Hi everyone, on Tuesday morning the 2nd of December we will be performing an upgrade to VBulletin, which is the software running the site. We are going from version 3.6.4 to 3.6.12. This brings in some performance improvements, a bunch of different bug fixes and important security improvements. This will start at 4am EST and should be back online around Noon that same day.
We will also be adding a few different membership options. Currently you have the $30 premium membership program which will stay. We will also be adding the $49 lifetime membership program which will be a one time payment for all the features in the premium but at a discounted rate.
The functionality will remain the same. All privileges you currently have will be carried over to the upgraded version. The color scheme, 300c header etc. is will remain unchanged.
There will be an addition of a sidebar (just like the one on the home page) on all pages. Everyone can turn it off on thread view pages. Premium members can turn it off on all forum pages. To turn off the Sidebar you will have to follow this link. To the edit profile page in the UserCP.
With all upgrades we expect that there might be some bugs after the transition. I will I invite you to post in a thread I have created in the General section. Please try and keep this on topic so I am able to fix anything that might be wrong, rather then having to sift through off topic comments.
The 300 LX platform has grown over the past few years to be a proven vehicle for the car enthusiast. This enthusiasm has inspired an intense desire in owners to enhance performance, repair, diagnose, maintain, and personally customize their 300.
There is now an overwhelming amount of very helpful information from our devoted and passionate members, which is indispensable to all of us. Unfortunately, there are too many threads to sort through efficiently to find that info when needed most. We feel a central repository of information is needed to assist members with reliable step-by-step projects. These How-To threads will undergo a review process prior to acceptance to the Tech Tips Forum so readers will be able to trust the info located there.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We are looking for detailed How-To posts to accommodate our fellow members. Anything that you have done to your car, and can thoroughly document, will not only help the DIY’er, but it will give confidence to others to try something they didn’t think they could do. This will raise the bar in the 300 LX community tremendously!
I am recruiting ALL OF YOU to submit Tech Tip threads!
Many of you have wonderful threads you have already posted that only need a few minor tweaks to pass muster, I may be calling on you if you don’t step up first!
Here is how the process will work:
1.) Requirements for a Tech Tip submission: Must be written in outline format with numbered steps. Steps must be separated into legible, easy to read paragraphs. Tech Tips with photos are especially effective; please keep this in mind when you decide to tackle a project. Select only one photo that clearly portrays each key step of the project. The following outline format must be used for every project submission:
• Project Title (Preceded by ‘TTR’ or ‘Tech Tip Review’)
• Model(s) (Does project apply to all models, specific model only, etc)
• Tools/Parts (List all required to complete project)
• Time/Difficulty Level (How long did it take / easy-moderate-difficult
• Step-by-Step (chronological steps, w/photos if possible)
2.) Post a step-by-step How-To thread: Your thread will initially be submitted to the Tech Tips Review (TTR) Forum to be reviewed by a jury of your peers in anticipation of formal entry in the Tech Tip Forum (TTF). The title of your thread MUST begin with the phrase “TECH TIP REVIEW:” or “TTR:” which will signify to the Tech Forum Moderator, and to your peers, that your thread is open for their review and consideration. If your project contains more than 5 photos, you will need to make more than one consecutive post to continue the thread; the forum software only permits 5 pics per post. Once you have thoroughly drafted, edited, and reviewed your post for the requirements listed in #1, submit it to the Tech Tips Review section. Please note: threads which do not meet the requirements in #1 will be moved out of the TTR section and into the category most befitting its topic without review. If you have a question about the reasons, please PM the TTF Moderator.
3.)Review process begins by members; a jury of your peers: (See step #4). For a limited time, members will have the opportunity to post their constructive opinions, suggestions, and feedback in your thread. The objective: to reveal factual errors, missed steps, or open a debate about the procedure which may reveal details you had not considered. This will allow you the opportunity to analyze that feedback and edit your project to be as complete, clear and concise as possible. Note: Staff may, at their discretion, bypass the peer review process and move a thread directly to the TTF. In the event a discrepancy is noted in that, or any officially dedicated TTF threads, which are always closed, please PM the TTF Moderator directly with details so your concerns can be addressed.
