Apr 29 - research and a new toy

My new Luxos U bicycle headlight came in while I was in Dawsonville -- actually it wasn't delivered because it was registered mail, so I picked it up.  Straight from Germany, installation was relatively simple, replacing my existing headlight at the fork crown.

This one has all sorts of features -- varying light depending on bike speed (close for slow, far for fast); daytime running light (flashing or constant), better output when stopped and a USB port for charging devices like a cell phone and -- this is the one that's important to me -- my Garmin. 

The main feature of this light that makes much of this possible is a built-in lithium battery.  It charges up while you're riding and then powers the light when you're stopped and powers the USB port.  The light also has a wired remote control that attaches to the stem or top-tube and incorporates the USB port. 

I took the bike out this morning around the block in the dark and the light output is phenomenal, much better than my existing light -- actually much better than my setup before breaking my handlebars and using two lights.  The real test will the the USB.  That I will test today, assuming that it's not pouring rain given that there are thundershowers predicted.

The research part of my day was into codes that are coming up on the X5 at this point.  One is a pre-cat O2 sensor failure -- that seems easy enough to replace.  The other has to do with the throttle position sensor.  I finally figured out late in the day why I'm not finding it online; yes, I'm dense.  It's internal to the throttle body.   I cannot replace the sensor alone, must replace the entire throttle body.  The other part is whether this is something that I can do myself, since conflicting blogs / comments on forums indicate that the engine management computer must re-learn the new throttle body.  Some say that it's plug-and-play; others not. 

I'm going to call BMW this a.m. and see what it would take to replace this thing.  It's worth about $300 online but I'm sure that it's much more at BMW.  If the car had a separately replaceable sensor, that's worth less than $100 ... the O2 sensor is also about $100. 

Most people with throttle body problems seem to have their cars going into what's known as "limp mode" where the car will only drive slowly.  It doesn't seem to affect this engine at all and I'm not sure if that means that it's something waiting to happen or whether I could live happily like this for a long time.

All this computer controlled stuff is a pain.

I also did a little mechanical research.  I lifted both front wheels, separately, and checked for play in the suspension.  They were both tight -- good.  I also checked to see if I'd be able to remove the fan clutch and the fan the "normal" way, i.e. not reaching down inside and removing the fan from the clutch with an allen key -- and it immediately came loose -- great !  That makes the thermostat replacement so much easier.  I'm still not sure about doing the water pump; will make that call once I have the front end open.  That might be a Friday job.

Today I'm seeing John at 8am and then biking. 

Marda leaves this morning for a cousin's in Ocala and then flies out of Orlando back to Philly tomorrow.  She and Sandy have had a good time as always.  While she was here they've also booked their NYC arrangements for while I'm doing the Shenandoah.  They're ahead of me -- I haven't even registered yet !

We had Sandy's tuna tartar salad and shrimp for dinner last night with quinoa and sauteed spinach.  I told Sandy that when I go in to give blood for my annual physical (tomorrow), that means that I'll show high in mercury, iron and cholesterol.  Great !

Onward !