deborah108

We are due to have a back up camera as well as a forward facing camera (for those low curbs) installed in late June. They are putting in a unit from Kenwood that will run thru the nav screen - again a Kenwood unit that will fit in the stock location and replace the stereo, the nav, create blutooth functionallity, - the works.

I'll let you know how that works out in a couple of weeks.

Can you tell me how it worked out and what type of shop did the installation for you.

Thank you.

Check my posting about "tire wear". It is absolutely rediculous how rapid the tires wear and the waste. I will never ever have runflats on anything. My wife drives her SC430 all the time and puts a lot of miles on it. We now have 155k on it and the dealer has never seen one with near that many miles on it. With the runflats and factory camber, you can expect about 10k per set of $1200 tires. Some people on here think that is the price you pay for driving a 430, but I think they need a little dose of hard work and learn what $1200 means. In MY opinion, get rid of the run flats, stick a can of fix-a-flat and the green slime kit with the little 12v air compressor (walmart 19.95) in the trunk spot for the spare tire. Take your car to a good alignment guy and have him take all the negative camber out that he can. Then, set the toe-in for the front and rear. This will make the front tires wear perfect, but the rear will still eat the inside edge in 15-30k miles, depending on the tire. I actually modified my "A" arm on the rear so that I could get the rest of the negative camber out of the rear wheels. I can tell no difference in the car handling, but then I don't do the drifting or track driving that it appears some people do with the 430. Why the heck buy a 430 for speed? There are a lot better cars out there for cornering and speed. The wife loves this car and now that I have the tire wear problem solved, I entend to keep it until about 250K and get her a newer one.

I need new tires and want to purchase Bridgestone Potenzas. The place from which my husband usually buys won't put non run flats on my 2004 SC. I read that the place you buy your tires is important because of the installation required. Does anyone have a recommendation for a tire shop in the Oakland area preferably, but I'm willing to drive to have the tires properly installed.

Yes, twice. Thank you for your input.

Am considering buying an sc430 or mb clk500. My last kid will be a senior in high school so I no longer have to haul kids. I currently drive a 97 BMW 528i; detest the service, love the car. Will I be happy with a 430? Additionally, I have a concern about trunk space. Is there enough for Costco and grocery purchases? If I go with the sc, what tires should I ask for. there seems to be a lot of discussion, unhappiness with what comes on the car. All recommendations appreciated.

Thank you.