Random Thoughts...

[Giannis]

I am torn these days. I have to replace the shock absorbers of my S60 and I can't decide on what to buy. Originally it came with some Sachs shocks that were good for about 30-40.000 km and then they were off. Even though I am generally pro-OEM over anything else, this time I think that these Sachs shocks are not worth it, they cost too much for what they offer.

Now my options are:

1. Fit something like Monroe, Gabriel or KYB. All are badget solutions and it would make sense to replace them again in 3-4 years. But they all suck for anything other that acceptable comfort.

2. Still go OEM with the basic Sachs model, which costs too much, will not last enough, yet will provide factory levels of comfort.

3. F*ck everything and buy myself a set of Bilstein Sprint. They costs slightly more than the stock Sachs, yet cornering will be vastly improved. The ride will be harder, but given I ride on 205/55/16 tyres, it will still be acceptable for me. Given the experience of some friends, the Bilstein Sport is still acceptable after 100.000km.

I am thinking this for a week now and I still can't make my mind...

What would you choose?

 

[PanterroR]

Late April delivery of my 550xi... Delay of month and a half thanks to my retarded dealer...

Oh well, additional 8k € discount will settle that...

 

[LaArtist]

Cold ass picture:

 

[Human]

Late April delivery of my 550xi... Delay of month and a half thanks to my retarded dealer...

Oh well, additional 8k € discount will settle that...

Seems I am in for a late (fortnight) delay on my 428i and a price increase due to the ZAR (Rand) massive depreciation. BMW ownership can become such a deep money pit. But hey rather eat less, party less, work harder, sleep less than driving a KIA! I honestly enjoy my Toyota ownership nevertheless.

What would you choose?

You know you want those Bilstein's my Greek friend Give your mind and soul a rest and go get'em!

 

[PanterroR]

BMW ownership can become such a deep money pit. But hey rather eat less, party less, work harder, sleep less than driving a KIA! I honestly enjoy my Toyota ownership nevertheless.

As long as i work my @$$ off 11 hours a day as i do last 17 years and can afford myself a BMW i'll keep on buying/driving it.

Toyota? What's that?

 

[Human]

Toyota? What's that?

Share Your Latest Purchase

 

[PanterroR]

Share Your Latest Purchase

I know, bro, i was being sarcastic...

 

[Sayyaaf]

Ok since some of you guys mentioned this, let me throw it here: How many working hours per day is waaay beyond body limits ? I used to do like the normal 8-9 hours per day, 5 days a week but recently, I got caught in a mega project that is literally consuming me. I work 12-13 hours in most days that is like 60-65 hours per week. But I heard guys with double jobs do more. Is that extreme ? I guess it is. I got no time to hit the gym, socialize or even think before putting my head on the pillow.

 

[Giannis]

Ok since some of you guys mentioned this, let me throw it here: How many working hours per day is waaay beyond body limits ? I used to do like the normal 8-9 hours per day, 5 days a week but recently, I got caught in a mega project that is literally consuming me. I work 12-13 hours in most days that is like 60-65 hours per week. But I heard guys with double jobs do more. Is that extreme ? I guess it is. I got no time to hit the gym, socialize or even think before putting my head on the pillow.

It depends on how you cope with it and I mean psychologically.

If I recall correctly, you work for some company, which means that you have somebody above you in the hierarchy. That puts some pressure on you, in order to deliver. This also means that you need deliver the promised, not only to satisfy the client, but also the boss. This is twice the pressure.

Personally, as a freelancer, I am the boss of myself and my work hours depend on my work load. There are days that I spend 12-14 hours in front of the computer, days that I am all day on the road or in the field and days that I'm in GCF all day long, have nothing to do, just hang out with friends all day.

I do like the fact that I work for me and not for somebody else, but sometimes the fact that you can't really plan anything can be exhausting. To this I have found a way to vent out and relax. I have a core of 5-6 good friends who are of the same profession and also freelancers, so we understand each other and when I need just 30' of anything other than home or work, within 2' I have a company of at least 2 to go for a quick beer. A quick beer is my way of letting out pressure.

When I reach a point that enough is enough, I find a good excuse to postpone everything for a day and take a small, one-day trip. Today was one such day (yesterday I spent 13h working on the computer, plus a 2h meeting with a client at his place - day ended with 3h of sleep due to stomach issues) and I drove 120km to the closest ski-resort, just to have coffee looking at the snow.



Give me 1-2h of beer drinking with a small company of good friends for 5 to 6 nights a week and I can work all day long. On the other hand, lately I am single, I have absolutely no interest in laying on the couch and watching TV (last time I turned it on was sometime in January).

Which brings me to this:

You know you want those Bilstein's my Greek friend Give your mind and soul a rest and go get'em!

