Straight Six March 2020

Straight Six MEMBERS EDITION

M ARCH 2020 £5

Love at first sight…

Read how Sara Norris ‘fell’ for this battered and bruised Sharknose beauty before a sympathetic restoration transformed it into a true autobahn stormer!

PLUS: MEGUIAR’S CLEANING GOODIES TO GIVE AWAY!

d:class

Unit 6,6, Studley Unit StudleyCourt, Court,Guildford GuildfordRoad, Road,Chobham, Chobham,Surrey Surrey GU24 8EB Tel:01483 01483722 722923 923 •• web: web:www.dclass.co.uk www.dclass.co.uk Tel: email: email: dclassautomotive@hotmail.co.uk info@dclass.co.uk D:class automotive @dclassauto @dclassauto Full classic interior restoration

d:class automotive specialises in full interior management and restoration of all BMW models. We are able to offer original colours and finishes, including correct perforations, in cloth, velour, vinyl and leather, also for a supply only basis. We also offer period interior/boot carpet linings. The fundamental part of any restoration is being able to sympathetically complete the job to as true to when the car left the factory. We have a large knowledge and have completed many BMW interiors. All of our work is completed in-house by trained trimmers with vast experience and comes complete with full workmanship guarantee. d:class have completed work for customers as far afield as Australia, a testament to d:class’ craftsmanship and attention to detail. Our quality of work speaks for itself.

Interior repairs

We are able to repair single damaged areas only without having to go to the expense of replacing a whole cover. The common problem of worn bolsters can be repaired within a couple of hours work, replacing the worn cloth, velour, vinyl or leather panel. Other common faults are split stitching, often seen on the E46 model and cracking vinyl on the 1 Series. This again can be repaired as a while-you-wait service.

Connolising and small burn repairs are also a speciality and can, within the Surrey area, be offered as a mobile service.

Cloth to leather and full custom interiors

d:class can offer for all models, a full upgrade from cloth to leather.

This will be done to O.E.M. spec ensuring that it is finished using original patterns, perforations, styles and colours. We only use high grade leather with exact grains and from original suppliers. All work is done in-house and not a kit. Our cloth to leather service carries a full 2 year guarantee.

Or if you prefer, you can overhaul your interior with a completely new and unique finish. We can trim your car in non-BMW colours, again in a high grade leather. Many unique and award winning interiors have been produced and restored by d:class and once they have rolled out of our workshops can be seen not only nationwide, but featured widely on the continent.

Hood fitting and rear screen repairs

We offer a fitting of new hoods and rear plastic window repairs

d:class staff are enthusiastic and most of all understanding. We will not compromise quality or authenticity for fast turn around. Our clients and their vehicles are foremost in our minds, you would struggle to find a more personal, friendly or knowledgeable workforce, who believe in quality over quantity.

For a professional and friendly service to BMW owners, club member owners, traders and BMW main dealerships visit www.dclass.co.uk or phone 01483 722923 We are located in Surrey, 15 minutes from Junction 10 or 11 of the M25 and from the M3. Collection can be arranged depending on distance.

Unit 6, Studley Court, Guildford Road, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8EB

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

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

20

Patron

20

I am the Resurrection

Mike Wilds, The late Barrie Williams

Sara Norris admires the TWR-Alpina modified E28 3.5 that escaped what was to be its final resting place at a scrapyard.

Editing Team Jeff Heywood

26

Lisa Davies Andrew Coles Cover image: Sara Norris Advertising Display Advertising

Future Proofed Straight Six co-editor Andrew Coles sits down with Steffan Hoffman, President of Robert Bosch Ltd in the UK, to talk automotive heritage and the future.

34

Hine Marketing 01452 730 770

28

Crowning Glory?

The M8 Competition is the most powerful and expensive 8 Series BMW has ever made, but does its performance justify its price tag?

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

34

Online classifieds - £4.95 bmwcarclubgb.uk Classifieds - £9.95 per issue Club Office 01970 267 989 office@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk 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 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

4

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

MLife: Don’t Stop Me Now MLife regular, Steve Carter, discusses his E90 M3 ownership experience along with three of our members.

42

40

Revisiting the Classics No. 4 – BMW E30 3 Series

Considered the most popular BMW model, everyone is on the lookout for an E30 – Revisiting the Classics will help you to find the best example!

42

Time to Celebrate

BMW Car Club Racing celebrates their 2019 awards in style at Sedgebrook Hall. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Contents

from the editor Welcome to the March issue of Straight Six! Spring is nearly upon us, which means it’s almost time to bring out those classics and give them a polish before event season starts!

Inside this issue of Straight Six, we look at the history of TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing) and Alpina, which Sara Norris was fortunate enough to enjoy for a drive from Godalming to Goodwood. Read the article on page 20. You can read another classic BMW article on page 40, where we feature the fourth edition of ‘Revisiting the Classics’; revisiting the E30 3 Series!

BMW Car Club Racing recently held their awards evening at Sedgebrook Hall, which saw many faces from the Club, find out the BMWCC Racing results on page 42.

Steve Carter is the proud owner of the Interlagos Blue E90 M3 saloon featured in this month’s MLife article; Club members also share their E90 M3 ownership experiences. Read the feature on page 34. Want more M? Head over to page 28 where Bob Harper test drives the mighty 625bhp M8 Competition around sunny Spain.

We’ve all seen the announcement that we will all be driving electric cars from 2035.

What does Steffan Hoffman, President of Robert Bosch Ltd in the UK, think of the future of the automotive industry? Find out on page 26.

Last month saw us attending the London Classic Car Show in its new home; Olympia London. Our theme this year was Alpine white E30s. Did you have a chance to

28

view our stand? If not, don’t worry, a full report will be in your April issue of Straight Six. This month we’re attending the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show at the NEC. Members can grab discounts on tickets by using the Club discount

regulars

code RSCC1784. Wondering what we’ll have on the stand this year? Read Board

6

Board Torque

project, technical information, Club event, or simply why you love your ultimate driving

8

Thoughts from the Boardroom

Torque on page 6 to find out!

Do you have an interesting article for Straight Six? Whether it’s a restoration 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

10 Club News

BMW models to fill our vacant registers. To find out what roles need filling or to show your interest, email officeadmin@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk.

12 BMW News

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

14 Motorsport News

in for the chance to win FREE Meguiar’s products!

17 Products

Happy reading!

44 Meguiars

Jeff, Lisa & Andrew Straight Six editorial team.

46 Pirelli 47 Crossword/Social Media 49 Regions 63 Registers 71 Classifieds 72 Your Photos 74 Events www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW UK

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

5

boardtorque

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 Dave Evans, Regional Director

In the current ecological climate, we are constantly reminded of how we are all contributing to global warming and how we need to do our bit to help future generations take over and move forward in building a better world.

Recently, I purchased a 1964 edition of Autocar, mainly to read the road test report on the then-new BMW 700 LS. At this time BMW were still in their post-war infancy and pushing hard to compete with the established players like Ford, Vauxhall, Austin, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz. From that small beginning they have not only become one of the most prestigious market leaders of our time, but one of the first major manufacturers to bring a new generation of mould-breaking electric and hybrid vehicles to market in the i3 and i8.

