My 50th Birthday prezzie (with other stuff thrown in)

[RogerS]

It's not that straightforward!

Testing the effect of both methods (windows down, AC off versus windows up and AC on) has been done and debated by several different organizations. One of the leading groups, the Society of Automotive Engineers, conducted a number of tests on the effects of AC versus windows rolled down on automobiles.night driving

The SAE found that running an air conditioner in an automobile decreased gas mileage by 5 to 10%. Stanford University and SAE both recommend driving with your car’s windows down if you are traveling on city streets. However, when on a freeway or highway, the drag produced by your windows being rolled down exceeds the efficiency drop by keeping windows rolled up and AC on. Both organizations recommend that you use your car’s AC when driving at speeds above 45 MPH.

If you also have a car with low power then I find there is a noticeable difference in performance with the aircon on.

Regardless, it does make sense to run the aircon once a month for a short while else its seals can dry out.

 

[AndyP]

It's not that straightforward!

Testing the effect of both methods (windows down, AC off versus windows up and AC on) has been done and debated by several different organizations. One of the leading groups, the Society of Automotive Engineers, conducted a number of tests on the effects of AC versus windows rolled down on automobiles.night driving

The SAE found that running an air conditioner in an automobile decreased gas mileage by 5 to 10%. Stanford University and SAE both recommend driving with your car’s windows down if you are traveling on city streets. However, when on a freeway or highway, the drag produced by your windows being rolled down exceeds the efficiency drop by keeping windows rolled up and AC on. Both organizations recommend that you use your car’s AC when driving at speeds above 45 MPH.

Now you mention it Roger I seem to remember that now. However with the fumes produced in most cities from all those old particulate sprouting diesels mean I'd rather have the windows up in town too.

 

[Pinch]

Hey chaps, this thread has been busy and developing into an interesting read.

Happy Birthday for Sunday Stephen! You must be a fellow Aquarian - best zodiac sign ever!

One of my favourite ever cars was my first Range Rover which was manual - I loved it. I washed and polished it every weekend. When I bought my next RR, I kept the white one too (my first RR) and a few months later, I cut the roof off, stripped everything apart from the front seats, driving gear and windscreen. A bit extrem I know, but scooting around in a manual V8 RR convertible during the summer was mad

I'm glad I'm not the only nutter who gives names for his vehicles. My bus was called 'me ole mukker' but Mrs P thinks that's awful, so I sometimes refer to her as Bertha. I've called the beemer 'Beattie', only because Olivia (one of the grand kiddies) ask me what BMW stood for... I said it was the initial of her (the car) name - knowing what was coming next from Olivia. So I came up with Beattie Maria Williams

 

[Rod]

Well that's a lot nicer than what the letters actually mean: - Bayerische Motoren Werke AG.

I call the X3 "my car" which really upsets my better half as its really "our car" - we "downsized" from our previous two cars to just one and she's actually driven it more than I have so far! [emoji3]

Rod

 

[Wizard9999]

The 4th mode "Sports Plus" switches off all the safety modes and I've never dared using it!

Struggling to see the point of what sounds essentially like a track setting on a 2ltr diesel 4x4. Maybe the parts are common with other BMW's where this mode may make more sense.

One of my favourite former cars was a TVR, that only had one mode which was hard core, no driver aids. It was a love / hate car, loved it when it worked, hated how often it didn't. But the best car I ever regularly drove was when I worked at Ford in the R&D centre, I often used to take out one of the development Escort Cosworths that had been 'modified' and was essentially in WRC spec, now that was fun.

Terry.

 

[RogerS]

..... But the best car I ever regularly drove was when I worked at Ford in the R&D centre, I often used to take out one of the development Escort Cosworths that had been 'modified' and was essentially in WRC spec, now that was fun.

Terry.

