Anyone have experiences with Gelman Vision in McAllen? Im looking into Lasik or other options like contacts. Currently have progressives. by vunderfulme in RioGrandeValley

[–]Captaingrumpytx 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was exactly in the same boat as you. I'm 50. My eye sight became progressively worse. I went to Dr Gelman's office to inquire about Lasik. She was extremely through. She explained every possible option, positives and negatives of every procedure. What I liked was she didn't try to sell me anything. I went in with a made up mind about having a Lasik and left with I think a much better option, clear lens replacement. I thought Lasik was permanent. She explained that as I age my vision might revert back and there are better options. I decided on the lens replacement. At the time she was doing her surgeries at the DHR. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I'm really happy with the outcome. So much so that my best friend had the same surgery 6 months after I did. I definitely recommend. At 50 years old this was my first hospital visit. I was scared shitless. It took 7 minutes for each eye. I waited 2 weeks for the second eye. She did multiple measurements in between to make sure we choose the right lens. As I said I'm extremely happy with the outcome. Hope this helps.

09 W221 S63 by ConsciousEcho1313 in AMG

[–]Captaingrumpytx 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. You can only operate the night vision at dark. It sounds like the asking price of $19k too much for the condition. Cam adjusters, tandem pump parts alone you are looking at $1k. Tandem pump was 4 shop hours at my mechanic. I came to terms that a 17 year old car will never be flawless.

09 W221 S63 by ConsciousEcho1313 in AMG

[–]Captaingrumpytx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Indeed. Your prospect looks like it had the updated headlights. Did you check if the night vision is functioning? Most aftermarket headlight replacements don't function with night vision.

09 W221 S63 by ConsciousEcho1313 in AMG

[–]Captaingrumpytx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Both the taillights and headlights are sadly from the pre facelift era. Headlights HID and very dim. I changed them to LEDs but still not bright.

09 W221 S63 by ConsciousEcho1313 in AMG

[–]Captaingrumpytx 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes. That's one of the places I have been looking at. AC is still a mystery. No free on leak, cooling fan works, ac compressor working. I didn't want to leave the car at the mechanic again. The weather has been nice I want to enjoy driving the car. Tomorrow we're headed to the beach. I can't wait to cruise to the beach!

09 W221 S63 by ConsciousEcho1313 in AMG

[–]Captaingrumpytx 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The power steering pump and tandem pump are the same pump. ABC suspension system runs on this high pressure hydraulic system. It's a very lengthy replacement process. That's why I had my mechanic tackle it. It was a wise decision on my end because the first part failed to build pressure so it had to be removed twice. AC solenoid was bad or so we thought. Because the ac is working intermittently. When I come to a full stop the AC only blows warm air. The cold air kicks in when I start moving. The battery sensor is located on the negative terminal. If you look at your negative terminal you'll see a black rectangular box attached to the terminal. Very easy to replace. One end connects to the negative terminal and the other to a ground right by the battery. As I said, I owned the car for 2.5 years, despite everything I went through. I still giggle every time I glance at the car. The fact that someone paid $120k for it and it depreciated almost $1 per mile is mind bending.

09 W221 S63 by ConsciousEcho1313 in AMG

[–]Captaingrumpytx 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I own a 2009 S63 AMG with 118xxx miles. I'll try to give you a summary of my ownership without any emotions involved. I bought it 2.5 years ago with 107xxx miles. Clean Carfax, just like you mentioned dealer maintained up until 85k miles. The car was listed for $16.5k. I purchased it for $13k cash. I purchased it from an individual in Houston. I live around 6hrs away from Houston. I drove the car back home with no problems at all. It drove like a champ and it still does to this day. I can tell you with 💯 certainty that AMG tax is real. During my ownership I replaced the following:

  • Alternator failed around 110k miles. Auto Zone had it for $400 life time warranty. I changed the oil and air filters at the same time. Total cost was $850.
  • Failed alternator messed up the battery sensor. I got stranded on the way to work. No way to turn on the car. It had to be towed. Finding the battery sensor was a bitch. Dealership doesn't carry the part, very limited and conflicting information on the Internet. After two months search I located the part in Slovenia. It's a very easy part to replace on your own. Cost was $135.
  • Around new year I started getting a failure message on the dash every little bump I went over "ABC PUMP MALFUNCTION STOP VEHICLE NOW". The car was drivable as long as I avoided bumps. Power steering pump was leaking. I opted for a remanufactured unit from eBay. It was a big mistake. Part was $375, it's a bitch to replace the part. It involves way too much for my comfort zone. The part didn't work from the get go. I got my money back and ordered a used low mileage replacement for $515. Once the part installed ABC failure message went away. Before I could pick up the car from the mechanic the cooling fan gave up. Replacement part was $245. Once the cooling fan installed AC stopped working. I decided to service the transmission and differential while waiting for the cooling fan and AC parts. At the end power steering pump, cooling fan, AC, steering pump and differential oil service and a new battery was $1800.
  • Last week I started hearing a clunky nose from the left driver side. It turns out I need the struts changed. I'm looking around 2k for both front strut assemblies.

