Apr292006

Mrs. Mistoffelees the e39 528i is home!

My mother-in-law took delivery of her new (to her) 1997 BMW 528i (e39) yesterday. She has named it Mrs. Mistoffelees (Mr. just wouldn’t seem right for her car) after a character in CATS. Here are some pictures I took just this morning, (they are scaled down for those with slow connections, if you want to see LARGE pictures, click them):

Rear View Left Side  Right Side 
Front Front Right Engine
Interior Front Interior Rear

It really is a dream to drive. Here are her comments on the car:

…So we got a used black BMW – a 1997 – but Greg and Rob say it will last for 20 years – I guess because they are made so well. We got it at a wholesale dealer – Christi actually found it on the internet and Greg went to look at it and to check it out. He said it was a great car. Rob read about it too and said it was a good model and would last forever.

One nice thing is that Greg can work on it – just like he does his own – so that will save on maintenance should there be a need.

We decided to trade Daisy (my car) because she was having electrical problems – sometimes wouldn’t let me open the door – and other times automatically locked me in and I couldn’t get out. My side door wasn’t working and one window wouldn’t go up – and my brakes were going out…making a grinding noise. Greg said there was something else really going wrong because he heard some funny pinging noises.

It made me sad to say goodbye to Daisy – so many memories! But I think it was time – and especially because she wouldn’t start every once in awhile – and twice recently. Greg and Christi didn’t think the car was safe for me to drive – and to ease my sadness about parting with my car – they agreed to let me get a kitten. The GIRLS ARE DELIGHTED!!!

The bluebook was $13,000 for the BMW – but we got it for $10,000 minus $2,000 for my car. So we think we really got a good deal.

The car has a lot of features – 6 disk CD changer – tape deck – heated seats – heated steering wheel – seat position memory – passenger and driver have separate heat temperature regulators. It has an alarm system and a motion sensor (so you won’t forget and leave a child or animal in the car, I guess!) The inside is called a COCKPIT and the inside control lights are red. It has an electrically powered steering wheel – whatever that is. :)

…I will tell you one thing – the girls REALLY LOVE THE CAR. They said it was the most beautiful car they had ever seen.

The car is named MRS. MISTOFFELEES RUTH CHRISTINE (MISTOFFELEES is a black cat from the CATS musical.)

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Apr282006

Lightning McQueen FOUND in the Garage Blog!

The Garage Blog – Lightning McQueen FOUND!

Just like Sheetmetal Sally, there is now a Sheetmetal Lightning McQeen! I won’t steal The Garage’s thunder or bandwidth, so you’ll have to click the link above to go see his pics. He’s got LOTS of pictures of Lightning McQeen, Sally Carrera, and Big Mac.

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Apr272006

BMW, GM, Chrysler announce revolutionary hybrid system

Found on LeftLane News via Digg (quote from digg)

The three companies teamed up over the last few years and built this: a two-mode hybrid with an ECVT transmission. It incorporates four fixed gears for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities. During the two ECVT modes and four fixed gears, the system can use the electric motors for boosting and regenerative braking.

No information on which model of car or when this will be used.

read more | digg story

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Apr272006

Shiftyworld

The Truth About Cars’ Bob Elton should love this.

Official Launch of SHIFTYWorld.com
Posted:04/06/2006

By:ShiftyWorld.com

NEW COMMUNITY WEBSITE FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE TO SHIFT.

On April 6, 2006, the world took its first look at one of the most unique web-based communities ever, SHIFTYWorld. Created by people who love to shift manual transmission cars and trucks, for people with the same passion, SHIFTYWorld will ?Save the Shifter? from extinction. The founder, Greg Bruder, says ?We are focused on preserving the great motoring tradition of shifting for ourselves.? Members share their shifty stories and experiences, and start their own chapters with family and friends for informal gatherings.

You see, Mr. Elton has posted an article titled, “Death to The Stick Shift” where he expresses his opinion (stated as fact) that it is dangerous to drive a manual transmission. This post is not new, not even recent. But, it does get brought up every few months on one enthusiasts forum or another. It’s actually a good read, even if I don’t agree with him. I can’t wait to see what he says about Shiftyworld.

Shifty world info from: Jalopnik.

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