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<Misc> Windshield Trim/Sticky Antenna/OBC Lies about MPG

     Dear Listers, 
     
     About 2 years ago, I replaced the front and rear windshield moldings 
     (the shiny silver, clear-plastic covered stuff that snaps into the 
     windshield gasket) on my 88 535i.  I used OEM parts I bought at 
     Bavarian Autoparts.  These pieces are now noticably deteriorated 
     (clear plastic ain't so clear anymore).
     
     Questions are:
     
        Does anyone know how to prevent these pieces from deteriorating,    
        other than by reducing their exposure to sunlight?
     
        Does anyone know if there's a difference in quality/longevity       
        between dealer and aftermarket pieces?
     
        Is there an alternative (maybe a piece that's all black?) to the    
        silver/clear plastic stuff?
     
     
     On another subject, what's the hot tip on freeing up a sticking 
     automatic radio antenna?  Mine will only go up half way on its own 
     (but will go up all the way if you pull on it while its rising).
     
        Should I get after it with fine steel wool to remove gunk?
      
        Is there an appropriate lubricant I can use?
     
     
     
     On yet another subject, my actual MPG is consistently about 20% less 
     than the MPG stated by the on board computer.
     
     Questions are:
     
        Do all tend to overstate mileage this badly? Do some understate it? 
        Is it the same for all series? 
     
        Does anybody know how the OBC computes MPG (ie, how does it         
        sense/determine engine speed and fuel consumption?
     
        Is there some way to tweak it so that its approximateley correct?
     
     
     Thought this might be an interesting topic, since there's a thread on 
     air flow meters out there.
     
     
     
     TIA
     
     
     Guy Cheesman
     '88 535 w/ balky antenna, acne'd windshield, and mendacious OBC
     
     
     
     BTW, if this post showed up more than once, I apologize. This if the 
     first post I've sent since the list moved, and I think I boofed the 
     address the first time I sent it.