Straight Six April 2020 by BMW Car Club GB

Straight Six MEMBERS EDITION

APRIL 2020 £5

Club Classics

The BMW Car Club display wows the crowds at London Classic Car Show

PLUS: MEGUIAR’S CLEANING GOODIES TO GIVE AWAY!

CHOOSE PIRELLI AND BE REWARDED 16” & BELOW

£10

FUEL CARD FOR 2 TYRES

£30

FUEL CARD FOR 4 TYRES

17”

£30

FUEL CARD FOR 2 TYRES

£70

FUEL CARD FOR 4 TYRES

18” & ABOVE

£50

FUEL CARD FOR 2 TYRES

£100

FUEL CARD FOR 4 TYRES

Pirelli and the BMW Car Club of Great Britain are delighted to offer members a free fuel gift card when they purchase two or more Pirelli tyres* from a Pirelli Performance Centre or BMW dealership Visit www.pirelli.co.uk/bmwcarclub to find out more and claim your gift

*Claim up to eight tyres per year

BMW CAR CLUB

INSURANCE DEVELOPED BY EXPERTS FOR BMW CAR CLUB MEMBERS

BMW CAR CLUB GB ARE THE ONLY CLUB ENDORSED BY BMW UK

Bespoke arrangements for your Motor, Home and Commercial insurance needs. COVER AVAILABLE CAN INCLUDE: Ÿ Classic and Modern Car Policies

Ÿ Multi-Vehicle policies

Ÿ Limited Mileage Discounts

Ÿ Trackday Cover

Ÿ Salvage Retention

Ÿ Like for Like Cover on

Ÿ Agreed Values

modiﬁcations

Breakdown Cover

www.BMWCARCLUBINSURANCE.co.uk Call the dedicated members line on 0330 123 0197 and speak to one of the team for all your Motor, Home, and Commercial Insurance needs. This agreement has been designed specifically for BMW Car Club GB, who have become an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of A-Plan Holdings. A-Plan Holdings is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Registered office: 2 Des Roches Square, Witney, OX28 4LE. Registration number: 750484. To confirm our registration on the FCA website, go to www.fca.org.uk/firms/systems-reporting/register/ or by contacting the FCA on 0800 111 6768.

Formed in 1952 as The BMW Car Club of Great Britain, incorporated in 1982 as BMW Car Club (GB) Ltd. A non-profit making club owned and run by and for its members. Combined One-Make Car Club Assoociated Club of RAC Motor Sports Association Ltd. The views and statements made in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the BMW Car Club GB Founder The Late R.J.T Hewitt President John Safe Vice Presidents Chris Wadsley, Jeff Heywood, Len Oakshett Chairman Jamal Blanc Board of Directors Dave Evans Martyn Goodwin Neil McDonald Richard Stern Club Office

inside this issue

Michelle Evans Lisa Davies Anya Edwardes BMW Car Club Insurance Henry Francis

Patron

Car Club Shines at Olympia

Mike Wilds, The late Barrie Williams

BMW Car Club at the London Classic Car show, 21-23 February.

Editing Team

Sytner Harold Wood

Jeff Heywood

East Anglia’s visit to Sytner Harold Wood for an evening event to talk

Lisa Davies

cars, servicing, modifications, and to

Andrew Coles

view some new BMW models.

Cover image: Andrew Coles Advertising Display Advertising

National Concours 2020

Information about this year’s National Concours 2020 which will take place

on 16th of August at Stone Manor in

Hine Marketing 01452 730 770

Kidderminster.

nick@hinemarketing.co.uk Website advertising office@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Recreating a Sport

Steve Haslam restores an E30 Tech 1 Sport.

Online classifieds - £4.95 bmwcarclubgb.uk Classifieds - £9.95 per issue

MLife: Restoring a Legend!

Tim Robinson’s E28 M5 is one of the earliest, and now possibly, the oldest

Club Office 01970 267 989 office@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

surviving E28 M5 in the UK.

When is BMW not a BMW?

BMW Car Club (GB) Ltd, Unit 5h, Glan Yr Afon, Aberystwyth, SY23 3JQ Website: www.bmwcarclubgb.uk Email: office@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Tel: 01970 267989 Office Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm - Mon-Fri

Martin Wooler muses on BMW’s by

The Dichotomy

Published on behalf of BMW Car Club by Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770 sales@hinemarketing.co.uk

M Power Register Captain, Richard

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

another name and looks ahead to technology sharing and partnerships between automobile brands.

Baxter, discusses the benefits of owning a garage queen. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Contents

from the editor

20 regulars 6

Chairman’s chat

Thoughts from the Boardroom

10 Club News 12 BMW News 15 Motorsport News 17 Products 50 Pirelli

Welcome to the April issue of Straight Six! Inside this issue of Straight Six, we look back at the successful London Classic Car Show which was held on the 20th to the 23rd of February. Our Club Stand displayed variations of the E30, all in Alpine white, as a nod to what was Germany’s international racing colour. Read the feature on page 20. On page 24 Anthony Shilsdon looks back at East Anglia’s visit to Sytner Harold Wood for an evening event to talk cars, servicing, modifications, and to view some new BMW models. Interested in attending in the future? They hope to organise another event in the summer. MLife: Restoring a Legend! BMW’s E28 M5 is one of those automotive legends that has gone on to define an entire sub-set of cars. Tim Robinson’s fine Zinnober example is one of the earliest, and now possibly, the oldest surviving E28 M5 in the UK. This feature can be found on page 34. Following the news that our annual club event is postponed until summer 2021, the National Concours is still going ahead. The National Concours will take place on 16th of August at Stone Manor in Kidderminster. For more information on the show and how to book, head over to page 26. Our M Power Register Captain, Richard Baxter, discusses the benefits of owning a garage queen on page 48. Martin Wooler muses on BMW’s by another name and looks ahead to technology sharing and partnerships between automobile brands on page 45, whilst Steve Haslam recreates an E30 Sport on page 30. Our events calendar is quite uncertain over the next few months, with last month’s Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show postponed, as well as this month’s Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble moved to 21st of June (see Club News for announcement). We work on Straight Six a month in advance, so please keep an eye on our social media platforms and emails for any event updates. Do you have an interesting article for Straight Six? Whether it’s a restoration project, technical information, Club event, or simply why you love your ultimate driving machine – please don’t keep your BMW adventures to yourself, we want to read about them! Remember, Straight Six is a magazine for members, written by members. Want to help the Club? We are always looking for volunteers with knowledge in BMW models to fill our vacant registers. To find out what roles need filling or to show your interest, email officeadmin@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk. Part-time photographer or just love taking pictures? Send us high quality images of your BMW along with a caption to officeadmin@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk to be in for the chance to win FREE Meguiar’s products! Happy reading! Jeff, Lisa & Andrew Straight Six editorial team.

51 Crossword 51 Classifieds 53 Regions 65 Registers 72 Your Photos 74 Club Pub Meets www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

boardtorque chairmanschat Pirelli P Zero . Custom-made performance since 1986. TM

The new P ZeroTM tyres are now available. The coloured limited edition version shown in the image will be available to order from September 2016, in selected sizes only.

For further- information, contact us at limitededition@pirelli.com BMW Car Club Chairman Jamalplease Blanc

have talked about change in the past, but turning plans into reality is not easy. As a Board, we found ourselves with a number of significant risks to address, and are continually taking all necessary steps that will secure the future prosperity of the Club. As a collective we are determined and committed to focussing our efforts on reducing the burgeoning workload on our club office, delivering the new membership management project, introducing contingency plans for the production of Straight Six, improving the membership experience at club events, reducing costs and waste, maintaining the health and wellbeing of our staff, reducing liability and risk, making rationalised investments – all with the aim of providing a better service to our members! On average, it takes two years to realise the true benefits of change, so the positive signs of stability creeping in over the past 12 months is very encouraging. The genius that is Albert Einstein, is misquoted as saying: “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result”, whoever came up with that quote is spot on, we cannot repeat the same mistake and expect a different outcome. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all sunshine and strawberries, but we have worked hard to create a framework whereby everyone is encouraged to participate, engage in healthy debate, disagree and challenge each other, propose new ideas, support the democratic vote, respect the rules of the Club, and most importantly, to never forget who we work for and why we are doing this.

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

COVID-19 You will have received an announcement in the past two weeks in relation to COVID-19 and the impact on scheduled events, but we are ultimately beholden to decisions made by Governmental and World Health Organisations, show organisers and event venues. The pandemic is raising a great deal of uncertainty, which looks set to continue over the next few weeks and months, we are carefully monitoring the situation and following the public health guidelines. To date, we have been informed the April Sunday Scramble and NEC Restoration Show have been cancelled, the next key date in our calendar is the AGM taking place in May, followed by Silverstone Classic late July. We will do our best to inform you of any changes (postponement, cancellation or otherwise) at the earliest opportunity, so please keep an eye on our website, forum, social media and emails for these announcements. Regions and Series Registers are free to decide on local events and monthly meets, based on the information available to them and in the best interest of their Regional members. Any individual or group choices made in response to public health directive will be fully supported by BMW Car Club GB. Please refer to the NHS website for current information, if you’ve any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the office. A festival blueprint Historically, Concours was the highlight of the Club’s social calendar, dating as far back as the 1970s and beyond, visiting places such as Longleat, Stoneleigh, Waddesdon Manor and Donington Park, which even had a big Scalextric track as a feature. Jeff Heywood, part of the organising committee in the 1990s, recalls those early

years weren’t without their challenges, which included gaining collective agreement on the format, finding the right venue, and doing it all on a shoestring budget – much the same as we face now. That committee voted to postpone the event in the millennium year, it was rebranded and re-launched as the ‘National Festival’ in 2001, moving to the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon. It was an inspired choice - the venue was cost effective, centrally located with easy motorway access, had hard standing for inclement weather, and the extensive museum and use of the Aston Martin test track helped to make it a great success. Its best years, I am reliably informed by Jeff, were between 2004 and 2008, and with strong support from both the Concours and Trackday community it grew into the largest gathering of BMW vehicles in the world. Steve Haslam agrees. “It was a universal platform for like-minded enthusiasts to have a good natter about all things BMW. The camaraderie of the members, seeing old faces and meeting new ones is why people join and retain their membership, we were all happy to walk around, look at cars and speak to people.” The National Festival is, without question, a long-standing tradition that resonates with many, particularly our Gold and Silver members, with Gaydon as its spiritual home. But we recently found ourselves at a similar juncture as our predecessors did some 20 years ago, to go back to the drawing board and start planning for the next two decades. Cast your mind to that era, the E46 M3 was the latest and greatest, and E30 M3s were cheap as chips – many ending up as Trackday toys. Goodwood held its first Revival only two years earlier, Bicester Heritage was still a derelict abandoned airfield, drifting was yet to emerge from Japan to take the automotive world by storm, the first iPhone was still a few years

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Feature

Pirelli P Zero . Custom-made performance since 1986. TM

For more than 30 years, P ZeroTM tyres have been the choice of the most prominent carmakers, for the best vehicles in the world. Today, based on this experience and on its cutting-edge technology, Pirelli launches the new P ZeroTM, the custom-made tyre for the next generation of cars, designed to draw out an even greater range of driving emotions. For custom-made performance, look no further than P ZeroTM. Discover more on Pirelli.com The new P ZeroTM tyres are now available. The coloured limited edition version shown in the image will be available to order from September 2016, in selected sizes only. For further information, please contact us at limitededition@pirelli.com

away, and the entire concept of social media simply didn’t exist. In essence, what today and tomorrow’s members expect from a car event in 2020 has changed significantly, and we need to adapt with the times. Postponing our National Festival event is the single most difficult decision we have had to make as a Board, but it was the right thing to do under the circumstances, and we are all very excited at what lies ahead, the prospect of what is to come in 2021 with the ‘BMW Car Club Sommerfest’. We want to change the narrative, and deliver an event that is the undisputed first choice for all of our members and display a broad selection of the best Members’ cars, that appeals equally to those with a bias toward motorsport, classic, historic, concours and modified BMWs, strong representation from our iconic Sharknose, Zed, MINI and M Power Series Registers and re-establish links with BMW focussed forums. Speaking not only as Chairman, but as a Club member and fan, we want to create an environment for members, enthusiasts of the brand and traders of this historic marque to come together, along with family attractions, racing, drifting, trade stands, bargain corner, jumble sales, technical seminars, workshops, merchandise, a variety of food choices, support from BMW UK with their Heritage Collection, and of course, great weather! Nothing is off the table at this stage, everything is being carefully considered. To minimise impact and increase member enjoyment of what the Club has to offer, our focus will be on the remaining events of the year, (subject to Governmental guidance on COVID-19). With the expected move infield at Silverstone Classic, we are in regular contact with the event organisers, and with Central West Region providing the support, the Board have backed a proposal to increase the hospitality budget, so we will be better placed to create an even bigger experience for our members. Board meeting update Two important updates from the recent Board meeting: This time last year we encountered a particular situation that threatened the scheduled production and delivery of Straight Six. The Board recognised that as arguably the most visible and saleable aspect of Club membership for many members, we needed to take steps to secure this famous title for years to come, and made the decision to involve the www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Next Step Heritage (NSH) content arm, with whom we have worked in various capacities for some years, in the production of Straight Six. As previously reported, we made some minor structural and procedural tweaks to create an editorial team that includes long time Club member and Straight Six founder Jeff Heywood, who contributes feature content and ensures that the strategic direction of the magazine remains relevant to the Club. Office based Club Coordinator, Lisa Davies, handles the administrative side of production, ensures that content from the various contributors is received on time, that correct Club messaging and news is included, and manages the relationship with our publisher, Hine Marketing. Having Lisa as a colleague and member of the editorial team is a privilege for us, Lisa’s range of skills, professionalism and willingness to help has impressed us all. And finally, Andrew Coles from NSH, a journalist and photographer, is responsible for proofing and sub-editing, and typically contributes feature articles and coverage of certain Club events – you may have seen him about with his camera! Part of this restructure has also included the need for contingency planning, establishing set roles and a guide for the continuity of Straight Six so that in the event any member of the team is unavailable for any reason, their replacement will be able to easily slot into the job without affecting the output. The Board is happy with how this new team is working, and it is one of the early plans that is coming to fruition. After 3+ years of discussion and soul searching, the membership management project was officially signed off in February, and work is currently underway on the first phase of the project. The new platform, which, when it goes live, will help us achieve a number of key objectives such as automation, reducing

paper use, streamlining manual tasks, freeing up more time for our brilliant office staff to spend improving the member experience. Our goal is always to grow the Club, but with increasing membership comes an increasing administrative burden, and we’ve recognised that the current practises in our office have evolved over time and do not represent the most efficient ways of working. This new piece of software will bring all of the Club’s administrative tasks, membership records and governance obligations into a single GDPR-compliant place, completely removing the need to cross-reference multiple different spreadsheets and paper records. A new Club website will act as the visible front end of this platform, allowing member interactions (joining or renewing membership, purchasing event tickets etc.) to be fed real time into a single system that we all use. London Classic Car Show Finally, a thank you from me to Richard Baxter and the London Region for taking the lead at this year’s London Classic Car Show and putting on a great display. Hosted in our capital city, this event is a personal favourite of mine, and it appears relocating to Olympia had no adverse impact judging by the positive feedback from a number of sources – look for Richard’s report elsewhere in this issue. It’s been a busy year for me on a personal note, if I have not yet responded to an email, text or phone-call, please accept my sincere apologies and don’t be put off. Michelle does a great job of reminding me when I have forgotten something, so do give her a nudge if I have not got back to you in a reasonable timeframe. Keeping you informed. Jamal Blanc BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

thoughts from the boardroom

Graeme Grieve, CEO BMW (UK) Ltd.

At this time of year in the automotive world we’re usually concentrating on the Geneva Motor Show but as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak this years’ event was a very different type of ‘show’. At BMW our major debut was to have been the Concept i4 and while a physical reveal wasn’t possible we carried out a virtual presentation online, streaming the car’s debut around the world. And while it might not have been possible to see the car in person I think you’ll agree it’s a stunning design. As both Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, and Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design, pointed out during the presentation, the i4 Concept is quite close to the production model which will arrive in 2021 which is an exciting prospect. What I’m particularly pleased about is how iconic BMW design elements have been reinterpreted for the Concept i4 as befitting a machine that will be our first all-electric Gran Coupe. As well as having a very clean and aerodynamically efficient exterior our designers have worked hard to produce a refreshing take on our interior language and have produced a cockpit that’s both light and airy yet luxurious and unashamedly driver orientated. Ever since the first 5 Series BMW – the E12 – saw the light of day in 1972, BMW interiors have been driver-centric with a wraparound dash that puts the driver at the heart of the action and for the Concept i4 this has been reimagined with the new BMW Curved Display. The majority of the car’s controls are integrated into the Curved Display and this new set up will be fitted to both the i4 and the iNEXT production cars firmly bringing their interiors into the digital age.

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Of course the driving experience has always been at the heart of every BMW and while the i4 will feature a different drivetrain to that which most of us are accustomed to, it will certainly drive like a BMW. With its new fifth generation BMW eDrive Technology which has been developed in-house, the i4 will be an impressive performer with up to 530hp, a zero to 62mph time of around four seconds and a top speed in excess of 124mph. Yet it will also have a range of 373 miles under the WLTP testing regime which should certainly consign range anxiety to the past. The i4 won’t be the first production BMW to feature the fifth generation of eDrive, that honour will fall to the iX3, our first fully-electric Sports Activity Vehicle and I can’t wait to try it when it makes its debut later this year.

My Thoughts from the Boardroom wouldn’t be complete without a quick motorsport update and as I’ve been talking about electro-mobility it seems quite apt to mention Formula E. With five of the twelve races completed our drivers sit third and fourth in the championship, while BMW i Andretti Motorsport is second in the teams’ title race and it looks like it will be a closefought battle throughout the season. London is due to host the last two rounds of the championship at the end of July and I’m sure it will be an exciting day out if you can get there. And of course there’s also the new BTCC season to look forward to – good luck to our trio of Team BMW drivers! Of course the Coronavirus could affect the motorsport season in the same way as it did with the Geneva Motor Show, but let’s hope it can be contained and affects as few of us as possible.

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Service

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clubnews Keep in touch with the Club digitally over the coming weeks As we put this issue of Straight Six together it is mid-March and we are staring down the barrel of an increasing coronavirus pandemic. Things are changing quickly, events and public gatherings will likely be restricted, and we just don’t know how the next few months will play out. With any luck the reality will be far better than the predictions, but there is also the chance that our spring and summer event season may be impacted. Every Region is planning on attending a wide variety of shows, drives, major events, races and pub meets all around the country, and changes will happen faster than our monthly Straight Six publication schedule allows for. A priority of the Club and our Region captains will be to ensure that all updated information is communicated as soon as it comes to hand, and it is here that our various digital channels will really come into their own. We ask to make sure that you are fully subscribed to all club communications and check them regularly for updates, especially in the week before an event: - Make sure you Like and Follow the Club on Facebook (@BMWCCGB) and Instagram (@thebmwcarclub) for communication from the office - Make sure you are subscribed to the Club’s fortnightly newsletter. If you are already subscribed and not receiving it, make sure to check your spam folder. To subscribe contact the office on office@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk. - Check the Region directory of Straight Six and contact your local Region to ensure you are getting their communication. Some use a Facebook page, some use an email, and some have a WhatsApp Group. Check to ensure you are getting your relevant communications as this will be the most up to date advice on what’s going on

Bicester Heritage April Sunday Scramble POSTPONED to 21st June 2020 Bicester Heritage has been actively monitoring government and WHO advice regarding the development of Coronavirus COVID-19 over the past weeks. As a result, Bicester Heritage has made the decision to postpone the next Scramble, due to be held on the 26th April, to a new date on the 21st June 2020. The second edition of the Super Scramble at Bicester Heritage will now be postponed until 20th June 2021, allowing Bicester Heritage to hold the rescheduled April Scramble in its place. Bicester Heritage wishes to reassure all Scramble Pass holders (purchased for the 26th April) that their current Passes will allow entry to the Scramble on the new date of 21st June 2020. If you are unable to attend the new Scramble date then you are entitled to a full refund. Refunds can be requested up until Saturday 13th June 2020. Should you wish your Pass to be refunded, please contact Bicester Heritage directly bicesterheritage.co.uk/contact.

Southern Concours 3rd May 2020 CANCELLED

Dear Members, It is with much regret and after careful consideration that we must inform you that Southern Concours 3rd May 2020 will be cancelled this year. We have weighed up many options to keep it going, but unfortunately the decision has been made and taken out of our hands. After a final conversation on 18/03/2020 with the Castle estate and our duty of care to you, we have all decided that this will be the best option. My sincere apologies to all that were looking forward to it. Please keep safe and await a new date for next year. Regards, Nigel Smith (Western Region).

Northern Concours 3rd May 2020 CANCELLED

Due to the current uncertainty, it is not fair for me to ask the North East Committee to invest in the preparation for the Northern Concours when it is unlikely that it will be able to go ahead. Therefore the Northern Concours is cancelled for this year. Other events on the North East calendar are very much subject to Government health advice, and the decisions made by the various venues and organisers. I will let you know closer to the date of any cancellations or changes in date, venue or format. Regards, Nick Thomas (North East Region).

Hurry! Book your Silverstone Classic Car Club Display package before the 31st of May to be able to display your car on our Club Stand. BMW Car Club promises a larger presence at Silverstone Classic’s 30th anniversary, with a more central location to enjoy the weekend’s racing and facilities.