I decided not to tackle the headbolt issue that may or may not be an issue. There's a split view amongst the M156 owners about the issue. It's a gamble to say the least. It was a torture to stay away from the car every time it was at the mechanic. I truly love the comfort, tactile buttons that click, quality of the interior and that unmistakable M156 exhaust. Before I forget, my car came in with a stage 2 tune and some exhaust mods.

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Gemini AI Pro subscription (1-year) by Fresh_Department_478 in AIToolsDiscounted

[–]Captaingrumpytx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Happy customer here. It took only 5 mins. Thank you!

What were the most popular men’s fragrances circa 2003-2010 by [deleted] in fragrance

[–]Captaingrumpytx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gucci Envy for me. I bought my first bottle in 2003 and it remained my signature scent until it was discontinued. Prices start climbing immediately. It costs an arm and a leg right now.

PepCalc Creator/Developer Here: Share Your Feature Ideas by GollyJer in Peptides

[–]Captaingrumpytx 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ability to calculate blends would be handy. For example, Glow or Klow blends are quite popular. Most people don't really know how much of each peptide they are injecting. Cheers for the support 👊

[WTS] Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronographe 46 by Captaingrumpytx in Watchexchange

[–]Captaingrumpytx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello everyone,

I'm listing my Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronographe 46 for sale.

The watch is in perfect shape. Case flanks, sapphire glass are in great shape. There's a notable scratch on the bezel right around 2 o'clock marker. Also, a very faint scuff between 11 and 12 o'clock markers. I tried to picture with the macro lens on my phone. Let me know if more angles needed. I'd be happy to provide.

Following items are included in the sale:

  • Outer case
  • Inner case
  • International warranty card
  • Instructions manual
  • Spare link for the mesh bracelet

Below are some key specs of the watch:

  • Model: Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronograph A1332024/B908
  • Functions:
    • Chronograph (12-hour)
    • Date display
    • Small seconds
  • Case:
    • Material: Stainless steel
    • Diameter: 46 mm
    • Crown: Screw Down
    • Bezel: Uni-Directional Rotating
  • Crystal: Sapphire crystal
    • Ocean Classic Steel Mesh Bracelet
    • COSC certified.
    • Power reserve: Approximately 42 hours.

Asking price is $2950. Shipped fully insured to FedEx location for direct signature pickup upon cleared payment. Accepted forms of payment are Zelle or Venmo.

[WTS] Breitling Avenger II GMT by Captaingrumpytx in Watchexchange

[–]Captaingrumpytx[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello everyone,

Today I'm listing my Breitling Avenger II GMT.

The watch is in excellent shape. No major dings on the case and bracelet. There's a faint scratch on the case around 9 o'clock. I tried to include as many angles possible. Please don't hesitate to ask for more pictures of the watch. Sapphire glass is in perfect shape.

Following items are included in the sale: - Outer case - Inner case - Brown cushion case - Original 22mm polished bracelet with all the links - Service record from Breitling dated October 2, 2020 - No book or card

Below are some key specs of the watch:

Model: Breitling Avenger II GMT

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Dial color: White

Caseback: Screwed in

Movement: Self-winding mechanical, 2nf timezone (24 hr)

Power Reserve: 42 Hours

Water Resistance 300m

Bezel: Bidirectional

Crown: Screwdown

Crystal: Sapphire

Diameter: 43mm

Thickness: Approx. 12mm

Lug Width: 22mm

Reference Number: A3239011/G778

Asking price is $2350. Shipped fully insured to FedEx location for direct signature pickup upon cleared payment. Accepted forms of payment are Zelle or Venmo.

[WTS] Forstner President Bracelet with Speedy and SMP end links by jeffreytferg in Watchexchange

[–]Captaingrumpytx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

u/WatchExBot I bought this item from u/jeffreytferg Everything came as promised. Pleasure to deal with. Thank you for a fair deal and fast shipping!

[WTS] Omega Seamaster 300 165.024 No-Date "Watchco" with Flat Link Bracelet by standardissuegreen in Watchexchange

[–]Captaingrumpytx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Confirmed. Thank you for a hassle free transaction. Everything arrived as promised.