C.R.E.A.M. #77.2 Ranking The Worst Car Mods, BYD Bond and Quail WITH BEN AUDIO

A starter motor issue means the engine won’t crank reliably when you turn the key or press the start button. Fixing it typically involves diagnosing the starter itself, the wiring/solenoid, or the battery and connections.

The Honda S2000 is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car celebrated for its high-revving engine and balanced driving feel. It’s often discussed as a modern classic because it’s fun to drive and has a dedicated enthusiast community. In the podcast, it’s referenced in the context of buying one and storing it for a long time.

A CV joint (constant-velocity joint) is part of the front- or all-wheel-drive drivetrain that allows power to be transferred smoothly while the suspension moves. When a CV joint fails—often with clicking noises and vibration—it can become a major, expensive driveline repair, which is why it’s described here as the “final nail” in the car’s fate.

They’re talking about tires as a recurring cost item. Tire pricing can vary a lot based on size, brand, and whether you’re buying performance tires.

CarVertical is a vehicle history-report service that helps you check a used car’s background before purchase. It can flag issues like accident history, title/registration problems, and odometer inconsistencies, which helps you decide whether to inspect or walk away.

The Alfa Romeo 159 is a mid-size sedan from Alfa Romeo, commonly discussed as a “modern classic” because of its styling and character. In this segment, the hosts are reacting to its looks and noting it’s roughly a late-2000s/early-2010s-era car by their “17-year-old” comment.

A gearbox is the transmission that routes engine power to the wheels through different gear ratios. When someone calls the gearbox a “massive weak point,” they’re flagging that transmission failures or wear are a common problem compared to other components.

In car-speak, a “wagon” is a station wagon/body style with extra cargo space behind the rear seats. The speaker is using “wagon” as part of a model/trim discussion (and then clarifying their preferences).

“Metallic red” is a paint finish where metallic flakes are suspended in the clear coat, giving a more complex look under different lighting. The speaker is contrasting it with other colors and expressing strong personal preferences.

A “storage unit” is off-site space where a car can be parked when it’s not being used—often for seasonal storage or to keep a car safe from weather and theft. Enthusiasts sometimes store cars like roadsters or weekend cars and rotate them in and out.

Wheel alignment refers to setting the angles of the tires relative to the road (commonly camber, toe, and caster). If the alignment is off—especially after suspension changes—handling can feel vague and tires can wear unevenly.

This is a 2010 BMW 535i, part of the 5 Series lineup. In this era, the 535i can be paired with different engines and drivetrains, and the specific engine matters a lot for how it drives and what to watch for.

A manual transmission means the driver shifts gears using a clutch pedal and gear lever. In enthusiast circles, “manual” is often treated as a desirable spec because it’s more engaging and can be rarer than automatics.

“Black over black” describes a two-tone interior where both the upper and lower sections (or primary and secondary materials) are black. It’s mentioned because the hosts are debating the exact color scheme, and interior color combinations can affect how “luxury” or “dark” the cabin feels.

An auction is a sales event where cars are sold to the highest bidder. In the collector-car world, auction results can strongly influence market value because they reveal what buyers are willing to pay in real time.

An “April Fool’s” stunt is a marketing prank done around April 1, where a company pretends to announce something surprising. In car culture, these stunts often involve fake photos or mock specs that get shared online.

“Boot” is the British term for the trunk/luggage compartment. Here, it’s used as a styling reference point for the upper rear body shape and how the roofline meets the rear section.

“Pre-Face Lift” means the version of a car before a mid-cycle refresh (often called a facelift). Facelifts commonly change exterior lighting, bumpers, and interior details, so “pre-facelift” helps date the look of the specific parts being discussed.

The exhaust is the system that routes engine gases out of the car. Even when the rest of the BMW E46 looks stock, an exhaust can change the sound and sometimes the visual cues (like tips or how it sits), which is why it’s called out here.

“18 inch wheels” refers to wheel diameter, which affects tire sidewall height and overall stance. Larger wheels can change how the car’s proportions look, and the speaker ties them to the car looking “like fronts all around.”

“M3 touring” is the BMW M3 wagon variant (often called the Touring). It’s a performance-focused estate/wagon version of the M3, combining M3-level power and handling with more cargo practicality than the sedan.

A “factory color” is a paint color that the car’s manufacturer offered when the vehicle was built. Enthusiasts often prefer these because they keep the car looking period-correct and avoid the “random custom paint” vibe.

A “front lip” is an aerodynamic add-on at the bottom edge of the front bumper. It’s usually meant to improve styling and sometimes airflow, but it can also be vulnerable to scraping and can complicate fitment with other body parts. Whether it’s a good mod depends on how well it’s installed and how it affects clearance.

“Seven figures” means an amount in the range of 1,000,000 to 9,999,999. The segment uses it to describe a very large income or balance, emphasizing scale rather than exact math.

A “daily driver” is the car you use regularly for everyday errands and commuting. In mod discussions, it usually implies you want something reliable, comfortable, and not overly harsh or risky to live with.

Volvo is a Swedish automaker known for safety-focused engineering and a strong reputation for durability. In this segment it’s mentioned alongside other brands in a broader, off-topic context, but it still helps listeners recognize the company being referenced.

Monterey Car Week is a major annual motorsports and collector-car event in Monterey, California. It’s known for high-profile auctions, concours-style shows, and a lot of media and dealer activity around the peninsula.

Koenigsegg is a Swedish hypercar manufacturer known for extreme performance and advanced engineering. When the hosts mention “Kristian Von Koenigseggs,” they’re likely referencing Koenigsegg as part of a playful joke or shout-out tied to the event.

“Pops and bangs” refers to the audible crackling/backfiring sounds some cars make, usually from the exhaust and fuel/ignition strategy. It’s often associated with aftermarket exhausts or engine tuning that intentionally creates overrun pops on decel.

“Chameleon tint” is an aftermarket window tint film that changes color depending on viewing angle and lighting. It’s often used to create a flashy, attention-grabbing look, but some people consider it tacky—especially on cars that already have questionable styling choices.

“Baby on board” is a common car sign/sticker meant to warn other drivers that a child is inside. While it’s not a performance mod, it’s often treated as a “cringe” or over-the-top accessory in car culture.

Aston Martin is a British luxury and performance car brand best known for high-end grand tourers and sports cars. In enthusiast circles, Aston Martin often represents a mix of style, prestige, and performance—especially in V12-powered models.

“700” likely refers to a horsepower rating or a model designation tied to a specific Aventador variant (often discussed as “700-hp” class). The transcript doesn’t provide enough detail to confirm the exact variant, but it signals a performance tier.

“Gintani spec” refers to a tuning/upgrade package associated with Gintani, a well-known BMW-focused performance shop. In this context, they’re talking about achieving a particular sound character (“high pitch”) that comes from exhaust and related modifications.