My service loaner rules!

4490 Views 126 Replies 15 Participants Last post by alee, Feb 15, 2002

alee

Discussion Starter · Feb 14, 2002

My first service loaner...

It's awesome! It rattles, it wanders, it floats, and makes wacky gerbil noises when you push it hard.

In the next 24 hours, I will constantly reminded of how wonderful my 330Ci is.

It was either this car, or wait almost 3 weeks for a BMW loaner. The Saturn actually isn't so terrible, but coming out of my car and into the Saturn was like being beaten in the head.

On a more relevant topic...

I got to play with I-Drive finally. In short, I think it sucks. It's appropriate for some things (navigation, OBC and phone), and just plain stupid for others.

Things I liked: force feedback (very smart), intuitive push and turn motions to use.

That's about where it ends. It's entirely too much work to control the stereo. Adjusting airflow in Climate is best done when pulled over on the side of the road. And I think there's just too much crap on the screen.

Learning the compass directions shouldn't be too hard for most people. Remembering how to do everything else will be a challenge not suited for a generation of people who can't even set the clock on their VCR. I'm close to saying that putting I-Drive in a car is downright irresponsible.

I'm sure Nate, Vince and the E65 lovers will disagree. I'm not saying it's not cool -- it's a neat idea, and if it were in my home theater, I'd probably like it. But, we're talking about putting this in a 2 ton vehicle that will be moving at over 60+ mph, and asking the average driver (who often can't even hold a conversation with their passenger without losing their lane) to use it. I'm sorry, I'm just not sold.

Just my 2 cents.

Oh, and I still think the styling on the E65 is nasty.

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alee

Discussion Starter · #21 · Feb 14, 2002

Re: Re: Re: ...

VinceTopasBlau3 said:
Anyhoo...I don't deny that I-Drive is an easy system to use. It takes a little while to get used to. But hey, the new 7 is about new perspectives in driving.

I'm think TD is starting to rub off on me.

Pretty soon, I'll be ditching my E46 for an E36, and proclaiming all cars made after 1998 are junk.

Well, probably not.

Mr Paddle.Shift

· #22 · Feb 14, 2002

2

Re: Re: Re: Re: ...

Ha!

The E46-dumpsters-for-E36 just love each other soooooo much!

Well, I would have gone for this too...

currently on Ebay.

alee said:
I'm think TD is starting to rub off on me.

Pretty soon, I'll be ditching my E46 for an E36, and proclaiming all cars made after 1998 are junk.

Well, probably not.

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AF

· #23 · Feb 15, 2002

I'm shocked you didn't wait for the service to be done, I can't believe you actually left your car with someone else.

. . . I heard they use Ivory liquid to wash the car and it's going to take all your Zaino off

Dr. Phil

· #24 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

alee said:
Would you believe I'm letting the dealer wash my car?

Drought restrictions here... can't wash my car. It was let them do it, or buy a lot of bottled water.

THUD :yikes:

That was the sound of Phil passing out after reading Al's post. Boy I hope they use a clean wash mitt:eeps:

Dr. Phil

· #25 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

ALEX325i said:
Oh, I bet you have boxes of Evian sitting in your basement already...

No Roaring Springs:thumb: I'm working on a group buy for all of us poor PA owners.

vexed

· #26 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

PM 325xiT said:
THUD :yikes:

That was the sound of Phil passing out after reading Al's post. Boy I hope they use a clean wash mitt:eeps:

Just picture Al lying awake tonight wondering, will there be scratches, swirl marks..... I know someone who won't get be getting any sleep tonight, and it's not because it is Valentine's Day.:yikes: :yikes:

Dr. Phil

· #27 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

vexed said:
Just picture Al lying awake tonight wondering, will there be scratches, swirl marks..... I know someone who won't get be getting any sleep tonight, and it's not because it is Valentine's Day.:yikes: :yikes:

:lmao: He'll be too worried to even think about "it"

I'm sure he'll find some defect even if imaginary when he gets it back

Then we'll get the complete Z write up and a new set of pics

alee

Discussion Starter · #28 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

PM 325xiT said:
THUD :yikes:

That was the sound of Phil passing out after reading Al's post. Boy I hope they use a clean wash mitt:eeps:

I watched them wash 2 cars today and decided they were doing at least the basics right... linear motions, and clean cloths.

They use a touchless car wash bay, and then they dry it off by hand.

I'm not comfortable about it, but my car already has some bad swirling so a little more won't hurt. It's porter cable time this spring when the temps hit about 75.

Dr. Phil

· #29 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

alee said:
I watched them wash 2 cars today and decided they were doing at least the basics right... linear motions, and clean cloths.

They use a touchless car wash bay, and then they dry it off by hand.

I'm not comfortable about it, but my car already has some bad swirling so a little more won't hurt. It's porter cable time this spring when the temps hit about 75.

Al I'm proud of you:thumb: The Prozac is definately working.

Porter Cable....:thumb: Maybe a little paint cleaner and polishing for the xiT too:dunno: I'll buy the food and beer and I'll even pay for the round of golf

alee

Discussion Starter · #30 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

PM 325xiT said:
Porter Cable....:thumb: Maybe a little paint cleaner and polishing for the xiT too:dunno: I'll buy the food and beer and I'll even pay for the round of golf

You may have a deal there. After seeing Rip's Griot's diet, and the great results he got, I have a feeling they'll be getting a huge order from me around April.