Oooh :mrgreen: Brings a whole new dimension to 'I'm just popping down to the shops' :eusa-drool:

 

[Pinch]

Indeed... Now there's an animal with attitude. Although I've never driven one, but I heard they were a bit awesome on the road. Anyone know how these compared to the Sierra Cosworth? The Cosworth I had years ago was chipped and oh boy, it was f-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-f-fast!! Never had a dull moment in that car, and I was only 25'ish at the time. Just the car for a cheeky 25 year old

 

[Rod]

I think the 4 driving modes are fairly standard throughout the new BMW range - it was on a standard 3 series saloon we had on loan for a time? I cannot see that I would want to use the Sports plus mode as I don't drive like Clarkson! [emoji3]

Two hairy driving moments come to mind, one was when I was taken for a spin in an extremely powerful, top of the range Porsche.
You could tell you were "in for it" as you could hear it's powerhouse rumbling just behind your head! I just remember being pinned back into the seat and keeping my eyes closed at lot of the time and a great sense of relief when it was over [emoji3]. I must add this was in a built up area with a 30mph limit!!
The other was when I went on a Mitsubishi Test Day at Thruxton. I was taken for a "acclimatisation" lap by a salesman who was new to the track. He took off at an alarming speed down the straight heading towards a chicane - I kept thinking he must be going to slow down, then praying that he would slow down - how it got round I don't know but it left us both pretty shaken up!
He finished the lap, then it was my turn - I was still shaking and crawled round at a snails pace with everybody else zooming past [emoji3]

Rod

 

[Pinch]

I've never been on a race track. The Pug 406 coupe was going to be for the track but life changed and so I sold it, losing lots of money in the process - but it's only money. Back in the bike days, I always fancied the Isle of Man, but this never happened either. I then had a bad accident and riding a bike was never the same again. I've probably been quite lucky on the road. By the time I was 23, I'd been banned three times. I've grown up now :eusa-liar:

Rod, you mentioned your illness in a previous post... What illness do you have or had? You don't have to answer if you don't want to - I understand.

 

[Rod]

No probs - I think I've mentioned it before?

I was operated on for Bowel Cancer in April and "fitted" with an Ileostomy for 3 months which was "reversed" in July.
Fortunately I was diagnosed and had surgery in time before the tumour had spread elsewhere so I didn't need any radiation or chemo - just major surgery (7.5hrs and 2.5hrs using keyhole techniques)

Unfortunately my join leaked (twice) and I finished up with infections but the antibiotics to treat it also triggered off CDiff.
So I spent a couple of periods of two weeks in isolation in August and September.
Lost 3 stones, which was good but I don't recommend it as a Diet! [emoji3]
I had excellent treatment in our local hospital where my daughter works and where my wife did. The team of surgeons and nurses couldn't have been better.
I was not allowed to drive for 6wks after each op and not allowed to lift things for several months - hence I haven't driven much or done much woodworking since.

I am not "ill" as such but the surgery has left me with the problem of getting my system working properly again -which I've been warned could take a couple of years?
So although I can get out and about most days, I have to be careful what I eat and I cannot stray too far from a loo without a bit of careful planning (what and when I eat) and medication (Loperamide).
I've recently had some more blood tests which showed I'm still Cancer free and will have to undergo regular check ups now for some years.
40,000 people a year are diagnosed with it in the UK and 16,000 die - so I'm one of the lucky ones [emoji4]

I never felt ill but if ever you pass any blood, don't hang around - get to your GP ASAP - it could save your life?

Rod

 

[Pinch]

Crikey, it sounds like you've been through the mill and back, and this must have been a huge scare for you and your family. Glad you've got through it! I take my hat off to these surgeons and specialist people - absolutely amazing what they do and how the work/research is constantly advancing. I would imagine the most crucial part of recovery is the first half, so good on you matey! I always regard these surgeons as the 'ultimate craftsman' (woman) - a craftsman with a fantastic brain and belief. Very humbling. There's the story of the mechanic working on his Harley bike, when a surgeon walks in and starts chatting with the mechanic. The mechanic claims his job is similar to the surgeons. The surgeon chuckles and says yes but there is a small difference - I operate with the engine running.

I have a bowel problem (a lot of people do these days) with my colon. I've had numerous tests over the years and a couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with 'collagenous celitis' which means the lining of the colon has become thicker and consequently created some issues. They don't know what causes this but it's apparently rare. I was tested for cancer, but all was good in that department. Like you, I've got to do some careful planning sometimes when venturing out as I might need to get to a loo a bit sharpish. My only problem with this isn't so much going to the loo a lot (although that can be very inconvenient), but it's the discomfort and feeling completed fatigued. Some bouts are worse than others. I'm on a bad bout of it at the moment and I should be in at work today - I will go in a bit later. I do look for blood and the only time I've seen it is when my backside is sore due to lots of wiping (too much info - sorry ). I'm going to go for another check up soon.

