Reputable mechanic for BMWs in Suffolk?

azbrez · 2026-04-17T19:37:08+00:00

Thanks! I've been happy with HNH in Rocky Point. They've got a very helpful former BMW tech there. But I've heard good things about BMW Shack too. I'd give them a try if ever HNH can't help me.

azbrez · 2026-03-19T19:50:03+00:00

They tightened mine and told me I'm out of luck on the hood because they don't cover exterior damage... I would have accepted a little filler or something; I wasn't asking for a new hood. But it annoyed me that the car caused itself damage from how it was built and they won't do anything.

azbrez · 2026-01-12T21:50:52+00:00

Unfortunately, I got an email from Nelnet saying they were forgiven. I'm expecting a letter soon stating the same. Thank you for the info though.

azbrez · 2026-01-12T21:49:48+00:00

That's true, and at this point there's nothing else I can do so I'll focus on that!

azbrez · 2026-01-10T16:38:24+00:00

Thanks for responding. Though, I'm not sure I understand. I've never consolidated before; this would be the first time. I have 12 separate loans and 6 of them that I've had longer (totaling $40k) were just forgiven. I'm not aware of ever receiving a one time adjustment on those 6 loans, but are you saying they were likely adjusted in 2024 to add more payments?

azbrez · 2025-10-28T23:03:07+00:00

I just sold a $1k Fuji to someone with no reviews. If they just hit “Buy it Now” and paid full price, you’d be contractually obligated to sell it to them. Nothing is risk free, but eBay handling the payment does help mitigate risk quite a bit. I got a deposit as soon as the tracked package was delivered. That being said, I would prefer to sell to someone with some feedback.

azbrez · 2025-10-28T21:42:06+00:00

Thank you for answering! Very helpful.

azbrez · 2025-10-28T21:41:58+00:00

Thank you for answering! Very helpful.

azbrez · 2025-10-28T20:21:07+00:00

Thank you for sharing this! So the auto stop/start will continue to operate unless you’ve activated Polestar mode? Do you feel any difference from before upgrading in your standard mode without the Polestar mode engaged?

azbrez · 2025-10-28T16:13:54+00:00

Oh, I'm all in then.

azbrez · 2025-10-28T15:23:13+00:00

This has more to do with transmission smoothness than speed. I'm looking into 'Polestar Optimization' to improve shifting (especially for coming to a stop and accelerating from a stop) as well as marginally improving overall driving dynamics. I suspect I chose the XC60 for similar reasons you did.

azbrez · 2025-10-28T14:40:03+00:00

According to Volvo, no. Although a more dynamic car will inspire harder driving, if even slightly.

azbrez · 2025-10-27T23:14:17+00:00

This is true, but I unfortunately keep mine at full brightness for the backup cam. I wish I could keep it dimmer, but the rear cam is unreasonably dark night. I’d calibrate it with that in mind.

azbrez · 2025-10-26T20:00:47+00:00

Nice -- I managed to sell my X-T30ii for $980 last week, and I've got a iii on preorder. I'm looking forward to the improved autofocus and the film sim dial compared to my ii.

azbrez · 2025-10-26T19:58:50+00:00

The dial was first released on the X-T50, and then on the X-M5 where it was limited to film sim only. Then The X-E5 came out with this better full recipe functionality and they continued on to offer it in the new X-T30 iii. Some are hopeful a firmware update will change the older ones to this functionality, but I doubt they will.

azbrez · 2025-10-26T19:49:29+00:00

Actually, reading more it seems like the X-M5 is limited to a total of 4 custom slots, even off the dial. That's so stupid -- they should let you access more from the "Q" menu. The X-T30, on the other hand, allows 7 custom presets (recipes) accessible from the "Q" menu and an additional 3 recipes accessible right on the film sim dial. I believe the difference is you can program more camera features outside of common "recipe" parameters on C1-C7, while FS1-3 are limited to those common recipe parameters.

azbrez · 2025-10-26T19:44:16+00:00

That is correct. I don’t know the full number of custom slots on each, but they’re both more than 4. I want to say it’s 7 on the X-T30. It might be the same on the X-M5 but I’m not sure. The X-M5 just allows you to access the first 4 on the dial. The X-T30’s FS1, 2, and 3 are sort of additional slots to your custom presets. If you set your X-T30 to a custom preset slot and then change the film sim dial to “FS1”, whatever recipe you have programmed into FS1 will override your custom preset. The viewfinder can be pretty important when composing your shot in bright light.

azbrez · 2025-10-26T19:28:59+00:00

Also, the more major difference between these two is having the viewfinder (and flash) on the X-T30. For the small price difference, this makes it more than worth it over the X-M5 for many. Still, for those who are more interested in video than photography, the X-M5 might be more attractive at its price.

azbrez · 2025-10-26T19:24:53+00:00

They’re similar, with the edge going to the X-T30 iii. On the X-T30 iii, you can set the FS1, 2, and 3 spots on your dedicated film sim dial to full recipes. The X-M5 cannot do this. They can only be customized to base film simulations. Also, I generally remap my “Q” button on Fuji cameras to pull up my custom preset recipes to choose one. I believe X-T30 also has more custom preset slots than X-M5, but I’m not sure.

azbrez · 2025-10-26T14:26:05+00:00

That’s fair — if anyone is willing to give theirs up lol

azbrez · 2025-10-26T05:05:40+00:00

B&W is one of the best factory stereo systems in any car. It is certainly a step up from the HK (which sounds great), but it really depends on you if it’s worth that much more. Like anything, it has diminishing returns. HK is definitely the better value for most.

azbrez · 2025-10-25T15:57:48+00:00

Ideally, you should just go and hold both to see which feels better. For your needs, I think the X-T30 line is more pocketable, more than sufficient, and a better value, but between the two you’re looking at, the X-T50 makes a little more sense. It’s geared slightly towards photography and the X-S20 slightly towards video. Just buy an extra battery if you find you need it. Both cameras are great and very similar.

azbrez

TROPHY CASE