From owner-diesel-benz-digest@digest.net Tue May 18 11:11:29 2010 From: diesel-benz-digest diesel-benz-digest Tuesday, May 18 2010 Volume 01 : Number 3285 Forum for Discussion of Diesel Mercedes Benz Automobiles Derick Amburgey Digest Coordinator Contents: [db] Car Software Standards RE: [db] Verdict on steering Re: [db] Verdict on steering Re: [db] Car Software Standards [db] some random shots [db] OT: rust free BMW Diesel Benz Digest Home Page: http://www.digest.net/diesel-benz/ Send submissions to diesel-benz-digest@digest.net Send administrative requests to diesel-benz-digest-request@digest.net To unsubscribe, include the word unsubscribe by itself in the body of the message, unless you are sending the request from a different address than the one that appears on the list. Include the word help in a message to stag-digest-request to get a list of other majordomo commands. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 17:46:01 -0700 (PDT) From: "Jerry Kaidor" Subject: [db] Car Software Standards Hi Guys, Once upon a time, I worked for a military contractor. The paperwork burden on our software efforts was intense. Basically, for every module we wrote, there was a paper folder. That paper folder had a matrix of meetings and signoffs. You had to have signoffs for your upper level design, your detailed design, code reviews, test harnesses etc etc. It was Not Fun, and us software engineers honestly thought it all a bit ridiculous. The military's attitude about software was - you can't see it, you can't hear it, you can't feel it - but it can kill you. Hardware engineers used to do state machines based on collections of chips because it kept them out of the software documntation morass. I think software in cars has reached the same level. They now advertise cars that park themselves. Cars that jerk you back into your lane to avoid fender benders. In other words, software can drive the car. I'm pretty sure that Toyota's recent woes are computer or software related. I believe that the government should get involved with standards for mission-critical automotive software development. - Jerry Kaidor ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 20:57:25 -0400 From: Steve Morelen Subject: RE: [db] Verdict on steering Don't know..never tried looking for a Klann-type compressor tool at the auto parts houses. BTW it appears that my second attempt at the Klann video link also failed to paste properly. The 53605768 needs to be appended to the main part of the link. Sorry.... The Klann videos are cool. Tough jobs are always trivial looking when you have thousands of dollars of special-purpose tools at your disposal. //Steve > Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 17:58:26 -0700 > From: john@wagoneers.com > To: smorelen@hotmail.com > CC: ejpomeroy@qtm.net; wmpless@iprimus.ca; diesel-benz-digest@digest.net > Subject: RE: [db] Verdict on steering > > don't most napa and mcparts outfit also rent them? > > I've borrowed one from my mechanic when needed... > > > > ----- > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold > http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 si vis pacem, para bellum > http://johnmeister.com http://wagoneers.com http://fotomeister.us > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > On Sun, 16 May 2010, Steve Morelen wrote: > > # Rusty has a spring compressor for rent. It has the same appearance as the > # Klann tool. > # > # A W124 spring compressor video (Klann) can be seen at: > # > # http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3614495583838776006#docid=61533643372 > # 53605768 > # > # //Steve Morelen > # > # > Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 20:29:58 -0400 > # > From: ejpomeroy@qtm.net > # > To: wmpless@iprimus.ca > # > CC: diesel-benz-digest@digest.net > # > Subject: Re: [db] Verdict on steering > # > > # > Wiard > # > > # > I purchased the Lemfoerder complete lower A arms LH and RH from > # > autopartswarehouse.com at 172 each in round numbers - free shipping. I > # > ordered them Thursday 3PM and they were delivered Friday by UPS next day > # > air. I can't beat that with a stick and my local indie quoted me 250 to > # > install both and 99 to align. That means that my total outlay would be > # > _half_ what the MB stealership wanted. > # > > # > These have the ball joint already pressed in and the bushes already > # > installed. Looks to me like a fairly straightforward job. > # > > # > I plan to hoist the car next weekend, take off one wheel to see just how > # > hard it would be for me to do the job and whether it can be done with a > # > standard spring compressor. I am not familiar with McPherson strut > # > suspension in that I have not had to deal with it before. I understand > # > how they work but not sure if they can be compressed with standard > # > tools. If it looks beyond my tool set, I will get it done by the indie. > # > Thanks for the link. I am heading over there to look at it. > # > > # > If you need parts - check out autopartswarehouse - I can't fault their > # > service and price was fantastic. > # > > # > Edward > # > > # > > # > > # > On 5/16/2010 4:09 PM, wmpless@iprimus.ca wrote: > # > > Ed, wondering whether you tackled the repair in the meantime. Tempting to > # buy > # > > a complete LCA but concerned about the quality available. A couple of > # members > # > > on the peachparts.com forum rent out a coil spring compressor for $ 40.00 > # - > # > > not sure how much time you get. You can watch the whole procedure on a > # video > # > > on