Technological Obsolesence in Cars - I Need People to Interview for a Research Paper

[KI4UJO]

I'm writing a research paper for a college course (Comp 1020) and am in need of sources "who have been personally affected" by my topic. As stated in the title, I am writing this paper on the effects of technological obsolescence on automobiles. I figured r3v would be a good place to find this, as e30s aren't exactly brand new. It can be something as simple as a part that was NLA when you went to order it and had to come up with another solution.

So, what do you have?

[ELVA164]

I mean...my whole job revolves around fixing cars with a large number of custom-made parts and technology which in most cases was cutting edge half a century ago. Not sure if that's what you mean though.

[mbonder]

How about the evolution of the in-car infotainment system? I have a 2000 540i touring that has the original screen in it with the original CD-based navigation system. I'm sure it was great in 2000 but its a piece now, yet a pain to replace because the stereo is located to the left of it and you'd need to find a solution that replaces both.

[SGT4677]

My garage currently holds my buddies 48 ford super deluxe, my "baby" 68 Chevy Nova project and my E30 racecar. Each one is different and fun in its own way.The technological advances through the years is interesting.

1948 ford, body on frame construction, solid axles with transverse leaf springs, friction shocks, drum brakes,16 in. bias ply tires, 6v POSITIVE GROUND generator, 239 cu in. 100 HP flathead ford V-8, single barrel carb,3 spd column shift manual, no seatbelts, this one has a vacuum tube radio for "infotainment"

1968 Chevy Nova, front sub frame ,A-arm front suspension ,leaf spring rear, self adjusting drum brakes, Power steering, 14 in. bias ply tires.12 V negative ground alternator,307 cu in. 200 HP small block Chevy, 2 spd automatic trans. Lap belts, No optional radio.

E30 racecar,87is shell, assuming you know what they came from the factory with, Penske/Koni coil overs, solid/poly mounts/bushings, M3 LCA's, just about everything's adjustable, 4wheel disc brakes, 15 in. race tires, this one has a 10pt cage, carbon fiber trunk fire wall, carbon fiber seat,6 pt. harnesses, fire extinguishing system, plastic M3 style fenders, hood, trunk, windows, M20b25 154 cu in.( 2524 cc) 210 est. HP.( based on old Dyno data) 10.5/1 pistons, ford MAF,Gm coil near plug, MOTEC engine management and display, wired for 2 way radio and transponder.

You can buy just about any part for the ford and Chevy and to a certain extent the racecar, it seems harder to get a lot of the parts on a stock E30.Each car has a different goal, The ford is a mostly original survivor, and the goal is to preserve it as much as possible and make it somewhat reliable for Sunday drives. The Chevy is going to be a pro-touring style hot rod, and the racecar is designed to sit in the garage on jack stands and eat up all my money.

[KI4UJO]

This is exactly the type of stuff that I'm looking for. Elva164, you've been PMd. Infotainment systems may be something that I can include. Also, positive ground generator? I thought that was just a tractor thing?

[ELVA164]

Positive ground was fairly common into the 1950s.