We all have our own opinions regarding electric versus internal combustion and I’m sure this will be an ongoing debate for many years to come. I was also drawn to many of the other articles in the magazine and found it quite amazing how much things have and haven’t changed in over 50 years, from the overall size of cars to our current expectations, what a car should provide for our needs, and how many companies who were advertising are still manufacturing today.

I would like to share with you a few of the points that my attention was specifically drawn to. One of the articles highlighted how car dimensions were increasing, hence the average garage wasn’t even then coping with cars of that time so things don’t change there!

Something else was the increase in road and motorway building schemes

accepted standard accessories we take for granted today were only available as extras back then, such as exterior mirrors, heaters, demisters and steering locks. If time permits, grab yourself a sixties car mag and enjoy!

This brings me on to the subject of The Restoration Show at the NEC in

Birmingham coming up at the end of this month. I hope those of you who have a particular interest in the classics and restoration in general will be able to indulge in the experience. If you are able to attend please pop along to the Club display in hall 5 stand 540, where we will have a varied offering of display cars from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s to bring back those memories from our childhood, youth or early days of driving.

Throughout the three-day show we will also have on hand a technical advisor from Retro Engineering who specialises in mechanical and bodywork restorations and conversions to answer your questions and queries. Not forgetting the girls from the Club office will be available on Friday and Saturday to assist you with any questions you have.

So don’t forget to pop along to see us and enjoy a free cuppa!

following the closures of at least 3,500 miles of railways; it appears we are currently in a reverse situation with the onset of HS2 and the like to relieve the ongoing pressure on our roads.

One of the many articles I found fascinating was that many of the

6

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

CAR OF THE MONTH

Spec. Sheet: BMW M4 Convertible • M-Style Carbon Side Skirt Splitters • M-Style Carbon Rear Diffuser for F8X PERFORMANCE & STYLING

• M-Style P-Type Carbon Front Splitter • M-Style Carbon Performance Boot Spoiler for 4 series convertibles • Eibach Lowered Suspension 20 mm Drop Front/ 15mm Rear • M-Style 12 & 15mm Spacers • M-Style Tuning Map - 520whp

ial c e Sp r Offe

WWW.MSTYLE.CO.UK

Stage 1/Stage 2 Remap Prices start from £245 Please enquire for pricing for your model

PERFORMANCE

TUNING MODULES & KITS

STYLING

TRACK CARS

PAINTING

SUPERCHARGERS PERFORMANCE INTAKES PERFORMANCE DOWNPIPES

LOWERING SPRINGS BIG BRAKE KITS

LIGHTS GRILLES

ALLOYS

SPLITTERS

EMAIL, ONLINE OR PHONE ORDER MSTYLE PERFORMANCE & STYLING

RESTORATION

|

EXHAUST CONVERSIONS

DIFFUSERS FULL BODY KITS

WWW.MSTYLE.CO.UK

REPAIRS

SERVICING

BUMPERS

0208 598 9115

INTERCOOLERS

CARBON FIBRE

INFO@MSTYLE.CO.UK

UNIT 1 NORTHGATE PARK | COLLIER ROW ROAD | ROMFORD | RM5 2BG

thoughts from the boardroom

Graeme Grieve, CEO BMW (UK) Ltd.

Winter might traditionally be the quiet season when it comes to motorsport but there’s still been plenty of BMW action on track in the warmer parts of the world. As I write the BMW i Andretti Motorsport Team sits at the top of the FIA Formula E championship having won two of the first three races, while the start of the IMSA season in America saw an excellent result for the M8 GTE at the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Those of you with good memories will remember the M8 won a truncated race last year when torrential rain brought it to a waterlogged early conclusion and this year it looked to be in for a tough battle in the GTLM class where it would go up against new race cars from Porsche and Corvette.

It was a thrilling race with the class lead changing hands over 40 times and for the majority of the race you could more or less have thrown a blanket over the three leading cars in GTLM. Jesse Krohn took the lead with 45 minutes to go and the M8 held on until the chequered flag fell – congratulations to the whole team for a well-deserved win.

During the night time racing I was struck by how effective modern headlights are for the race cars, and this, of course is also true for road cars. It was back

8

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

in 2014 when we first used laser light technology on our Z4 GT3 for the Nürburgring 24-hour race and a scant month or so later the first lucky i8 owners took delivery of their cars in Munich equipped with laser light headlights, and they’re now available as an option on much of the range.

This got me thinking about how technology transfers between race and road cars and how many things we take for granted these days have filtered down from track to road. I think it was in 1974 that the iconic 3.0 CSL race car was equipped with ABS brakes for the first time and by the latter part of the decade anti-lock brakes were available as an option on the E23 7 Series. BMW was also the first manufacturer to fit ABS to a motorbike, too. Of course, going back a bit further disc brakes were originally the preserve of race cars and when the use of carbon ceramic brakes became widespread in motorsport they too filtered down to the road and can be fitted as an option to our high-performance M cars.

While the M8’s achievement in Daytona was a motorsport highlight, this month I’d also like to congratulate MINI on its impressive Dakar Rally win. There will always be a debate over which is

the toughest motorsport event but the Dakar has to be right up there with the most punishing races. While the winners of the 24 Hours of Daytona set a new distance record of 2,965 miles the Dakar Rally takes in a gruelling 4,660 miles of punishing off-road special stages and the two MINI JCW Buggies came home first and third overall.

Plenty of variety then over the last month in terms of motorsport, with Daytona, Dakar and Formula E providing very different challenges. One thing common to all these race winners is their extensive use of lightweight materials, something that’s also true for our road cars. BMW has been one of the pioneers of using weight saving, yet exceptionally strong, materials – witness the Carbon Core of the 7 Series or the chassis of the i3 and i8 which are both exclusively constructed from carbon.

Whether on road or track, conventionally powered or electric, our designers and engineers will continue to push the boundaries with innovative solutions and I’m sure they will be just as effective when the season starts over here… even if the start of the BTCC season in March won’t be quite as warm as it was in Daytona!

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

The Ultimate Driving Machine

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD. With our range of BMW M Performance Accessories, you can take sportiness right down to the last detail.

Whether it’s enhanced aerodynamics, drivetrain, interior or chassis, we have all the equipment you need to ensure your BMW can be styled to suit you.

To ďŹ nd out more, please contact your preferred BMW Retailer or visit www.bmw.co.uk/mperformanceaccessories

clubnews BMW Car Club GB AGM 9th May 2020 at Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa.

National Festival Announcement Silverstone Classic to be main event in 2020

The BMW Car Club Board of Directors have unanimously made the difficult decision to postpone the Club’s National Festival this year, and to instead expand its presence and member offering at the famous Silverstone Classic event, the world’s largest historic race meeting. A redesigned, improved and expanded National event called ‘BMW Sommerfest’ will replace the National Festival from 2021.