4.)“Reviewers” will be objective: Posted replies in a TTR thread MUST be constructive and specifically focused on the material presented. Pointless replies like “Nice post” or “That could have been done better” are not illustrative of what you feel is good, bad or indifferent. Reviewers have a big responsibility; their posts should VERY specifically pinpoint any deficiencies found in the facts and/or presentation so the original poster can take those points into consideration, discuss them further, or edit as appropriate.
5.)Monitor your TTR thread daily: Please take all critiques into consideration. During this review period you will have the ability to edit your post, and make changes/corrections as necessary based on that feedback. Please notify the TTF Moderator regarding posts in your thread that do not conform to the rules set forth in #4 above.
6.)All TTR threads will be moved from the TTR forum: Following a period of time deemed adequate by the Tech Tip Forum Moderator, the reviews of your peers will be surveyed by the staff and:
• Approved threads will be moved to the Tech Tips Forum, where they will receive an “official” designation as Tech Tip, How-To, or DIY. Staff reserves the right to clean up text as needed for clarity or readability and/or delete reviewer replies. Approved Tech Tip threads will be closed to all further reply/comment posts; however, the author will be given the opportunity to edit in the event an addendum is needed; send a PM to the TTF Moderator for assistance.
• Those threads that have merit, but are not relocated to the Tech Tips Forum, will have the “TTR” removed from the title and will be moved to their respective category. For instance, if you wrote a How-To about installing a grille, it would be moved to the “Exterior Visual Modifications” forum; a thread about installing a subwoofer enclosure would be moved to the “Car Audio/Alarms/Navigation” forum, etc.
• Those threads that reviewers determine are factually inaccurate or contain potentially harmful instructions, which have not been corrected by the author, will be removed altogether.
A BIG “thank you” to all members willing to share their time, effort, knowledge, and expertise through TTF submissions.
An equally BIG “thank you” to those members willing to get involved and provide valuable feedback and critiques in the review process of those submissions!
This is a new project, some changes may need to be made along the way. If you have suggestions or feedback, please send a PM to the TTF Moderator!
The following rules are meant as a guideline for acceptable member behavior. In some cases it may be necessary for Admin. to take action based on their judgment and not on any particular rule herein. A formal point-based warning/infraction system is used to remind members of, or enforce the rules as needed.
We want this Board to be both informational and enjoyable. The basic ground rules are simple: show respect, don't break the law, and if you are a business person of any kind, do not post ANY message that identifies your company, products or services without specific permission from an Administrator.
We reserve the right to move, modify, delete or merge posts at our discretion and without explanation.
These rules may be amended at any time... Please review this page periodically
Advertising/Solicitation:
Only authorized Supporting Vendors are permitted to discuss their company, products, or services here - those vendors are easily recognized by their bold blue username and the title "Supporting Vendor" below it.
ALL MEMBERS: Please review the detailed Vendor Rules section below and/or contact an Administrator for permission BEFORE you make a sales-related post of any kind
Signatures:
Signatures/usernames/avatars must be work-safe; they are always visible to guests and many of our members view this board at the office or with family. For members who prefer not to view signatures, there is an option to turn them off in the User CP.
Over-sized signatures are inconsiderate and may be removed. You can help avoid removal if you'll place a list of all mods and options in a separate thread about your car with photos and link to it in your signature. To further the 'less is best' philosophy, please note that signatures only appear in your first post on any given page in a thread.
