modern cars p**s me off
Discussion
My partner has an e90 330i not as modern as some but still relatively modern in the sense they are running out of ides of yet more crap to chuck on them these days, just to make them heavier and less efficient, (yes she has stupid lights under the doors in case you can't see the door handles etc..). Sorry but in 30 years of driving I've never not found my door handle.....
Now where was I :-) I believe these cars are supposed to hold 6.5 litres of oil? So I done an oil change today and put in 5L and checked the oil level, not with a simple dipstick but the stupid computer read out on the dash that told me it was full, so I gingerly put another litre or so in, because I was sure they hold more than 5 litres and the level still said full, now is the crappy sensor knackered or do they hold only 5 litres or is that just how they are?? WHATS WRONG WITH A SIMPLE DIPSTICK, THEY WORK??, and you can check the quality of the oil when you buy a car, but with this system, you have no idea what the condition of the oil is unless you are able to take the filter housing cover off, which would be silly. My mechanic told me that the sensor also tells you the condition of the oil too, well that's crap because the oil filter was like treacle and gooey as the last oil change must have been some time ago. the problem I got is that the only faults cars seem to have these days are SENSOR faults, now of all things, an oil level sensor is something you don't want packing up surely, because you'd never know how much oil is in the car or not, or if its that in accurate you could only be running with say 4 litres of oil in the car which could register as nearly full. Am I the only sane person on here which would prefer cars to more basic and light and just work? Imagine the extra power and fuel economy you'd be able to utilise if modern cars weighed as little as a ford sierra for example (1200kgs not 1600kgs or so). rant over. any opinions on this?
Now where was I :-) I believe these cars are supposed to hold 6.5 litres of oil? So I done an oil change today and put in 5L and checked the oil level, not with a simple dipstick but the stupid computer read out on the dash that told me it was full, so I gingerly put another litre or so in, because I was sure they hold more than 5 litres and the level still said full, now is the crappy sensor knackered or do they hold only 5 litres or is that just how they are?? WHATS WRONG WITH A SIMPLE DIPSTICK, THEY WORK??, and you can check the quality of the oil when you buy a car, but with this system, you have no idea what the condition of the oil is unless you are able to take the filter housing cover off, which would be silly. My mechanic told me that the sensor also tells you the condition of the oil too, well that's crap because the oil filter was like treacle and gooey as the last oil change must have been some time ago. the problem I got is that the only faults cars seem to have these days are SENSOR faults, now of all things, an oil level sensor is something you don't want packing up surely, because you'd never know how much oil is in the car or not, or if its that in accurate you could only be running with say 4 litres of oil in the car which could register as nearly full. Am I the only sane person on here which would prefer cars to more basic and light and just work? Imagine the extra power and fuel economy you'd be able to utilise if modern cars weighed as little as a ford sierra for example (1200kgs not 1600kgs or so). rant over. any opinions on this?
Totally agree on the weight thing but alas safety and health etc
What engine? N53? I found the same thing recently and wasn't till in went on a long run that the computer realised the oil level was low!!! Turns out the oil needs to be fully hot for it to get a remotely accurate reading.
What engine? N53? I found the same thing recently and wasn't till in went on a long run that the computer realised the oil level was low!!! Turns out the oil needs to be fully hot for it to get a remotely accurate reading.
Edited by bmwmike on Saturday 21st January 19:16
I agree to an extent and there is no excuse for not having a simple dipstick (same in my 130i). I also don't care for electric steering locks, electric handbrakes etc, it's just more stuff to go wrong.
In saying that, despite all the tech and sensors, cars nowadays seem to be pretty reliable and long lasting compared to the sort of metal I owned 20 or so years ago. Back then, a 10 year old car, pretty much any 10 year old car, was a true banger and one more breakdown away from the scrapyard. Yet, my current car is 11 years old and as fit and reliable as the day it left the factory (as are most others cars of a similar age that have been remotely well looked after).
In saying that, despite all the tech and sensors, cars nowadays seem to be pretty reliable and long lasting compared to the sort of metal I owned 20 or so years ago. Back then, a 10 year old car, pretty much any 10 year old car, was a true banger and one more breakdown away from the scrapyard. Yet, my current car is 11 years old and as fit and reliable as the day it left the factory (as are most others cars of a similar age that have been remotely well looked after).
its a 2005 e90, not sure what engine, its the 258hp version. yes cars are more reliable these days, but like I said in my post all you hear about are sensor faults, but I'm not arguing old cars verses new ones, I'm just saying something like a MODERN 4L M3 for example with NO electric seats etc (I'm the only driver of my car and they never move), so what's the need to carry around all that weight for nothing, yes airbags are a safety issue, so cant argue that, although Id sooner not have them, nor abs nor traction control. (but that is just me). its the unnecessary crap they put on, just because people are materialistic and want them, what's the hardship in pulling up a leaver to move a seat for example? that's assuming you ever need to do it. Id prefer to be able to utilise the full power the car produces, not using half of it to pull around stuff I don't want or need and get a few extra miles per gallon too with less weight to pull, engines are soooo efficient these days but half of it is wasted because people want every extra on a car and as Clarkson says, weight is a killer, it kills fuel efficiency, it kills power and handling.
