Buying a new/used car.

[stonefiend]

Your post regarding the 4 runner transmissions brings up an interesting point. I used to own a '95 4 runner (auto), and it was a slug in CO. A stick would ameliorate some of that as I can just keep it in a lower gear and run higher rpms up i70.

One of the reasons I really like my bmw is because it has juust enough power to be fun. At 6000', I lose approx. 25% power due to the thinner air, compromising the fun factor of the car. My 328is at sea level would crush an m3 in Denver. M3 owners that move to CO bitch about it on bimmerforums. The 328is would drive like a Sentra that handles well in dry conditions.

This leads me to think selling the bimmer and purchasing a mountain-practical vehicle is sensible. Why throw more money at the e36 for snow tires when I could have a potentially reliable toyota/subaru that has working AC, windows etc. and is made for the mountains.

Feeling my dilemma?

[Monkey]

No chain control there so you won't be forced to chain up. You don't need 4wheel drive when you have studded hakkapelittas. Cheaper and easier to just buy my tires and stick with a known good vehicle you've already spent tons of cash fixing up rather than selling it for less than you have into it. Also, you are on a schedule and have to find a buyer and also hopefully find a good used vehicle. Realistically you'll probably have to put money into whatever used vehicle you buy. You can't go subaru or toyota after bmw, that's like flying coach after getting used to first class. As far as power loss, get a diff with a limited slip and lower gears from a junkyard you can thank me later when you experience the difference.

[stonefiend]

Blahhhh..

1992 4runner reliability:

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Relia ... 41&src=vip

1996 328is reliability (MY CAR):

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Relia ... rimid=5533

I guess folks aren't lying when they brag about their '96 3 class bmw's lasting 500,000 miles. Crush-stomp Japanese cars with this German-made precision machine. Fuck practicality.. somehow I knew my penish was a genius. Decision made.

Check out this guy's whip:

[stonefiend]

the blahhh wasn't directed at you Monkey. Just all the research I'm doing on (no longer) potential Japanese alternatives. You, Slim and Blimp are right.

I'm still debating the rim/snowtire combo Monkey. I just may not have room for them for my move, and don't need new rims.

I am keeping my girl. Since owning and tuning it, I'd have to say this is the first time I've fallen in love with a fucking car.
Speaking of girls... what's interesting is that it keeps really talkative ones quiet. Dudes that are normally quiet won't stop talking.. lol.

[Monkey]

You don't need new wheels but you're gonna pay $100 to have winter tires mounted and then another $100 to change back to summer tires in 6 months? Do what i do, winter tires/wheels, summer tires/wheels. Change them in your driveway twice per year (maybe an hour at worst for you without airtools).

[stonefiend]

Yo Monkey, I wanted those wheels and tires, but after calling a bunch of places and the dealership, found out that your 20mm offset isn't enough clearance for my calipers. My rims have a 46mm offset, which gives you a 26mm difference. Your spokes will hit my calipers. Bummer.

[slim]

Buy a set of 25mm wheel spacers.

Easy, as long as your studs are long enough...

[Lox]

THATS WHAT SHE SAID !!!!111

Now you guys have me wanting this:

http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/2646533274.html

asdf.

[Lox]

Or this:

http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/2642118399.html

Or a fucking honda element.

asdf indeed.

[bueller]

If you do need any work done on your bimmer, go to The Station on Lawrence downtown. Look for the green awnings. We've used them since we moved here in '07. honest, super cool guys. They're a german shop but work on anything, including my 4runner (she's famous there) :D good luck on your trip out, fiend. buy this when you get here: http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2638082310.html

[Monkey]

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/BMW-E36 ... acers.aspx

[stonefiend]

Monkey, I'm going to measure clearance tomorrow, bc it seems no one is absolutely sure (calipers have tolerance). Your snow tires rock, but I also see a few winters behind them. I know you want to fix your crawler, but it would suck if my ride doesn't roll clean with spacers. And yea, I care about how it handles on ice and snow. I dig turner, but I don't have time bro. Trust me.. you'll get more for them on CL. Clean them up. How old are they? Looks like your bimmer has minor alignment issues and associated uneven tire wear (as most cars do).

I'll let you know if things change.

[stonefiend]

Lox, you're weird man. Why would you buy an M3 automatic? It sorta defeats the purpose. I know Mercs are decent rides, but my personal style would lean heavily toward a BMW (shit I own one..). It's like two different tastes in design and concept. They don't really compete.

Buy the Element. :p

[pmahnn]

My subaru is awesome.

[RockPharmer]

said the lesbian.

[Monkey]

Might clear without spacers anyway since the winter tires are skinnier. If you're in the area for bouldering or whatever, you can stop by and test fit the wheels and tires. I already fixed my truck but if you buy my tires I'll change out the short side shafts to chrome moly too before they break. I'll even have enough money left from your purchase to buy us some beer. :D

[Lox]

I didn't even notice it was an automatic. lol. I just found the last late 90s ///M3 limp posted to CL in my area.

I like the Mercedes. Classic styling. Plus, convertible. It would look weird with teh 12 gauge hanging out from behind the front seat though...

[RockPharmer]

/sniff

http://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/2680303722.html

[Cardboard_Dog]

you selling your Audi? Thats crazy talk.

[RockPharmer]

Time to move on. Actually, already did.