I'll promise to practice on the 93 Altima first.

vexed

· #31 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

alee said:
You may have a deal there. After seeing Rip's Griot's diet, and the great results he got, I have a feeling they'll be getting a huge order from me around April.

I'll promise to practice on the 93 Altima first.

News Flash: Sal Zaino has heart attack upon learning number 1 customer is defecting.

Say it ain't so.

As for me, Blitz, yes Al Blitz.

Dr. Phil

· #32 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

alee said:
You may have a deal there. After seeing Rip's Griot's diet, and the great results he got, I have a feeling they'll be getting a huge order from me around April.

I'll promise to practice on the 93 Altima first.

I bought my first batch from car care online but I'm thinking about a couple of Griot items myself. I need the finger sponges for the style 73s, speed shine and some of those window wipes. The travel size safety items will be on the list as well:thumb:

Practice on non-BMW is a good idea

Hey did you hear about Mike's retirement, I amused myself with that one

Dr. Phil

· #33 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

vexed said:
News Flash: Sal Zaino has heart attack upon learning number 1 customer is defecting.

Say it ain't so.

As for me, Blitz, yes Al Blitz.

I was wondering what that second THUD was from

Blitz for me so far, round 2 ~ April 1rst.:thumb:

alee

Discussion Starter · #34 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

vexed said:
Say it ain't so.

I've spent a lot of time thinking about switching to carnuba. I used to use P21S, so I'd probably go back to that. I've never used Griot's stuff, but I've heard nothing but good things about their hand and machine polishes.

The only fear I have is doing the polishing myself. Do I spend the $300-$400 at Griot's and load up on P21S, or do I spend $100-$150 for a pro to do the exterior, and another $100 in carnuba products after the first detail?

Part of my problem is Zaino doesn't come off without denatured alcohol, so taking it off and doing a full detail myself could take about 10-12 hours.

alee

Discussion Starter · #35 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

PM 325xiT said:
I bought my first batch from car care online ...

My first batch from carcareonline.com (and my 3rd batch of Zaino):

Hey did you hear about Mike's retirement, I amused myself with that one

Did I miss a post?

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Dr. Phil

· #36 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

alee said:
I've spent a lot of time thinking about switching to carnuba. I used to use P21S, so I'd probably go back to that. I've never used Griot's stuff, but I've heard nothing but good things about their hand and machine polishes.

The only fear I have is doing the polishing myself. Do I spend the $300-$400 at Griot's and load up on P21S, or do I spend $100-$150 for a pro to do the exterior, and another $100 in carnuba products after the first detail?

Part of my problem is Zaino doesn't come off without denatured alcohol, so taking it off and doing a full detail myself could take about 10-12 hours.

Al why not hook up with Mike's sister:dunno: If they can do the "grunt" work then I know you can get the shine back to where you want it.

Figure what you would charge for 10 hours of your time and compare that to the cost:yikes: Yes I know you're overpaid (as am I, no comment on Vexed required) but its worth consideration IMO.

vexed

· #37 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

alee said:
I've spent a lot of time thinking about switching to carnuba. I used to use P21S, so I'd probably go back to that. I've never used Griot's stuff, but I've heard nothing but good things about their hand and machine polishes.

The only fear I have is doing the polishing myself. Do I spend the $300-$400 at Griot's and load up on P21S, or do I spend $100-$150 for a pro to do the exterior, and another $100 in carnuba products after the first detail?

Part of my problem is Zaino doesn't come off without denatured alcohol, so taking it off and doing a full detail myself could take about 10-12 hours.

My rationale is simple; the dealer's detailer used Blitz and the car looked great, and I can "borrow" some from my office mate who has the OB 325i:thumb:
I do believe having a lighter color will make my life easier and to be honest that is one the reasons I did not get topaz.
I have some Meguiar's instant detailer, I liked the what it worked on a small portion of the roof. I do need something for those wheels, 40 minutes to wash the car, another 30 on the wheels.:yikes:

alee

Discussion Starter · #38 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

PM 325xiT said:
Al why not hook up with Mike's sister:dunno: If they can do the "grunt" work then I know you can get the shine back to where you want it.

I don't think Mike's sister does cars for individuals... I believe she has a pretty substantial business contracted by other dealers.

I most certainly would consider giving her my business, although the drive is pretty far to get my car professionally polished and then driven back to my place where by then it will have a nice film of road grime.

Otto's BMW contracts detail work out to Lyon's Detailing which is about 2-3 blocks from me. I've watched them do a lot of cars and so far I'm impressed.

I may still do it myself... just because I need that kind of control in my life.

Got a few months to decide anyway

Dr. Phil

· #39 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

alee said:
My first batch from carcareonline.com (and my 3rd batch of Zaino):

Did I miss a post?

I've seen that one before. Take away the Z and the leather treatment (ette for me) and my shelf would match yours. How do you like those yellow flannels? I wish they were a little more absorbent, maybe they just need to be washed and used more:dunno:

Mike's retirement right after your last post
Labotomy

jdlsc

· #40 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Al, hope it's not TOO late...

alee said:
Did I miss a post?

Al, you have my girlfriends kitchen table. Wait! That is my girlfriends kitchen table! :yikes:

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