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

New Members CENTRAL Mihai Apalaghiei Martyn Barrington Przemyslaw Swietlik Roger Clifford Bhavin Pandit Alex Wainwright Dave Snelson Alex Macleod

CENTRAL WEST Matt Kowalski David Dore Rafal Gajda Sarbjeet Singh Chris Homer Karanvir Dhaliwal

Jose Doutor Jonathan May Matthew Morrell Chris Summers Daniel Heathcote William Moses Graham Saxton Nathan Schofield Ben Schofield Steven Hooper Matthew Houlden

Jack Egar

National Events Calendar 2020

SCOTLAND

May

Kevan Young

1-3:

Adam Purdie Scott Muir

SOUTH EAST Brad Sheehan Roger Dewen Greg Wiseman Don Cockrill MBE

LONDON Mark Bentley Mick Deol Martyn Martynowicz Caroline Austin Rafal Federowicz Zbigniew Winczewski Akhtar Amar Michael Eustace Kevin Walshaw Razvan Nedelcu Max Timm Antony Smith Geoffrey Niven Ricky Patel Ali Iqbal Winczewski Zbigniew Andrew Boyd

Min Wei Chan

Duncan Bamford

NORTH EAST

DEVON

Michael Ramshaw Peter Brown Andrew Lanny Anthony Emmerson

Alex Fifield

CHESHIRE & STAFFS William (Alan) Dixon Kenneth Powell Mark Parrish Brian Smith Ryan Hopper

COTSWOLD John Mills Charles Coldwell Les Barnes

CUMBRIA

Austin Booth

EAST ANGLIA John Spindlow David Filler Jackson Jason Neal Herbert Paul Boag Mark Kneafsey Martin Seal

EASTERN Christopher Yeomans

Ian Fines Paul Woolhouse Scott Franklin

Greg Dean Mohammad Ali Shahadat Sol Smith Benjamin Uttley Paul Sewell Lee Dootson Mark Collinge James Cheetham

Southern Concours Cancelled

BMW Car Club AGM

Held at Sherborne Castle and Gardens. For more information, email western@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa. Register your attendance with Club Office 01970 267 989.

SOUTH WALES

5-12:

Munich Trip

Keith Bevan

Open to all BMWCC members in any BMW. For more information, or to book, please email 3series@ bmwcarclubgb.co.uk.

Chris James

19-21: BMW Welsh Weekend

Thames

To book, contact Metropole Hotel direct on 01597 823 700 and quote BMW Welsh Weekender. Ju

21:

Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble

Ieuan Evans Jack Morris

Kayleigh Moseley

WESTERN Andy Abrams Steve Burridge

WESSEX Alex Creasy Alex Gibbons

April’s postponed Sunday Scramble. All bookings from April’s Scramble will be valid on this day. Full refunds are available if you cannot attend.

July 5:

BM’s on the Lawn

John Boden

31-2 Aug

Silverstone Classic

OVERSEAS

Paul Marshall Shane Chalkley Kevin Hardowar Damon Fox

Frank Fallon

Cadwell Park – £185

16 June: Brands Hatch – £120

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

June

Trackday Calendar 2020 9 April:

To book, call MSV ticket hotline 0843 453 9000, and quote the booking code DHF_20_HHDG8JV

Carl Moore

Sam Stantiford

NORTH WEST

Donington Historic Festival

(track evening)

28 Sep:

Snetterton – £200

6 Nov:

Oulton Park – £170

Western-Super-Mare beach front lawns. For more information, email western@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk 30th anniversary of Silverstone Classic. Club code: 2020CCD057

August 16: National Concours d’Elegance

Stone Manor Hotel, Kidderminster. Pre-book entry either with Club Office 01970 267 989 or through Club Shop shop.bmwcarclubgb.uk.

November 13-15: Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show NEC Birmingham BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

bmwnews bmwnews BMW Concept i4 breaks cover

The BMW Concept i4 Gran Coupe has finally broken cover, so best to soak it in, the electrified future of BMW is here and it’s bold! After the cancellation of the 2020 Geneva Motor Show due to Coronavirus precautions, BMW decided to launch its i4 Concept via livestream on March 3rd, the day when it was due to make its world debut at the opening of the Geneva show. The BMW i4 Concept may be just that, a concept car, but according to BMW sources it’s extremely close to production-ready, so the car you’re seeing in these pictures will be extremely similar to the production car. The styling is a perfect blend of present and future. The design is radical yet attractive and exciting yet familiar, although we’re not too sure about the rear end styling. Sure, the monster kidney grilles are going to cause some controversy for a little while, but we’ll all get used to them and it actually sort of works on an electric car, despite the irony. Those enormous grilles do actually serve a purpose. Rather than being used to bring air into a conventional engine (obviously the BMW Concept i4 has no internal combustion engine), the signature kidneys have become what BMW calls “Intelligence Panels”. They now house a variety of sensors in a single location, which is actually quite clever. The headlights are also a mix of old and new; they still retain the same four-eyed design but in a much sleeker, more vertical layout.

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Overall, the BMW i4 Concept is an interesting looking car. Its proportions are spot on, with a long nose, an aggressive roofline, muscular rear haunches and short overhangs. Yes, many enthusiasts will find fault with — and mock — its monstrous grille design but as we get used to it, it will look better and better. It’s at the rear where the styling starts to fall apart. It has received quite plain looking tail lights and two huge diffusers, one on either side of the rear end. Those rear diffusers are trimmed in blue, as are the grilles and side skirts, to signify its BMW i heritage. The rest of the back end styling is quite bland, and the boot lid has a ‘bustle’ that really isn’t attractive at all. Thankfully, there’s little to complain about inside the BMW Concept i4. Its cabin is a clever mix of comfort, technology and minimalism, being rich with white leather and fabric, golden-bronze accents and plenty of technology. The ‘spindly’ steering wheel is gorgeous and the seats look both supportive and yet wonderfully minimalist. The dual screen layout is similar to that of a Mercedes-Benz, except for the fact that the screens are angled toward the driver, like a proper BMW. The screens, along with the interior’s plentiful ambient lighting, change colour depending on the car’s drive mode. There are three different drive modes for the BMW i4 Concept; Core, Sport and Efficient. The ambient lighting and screen graphics change depending on which modes are selected.

For instance, in Core mode, the driver will see four gauges, similar to what you would find in a conventional BMW today. In Sport mode, the gauges change and a display of the road ahead is featured behind them, helping to provide some instinctive driving. It’s all very slick, futuristic and very cool. We personally think that the interior of the i4 Concept is its best attribute. It is slick, modern, minimalist and high-tech, without being either boring or too bold. BMW has struck an excellent balance between old and new. Powering the i4 Concept is the brand’s latest fifth-generation eDrive powertrain, which consists of an electric motor and charge unit, all in one. For the i4 this eDrive powertrain produces an impressive 530bhp, allowing it to hit 60mph in 4.0-seconds, while giving a maximum range of 373 miles on the WLTP cycle. The battery pack is an 80kWh unit and consists of several very thin batteries, allowing it to be stored extra low in the floor of the car, further reducing its centre of gravity to maximise handling while also increasing interior space. The battery pack weighs approx. 550kg. BMW says that the Concept i4 is a thrilling car to drive, one that feels like a proper sports car – time will tell on that score…

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bmwnews 3 Series range expands to include four plug-in hybrid models

Following the successful launch of the new BMW 330e Saloon, the new BMW 330e Touring will be available from summer 2020. To complete the four-model line-up, both models will be offered from the summer with the intelligent all-wheel drive system, BMW xDrive, as well as rear-wheel drive. The latest-generation BMW eDrive technology offers considerable efficiencies. The rear-wheel drive 330e’s combined fuel consumption ranges from 176 to 201mpg with combined power consumption at 15.0-14.8kWh/100km and CO2 emissions of 32-37g/km. The hybrid powertrain not only increases efficiency for all 3 Series plug-in hybrid models, it also enhances driving dynamics. The instant power delivery of the electric motor is immediately obvious and contributes to the cars’ exciting driving characteristics. The lithium-ion batteries feature the latest cell technology that promotes high energy content and enables the new 3 Series plug-in hybrid models to run on electrical power for around 35 miles emissions free.

Brake-energy recuperation provides highly efficient battery charging on the move. With a BMW i Wallbox, the 330e can be 80% charged within 2.4 hours, and 3.4 hours to achieve a full charge. The high-voltage battery can also be charged at conventional household sockets, using the standard charging cable. Using this method, the 330e can be 80% charged in 4.2 hours and fully charged in 5.7 hours. The 330e models are powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TwinPower turbo petrol engine which produces 184hp; the electric motor, integrated in the (superb) 8-speed Steptronic transmission, generates 113bhp. The total system output of 252hp can be increased by an additional 40bhp for up to 10 seconds to deliver a total of 292hp. The 40bhp boost is activated in Sport Mode. This allows the 330e to sprint to 60mph from rest in 5.9 seconds and it tops out at 136mph. Amazingly, the car can reach 68mph when running on electric power alone, so it can easily keep pace with town and city driving.

BMW releases new photos of 2 Series Gran Coupe…

€Millions saved by BMW employees

Just as we were going to press, BMW released photos of the forthcoming 2 Series Gran Coupe model. No more information was available with the press release, but suffice to say that the model line-up will look similar to the 2 Series Coupe with regards to engine choices etc. On first viewing we have to say that we’re not convinced by the GC’s styling, especially around the C-pillar, which is over heavy and changes the crisp 2 Series Coupe into a rather anonymous fastback. But time will tell once we see it in the flesh.

Improvements proposed by BMW Group employees reached a new alltime high of €62 million last year as part of the ‘CRE8 idea management programme’, the highest amount the BMW Group’s idea management programme has ever achieved. More than 8,000 ideas for improvement have been submitted in 2019, and one proposal – submitted by two employees from Munich – stood out financially from all the others. Together, the two were able to increase the functional efficiency of the head unit, the central electronic control unit in every current BMW vehicle – with potential savings of €39 million in the very first year.

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BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

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motorsportnews Roving reporters Jeff Heywood & Neil McDonald

New livery for BMW BTCC racers West Surrey Racing (WSR) have released photos of the all-new black livery for the BMW 330i Touring Cars that will appear in the 2020 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), driven by Andrew Jordan, Tom Oliphant and reigning BTCC champion Colin Turkington, who bids for a record-breaking fifth BTCC crown. Featuring upgrades from last year’s double-title success, the cars’ 2020 liveries reflect the iconic BMW M colours of red, navy and light blue on a menacing matt-black base. It is the first time WSRrun cars have competed in black since the 2004 BTCC when Colin Turkington and Anthony Reid ran with the iconic Kiwi black with silver stripes. The cars will carry the new livery in public for the first time on March 17 at Silverstone for the BTCC’s official preseason test. The BTCC season begins at Donington Park on the 28th and 29th March, and comprises 10 triple-header events the length and breadth of the country. All 30 races will be screened live on ITV4 in HD.

Jakob Ebrey/BMW

BMWCCR BMW Car Club Racing

Donington GP 13th April 2020

Croft 23-24 May 2020

Brands Hatch 27th June 2020

Silverstone International 9th August 2020

Anglesey 22nd February 2020 £175

Castle Combe 31st August 2020

Oulton Park 19th Sept 2020

Snetterton 18th Oct 2020

Cadwell Park 9th April 2020 £175

Silverstone GP Birkett 6 Hour 24th October 2020

Brands Hatch (Evening) Snetterton 16th June 2020 28th September 2020 £120 £200

WWW.AUTOMAC.CO.UK

Oulton Park 6th November 2020 £170

Note: The prices shown above are correct at time of press for registered BMW Car Club GB members. Non-members and other makes & models all welcome.

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neil@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

/BMWCCR www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

01970 267989 Ext 2

@BMWCCR

www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk michelle@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

/BMWCCR

01970 267989 Ext 2

@BMWCCR BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Proud Insurance Partners

Insurance solutions for classics and more. *

BMW Car Club Scheme* • BMWs may be covered from new (driver age and mileage restrictions apply) • Up to 10,000 miles available for BMWs over 10 years old • Policies for young enthusiasts (25+) doing low mileage

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0333 207 6066

or visit: footmanjames.co.uk *All cover is subject to insurer’s terms and conditions, which are available upon request. Footman James is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Registered in England No. 4043759. Registered Address: Towergate House, Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Telephone calls may be monitored or recorded. FP ADGE.1084.5.18

Products products

Fidanza Lightweight Flywheel for BMW X5

Fidanza, America’s leading performance flywheel specialists, has a direct replacement lightweight aluminium flywheel to improve the performance of the 2001/2002 BMW X5 3.0. The Fidanza aluminium flywheel replaces the heavy standard flywheel and improves the power-to-weight ratio thus making the engine more responsive, and improving performance and acceleration. The Fidanza aluminium flywheel is made from high-quality machined 6061 T6 aluminium with a 1050 steel friction surface, CNC machined fastener holes and chamfers. The friction surface of the flywheel is a replaceable steel plate, so when the surface eventually becomes worn it can be replaced without requiring a new flywheel. Fidanza flywheels are suitable for use with just about any clutch disc material available - from organic to Kevlar and even sintered iron. The flywheels are incredibly durable and come with a heat-treated ring gear and military grade fasteners. Fidanza flywheels are equally suited for fast road, trackday and pure competition use. Flywheel for BMW X5 2001/2002 3.0 - order as part number 195461. Recommended retail price: $631.64 (approx: £490.89 / 584.83€ at time of going to press) + shipping and tax. Reader’s discount when ordering directly online: It is now possible to buy directly from Fidanza online and readers can obtain a 20% discount if they enter the promo code of “Fidanza” when ordering directly from Fidanza online. In case of difficulty e-mail: sales@fidanza.com For more information on Fidanza’s premium aluminium flywheels and other great products, call +1 440 259 5656 or visit www.fidanza.com

MOMO Targa Heritage Gear Shift Knob The craftsmanship of MOMO’s artisans reaches new heights with the Targa Heritage Gear Shift Knob. Mahogany and beechwood have been expertly combined and shaped into a sphere to create a contrast between colours and materials. The crown jewel of this shift knob is the vintage tobacco leather top, stamped with the MOMO Heritage logo to ensure no-one is left in any doubt as to its pedigree. The short, round body of Targa fits perfectly on open palm grip, giving full and ergonomic control of the gear shift. Price: £179.99 inc. VAT each. For more details contact Brown & Geeson Ltd. +44 (0) 1268 764411 or visit their website: www.momo-uk.co.uk

Burton’s 15” Wide Angle Rear View Track/Race Mirror with brackets to suit roll cage 2” cross bar Burton Power is pleased to announce that it now has universal mirrors that are perfect for the track. They feature a convex glass to provide a wide field of vision to give you the best view of what’s behind you. The mirror fastens to the roll cage front cross bar using the bolt-on brackets provided for a secure fitment that will not vibrate loose. All the brackets are slotted to provide a wide range of adjustment and are secured to the mirror using 2 wing knobs that allow for simple adjustment by hand. Kit includes 1x mirror and 2x mounting brackets. Order as part number BGR757 at £47.99 inc. VAT. Other sizes are available. See website for details. Available from Burton’s Performance Centre in Essex or by ordering from the Burton Power website - www.burtonpower.com. For further details contact Burton Power on 0208 554 2281 www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Products B-G Racing – Scales Flight Case

DEI ONYX Starter Shield

We’re all aware of the problems that high engine bay temperatures can cause, particularly on turbocharged cars, but did you know that your starter is especially at risk? The ONYX™ Starter Shield from DEI has been designed to withstand severe use and offers starters the highest level of protection from potential failure caused by engine bay heat-soak. The ONYX™ Starter Shield consists of two layers of material: a highly reflective outer layer combined with a high-heat resistant inner layer. The ONYX™ Starter Shield is able to endure direct heat up to 730 degrees Celsius. The DEI ONYX™ Starter Shield is the perfect choice for high heat applications where engine heat soak is a problem. The Shield is easy to fit thanks to a hook & loop fastening system. It is supplied in a 7” wide x 24” long size (177.8mm x 609.6mm), but the length can be trimmed to fit the starter if necessary. Price is £67.21 plus import tax and delivery. Visit www.DesignEngineering.com for more details. To keep up with the very latest DEI product introductions and company news connect with DEI on Facebook or Twitter or subscribe to DEI’s You Tube channel.

M-Style Carbon Fibre Rear Styling for BMW G20 320i 330i M340i and 2018+ BMW F90 M5 M-Style has just released some new carbon fibre parts to enhance the rear end of your BMW: a CS Type High Kick Boot Spoiler for the BMW G20 320i 330i M340i and a M5 Style Rear Bumper Diffuser for the BMW F90 (2018 onward).

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

The B-G Racing Scales Flight Case is a neat storage and transport solution for your B-G Racing Clubman or Wireless Race Scales. The B-G Racing Scales Flight Case has been designed to store a full set of Clubman Race Scales and Control Pad or a full set of Wireless Race Scales and Control Pad and is custom made from aluminium and birch ply for a smart and robust finish. The B-G Racing Scales Flight Case is fitted with two fixed and two fully rotating locking and braking castor wheels for ease of transport, and two recessed handles for lifting. Price: £359.99 inc VAT. For more details contact Brown & Geeson Ltd. +44 (0) 1268 764411 or visit their website: www.bg-racing.co.uk

Both parts are made from genuine high quality carbon fibre. The G20 boot lip spoiler retails at £195.00 incl. VAT and the F90 Rear Diffuser retails at £549.00 incl. VAT. Both parts include free fitting at M-Style’s Romford Styling Centre. For further details e-mail info@mstyle.co.uk or call 0208 598 9115 www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Get engaged to your car. You can only drive one car at a time, so choose one that will make you happy. One that delights you and surprises you in equal measure. One that makes you smile often. Sensible when needed, but on occasions a thrill ride. The Z4 by AC Schnitzer is your perfect match. Familiar in many ways, but in others so much more engaging. 400hp* performance upgrade (with 3 year** engine, driveline and OPF warranty, WLTP tested) RS adjustable suspension adds fluidity, precision and confidence to your drive OPF-friendly quad sports exhaust boosts the soundtrack without impacting emissions 20â&#x20AC;? & 21â&#x20AC;? alloy wheels in a choice of lightweight, arch-filling designs and finishes Front splitter, side skirts and rear spoiler elements enhance aerodynamics and appearance AC Schnitzer branded interior components offer a visual and tactile reminder that this is no ordinary car Please contact us for further details and the location of your nearest AC Schnitzer dealer.

*M40i model **from new. Conditions apply. Images show BMW Z4 M 40i 2020 model. BMW dealer enquiries welcome. E&OE. Finance available subject to status.