The Board and Club Office have noticed a declining trend in member attendance over the past few years, accompanied by an increase in operating costs. Notification of heavily reduced access to the venue before this year’s scheduled event, and dates for the British Grand Prix were contributing factors in taking this decision, but revisiting the concept of what a national event should be is something that has been under consideration for some time.

A dynamic club responds to its member’s behaviour, which has changed over the years. Silverstone Classic is now one of our best supported events, so resources will be diverted toward making the member experience at this year’s Classic even better.

Members in 2019 enjoyed the Club’s improved hospitality marquee, and for 2020 we look forward to expanding our offering even further and moving to a new more central location that will act as the perfect hub for members wishing to enjoy this incredible event.

Taking in lessons learnt from other events currently enjoying huge popularity, such as Goodwood’s Revival, Bicester Heritage Super Scramble and Race Retro, the Club is looking to grow its national event with a diverse offering designed to appeal to as many members as possible.

Ideas currently under consideration include the addition of a dynamic component such as a motorsport event or driving test, talks from well-known identities, workshop and restoration seminars, more focus on modified BMWs, social activities and driving tours, and importantly, improving the event experience for family and friends to make it a great day out for all. The current venue does not lend itself to such change at relatively short notice, and with major venues taking bookings more than 12 months in advance, it was not possible to relocate. Rather than continue with an event that the Club knows does not appeal to a broad section of the membership, it was deemed better to follow member behaviour and offer increased support where it is most appreciated.

Silverstone Classic tickets can be purchased through their website using our member discount code 2020CCD057, and access to the Club hospitality is available to all members, contact the Club Office for more information. Do you have any suggestions about how you think ‘BMW Sommerfest 2021’ should look? Send us your thoughts by emailing office@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk.

Sincerely Jamal Blanc | Chairman

10

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

Dear Members, This year’s AGM will once again be held in the stunning Oxfordshire countryside at the Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa. Centrally located with easy access just off Junction 9 of M40 and under an hour away from Central London and Birmingham. www. bicesterhotelgolfandspa.com The AGM will commence at 10:00am and finish at 2:00pm. Please ensure you have your membership card with you as it will need to be shown at registration.

We politely request that members register their attendance with the office prior to the event.

The AGM is an important event in the club calendar and we really hope that you will be able to attend.

You have the opportunity to put any questions directly to the Board by submitting them to the office in writing via email to office@bmwcarclubgb. co.uk or you can send via post to BMW Car Club GB, Unit 5H, Glan Yr Afon, Aberystwyth SY23 3JQ. All questions must be submitted at least 21 days prior to the date of the AGM. They will be answered by the Board member in whose area of responsibility they fall.

Copies of the Report of the 2019 AGM are available either by email or hard copy on request from the Club Office. They can also be found on our website (provided that you are logged in) under Club > Member’s Area as a PDF document.

If you have any questions regarding the AGM please do not hesitate to get back to us.

Thank you.

Thank you!

This month we see Tim Fathers stepping down from the London Regional Chair position and handing it over in the safe hands our 1 Series Register Captain, Anthony Mason. We’d like to send our big thanks to Tim for all of his hard work in getting the London Region off the ground! You can read his final Regional news on page 54.

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

SCOTLAND Kevan Young 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

Alex Fifield

DEVON

Michael Ramshaw Peter Brown Andrew Lanny Anthony Emmerson

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 Carl Moore

SOUTH WALES Ieuan Evans Jack Morris Keith Bevan Chris James Thames Kayleigh Moseley

WESTERN Andy Abrams Steve Burridge

WESSEX Alex Creasy Alex Gibbons Sam Stantiford

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

Paul Marshall Shane Chalkley Kevin Hardowar Damon Fox John Boden

OVERSEAS Frank Fallon

Trackday Calendar 2020 9 April:

Cadwell Park – £185

16 June: Brands Hatch – £120

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

(track evening)

28 Sep:

Snetterton – £200

6 Nov:

Oulton Park – £170

National Events Calendar 2020 March 27-29:

Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, with Discovery, NEC Book before midnight on Thursday 26th March to save up to 12% on the door price. Club Discount Code: RSCC1784

27-29: The Tykes Tango 2020

Yorkshire’s answer to the Welsh

Weekend and the Highland Fling.

If you would like to join us, please

contact howard@bmwcarclubgb.

co.uk or h@635csi.co.uk as soon as possible.

April 26:

Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble Club code: bmwcc2020ss

May 3:

Southern Concours

1-3:

Donington Historic Festival

Held at Sherborne Castle and

Gardens. For more information, email western@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

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

June 5-12:

Munich Trip

Open to all BMWCC members in any

BMW. For more information, or to

book, please email 3series@ bmwcarclubgb.co.uk.

19-21: BMW Welsh Weekend

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

July 5:

BM’s on the Lawn

31-2 Aug

Silverstone Classic

Western-Super-Mare beach

front lawns. For more

information, email western@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

30th anniversary of Silverstone Classic.

Club code: 2020CCD057

November 13-15: Lancaster Insurance

Classic Motor Show

NEC Birmingham BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

11

bmwnews bmwnews Paul Walker’s BMWs sell for record money at auction

Paul Walker’s M3s line up ready for sale at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction

A group of 21 supercars owned by the late Fast and the Furious star were sold at the annual Barrett-Jackson Auction at Scottsdale in January. Known for

his role as Brian O’Conner in the iconic franchise, Paul wasn’t just a car enthusiast onscreen. The action star had more than 30 different vehicles in his extensive

The Paul Walker E36 M3 Lightweight sold for a record $385k at auction…

collection and the sale brought in a staggering $2.4 million!

The highlight of the auction was his collection of BMW M3s. He owned five E36 M3 Lightweight models; only 125 were manufactured in total by BMW. The lowest mileage example with just 4,600 miles on the odometer made an astonishing $385,000, a record for this model. The rest of the Lightweights sold for between $200-$258k, including a car that was delivered from the factory with no chequered flag motifs; that sold for $220k.

Surprisingly, the E36 M3 Lightweights made more money on the block than Walker’s E30 M3s - a white 1991 example with just 7,644 miles went for $220,000, while a 1988 E30 M3 (also white) with 32,269 recorded miles made $165,000.

All proceeds from the sale will go towards a trust for Walker’s 21-year-old daughter Meadow Rain, who also kept a few vehicles.

Paul sadly died when a Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in crashed into a tree in Los Angeles in 2013.

Some of the M3s in Paul Walker’s collection are lined up for a photo opp at Scottsdale

BMW moving away from auto shows…

For the second year in a row, BMW will not have a presence at the upcoming New York Auto Show, and eyebrows have been raised at BMW’s intention to also skip the Paris Motor Show in October. But what is a huge surprise is the news that the 2021 Frankfurt Auto Show has been cancelled, not only for BMW but for all automakers. In 2019, the IAA attracted 550,000 visitors, a far cry from the usual 800,000 - 900,000 visitors.