Thanks for the tip about engine being up to temp, I didn't know that (easier to check a dipstick though lol :-) )
Thanks for the tip about engine being up to temp, I didn't know that (easier to check a dipstick though lol :-) )
MitchT said:
This.
I'd love a Z4 coupé. The absence of a dipstck is the only thing putting me off.
Don't forget with some cars it's easy to add a dipstick. My audi didn't have one but it did have a tube with a rubber bung in it. Dipstick bought for £6, bung out. Job done. I'd love a Z4 coupé. The absence of a dipstck is the only thing putting me off.
Lots (not all) of cars have the tube but no stick, the mechanics use their own adjustable stick to quickly check oil level after a service rather than messing with the computer.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Engine-Gauge-Level-Dipsti...
DuraAce said:
Don't forget with some cars it's easy to add a dipstick. My audi didn't have one but it did have a tube with a rubber in it. Dipstick bought for £6,bung out. Job done.
Lots (not all) of cars have the tube but no stick, the mechanics use their own adjustable stick to quickly check oil level after a service rather than messing with the computer.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Engine-Gauge-Level-Dipsti...
do BMW's have that option? I was having the same rant with my mechanic and he didn't suggest that was a possibility, he just said that's the way cars are going nowLots (not all) of cars have the tube but no stick, the mechanics use their own adjustable stick to quickly check oil level after a service rather than messing with the computer.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Engine-Gauge-Level-Dipsti...
talksthetorque said:
MitchT said:
No thanks. That engine's potential weak spots could ruin me financially.
You've been reading the internet again haven't you!I admit 8k is a lot to pay for a dipstick
MitchT said:
Andy70 said:
WHATS WRONG WITH A SIMPLE DIPSTICK, THEY WORK??
This.I'd love a Z4 coupé. The absence of a dipstck is the only thing putting me off.
I've been using a Z4C as a daily driver for just under two years and the lack of a dipstick is extremely inconsequential.
TR4man said:
I've been using a Z4C as a daily driver for just under two years and the lack of a dipstick is extremely inconsequential.
Indeed it should be, but what if the sensor fails and you end up wrecking your engine because you think there's enough oil in when there isn't, or over fill it. I just don't get why virtually fail-safe mechanical solutions are replaced with potentially flaky electronic ones.Agree with you entirely OP!
Your E90 will have the N52 engine, same as my Z4 Coupe. Soon after I bought it I spent nearly an hour looking for a dipstick, then I read the handbook. WTF - it doesn't have one - well why the f*ck not?
So now whenever I use it I let it get warm and check with the button on the dash, not so much to check the level as to be sure the sensor is working!
Don't want to alarm you, but those engines also have an electric water pump which is prone to just dying at around 8 to 10 years old - OEM cost £500, although ECP quoted £340 (you can guess how I found out!) but the thermostat is about another £100 and then there is the cost of fitting.
So keep a close watch on the temperature gauge, cos it goes up really quickly - always assuming you have one (not sure E90s do)!
That is why I got rid of my 123d - mostly from reading about the N47 engine issues with cam-chain failures (the chain is at the BACK of the engine FFS) and the need for a new crankshaft on early cars (which mine was) plus the initial indifference of BMW to the problems. (They now refer to it as "Quality Enhancement").
Plus I didn't like the idea of flaps behind the front grille that are shut until the engine warms up to help with emissions, then they open when needed - assuming they are working, but as you have no temperature gauge your first clue may be a cloud of steam and a cooked engine!
Then there was the stop/start nonsense - might that be why I needed a new starter motor after 77K miles and 6 and a half years, not to mention a new battery at 55K miles and only 4 and a half years! Plus it is an AGM battery, so it costs a stupid amount and then needs to have the OBD updated to tell the stupid car it has a new one fitted (costs a mere £250 or so supplied and fitted at an independent)!
The only good thing I have found is my E46 that I got shortly after my Z4 Coupe - it has a low oil light AND a dip-stick, a temperature gauge and all sorts of old-fashioned loveliness!
Anyway much as I love my Z4, if it ever goes I won't even consider any BMW newer than the E46 generation - they just seem to be a bit to clever for their own good!
And I haven't even got as far as electric handbrakes yet............!
Your E90 will have the N52 engine, same as my Z4 Coupe. Soon after I bought it I spent nearly an hour looking for a dipstick, then I read the handbook. WTF - it doesn't have one - well why the f*ck not?