Performance upgrades Sports exhausts Aerodynamics

Suspension upgrades Wheels Interior accessories

Feature

or the past few years we have attended the London Classic Car Show at the Excel Centre in East London and some very fine shows weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had there, made unique by having an indoor track formed down the centre of

the show halls to enable moving displays. The epitome of these over the past six years has to be Nigel Mansell piloting a Formula One car at balls-out speed, with power slides and all to enable the tight turns. The sheer noise and drama

was exciting, and the division of the show hall by the track and the emissions and deafening noise were both smelly and a great distraction. Motor shows (the British International Motor Show was held here from 1905 to 1936) are all about selling cars, whether it is the manufacturer showing off their latest models or, in this context, a comingtogether of many high-end classic motor dealers and restoration workshops temporarily sharing a common address. It presents a great opportunity for the motoring enthusiast to see many highly desirable automobiles under one roof. Comparing the architecture of the Excel Centre, built

CAR CLUB SHINES AT OLYMPIA

BMW CAR CLUB AT THE LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 21-23 FEBRUARY Words by Richard Baxter, Photographs by Richard Stern & Andrew Coles

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

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Feature in 2000, to that of London’s Olympia exhibition halls, built in 1886, would be to compare the Austin Princess to Jaguar’s E-Type! There is such a sense of space, proportion and light at Olympia, not to mention the grand staircase up to the elevated perimeter walkway which immediately connects one to the world of grace, space and spirit. Be in no doubt that Olympia is an awe-inspiring creation, rendering modern show halls dark and dreary spaces by comparison. Classic car prices exist in that void of either being on the rise or fall, and dealers live in a permanent state of either hope or disappointment and this show was no exception. Around the hall, there were several exciting cars wearing the BMW badge to be found. Arguably the most visually arresting was the 1978 320 Group 5 available through Duncan Hamilton Rofgo. This example was built by the factory and has an extensive history in the hands of privateers, most notably competing in the 1982 World Sports Car Championship, with starts in the 1000km races at Monza, Silverstone, Nürburgring, Spa and Mugello. With 310bhp from its frontmid mounted M12 engine, perfect weight distribution and a low kerb weight of just 740kg including driver and half a tank of fuel it would be an incredibly competent historic racer today, but in period it found itself severely outgunned by the more powerful Porsche 934s and 935s. Lincolnshire’s Horsepower Hangar brought a 1975 1602 that divided opinion, but would surely be a hoot to drive. While the all-metal widebody kit was not to everyone’s tastes, you can’t

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deny that the S14 engine conversion (lifted from an E30 M3) surely provides adequate performance to back up the looks. The Classic Car Company wowed with both an E30 M3 Johnny Cecotto Edition and a spectacular E28 Alpina B7 Turbo, and Ignition Classics by Paul Stephens chose an E30 320i Cabriolet to take centre stage. Auction house Coys held a sale on the Saturday, with a simply breathtaking McLaren F1 modified to pay homage to legendary designer Gordon Murray stealing the glances of seemingly every passerby. There were also some exceptional, somewhat more attainable, cars to be purchased. Lot 145 was a clean S-engined 1996 850Ci manual with 86,000 miles, which sold for around £27,000, against a pre-sale estimate of £40-50,000. The BMW Car Club display was a celebration of BMW’s most versatile range

of cars, the venerable E30. Having just found their feet after a period of near bankruptcy just two decades earlier, the E30 showed a proud new confidence from the marque, and the small to medium

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Feature

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

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Feature

sized, well-engineered family car would go on to be its most popular model. Our all Alpine White display was not, as one wag joked, the ‘wedding car collection’, but actually a nod to what used to be Germany’s international racing colour. France was blue, the English had British Racing Green, the Italians were red and the Belgians yellow. The E30 sold over 2.4 million units and we displayed the full versatility of the range with our member-owned cars. First, we thank Ed Fletcher for bringing his 318i four-door saloon, later this year to actually be used as his wedding car! Barry Sheward of BMR Performance in Crawley brought his 325i Cabriolet, which Barry actually did use at his wedding, too! But the nuptial theme stopped there with Rob Gilham’s deceptively standard looking 325i Touring – it actually houses an M62 4.4-litre V8, supercharged and nitro tanked for good measure! It might be for sale soon. Alex Moore has owned his early E30 M3 for many years and is still running it on the early option 15-inch wheels, as it was designed to do. Alongside, contrasting the close relationship between road and race www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

E30 M3s, was Richard Baxter’s ex-works Zakspeed Group A DTM race car. It won twice at the Nürburgring in the hands of Steve Soper. Behind the display cars we mounted a range of original BMW touring car posters, which will be available to order throughout the year either as paper copies or mounted on Foamex boards. A selection of original magazine articles and advertisements were brought along from the Club’s archive, representing just some of the extensive historical resources to be found here in the Club. Anya and Michelle from the Club office even brought along period 90s chocolates to match the cars! We welcomed many new members who joined the Club at the event. A big thanks to the office team who meticulously arranged all the behind the scenes details, and to the members from the Club’s London Region for their humour and enthusiasm throughout the show. Finally, check out this YouTube clip for a taste of the show and some nice Club content: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=uluHh5ItN0E BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Feature

Sytner’s own modified M2

SYTNER HAROLD WOOD

ver the years I’ve built up a good relationship with certain Sytner Harold Wood (SHW) employees and was keen to get them involved with the Car Club. Unusually for a franchised dealership they have a lot of genuine car enthusiasts and are also happy to customise cars including non-BMWs. Therefore they were greatly interested in holding an event with us. Back in October a few of the Essex members visited SHW for an evening event to talk cars, servicing, modifications and to view some new BMW models. They had around 20 people at the event, from the body shop, servicing and parts, which (considering it was outside of their

Words and photographs by Anthony Shilsdon

They don’t make ‘em like they used to… www.bmwcarclubgb.uk 24 BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020 24

Feature

E28 525 driving through the tunnel

working day) was greatly appreciated by all those in attendance. The event was a relaxed affair, with free food, discounted deals on offer (parts, labour and clothing) and free vehicle health checks for anyone that wanted one. The weather was not kind and it poured down all day. Fortunately SHW have an indoor car park that is accessed via a tunnel. It’s great for making lots of noise and they were more than happy to see us make use of it! One member benefitted from the vehicle check, the Senior Tech picked up a number of issues from shoddy workmanship and incorrectly fitted parts. We also got to see some lovely member’s cars (including an E36 M3, E36 Alpina 3.2 and a Z1), although I think the highlight was Colin’s E9 CSi. The BMW techs rarely see the older cars and were all too pleased to have a good look at them and chat to the owners.

E36 Alpina 3.2

Another highlight was a customised BMW M2, where Sytner had changed the bonnet, boot, wheels, exhaust and suspension to either carbon fibre, lightweight versions or M Performance parts. They had also added an

E9 CSi

aggressive rear spoiler, front splitter and mirror caps, again in carbon fibre. One member subsequently ordered a lot of carbon for his own M2! We hope to organise another event in the summer - watch this space.

Z1, E28, M2 and M4 GTS to name a few

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

BMW Carwww.bmwcarclubgb.uk Club Magazine April 2020

Feature

he National Concours this year will be held at Stone Manor in Kidderminster on Sunday 16th August. All Club Members are warmly invited to come along and take part! There’s a whole host of opportunities for Club Members to take part in the National Concours (and indeed, in Regional Concours) events. The whole ethos of Club Concours is to welcome Members and provide a full range of options so that there is a genuine offer to suit all Club Members – in other words, with Concours there’s something for everyone! Maybe you’re thinking something along the lines of “it’s Concours, how

can there be something for everyone, Concours is only for the most immaculate garage queens out there, isn’t it?!” This is not the case with our approach to Concours. Yes, our approach does offer an ‘Elite Class’, but it also offers a starting point too. Most members take good care of their cars and it’s well worth having a Concours Class for those who drive their car regularly or on a daily basis. Not only does this offer a starting point for Members, but it offers a taster of Concours too – there is always the option of sticking at the starter level, but equally, there is also the option of working towards the Elite level over time – it’s completely up to you! There are no ‘extra points’ or ‘special treatment’ for any particular model whatsoever. So regardless of whether you own an M1, a 220d, a 316, or any other model,

NATIONAL

CONCOURS 2020! Words by Dan Wood

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

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Feature National Concours - Event Details Date: Sunday August 16th 2020 Venue: Stone Manor Hotel, Kidderminster Time: Arrivals from 7.30am How to Enter: All entries must pre-book. Please telephone the Club Office on 01970 267 989 to book your place or visit the Club Shop on the website. Price: £5 for Members; £10 for NonMembers Class. everyone starts from the same point and this fits with our Club Concours ethos of having a full range of opportunities available for ALL Members. To demonstrate this, Club Member Scott Walters and I have teamed up with Concours sponsor Meguiar’s to produce a series of Concours videos. To view the series, go to the Club’s YouTube channel (search YouTube for ‘BMWCCGB’). The purpose of the series is to demonstrate how a daily driven car can be entered into the Club’s starter level Concours Class. We’ve not made things easy for ourselves; we are working on a 2009 E88 120i Convertible which has 129,000 miles on the clock and has quite probably never had a ‘deep clean’ in its life! The series will follow our approach to preparing the car and will document our progress. The car will be entered into the Southern Concours at Sherborne Castle on May 3rd and the National Concours at Stone Manor on August 16th. Both entries will be at the Club’s starter level category and it will be very interesting to see whether we can bring the car up to any sort of Concours standard! I can certainly imagine Club Members thinking that the approaches taken are simple and quite easily

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National Concours - Classes Concours Category

Class

Models

Class A – ‘Classics’

E3, E6, E9, E10 (02), E12, E21, E26

Class B – ‘Modern Classics’

E23, E24, E28, E30, E30, Z1

Class C – ‘Evolution’

E31, E32, E34, all E36 (including E36/7 Z3)

Class D – ‘Millennium’

All E46, E38, E39, E52, E53

Class ‘E’ – ‘Modern Entwicklung’ (the E factory code numbers)

E60/61, E63/64, E65/66/67/68, E70, E71, E81/82, E83, E84, E85/86 (Z4), E87/88, E89, E90/91/92/93, Mini R50/52/53 (i.e. Gen 1 Mini)

Class F – ‘New Era’

All F codes, all G codes, Mini R55/56/57/58/59/60/61 (i.e. Gen 2 Mini), Mini F54/55/56/57 (i.e. Gen 3 Mini)

Class G – ‘Non-Members’ Class

This Class is offered to allow owners of BMW, ALPINA and Mini cars who are not members of the BMW Car Club GB to come along, take part and find out more about Club Concours and the Club itself.

Master (Intermediate level)

One Master Class

Any

Elite (Advanced level)

One Elite Class

Any

Pride of Ownership (Starter level)

achievable – if this is the case, why not bring your car along to a Concours event this year and take part? Take a look at the table shown for details of the Concours Classes on offer

at the National Concours – you will see an option to suit you and your car! This year, we will be offering a ‘Non-Members Class’ at the National Concours (within the Pride of Ownership

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

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Category) in order to provide an opportunity for people to come along and experience club life. Please do inform your friends and colleagues who have not yet joined the Club to pre-book their place and come along and take part in an enjoyable day. Fancy staying at the venue for an evening or the whole weekend? We have special room rates arranged with the venue for those wishing to stay at the hotel. These are: Friday - £100 bed & breakfast; Saturday £140 bed & breakfast; Sunday £70 bed & breakfast or £110 dinner, bed & breakfast. Please telephone Stone Manor Hotel directly to make your booking and quote “BMW Car Club Concours” – Tel. 01562 777 555. Saturday evening informal dinner An informal dinner has been arranged at the venue for the evening of Saturday August 15th and this commences at 8.00pm. Price is £35 per person for 3 courses. Please inform the Club Office of your intention to join the meal by July 15th so that a menu can be emailed to you and total numbers can be communicated to the venue (if booking online via the Club Shop, please

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

tick the booking form to indicate your attendance). This is also a great time to mention our Regional Concours events for 2020. Why not come along for a ‘taster’ of Club Concours prior to entering the National Concours event? Both our Northern Concours event and our Southern Concours event take place on Sunday May 3rd 2020. Northern Concours: takes place at Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5AE. This event takes place within the superb ‘Sports Cars in the Park’ event at Newby Hall. The event will offer a full range of Pride of Ownership Classes and

these are open to ALL Club Members. Contact northeast@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk for any details you require. Southern Concours: takes place at Sherborne Castle, Dorset, DT9 5NR – arrivals from 8.00am. This year, this event will be offering a full range of Pride of Ownership Classes as well as a ‘Past Masters’ Class. Those cars having won and performed highly over previous years will have the opportunity to enter the ‘Past Masters’ Class which will be judged using the Club’s Masterclass scoresheet. Overall, this means that the full range of Pride of Ownership Classes are available to ALL members and in addition, past winners/high performing cars will be separated out into a Master Class Category offering opportunity for ALL Club Members. Contact western@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk for any details you require. Concours really does offer a genuine opportunity for ALL Members to come along and take part at whichever level you wish – you’re guaranteed a warm welcome, a lovely setting and a friendly day out – not to mention seeing a display of some wonderful BMWs. Come along, take part and enjoy the event, you are very welcome! www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

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Feature

RECREATING A SPORT Words by Steve Haslam - Photographs by Steve Haslam and Steve Bostock

nspired by Jeff Heywood’s article in last month’s Straight Six covering the E30, I thought members may be interested in my latest E30 project. By way of introduction we (must include my wife – Jane) have owned numerous BMWs over the years along with E30s

This is how Steve found C944 MWJ in 2013…

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

in all guises; from Tourings, M3s and of course, 325i Sports. Indeed our very first BMW back in 1999 was in fact Jane’s - a 1991 E30 325i Sport in Diamond Black, which we still own to this day. Back in 2009 I wrote an article under the same heading as above,

but that project was a recreation of a Tech 2 Sport (featured in the May and June issues of Straight Six) which was subsequently sold to help finance the purchase of ‘my’ Brilliant Red Tech 2 Sport. Over recent years my attention had turned towards adding an early 325i Tech 1 Sport to our collection and so began my search for a low mileage genuine factory fresh example, but those available were all high milers, abused or well used and all were in dire need of full restoration – not for me (see side bar for history). Then a light bulb moment! We already had an ideal ‘donor’ car which we had purchased back in May 2013 – a four-door 325i which had an interesting provenance to say the least! (see side note). This car had, included from new, the Sport’s limited-slip differential and suspension along with Sport leather seats complete with M Technic steering wheel and gear knob, which wasn’t officially available in the UK until the Tech 1 Sport was launched in September 1986. This car was in very sound condition and we had recently had the underside fully treated with Dinitrol at Excell Chesterfield (01246 455863)… So why not `Re-create` our very own Tech 1 Sport? The seed was planted and the search was on for the all-important Tech 1 aerokit which, after months of scouring eBay www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Feature

The transformation from 4-door E30 325i to a 325i Tech 1 ‘Sport recreation’ has been successful, the car looking resplendent with its M-Tech kit and BBS wheels

and other places, was found courtesy of another BMW fanatic. That was the cue for taking the car to Matt Summerfield at Body Motor Works in Chesterfield (01246 864803) for preparation and painting of the kit together with a few other cosmetic repairs to the paintwork. As always, one job leads to another and as we wanted to retain the Chrome Bumpers as they were in reasonably

Dolphin Grey, one of the best finishes for an E30…

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good condition for their age, that was not going to be good enough so these were professionally re-chromed by Danny at AJC Metal Finishing, Bilsthorpe, Notts (01623 870372). A reputable company who achieved a better than new mirror finish. Despite the original bottle top alloys being nearly perfect, they were simply not Sport. Our recreation deserved the genuine 15-inch BBS cross-spoke

Background to C944 MWJ C944 MWJ was ordered by John Barnard – Technical Director for the McLaren F1 team (see separated sidebar) in late 1985 – the year they won the drivers’ title no less. More interestingly, in that same year, John was in talks with BMW who were considering a venture into Formula One! His specification included the limited-slip differential, ABS, greentinted glass, air conditioning, cruise control, sports seats, M Technic sports suspension and steering wheel amongst other items. John collected the car himself from BMW Munich in December 1985 and registered it in the UK in February ‘86. C944 MWJ was sold to Chris Rea (AESSEAL in Rotherham) on 09/08/86 for the sum of £16,250, who used the 325i as a company car until taking it out of company in September 1997, when it was used as his private car until 2010, when it failed an MOT. It then stood in their laboratory workshop until Chris instructed it to go to the breakers yard – fortunately Mrs Rea was too fond of the car to see its life cut short and that’s when we came in and rescued the car in May 2013. BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Feature

The interior has cleaned up marvellously well after some TLC and plenty of elbow grease. Note the quality materials and trim…

alloys so a spare set were refinished with the centres painted in Nogaro Silver (ala Sport Evo), which really suits and compliments the Dolphin Grey paintwork. Inside, the original Sport black leather seats were subjected to a total leather care treatment and the fabrics were deep cleaned. Again, for their age they are in fabulous condition and a real credit to the high quality of materials fitted to BMWs of this era. We are very pleased with the outcome and we now have an

‘Individual’ 325i with all the same essential ingredients as a Tech 1 Sport. We are just waiting for spring to come around to enjoy some drives out and about across the Derbyshire Peak District. Again, a BIG thank you to all those involved who have helped recreate our Sport. Hopefully the photos will do the car justice and having read may inspire some to pick up the gauntlet and invest a little time and effort on their own Classic BMW before taking it for a spin.

John Barnard For Formula One fans of the great era of the mid 1980s, when racing was racing and the drivers were gung-ho, the name John Barnard was synonymous with many of the great innovations in racing car design which set the series alight. Most famously Barnard was credited for his knowledge and understanding of carbon-fibre composite technology which he first introduced into race car design, and subsequently revolutionised car design in Formula One with new levels of rigidity and driver protection. Whilst Chief Engineer at McLaren, the team won the drivers’ titles in ’84, ’85 and ’86. He pioneered the ‘Coke-bottle’ shape of side pods which are still visible today. He was a master in understanding airflow, making use of aerospace wind tunnels to test and enhance the use of downforce. In 1989 he pioneered the semi-automatic gearbox, which was operated via two paddles on the steering wheel – now an everyday item on even basic cars! Barnard was successful at McLaren (twice), Ferrari (twice) and Benetton amongst others until he left F1 in 2001.

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

History The E30 325i Sport (Tech1) was a UK market ‘special’. It was introduced in 1986 and proved very popular, indeed, it sold in hot-hatch numbers at its peak, despite costing almost twice as much as most of them. Introduced with a price of £15,081, standard Sport goodies were headed by the BMW Motorsport developed M Technic aero kit consisting of distinctive front and rear spoilers, side skirts and a deeper rear apron. M Technic branding was also applied to the suspension (stiffer springs, gas dampers and thicker anti-roll bars) plus an M Technic steering wheel and gear knob. More obvious were the BBS cross-spoke alloys and a limitedslip differential to assist traction and handling. The Sport package also included a green tinted front windscreen, air conditioning and sports seats with body colours of either Diamond Black, Polaris Silver, Lachs Silver or Dolphin Grey. The Sport may have been far better than the 325i, but it was no M3. Yet, for many, the torque of the six-cylinder engine was far better to live with as an everyday driver. The later Tech 2 Sport arrived in 1989–90 and is seen by many (including myself) as the most desirable, but that’s a debate for another day!

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Power Feature - E28 M5

LIFE

RESTORING A LEGEND! Words â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jeff Heywood / Photos Jeff Heywood & Tim Robinson

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

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Power Feature - E28 M5

BMW’s E28 M5 is one of those automotive legends that has gone on to define an entire subset of cars. The notion of a mid-sized saloon car with supercar-rivalling performance is as familiar today as a simple hot hatch, but there was a time when the super-saloon was an unknown entity. And here, with Tim Robinson’s fine Zinnober Red example, we have one of the earliest, and now possibly, oldest, surviving E28 M5s in the UK.

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The E28 BMW 5 Series, released in 1981, was BMW’s breakthrough executive saloon, selling in far higher numbers than the E12 model it replaced. Designed by the iconic BMW designer Claus Luthe, the E28 was initially sold with a combination of relatively lukewarm four and six-cylinder engines, but in February 1985 BMW revealed the very first M5 at the Amsterdam Motor Show. The M5 was not the first ‘sporty’ E28 - that would be the less powerful M535i. And by removing the M-Technic aerodynamic kit and making it an optional extra the M5 was actually far more subtle than the M535i, but it utilised the M88 straight-six engine, the very one that made its debut in BMW’s iconic M1 supercar. E28 M5 in detail Let’s not forget that the E28 M5, like its successor the E34 M5, was hand built at BMW’s M Power facility at Garching, in Munich’s outer suburbs. The E28 M5’s greatest asset is its M88/3 engine, originally designed for the M1 and closely related to the M49 motorsport engine that powered the E9 CSL to six European Touring Car Championships (1973, 75-79) and numerous other race wins worldwide. For the M5, BMW’s M division swapped the M1’s Kugelfisher mechanical fuel injection for a Bosch Motronic system, improving the power output by around 10bhp, as well as improving serviceability and reliability. In M5-guise the M88 made 286bhp at 6500rpm, while torque was rated at 340Nm at 4500rpm. These numbers may sound relatively meek compared to the super saloons of today, but the M5 had more power than Ferrari could muster from the 3.2-litre V8 Quattrovalvole engine in its 328. The M5 was devastatingly quick and developed a reputation among its wellto-do owners with its sheer breadth of ability. The M5 was expensive though, explaining why it never sold in large numbers. BMW built 2,241 E28 M5s in total, with just 187 right-hand drive examples officially imported into the UK. The rest of production consisted of 588 left-hand drive cars without catalysts, 1,340 left-hand drive models with catalysts, 30 left-hand drive cars with catalysts for the Japanese market and 96 right-hand drive cars assembled from knock down kits for the South African market. Of those 187 UK cars, Tim’s car pictured here is build number two. Although the engine was the star, the M5’s magic was not just contained to the engine bay and the M Division also paid close attention to the chassis, uprating the anti-roll bars (21mm at BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Power Feature - E28 M5 the front, uprated to 25mm in October 1986, and a 14mm bar at the rear, uprated in October ’86 to 18mm). Springs and dampers were by Bilstein until the October 1986 update, when Boge dampers replaced them. The rear springs were initially stock E28 items but these were upgraded for the M5 in April 1986 when unique items were fitted, and most E28 M5s have now been retrofitted with these springs during suspension refurbishment. BMW’s M Division also fitted a 25-percent locking limited-slip differential to contain the considerable rise in engine power that the M5 had over its less illustrious siblings. These upgrades suitably improved the M5’s handling, but being conceived in the 1980s you would still be shocked by how compliant it feels by modern standards. After thumbing through contemporary reviews of the E28 M5 I was left slightly bemused. I came away with the overwhelming impression that, back in the mid-1980s, the M5 wasn’t actually heralded as the cult hero I imagined it would have been. A lot of the things that contemporary reviewers praise the car for were obviously praised in period, but there wasn’t quite the eulogising fanfare that I had expected would greet the first model in what is now a revered dynasty. The M5’s release was only given two pages in Car, and although Autocar managed four, the same issue dedicated seven pages for

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Tim’s M5 was also used for many a trip to Spa, this photo was taken in the Spa car park on a trip to watch the 6 Hour Race

the automotive icon that was the ‘allnew’ Diahatsu Domino! Everyone admired the M5, but they just didn’t see it as a watershed moment in automotive history. Part of the problem, it seems, was the price. Although the first M5 had a faintly ludicrous 286bhp at a time when the Ferrari 328 had just 270, the BMW also cost £31,295 at a time when the Ferrari could be yours for £34,750. By the time the last of the E28 M5s were rolling off the production line in November 1987 (it was still being produced in South Africa using the CKD kits into 1988) the UK price had risen to over £36,000. Looks also undoubtedly played a part, and the M5 looked for all intents and purposes like a lightly spiced 520i to the uninitiated.