Following are specific Sig guidelines - Signatures that do not conform to these guidelines, may be limited by the software and/or removed by staff without notice:
Images: Sig photo MAX 400W x 250H (pixels). If using more than one photo, they must collectively fit within this 400 x 250 footprint
Text: If you include an image in your sig, please limit to max 4 lines of text with max font size 2
NOTE: Unauthorized vendor info and other items that violate forum rules will be removed
Avatars:
Please use socially acceptable avatars only; no political, religious, or sexual/adult content. Non-conforming avatars will be removed
User Profile - Car YR-MAKE-MODEL & Location:
Log the year-make-model of your car in the Profile section to help members help you with questions or relate your questions & answers to their situation
Please do NOT add other comments to these fields, such as mods & options, as it makes it difficult to read and takes up excessive screen space with each post - may be removed
Do not list illegal vendor info here - it will be removed
Legal:
All posts by members are the sole responsibility of that member. This forum, and its administration, do not warrant, or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or product represented on this site
POSTING RULES:
1. Post new threads in the correct forum category; each category includes a brief description of what belongs there. Threads in the wrong forum will be moved to facilitate retrieval of that information.
In addition...
Do NOT start a thread for a complaint about the forum or to question site policies. Direct these matters to any Administrator or Moderator privately via PM and allow time for them to respond
Begin a new thread only if the proposed subject matter has not already been posted. Like threads may be merged w/o notice
Do not post the same thread in several forums. Duplicate threads will be merged or deleted
Title new threads in a meaningful way so that the subject is obvious. The key to others locating posted information in the future depends upon it. Keep thread titles 'clean'
Do not post using all caps, or all bold, font: this is the equivalent to yelling on the web
No 'post-whoring': meaningless replies, such as one word posts or smilies, do NOT contribute to the topic of discussion
Do not post consecutive replies: Use edit to amend a post or the "multi-quote" feature to respond to more than one post at once
If you must quote a post in a reply, please remove any photos from that quote - we don't need to see the same pics over and over again
ONLY post 'For Sale' or 'Wanted' ads in the Buy/Sell Forum
Do not post links to downloads, or offers for pirated copyrighted materials i.e. service manuals, copied/hacked navigation software, etc.
2. Do NOT post in a manner intended to provoke a negative response: This includes thread titles. Personal attacks will not be tolerated, if you don't agree with material posted, focus your argument on that material, NOT the person who posted it
3. Report problem posts: Spam, non-supporting vendor posts, insults/name-calling, trolling, etc.. Please do not respond so as to create a larger problem. You may send a PM (with a link to the post please) to an Administrator or Moderator... or... click the REPORT POST icon connected to each post. This will send an immediate email alert to ALL forum staff
4. Be respectful of others. Expressions of intolerance or hatred will not be tolerated, nor will stalking or harassment. Posts that insult or single out an individual or group based on gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability/handicap, politics or religion are strictly prohibited
5. Do not 'hijack' threads: The subject of a thread is determined by the original poster. Interrupting that discussion is rude and makes it difficult to find posts that are pertinent to the thread topic. Hijack posts may be removed
6. You MUST begin the title of any thread that is Not Work Safe with the letters NWS to serve as a warning to readers AND all NWS threads must ONLY be posted in Off Topic.
NWS material is anything that could be considered inappropriate, indecent, gross, or offensive in mixed company, or could compromise the reader if seen on their computer screen by others.
If a thread is NOT labeled "NWS" by the original poster, do NOT post NWS material or links within that thread
ALL"NWS" threads posted outside of the Off-Topic forum will be removed
The line is thin as to what is acceptable, please use common sense. Any thread/post we deem inappropriate will be deleted w/o notice
7. Posts depicting nudity/partial nudity/obscene material/pornography, or links to same, are absolutely forbidden, even in threads labeled NWS
8. The Off-Topic forum does not mean 'anything goes'. ALL other forum rules still apply! Discussion of religion is not permitted due to the volatility of that topic. Such posts/threads will be removed. Politics can be equally volatile and only those discussions that remain respectful will be permitted to continue
9. Profanity in posts is unnecessary: Language filters are in place for a reason, please respect them. Overrides of these filters may subject posters to warning or infraction at staff discretion
10. The Buy/Sell Forum is for private party auto-related items only - NO ebay links - NO Vendors - NO commercial sales (Multiples of a same item are considered commercial).
