It states that Dr. Piech would use the Porsche 25 per cent stake in VW (it is actually at 21 per cent, with an option to take 25 per cent)to launch a bid for the whole VW Group and replace Dr. ... Read More
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Re: Peugeot 908 RC, C230 etc....... [tagman]
Written by: merc1 on Oct 1, 2006 9:23:40 PM
Maybe, but easy isn't the question. The current C-Class is Mercedes' largest seller. That says enough to know that you can bake a little E and S-Class into a cheaper vehicle. True, they could but then you'd be at the price a regular C-Class sedan. The C hatch needed to be sporty like other hatches to succeed. If one wants some E or S-Class in a C-C they're going to go ... Read More
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Re: Potpourri... Tagman, question for you... [ljflx]
Written by: merc1 on Jun 14, 2006 10:18:38 PM
In the case of MB you are rewarding them for tremendous inefficiencies in their production process and bad cost controls overall. They have to get those prices because they'd be bleeding to death without them. In CFO land this is the ultimate no-no. On the other hand you are penalizing a brand that is lean and mean and can price aggressively. In CFO land this is another major no-no. All things ... Read More
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Re: BMW Sales Report [hpowders]
Written by: designman on Jun 2, 2006 5:39:28 AM
As I am becoming more of a victim of slow oxidation, I could see the possibility of an LS in my future. There will come a time when I will have to have a good hard look in the mirror and realize my BMW days are over. I don’t know what you are talking about unless you are just trying to tease the Lexicans in which case it is funny indeed. ... Read More
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Re: Merc [drfilll]
Written by: merc1 on May 16, 2006 10:19:29 PM
Doc you're confused. I know you didn't bring up the $50k CLK as a C320 coupe! YOU can't wait to announce it as a SC430 competitor, and superior at that. The CLK and C-Class sedan share a platform, and that's about it. Yeah I did as to say that the CLK's sales aren't counted in the C-Class like BMW counts their 3-Series coupes in with their sedan. The CLK shares its ... Read More
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Merc
Written by: drfilll on May 16, 2006 5:20:07 PM
Regarding my issue with the 7-series, the 7 is a swell car, but the S-Class can consistently keep up with it (or pass it) in sales numbers, as the new iteration has, yet it costs significantly more. If you look over the last ten years, the 7 and S sales would be virtually the same throughout that time. The 7 should be outselling it rather easily, given it's price point, if ... Read More
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Re: LS600h and European Passions [merc1]
Written by: stevekilburn on Apr 16, 2006 10:54:19 PM
Well said Merc1. This is a very good answer. Most people are so mesmerized by Toyota's success in US, that they think Toyota is "Mistake Free" and can never or has never made an error. It is true that Toyota along with BMW has made profits every single year in past 50 years (except BMW in 1999/2000) but that does not mean Toyota has not made mistakes. Although they have a ... Read More
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2006 Detroit Autoshow Report!
Written by: merc1 on Jan 18, 2006 11:23:29 PM
Well I'm back. I see I haven't missed anything, but 325+ posts about the same stuff we've been arguing about for years now it seems!! I may or may not go back through all of those posts to respond to some of the more curious items. Anyway, down to business. This year's NAIAS was without a doubt the best I've ever been too. The sheer number of new cars and stunning ... Read More
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Stats and Spins
Written by: oac on Jan 16, 2006 2:51:11 PM
Stats: MB: 95-2000=99%, 2000-2005=20% BMW: 95-2000=46%, 2000-2005=45% Lexus: 95-2000=28%, 2000-2005=49% MB sales/growth goes from 99% --> 20% BMW sales/growth goes from 46% --> 45% Lexus sales/growth goes from 28% --> 49% OK, we got the stats.... Now comes the spin German cars are doing fantastic... Take out the cars, and they are far out-growing Lexus... Jurgen was MB's problem, and now that he is out, its full steam ahead for MB ... Read More
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Re: Growth rate and price [designman]
Written by: syswei on Jan 16, 2006 1:49:49 PM
Looks like growth rate is inversely proportional to price. Is the less expensive brand of cars here more inclined to grow? High prices didn't keep MB from substantially outgrowing Lexus and BMW "in cars" in the 1995-2000 period. Also, in other markets, it seems to me that retailers that are carry higher-priced goods often outgrow more mainstream retailers. Example: Whole Foods.