Anyway, keep going Rod, you're doing amazingly well and hats off to you! :text-bravo: bscene-drinkingcheers:

 

[RogerS]

We need to rename the title of this thread!

I also have bowel problems. Lymphocytic colitis most likely brought on by a case of giardiasis back in 2013. Luckily it was diagnosed by a mate of mine who used to be a doctor in the TA, had done a tour of duty in Bosnia and so very familiar with the symptoms. I got the giardiasis Oct-Dec 2013 and could not convince my GP that I had it despite spending Christmas Day peering down a microscope at my poo until I found the little buggers. So I self-medicated by getting Metronidazole off the web. And that fixed it. However, the downside of the giardiasis was that I let myself get seriously dehydrated and again my mate came to the rescue and in no uncertain terms told me either to go to A&E (Do Not Pass Go) or my GP. I lost 11kg in 10 days. Given the lacklustre performance of my GP, I went to A&E and had 1.5l of IV saline. At A&E they found, that because of the dehydration, my creatinine and uric levels were getting a bit worryingly high apparently...read potential permanent kidney damage. So I owe my mate big time.

As an aside forget those web recommendations about pinching your skin to see if you are dehydrated. That advice is incomplete and misleading. Also if your pee is the right colour. It can be the right colour. Just that you're not peeing enough of it because you're severely dehydrated.

As far as the lymphocytic colitis is concerned I had a course of Budesonide in a decreasing regime (3 x 3mg for a month, then 2 then 1) and it fixed it. But after seeing the consultant he advised me to wait and see as it can come back. It did and pretty swiftly but I've not gone back to my GP as the solution is long-term 1 tablet a day for ever. I'm not keen on doing that even though Budesonide is one of the more 'civilised steroids. You start looking at the side-effects and the list gets very long. According to my mate, it is the long-term use of steroids that increases the likelihood of side-effects so that's not good. The other thing is that if you come into contact with anyone with chicken pox, measles or shingles then you are supposed to high-tail it down to your GP and persuade them to give you a couple of shots of immunoglobulin as you do not want to get any of those diseases if you are on steroids as there can be serious side-effects (believe me, you don't want to look).

So I'm going to live with it.

I've not bothered with trying to see if certain foods make things worse or not as I'm not convinced on any causal relationship. I've started taking Heather's Tummy Fiber (sic) again and trying to get the dosage correct. Last time I used it when I had the giardiasis it worked very well. Much better than Loperamide (and it's natural).

I had to chuckle reading about 'passing blood' (I know..it is serious) but you see I'd started drinking beetroot juice (250ml a day) to lower blood pressure (and boy does it work!). The carton warns you that your pee might go pink. But they are too polite to tell you that your poo will go bright red! Jeez.....I thought I was bloody haemorrhaging

 

[Wizard9999]

I've recently had some more blood tests which showed I'm still Cancer free...

That's the important thing Rod!

40,000 people a year are diagnosed with it in the UK and 16,000 die...

I never felt ill but if ever you pass any blood, don't hang around - get to your GP ASAP - it could save your life

That's a really important point Rod. In part the poor survival rate is because people find the subject of bowel movements 'a bit embarrassing' so don't go to get it checked out. Lost my father to bowel cancer in part due to the diagnosis being far too late, cancer had spread to his kidneys and that was what actually got him in the end.

As well as my dad, my maternal grandmother had bowel cancer, so statistically I am high risk. I have to get checked out every five years and it certainly is not pleasant and yes it is a bit embarrassing, but I'd rather that than not.

As Rod said, anything up with the number twos get it checked out!

Terry.

 

[AndyP]

Another thread that leaves me lost for words.

Hope you lot survive until christmas

Nice to know the NHS which comes in for a helluva a bashing sometimes can still perform.

 

[RogerS]

.....and yes it is a bit embarrassing,.....
Terry.

In true panto style, "Oh no, it isn't!" Seriously I struggle to understand how some folk get embarrassed about something that we all do and is a perfectly natural bodily function. When I had mine I watched it from start to finish. Fascinating.

 

[AndyP]

Because of my svelte like nature they could not get the camera found all the bends so I had to sleep through mine. I was very disappointed.

