Unhelpful forum

[jbourke]

I always thought that forums such as these are the place to get help from people more experienced than yourself. My experience so far is that the main topics are big wheels and over-the-top stereos. No kind help or understanding that a small problem for one can be a major for another.

I have asked two questions (after searching) that surely some forum members must have a cut and paste answer to. No reaction whatsoever. I sadly have to conclude that the BMW dealer is more helpful. Go figure.

John

[BillionPa]

sorry for your plight.

as to both your quesions, i dont have answers to them.

is Becker the brand of the radio? never heard of it.

[kev535i]

currently on this page there are two posts on wheels and none on stereos, although you seem to post a few on stereos , i have found this forum an unlimited valuable resource if your bmw dealer is more helpful lucky you mine is not. Sorry but i am unable to answer your questions which is why i did not reply

[DaveVoorhis]

Your wiper problem? Never encountered it before, so I don't have an answer. If it were me, I'd probably check the stalk switch first.

Removing the radio? I've not encountered the "Becker" radio before -- I'm familiar with terms like Business RDS, Reverse RDS, etc., that are printed on the faceplate. However, the radios usually come out as follows:

1. Pop off the plastic covers on either side of the faceplate.

2. a) If you find screws under the covers, loosen these then slide the radio out.

2. b) If you find holes under the covers, insert rods into the holes to release the catches (car audio shops have a tool for this) then slide the radio out.

On forums like these, every so often someone will post seemingly-simple questions for which no one has an answer. Looks like you did it twice in a row.

[rickm]

Maybe no one here has a Becker radio, ever consider that? I've seen them in Porsche, never BMW. This radio should have a couple of tabs that pop open so you can get an allen wrench in there. If not (if it's out of a Porsche) they (Porsche) has a special tool to remove them with.

Wipers. Are they slow regardless of speed? As you speed up the wipers should speed up also. There is a sensor for them that is mounted on the differential.

Lastly, ditch the attitude. This is a free forum, people aren't sitting behind their computers 24/7 waiting to answer questions that a google search would find the answers to.

[leicesterboy15]

I personally have listed a few posts that nobody has any responses to but I imagine there are no responses because nobody knows, not out of spite. However I have also posted questions to which the answers have been invaluable and saved me a fortune (one saved me 4k!!)

Its a forum and people can post what they like and what interests them, nobody is obliged to do anything. My friend tried to find out some info on a vauxhall Vectra and couldn't find a decent forum anywhere.

In my experince the best forums are those for BMW, Merc and Rover. I personally have saved a fortune by using these forums and learnt a lot!

[AutoXr]

My 2 cents - I don't post much, but this is one bookmarked forum I check regularly. There are lots of posts un-related to technical issues, some kind of silly, but most are quite entertaining. Sometime you get some chaff with the wheat...no biggy. When there is an issue, however, my observatoin is that this is one of the best resources you can turn to.

I hope I can continue to read for entertainment reasons only....I've been extremely fortunate that my 525i Touring has given me absolutely no grief in the 50,000 miles I've owned it.

[ryan roopnarine]

well this is wonderful. there are at least 6 threads in a search for "slow wipers" that inform people to either re-lubricate the wiper motor or find a new unit. as for the (high probability that it is aftermarket) becker radio....

[Ross]

I thought to post regarding the Becker removal but as Herr Becker isn't OEM here any info I would have may be wrong. Most DIN chassis have some sort of slot to insert a tool on either side to release clips allowing the radio to slide out.
Didn't notice the other post you refer to and am not going to look for it after the tone of your last.
If you think this forum to be useless try some others, if you find a better BMW forum please PM with it.
I have been repairing cars since 1972, have owned and maintained nearly every brand of car there is and find this forum to be very informative. There are real live professional mechanics here, like at your more helpful dealer, who share their wisdom for free. Hard to beat that I say.
Don't expect everyone here to have your answer or to jump right on your problem. I see ****ing stupid questions answered respectfully all the time here, can't figure why you should have a beef.
There are posts regarding wheels and stereos because enthusiasts tend to personalize their cars. Ignore those posts if they don't interest you.
Looking at your previous threads it seems you've been helped in the past, trashing us now isn't likely to get you the free help you seek.
BTW what is the going labor rate at the dealer over there?

[Monastie]

wow... seriously, whats with the attitude