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Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics
Written by: docnukem on Jan 16, 2006 12:19:58 PM
The scary thing for MB is the relative rate of growth. Cars only: MB: 95-2000=99%, 2000-2005=20% BMW: 95-2000=46%, 2000-2005=45% Lexus: 95-2000=28%, 2000-2005=49% As you can see, you can make the numbers say whatever you want them to say.
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Re: Sales..... [dewey]
Written by: syswei on Jan 16, 2006 12:11:17 PM
You're spinning in a very German way. What the 5 year numbers show is that BMW is indeed "holding its own" vs Lexus, in cars. But does 20% unit growth for MB, when BMW and Lexus grew 45% and 49% (in cars), mean MB is "holding its own"? Do you think the MB USA execs are patting themselves on the back for that? long term stats of 10 years indicates the ... Read More
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Re: Sales..... [docnukem]
Written by: syswei on Jan 16, 2006 12:00:34 PM
well anyway here are the 5-year numbers, for CARS ONLY, as the germancarfans prefer: BMW 2000: 135,983... 2005: 197,833 up 45% MB 2000: 152,850... 2005: 183,169 up 20% Lexus 2000: 101,441... 2005: 151,226 up 49% Any questions?
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Re: Sales..... [brightness04]
Written by: syswei on Jan 16, 2006 10:39:54 AM
I think the X5 started in late 99. But I think it is true that the BMW SUV lineup was less "built out" in 2000 than Lexus', given that BMW had only 1 SUV at that point, so their 5-year growth benefited more from an SUV "catch-up" than is the case for Lexus.
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Re: Sales..... [designman]
Written by: brightness04 on Jan 16, 2006 10:20:10 AM
The rapid sales growth at BMW over the past 5yrs came mainly from the SUV's. In 2000, RX300 was already the top selling luxury SUV. . . X5 and X3 did not exist yet.
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Re: Sales..... [scott1256]
Written by: syswei on Jan 16, 2006 8:28:14 AM
MB just completed their 12th consecutive year of increased sales in the USA. BMW has a stellar track record too. The success of Lexus doesn't mean BMW/MB are out of the picture. No they're not out of the picture, nor do I expect that to happen, however Lexus has and imho will continue to gain market share. Some others were asking about "where Lexus' share has come from" and I couldn't ... Read More
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MB TREMENDOUS sales increase???
Written by: lexusi on Jan 15, 2006 2:00:43 PM
Although in my IMHO I do not judge the car by its sales, but thats why manufacturers produce cars? to sell no to display?! anyhow, Lexus sales were shown against BMW sales, and here is the other part of the story, the MB sales (USA only), lets see how tremendous it is! yah BTW, here is an intersting point: "Posting its best sales month with 31,192 units sold in December, MBUSA ... Read More
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Re: A little perspective, please [tagman]
Written by: ljflx on Jan 15, 2006 6:36:39 AM
Tagman - I expect a fully loaded LS460L to be in the 78-82K range and it will sell like hotcakes. I expect that there will be some available in the mid 70's. The demand will outstrip the supply IMO. The LS600H will push somewhere from about 6-7% above that top price to $100K with some special option packages. In general I think Lexus status with this car plus the LFA and ... Read More
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Re: Dewey....a proposal [bdr127]
Written by: syswei on Jan 14, 2006 3:32:30 PM
You should really check the facts before you state "facts" that you "believe" And YOU should actually READ the post carefully if you are going to go so far as to criticize it. I said the ratio had increased "over the past 5 or so years", NOT that the ratio had increased over EACH of the past 5 or so years. So, here are the facts: BMW 7-series 2005 units: 18,165 ... Read More
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A little perspective, please
Written by: garyh1 on Jan 13, 2006 10:44:57 PM
You know, I would like to comment on some of these posts, but by the time I find the time to read them all, I have to go do something else in my "real" non-electronic life. Do you folks realize the volume of messages you are all posting? This forum has been running for just over 6 years, and for those first 6 years there were an average of just over ... Read More
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Re: Percentage leased... [scott1256]
Written by: brightness04 on Jan 10, 2006 11:26:23 AM
IMHO, price range is one factor; an even more significant factor is "vendor financing," regardless whether it is done through lease or loans from the manufacturer. It's a way for the manufacturer to book imaginary sales up front, only to back out of the books later. The practice is okay so long as unit sales are going up . . . the residual shortfall three years later can be papered over ... Read More
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Re: continuation [oac]
Written by: dewey on Nov 22, 2005 4:23:15 PM
!Let's see what KBB says about such a scenario: 2000 528i, Good condition: link title 2000 GS300, Good condition: link title Hmmmmmm !!!! Which one is higher priced as a used car ???? Note, this is KBB trade-in value. Among several model years you are selectively choosing among various models just one instance where a Lexus beats a BMW in terms of resalue values. Seems a bit desperate!