12

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

BMW has announced that they intend to give the New York Auto Show and Paris Motor Show a miss in 2020, amid surprise news that the 2021 Frankfurt Motor Show has been cancelled…

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW expands Dingolfing Plant The BMW Group is expanding production capacity and increasing its staff at the

BMW is in the process of extending the Dingolfing Plant to cope with the increase in electric motor production

Competence Centre for E-Drive Production at the Dingolfing Plant faster than originally planned. Due to growing demand for electrified vehicles, the plant expects the number of modules needed for production of high-voltage batteries to double from the previous year. The number of electric motors required will also increase significantly.

The building, where powertrain components for fully and partially electric models are produced, will grow from the current 8,000m² to 80,000m² in the future. By the end of 2020, BMW will have increased staffing from 600 to more than 1,400. Up to 2,000 employees will work on electric motors, battery modules and high-voltage batteries in Dingolfing in the medium term.

The introduction of the new BMW 330e*, BMW X5 xDrive45e* and BMW X3 xDrive30e* plug-in hybrids, together with the pure electric MINI Cooper SE*, brings the number of electrified vehicles in the BMW Group line-up to 12. These will be joined in 2020 by additional electrified models, such as the BMW X1 plug-in hybrid and the fullyelectric BMW iX3.

picks up Robert Kubica to race in DTM in a BMW more awards BMW M4 BMW has kicked off 2020 by adding 13 industry awards to the brand’s ever-

Former F1 driver Robert Kubica will compete in DTM in a BMW M4 run by the ART Grand Prix team in 2020

Former F1 driver Robert Kubica will race in the 2020 DTM Championship aboard a BMW M4 DTM run by French team ART Grand Prix. Kubica made an inspiring return to Formula One in 2019 after sustaining severe injuries in a rally crash in 2011, a seven-year comeback that many said wasn’t possible due to having limited use of his right hand. For 2020 the popular Pole has been replaced at Williams F1 by Nicholas Latifi, and Kubica has instead turned his attention to the DTM series. Even though the BMW factory line-up is complete, Kubica has managed to secure a DTM berth in a customer team bankrolled by PKN Orlen, which also backed his F1 return. There will be no need for BMW to build a new M4 for Kubica, as the 35-year-old old will instead be racing with the same test car he drove at Jerez two months ago. Kubica’s existing reserve driver role with the Alfa Romeo F1 team is not expected to be affected by his DTM race seat.

It is speculated that a second customer entrant may join Kubica in 2020, who could come from BMW’s junior driver roster. This would also allow BMW to share the cost of running the two-car customer team. BMW is officially running six cars in this year’s DTM, whereas Audi has entered eight RS5s.

Polish-born Kubica raced for the BMW Sauber F1 Team from 2006 to 2009.

BMW donates $600k to Australian bushfire fund

Following the worst bushfires Australia has ever seen, which has taken numerous lives and, according to estimates, more than 500,000 animals, rebuilding will be a long process and it will take a lot of resources. To this end, a rebuild fund has been established and BMW Australia has become a donor. The Australian arm of the company announced it will be donating $600,000 to the fund, raising the total donated by the automotive industry to over $6 million. The list includes Volkswagen with a pledge of $2.5 million, Holden with $1 million and Toyota with $473,000, among others.

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

growing collection of accolades. BMW’s 3 and 5 Series triumphed at the 2020 What Car? Awards, winning praise for their usability, ease of ownership and advanced technologies. The 3 Series won the ‘Safety Award’, with the 330e also taking home trophies for ‘Best Plug-in Hybrid Car’ and ‘Best Executive Car’.

The 5 Series reigned supreme in the fiercely-contest ‘Best Luxury Car’ category.

Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, added, “not only is it the most comfortable and quietest car in its price bracket, but it also offers a better driving position than any comparable car and its feature-packed, user-friendly infotainment system is light years ahead of everything else.”

BMW was also voted ‘Fleet Manufacturer of the Year’ at the 2020 Great British Fleet Awards. The new 1 Series and 3 Series were also category winners. The 1 Series was named ‘Best Lower Medium Fleet Car’, with the 3 Series winning ‘Best Fleet Compact Executive Car’ and ‘Best New Fleet Car’.

BMW underlined the suitability of its model range for fleets and company drivers after the 1 Series, 3 Series and 5 Series were all category winners in the Company Car Today CCT100 Awards. The 3 Series won the CCT100 ‘Car of the Year Award’.

The 1 Series also picked up the ‘Premium Lower Medium Car of the Year Award’ and the 5 Series was named ‘Executive Car of the Year’.

There was further recognition for the 3 Series at the Company Car and Van Awards, the 330e adding to its growing number of trophies by winning the ‘Plug-in Hybrid Car of the Year Award’.

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

13

motorsportnews motorsportnews BMW triumphs at Daytona! #24 BMW M8 GTE wins Daytona thriller after a breathtaking battle with two Porsche 911 RSRs - John Edwards (USA), Jesse Krohn (FIN), Augusto Farfus (BRA) and Chaz Mostert (AUS) secured victory in the GTLM class at the wheel of the #24 BMW M8 GTE at Daytona International Speedway in the 24H IMSA season opener. The #25 M8 GTE finished fifth. At the head of the field, the BMW works drivers thrilled GT fans with magnificent overtaking manoeuvres to finish ahead of two 911RSRs who crossed the line in second and third place.

BMW Team RLL also tasted victory at the Daytona 24H Race in 2019.

Back then, it was Farfus who drove an impressive final stint to clinch first place at the Florida endurance classic. This time, it was Krohn who took the wheel for the last stint of the race. He overtook the leading Porsche 911 with 46 minutes remaining. Shortly thereafter, he came in for his final pit stop, following which he successfully defended his lead from a pair of Porsches to the finish. In an impressive show of performance and reliability from the BMW M8 GTE, Krohn also set the fastest lap of the race (in GTLM) with a time of 1:42.168.

This latest triumph sees BMW Motorsport add another chapter to its success story at Daytona where BMW first won at the ‘World Centre of Racing’ back in 1976 with the 3.0 CSL. BMW’s E46 M3 GTR then took class wins in 1997 and 1998. Daytona Riley prototypes with BMW engines crossed the finish line in first place in 2011 and 2013. This was the fourth GTLM victory in the IMSA series for the BMW M8 GTE.

It’s a team effort - the victorious BMW Motorsport – Team RLL pictured with the winning #24 M8 GTE race car. One must never underestimate the importance of reliability in a 24H endurance race. It is one thing having a quick car, but it also must remain reliable for the whole race to be in contention for a race win at the chequered flag…

Connor De Phillippi (USA), Bruno Spengler (CAN), Philipp Eng (AUT) and Colton Herta (USA), who alternated at the wheel of the #25 BMW M8 GTE, were unfortunate. Their car ran over debris which damaged an oil line in the early stages of the race. That necessitated a long stop for repairs which saw the quartet drop well down the field, but they battled back to finish in 5th place at the chequered flag.