Tim’s car D316 DPF was first registered on February 1st 1987, although it came off the BMW Garching production line in March 1986! (see ‘a bit of detective work’ below). Finished in Zinnober Red (BMW 138) with Black Buffalo Leather (BMW 0203), D316 DPF was a standard UK car and was first registered as a BMW GB fleet car. The car came in full UK standard specification – green tinted glass (as opposed to brown/bronze), electric windows front and rear, rear head restraints, electric sliding sunroof, electric front seats, on-board computer, air conditioning, rear window blind (manual), BBS alloys, front and rear fog lights, rear spoiler, five-speed gearbox, front sport seats, headlamp wash and wipers,

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Power Feature - E28 M5

Tim’s M5 was featured and on the cover of the April 1995 edition of BMW Car magazine - it was the MIRA high performance test car for most of the 90s

M leather steering wheel and gear knob, large tool kit (in boot lid) and a Blaupunkt radio with four speakers and a dealerfit electric aerial. A big thank you goes to Keith Bridge and his BMW vehicle specification enquiry form for the above info. Club member Tim Robinson purchased his M5 in July 2002 from The School Garage in High Peak with the odometer showing 100,000 miles. Tim’s M5 had previously been the MIRA high speed demo car. They purchased D316 DPF in July 1992 with 45,000 miles on the clock. The car was serviced regularly as per BMWs service schedule but MIRA also dropped the oil every 3,000 miles,

Tim’s M5 was fully stripped during its restoration. Any hint of rust was repaired and the car was then trailered to RS Autos for a full repaint. The car emerges from the spray booth and the new paint is deep and lustrous!

using Mobil 1 for the oil changes. The only failures they recorded during their more than 45,000 miles was a failed heater control switch and a windscreenwiper relay. The car was famously covered in the April 1995 issue of BMW Car magazine.

MIRA eventually sold the M5 to a private buyer in the late 1990’s, who was the third owner. They hardly added to the mileage before selling the car (maybe used in part-exchange) to The School Garage, and from there Tim became its fourth owner.

The paintwork on Tim’s car is gleaming after the restoration and new paint correction www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Feature

A bit of detective work What is extremely interesting about Tim’s M5 is the difference between the dates of first production and first registration. With a chassis ending in 002 we think it is the oldest surviving road-going E28 M5 in the UK. Chassis 001 was a Lach Silver car. It was built at the Garching facility in March 1986 and left the assembly line as a pre-production car. This car was also registered by BMW GB as a fleet car. Unfortunately chassis 001 was seriously damaged by fire in the early 2000s. Club stalwart, close friend and fellow North West member Graeme Lynch purchased 001 with the aim of carrying out a full restoration. Unfortunately, when Graeme started to look for parts many were no longer available or priced so ridiculously high that it made a restoration totally uneconomical. Graeme adds

that “although the car was severely damaged by fire, it had also received further damage during the subsequent recovery. In trying to extinguish the fire in the engine bay, the firemen had tried to jemmy the bonnet open using a crowbar. Unfortunately the firemen weren’t BMW aficionados and in the heat of the moment (no pun intended) they couldn’t locate the E28’s bonnet opening catch so they vigorously jemmied the bonnet open, causing a lot of damage to the bonnet and the front panel/grille area.” To add insult to injury, the recovery company, not knowing how special the BMW they were dealing with was and probably thinking it was just a beat up, burnt out old car, used a four-claw ‘grab’ to lift the car onto the transporter, severely damaging/crushing the roof and doors as they lifted the M5 onto the

The E28’s dashboard is a model of ergonomic simplicity and a joy to drive behind

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

recovery truck!” Graeme reluctantly sold the car on to a buyer a good few years ago now, who he thought was purchasing the car for the engine and gearbox; nothing has been heard of chassis 001 since, although it isn’t showing as being scrapped at the DVLA. Thanks to some ace detective work from club stalwart and fellow E28 M5 owner Keith Bridge and the BMW vehicle spec enquiry form he has downloaded, I have been able to learn a few things about chassis 002. D316 DPF left the Garching M facility in March 1986 as a pre-production model. We aren’t exactly sure when it arrived in the UK, but we presume it must have been in December 1986 or January 1987 because the car was first registered on February 1st by BMW GB. It was given the moniker ‘BMW Fleet Car’ (more on that below) and was presumably kept by BMW GB until 1992 when the car was sold to MIRA. Keith’s BMW vehicle spec enquiry form had thrown up the Fleet Car/Press Car/ Demo Car conundrum which was starting to niggle, so I decided to contact good friend Chris Willows, the ex-BMW UK Corporate Communications Director and all round good sort. Chris told me “you have to remember that back in the 1980s things were a lot different at BMW UK than they are now. I do remember in 1986 or 1987 taking an enjoyable trip in a red E28 M5 to the Nurburgring.” This is more than likely Tim’s car, or chassis 005. Chris added – “Press Cars were (obviously) used for media loans and, to be honest, the terminology ‘Fleet Car’ was probably used to also describe a Press Car. These cars were loaned out to ‘friends’ of BMW and celebrities etc, plus we swapped cars with other www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Power Feature - E28 M5

manufacturers and big wigs. Munich keeps an iron grip on any ‘stray’ cars now but in Paul Layzell’s day we could do pretty much what we wanted! The ‘Demo Car’ was a slightly different vehicle. Demo cars were run by BMW UK and used as demonstrators for BMW dealerships when a test drive was requested by a customer. In the 1980s quite a large number of BMW dealers were small, family run businesses, and the BMW range consisted of just four models,

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3, 5, 6 and 7 Series, so many couldn’t afford to have a £35,000 M5 on their books as a demonstrator. BMW GB’s solution was to run a number of ‘Demo Cars’ so potential customers were kept happy if they requested to test drive an M5.” Of interest to the BMW history buffs and E28 fanatics out there, chassis 003 was built in May 1986. It was the first UK production car (since 001 and 002 were both pre-production models), finished in gloss black and it ended up

as a BMW GB Demo Car. Chassis 004 was a BMW GB Press Car finished in Lachs Silver, whilst chassis 005 was a Zinnober Red production car with a factory fitted body kit, that car went to Cooper BMW, Chelmsford. Keith Bridge’s car (chassis 014) was also a Press Car and is a Carmine Red example (the only E28 M5 finished in this colour in the UK), while chassis 015 is the ex-Jay Kay (of Jamiroqai fame) example which is finished

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Power Feature - E28 M5 in ‘BMW Special Paint’ Blue/Black metallic - BMW Special Paint was the forerunner of what we now know as BMW Individual. Using an E28 M5 as a daily driver Tim’s M5 was purchased with the intentions of using the car as a daily driver – “Yes I knew the car was a special M-car, but unfortunately an E28 M5 wasn’t worth a lot of money back in 2002, so I used it as a (very nice) everyday family car. I’ve shuttled the kids around in it, gone shopping in it, dropping the kids here there and everywhere…and it has been used for many memorable holidays in France. I’ve also enjoyed many ‘boys’ trips to the Nurburgring and Spa”. Indeed, on one of the many family summer holiday trips to Lot-et-Garonne (Tim has a friend with a house in Duras) the exhaust back box decided to give up the ghost when heading south on a French autoroute. Tim pulled off the autoroute with the M5 sounding like a DTM car – fine for a teenager but not the aural accompaniment required for a family trip to France! Tim limped the M5 to the nearest small town where a local garage provided a temporary fix to the exhaust and the Robinson family were on their way again. On another occasion Tim was caught by a local Gendarme doing 170-kph on an autoroute, which resulted in a small fine – “I was minding my own business, cruising down a sparsely trafficked autoroute when a police car appeared from nowhere with its blue lights flashing. The French police didn’t bother too much about foreigners speeding on their autoroutes back then, although they have clamped down hugely in recent years, imposing massive fines and in extreme cases, seizing vehicles off the offenders,” Tim adds. The exhaust problem in France led to Tim fitting a stainless exhaust that omitted the rear silencer on his return to the UK, which Tim admits, “was quite noisy!” On one boys’ outing to the Nurburgring, Tim’s M5 was black flagged for being too noisy and the ‘ring official showed him a reading of 113-decibels, the straight through stainless tailpipe being the culprit. Tim had paid for a number of laps so was well out of pocket, plus the whole idea of travelling to the ‘ring was to drive the Nordschleife, so he pulled off the circuit and into a car park. With the help of a couple of mates they stuffed some coke cans they had crushed and torn into the tailpipes of the exhaust in the hope of quietening it down. They (slowly) returned to the ‘ring and the car was tested again at 103-decibels… it had worked! Tim says – “the reading should have been below 100-decibels but I think the ‘ring

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

official took pity on us and let us venture back on track. I gently accelerated away and once out of sight I gunned the accelerator and all the tin cans shot out of the exhaust! I could see them bouncing on the track in the rear view mirror. I don’t know if they took pity on us or thought we were crazy Englishmen but they allowed me to complete all my laps, the exhaust sounding amazing under full throttle!” Tim also added – “the M5 emptied its tank every four laps of the Nordschleife, just short of 60 miles per tank of Shell’s finest – do the math!” Restoration time After 17 years of enjoyable ownership and with the odometer clicking over to 159,000 miles, Tim recognised that his beloved E28 M5 was in need of some care. “The car was generally still in very good order, but there were minor bits on the body that needed attention, plus the suspension was getting tired and the engine was using a little oil, and being honest, I had watched the prices of E28 M5s soar in the past four or five years, so knowing just how important chassis 002 is, I decided that the car was in need of a gentle restoration.” The restoration began in early 2019. Handily, Tim is the proprietor of Riverside Engineering, who fettle and restore classic cars, so the M5 couldn’t be in better hands for its refresh. Tim decided that the car would enjoy a full repaint, so it underwent a full glass-out strip down. Whilst stripped, the car was checked all over, with lots of time spent underneath, looking for any signs of corrosion or cracks in the underbody protection. Any small areas of rust were repaired and rustproofed. Tim adds “the car is really solid underneath. One or two very small areas were repaired and treated, but it was mainly making sure the factory rustproofing was still in place, and in any areas where re-rustproofing was required.” Although the engine was still pulling strongly, Tim removed it from the car and rebuilt it himself using all OEM parts. This was one of the jobs Tim was really looking forward to doing. “The M88 was totally stripped for inspection; the M88 is the non-catalyst version of the S38 engine. With a 10.5:1 compression ratio, 264° camshafts, equal-length exhaust headers and a single-row timing chain, it is identical to the one found in the non-catalyst version. The M88 can be easily identified by the (classic) BMW Roundel and the words ‘M Power’ on its valve cover.” Once stripped Tim examined the crank, which was perfect so refitted after a polish. Tim then fitted new big end and main bearings and big end bolts, new

crankshaft and camshaft sprockets, a new timing chain and tensioner and chain guides. The oil pump was also stripped and overhauled, and new piston rings fitted. All the valves were removed and checked. Most were absolutely fine but Tim changed two that were judged as being ‘borderline’. All new valve guides were fitted and the valve seats were re-lapped. The bores were also perfect and were just lightly honed to help the rings bed in. As the engine was carefully re-assembled it goes without saying that all original BMW seals and gaskets were used. A new clutch was fitted as the engine was remarried with the gearbox and a new radiator was fitted for good measure, along with all new hoses and other items. Tim left the Getrag 5-Speed gearbox alone. “Knowing the miles it has covered I did think about rebuilding it, but it still has a nice, crisp action with no sloppiness at all in the gear change, so I asked myself, why rebuild it just for the sake of rebuilding?” Testament to the quality of BMW parts back then and for the car being driven correctly without crunching gears etc.… Tim then moved onto the suspension, renewing all components – dampers, springs, all bushes, wheel bearings and brake discs were replaced with BMW original M parts, an expensive operation. The car was already stripped, including all the glass and interior trim removed, enabling the M5 to be trailered to RS Autos

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Feature

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BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

The heart of the E28 M5, the mighty M88/3 3.5-litre straight six engine produces 286hp and 340Nm of torque. It powered both the E28 M5 and its cousin the E24 M635CSi

at Furness Vale in January of 2020, who were given the task of repainting the M5. Tim added, “Being in the trade I know Simon who owns RS Autos, they have a good reputation and I knew they would carry out a first class job on my M5.” Tim had done all the prep work so RS just had to give the body a once over, flatting and the like before carrying out the full-repaint process on the car.” When Tim’s car came out of the oven he wasn’t disappointed – “they had done an excellent job respraying the car; the paint was lovely and smooth with a deep shine.” Tim was very happy – “you get what you pay for,” he added Whilst the M5 was at RS Autos for the repaint, Tim sent the original 16” BBS cross-spokes to Stockport Powder Coating to be refinished. The car had been running on a set of five-spoke alloys, which the keen eyed amongst you will have noticed on the BMW Car front cover image in this article, but Tim wanted to return the car to just how it left the factory, “The wheels were in excellent condition with no kerbing or chips but they had lost a bit of the original lustre, so I thought I’d have them refinished.” With the addition of new BMW centre caps they now look like the day they left the production line back in 1986. The final touches to the car were carried out by Club member and good friend Darryl Curran, proprietor of The Car Detailing Centre (07415 945 979). Indeed, it was Darryl who first alerted me to the ‘importance’ of Tim’s car. Darryl

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

has been extremely careful when carrying out a ‘new paint correction’ on Tim’s M5; he has succeeded in giving the paintwork that glass-like, wet-look shine. I must say on the day of the photoshoot at Winnats Pass in the Peak District, the paintwork looked absolutely radiant, as you can see in the photos. Indeed, Tim’s M5 looks just like the day it rolled off the BMW production line – enough said! Tim loves his M5, it has been a supremely reliable and extremely capable servant over the past 17-years, but he is thinking of letting the car go to a new home – “after using it as everyday transport for the past 17-years, I’m now frightened of it getting rained on! So I think it might be best to let it find a new home where someone can cherish it.” If you are seriously interested in Tim’s M5, please pass on your details to myself at northwest@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk and I will pass these on to Tim. *A huge thank you goes out to Keith Bridge who has (patiently) provided lots of information for this article. I must also say thanks to long time Club member and ace detailer Darryl Curran for the tip off about Tim’s car and for providing a shiny M5 for the photo shoot! More shout outs go to Chris Willows for sharing his knowledge, and to Graeme and James Lynch for their help and info provided on chassis 001 that all helped in putting this article together. Last but not least, a big thank you to Tim Robinson, owner of chassis 002 E28 M5 that

The classic BBS wheels suit the E28 M5 perfectly, and the wheels on Tim’s car are in perfect condition after being refurbed

It’s always nice to see a full and complete BMW toolkit!

graces the pages of Straight Six. Tim has been patient to my many requests and demands and has been nothing but helpful throughout the process.” www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

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• MoT testing • Air conditioning servicing, repairs and re-gas

We have had a number of classic BMWs through our Bodyshop in 2018 and 2019 – and currently have 3 classic BMWs being worked on into 2020!! We have space for more. • State of the art Bodyshop • Staff with decades of experience • All manner of Restoration catered for

• Bodywork estimates and SMART repairs undertaken

Roythorne & Son Ltd 01553 673000 / 672213

Nursery Lane, North Wootton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 3QB

01235 765676 www.1stchoicebodyworks.net 1st choice car and body repairs ltd

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BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

www.classiclineinsurance.co.uk www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Feature

BMW’s 2004 as sold in South Africa in 1973-4, but really a Glas 1700 saloon…

WHEN IS A

BMW

NOT A BMW?

Martin Wooler muses on BMWs by another name and looks ahead to technology sharing and partnerships between automotive brands Words – Martin Wooler, Photographs – BMW Press/Jeff Heywood/Morgan Motor Company/Rosenbauer Press

echnology sharing started for BMW with the acquisition of Hans Glas GmbH in 1966. BMW were primarily interested in Glas for its Dingolfing manufacturing site, but the famous BMW kidney grilles were quickly grafted onto the pretty 1700GT and other models that were then subsequently marketed as BMWs in various territories.

Interestingly, both the Frua-designed GT and its saloon counterpart featured the ‘Hofmeister Kink’ that later became synonymous with BMW through to this day. So one might say that these were actually early BMWs as seen through different Glas-es!

A few decades later brothers Martin and Friedhelm Weismann, perhaps best known for manufacturing hardtops for BMW E30 Convertibles, produced their MF 3 and MF 30 roadsters, and later the Weismann GT models, using various BMW engines. The company was temporarily closed in May 2014 but is set to return with another BMW-engined car currently known only as Project Gecko (the Weismann logo is based on an image of this small lizard). Other manufacturers to use BMW engines are diverse, including General Motors who offered the 2.5-litre BMW M51 six cylinder turbocharged diesel engine in its 2001-2003 Opel / Vauxhall Omega, and the quirky Malvern-based Morgan Motor Company. Morgan, who have never produced their own engine and still use wood framing for structural chassis components, first used the 4.4-litre BMW M62 V8 in the 2001 Aero 8, and updated to the N62 V8 in the 2015’s updated Aero 8. Morgan have once again been shopping in Munich to obtain BMW’s B58 turbocharged six-cylinder to power its latest (but still rather traditionallooking) Plus Six, launched at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. More obvious pseudo-BMWs are those developed during BMW’s ownership of the Rover Group between 1994 and 2000. The Rover 75 offered the option of a

Morgan’s most recent BMWpowered car, the Plus Six www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Feature

Rosenbauer fire pump with 1990’s BMW ‘oilhead’ motorcycle engine

diesel engine based on the BMW M47, and the company was heavily involved in the development of the L322 model Range Rover. The project was overseen by the mercurial Wofgang Reitzle, and as well as both V8 petrol and inline six-cylinder diesel engines, it shared a significant number of components and systems with BMW’s E38 7 Series and E39 5 Series. So, you might say that you drive a Glas, a Morgan, a Rover, a Range Rover or an Opel or Vauxhall, but actually the heart of the vehicle could well be a BMW.

Of course, since 1975 Alpina have been producing cars that owed a lot to their BMW forebears. There are also no doubt countless specials out there with BMW engines shoehorned into other makes of car, and perhaps the most outrageous I’ve seen was Charlie Broomfield’s Rover SD1 with a 27l Meteor tank derivative of the RollsRoyce Merlin engine crammed in. A slight stretch, perhaps, given how BMW didn’t own the Rolls-Royce brand until 1998! How many of you, on the other hand, knew that Austrian fire service

vehicle and equipment manufacturer Rosenbauer used BMW’s horizontallyopposed twin-cylinder motorcycle engine in various versions of its portable fire pumps? This makes an interesting parallel with the Coventry Climax allalloy four-cylinder engine which was initially developed in 1950 for fire pump applications, but went on to power the Lotus Elite, TVR Grantura and, later, the Hillman Imp and its derivatives. Finally, in terms of past application of BMW engines, I can’t omit the Paul Rosch-tweaked S70/S V12 that powered the McLaren F1. It went on to break the Guinness World Record in 1998 for the fastest production car at 240.1mph, and apparently BMW still has the E34 M5 Touring mule used to test the engine. What an interesting car that would be to drive! Returning again to Land Rover - another car brand started by two brothers, Maurice and Spencer Wilks the current L405 Range Rover and L494 Range Rover Sport models have various engines sourced from Ford, guardian of Jaguar Land Rover between BMW’s custodianship and present owner Tata Motors. In August 2019 Autocar reported a scoop that the next-generation 2021 Range Rover would be powered by a BMW-sourced V8 petrol engine with other models also set, once again, to use BMW diesel engines. Autocar also reported that BMW and Jaguar Land Rover have a collaborative agreement on the development of electrified

The McLaren F1 supercar is powered by a version of the venerable S70/2 V12 engine that produces 627bhp.

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Feature

They share far more than just good looks

powertrains, and various titles continue to speculate about deals and partnerships between the two companies. The increasing trend in the global car industry is to share development costs and maximise production volumes which leads to all sorts of partnership arrangements. BMW and Toyota most recently and famously collaborated on their Z4 and Supra sports cars. Both models share major components and are built by Magna Steyr at its facility in Graz, Austria. If you’ve not heard of Rosenbauer then you’ve maybe not heard of Rivian, a US automaker set to launch an electric

SUV that looks like some sort of cross between a Tesla and a Land Rover. I accept that Rivian has nothing to do with BMW, but it did receive some US $2.85Bn worth of investment in 2019, including $500M from Ford and $700M from Amazon. With other tech giants such as Google and Apple continuing to have automotive ambitions, you can see the scope in years to come for all sorts of potential tie-ins, mergers or even takeovers, given the discontinuity presented by autonomous vehicles. BMW and Intel’s autonomous driving collaboration goes back to the start of 2017, or even earlier if you count

Mobileye’s Lane Departure Warning, and has now been joined by Fiat Chrysler (itself soon expected to absorb Peugeot Citroën). Traditional long-term rivals, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, already have a shared $1Bn investment in a development programme for autonomous vehicles. Last year, BMW and Mercedes-Benz were even strongly rumoured to be collaborating on a joint platform for a future-generation BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class. So, nothing is off the table, but I for one hope that BMW will continue to stay as independent as possible long into the future.

BMW E46, 320Ci Convertible.

5-speed automatic with Tiptronic and Sport option. 1st registered December 2001. Only 81,000 miles. MOT until April’20, with no advisories. Dark Orient blue paintwork with unmarked dark blue mohair power hood with full grey leather interior & overmats. Original Owner’s Service Book showing detailed service history with 8 stamps, (7 main agent). Lots of service receipts indicating regular maintenance totalling £4,600. Previous MOTs from 2005. Original complete tool kit. Recent rear shock absorbers.

SE spec includes: Sport interior and M-Sport Multi-function steering wheel along with walnut trim, electric heated memory seats, digital climate control, on-board computer, traction control, cruise. Additional extras: Rear parking sensors. Electric windows, mirrors. A/c. BMW Radio Cassette and 6-stack CD, Cruise Control, factory Alarm and Tracker. Sports Exhaust.