So now whenever I use it I let it get warm and check with the button on the dash, not so much to check the level as to be sure the sensor is working!
Don't want to alarm you, but those engines also have an electric water pump which is prone to just dying at around 8 to 10 years old - OEM cost £500, although ECP quoted £340 (you can guess how I found out!) but the thermostat is about another £100 and then there is the cost of fitting.
So keep a close watch on the temperature gauge, cos it goes up really quickly - always assuming you have one (not sure E90s do)!
That is why I got rid of my 123d - mostly from reading about the N47 engine issues with cam-chain failures (the chain is at the BACK of the engine FFS) and the need for a new crankshaft on early cars (which mine was) plus the initial indifference of BMW to the problems. (They now refer to it as "Quality Enhancement").
Plus I didn't like the idea of flaps behind the front grille that are shut until the engine warms up to help with emissions, then they open when needed - assuming they are working, but as you have no temperature gauge your first clue may be a cloud of steam and a cooked engine!
Then there was the stop/start nonsense - might that be why I needed a new starter motor after 77K miles and 6 and a half years, not to mention a new battery at 55K miles and only 4 and a half years! Plus it is an AGM battery, so it costs a stupid amount and then needs to have the OBD updated to tell the stupid car it has a new one fitted (costs a mere £250 or so supplied and fitted at an independent)!
The only good thing I have found is my E46 that I got shortly after my Z4 Coupe - it has a low oil light AND a dip-stick, a temperature gauge and all sorts of old-fashioned loveliness!
Anyway much as I love my Z4, if it ever goes I won't even consider any BMW newer than the E46 generation - they just seem to be a bit to clever for their own good!
And I haven't even got as far as electric handbrakes yet............!
Hmm. My 760's got a dipstick. Doesn't use any oil though.
When you eject the key, the seats move out, the wheel moves up and in (presumably to make it easier for the average American?). When you get in & start it, it all moves back (including the headrest height & the lumbar & the side support) back to where you left it. Impressive, yes. Useful on a regular basis, no (as I'm not 20stone).
When setting off, press one (shortcut) button on the wheel, and you have an auto handbrake. Come to a stop, it activates. Press the throttle, it deactivates.
I love it. All 2300+kgs of it. Yes, there's lots of technology, but 13 years on, it all still works, and works fine. Sometimes, toys are not a bad thing.
But then, I've also got an E89 Z4, and the handbrake (button) on that is the spawn of Satan.
And a V70, where if you don't use the handbrake, the rear shoes delaminate over time, then fail & lock the hub...
In summary... it's all dependent on the context!
When you eject the key, the seats move out, the wheel moves up and in (presumably to make it easier for the average American?). When you get in & start it, it all moves back (including the headrest height & the lumbar & the side support) back to where you left it. Impressive, yes. Useful on a regular basis, no (as I'm not 20stone).
When setting off, press one (shortcut) button on the wheel, and you have an auto handbrake. Come to a stop, it activates. Press the throttle, it deactivates.
I love it. All 2300+kgs of it. Yes, there's lots of technology, but 13 years on, it all still works, and works fine. Sometimes, toys are not a bad thing.
But then, I've also got an E89 Z4, and the handbrake (button) on that is the spawn of Satan.
And a V70, where if you don't use the handbrake, the rear shoes delaminate over time, then fail & lock the hub...
In summary... it's all dependent on the context!
Andy70 said:
Imagine the extra power and fuel economy you'd be able to utilise if modern cars weighed as little as a ford sierra for example (1200kgs not 1600kgs or so). rant over. any opinions on this?
I share exactly the same view as you, I have a E90 330i too and it's weight annoys me and it never feels 200 plus bhp because of it, I also had a E92 M3 with over 400 bhp and that suffered from the same flaw because of its weight. Now I don't know whether it's because I used to have XR4x4's/200sx/TVR(all around 1200kgs) but the weight of modern cars just takes the piss.
Traction control and all the other crap they have on them I don't understand either, I had a TVR Cerbera for 6 years without any safety crap on it and kept it out of a field so why have it when you don't need it.
The problem is nowadays a car needs over 500 bhp to actually feel quick to counteract the fact it weighs so much, I've said it a few times that with cars the past was far better than the future for sure.
Guess we are all of a similar age haha
If the environmental chaps who set the emissions targets and safety targets had had targeted excess weight (which surely must be a safety issue in itself) and largely ignored mpg we'd probably have much more efficient cars purely on the basis of the less weight. Why not plastic cars? They'll last forever which is what you want, at least the underlying basic platform (four wheels and drivetrain).
If the environmental chaps who set the emissions targets and safety targets had had targeted excess weight (which surely must be a safety issue in itself) and largely ignored mpg we'd probably have much more efficient cars purely on the basis of the less weight. Why not plastic cars? They'll last forever which is what you want, at least the underlying basic platform (four wheels and drivetrain).
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