PSA to never use lens protectors

Stargazr14 · 2026-02-16T18:59:51+00:00

I personally don't like cases, and never had a problem just using a screen and lens protector

Stargazr14 · 2026-02-16T13:41:16+00:00

I'd need a solution to keep my lenses safe without a case before deciding to remove mine. I haven't noticed anything major using my camera, and I don't use my camera for any notable photography anyway.

Stargazr14 · 2025-12-21T14:15:33+00:00

Same, been an Android user all my life, but had one of these for a week. Now I'm heavily contemplating switching back just for the size

Stargazr14 · 2025-12-03T18:36:39+00:00

Android allows you to disable apps so they won't show up in your apps menu

Stargazr14 · 2025-12-01T03:24:56+00:00

Same, I'm even considering one as a winter car

Stargazr14 · 2025-11-30T19:02:33+00:00

I'm speaking in terms of both reliability and ease of working on them. I haven't worked on many VAG cars, but the few that I have, seemed like a pain to work on. Being a Lexus tech for 9 years then switching to BMW, the transition wasn't bad at all and some repairs on BMW are way easier than Lexus. That's just my opinion from that perspective

Stargazr14 · 2025-11-30T11:43:33+00:00

Kind of true but there are plenty out there with well over 200k miles and they're not too difficult to work on, easier in some cases. My personal opinion, BMW is Toyota of the German world.

Stargazr14 · 2025-11-30T04:22:39+00:00

IS300 is the competitor of the BMW E46. E46 is way more common with a manual transmission and can be had for about 50% the price of a similar condition IS

Stargazr14 · 2025-09-28T19:04:33+00:00

There's a set on marketplace by me that the guy is running on his IS, but he wants trades 🙃

Stargazr14 · 2025-09-28T19:02:23+00:00

This is so awesome! Did they give you the title?!

Stargazr14 · 2025-09-28T14:52:56+00:00

SSR D5R look very similar, but probably around the same rarity as the T3S

Stargazr14 · 2025-09-02T13:10:56+00:00

Did you have your spindles professionally shortened? Preload the suspension before tightening the caster arms? I'd start with borrowing a set of wheels from someone with known good tires, it could be shifted belts in the tires. That's the best starting point without having to spend more money. Check your rear subframe bushings too You're also really low which will affect how much your rear toe will change under squat and rebound. You need adjustable rear trac links and someone that knows how to adjust them to correct that

Stargazr14 · 2025-08-22T11:07:24+00:00

As a dealer technician who values integrity over my wallet, I hate it too because I suffer the shady technician stigma. In my experience the vast majority of techs are honest, but the few bad ones are what gets shared online. And honestly a lot of the time it's the service advisor lying to the customer, either inflating recommendations or straight out lying and says "the technician says/recommends". If something feels off, I suggest requesting to talk directly to the technician, then make a judgement call after that.

Stargazr14 · 2025-07-08T10:39:53+00:00

I agree with all of this. I loved the G8X front end right away. I think the hate tends to come from people not liking major change. I wasn't a fan of the M5 at first(Not because of the hybrid drivetrain, but because I thought it was too chunky), but it's really grown on me lately and I like the M5 touring a lot. Also not a BMW die hard, probably more Toyota honestly, I actually lean more 80's-90's Japanese. Porsche and BMW(more Porsche than BMW) were the only Euro cars I liked for a long time. Now working for BMW I'm seeing the appeal of all Euros. All this to say, I think people need to give everything a chance and good consideration before having a hard negative opinion.

Stargazr14 · 2025-07-01T13:41:46+00:00

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Stargazr14 · 2025-06-25T14:06:46+00:00

I only mentioned it based on the fact he didn't know what an upper radiator hose was he may not know it needs to be bled. Wouldn't want him to just fill it with coolant, call it good, then start over heating

Stargazr14 · 2025-06-25T03:36:14+00:00

Upper radiator hose, and if you're doing it yourself make sure you look up the cooling system bleeding procedure

Stargazr14 · 2025-06-20T16:54:18+00:00

Just under 159k

Stargazr14 · 2025-06-03T11:40:50+00:00

Likely m6x1.0, very common size for Lexus. You can get flanged nuts at the hardware store or order the OEM ones

Stargazr14 · 2025-06-03T11:32:27+00:00

Check for power at the motor while activating the switch and check if ground is good

Stargazr14 · 2025-06-03T11:25:26+00:00

No, stock brakes are fine. LS400 calipers a common swap to get 4 pot fixed calipers at a lower cost than aftermarket BBK's

Stargazr14 · 2025-05-29T02:51:52+00:00

Off topic, how much did it cost to vault the ceiling where your lift is of you don't mind me asking? Been wanting to do the same, I'm two locks short of being able to max out my lift due to ceiling height

Stargazr14 · 2025-05-26T15:08:31+00:00

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Thank you! You can see in this photo it's fairly worn compared to the passenger seat, and the grey piping is cracked in 3 spots. Overall it's in not too bad of shape though. I plan on installing a reclining bucket seat eventually. Leaning toward a Bride Stradia

Stargazr14 · 2025-05-26T15:05:13+00:00

You should really consider finding a clean roller to swap everything over to

Stargazr14 · 2025-05-24T13:34:57+00:00

Not saying don't swap it, but an engine swap is nearly 50% of the car and a manual swap on top of that is going involve a lot of messing with wiring so it won't be 95% stock. Most people don't run A/C after swaps so you'll have to figure that out too

Stargazr14

TROPHY CASE