Fingers crossed that BMW Team RLL have a far more successful season after winning at Daytona than they did in 2019 – after last year’s win at Daytona the team had an up and down season, mostly connected to the weight penalties handed out by the IMSA powers that be – here’s hoping for a level playing field in 2020…

L-R Augusto Farfus, Jesse Krohn, John Edwards and Chaz Mostert celebrate their victory on the top step of the podium at Daytona

The BMW Motorsport – Team RLL #24 M8 GTE powers its way to victory in the Rolex 24H Race at Daytona

14

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Roving reporters Jeff Heywood & Neil McDonald

Autosport International 2020 Photographs by Neil McDonald, ARM BMW and Motorsport The Club kicked off its first national event this year by attending Autosport International in January at the NEC, Birmingham. This was the opportunity to show off some of the BMW Car Club Racing class winning cars. The display had cars from four of the five classes, including Graham Crowhurst’s E46 M3 (M2 Class) car, Darren Balls’ Class 6 winning 330 and Matt Page’s BMWcup championship winning 325ti.

We also thanked Jason Holyhead for the loan of his class M1 E46 M3, and Dan Harborrow for bringing along his E30. It was great to witness the drivers meeting up and chatting to those planning to join in 2020. We also signed up new members, with help on

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Saturday from Lisa from the Club office.

We were also surprised and grateful when Autosport International awarded the Club with an award for Best Club & National Motorsport Stand – thank you to everyone who displayed on the stand this year!

The show always promises great entertainment, as well as many stands from motorsport to tuning, and good food. The live-action showcase was another great success, which saw a number of high octane stunts, races, and celebrity appearances. If you have a passion for motorsport, this is an event you should plan to attend in 2021.

Autosport International will return on 14th – 17th January 2021.

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

15

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

Call our friendly UK team for a quote.

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 Short Throw Shifter for BMW E39 M5 (2000-2003)

Fidanza Performance shifters are designed as a ‘plug ‘n’ play’ direct factory replacement and reduce throw by up to 40% for faster shifts.

Fidanza short shift kits are precisely made with 6061 billet aluminium and a hardened steel lever shaft.

The Fidanza short throw shifter for the BMW M5 is based on the OEM shifter design with a reduced angle in the shifter shaft. The result will change your driving experience by giving you a shorter throw and an even sportier shifter action.

This conversion is also height adjustable allowing the driver to adjust the shifter height to suit their own preference.

The Fidanza Short Throw Shifter for the BMW E39 M5 can be ordered as part number 891104 at $277.74 + shipping and import tax MEMBER’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.

For more information on Fidanza’s great products visit www.fidanza.com or contact sales@fidanza.com

Webcon’s ‘Weber Equipped’ Badge

Webcon is delighted to announce the reintroduction of the legendary metal ‘Weber Equipped’ badge.

The badge has been out of production for over 25 years, but a recent surge in demand has resulted in Webcon producing all new tooling so as to make this iconic badge available once again.

The ‘Weber Equipped’ badge is completely manufactured in England to the very highest standards and is the finest way to assert the fact that your car

is fitted with genuine Weber Carburettors or equipment.

The ‘Weber Equipped’ badge is available as part number 9990148000 at just £9.95 plus VAT. For further details contact Webcon UK on +44 (0)1932 787100 or visit www.webcon.co.uk

MOMO Ultra Gear Shift Knob

The latest release from MOMO is the Ultra Gear Knob; which features a fully machined aluminium body with a microfibre grip composed of material similar to that used on MOMO competition steering wheels.

The MOMO Ultra Gear Knob is ideal for either racing or as a stylish upgrade on road cars. It is available in a choice of either black, blue or red with a sticker-bomb effect of the MOMO logo around the collar and the iconic MOMO arrow logo on the top as proof of pedigree.

Stock due March 2020, pre-order now.

Price: £119.99 inc. VAT each.

BG Steering Wheel Hub Kit – Mini One/Cooper/ Cooper S F55/F56/F57 Models

Brown & Geeson has over 25 years’ experience of supplying steering wheel and hub kits in the UK; today its range of hub kits boasts over 800 vehicle applications from classic to modern.

Its latest introduction, the BG8364 collapsible hub kit, is suitable for all 2013-on Mini One, Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S models (F55, F56, F57).

B-G Hub Kits are produced in Italy from the finest cast aluminium materials and are dual drilled to be compatible with various steering wheels featuring either a 6 x 70mm PCD pattern (such as MOMO, Sparco, OMP, Simoni, Mountney M-Range) or 6 x 74mm PCD pattern (such as Nardi, Personal, Raid).

The BG8364 collapsible hub kit retails at £83.99 inc. VAT. For more details contact Brown & Geeson Ltd. +44 (0) 1268 764411 or visit their website: www.b-gdirect.com

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

17

Products M-Style Mosselman Oil Thermostat for BMW N54, N55 and S55 Engines

The N54, N55 and S55 engines often succumb to oil cooling problems, but M-Style has the solution in the form of the Mosselman MSL Oil Thermostat.

The standard oil thermostat will reach around 120 degrees Celsius under normal driving. The MSL Oil Thermostat will open at a lower temperature (85 degrees Celsius) than the standard oil thermostat and will keep the temperature stable between 95 and 105 degrees Celsius, depending on the car model.

Installing the MSL Thermostat ensures a cooler oil temperature resulting in more stable performance, but most importantly it improves the reliability of the engine. M-Style highly recommends the installation of this thermostat, especially on cars that are tuned.

The MSL Thermostat is plug-andplay, taking only 30 minutes to install and

GAZ Adjustable Dampers for BMW E36 Compact

is CNC machined from high-grade billet aluminum.

It is not an ‘always open’ solution. The MSL Thermostat will ensure the oil will still reach operating temperature (approx.

20°C lower than stock) in the same time as a stock thermostat.

Mosselman MSL Oil Thermostat for N54, N55 and S55 engines retails at £349.00 inc. VAT. M-Style can also offer a fitting service if required. Oil cooler kits for the 1 Series E8x and the 3 Series E9x are also available from M-Style.

For further details e-mail info@mstyle.co.uk or call 0208 598 9115

DEI Releases 25th Anniversary Edition Catalogue

DEI, the leading aftermarket manufacturer of thermal and acoustic control products, has just released its 25th Anniversary Edition Catalogue.

The 56 page catalogue is packed with new products for multiple markets: automotive, powersports, marine, aviation, motor-home/van and more. It offers a comprehensive range of heat and sound control products for race, street, off-road/ Jeep®, restoration and show, UTV/ATV and motorcycle.

With over 30 new products and over 100 new part numbers covering all the company’s brands (DEI, Boom Mat®, CryO2™ and Radiator Relief™), this catalogue is designed as a one-stop shop for heat and sound control products that can be used for any home, business or race team.

New releases include: GEN-3 Titanium Turbo Shields, DEI’s popular selling Floor & Tunnel Shield in black and stainless steel and D-Mat™, a new ultra-lightweight insulation material ideal for interiors as a sound and thermal insulator. Many of DEI’s most popular products are also available in new finishes or sizes.

DEI’s new catalogue also offers a full range of thermal control products for powersports and a large number of application-specific products including those for the Jeep Wrangler and the new Jeep Gladiator.

To download a PDF of DEI’s new 25th Anniversary Edition catalogue go to www. designengineering.com/content/2020_dei_catalog.pdf. To view as a flick-through online document go to issuu.com/edeuro/docs/2020_dei_catalog 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 YouTube channel.

