Built-in obsolesence

[ecotourist]

Originally Posted By: nthach
Originally Posted By: ecotourist

I had problems with the traction control and ABS systems on my BMW. My specialist repair place wanted big bucks (far more than $1200) to replace an electronic module. But I found a shop that rebuilt my old module (with a 5 year guarantee) for $300 and I removed and reinstalled it myself in less than 10 minutes. So there is hope.

That said, I do think simpler is better.


Be careful - a lot of rebuilders don't use quality electronic components like low-ESR/long life capacitors and auto-spec transistors(triacs, MOSFETs, drivers, etc). Caveat emptor.

No doubt you are correct. But this rebuild is guaranteed for 5 years. And I don't think anyone with any sense would rebuild with inferior parts and then offer a 5 year guarantee.

And if they used old parts, all the better. I'd expect old electronic components to be as reliable as (or maybe even more reliable than) new ones. When does electronic equipment fail? - the highest rate of failure is generally in the first few months.

 

[Papa Bear]

grampi:

Try getting a tuner for a '97 Sony TV ....

Let's try to be grampi - not grumpy.

All the best from a retired electronics tech.

 

[kc8adu]

i would simply repair that tuner.but few want a 97 sony crt set fixed.
all the electronics in modern vehicles means i repair vehicles without getting my hands greasy.
vette ebcm repairs are easy for me.but electronic repair is what i do.mostly industrial but lots of automotive these days.
i let the younger guys change engines and bust their knuckles.
Originally Posted By: Papa Bear
grampi:

Try getting a tuner for a '97 Sony TV ....

Let's try to be grampi - not grumpy.

All the best from a retired electronics tech.

 

[Robertslowpoke]

good talk! I am 64,and have driven LOTS of cars. cars today are WAY better than ever. I like old cars, and new cars.

my Dad's 1960 Buick blew heater hoses so often, we kept them in the trunk. today, my 2008 Caddy has spark plugs with 72,000 miles on them, struts/springs with 72K, nothing ever really broke but the water pump. Dad's 73 caddy got about 9 mpg. mine, 4,000 pounds, northstar V8, loaded with my wife, daughter, me and tons of stuff from her dorm room, drove back from college, 29 miles per gallon. my power windows have NEVER broken in ANY of my cars. 1998 lesabre, 1998 lesabre, 2000 park ave, 2002 lexus, 2008 caddy, 2012 Honda accord.

when was the last time you drove somewhere, wondering if you would make it. tune ups: thing of the past. CARS ARE WAY BETTER THAN EVER BEFORE. not even close.
not even close.

just my opinion, I respect everyone's opinion!

best to all,
bob

 

[DoubleWasp]

Originally Posted By: Astro14


Depends on the manufacturer. Mercedes, for example supports EVERY car they've ever made with parts.

Every car.

Ever.


If you are willing to pay $1200 for just one cable.

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: kc8adu
i would simply repair that tuner.but few want a 97 sony crt set fixed.
all the electronics in modern vehicles means i repair vehicles without getting my hands greasy.
vette ebcm repairs are easy for me.but electronic repair is what i do.mostly industrial but lots of automotive these days.
i let the younger guys change engines and bust their knuckles.
Originally Posted By: Papa Bear
grampi:

Try getting a tuner for a '97 Sony TV ....

Let's try to be grampi - not grumpy.

All the best from a retired electronics tech.


If my EBCM goes bad, will you repair it?

 

[kc8adu]

sure.
just pm me if it fails.the failures seem to be an isolated batch all in the same datecode range.
yours may never fail.also seems that most of the bad ones died over 80k.i see few under that or over.
as the years go by other age related failures mostly related to caps emerge.
Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: kc8adu
i would simply repair that tuner.but few want a 97 sony crt set fixed.
all the electronics in modern vehicles means i repair vehicles without getting my hands greasy.
vette ebcm repairs are easy for me.but electronic repair is what i do.mostly industrial but lots of automotive these days.
i let the younger guys change engines and bust their knuckles.
Originally Posted By: Papa Bear
grampi:

Try getting a tuner for a '97 Sony TV ....

Let's try to be grampi - not grumpy.

All the best from a retired electronics tech.


If my EBCM goes bad, will you repair it?