Downshift Daily - Chase's Blog

AUDI VS. BMW: BILLBOARD CHESS

The streets of NorCal are right in the middle of a virtual chess billboard battle between Audi and BMW. Audi's picture is simply the new A4 and in black font "Your move, BMW." BMW's response was a shot of the new M3 and next to it "Checkmate."

The comparison isn't really too accurate because the A4 is not even in the same league as the M.

Hopefully, we will see a real match and challenges.


GM RECALLS 1.4 MILLION CARS FOR POTENTIAL ENGINE FIRE

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just announced a major recall covering nearly 1.5 million General Motors passenger cars from the late 90's and early 2000s.

All models use GM's most common 3800 3.8L V6.

Under hard braking, the engine sometimes drops oil onto the exhaust manifold. If that manifold has gotten hot enough and the oil falls below the heat shield, it can start a small fire.

Dealer service departments will be asked to remove said spark plug wire retention channel from the front of the engine bay, and then retrofit two new retainers.

Cars:

1997-2003 Buick Regal
2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala
1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina
1998-2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

The recall is slated to begin in May.