B-G Racing – Levelling Tray Leg Extension Kit

The B-G Racing Levelling Tray Leg Extension Kit bolts directly to a B-G Racing Modular Scale Pad Levelling Tray (BGR352) in order to raise the vehicle, and therefore the working area, to a much more comfortable position.

The B-G Racing Levelling Tray Leg Extension Kit has been designed with strength, stability, safety and convenience in mind. It is ideal for use in conjunction with a two post lift, scissor lift or A-frame crane.

The B-G Racing Levelling Tray Leg Extension Kit

18

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

GAZ is well known for its involvement in the BMW Compact Cup race series, but BMW E36 Compact owners don’t necessarily have to go the whole hog and install GAZ coilovers to improve their car’s handling.

GAZ also offer bump and rebound shock absorbers that will dramatically improve a road use car and even be beneficial on track days.

GAZ fully adjustable GT dampers enable the damping bump and rebound rate to be adjusted to suit the conditions and driving style. They have adjustable damping rates which can be altered by means of an easily accessible knob on the side of the units.

GAZ can set the dampers up for general road use but they will also be suitable for the occasional track slalom and sprint use; alternatively they can even be set up for serious racing use if you so wish.

GAZ dampers feature a zinc plated body and protective plastic sleeve to keep them looking good and working well for long into the future.

All units are individually tested before leaving the factory and are covered by a two year warranty.

The GAZ GT dampers for the BMW E36 Compact can be ordered as part number GT5-2016 for the front and GT52015 for the rear.

Both retail at £67.28 each plus VAT and are available from GAZ dealers worldwide.

For further details visit the GAZ website: www.gazshocks.com

has been manufactured from high grade mild steel with a durable silver/grey powder coated finish. It has been designed to be assembled and disassembled for ease of storage and transportation. It also features threaded bosses at the end of the legs to accept the original adjustable feet supplied with the B-G Racing Levelling Tray, thus allowing the same range of adjustment as standard. Supplied as a set of four.

Price: £479.99 inc. VAT. For more details contact Brown & Geeson Ltd. +44 (0) 1268 764411 or visit their website: www.bg-racing.co.uk

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Advertisement Feature

SEAL OF THE CENTURY Auto-Seal is pleased to announce a terrific membership benefit for BMW Car Club members bringing a safety-first product to all users irrespective of whether their car is a classic, tomorrow’s classic or their daily driver Auto-Seal Provide a unique, premium, market-leading puncture prevention tyre sealant for vehicles such as cars, vans, 4x4s, motorhomes, mobility vehicles, caravans, trailers, motor cycles and small business fleets.

Find out more at http://www. autoseal.co.uk or http://www.bikeseal. com (motorcycles/bicycles) History This product was first developed in the USA for NASA to protect astronauts in their space-suits, and was then adopted by the US Military in the early 1970s, having met the remit to protect their tyres when shot! After MIRA (the governmentfunded Motor Industries Research Association) testing, it was approved for use within the UK military and then all NATO countries. In recent times it has seen service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Further extensive independent testing

has led to this product being approved for use within the “blue light” emergency services. It is the only product to be authorised in this way. Eventually released commercially, the product quickly found favour amongst heavy industry, agriculture and the haulage sectors, and is now sold in 67 countries. Bike-Seal and Auto-Seal are successfully bringing the huge safety benefits of this product to individuals and small businesses.

How it Works This non-chemical puncture prevention system is ACTIVE not passive. Once installed, it can plug/seal up to a 15mm diameter puncture within 2-3 revolutions of a wheel, by a mechanical process and NOT a chemical reaction, losing negligible tyre pressure. The water base carries aramid fibres and rubber filler particles to matt together when air loss occurs to form a dynamic plug which flexes with tyre rubber.

If the product cannot seal (due to extent of the damage or location), it will be proactive in giving safety and slowing air loss to avoid a catastrophic blow-out whilst on the move. This homogeneous product has no shelf life, so can be safely stored indefinitely for future use or remain in tyres during vehicle storage for long periods.

Installation benefits • Protects tyres from 95% of tread area punctures for legal life of tyre.

• Can seal punctures up to 15mm.

• Stops most rim and bead leaks and slow punctures.

• Greatly reduces possibility of catastrophic failure.

• Reduces downtime, inconvenience and associated expense.

• Non-corrosive, eco-friendly and water based.

• Mechanical not chemical process (no shelf life).

• -35 c freezing point.

• On road/off road.

• No speed or distance restrictions.

• Tubed/tubeless and run flats.

• Easy self–installation through compact bottles.

• TPMS compatible with most systems.

BMWCC MEMBERS OFFER Enjoy 10% discount Auto-Seal + free UK delivery (saving £4.50 £6.00).

• Bike-Seal 550 ml – £27.00 (RRP £30.00) • Bike-Seal 550 ml + syringe applicator– £29.00 (RRP £32.00) • Auto-Seal 750 ml - £36.00 ((RRP £40.00) • Auto-Seal 1L - £45.00 (RRP £50.00) • Exclusive Compact Puncture Repair Kits - £3 off any option 6 or 12 plug • Digital Tyre Gauge - £10.00 (when purchased with other items – RRP £12.00) Please note: It is wise to check before purchase that there is no backing plate attached to the valves blocking access for product insertion by inserting a straw (WD40 type) or thin wire into the valve having removed the core to check accessibility.

How to get your discount We keep it simple! Please telephone Auto-Seal on 01278 671900 (Monday to Friday 0900-1700) or if you prefer, email us. In this way we can also ensure that you order the correct quantity for your vehicle and its usage, and can answer any specific queries you may have.

Terms and Conditions Club Member benefit is only available through Auto-Seal office directly or at our official Show stands (not online or through dealers/ stockists). Discounts cannot be claimed retrospectively. Card payments are processed securely through the merchant PayPal. Free UK post & packing is normally provided by Royal Mail 48, or Royal Mail 24 or DPD, with dispatch within 24hrs Monday to Friday. Quotes are given for shipping overseas + UK delivery credit applied. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Club Magazine XXXXX 2020 BMW CarCar Club Magazine March 2020 191

Feature

No, not one of the Stone Roses’ finest but the story of a ‘tatty’ TWR-Alpina modified E28 3.5 that escaped what was to be its final resting place at a scrapyard, thanks to the sympathetic and knowledgeable eye of the yard owner, which then underwent a six month transformation into the stunning example seen in this article…

Words by Sara Norris / Jeff Heywood Photographs by Sara Norris

I

f I scroll back in my iPhone gallery to late June I find a few photos of a sad looking BMW E28 Alpina TWR 3.5 sitting on the courtyard of Munich Legends in Sussex, with a front spoiler that had seen better days and generally looking like its last owner ran out of love, and abandoned it. I’ve seen BMWs come and go in that very same spot, but never before has there been a car that turned my head as many times as the TWR. I was intrigued. I didn’t even know what I had in front of me, but there was something about that car that made a lasting impression, to the point that I have the face of an E28 on my mind way too often. Dan tells me I’m obsessed with the car and perhaps so, but can you really look in the eye of that mean-looking TWR and walk away unimpressed?