£3,450 ono All enquiries, please call or text 07792 422209 (lady owner) www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Feature

he dichotomy of classic car ownership is that you are either the custodian of a low mileage garage queen, that, like the reclusive Howard Hughes, never sees the light of day for fear of damage. Or your car becomes a high mileage example with all the attendant scuffs, marks, rust and general wear that is unavoidable, especially in our damp hemisphere. I ride these two ponies and honestly, there is no happy answer. One is either aiming to improve the condition of the used car (my E30 M3 Sport Evo with 260,000 miles) or bemoaning even the slightest deterioration of the garage queen (my 11,000 mile E28 M5). If you want to retain the highest value and avoid any damage you must lock it away (in the right conditions) and throw away the key. The sticking brakes, rough running and oil leaks can all be corrected, and one can then marvel at the as-new condition of the 33 year old timewarp â&#x20AC;&#x201C; providing, however, that the car has been correctly stored in a dehumidified garage or air chamber. In the value stakes low mileage is the single most understood criteria. At times one questions why bother owning something so rarely used? But

then there are sneaky little things that creep up and cause the dilemma; open the garage queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s door and there is still spring in the rubber, the smell and un-creased nature of the leather, and the tightness of a key in the lock. The newness of everything - these are the priceless things! On the ramp, it is a complete and utter pleasure to see under the garage queen, with no rust present.

You notice the Cosmoline protective oil that was sprayed on immediately after manufacture to protect all the surfaces for transit and was actually a clear waxy finish when first applied. Now it has a yellow patina and will have started to slightly shrink and crack but the fixings are still with their clean zinc plating rather than a rusty pitted mess! Is it perhaps a social thing harking back to the time when we retained what

THE DICHOTOMY Words and photographs by Richard Baxter mpower@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Feature was called our Sunday best outfit, only worn on special occasions along with the ‘best room’ in the house which was only entered when special guests came over? But what if one of the reasons for classic car ownership is to include the driving experience of what are generally

more feelsome machines than the modern daily driver can offer? If driving is just as important as newness then there is an excellent case to consider that a well-restored car can provide the closest to the best of both worlds, where condition can be replicated and if the car has been

restored it can be restored again and again and nothing has been lost! And if one is able to address one of our strongest senses, the sense of smell, by being able to restore the interior and at the same time capture the original smell of the fabrics and adhesives one is I believe onto a winner….

E12 & E28 SHARKNOSE SUMMER MEET – 21ST JUNE 2020 It always happens, the seemingly endless wet, cold and dark winter season causes one to fantasize of warm sunny days when at 9.30pm it is still warm and light…

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

This notice is to find out possible numbers and decide whether this is to be a single day meeting at the Bicester Heritage Super Scramble, or if we should make it a two day event

by spending the Saturday enjoying some of the Cotswolds’ delights. A visit to Daylesford Organics, a visit to local brewery Hook Norton, a garden visit to Hidcote Manor and stopping overnight close to Bicester and avoiding the congestion on the morning of the 21st are all options. Jeff Heywood has elsewhere covered the story of E28 M5 number two, the earliest known survivor and known as the MIRA proving ground car proving ground car. Number one we know was damaged by fire and believed to have since been broken although no one can verify this. Number two has been in single ownership for many years but has now been readied for sale and is due to join us on June 21st.. The E28 M5 was hand built in Garching and is the rarest of all right-hand drive M powered cars with only 187 built, we are hopeful of a good turnout and that not only the earliest remaining chassis makes it but also the last one too, number 187. At the time the magazine is going to print the venue is not confirmed, but please declare your interest so we can decide on a plan rbaxter@btinternet.com

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

best ches even

Feature situations as they arise, directly improving road safety. All this elevates the tyre to an important communications tool that can ultimately benefit the entire transport ecosystem, actively contributing to future mobility and autonomous driving systems.

e will

PIRELLI’S CINTURATO A NAME SYNONYMOUS WITH

TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY – CELEBRATES ITS 70TH BIRTHDAY The Pirelli Cinturato is 70 years old. It was born when mass mobility was just taking off, but now it’s ready to expand with the imminent debut of the latest Cinturato P7, which benefits from seven decades of continuous technical development. Cinturato is also the most versatile tyre in the Pirelli Velo range, and it’s additionally set to equip Pirelli’s Cycl-e Around e-bikes, a bike-sharing service conceived to promote sustainable mobility. But not only that: development of intelligent tyres connected to the 5G network continues apace, with the new Cinturato P7 getting ready for the future of mobility and smart cities. The new Cinturato P7: Safer and more efficient The new generation of Cinturato P7 highlights the key priorities for everyday road users: safety and efficiency. Thanks to an intense research and development programme, Pirelli’s engineers have come up with a high-technology product that’s able to overcome many of compromises traditionally associated with tyres and reconcile seemingly conflicting requirements, such as performance in the wet and low rolling resistance. This is a direct result of the technology locked into the new Cinturato P7, benefitting both drivers and car manufacturers. This new tyre for premium cars, as well as carrying over the dry-weather performance from its predecessor, improves the whole driving experience when it comes to wet handling and resistance to aquaplaning. Wet braking takes a step forward in particular, with up to four fewer metres needed to stop from 100kph. The

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

innovations introduced by Pirelli’s engineers also improve acoustic comfort (courtesy of less road noise) and ride comfort, with the new tyre now able to absorb more bumps in the road. Overall tyre life increases by 6%, meaning that drivers can go longer before swapping tyres. Underlining the efficiency of the new Cinturato P7, rolling resistance goes down a class thanks to a reduction of 12%, improving fuel consumption by 4% (on the WLTP cycle) and reducing CO2 emissions. The new P7 can benefit from Pirelli’s other specialities as well, such as Run Flat and Seal Inside, which allow motorists to keep driving even after a puncture. There will also be an Elect version, which identifies Pirelli tyres specially made for electric cars or plug-in hybrids. Cinturato: Ready for the 5G network to enhance sustainable mobility The new Cinturato P7 will additionally be part of Pirelli’s ongoing Cyber research programme, with the Italian firm already having been the first to connect a tyre to the 5G network. This technology is currently being developed for future use in the smart cities that are just around the corner. Pirelli was the first global tyre firm to share information collected via intelligent tyres over the 5G network, capitalising on the tyre being the only part of the car to come into direct contact with the road, with the capability to warn off potentially dangerous situations such as aquaplaning. In the near future, the 5G telecommunications infrastructure will be able to collect all this information gathered by tyres and inform other vehicles of

The P7 is born again In 2009, the Cinturato P7 name made a comeback, headlining on its ability to reduce fuel consumption and noxious emissions, its use of ecological materials, and improved handling and braking. The family grew with the introduction of Winter and All Season versions, which remain part of the range today and have racked up more than 400 homologations. This just goes to show how the Cinturato P7 has always been a favourite among carmakers, thanks also to its ability to follow the latest automotive trends. The Cinturato P7 has kept up with all the game-changing innovations introduced in recent years: advanced electronics, driver assistance systems, hybrid and electric cars. Today, the new Cinturato P7 builds on this heritage and launches with 60 homologations to its name already. More than ever, it showcases the two guiding principles that have shaped its development from the 1950s right up to now: safety and efficiency. Pirelli fuel gift card offer Members of BMW Owners Club can now benefit from an exclusive offer from Pirelli of a fuel gift card. Available only when purchasing Pirelli tyres from a Pirelli Performance Centre or official BMW dealer. The Pirelli tyres purchased can be for any vehicle and not limited to tyres just for your BMW. It means that this offer is valid on tyres for any car and can also be used for your friends and family, provided the terms and conditions are adhered to. The card’s value depends on the rim size and quantity of tyres purchased as follows: Rim Size

Two Tyres

Four Tyres

16” & below

£10

£30

17”

£30

£70

18” & above

£50

£100

Where can you get your tyres fitted? A dedicated website is set up at pirelli.co.uk/bmwcarclub. Here you will find all the promotional details and a dealer locator enabling you to search for your nearest participating dealer. Terms and conditions apply. Please note, only claims from a Pirelli Performance Centre or official BMW dealer will be accepted. And don’t forget, you can keep in touch with Pirelli here: www.pirelli.co.uk/ keepintouch.

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

crossword 2

4. Informal term for the concluding section of a piece of music (5) 5. ...4/90: Designation used by 7. Across for sporting, twin-carburettor versions of Victor models 1961-1976 (1,1) 6. Projection on a rotating piece of machinery e.g. for valve actuation (3) 8. Australian former sister company to 7. Across, owned by General Motors since 1931, now an importer and not produced vehicles since 2017 (6) 9. 1980’s silver grey metallic BMW paint colour [code 203] - German for salmon (5) 10. Abbreviation / initials for left hand (1,1) 13. Prefix meaning “against” e.g. freeze, skid (4) 15. Model of 7. Across produced 1954-1972, perhaps named after a tobogganing course in St Moritz, Switzerland (6) 16. Supermini model 1983-1993 of 7. Across, selling nearly 500k units (4) 17. Post-1993 versions of 16. Down, now taking the same name as used in other markets (5) 21. With increasing levels of computer technology in vehicles, something we might have to do to start our BMWs before too long! (3,2) 23. Italian for “black”. At the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW presented an X6 in Vantablack, a light-absorbing paint for the blackest black! (4) 25. Initials, perhaps designating single carburettor? (1,1) 26. Magazine dedicated to performance cars started by Harpenden-based farmer Harry Metcalfe and first published in 1998 (3) 28. Initials for increasing the visibility of a website to or web pages to users of Internet search engines (1,1,1) Down 2. Slavic male given name. Also shortform for GPS 30. Popular, one up from most-basic trim level of 28. Across (as well as other cars of the time). Also system backwards! (4) Lexus flagship saloon model (1,1) 3. Male sheep and also range of pickup trucks sold under the Dodge brand by Fiat Chrysler (3)

Across

Sponsored by

Winner of last month’s crossword - Mike Gilbert All entrants for April’s issue crossword must be received into the office by 11th April. Winner will be announced in next issue. The first correct crossword chosen at random will receive Meguiars Goodies. Please email all completed crosswords to office@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk or post it to BMW Car Club GB, Unit 5h, Glan Yr Afon, Aberystywth, SY23 3JQ Answers to March 2020 Crossword Across: 1. Monaco, 6. BMW, 8. Eco GTi, 10. Oh, 11. Error, 12. Soper, 14. MINI, 15. Roll, 17. Magog, 19. Catch, 22. Wh (Watt hours), 23. ADACAA, 25. Ton, 26. Cayman Down: 1. Maastricht, 2. Neopolitan, 3. Ache, 4. CO (Colchester), 5. oge, 6. Birmingham, 7. Warrington, 9. TR, 13. RG (Reading), 16. CM (Chelmsford), 18. Away, 20. CD, 21. HAC (Honourable Artillery Company), 24. CA (Carlisle)

1. City in Western Russia, the former name for the Mariinsky Ballet (5) 7. British car company, founded in 1857 as Alex Wilson and Company (8) 11. Could be National Alliance for Musical Theatre (1,1,1,1) 12. Largest city in the state of Nebraska - ONYX Automotive is one of the local BMW dealers (5) 14. Symbols given to resistors, capacitors and inductors in an electrical circuit (1,1,1) 17. American luxury automobile brand founded in 1929 - innovations include front-wheel drive and hidden headlamps (4) 18. A top-seller e.g. the 3 Series in accounting for around 30% of BMW brand’s total car sales (3) 19. Meat extract invented in 1840 by German chemist Baron Justus von Liebig (3) 20. A group of slippery ray-finned fish - a speciality smoked in some parts of Germany! (4) 22. Chemical formula for tin oxide, or first letters of the name of the only BMW dealer on the Isle of Wight (1,1,1) 24. A useful or valuable item - like your BMW! (5) 27. With automatic shortform suffix, the last incarnation of Opel executive fastback coupe model marketed at times by both 7. Across and 8. Down (1,1,1,1) 29. Family car model of 7. Across produced 19751995 (8) 31. Droop...: Colloquial term for the frontal treatment that a 1973 model of 7. Across shared with Concorde (5)

CLASSIFIEDS

in association with AnyM.co.uk

For Sale: Four BMW wheels as used on a Z3. Four 7J16 wheels, three in good condition, the fourth almost new. Centre caps and fixing bolts included. Four 22555R16 tyres. Two Kumho Ecsta in very good condition, the other two are ok but very old. Price: £225.00. Buyer collects. For more information please ring Don on Lincoln 01522 883849 or email thestepsons@ntlworld.com.

For Sale: E89 Z4 2.0i sDrive M Sport Roadster Mot until 21/03/2021 done at BMW. First reg. 08/10/2013. Full BMW service history. Immaculate condition. 12,515 miles. Melbourne Red metallic. Canberra Beige Kansas leather. Sport auto transmission. Rear view mirror auto dimming. Heated seats. M Sport steering wheel with gearshift. Comfort pack. Private plate not included in sale. Price: £14,700 or near offer. Contact Stuart 07904547931.

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

For sale: BMW 840Ci Sport 1999, Silver, 66,800 miles. Black/ black leather interior. Second car for over 15 years. Full BMW main dealer service history with 12 stamps. Inspection 2 (major) service 300 miles ago and includes new front lower suspension arms and radiator using genuine BMW parts. Genuine BMW exhaust (excluding Cats) fitted in 2017 and new batteries in March 2019. All old MoT’s, receipts and paperwork available since I’ve owned the car. Car has the usual stuff - electric seats, sunroof, A/C, CD player etc., plus toolkit and two keys. Fitted with Hartge 19” wheels (19x8” front, 19x9” rear) and Goodyear Eagle tyres (245/35 front, 275/30 rear). Only averaging 200 miles a year, so it really could do with more use. Price: £13,500 For more photos go to AnyM.co.uk. Contact Dave Green on 07715 607072, or email dtgreen@btopenworld.com for more information. Fareham, Hampshire.

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

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Engineering excellence has always been our priority at Classic Heroes. Whether it is a routine annual service or a full scale restoration project we give every car the same level of love and attention as if it was our own. We also provide day to day practical advice on how to keep your BMW in turnkey working order. Whether you need a full scale written report or just some help preparing a budget to cope with the demands of the next few years motoring. We are delighted to offer BMW car club members 40 plus years of experience dealing with every modern classic BMW from E9 CSL’s to E46 CSL’s and everything in between.

Classic Heroes. Classic motoring without classic car headaches.

www.classicheroes.co.uk - 01825 732817 info@classicheroes.co.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

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regionalnews Central Tony Skerrett Central Region sponsored by

07879 404648 central@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Barons Bedford

Well it has been a pretty bleak February for Central Region but are we downhearted… Of course not! With spring and warmer weather round the corner there is a lot to look forward to. Our meetings at Aviator Sywell continue to flourish albeit with a loyal ‘Spitfire few’. Give me quality over quantity every time! Future Events Postponed – Central will tour the Peak District, aided by Howard Walker, details as follows: Meet at the Peak Dale Garden Centre, near Castleton SK17 8AH on the A5127 at 10-10.30am.

01234 434 122

www.baronsgroup.co.uk/bmw BARONSCC20133 = 15% discount code

April 26th – Bicester Sunday Scramble 9am – 4pm, should be nice and warm. Club Stand tickets now sold out, but you can still buy general entry tickets. You cannot buy tickets on the gate. Postponed to 21st June 2020 June – proposed Tour of BMW Mini Oxford. Cancelled June 14th – Tour of Peak District with Howard Walker as chief guide. Postponed July 19th – Henley Traditional Car and Boat Festival. July 31st – 2nd August – Silverstone Classic. 30/31st August – Brougton Castle Festival of Transport. October 4th – Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble. My Cars and the Peak District Tour on June 14th by Howard Walker It’s not a long drive but it includes some of the best driving roads in Derbyshire and Yorkshire. A brief introduction to Howard’s Cars:

Take a run over the hill to Chapel En Le Frith. Then take the road to Glossop. From there over the Snake Pass (above) After Ladybower, turn left over the Strines, stopping at the Strines Inn for coffee. Then on to Hepworth for a visit to the Oil Can Café. If you have time we can then visit the top of Holme Moss for a view of Yorkshire, and then find your own way back via Glossop. All members are welcome and some of you may wish to make it a two day tour. If you are interested to join in please confirm your interest with: central@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk. Proposed Events Following our last (February) meeting at the Aviator Sywell it was decided to cut down on a number of events – amended as follows. No Meguiar’s or Mercedes Factory visit this year. Meguair’s has a full itinerary and Mercedes Brixworth are now only entertaining AMG owners. Cotswold and Seaside Trips have been replaced by Peak District Tour. No display this year with Classics on the Crick nr High Wycombe. Proposed Event dates for 2020 will be detailed on BMWCC website. April – Trying to arrange Tour of Neilsen Chemicals, Swadlincote, Derbyshire. Cancelled. April/May (date to be confirmed) – Tour of Lotus Cars (New Factory), Norfolk. Cancelled.

I don’t have my 3 Series any more. It’s been replaced with a mint E39 from Japan. It’s 2002 and had 15K on the clock when I bought it. Now it has about 30k. Still mint despite my wife trying to drive it through the back of my stone garage last year. Lovely motor. I have another E38 from 2003 with 60k miles. Also Japanese along with my 740i from Japan and my 1988 635 (below). I’ve stopped buying old BMWs unless they come from Japan. And possibly his favourite:

Central West Dave Evans Central West Region sponsored by

07800 616500 centralwest@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Autobahn Servicing Ltd Unit 11, Pitcairn Drive Halesowen B62 8AG Tel 0121 585 9146 www.autobahnservicing.co.uk info@autobahnservicing.co.uk

Hopefully over the next few months we will see some better weather and lighter nights for our monthly pub meet which will give us the opportunity to get outdoors, chat and look over each other’s cars. We would also like to bring some focus onto www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

our Regional Facebook page and encourage those of you who partake in social media to join it so we can build a better experience for all as we share our photos and experiences of all things BMW. Just search for BMW Car Club Central West BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

regionalnews Region and ask to join the group, we monitor it daily so will add you to our community ASAP. Recent Events Anglesey Track Day Several of us braved the wet windy weather of February and headed up to North Wales and stayed the weekend in Llandudno. On Saturday some of us headed over to Anglesey Circuit to partake in the Club track day. Miraculously the rain held off for the majority of the day and we were able to be on track as much as we wanted to. It’s a great circuit to drive, right on the coast with glorious views, if you get the chance why not give it a go!

2020 Events Calendar to date Sunday 3rd May – Southern Concours taking place at Sherborne Castle, Yeovil, Somerset.

Cheshire & Staffs Steve Cooper Cheshire & Staffs Region sponsored by

To enter the Concours please email your NAME, MEMBERSHIP NUMBER, CAR MODEL & REGISTRATION NUMBER to office@ bmwcarclubgb.co.uk or alternatively, call the office team on 01970 267989. Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd May – Donington Historic Festival Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or have never seen a historic racing car in action before, you’ll find plenty to entertain you at the Donington Historic Festival. The event is firmly established as a major fixture on the international historic racing calendar, attracting many thousands of spectators, hundreds of world-class historic racing cars and huge numbers of classic car club displays. To register and book tickets for the Club display call MSV on 0843 453 9000 and quote booking code DHF_20_HHDG8JV. Saturday 9th May – The Club’s Annual General Meeting at the Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa, don’t miss the opportunity to have your say. Register your attendance with the Club Office. Sunday 14th June – BMW Show at Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough Contact Dean Greenfield on 07872 824459 if you would like to join in and display your car in the club area. Summer – Midlands Meander – Exact date to be confirmed A day out driving through Bewdley, Clows Top, Ludlow and Bridgnorth with stops along the way for refreshments and walkabouts. Full itinerary to follow. Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August - Silverstone Classic – A three day event with loads to do and see whether you come for the day or the whole weekend. The packed weekend of the Classic provides spectacular historic motor racing, free access to the paddocks and grandstands, displays from over 100 car clubs featuring more than 10,000 classic cars over the weekend, plus interactive driving activities and dynamic demonstrations. There’s plenty of entertainment to enjoy too, including live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, vintage funfair rides, and a Shopping Village… all included in the ticket price. It’s an event for the whole family. August Regional BBQ – Date to be announced There will be more regional events posted as we progress through the year so watch this space. If anyone has a short article or photo they would like us to share in the Regional news section please email or message us. Cheers, Dave, Dean, Theresa & Jan. cheshireandstaffs@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk



Blue Bell Fourth Avenue, Weston Road, Crewe

Cheshire. CW1 6XH. Tel:01270 212525 

DISCOUNT OF UP TO 10% IS GIVEN TO MEMBERS WITH VALID MEMBERSHIP CARD *Conditions apply

Cornwall Jim Husband

Knights Bede Road, Radial Park, Stoke on Trent Staffordshire. ST4 4GU Tel:01782 572100

cornwall@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Hello to all members of the Cornwall Region. If you are a new member, welcome to the Cornwall Region. I hope you will enjoy being a member of the Club and Region. Please contact me if there is anything you wish to know about the pub meets, Club events or Regional activities we have planned. I hope to meet you at one soon. If you are a Facebook user please check out the BMW Car Club GB – Cornwall page. Details of meets and events are posted on this page along with any last minute changes and updates. Please also check the Cornwall page of the Club website for details of events, I will update this as events are confirmed, and everything will be printed in Straight Six as deadlines allow.