As of today I am sure. I drove from sea level to ~1500m above the sea to the closest ski resort, 120km from home. 60km by the sea, the rest up the mountain, a wonderful road that was ruined by the boat-like, what's-left-of-the-OEM-setup suspension of my S60. Bilstein it is!

And since you mentioned it, my friend Naas:

driving a KIA!

I drove a Cee'd a few nights back. The plan was that it was a friend's turn not to drink, so that he can drive, but long story short, at the end of the (long) night, I was the sober one, so I got to deliver 4 drunk adults to their home's with the said Cee'd. A 2010 model, with the 1.4 N/A engine and 105 hp, I believe. I like the fact that it doesn't feel so cheep, if you think of its price. For the money you pay, it's over-equipped. And the interior is ok. And the ride is good. The steering was awful, as were the pedals and gear lever. To the extent I pushed it, it felt kind of bouncy under hard cornering, even though it didn't loose traction. I wasn't feeling confidence though. Throttle response was good, on the other hand. Engine felt as it had enough low-end punch, yet struggled at the top end of it's rev spectrum.

I still find it to be a great budget medium sized car. You get way too much car for its price-tag. But, being realistic, you can't expect it to drive neither like a 3er, or have the interior of a Benz. Phenomenal value-for-money!

I wouldn't buy one.

 

[Sayyaaf]

@Giannis: All i read is have a beer and move on

thanks man. Freelancing is definitely much better than beig employed by someone. I work in a semi-government company which is a little bet different than what you think. We got pressure to impress and deliver, however, we can't be fired by any one even if I spit on the CEO. That is by the law

Anyways Freelancing is my dream but I don't intend to start my own company in the telecom sector (which is my experience field). I want something automotive related A nice restoration/customization garage specialized in Porsches, track builds, engine upgrades ...

 

[Giannis]

@Giannis: All i read is have a beer and move on

Don't concentrate on the alcohol.

Basically, all I'm saying have friends with similar working schedules, whom you can meet with a 5' notice and no special arrangements, and which whom after a 30' to 1h meeting, you can clear your mind from your stress.

I prefer to do those meetings at places that only serve alcohol, as an extra bonus to myself.

 

[Cashmere]

Just came across this clip that's been filmed by a slow motion camera mounted on a high speed train and I think it's a beautiful example to showcase just how paradoxical time is.

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[klier]

Wow....almost scary...

 

[Giannis]

I've been toying with the idea of building myself such a coffee table for my office for quite a long now. How hard can it be?

 

[Sayyaaf]

I actually did a little effort to build it. But then decided when I move to my new house in couple of years

I was inspired by a guy I got invited to his beach house. He had all those type of automotive furniture: Wheel cups as ashtrays, Engine block coffee tables, Steel wheels as round tables ... amazing but I was shy to take photos.

 

[Cashmere]

View attachment 49870

I've been toying with the idea of building myself such a coffee table for my office for quite a long now. How hard can it be?

Do it Giannis! While you're at it, I propose you start a build thread on GCF

 

[Sayyaaf]

^ Its quite simple I believe: take an engine block, media blasted, shave some areas to make it sit square on both ends: viola. You can buff it if you got time and patience. or keep it raw. I like it raw.

Guys I have this itch for few months now, I love the Cayman but I keep going back and forth since the 991 Turbo showed up. I really luv it and I think that thing is a long time keeper compared to the Cayman. 911s got more iconic image and history. Problem is that the cayman is hell lots of fun. Balance and turn-in are addictive. Plus, Turbo is almost twice the price and I am sad to let the Cayman go. It is highly spec'd and to my taste: lots of exclusive stuff. I know the 991 can make those memories disappear but is it twice the fun ? I don't know. Is all power accessible where I live ? I don't know either. It is difficult to drive fast without serious troubles where I live (look at CH P1 video, that is my daily commute BTW).

I don't know. A turbo would probably have me set for while before I chase another sports car. But is it worth it? I don't know

I am no where bored by the Cayman, but the itch is growing. Actually I want both cars but can't afford them !

I booked a test drive on Sunday. Deep inside I wish I hate it

 

[Giannis]

^ Its quite simple I believe: take an engine block, media blasted, shave some areas to make it sit square on both ends: viola. You can buff it if you got time and patience. or keep it raw. I like it raw.

It is indeed simple.

What is not simple is finding where to put it and time to do it.

 

[PanterroR]

Pics of my car from a configurator:

 

[Will]

I got a Z4 last week, It's only the 4 pot 2.0 but to me it seems quick enough as i have come from a Seat Ibiza. I finally get to drive a BMW though, i've been fascinated with them since my dad got his first e30 and e36 plus my previous username was bmwfanatic7291 . This Z is probably one of my favourite models of all time (I was a huge fan of Bangle you see)

To think i had the 1/18 scale model of the pre facelift e85 when i was a kid and i now have the actual car. It's riding quite high and it's on 16's but i'm happy for now, i'm absolutely over the moon infact. I just want to get the soft top down now