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Re: continuation [designman]
Written by: oac on Nov 22, 2005 4:07:29 PM
BMW is strong and I believe their 4-year free maintenance is a big part of the reason, not to mention it's the ultimate driving machine. That 4-yr *free* maint is built-in, isn't it ? The ultimate driving machine remains a marketing jargon, albeit a good one since many people actually believe it and live it. Let's see: Since we are quoting KBB, how 'bout this actual KBB real-world test. We sample ... Read More
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Re: Just a Thought.. [dewey]
Written by: sv7887 on Nov 18, 2005 6:10:20 AM
Hi All, Michael is indeed correct. That recall was a one off thing, as the first batch of the 6 speeds had a production fault. Trying looking anywhere on the web to find anyone complaining about a Lexus drivetrain. I'd prefer a one off recall to the myraid of electrical problems that German cars have these days. Try a failing Airmatic suspension or cars with a complicated iDrive system that doesn't ... Read More
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Re: Just a Thought.. [manifold]
Written by: killerbunny on Nov 8, 2005 8:33:27 AM
I dont care what Lexus or Acura does, it will take them a while before they get accepted in the very snobbish world of luxury cars. Only a while. Less than 10 years, to be exact. Lexus was introduced in 1990 and became the top-selling brand before 2000. They are already accepted. Lexus, Acura and Infinity combined outsells BMW, MB and Audi combined.
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Re: Jaguar [xkss]
Written by: merc1 on Apr 8, 2005 3:55:13 AM
Though I did like the XJS way back in the day, I really never really gave Jaguars too much thought until the 1997 XK8 showed up. Then came the 2000 S-Type and now the 2004 XJ. The XK is still as timeless as day one. Remarkable. The 2000-2002 S-Type was not up to the Jaguar name imo. The cheap Ford touches were everywhere. Then for 2003 the car got its first ... Read More
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Re: ljflx [ljflx]
Written by: merc1 on Mar 25, 2005 11:05:23 AM
Interesting points, as always. I do think you're looking at from just a hp/price standpoint and I think it will take more than that and a fuel economy edge to crack the market at the high end, especially on a proposed 600hp car. Mercedes has played their hand as far as the S600 and S65, you're right they aren't going to get any cheaper. However we really need to see what ... Read More
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Re: CR ratings [topspin628]
Written by: tiag_m5 on Mar 8, 2005 7:49:40 PM
From my perspective, I believe that CR is spot on in it's reliability ratings. When I ask people about the cars they own and when I factor in my own experience it seems to back up what CR claims. CR's ratings just don't make much sense. Take the X5 for example. They marked it with a black X as worse than average predicted reliability for 2005... Yet at the same time, ... Read More
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Re: More of the same... [sv7887]
Written by: tiag_m5 on Mar 8, 2005 12:26:48 AM
"Unbalanced Whale?" This is utter nonsense. They even admitted the car wasn't equipped with the 18" tires and Euro Sport Suspension and admitted it was not a fair test. You're taking everything out of context. Don't try to twist the facts. C&D never said that the test was unfair. Why would C&D put together an article and then discredit themselves by saying it was an unfair test? Give me a break. ... Read More
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garyh1
Written by: merc1 on Feb 24, 2005 10:44:48 PM
"That was your question. I believe my example is fully responsive to your question. The fact that MB has been having problems with its implementation of air suspensions for years, and Lexus added it later to its Ultras and has not had any problems reported with its version, directly makes the point that MB sets the standard that Lexus subsequently matches with greater reliability. I don't think it does for the ... Read More