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

regionalnews Monthly Meets The monthly pub meets continue to be held on the 2nd Monday of the month, please check the Pub Meets on page 82. We are a friendly bunch so please come along! If you are a new member or a member who has not attended before and are planning on attending send me an email or call beforehand so I can look out for you. Forthcoming events The registration for this year’s Wadebridge Wheels is now open. If you are planning on registering please ensure you register for the BMW Car Club GB stand to ensure we are together on the day. Events Sunday April 19th – First drive out for 2020, aim to head down west. Details will be sent out closer to the time. Sunday May 3rd – Southern Concours, Sherborne Castle. Sunday 17th May – Boconnoc Country and Classics in aid of Marie Curie. Sunday June 14th – Drive out. Sunday 21st June – Cornwall RS Owners Club event at Little Bodieve Holiday Park.

Sunday July 5th – BM›s on the Lawn, Weston-Super-Mare. Sunday 19th July – Wadebridge Wheels. Sunday July 26th – Tregrehan Country and Classics in aid of Marie Curie. I have registration forms for the above if anyone would like to attend. Sunday August 2nd – Mount Edgcumbe. Monday August 31st – Rounds 9 and 10 of the BMWCC Racing Series at Castle Combe. Saturday September 5th – Truro High School for Girls event. Sunday September 20th – Drive out. Friday December 18th – Christmas Meal. As dates for events get finalised and announced I will add to the calendar and get the details to you. Car of the Month If you would like to have your car featured please send me details with a maximum of 100 words and a good quality photo. Even if you have had your car featured previously but have since modified it, an updated report would be good. I also know some have changed their car recently so a new report would be welcomed.

Cotswold Martyn Goodwin Cheltenham BMW Cheltenham MINI Cotswold Motor Group Cheltenham Motorrad www.cotswoldgroup.com Cheltenham Parts Corinthian Way, Cheltenham, GL51 6UP Cheltenham Service Hereford Roman Road, Hereford, HR1 1LN

Cotswold Region sponsored by

cotswold@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk 01242 335 335 01242 335 345 01242 335 355 01242 335 365 01242 335 375 01432 375 555

Cotswold Motor Group offer members: Generous discounts off the new BMW and MINI range

on parts and accessories, 10% discount on all service work and labour ( 15% on vehicles 4 years old plus ) Available to members presenting current valid membership card

Cumbria James France Hello to all Cumbria Region members new and old, the clocks should have gone forward by the time you read this and the fairer weather is with us, happy days! Not much to report as Club-wise nothing has been happening, unless you have been to other national events. Events this year which we intend to have a presence at are: May 24th – Cars in the Park, Hutton in the Forest. July 4th – West Cumbria Vintage Show. August (TBC) – Cumbria Classic. No Cumbria International this year which is a shame as we had a really good turnout. There will be other events during the summer and autumn months that some of us will want to attend, and will be addressed as and when they come along. By the time you have read this one of my BMWs will have gone to a new home as I have bought an Alfa Romeo to scratch

cumbria@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

the Alfa itch! (Alfa Romeo 159Ti Sportwagon). I am torn between my X3 2.0d M Sport or my E46 330i Touring Manual in Imola Red 2 which is a rare thing, the X3 ticks all my daily boxes and lifestyle yet the touring is quite unique and will certainly be one of the best ones left in the UK; but the Alfa is also an estate car? More and more E46s are now being scrapped or crushed so they are becoming less of a sight on the roads nowadays. I may advertise both at the same time and whichever goes first makes the decision for me. Get together for pint and craic on Thursday 23rd April at the Sportsman, just off the A66. Postcode CA11 0SG at 730pm. All members welcome, feel free to contact me beforehand if you have not been to one of our meets. We can plan what events people would like to do over the summer months. Phone 07799 620 381 or email jimfrance1@hotmail.co.uk

Devon Kathy Jemfrey

01626 330436 devon@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Devon Region sponsored by Please be advised that our pub meet night has changed from the last Thursday to the last Wednesday of each month. Continuing to meet at Hare & Hounds, Kingskerswell, 7 for 7.30pm. A warm welcome awaits new and existing members for a meal and good conversation with likeminded friends. Our diary page has begun and if you have a venue you wish to visit please let me know and I shall endeavour to obtain details of the venue. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Discounts on approved used vehicles in stock 15% plus discount

INDEPENDENT BMW & MINI SPECIALISTS

Car of the Month Seems they allow anyone to drive these days. Do you recognise this reprobate? BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

regionalnews Dates for Diary 2020 4th April – South Zeal 3rd May – Merton Car Show 3rd May – Southern Concours, Sherborne 14th June – Lynn Valley 20th June – P4 Rover Club Sandygate, Exeter

5th July – BM’s on the Lawn, Weston-Super-Mare front lawns 11/12th July – Powderham Castle 26th July – Torbay Old Wheels 16th August – Exmouth Car Show 19th September – Sidmouth Car Show

East Anglia George Champ East Anglia Region sponsored by Barons Cambridge

& Stansted

07514 216660 eastanglia@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

www.barronsbmw.co.uk Cambridge Stansted

: 0844 326 7249 : 0844 326 7244

Please remember to contact our Regional Sponsors, Barons, who offer some fantastic deals for members. Full details as always in our heading above. I personally thoroughly enjoyed a visit to the V&A to see their exhibition “Cars: Accelerating the Modern World”, which is on until the 19th April. Entry £18, under 11s free (please refer to their website for more details). Fascinating to see in years gone by how they tried to look into the future, a whole range of actual cars, equipment, models plus visual and static pictures on display.

Please note that the Essex Breakfast Meet is now on every second Sunday of the month at Channel Restaurant, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 3PT from 9am. Please join our new Facebook page to be kept aware of changes, simply search for BMW Car Club (GB) Essex Region, you will need your membership card to hand.

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Barons offers members • Generous discounts off the new BMW and MINI range • A minimum discount of £500 on approved used cars in stock • 15% discount on parts and accessories 10% off servicing, excludes Value Line Servicing which applies to cars over 4 yrs old.

Forthcoming events for you to book Sunday 5th April – Framlingham Country Show and Festival of Dogs. Sunday 19th April – Pistons at the Park, Stansted. Book direct pistons@mantlebusinesscentres.co.uk. Meet up at nearby Audi garage at 8:15 and drive in together. Cancelled. Sunday 26th April – New FREE event; Peter Best Drive it Day, Braxted Park Estate. See previous newsletter. Book direct up to 1,000 classic and modern cars. Postponed to 27th September. Sunday 3rd May – 50th Anniversary Ipswich to Felixstowe pre 30/04/90 registered cars only. Book direct as individuals ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk. Sunday 3rd May – Same date as South East Regional meet at Chatham Dockyard at 10am, then onto Lepson’s Wheel Refurbishment. If interested contact South East Regional Chair. Sunday 10th May – Lodge Coaches VE Day including Hurricane fly past. Sunday 17th May – Snetterton have offered us 15 FREE spaces to display BMWs to watch British GT and F3 Races. Contact Stewart below to reserve a space as once they have gone they are gone. Sunday 31st May – Norwich Classic Club, Strumpshall Steam Museum. Sunday 31st May – Elveden Car Show. Yes the last 2 are on the same date. Saturday and Sunday 20th - 21st June – Wormingford Essex Wings and Wheels provisional. Sunday 5th July – Maldon Show. Saturday and Sunday 11th-12th July – Michelham Priory. South East Region event, see earlier newsletter for booking form. If stuck contact me. Saturday 8th August – Mersea Island Show. Book direct merseaislandlionsclub.com. Let John (below) know so we can park up together. Sunday 2nd August – Helmingham Hall Festival of Cars. Sunday 23rd August – Lodge Coaches Special Event including Bus and Train Rides. Sunday 30th August – Little Gransden Air Show. Sunday 6th September – Classics by the Lake. Cancelled. Sunday 6th September – Glemham Hall Car Festival. Yes both on the same date. Sunday 13th September – Kings Lynn Heritage Open Day and Classic Car Show in Market Square. Book direct west-norfolk. gov.uk/classiccarday. Sunday 20th September – The Warren Supercar and Classic Car Show. Register with Anthony (below). Pre-payment vital details to follow. Sunday 18th October – Lodge Coaches including Auto Jumble. As already mentioned other numerous things will evolve such as special M Power runs and Sytner Romford Technical Meets. Joint BMWCC, Mercedes and Porsche Clubs Event (TBA), better support at Snetterton and Brands Hatch for BMWCCR events, combined outing with Central Region (details TBA), South East Region joint invites (TBA) and our own pub meets and coffee mornings: www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

regionalnews Warren Breakfast Meets from 8am to 11am 26/4, 17/5, 21/6, 19/7, 16/8. Museum of Power Breakfast Meets 22/3, 26/4, 24/5, 28/6, 26/7, 23/8, 27/9, 25/10, 22/11, 27/12. Contacts: George Champ (East Anglia Regional Chairman) eastanglia@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk 07514 216660 David Adams (Suffolk Branch Rep.) bmwccsuffolkrep@btinternet.com 07774 668596 Stewart Chambers (Assistant Suffolk Branch Rep. and Motor Sport Coordinator) stwrtchambers@gmail.com 07717 327014 John Herman (Essex Branch Rep.) johnherman316@gmail.com

Anthony Shilson (Asst. Essex Branch Rep. and M Power Development for EA Region) anthony_shilson@hotmail.com Matthew Hunt (Cambs/Beds Branch Rep.) matthew.hunt13@btinternet.com 07973 986525 Richard Howard (Norfolk Branch Rep.) bmwccnorfolk@gmail.com or janetrichard@rarness.co.uk Paul Roberts (Assistant Norfolk Branch Rep.) 07768 881763 Aaron Reeve (NW Norfolk, STH Lincolnshire, Peterborough Branch Rep.) westnorfolk@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk 01553 764600 Sindy Ratini (East Anglia Region Website and Facebook Coordinator)

Eastern Paul Rice The Leather Repair Company visit Very enjoyable and informative day, lots of positive feedback from the members that attended. Thanks to Richard and the team for making all of us feel so welcome. Full report to follow, hopefully in the May edition of Straight Six.

eastern@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

busy. A great mix of cars, bikes, commercial and agricultural machinery on display. Entry on the gate £3 per vehicle with all profits donated to charity.

Car of the Month Events next month Thoresby Hall, Thoresby Park, Ollerton, Notts, NG22 9EP Sunday 3rd May Always a popular event and show season opener. Thoresby Hall lends a fantastic backdrop to this well organised event. Please book direct using BMWCC as the booking reference for the discounted entry, further details and booking information at www.classicshows.org/notts-classic-car-motorcycle-show-sun3-may-2020/ Please contact us if attending by emailing your name and vehicle details to: eastern@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk We will be having a pre-event meet between 9:15 and 9:30 at McDonalds, Ollerton roundabout NG22 9DT. Five minute drive to the showground from there.

Picnic in the Park, Reindeer in, Sturton Le Steeple, Notts DN22 9HQ Thursday 21st May Attended last year, a great mid-week event which starts from 4pm but we do recommend getting there early as it does get www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Matt Houlden with his 1998 Boston Green E36 M3 Evolution. Seen here with the car after taking first prize at the Leather Repair Centre visit earlier this year. Matt bought the car in early 2017 and was quite lucky to find the car. It stood out straight away from cars previously looked at, no rust, the underside was original with no welding and all the suspension arms had been replaced in 2015 with genuine BMW parts, with the exception of Polybushes all round. Receipts and a full service history are the icing on the cake. Modifications so far under Matt’s ownership are a Z3 steering rack which is much quicker than the standard M3 rack, a stud conversion on the wheels, Eibach coilovers and carbon fibre interior trims to replicate the M3 GT interior. His plan is to keep the car as OEM as possible with the exception of some exterior mods to replicate the M3 GT. The interior is generally in good shape but could do with a bit of a refurb, but he did not know how far the leather had gone and if it was possible to bring it back to a better standard. The visit to the Leather Repair Centre with the Club was an BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

regionalnews ideal opportunity to ask the experts what was possible. Richard, our host for the day, was more than obliged giving Matt a bit of a tutorial before furnishing Matt with the products required to complete the leather make-over, returning the M3 interior to its former glory.

The Motorist Hub monthly meet Apologies for any confusion with last month’s feature on our monthly meets. Incorrectly the meet was listed as the first Monday of every month, this is incorrect and should have read the first Sunday of every month.

London Tim Fathers London Region sponsored by

london@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

BMW Park Lane, 70 Park Lane London. W1K 7TT www.bmwparklane.com mail@bmwparklane.co.uk 020 7514 3559

Barons Watford 01923 700 217 and Borehamwood 02031 316 645 www.baronsgroup.co.uk/bmw Well it’s official, Tim has handed over the London Region reigns to me! Some of you know me, some will get to know me, and I can’t wait. Note: I’m also the 1 Series Register Captain. I’m mostly found thinking about BMWs with a cup of tea in hand. I’ve been co-hosting the Crooked Chimney meets for about 4 or 5 years and thoroughly enjoyed it. It has been put to me that the London Region is a very large geographical area and yes, I’m going to need help to manage all four corners of it. The Crooked Chimney meets will continue (second Monday of the month), they really start getting full and interesting in the summer. As a Region our second Club meet will be at the Ace Cafe (first Monday of the month), this opens up the accessibility of the Club both geographically and work and calendar wise. More events will be planned throughout the summer as it’s still a little soggy out for most. I have had the pleasure of working at the London Classic Car Show at Olympia in February, which I realise when you read this will be a few months ago but bear with me. Originally the theme of the Car Club stand was going to bright coloured cars... of which I have one. But after some

discussion they wanted a cross-section of E30s. I do not have one to show but I’d booked the time off work and was excited all the same. Due to half term commitments with my daughter I started the show on the Friday and as I proudly showed my ‘exhibitors’ wristband off to the security on hall B, I walked in and I was hit by the smell of old leather and oil leaks. The place had an air of audacity about it, and every direction I looked there were shiny award winning cars. I arrived with a light up BMW logo to go on the wall and my two London Region flags. I was welcomed by Anya and Michelle from the Club office. I was excited to see the stand and the cars on show. A five car set up. A standard looking touring with a secret 4.4 supercharged V8, a pristine white M3 and an actual ‘Steve Soper’ touring car. A tidy white saloon and a lovely 325i convertible. The days were filled with meeting new and old members, and chatting about all things cars and Club related. Like I said earlier, I will need help with the London Region, so if you have a particular set of skills you think we can use, please contact me and we can work out a plan of action.

Mid Wales & Shropshire Phil Pinnington Welcome to April’s edition of the Mid Wales & Shropshire Region update. We had a productive AGM at our February meeting where we went through this year’s list of exciting shows for 2020. We are still waiting for confirmation from organisers on a couple, other than that it’s full steam ahead. I’m hoping for the sun to shine at every show and the rain to stay away. The list of shows is in date order and those with websites next to the shows are where you will purchase your tickets from. Please make sure you fill out the club sections on the forms except for Trentham Gardens where we will be going as privateers. Some shows are pay on the day and some have limited spaces and age restrictions which are beyond our control. If you have any questions please either text me or email and I’ll be happy to help. Phil Regional Chairman Forthcoming events 2020 April Sunday 12th – Weston Park www.classicshows.org. Sunday 19th – Chetwynd Deer Park www.classicmotorshows. co.uk. Sunday 26th – AM breakfast meeting Alderford Lake. May Sunday 3rd – Catton Hall www.classicmotorshows.co.uk. Sunday 17th – Cholmondeley Castle www.classicshows.org.

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

midwales@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Sunday 24th – Capesthorne Hall www.classicshows.org. June Sunday 21st – Trentham Gardens classicmotorshows. co.uk. (For this show only please book as a privateer under 1990s section not as club). July Sunday 5 – Lichfield Cars in the Park (contact Tim - limited spaces x15). Sunday 12th – Shrewsbury Classic Car Festival SY5 8EX - Pay on the Gate £5. (Reserved x16). Sunday 19th – Wem Vehicles on Interest Show (contact Phil for tickets). Sunday 26th – Bodrhyddan Hall www.classicshows.org. August Sunday 2nd – NEW EVENT Classic car show Stafford Castle details to be confirmed... Sun 30th & Mon 31st - Oulton Park Gold Cup (Contact Tim x16 via Phil for tickets). September Sunday 6th – Bodrhyddan Hall wwwclassicshows.org. Sunday 20th – Cholmondeley Castle wwwclassicshows.org. October Sunday 4th – AM Breakfast meet Alderford Lake.

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

regionalnews

North East

Nick Thomas

Welcome to all North East members who have joined the Club recently. We run a number of events throughout the year, please come and join us. The monthly meet is a good place to start and get to know fellow members. Recent Events The February Monthly Meet was well attended, especially considering it was on the day that Storm Ciara hit the North East. Thanks to Mike Milbourne for organising our visit to Woodhorn Mining Museum in February. Seven cars and 11 people braved Storm Dennis on what turned out to be a sunny and dry day.

Forthcoming events North East events over the next few months are: Sunday 26 April – Route 66 - Let’s go West! Meet at the Scotch Corner services at Middleton Tyas (Junction off A1 and A66, Middleton Tyas Lane, Richmond DL10 6PQ) for 09:30, setting off by 10:00am latest. The route will take us west across the A66 through rolling hills, farmland and rugged fells before turning south west at Brough, through the picturesque market town of Kirkby Stephen and the remote Lune Valley and on to the Lakeland Motor Museum at Ulverston. Explore the fascinating collection of over 30,000 exhibits that trace the development of road transport throughout the twentieth century. A highlight is the Campbell Bluebird Exhibition in tribute to the racing career of Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell. This includes full sized replicas of the 1935 Bluebird, 1939 Bluebird K4 boat and 1967 Bluebird K7 jet hydroplane. The Car Club will have dedicated parking upon arrival and a group table for lunch in their excellent on site cafe. Admission is £9 per person and there should be a 10% group discount. The rest of the afternoon can be spent roaming the vast collection before saying our farewells at around 4:00pm. Saturday 2 May – Pre-SCITP event. Meet at the Ripon Spa Hotel at 13:30 for a run out taking in some of the local scenery and good driving roads in the area and ending back at the hotel.

North Wales David Allen Well, my crossed fingers for a sunny day at the Anglesey track day did nothing! Strong winds, cold and rain. This aside, it was good to catch up with members with their cars prepared and ready for the track day, and it was also good to see local members from the North Wales Region. Forthcoming events Sunday 19th April at The Hub in Bala (a North Wales central location). A table has been booked for a brunch circa 10.30. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

northeast@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

This will be followed by a meal and an overnight stay at the hotel so that we can be at Sports Cars in the Park bright and early the next morning. Book the hotel via the hotel website or your favourite booking website. Sunday 3 May – Drive to SCITP. Leave Gosforth Park Hotel at 7am. Second meeting point at Scotch Corner Services meeting at 8am, leaving for Newby Hall at 8:15 after a breakfast break. Sunday 3 May – We are attending Sports Cars in the Park at Newby Hall again this year. We will be working with various Registers, Facebook groups and Forums to hold various ‘Meet Within Meets’ – Z3 and Z4, E46 and Alpina. Younger visitors will also enjoy the exciting adventure gardens. There will also be a number of related stalls and catering on the day. SCITP have learnt from 2019 and are confident there will not be a repeat of the 2019 queues. Tickets for driver and displaying car are £7.50, with each extra occupant costing an additional £7.50. Display tickets are only sold in advance. To get your tickets go to www. carsinthepark.org.uk, log in and then click on ‘Tickets’. Remember to select ‘BMW Car Club GB’ as part of the process. Cancelled Sunday 3 May – The Northern Concours is a very informal affair for BMWCCGB members, where cars are judged based on how well your car is presented. Originality is not part of the scoring. Age and annual mileage are taken into account so daily drivers are not disadvantaged. There is no cost for BMWCCGB members to enter, and there will be prizes for the best cars. If you want to enter the concours please send your name, membership number, car registration, model and colour to bmautos@yahoo.co.uk. I will be very pleased to see you at one or more of our events, whether a new member or an old hand. Plans can and do change so keep checking on the North East section of the Club website or the North East Region Facebook group. Car of the month The February Car of the Month was awarded at the Black Horse meeting to Pete Cossavello and his Z3M Coupe. All BMWs are eligible to win COTM and a goodie bag was supplied by The Polishing Company. The winner each month is selected by the previous month’s winner. Join us at our next monthly meet to be in with a chance of winning.

07788 718590 northwales@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Weather permitting, there is a lovely run around Bala Lake afterwards. Parking is free. Please let me know if you are attending as they would like some idea of numbers. I have also allocated 17th May for a meeting at Llyn Brenig. Don’t forget the Clwyd Practical Classic Car show in Caerwys near Mold on Sunday 12th July. This show is always well attended and I need to have an idea of the number of members who want to show their car. Please let me know. There are also dates available for the Classic shows at BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

regionalnews Bodrhyddan Hall. You need to go on the ‘Classic Shows’ website to book your car. Don’t forget to book on the BMW stand. The dates are 26th July and the 6th September. The venue is near to Dyserth/St Asaph turnoff on the A55. Finally, I have been talking to Halliwell Jones in Llandudno. They are attending the Anglesey Show on the 11th and 12th August

North West

Jeff Heywood

with a selection of cars and would welcome any members who have a classic car for showing. Please contact me for further information. Car of the Month If any members would like their car featured, please send an email.

