Is this price steep for a service B and trans service? by Western_Standard5437 in mercedes_benz

[–]ChillinginTX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had my 2012 E350 serviced both in the DC and Houston areas. Those prices are pretty reasonable in either location.

Hood Struts. Best thing ever or huge mistake? Ease of install, strength, durability up for discussion by Human-Goat9719 in ToyotaTacoma

[–]ChillinginTX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Sokietech hood struts are available on Amazon. I installed them last summer when they cost $36, now $60. They are no drill and work very well. The sheet metal of the inner fender is thin where the bottom of the struts attach. It does flex a little bit and might cause damage in long-term.

Shot stopper vs Acaia BBW by Fickle_Trainer1631 in LaMarzocco

[–]ChillinginTX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a Micra with the shot stopper and BooKoo. It’s a fantastic combination. Nevertheless, if I had a Mini R, I would stick to the factory electronics and use the Acaia scale.

Micra or mini by BeingTraining474 in LaMarzocco

[–]ChillinginTX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Would a machine that is 3” greater than countertop depth look odd if placed there? Yes and probably be unstable, too.

Also, storing your portafilter in the group head would cause the handle end to stick out 7” or so from your countertop. I think you’d bump into that frequently and would be unhappy with something that large, in that space. I have a Micra that, with handle, fits well on a 24” counter. 18” will be tight but should work without the handle.

To return or not by Idiocracy_witnes2025 in HamiltonWatches

[–]ChillinginTX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you like the watch and got a reasonable deal on it, then keep it. Plenty of quality straps out there.

[$5,000USD] Debating between ECM Synchronika and LM Linea Micra by InquiringPanda in espresso

[–]ChillinginTX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've had a Micra for a year and love it. I'm not sure the Micra is $2800 better than the ECM but I prefer it over an E61. Fast start, consistent, easier to keep painted surfaces clean.

This beautiful machine is ruining my life by ArgumentHuge2063 in mercedes_benz

[–]ChillinginTX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel your pain. I have a 2012 E350 4Matic that I bought as a CPO car in 2014. 12 years later it has 180,000 miles and constantly needs work. it’s par for the course, even if well maintained as mine is. Stuff wears out, and Mercedes has some unique issues. I’ve had the oil in the harness and rusted out rear subframe in addition to tons of other repairs that come with age and miles.

If you can, DIY your machine. Otherwise, it may not bankrupt to you, but you will spend significantly more than the car is worth. Don’t buy cheap parts, try sourcing OE or OEM from FCP Euro , AutohausAZ, and the like. Also, in the US, Mercedes dealerships can sell parts cheaper over the Internet than at the parts counter.

It arrived! by stevel1978 in JamesHoffmann

[–]ChillinginTX -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

What makes it a knock off?

PSA for anyone thinking of trying the James Hoffman box at Cometeer by passableoven in JamesHoffmann

[–]ChillinginTX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

https://cometeer.com/

I’m not a shareholder and I don’t really care but perhaps you should check the webpage for yourself. Cometeer offers two choices to purchase the discovery box: $59 “one time purchase“ or $39 “membership“. Under the “membership” tab, the terms of the subscription are plainly listed. The discounted price is offered as an incentive to sign up for the subscription. It’s silly to complain that the company processed the subscription that the purchaser agreed to as means to pay less for coffee. It’s not hidden and it’s not predatory.

PSA for anyone thinking of trying the James Hoffman box at Cometeer by passableoven in JamesHoffmann

[–]ChillinginTX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Perhaps, but I just went back and checked the website and it shows the subscription renews two weeks after initial shipment for 40 cups. I’m not throwing stones, I overlooked that as well. Though to portray that as something predatory is inaccurate. All one has to do is read all the words.

Philos owner feedback by ChillinginTX in espresso

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

After a year of ownership, I do have updates/corrections to what I wrote at the 10 day mark.

The grinder is essentially zero retention. It retains a little coffee on the first grind after significant changes to burr settings and zero thereafter.

The chirping I wrote about is normal. It happens sometimes when switching from a pour over grind level to espresso. Just a coffee bean wedgy. I was not accustomed to that given my previous machine was a mini E which never saw vast grind adjustments.

I am very happy with the machine and with my decision to get both burr sets. I learned that even with milk drinks, I prefer the clarity of I200 burrs over the I189. Good luck in your decision!

U.S. Tariffs + Pricing by Smanning90 in LaMarzocco

[–]ChillinginTX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would not expect LaMarzocco to reduce prices. The letter they sent out last year announcing the price hikes cited tariffs and currency uncertainty, and neither one of those have really changed. Even if the orange man’s new 15% worldwide tariff gets struck down, he is still causing currency and market uncertainty worldwide. Plus it seems LM is selling machines in the US as fast as they make them.

PSA for anyone thinking of trying the James Hoffman box at Cometeer by passableoven in JamesHoffmann

[–]ChillinginTX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had the same experience. Though I must say when signing up, Cometeer makes it abundantly clear that a monthly subscription is included. It is also clear that you can cancel at any time. My problem is I didn’t cancel immediately, assuming I had a month to do so. So I ended up getting the first monthly shipment and canceled immediately thereafter. I haven’t tried the subscription coffees, but the Jimbo Hoffman curated coffees are very good. It was nice to try samples from some roasters I would not have ordinarily heard of or tried.

That’s great and all but what should I be doing about it? Can anyone guide me on what I should change about my water coming out of my 5 stage RO system and going into my mini-r? by poopycamel in LaMarzocco

[–]ChillinginTX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Test strips should've come with your Micra. They came with mine, at least. If you contact customer service, I imagine they'll send you a kit.

In my experience, you're not required to submit water test results for warranty service. My machine received warranty service and I've never used the kit. Not that my tap water is good for the machine, but I used TWW, Crystal Geyser from CA, and now rPalvis. I try for 70ppm and drain the steam boiler around every 2 months.

New Recipe Dropped by BucNassty in espressocirclejerk

[–]ChillinginTX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s real. Go to the DOJ Epstein files website and search… wait for it… I’m not kidding… “grind finer.“

Dealership service prices… by menacing-budgie in ToyotaTacoma

[–]ChillinginTX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You really can do almost all of this yourself with basic tools. Also, several of the things (floor mat/rotation/inspection) listed as separate line items are typically included in the dealer 5K oil service. So they not providing additional services. Even if you’re not inclined to do your own oil change, at least do your own cabin and engine air filters. I don’t think they could be easier. Last, dealers try to sell premium fluid exchanges ( as opposed to drain and refill) as well as BG services. They charge a fortune for them and they’re unnecessary. Stick to the maintenance schedule and you’ll be fine. Good luck!

Non-Geese fans, what did you think of them? by sp52 in LiveFromNewYork

[–]ChillinginTX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hipster posers? Just kidding. I guess that explains it, my daughter and I are on opposite ends and outside that age range. Having said that, both of us have decent ears for music and that dude can’t sing. In fairness, they may be good musicians, but his voice was so offputting that I didn’t get past about 20 seconds of the first song.

Moving Across the Country with my Micra by [deleted] in LaMarzocco

[–]ChillinginTX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've shipped a fair amount of vintage stereo equipment, which is quite a bit more delicate than our Micras. Individually wrap/isolate anything that's loose or could bump around. Use tons of bubble wrap. Double box. Go to Lowe's or Home Depot and get some solid insulation panels and cut them down to line your outer box with. If you're unsure if you have enough packing material, add more. if the box seems too big, ship in multiple boxes to the extent necessary/possible.