[WolfpackS2k]

Originally Posted by AnalogMan

What an experienced mechanic considers acceptable access can be different from an average person -

Any way you look at it, it's still a helluva lot harder and takes much more time than popping the hood of a BRZ. With my basic mechanical skills, I feel comfortable wrenching most things on my BRZ, but even after removing the panels, I'd hate to have to try and work through a slit and change the serpentine belt on a Cayman.

What I think is truly criminal is building a sports car without a simple mechanical dipstick. There's no rationale for that, except to drive more business to dealers rather than making it simple for average owners.

I love how the Cayman looks and drives. If I had a lot more money than I do, and if I didn't mind paying the premium prices for maintenance and repairs, I'd buy one. But I don't. For me, the BRZ offered 90% of the fun of the Cayman for 1/3 the purchase price, and maybe 1/5 to 1/10 of the ongoing costs (not 90% of the performance 'numbers' or track times, but to my butt, 90% of the simple seat-of-pants fun on the street). I'll take that deal in a New York minute.

If you're calling me an experienced mechanic, then thank you very much!

Funny you mention the serpentine belt, because I replaced mine 3 months ago. Was it a little time consuming to remove the front engine cover? Sure. Was it difficult to cram myself in between the front of the engine and the back of the seats? A little bit (and I'm 6'2" 200 lb). Was it difficult to replace the belt? Hell no, piece of cake. Super super easy. No radiator/cooling accessories in the way. Just the front of the engine for all to see.

And removing the top engine cover (for various things) only takes 10 minutes. Use an interior trim tool kit to pry out the sound deadening piece, unscrew the 5 torx screws, remove the aluminum heat guard, and then start doing whatever you need to do. (you can sit in the trunk while you do all this).

The electronic oil dipstick can be an inconvenience (depends on opinion) but for the mid engine Cayman, please tell me - exactly WHERE could you place an oil dipstick? It would have to be accessible from above the engine, which is covered by...(see above). Could 911s have an easily accessible dipstick? I would think yes, due to that engine placement.

All BMWs have used electronic dipsticks for 10+ years. THAT, IMO, is the true **** move, since those engines are all conventionally located.