BMW Car Club GB North West image Twitter: @BMWNW

News Welcome to April’s North West News. April is a quiet month, please read my explanation below. May sees us back up to speed with two meets - we host our third Swan meet and a week later we have a club stand at the Youngtimers Car Show at Gawsworth Hall – see info and ad below. A quick heads up, my mother-in-law passed away recently hence April being quiet events-wise. Alloy Wheel Repair – Highly recommended Class Alloys – mobile visiting service, repair and refurb alloy wheels, all finishes including chrome shadowline. He covers most of NW Region. Discount given to Club members, wheel repairs start from £40.00 – contact Steve on 07594 018525 – see Steve’s work on Facebook, search for ‘Class Alloys’. BMW Servicing & Repair – Highly recommended Darren Wood BMW Specialist (0161 425 7403) Bredbury, Stockport SK6 2QB. www.darren-wood.com

07801 506632 northwest@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Visit completed, we made the short journey to Dukes 92 at Castlefield, for a hearty Sunday lunch enjoyed in Dukes’ private dining room, which rounded off the day nicely. Forthcoming Events 17th May – NW meet at the Swan Let’s see a great turnout of Club members for the third Swan pub meet of 2020. Come and join us for a good natter and some tyre kicking, plus we’ll also be holding round 3 of the Darren Wood sponsored NW Prize Quiz, plus the committee will be judging who’s arrived in the best prepped car for the Swan Car of the Month award, sponsored by the Car Detailing Centre; the winning car/owner also receives a write-up in Straight Six, so let’s see some effort put into preparing those BMWs! The Swan is situated at Bucklow Hill, Cheshire WA16 6RD, with easy access from both the M56 and M6 motorways making it an easy drive and an ideal location for most in the Region.

Bodywork – Highly recommended David Tully Bodyshop (Tully’s), Rochdale – top class paint/body repair shop. 01706 643866 – www.davidtullyltd.co.uk Express-dent-removal – Highly recommended Mobile Service – speak to Simon Robinson on 0800 998 9828 or 07767 832255 – or visit www.express-dent-removal.co.uk Event Reports 23rd February - MOSI Visit and Lunch at Dukes 92 Our visit to the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) was well attended and enjoyed by everyone who joined us on the visit. It is a fascinating museum to visit, with lots to learn about local industry and the companies that were/are based in and around Manchester. The 1905 Rolls-Royce 10hp (1800cc twin-cylinder engine) seen in the photo is a fine example, built in Cooke Street, Hulme, Manchester. The Ford Model T was built at Trafford Park and the AVRO Shackleton Maritime patrol aircraft was built at AVRO’s Woodford factory. 25th May – Youngtimer Car Show at Gawsworth Hall We’ll be returning to Gawsworth and hosting a club display at this very popular show on Bank Holiday Monday – I’m now

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

regionalnews taking bookings for eye-catching, rare, classic and beautiful BMWs! Give Jeff a call ASAP on his mobile number. 19th July – NW meet at the Swan More details next month. Local NW Branch News Manchester Branch News The March meet was sparsely attended, which is sad really

South East South East Region sponsored by

Ian Bryant

Chandlers Brighton 01273 769 812

The season has now started. The first Shoreham Airport Meeting of the year was a wet and windy affair, but eight cars battled the elements and after a spot of breakfast at the Airport it was dry but cold. Great to catch-up with members and appreciated that folks ventured out in such weather. 1st of March saw the Kent Micro-Meet return to our hosts, The Copper Rivet Distillery in Chatham’s Historic Dockyard. To mark the start of the 2020 MicroMeet season in Kent, we arranged a private tour of the distillery to all interested members, with more than 20 taking up the invite, 5 joining on the day! The tour was fascinating with this distillery being one of only eight in the country that produces alcohol

seeing as many live within 15 miles or less of the venue. Topics of discussion at this month’s meet were the Board’s decision to postpone the National Festival, future events, summer overseas events/tours and my drive in the M8C! Manchester Branch meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month at the Sheldon Arms, Lord Sheldon Way, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7UB, half a mile from Jct23 M60 and accessible to all. Future meetings – 7th April – 5th May 8.00pm onwards. southeast@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Hailsham 01323 306 106 Worthing 01903 444821

www.baronsgroup.co.uk/bmw

BARONS CC20133 =

15% discount code

from raw material barley. Most distilleries buy prepared alcohol and then add flavouring. Certainly worth a visit, and the gin was very nice too. Fortunately I did not need to drive home. Blessed with a dramatic and unexpected break in the rather depressing weather of late, we had a fantastic backdrop with which to greet our members. It’s fair to say, the overall turnout was quite overwhelming. With well over 20 cars arriving throughout the morning and we had a wonderful selection of cars, including at least five Alpina’s, which were great to see. As always, the breadth of appeal of this fabulous marque was plain to see and we dominated the car park. The owner of the distillery was on hand to greet a few our members in the first 30 minutes and commented on what a fabulous collection of cars and clearly knowledgeable and passionate bunch we were. We even signed up two new members! It’s a high bar to set, but I hope we can build on the great showing at this first event and maintain a high level of attendance though to December. May 3rd is a key date for the diary as we host a Kent Micro Meeting followed by a visit to Lepson’s, the factory finish alloy wheel people that have a long association with the BMW Car Club. All Regions are welcome to attend, just contact Larry through South East Region online page if you are interested: bmwcarclubgb.uk/regions/south_east.html. The April British Touring Car Championship event at Brands Hatch is sold out, Larry has a number of backup members if anyone drops out, we tried to get extra ticket but unfortunately this is looking unlikely. There has been a lot of interest in Michelham Priory in July, we are going to be joined by a number of members from East Anglia Region who are returning and bringing additional members. There are still places available. This event runs on both Saturday and Sunday if you’re interested, full details are on the South East online page. Lastly I would like to hear from you if you have any ideas or know of any venues that you think would make a good event for members. Forthcoming events 12th April – Brands Hatch British Touring Cars. Postponed. 3rd May – Lepson’s tour of Alloy Wheel refurbishment and Tyre fitting facility. 5th July – The German Car Show, The Hawth Crawley. BMW/ Porsche and Mercedes. 11th – 12th July – Michelham Priory. 19th July – Sherborne Castle run by Wessex Region. 20th September – The Warren Classic Concours d’ Elegance run by East Anglia Region. Link to the BMW South Region home page https:// bmwcarclubgb.uk/regions/south_east.html where you can find full listing of 2020 event, plus featured events.

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

regionalnews

South Wales Jonathan Bamford Welcome to our South Wales Region April news. A warm welcome to any new members if this is your first issue. If you haven’t already done so, drop me an email with your mobile number and I will add you to our WhatsApp group chats. At the time of preparing this article there is very little to report on, which is a shame. March brought a couple of great events including the BMW Cardiff visit and our Power Run day. Details on these will follow in future issues. One of our members, Phil, went to BMW International recently with a visit to an annual classic motor show based at Ellerslie Park Race Course, Auckland, New Zealand. While on his holidays, he stumbled across this show and managed to get some snaps of great motors including their offering of BMWs. Phil has kindly offered a few of those pictures for this month’s news, and has offered his services to return next year!

southwales@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

pay for a ticket and are interested to come then please contact me to arrange. 5th July – BM’s on the Lawn, Weston-Super-Mare. 5th September – Forge Action Day, Castle Combe – Another date for the diary. Nothing confirmed on this yet, please keep an eye out on the group chat. Weekend of September 18th – Round Wales Trip – Overnight stay for 2 nights. Plans to cover all the great sights of our wonderful country. Organised photo shoot at Portmeirion and much more. Car of the Month This month I would like to share Mark Rogers’ M3 E46. Mark bought his car after many years of dreaming, following a return from Australia where he lived for 6 years. It started life as a Sunday driver and as he got more confident he began to attend a few trackdays. Unfortunately, last March in Llandow, on a cold and wet Saturday morning his concentration lapsed and unfortunately he ended with a visit to the tyre wall. He has now decided to re-build his beloved M3 and to also do some additional modifications to what had already been done. This includes H&R coilovers and a Porsche Brembo 4 pot front brake conversion. Now underway is the removal of the interior to replace with cobra buckets and harnesses as well as a weld in half cage from Gosling Racing. Mark is planning to have it ready for Castle Coombe Spring Action Day and some ongoing track use to better hone his skills in the future... watch this space!

Don’t miss our monthly meets. Held the third Wednesday of each month at the Twelve Knights Pub in Port Talbot. On top of that, the following are planned for the upcoming year so far. Forthcoming Events 4th April – Spring Action Day, Castle Combe – It looks as if this is the first confirmed show of our season. Please contact myself to confirm your interest and attendance. 17th May – Classics in Cardiff – Previously attended by us, this free event is an opportunity to show your car among some classics. 14th June – BMW Show, Santa Pod – Already booked in and paid, our stand can accommodate 10+ cars. If you have yet to

Thames Tony Skerrett Events for 2020 Postponed – Central will tour the Peak District, aided by Howard Walker, details as follows: Meet at the Peak Dale Garden Centre, near Castleton SK17 8AH on the A5127 at 10-10.30am.

Take a run over the hill to Chapel En Le Frith. Then take the road to Glossop. From there over the Snake Pass (below) After Ladybower, turn left over the Strines, stopping at the Strines Inn for coffee. Then on to Hepworth for a visit to the Oil Can Café. If you have time we can then visit the top of Holme Moss for a view of Yorkshire, and then find your own way

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Stay safe guys, until next time… 07879 404648 thames@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

back via Glossop. All members are welcome and some of you may wish to make it a two day tour. If you are interested to join in please confirm your interest with: central@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk. Proposed Events No Meguiar’s or Mercedes Factory Visit this year. Meguair’s has a full itinerary and Mercedes Brixworth are now only entertaining AMG owners. Cotswold and Seaside Trips have been replaced by Peak District Tour. No display this year with Classics on the Crick nr High Wycombe. Proposed Event dates for 2020 will be detailed on BMWCC website. April – Trying to arrange Tour of Neilsen Chemicals, Swadlincote, Derbyshire. Cancelled. April/May (date to be confirmed) – Tour of Lotus Cars (New Factory), Norfolk. Cancelled. April 26th – Bicester Sunday Scramble 9am – 4pm, should be nice and warm. Club Stand tickets now sold out, but you can www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

regionalnews still buy general entry tickets. You cannot buy tickets on the gate. Postponed to 21st June 2020. June – proposed Tour of BMW Mini Oxford. Cancelled. June 14th – Tour of Peak District with Howard Walker as chief Postponed. aguide. worthy successor to the M1. Speculation was ratcheted up July 19th – Henley Car and Boat another notch by twoTraditional further prototypes, the Festival. BMW Nazca C2 July 31st – 2nd – Silverstone Classic. (Tokyo 1992) and August its open-top sibling, the C2 Spider (1993). But 30/31st – Brougton Castleit Festival of Transport. the BMWAugust Nazca M12 never made into series production. October 4th – Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble. Which was a shame, of course, but not the one-way

regionalnews Aston Martin (pictured below) is a Tremac and the following pictures of his car are the correct ones. I am deeply sorry for getting in such a tangle. Won’t happen again.

ticket to obscurity it might have been. Because BMW Group My Carhas by gathered Chris Goddard Classic together a treasure trove brimming with E3 is nearly so hope you in telling the fascinating FORGOTTENfinished HEROES – andto wesee delight all in April but a report on the extensive stories behind these unforgettable milestones in BMW history. refurbishment appear Correctionprogramme to the Jeffwill Leek article in SS6 June Issue. soon in Straight Six. Jeff Leek has requested it to be known that the Gearbox in the

Tim Maltby Maltby Wessex Tim

Barons Barons Farnborough Farnborough 01252 883 565

07885 252448 wessex@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Barons Hindhead 01428 853 357

Recent Events With one of the wettest February months on record for many years we still managed to have a couple of good events, so I’m looking forward to see what the drier weather brings! Many thanks to Eric for helping to organise these and for the script.

the course and we slid and slithered around a very wet skid pan. A great fun day, where you could improve your skid control skills and also learn how traction control and all the modern electronic systems affect our driving, and all with no wear on our tyres. Pictures courtesy of Philip Katz.

Drive and Dine at the Cliffhanger Restaurant, Highcliffe, Christchurch New Forest Treasure Hunt 23rd February was a damp and grey start to our day trip for We met at our usual rendezvous, the St Leonard’s Hotel, for coffee lunch. As usual we all met for coffee and a chat at the Tyrrell a chat and a chance to check out the cars. Ford, then drove to Highcliffe on Sea. Photo shows the cars A staggered start began at 2.00pm and the 36.8 mile drive through parked at the Cliffhanger before the day brightened up. the most stunning New Forest countryside began. It must be said that one or two of us did considerably more than 36.8 miles. With 45 questions to solve, our navigators were kept busy. During the drive we saw New Forest ponies and their foals, longhorn cattle and everyone’s favourite, donkeys, all roaming freely from village to village. Various stop off points around the route enabled us to learn facts relating to the New Forest whilst solving the questions. We all arrived at the Bell Inn in Brook and sat down to a hearty meal.

Sharon and Mike were the winners and also the quickest, so congratulations to them. The sun shone all day, there wasn’t a traffic jam in sight, just a perfect day out. Our thanks to Belinda and Julian for organising the whole event and setting all the questions. In conclusion a brilliant day out and one that will be repeated in the future. Eric Thompson Diary Dates 2019 National Festival Gaydon 11th August. If you are parking up with Wessex then please drop Tim Maltby a line: Wessex@ bmwcarclubgb.co.uk- book your tickets bmwcarclubgb.uk Sunday 15th September is now confirmed for our visit to a working flour mill at Sturminster Newton and to indulge in a cheese festival. More details to follow.

Western Nigel Smith

We were admirably looked after by Nicky and the staff and Welcome new members. Thank you to all that came along to had an enjoyable meal. The rain stopped and the sea haze BM’s on the Lawn, hopefully you all enjoyed yourselves; look out cleared, giving us a view of the Isle of Wight and the Needles. for the full article in next month’s magazine. Thanks to Ray Powell for helping to organise this event. Apologies to anyone who didn’t get the message that last month’s pub meet was held at an alternative venue due to Thruxton Skid Pan change of ownership at our regular meet. However we will be 26th February saw our group gather at Thruxton Motorsport back to normal this month unless anything else happens. At our Circuit for a slippery day on wet polished concrete. last meet we held a little fun raffle and the prize was a bottle of Driving in pairs, we took turns in a Mini Cooper and a Toyota Bead Maker by P&S Products, won by Scott Walters; well done GT86. The course consisted of a straight line slalom and an Scott, we await his feedback. oval. Our Dorset Drive is getting closer and it would be nice to The first runs were made with all the ‘nanny’ aids left on as know how many are interested in taking part. We have about 15 standard and then for the subsequent runs these were disabled. Most drivers went onto the oval in a clockwise direction, I think that must be because it feels right, as in a traffic island. Everyone was pretty skilled at correcting slides by the end of the first session. Then it was Run What Ya Brung! A good mix of cars (not everyone was in their BMW) took to www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

western@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

cars so far. Please contact me to register your interest. Please visit our FB page for a full list of event dates and any updates on changes, also printed here. If you would like your car featured in our Car of Month then please forward some pictures Haynes Breakfast Club meeting Sunday 5th April 2020 to me. Happy motoring everyone. 8.00am Meet at the car park adjacent to The Three Legged Cross Pub, Three Legged Cross, Ashley Heath, BH21 6RE. 2019 events dates for you all: Drive to Haynes to arrive around 9.15am Postponed. 3rd July 2019, Pub Meet at the Woolpack, Weston-Super-Mare from 7.30pm Mottisfont Abbey Gardens Sunday 26th April 14th July 2019, see us at Powderham Castle classic vehicle show Postponed. 7th August 2019, Pub Meet at the Woolpack, Weston-SuperDay trip to Mottisfont Abbey and Gardens National Trust. Mare from 7.30pm 9.30 Meet at the Tyrrells Ford Country Inn, Avon, BH23 11th August 2019, National Festival, Gaydon, Warwickshire7BH for coffee and a chat. 10.15 Drive to Mottisfont Abbey tickets purchased at bmwcarclubgb.uk Gardens to arrive at 11.00. There is an entrance fee to pay 1st September 2019, Dorset coastal drive, further details to if you are not a member of the National Trust. Bring a picnic come but will start at Portland Bill, Dorset, 9am start or buy lunch in the garden’s cafe. The afternoon may be 4th September 2019, Pub Meet at the Woolpack, Westonspent exploring the gardens and Abbey. Please contact Super-Mare from 7.30pm Eric for more details and to add your name to the list: 2nd October 2019, Pub Meet at the Woolpack, Weston-SuperMare from 7.30pm 6th November 2019, Pub MeetBMW at the WestonCarWoolpack, Club Magazine April 2020 63 Super-Mare from 7.30pm

regionalnews ericthompson429@gmail.com. All details on the Club’s events diary. Just log in, click Wessex, then the month and away you go. Also see our Facebook page for details, reports, and much more.

Forthcoming events: Sunday 3rd May Southern Concours, Sherborne Castle DT9 5NR Saturday 27th June Norden Train Station(Corfe Castle) Steam train to Swanage Sunday 19th July Classics & Supercars Sherborne Castle

Western Nigel Smith

western@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

2020 Events 3rd May – Southern Concours and general BMW Gathering at Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, Dorset. 5th July – BM’s on the Lawn, Weston-Super-Mare sea front lawns. 12th July – Powderham Castle. 16th August – National Concours. September – Sunday drive is on the cards, route and date not yet finalised.

Welcome new members. It’s April already! Oh boy, a third of the way into the year already. I am sure that many of you are looking forward to getting to some events this year and meeting up with other likeminded members new and old. We are obviously hitting it off with the Southern Concours and general BMW gathering, don’t forget we also have a Show & Shine now at this event. Please note, entrants taking part in Concours and Show & Shine will be allowed on site from 8am to start cleaning your cars. This year’s format will see previous winning cars in Concours put together into a Masterclass. Registration for Concours and Show & Shine will be in the Marquee from 9am, please register as quickly as possible. Our pub meets are also back up and running again, so please feel free to pop along, say hello and grab some dinner or a drink while you’re with us. As many of you will be aware, the National Festival has been postponed this year, however we will still be having a National Concours that you can take part in or visit if you like. The date and venue have been confirmed as Sunday 16th August at the Stone Manor Hotel, Kidderminster. Please visit our Facebook page for a full list of event dates and any updates on changes, also printed here. If you would like your car featured in our car of the month then please forward some pictures to me. Happy motoring everyone!

NEW Limited Edition Club Merchandise

Our new line of Limited Edition Club merchandise includes an updated black polo with a smaller Pirelli badge and M Power logo, a black long sleeve polo, M Power hoodie, and M Power baseball and trucker caps. All Club merchandise can be purchased either through the Club Shop shop.bmwcarclubgb.uk, by calling the Club Office 01970 267 989, or at one of our National Events.

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

regionalnews

registernews 02 Richard Stern

07770 443373 02register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

London Classic Car Show 2020 Although the main theme of this year’s BMW Club stand at the London Classic Car Show was E30s, there were still lots of gorgeous classics on show and some 02s and an E21 race car. It was good to see many familiar faces and so many friends. With the new venue at Olympia I actually thought it was less “sterile” than the newer Excel centre in the East End, the quality of cars was very high and lots to see for all classic and petrol heads.

www.kooglewerks.com/products, don’t forget shipping and import taxes though.

New 02 Door cards from Jaymic very sensibly priced at £235.00 + VAT for a pair.

Kooglewerks USA have announced carbon fibre RRL rear panels, front air dams, boot spoilers, centre console cup holders, additional gauge pods, under-dash speaker pods, aluminium pedals and many more 02 goodies at

1 Series

Anthony Mason

Calling all 1 Series owners I am now a man of two hats. Hat one, (a new hat for me) which will be running the London Region for the Club. Hat number two is this Register which I have been doing for the last couple of years. I do feel very proud of the 1 Series all in all, it was launched at the low end of the range to replace the slightly oddly proportioned Compact. Fact: One in ten cars bought last year was an electric car, following that the 1 Series was BMW’s most popular model followed by the 3 and 5 Series. I know it’s all change for the F40 1 Series with its FWD and a mere four-

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

2020 key events to watch out for (if not cancelled due to Coronavirus) All events here; www.bmw2002.co.uk/upcoming-events Next big 02 gathering is the 26th April; “DID-DAY” let’s get lots of 02s at the famous Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble Postponed to 21st June 2020. Club stand tickets have now sold out, but general entry tickets are still available. 10th July; Bi-Annual 2002 Treffen event www.null-zwo-freundealfstedt.de/treffen-2020 at Alfstedt Germany. Contact nullzwo@ dennis-monsees.de. Tail Pipe Speed Hut do some wonderful custom made gauges and in the right font for 02’s www.speedhut.com/gallery/gallery_ list.i?cmd=list&galleryid=1 1series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

cylinders but I have faith we will grow to accept the new look and embrace the engine; let’s face it, the S14 is regarded as one of the best BMW engines and that’s only got four cylinders. As a Club we have decided not to host our National Festival this year (returning in 2021), and focusing on several smaller venues, hopefully making attendance more local for all. The next one I’m really looking forward to is Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble, held on the 21st June 2020. I’m holding a 1M meet there, and we definitely have at least one of each colour and a lot of Valencia Orange examples. This is close to my heart,

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

registernews as you’ll know I am a 1M owner and enthusiast, can’t wait to see how they display. The Club stand is a great place to make your hub for the day, and then wander around looking at the automotive treasures on show. I look forward to seeing some of you there. If you know of anyone with a 1M or have one yourself, please join us, although the Club stand tickets have now sold out. We will have Andrew Coles on hand as the Club photographer.

