Introducing Hermann - no really...

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by UltArc

I don't disagree- but a status symbol, in my opinion, is almost flaunting money (or status). True, a Fisker Karma or a Tesla is a sign of money, but thinking about areas with crazy fuel prices compared to the US, seeing an Escalade or a Hummer may cost the same, or even less, but just to run it (fuel, tires, road taxes) costs so much.

That is why North American market cars don't sell overseas and never have in big numbers.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

That is why North American market cars don't sell overseas and never have in big numbers.

They used to sell well in South America, but often with different engine options compared to their U.S.-spec counterparts. Altough Chevy currently imports the Camaro to my country only with the V8 (the V6 ones only come thru private imports), there was never any Brazilian-made Chevy with a V8, not even the trucks had this option. Anyway, often I still daydream about a Cadillac Escalade with a Mercedes-Benz OM-904 LA swapped into

[Arragonis]

Yep. If you take a look at the wayback machines archive of videos they are kind of interesting. There are some car promos from US companies stating this is "the envy of the world" and "world standard" but it never was really. 70s US cars are a joke here.

[320touring]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

I have a long weekend coming up so planning to check out the condition of the intake system - as someone found this kind of thing in theirs :



It can cause poor throttle response (check) and MPG issues (yep).

The Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner Foam trick should work well there..

[Arragonis]

Did a software update to the MMI (Multimedia Interface stuff) today via the CD player. Whilst waiting for it to complete I re-did my grill blocks in Correx.

Connie (the dog) seems OK about it.

[320touring]

Looks positive!

Did you get all the "Black Death" cleaned out then?

Does this car have the variable vane turbo setup?

[Arragonis]

Haven't had the EGR out yet as I've been playing with Correx and the MMI upgrade stuff - actualy its mainly fixes for stuff that didn't quite work but nice.

My next job is trying to source a silver painted rear parking sensor (ebay) before I get the bumper off (16 bolts) - that way if the sensor has failed then I can swap it in one go, otherwise I can fix the wiring and sell the sensor on. Aso trying to find a F suffix rear sensor control unit so I can have a reversing park display on the MMI screen.

Hermann does have a VNT - I think most TDIs do, don't they ? The turbo blows fine with no odd noises but not a super duper level of powah. Then again the 2.7 with 180hp is not much better than the 2.0 with 170, just a lot more "wafting" capability. It is very smooth though - like really smooth - and sounds like an Intercity 125 on full chat mode.

I do have this one though :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_B4bzVsxgs

Go to about 20 secs and listen for the noise when he switches off. It could mean the plastic bit here is worn :



but others say it is fine to leave.

I need another day or two of being able to rip the engine bay to pieces, when my bloody cold goes - it's annoying now. Goes from being a mild headache or flu style feeling to nothing, then a sore throat which gets very painful for a few hours and then goes and then ear ache and then repeat. Had antibiotics, hot baths, toddies and everything. The toddies seem to work the best IMHO even with no sugar.

[Arragonis]

PS - Also need a day so I can unpack and test my present to me - a powah washer.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

70s US cars are a joke here.

For people who like large cars they're nice, but their engines and drivelines are real boat-anchors. I've already seen many full-size sedans which had their stock V8 gassers above 4-litre backed by manual transmissions with no more than 4-speed getting better performance with a 4JB1 and a 5-speed transmission, just due to the improved gearing and the lighter engine weight

[Arragonis]

Remved the lower block his evening due to high temps in town - > 105 Deg C (yeah I know). Removed the lower block and we are down to 89 which seems pretty normal. I have issues with the trans too and from research there may be a trans oil cooler in the front too.