In addition:
Do not post private party Buy/Sell ads in other forum sections
Must include asking price (with OBO is acceptable) - No speculation threads or bid invitations
Buy/Sell is a forum for conducting business, NOT a discussion/opinion forum. Reply in ads only if you have a lead on a wanted item, or are interested in the item for sale
Let the Seller answer all questions
NO price-police - Seller can ask any price, Buyers can refuse the ad. Thread-crapping posts may be removed
Please make a final post in your thread when your item is bought or sold to prevent unnecessary inconvenience for all parties
Negotiate via PM, not in the thread
Members do business at your own risk... Buyer Beware
11. Solicitation (spam) is not permitted. This member base is not a source to be "mined" for business, sales or donations by individuals, groups, or businesses, or for non-profit, without prior permission
12. Misrepresentation will not be tolerated and will result in a ban; this includes creation of multiple accounts for the purpose of deception or conflict avoidance
13. Respect the privacy of fellow members - do NOT post private materials or info
14. Linking to files/programs/software which could harm anyone's computer is prohibited
15. Each member is allowed ONE user account. If there is a problem with your acct., contact an Admin. All IP addresses are logged and viewable by Moderators and Administrators
ADVERTISING / VENDOR RULES: .. -For ALL Members & Vendors-
If you are interested in becoming a Supporting Vendor, please send an email to jbauer@autoforums.com to request info.
1. Product or company-related posts or advertising of any kind by non-supporting vendors is NOT allowed -
Site-supporting vendors pay a fee to support the forum, which gives them the exclusive right to promote their business to our membership, please respect that. Posts/threads that we feel cross the line will be deleted and warnings/infractions will follow. To avoid problems, please observe the following guidelines:
Do not reveal yourself as a vendor or discuss your business in posts, avatars, or signatures
Do not discuss, answer questions about, promote, or advertise your products, projects, services, or pricing
Do not participate in other member's threads about your products, projects, services, or pricing
Do not provide contact information or links to your ads, website, business, or auctions in posts, avatars, or signatures
2. Business info of ANY kind in signaturesis NOT permitted for non-supporting vendors and will be removed w/o notice
3. Members may discuss products offered by a Non-Supporting Vendor as a general info post only. If, in our judgment, it appears as though you are advertising on a N/S vendor's behalf your post/thread may be edited or deleted and you may receive a warning:
a) A member MAY post "I found a great deal/product/service/price from Acme Auto" including details -That is sharing general info based on your personal experience
b) That member may NOT add to the post "Acme Auto said forum members get a special deal" -OR- "call Joe at 123-4567 or check out his website and say I sent you" -That is promoting/advertising on behalf of the N/S vendor and/or the N/S vendor using you to promote/advertise on his behalf
c) If a member makes multiple posts/threads about a same non-supporting vendor it will appear he/she is associated with, or advertising for, that vendor and he/she will be cautioned. The line is thin and we will use our judgment as to when that line is being crossed
4. Members may NOT post linksto Non-Supporting Vendor ads/threads/posts on other Forums and they may NOT post copies of those ads/posts/threads on this Forum
5.Supporting Vendor Group Buys are permitted but can ONLY be posted by a supporting vendor. Members may not initiate, post, or manage Group Buys, nor post threads to generate interest in a GB. All business must be conducted by the Supporting Vendor
6.Non-Supporting Vendor Group Buys, promotions, and special offers are NOT permitted to be posted, or linked to, by any member and will be removed
Disclaimer:The content of posts and/or threads is the sole responsibility of the user who posted them and all users are responsible for their own actions. Sellers on this site are in no way related to, or affiliated with, the forum or its agents. This site does not endorse or guarantee sales transactions between users and is not liable.
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11-30-2008 until 12-31-2008
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