3 Series E46 Simon Maskell I try not to start these articles with “it has been another busy month,” but it really has - and stressful, too! Like many plans I make, this one has changed. I had wanted to do an interview with Nick Jupp but he wasn’t available when I was so that will skip to the following news, but I would like to tell you about what happened to me on the way to the BMW Car Club season opening track day at Anglesey. For reasons that aren’t interesting, the Vibrator (330Ci track car) is living with Nick Thomas for the foreseeable future. So Nick collected me and off we went, leaving at a very sensible time with the idea of a 3pm arrival at Llandudno. The weather across the A66 was very windy, with associated driving rain and general unpleasantness. Nick had mentioned he thought the car was lacking urgency in the lower rev range, but wasn’t quite sure what was going on. From the passenger seat there was no discernible change, but it now cast a seed of doubt in my mind as to how this might unfold. I didn’t have to wait too long, and as we were about to join the M6 the car stopped completely. We exited in the foul weather to have a quick under-bonnet inspection but nothing was obviously wrong. I also noticed that the lens of the nearside rear taillight was missing! It was there when we started; this was a warning as to what was to come! We got the car running and cautiously joined the M6, staying in lane 1 in case of an imminent stoppage. At the first available services we discussed options. We had previously used a guy who runs a business in Newton-le-Willows called The Zed Shed in the Merseyside area to replace the VANOS 2 years prior, so we gave him a call (time now 2pm-ish) and told him we needed to call by for him to assess the car. He had already shut up for the weekend but agreed to come back to work to help us, which was much appreciated. We were 45 mins away and the car cut out twice on the M6, necessitating a dive to the hard shoulder to turn off and on again! We arrived, and he quickly diagnosed a faulty exhaust camshaft sensor. It is right at the front of the engine so was quickly accessed and it was full of oil causing a failure. A quick call to Euro Car Parts and by 3.40pm we were off and running. Mike from Zed Shed gave great service and re-scanned the car before we left. All seemed good, but we now noticed an erratic idle, but the car had power restored so we pressed on to North Wales. Having arrived, but still concerned with the idle, there was a sense of relief. Later that evening we were going to Bangor to

3 Series E9x

Julian Pickering

It is official – the E9x Register is up and running and I am grateful to Mike Pope from Central West Region for being the first to send me information. Please follow in his footsteps E9x owners, as without regular reports on your cars I cannot entertain the Straight Six readers with monthly register reports. Mike produced an article on his 2007 E92 335i for the October edition of Straight Six and so I won’t reproduce it here but it is great to hear Mike’s enthusiasm for the car as a daily driver and he is clearly in love with the sound it makes. I am sure that most of you BMW aficionados are fully conversant with the letter and number combinations that define the models, as well as knowing that LCI means Life

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Other events that are coming up this year will be Silverstone Classic on the 31st of July to 2nd August. I think if you’ve read this section before you’ll know my love of the Ace Café, which I now count the first Monday of the month as one of the London Region meets, it’s German night there. And it’s exactly a week before the Crooked Chimney meet. Confession time; I can’t help myself, I keep my eye on my old car on the internet and it’s looking fresh, would you buy back an old car? e46register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

meet up with the other track day people for a meal. From our base in Llandudno it’s about a 30-minute drive. We set off and just before the exit we wanted the car died; I mean, it sounded like it was running on two cylinders roughly. We managed to limp to the services and that is where we were recovered back to Llandudno. An ECU fault seemed the likely culprit, so the car was flat-bedded back to our digs. The following day we attended the track in a borrowed 1.4 auto VW Polo and registered it for track use! We did do a couple of laps in it, but didn’t want to kill it (couldn’t have taken that after the stress the Vibrator had caused up to that point!) and also had a drive of Gregg Webster and Graham Hinton’s 330Ci car. Point to note from that drive is I think I scared Mrs Webster (sorry Gail!) and the Vibrator needs an uprated front anti-roll bar, as G and G’s car turns in better than ours. So after all of that, the car was taken from North Wales to Newcastle (and arrived at the wrong location some 7 days later), whilst Nick and I came home in the Polo. I would like to say a big thanks to Mike from the Zed Shed, Google him and you will find him, or give him a bell on 07973 540495, email zed4mods@gmail.com. He gave great service and I would recommend him. Also a big thanks to Nick’s sister Kathrin, who provided us lodgings and a car. I am hoping for a quiet month this time, let’s see what happens. Till next time, bye for now. e90register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Cycle Impulse (I don’t think I have had one of those for a few years now). Anyway, just in case you are not, and that included me only a few months ago, I have decided to define the E9x family members here. The E9x models are the fifth generation of the 3 Series cars and were produced from 2004 – 2013. I have seen slight variations on the production years but the following list appears to be the most widely accepted: E90: 3 Series Saloon 2005 – 2011 (LCI upgrade for 2009 model year) E91: 3 Series Touring 2005 – 2012 (LCI upgrade for 2009 model year) www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

registernews E92: 3 Series Coupé 2006 – 2013 (LCI upgrade for 2010 model year) E93: 3 Series Convertible 2006 - 2013 (LCI upgrade for 2010 model year) As I am short of information at the moment, I am going to focus this month on the work I have been doing on the retractable roof of my 2009 E93 (which you now understand is pre-facelift) to prepare for the fantastic summer of open-top motoring that lies ahead. This may provide inspiration for you. The undeniable showpiece of the E93 must be the retractable three-piece hard roof, an incredible piece of Munich design and engineering. I would expect that most E93 owners would be prepared to admit that they have put on a show at some time, to an admiring audience, by triggering the roof retraction remotely with the ignition key (and closed it again remotely if they paid extra for the “convenient access option”). The downside, sadly, is that many cars have suffered water leaks and failed roof operation, but this can be averted to a large extent by some regular simple maintenance. A BMW specialty appears to be the plethora of rubber seals that are fitted to our cars but the rubber seal fitters went into overdrive on the E93, particularly on the folding roof mechanism. I strongly recommend lubricating all the seals on a regular basis and it is worth including all the door and window glass seals (recommended for all other E9x models as well). A critical time is the start of the season, as it is possible that the roof has not been retracted during the winter months and this is the time when the seals lose their suppleness and can dry out. I use a product from the USA called “303 Rubber Seal Protectant”,

4 Series

Paul Roberts

Whilst writing this it is sleeting here in Dereham, Norfolk. Oh what joy! However in the last week we did get one cold but very sunny morning, so I was able to get the roof down for a couple of hours. Also dragged my flying jacket out of the wardrobe so with the heated seats on and the temperature turned up, and the wind deflector in place it was quite toasty, although I can’t wait for the summer! As I’ve mentioned in previous ramblings, I’m looking forward to the Tykes Tango at the end of March, as I think the Sunday is the actual start of summer time. I saw some brief details of the programme and it all looks great. Will write more in the next edition. Also as previously mentioned we’re having a week at the end of July in Aberystwyth staying at a nice apartment on the front. So, is there anybody out there with suggestions for roads to drive? If so email me please. I’ve had a request from someone who shall remain

5 Series E34 Manj Sandhu I mentioned in the previous month’s article how I do not follow the 1990s BMW standard service light indicators when it comes to servicing my cars, instead preferring to carry it out annually with the cars now at an age needing more frequent care and attention. Having just recently got my 525iX back from its annual www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

which is available widely from online stores in the UK. I am sure there are other good products available but this certainly works very well on the E93 roof seals. Retract the roof to a 50% position and prepare for a good 30 minutes of work to treat all the seals. While you have the roof open, it is important to clear all the roof drains and lubricate the moving parts. The three main drains on the roof are shown in the picture (only the offside drains are indicated but the nearside are identical) – the rear roof section does not have drains, as water is directed in the channels on the sides of the glass screen. For the front drains either side of the windscreen, run a piece of 5mm tube down them or use an airline if you have one, as dirt collects in the bottom. One final tip, which may be obvious but is easy to overlook: don’t open the roof if the car is at all wet, as water will end up in the bottom of the boot floor where the battery is located and it is very difficult to dry out this area. 4series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

nameless to feature her dad’s 4 Series. He will of course know who gave me details - his name is Tim Davies and lives around 2 miles from his daughter with her mum Gill near Lampeter. I understand that they previously had a Mercedes GLA 45 but “saw the light” and in August 2019 bought a 4 Series 435d xDrive M Sport in Melbourne Red from Marshall’s in Hampshire. A great car which produces 308bhp! Tim has done a few classy mods, which include black alloys, kidney grill, front splitter and bumper caps, and a spoiler (picked up by Gill). I also have some before and after pictures so I’m showing these. You’re a very lucky man Tim, having such a great car and I hope to see it in the flesh sometime, perhaps when we come over to Aberystwyth in July. Well I think that’s all I can muster for this article so will sign off now until the next time. Don’t forget, 4 Series owners, please send me any details/pictures of your cars so I can continue to include these in the magazine! e34register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

MoT and service, it got me thinking. Firstly, I had no issue paying the £606 bill for various bits of on-going and preventative maintenance (the equivalent bill last year was £500). However, it does provide the wife with the ammunition to load the gun and raise the old question that pops up more often than not, ‘If you BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

registernews keep throwing money at these old bangers (her not so delicate reference to my E34s, said with love and affection I am sure) how do you expect to recover what you have in it when you sell it?’ My on-going answer has a structure with a few key points: 1. I will never sell my E34s (that will be up to the kids what they want to do with my cars). 2. Evidence of continuous maintenance will add to the value of the car (keeping the receipts and invoices are key). 3. Maintaining an appreciating classic is still cheaper in the long run than maintaining a newer car. With year on year depreciation and notwithstanding inferior build quality of newer machines. Over time, it works out financially better for owners of older appreciating classics. In a perverse way, the more I spend on my car the happier it makes me feel. It gives me a warm feeling inside knowing the car is properly looked after and in safe hands. In a way, I feel a sense of pride despite the damage to the bank balance! With values of E34s rising recently, hopefully it will encourage many owners debating whether to invest in expensive work on their beloved cars to go for it! As I write this, more expense looms on the horizon with the 525iX. I had to call out the breakdown service as the battery was refusing to charge despite the regular use. The conclusion was that it appears I need a new alternator. We did refurbish the existing alternator last June so I am surprised it has defaulted already. However, it needs further looking into. Therefore, I have taken it to my local mechanic to take a proper look having only just had it back from him a few weeks ago. I never tire of seeing the wonderful pictures emailed to me by proud owners so please keep them coming. I thought I would start a ‘car of the month’ slot starting with a truly exceptional vehicle belonging to Ian Cockerill. Here are the details: The 520i auto was originally registered in August 1992, with a purchase price of £22,053 which includes extra cost for ABS, front armrests, electric sunroof, BMW anti-theft, and radio / 10 CD auto-changer. The current mileage is 55,467 and the MoT certificates show it has covered 3,400 miles in the last 10 years. Nevertheless, the maintenance has been kept up regardless of the low miles. The current owner has all the history from the original bill of sale, MoTs and maintenance. The vehicle still has all original tools, glove box torch (not currently working) and first aid kit. Still has original stickers for fuel etc. It is fitted with new tyres that have less than 2,000 miles and is completely original and unrestored. There is no rust just a few stone chips, which have been touched in to preserve the metalwork. It is a totally original unrestored and immaculate example which had been in a private collection for more than 10 years. In fact, such is its preservation that the current owner has not been using the car in order to preserve its originality and condition.

8 Series

Debbie Blythe

Welcome once again to all the 8 Series owners and enthusiasts out there. This is a quiet month so far, not much happening in the E31 world, so apologies for the smaller column. We have tried to organise enough events to cover the year and to fit around the multitude of other classic and BMW events that take part, including your own BMW Regional events. With regards to this year’s events, please see below for a list of all the events we think you might be interested in. Our regular meetings will still be taking place on a Sunday at The Chequers Inn, Weston on the Green, near Oxford but there are a number of other places we hope to go or have information about. There are also a number of other European E31 clubs

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

Without any work from the current owner, the car won a pride of ownership prize at the 2018 National Concours d’Elegance show and was recognised as a vehicle that with little but fastidiousness could enter and contend with the top vehicles. Because of its win, it starred in the November 2018 edition of BMW Car magazine. In fact, the car is currently looking for a new home, so contact Ian at ian@iancockerill.com if you are interested in this fabulous machine. 8series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

who are having tours and annual meets and we have linked in with them to get the information about these. These are; • Spanish E31 Club tour of Mallorca in April • German E31/BMW tour of the UK in September • We will not be attending the Italian E31 Club annual meeting in Treviso in May due to the lockdown in Northern Italy. Please contact me on 8series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk if you would like further information. Whatever you plans are for this year, we are very much looking forward to seeing you at an event at some point. Also if you have any news, information or questions you would like to share with the Register then please email me as I have a large mailing list of over 120 owners that I can send out to. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

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Future events – 2020 • 1st Sunday of every month – Haynes Breakfast Club at the Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22

Z3 Register

Alan Jones

Welcome to the April edition of Straight Six, I’d just like to inform everyone that I’ve won a prize from the Club via the Club’s Facebook page. It was just a case of liking and sharing a post, and I was picked out of the hat at random. I won a ‘Paint Restoration Kit’ supplied by Meguiar’s. Another great reason to be a member of this Club. So there should be no excuse for dull paintwork, just have to find the time to do it. This month we have Jeff Heywood who would like to inform everyone about his Zeds. I’m sure that many of you will know him if you have been a long time member of the Club. He wants to tell us all about his two Z3s. I remember the blue car as Jeff did have it when I first joined the Club, a few years ago now! Anyway, I’ll let Jeff take up the story. Jeff & Cathy Heywood’s BMW Z3 1.9 Soft spot for a Zed soft top! We purchased our latest Zed in 2017, three months after selling my beloved Estoril Blue M Coupe (see photo), owned by us for 18 years with just 23k on the clock. Our latest acquisition was

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7LH. This is an open free event for all marques of car and is open from 8.00am to around noon. They have a café serving breakfasts and rolls from 9.00am. It does get very busy. • Sunday 19th April – Spring meet at The Chequers Inn, WOTG, OX25 3QH. 10.00am – 2.00pm, contact me if you would like to join us for a very enjoyable Carvery at the pub. • 17th – 19th April – Spanish E31 Club tour of Mallorca, email me for details. • Sunday 26th April – Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble – tickets available from their website. Postponed to 21st June • Sunday 10th May – Classic Car and Motorcycle Show at Bowood House, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0LZ. 10.00am to 4.00pm, advance tickets at just £4.50 are available from their website www.classicshows.org/bowood-classic-car-motorcycleshow-sun-10-may-2020. • 19th – 21st June 2020 – Welsh Weekend, Llandrindod Wells. Book directly with the hotel quoting “BMW Welsh Weekender”. • Saturday 4th July – Cars in the Park, Beacon Park, Lichfield, Staffs, WS13 6RA. We are having a stand for the E31 Register. • Sunday 19th July – Summer meet at The Chequers Inn, WOTG, OX25 3QH. 10.00am – 2.00pm, contact me if you would like to join us for a very enjoyable carvery at the pub. • 20th – 27th September – German E31 tour of the UK. Waiting for details of this but it looks like they will be coming across at Dover and going to Stonehenge and then up the country towards Fort William and the Highlands, across to Aberdeen, down to Nottingham and back to Germany. I hope we may be able to meet them on their tour. • Sunday 27th September – Autumn meet at The Chequers Inn, WOTG, OX25 3QH. 10.00am – 2.00pm, contact me if you would like to join us for a very enjoyable carvery at the pub. • Sunday 4th October - Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble. z3register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

an impulse buy; with the Z3M Coupe still fresh in our minds, Cathy said to me one day “I do miss our Zed” – Nuff said! I didn’t need any prompting to start the search both online and locally for a couple of weeks, before I came across a local candidate (in Rochdale), sat on a used car lot; a Sapphire Black 1.9 Z3, black leather, manual roof, low miles (42k) with FSH and one doctor owner – It was nice and straight, didn’t look as though it had any paint or accident damage and it looked honest, just a couple of small supermarket parking dings on the nearside door. I was on the telephone the following morning to arrange a viewing for the following morning. Saturday morning came and we shot over to the garage. We followed the salesman who drove the car to a local MoT centre equipped with an inspection pit. I was delighted. The car was as mint underneath as it was on top. No sign of any accident damage, corrosion or welding. The suspension, back axle, tyres, brakes, etc. were all in tip top condition and there wasn’t a hint of an oil leak from the engine.

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

registernews Back at the garage and with no part-ex the bartering started. The salesman slipped up by saying on the telephone the day before that the car had been in stock for quite a while, so all the cards were weighed in our favour. It was already what I’d call cheap, but with a good bit of wheeler-dealing a price was finally thrashed out, and we arranged to take the car a few days later with a new MoT as part of the deal. I have to say the Zed has lived up to all our expectations. We have a powerful car (F13 650i) for the adrenalin runs, so a 1.9 model was more than adequate for those top down summer cruises one imagines. Sure, there were one or two niggling little faults that needed attention. I gave the car a good detail, including a thorough claying and machine polishing followed by a good layer of wax. We were due to go on holiday in September of the same year so I booked the Zed in at Darren Wood BMW Specialists for a full Inspection II service and fluid changes and asked Darren to look at a loose armrest/door pull on the passenger side, a bonnet catch that was sticking a bit and an alarm sensor under the bonnet not sensing. I also arranged for Simon Robinson from Express Dent Removal to call into Darren’s to magic repair the two dents in the nearside door. A big thanks to Darren and Simon! We planned to use the Zed in the summer of 2018 and, well, let’s say I had a few health issues, although I did find time inbetween hospital visits to fit a set of 17-inch OZ Futura split-rim (lookalike) alloys on the Zed. 2019 dawned and I must admit the Zed has seen the light of day only sparingly. We get out and about a lot, enjoying weekends away and when you have a superlative GT like the 650i sat on the driveway it’s hard to make a case for taking the Zed on a 150-200 mile round trip when the Six is ready and waiting with 450 horses. What is important is that both Katie (pet name!) and I love it, the car has flown through two MoTs and I’m sure that as

Z4 Register

Paul Dodds

the years pass the Z3 will become a true modern classic. It is much more robust and better built than any MG or MX-5, with rust never usually an issue unless the car has suffered accident damage in the past. The car is a joy to drive. My advice is buy a good one whilst you still can and prices are reasonable. z4register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Hello and welcome to the April edition of Straight Six. I start with some good news to begin with. My decision to invest in a set of BMW winter wheels and tyres finally paid off recently (at the time of writing this), as I woke one cold frosty morning to discover a blanket of snow outside my house. As I headed down towards the A1 to make my way out of Newcastle for the day, surrounded by SUVs, I was feeling rather smug in my Z4. With a humongous grin on my face I would like to note, that I did not try to hide as I overtook an Audi Q5 that someone managed to get stuck. Maniacs! Five minutes later into my journey however, as the snow turned to slush and then eventually disappeared completely so did the grin on my face as the roads became little more than slightly damp. So were the tyres worth the money? Probably not, but the experts do say they work better in temperatures below 7 degrees in general so that will do for me. Workshop antics This month I have also been busy playing in the workshop as well as out in the snow. The first task was to replace the two oil filter housing gaskets that had seen better days. I started by removing a couple of bolts and hoses to the oil cooler to replace the first gasket. I then removed the airbox and unbolted the alternator and moved it out of the way without disconnecting it completely, to gain more access, to then unbolt the oiler filter housing and removed from the engine to replace the second gasket. See pictures. The second task was to replace the atmospheric air vents in the boot. Over time the gaskets on the vents crumble and

BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

disintegrate which then leads to water ingress into the boot. This job is normally done by removing the bumper as the vents are easier to put back into place using a pushing action. However, I didn’t have time to remove the bumper so set away removing the boot carpet and removing and installing the new vents from inside the boot. The vents have four springtype tabs that secure them to www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

registernews the body of the boot. Removing them is done by squeezing the tabs and pushing the vent out. Try not to drop them into the abyss that is between the rear bumper and body. You can then manoeuvre them back through the hole and into the bin as BMW only supply the vent as a complete

i Series

unit as opposed to a separate gasket. Repeat in reverse for putting the new vents into place. That is all for this month but remember you can get in touch via the forum or email at z4register@bmwcarclubgb. co.uk for all things Z4 related.

Clive Neville

iregister@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

At the time of writing, production of the i8 is nearing a close at the Leipzig factory and, Coronavirus permitting, I shall be going there to see the line first hand at the beginning of April. Cessation of production means the mantle of EVs for BMW will pass to the upcoming iNEXT and the i4, the latter of which was announced online last month in lieu of the cancelled Geneva Motor Show. This will see a further step forward for electric traction and will doubtless consign the i8 to the “where is it now” part of the history books. At least until it is rediscovered in thirty years’ time. Despite that, the car, and its sibling the i3, played its part consummately and, given that it was a quirky trend setter, didn’t do too badly on the shop floor. On that note, and for the data geeks amongst us, here are some factoids. I aim to drill deeper into this with BMW UK as we go along.

At the time of writing there are 2,992 i8 Coupes, Coupe LCI, and Roadsters registered in the UK. Of these, 917 are in Crystal White and 1,176 in Sophisto Grey. These will be a mix of 20142019 cars. In addition, there are 115 cars in E-Copper – these are mainly Roadsters, and there are 318 in Ionic Silver and 270 in Protonic Blue (all of these are non-LCI Coupes). Finally, there are 196 cars in BMW Individual paint schemes, which includes all of the “Frozen” cars; Protonic Red, and Donnington Grey. I expect it to also include the Porsche Riviera Blue (really!) Roadster I saw in a local dealership and a Rosso Red example in Bristol - both colours of which were definitely not on the options list. Before going, my last bit of research shows that an awful lot of Roadsters were BMW cars - a peruse of the UA BMW lists show nearly all of the cars displaying a YK/YA etc. plate common to BMW owned cars.

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BMW Car Club Magazine April 2020

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