I was told that the car was a Sapphire Blue 1982 BMW E28 Alpina TWR 3.5. It had rolled out of the Dingolfing plant as a 528i SE before it received the full treatment from UK-based Tom Walkinshaw Racing – including an engine conversion utilising a new, 218bhp 3.5-litre M30 engine that was normally found residing in the engine compartment of an E24 635CSi or E23 735i. This is where things get interesting though; TWR were not content to merely ape the 218bhp that comes with a 635CSi or a 735i, so the M30 was suitably modified by TWR. Off came

20

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Feature

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

21

Feature

Viewed side on, the TWR-Alpina 3.5 is equally as attractive. The basic E28 bodyshell may be a ‘square-rigger’ design, but that shark nose and the airy cabin glass give the car a touch of flair as well as looking like it was hewn from granite

The TWR-Alpina 3.5 sits menacingly in the weak winter sunlight, that front end looking particularly aggressive and shark-like…

the stock cylinder head and on went a TWR modified head. The latter carried larger valves and a 300° camshaft. The ports were also honed to match an Alpina freeflow exhaust system. These modifications gave TWR’s 3.5 an extra 56bhp over the normal 528i’s healthy 184bhp. Although a more vigorous camshaft is employed, TWR claimed at the time that peak power of 240bhp was developed at little more revs than the production peak of the 3.5-litre engine, and after driving this beauty I cannot dispute TWR’s claims.

The car had been sent there by a scrapyard owner, who deserves respect and an applause for giving a car he took one interested look at – thinking ‘that looks special’ – a second chance in life. I don’t know the story behind it and how it ended up at a scrapyard in the first place – and in that condition – but all I know is that sending something as rare as this TWR to a scrapyard says something about the previous owner’s lack of passion. If you can’t take a look at something and see some potential – at least enough glimpse of hope to bother

to make a phone call to a restoration garage and ask them if it’s a car worth investing a little bit of money on – you don’t deserve ownership of it. To dump it at a scrapyard should be the very last solution.

Almost six months after the first encounter I was reunited with the TWR. It had now gone through an extensive restoration project that included repainting the whole car, and making it roadworthy again – while still keeping that old patina. I originally fell in love with something that wasn’t perfect; it had wonky wipers, it had cracks in the front spoiler, the paintwork wasn’t perfect – but it was incredibly charming straight from the scrapyard. The revived TWR however – that car was almost heartstopping. The front spoiler, a £100 option

back in the day, was now fixed and like new. The Sapphire Blue paint glistened in the early morning sunlight. Everything was good with the world. Inside, enough patina had been retained to maintain the car’s character.

Driving Impressions So what is a TWR-Alpina E28 3.5 like to drive? I fired up the big six with a twist of the key and it settled into a quiet, even beat. I slotted the gear lever into first and we were on our way. We’re lucky in having many fantastic driving roads threading over the South Downs, and I chose one of the best routes to give the TWR-Alpina its head, Godalming to Goodwood.

Our starting point was the quintessentially English town of Godalming, which could be mistaken for a

The TWR-Alpina 3.5 is a handsome beast, providing grace with pace

22

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Feature

The heart of the beast! The 3.5-litre BMW M30 engine is in fine fettle and feels good for its 240 horses. This is no concours queen as you can see from this shot of the engine bay. A layer of patina has been kept in keeping with the car’s age. It’s also for using, not for being stuck away in a subterranean garage never to see the light of day

Hollywood movie set. In fact, Godalming did indeed briefly become a film set when it was sprayed with fake snow for its starring role in the Christmas hit movie The Holiday. We headed south on the A3100 for Milford and then to the A283, where the drive really kicks off. Most folk choose the A286 leaving you free on the A283 to either a) admire the picturepostcard scenery or b) drop a couple of cogs in the five-speed manual ‘box, and, conditions permitting, give it some gas!

The TWR-Alpina is a consummate cruiser up to 5000rpm and noise levels are confined to the odd murmur of wind noise and the odd distant thump from the suspension as we clipped yet another sunken manhole, the deep sidewall tyres helping to cushion the ride somewhat, making it a serene cruiser. But hold onto second or third gear beyond 5000rpm

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

and the engine note hardens and the straight six wails like a banshee to the redline! The engine’s urgency betrays this as not just a comfortable carriage but a car capable of excellent cross country performance. Let’s not forget that this E28 tips the scales at a waif-like 1300kg, and with 240bhp on tap it’s no slouch.

I settle the car into fifth gear, thinking of how much I love the car’s combination of grace and pace. In fifth gear, an 85mph motorway cruise equates to 3000rpm and 25mpg.

Anyway, back to our drive. Soon we’re passing the village of Chiddingfold with its strong music connections (the Stranglers and Genesis based themselves here) heading due south, still on the A283 as I give the TWR-Alpina its head again, then slowing as we pass the delightful village of Northchapel. There’s just time to explore the car’s performance again before I slot the gear lever back into fifth gear and cruise serenely at 60mph before, within a few miles, we reach historic Petworth House and the town of Petworth itself.

Leaving Petworth, we head south again on Station Road, joining the A285.

We encounter a bit of traffic here, so I let the TWR-Alpina cruise in fifth; just south of the village of Duncton I ready myself for a joyful but all-too brief switchback ascent of the South Downs escarpment, passing Upwaltham where I make a quick pit stop to pay a visit to the delightful St. Mary the Virgin church. This early Norman church, dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin, is just over 900 old (!) and remains largely unaltered.

Continuing south, the road forks at Ides Common; we take the right fork which keeps us on the A285. I have one

last chance to clear the TWR’s throat as we arrow down this wonderful, sinewy A-road until we reach the Anglesey Arms, a lovely country pub with a large beer garden popular with the Festival of Speed crowd. TWR claimed the car could hit 60mph in 6.2 seconds with a top speed “in excess of 140mph” – after pedalling the car cross-country I’m not about to dispute these claims! Just past the Anglesey Arms we take a right turn into New Road as I traverse west through the Goodwood Estate to our ‘chequered flag’ at the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit, a fitting destination for a car with so much performance on tap.

The TWR-Alpina proved to be a perfect companion for my brisk drive south, providing me with a wonderful drive in a machine still so capable and which belies its near 40-year age. The car is both exhilarating and sophisticated. It is equally at home batting down these A-roads at 5000rpm and above as it is wafting along at 50 or 60mph in fifth gear – the perfect all-round sporting saloon.

I insisted on a photo shoot. I was well aware that somewhere out there was the scrapyard owner, who now had spent a big chunk of money to give the BMW E28 Alpina TWR 3.5 a new life, and most likely could not wait to have it home. Before the car was due to be shipped back to its owner I wanted to try and capture the allure. Memorise the lines. Have a good deep stare at that incredible looking front one more time. I politely remind Dan – once, twice, maybe I went on and on about it – that if he ever hears from the owner again, and if the car ever comes up for sale, we want to be on the top of the list to hear how much the owner would let it go for. Secretly I might wish he’ll never fall in love with it like we did – but the chance is quite small.