Klann's web site > # > > -http://www.klann-online.de/Englisch/Filme_E/KL-0369-30K_E.htm . A > # Kinderspiel > # > > with the right tools. My concern is to get the ball joint R&R without > # having > # > > the proper presses. Also doubt that suspension shops have the acceptable > # tools > # > > and do a 4 wheel alignment. Spreader bar mandatory?? > # > > Wiard > # > > > # > > Date: Mon, 10 May 2010 18:22:33 -0400 > # > > From: Edward Pomeroy > # > > Subject: [db] Veredict on steering > # > > > # > > Back from the stealership. The 300D has developed a twich, sometimes > # > > wants to steer a bit left, sometimes a bit right. I checked all that I > # > > could and found the drag link, tie rods and ball joints pretty solid. > # > > Dealership reports that the lower front A arms have perished bushes - - > # > > cost of parts 527, cost of labor 450, alignment 200 and tax = about 1240 > # > > bucks. Not in the budget. > # > > > # > > SO - has anyone replaced the lower A arms? How hard is it? > # > > > # > > I can purchase complete new arms, with new ball joint in place and > # > > bushes in place for 130 each, free shipping. > # > > > # > > Or if real brave, and want to buys some MB special tool !!, can press > # > > new bushes into the old arms, those cost 40 per set. > # > > > # > > Tool $?? unknown. They recommend doing the ball joint if you are taking > # > > off the A arm anyway. those are about 80 each. > # > > > # > > Over the transom to the list for comments... > # > > > # > > Edward > # > # _________________________________________________________________ > # Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your > # inbox. > # http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL > # :en-US:WM_HMP:042010_2 > # _________________________________________________________________ The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL :en-US:WM_HMP:042010_3 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 21:06:10 -0400 From: Edward Pomeroy Subject: Re: [db] Verdict on steering Video worked fine - I have used that method for compressing standard springs on my MG when I had to repair the kingpins. It can be dangerous but I used chains to keep the jack in place and compress the spring. That guy just left it to chance that the jack would not shoot off in the direction the wheels allow :-) Not sure I like is methods.. Edward On 5/16/2010 8:50 PM, Steve Morelen wrote: > Oops...the link didn't paste-in quite right. I'll try again. > Hopefully, this will work better. > > http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3614495583838776006#docid=6153364337253605768 > > //Steve Morelen > > > From: smorelen@hotmail.com > > To: ejpomeroy@qtm.net; wmpless@iprimus.ca > > CC: diesel-benz-digest@digest.net > > Subject: RE: [db] Verdict on steering > > Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 20:42:32 -0400 > > > > Rusty has a spring compressor for rent. It has the same appearance > as the > > Klann tool. > > > > A W124 spring compressor video (Klann) can be seen at: > > > > > http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3614495583838776006#docid=61533643372 > > 53605768 > > > > //Steve Morelen > > > > > Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 20:29:58 -0400 > > > From: ejpomeroy@qtm.net > > > To: wmpless@iprimus.ca > > > CC: diesel-benz-digest@digest.net > > > Subject: Re: [db] Verdict on steering > > > > > > Wiard > > > > > > I purchased the Lemfoerder complete lower A arms LH and RH from > > > autopartswarehouse.com at 172 each in round numbers - free shipping. I > > > ordered them Thursday 3PM and they were delivered Friday by UPS > next day > > > air. I can't beat that with a stick and my local indie quoted me > 250 to > > > install both and 99 to align. That means that my total outlay would be > > > _half_ what the MB stealership wanted. > > > > > > These have the ball joint already pressed in and the bushes already > > > installed. Looks to me like a fairly straightforward job. > > > > > > I plan to hoist the car next weekend, take off one wheel to see > just how > > > hard it would be for me to do the job and whether it can be done > with a > > > standard spring compressor. I am not familiar with McPherson strut > > > suspension in that I have not had to deal with it before. I understand > > > how they work but not sure if they can be compressed with standard > > > tools. If it looks beyond my tool set, I will get it done by the > indie. > > > Thanks for the link. I am heading over there to look at it. > > > > > > If you need parts - check out autopartswarehouse - I can't fault their > > > service and price was fantastic. > > > > > > Edward > > > > > > > > > > > > On 5/16/2010 4:09 PM, wmpless@iprimus.ca wrote: > > > > Ed, wondering whether you tackled the repair in the meantime. > Tempting to > > buy > > > > a complete LCA but concerned about the quality available. A > couple of > > members > > > > on the peachparts.com forum rent out a coil spring compressor > for $ 40.00 > > - > > > > not sure how much time you get. You can watch the whole > procedure on a > > video > > > > on Klann's web site > > > > -http://www.klann-online.de/Englisch/Filme_E/KL-0369-30K_E.htm . A > > Kinderspiel > > > > with the right tools. My concern is to get the ball joint R&R > without > > having > > > > the proper presses. Also doubt that suspension shops have the > acceptable > > tools > > > > and do a 4 wheel alignment. Spreader bar mandatory?? > > > > Wiard > > > > > > > > Date: Mon, 10 May 2010 18:22:33 -0400 > > > > From: Edward Pomeroy > > > > Subject: [db] Veredict on steering > > > > > > > > Back from the stealership. The 300D has developed a twich, sometimes > > > > wants to steer a bit left, sometimes a bit right. I checked all > that I > > > > could and found the drag link, tie rods and ball joints pretty > solid. > > > > Dealership reports that the lower front A arms have perished > bushes - > > > > cost of parts 527, cost of labor 450, alignment 200 and tax = > about 1240 > > > > bucks. Not in the budget. > > > > > > > > SO - has anyone replaced the lower A arms? How hard is it? > > > > > > > > I can purchase complete new arms, with new ball joint in place and > > > > bushes in place for 130 each, free shipping. > > > > > > > > Or if real brave, and want to buys some MB special tool !!, can > press > > > > new bushes into the old arms, those cost 40 per set. > > > > > > > > Tool $?? unknown. They recommend doing the ball joint if you are > taking > > > > off the A arm anyway. those are about 80 each. > > > > > > > > Over the transom to the list for comments... > > > > > > > > Edward > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > > Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more > from your > > inbox. > > > http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL > > :en-US:WM_HMP:042010_2 > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > The New Busy think 9 to 5 is a cute idea. Combine multiple calendars > with Hotmail. Get busy. > ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 22:27:18 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: Re: [db] Car Software Standards maybe the DOT should work with the FAA... ;) ----- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 si vis pacem, para bellum http://johnmeister.com http://wagoneers.com http://fotomeister.us - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ On Sun, 16 May 2010, Jerry Kaidor wrote: # Hi Guys, # # Once upon a time, I worked for a military contractor. The paperwork # burden on our software efforts was intense. Basically, for every # module # we wrote, there was a paper folder. That paper folder had a matrix of # meetings and signoffs. You had to have signoffs for your upper level # design, your detailed design, code reviews, test harnesses etc etc. It # was Not Fun, and us software engineers honestly thought it all a bit # ridiculous. # # The military's attitude about software was - you can't see it, you can't # hear it, you can't feel it - but it can kill you. Hardware engineers used # to do state machines based on collections of chips because it kept them # out of the software documntation morass. # # I think software in cars has reached the same level. They now # advertise cars that park themselves. Cars that jerk you back into your # lane to avoid fender benders. In other words, software can drive the # car. # # I'm pretty sure that Toyota's recent woes are computer or software # related. # # I believe that the government should get involved with standards for # mission-critical automotive software development. # # - Jerry Kaidor # ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 23:05:42 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: [db] some random shots was working on the carport today... took a few random shots of cars and the quail... also pulled the vw pickup up the hill like I do with my jeeps... strange, it doesn't articulate so well, but did pretty well... also cleaned out the j10 hydraulic dump trailer and put up some siding... http://fotomeister.us/2010/05-May-16-garden-carport-cars-quail/ALL.html ----- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 si vis pacem, para bellum http://johnmeister.com http://wagoneers.com http://fotomeister.us - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 May 2010 11:09:49 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: [db] OT: rust free BMW have a good friend who has a very nice 1978 BMW 320i that is thinking of selling... he tried to sell it on craigslist a while back and got frustrated with the clueless flakes... he's recently had a lot of items serviced... details in the link below. what's it worth??? I saw the car last week and love it... it is immaculate... NO RUST, not even your normal road grime or dings... it looks better than my '91 300D! but it won't work for me because it's not a Diesel , not an automatic (wife needs an AT), doesn't have a/c (I think, and I need that) and doesn't have a sunroof, although I never use my sunroofs so that isn't a big deal... it's in perfect mechanical condition, he is absolutely meticulous with his vehicles. I think the correct gearhead term for this is "anally retentive". Over lunch he described the process he used to clean the rims... took them OFF the BMW and used a tooth brush, really... oh, did I mention that the rascal retired last month? :) And the scoundrel has a three car garage... no, I'm not envious... much... ;) http://wagoneers.com/tmp/dougsBmw/ Anyway, trying to figure out what the car is really worth... and then if my buddy decides he is willing to part with it I'll help him find a good home for it... I'm thinking this thing will find it's way to the rust coast, I mean east coast... I need to take some pictures of the front... especially if there is any interest. thanx, john ----- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 si vis pacem, para bellum http://johnmeister.com http://wagoneers.com http://fotomeister.us - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------ End of diesel-benz-digest V1 #3285 **********************************