 

[Pinch]

I watched mine too - quite an experience. It was like the dentist scenario... as the dentist bent over saying "Open your mouth please." The patient placed her hands around the dentist's testicles and said. "Now, we're not going to hurt each other are we?"

I've got to share a story with you guys.

During my mid-twenties, I discovered a lump type thing between the cheeks of my arse. I didn't know it was a farmer Gile and I didn't tell anyone, instead, I made an appointment to see my GP. When I was called into the doctor's surgery, I quickly learnt my GP was on leave and a young female doctor was covering his time off. She asked my ailment and I told her. She then asked me to bend over the couch and drop my trousers & boxers - which I did. Before I continue with the story, I had already powdered my backside to relieve the irritation. Anyway back to the story... The young female doctor gently pull my cheeks apart and blew away the talc to see what was going on. This is when she said, "ah yes, you have a pile - that's all." I then pulled up my boxers & trousers and when I turned round to look at the doctor, she had specs of talc splattered all over her glasses :lol: Well, that was it, I started giggling. To relieve my embarrassing giggles, I thought I'd be grown up and ask her where piles come from. So I asked her. She then drew a diagram of an anus, illustrated by a small circle with many lines shooting away from the circle. Well, that totally did it for me, my giggling fast developed into an orgy of uncontrollable squeaks, splutters, giggles and laughter, and I had to abruptly leave, apologising on the way. :lol:

 

[Phil]

:text-threadjacked: :text-threadjacked:


Dont think I have ever seen a thread go so far off topic!

From a birthday prezzie to the anus with all the sheite blood and other stuff .................
:lol:

Cheers
Phil

And yes, I also have these issues to deal with. There was some blood where there shouldnt be, so will get it checked out.

Cheers
Phil

 

[9fingers]

I read the early hijack posts over breakfast and it is still going up to dinner time.

I think I'll unsubscribe this one for a bit :lol:

Bob

 

[Pinch]

Hmmm yes, back on topic now

When I collected Beattie a week ago last Monday, I had a 280 mile drive ahead of me during the night and in awful weather conditions. On the drive I drove over lots of debris in the road including a block of some kind - maybe half a concrete block. This made quite a thud underneath. Since then, I decided to get her checked out in the local garage and now, she's booked in for this Wednesday. I apparently did some damage to some roddy bits - can't remember what they called these bits now. The mechanics also found a leaky shock absorber, a wheel bearing just starting to show signs of wear and a couple of bushes need replacing. Overall, they thought the car was sweet as

 

[Pinch]

After a colleague asked about my BMW, I thought I'd research more via BMW's archive and I've just printed off the car's original spec from the VIN including all the optional extras which were fitted as requested by the car's first owner. It is indeed the M Sport model (not M Tech) and the wheels are original too. I've also been trying to find the correct model lettering for the boot as there isn't anything on there. I've wondered if the originals were removed to have the boot resprayed or something like that, when in fact, the original request was "model lettering deleted", so there has never been anything on the boot - IE; 325i or M. So question is... should I leave it as it is or fit a new 'M' badge?

 

[Rod]

Having no rear markings was and is (I think ) the only free BMW optional extra!
It would have said 325i no M
M is reserved for the M3 etc models

Rod

 

[AndyP]

I'd leave it as is. You have the documents now to prove it is original and the lack of the M might make it less attractive to a tea leaf.

 

[Pinch]

Having no rear markings was and is (I think ) the only free BMW optional extra!
It would have said 325i no M
M is reserved for the M3 etc models

Rod

Yes, that figures

I know you can buy just the 'M' badge without the '3' or '5' attached. Mine has 'M' badges down the sides integral to the black trim. I've researched a lot of E36 325i's on the internet specifically looking for the rear view pictures and I've seen quite a few with the 325i lettering and a few with just the 'M' badge - no '3' or '5', just the 'M'. So would the 'M' badged boots been an addition made by the owner at the time and not from the factory? I've also seen the famous 'M3' badge attached to non M3's which is very sad I think. I would like my car to be as original from when it left the factory and as far as I can tell, it is.

 

[Pinch]

I'd leave it as is. You have the documents now to prove it is original and the lack of the M might make it less attractive to a tea leaf.

Yes, you could be right. I didn't think of it like that. :text-bravo: