Monthly Archives: February 2021

cars, Project BMW, Tools, X1

A New Car & Pesky Maintenance Alerts

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I just bought a “new-to-me” 2015 BMW X1 (x28i, 4×4). The computer told me the car was well overdue for an oil change and brake fluid replacement. I needed to get these taken care of ASAP.

I had a couple left over filters from my X3, but they were not the right size. I got the right one from the local AutoZone. Oil too. And brake fluid. After work I went to the base Auto Craft Shop to do the work.

What size is this cap? I need together the right tool.

The oil change was interesting for a couple reasons. One, the whole bottom of the car is covered with aerodynamic covers. I had read there was an access panel. It turns out this access was much further aft under the car than I expected. When I opened it the drain bolt turned out to be vertical into the bottom of the sump instead of horizontal on the side. My filter came with a new metal gasket and new rubber o-rings. Oil out. Plug back in.

The oil filter housing cap is different from what I’m used to, but the shop fortunately had the right filter “wrench.” I need to figure out what size it is and buy myself one. No surprises with the filter or refilling the oil.

It took me a few minutes to figure out where the brake fluid reservoir was. It’s under a cover in the back-right corner as you look from the front. This was the second time I used my Motive pressure bleeder. It went really quickly. My problem the first time was getting the vinyl tubing on the bleed nipple far enough that it wouldn’t pop off. This time I made sure to get it snug.

This is the second time I’ve used my Motive Power Bleeder – the fastest I’ve ever replaced brake fluid! I think that motor needs a good bath!

It almost took longer to pump up the bleeder to operating pressure than it did to actually flush all four corners. It was that fast!

Computer Based Service instructions came from Bimmerfest, to give credit where it’s due!

I forgot to get a sticker to record the mileage for the next oil change. I’ll have to hit the parts store tomorrow. For now, I have a picture!

Family, History, Trains

The Daylight’s 4449

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I LIKE PASSENGER TRAINS, particularly those of the “streamliner era.” Southern Pacific’s red and orange Daylight trains spent part of their life behind the beautiful, semi-streamlined 4-8-4 of the GS-4 series. One of these, only 4449 still exists.

4449 still exists due to a bit of luck and American history. In 1975 she was chosen for restoration to serve as one of three locomotives used for the American Freedom Train* as part of the US Bicentennial Celebration. In 1999 I needed to go to Seattle, Washington. I flew to Portland, Oregon, on the way. I was able to get a ride to the roundhouse were 4449 was stored at the time. I peeked through the window, but that was as far as I got. I then road Amtrak’s then-new Talgo Cascade to Seattle where my brother Tom (1964-2012) picked me up.

Several years later 4449 was somewhere near Seattle with Union Pacific’s excursion train and 844 steam locomotive. Tom sent me these pictures. I’m pretty sure they are from a May 2007 excursion as described on the modern 4449 website.

Kato made a model of 4449 and matching Southern Pacific Daylight passenger cars. Someday I’ll have a layout to run it on! I’d love to go for an excursion on a train pulled by 4449…

*I saw the AFT pulled by the other locomotive in Columbus, Ohio, in 1975. It was the only day I ever skipped school. The school called my dad, who somehow knew exactly where I was and came to get me. I didn’t get into too much trouble and thankfully had already been through the exhibition cars!