You could show me all the E28 photos in the world but I’ve yet to see another one that looks as good as this TWR. That’s love at first sight for you.

Tom Walkinshaw, BMW and Alpina TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing) was a motor racing team and engineering firm founded in the mid-70’s by touring car racer Tom Walkinshaw. TWR first operated out of a small workshop – MSC (Motor Sport Centre) at Berinsfield, situated on the A4074 Oxford to Reading road. After TWR moved to their better known Kidlington premises in 1982, the old Berinsfield shop was taken over by an Alfa Romeo dealer. Walkinshaw was well known to BMW both here in the UK and in Germany, having raced many times in E9 CSL race cars amongst others.

TWR was approached by BMW in 1977 to modify ten E24 633CSi’s.

They were all painted silver metallic, BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

23

Feature

The interior is trimmed in Alpina’s broad striped velour fabric and comes equipped with the company’s Recaro front sports seats, which were another costly option back in the day. The interior has been left largely untouched to again maintain the patina of the car. The rear seats look as though they have hardly been sat on in the past 38-years

had a roman number logo on each side, and were fitted with an Alpina-like front spoiler, modified suspension and modified engine, probably a bit of head work and a higher lift cam. One has to remember this was before the 635CSi model was introduced.

In 1978 TWR were then asked if they could help selling off a number of 633 models left on BMW GB’s hands with the introduction of the 635. This became known as the 633CSi Hallmark Edition.

Most cars were automatics, but at least two manual cars were made (both these cars are still ‘alive’ today). Each car was fitted with 20-spoke Alpina alloys, 16x7” on the front and 16x8 on the rear.

An Alpina front spoiler was fitted along with Bilstein suspension and uprated brakes. Each car had twin hand-painted coachlines with the letter H on the rear wings, whilst the interior was ‘lifted’ with the fitment of solid silver ashtrays and a ‘H’ emblem motif on each front headrest. A Momo three-spoke steering wheel with leather centre pad, also displaying a ‘H’ emblem motif, rounded off the interior modifications. No engine tuning was carried out on the Hallmark cars, although the car which went to Derek Bell had a blueprinted engine requested by Bell. This was one of the

cars equipped with a manual gearbox as mentioned above.

It isn’t clear just how many Hallmark 633CSi’s were converted by TWR. Some say up to 56 cars were converted whilst others say the figure was more like 26 – we think a figure somewhere between the two seems more feasible…

TWR also won a contract with BMW Concessionaires (as it was then) to prepare a handful of M1s for the Procar Series. In 1979 they were also contracted to prepare and maintain thirteen E21 323i’s that were raced in the BMW County Championship by a variety of English BMW dealerships representing the County where they were based – but that’s another story.

The championship attracted some top named drivers, including Frank Sytner, Tiff Needel, Win Percy, Tony Dron, Martin Brundle and Derek Bell. You can watch a video of the BMW County Championship on Youtube by typing: youtube.com/ watch?v=CDHV6RQ9png Modifying the aforementioned E24 models brought Walkinshaw into direct contact with Burkhard Bovensiepen, head of Alpina. Walkinshaw knew Bovensiepen from his racing days and a deal was concluded in 1978 which saw TWR become the official supplier of

Alpina tuning products and conversions in the UK. TWR supplied lots of Alpina parts, spoilers and wheel sets to UK customers as well as converting a number of BMWs to what was then considered ‘true’ Alpina spec, including a handful of E21 3 Series, E24 6 Series models, the E12 5 Series and of course, the E28 5 Series, like the car in this article. There seems to be a small number, maybe two or three, E23 7 Series TWR-Alpina cars still in circulation. It is also known that TWR were requested to build an E21 to 2.8 B6 spec for a certain Frank Sytner!

The TWR-Alpina 3.5 looks menacingly and totally at home blatting along the (near) deserted Sussex A-roads…

24

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Feature

The TWR-Alpina 3.5 is a consummate all-rounder, being able to blast down some of Sussex’ finest A-roads on our journey, or waft along the roads near the Goodwood estate in serene comfort – what a car!

The problem with trying to document these cars lies with the fact that the early, pre-1986 Alpinas were cars made up from imported parts from Buchloe, because Alpina wouldn’t supply a RHD car direct from Buchloe at the time, hence the deal with TWR and later Sytner, to assemble these UK RHD vehicles. Unfortunately the sands of time have developed into a sandstorm, and it has become nigh on impossible to decipher what are genuine Alpina-TWR cars built from ‘official Alpina parts’ including the all-important engine conversion, or are just ‘bitsa’ cars fitted

with say, an Alpina front spoiler and a set of wheels, to which a B9 badge was then later applied to a bootlid, and so on. Did I mention a minefield...?

Tom Walkinshaw was always looking for the next deal and decided to jump the Deutsche ship in 1982 and instead hop on-board with Jaguar and British Leyland. He ran the factory Jaguar XJS in the European Touring Car Championship and Rover 3500 Vitesse in the BTCC and ETCC, but his sights were really on Le Mans and the XJR-9, taking TWRJaguar’s first Le Mans win in the V12

powered cat in 1988. The Alpina baton was handed over to Frank Sytner and his Sytner BMW dealerships in 1983, becoming the official Alpina supplier of tuning parts and conversions in the UK. What is unfortunate is that it is unclear just how many cars TWR converted to full Alpina spec, so there will always be a shadow over certain vehicles with little or no provenance - there are many who have made a ‘stab in the dark’ as to ‘official’ numbers, but not even Alpina themselves can provide the answer to that conundrum...

A big thank you goes to Sara Norris for allowing us to reproduce her article in Straight Six and for also allowing us to use the excellent photos accompanying this article.

Sara is a blogger/journalist/ photographer and the owner of Colcorsa – www.colcorsa.com – a luxury driving/tour company.

Sara is also the wife of Dan Norris, proprietor of Munich Legends.

The TWR-Alpina 3.5 proved the perfect partner for traversing the South Downs many swooping and sweeping A-roads www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

25

Feature

FUTURE PROOFED Member of the Straight Six editorial team, Andrew Coles, sits down with Steffen Hoffman, President of Robert Bosch Ltd in the UK, to talk automotive heritage and where he sees the future of the enthusiast automobile heading.

N

early all members of the BMW Car Club would have a product made by Steffen Hoffman’s company somewhere on their car.

From windscreen wipers or bulbs through to alternators, starter motors,

26

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

electric power steering components and the famous Jetronic fuel injection and engine management systems, Bosch is one of the pillars of the German automotive industry, suppling integral components to most of the major manufacturers.

Our society is nearing a crossroads as we balance the needs and wants of individual mobility against a looming environmental and climate emergency, but amidst the noise, it is companies like Bosch who will actually determine what our future looks like. It may come as some relief, then, to hear that Hoffman is a died-in-the-wool classic car guy. Our interview took place at the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Cars: Accelerating the Modern World, an exhibition sponsored

by Bosch, and Hoffman smiled when I introduced myself as a representative of Straight Six. “We have something in common then, I’m very much into classic cars. I love old Bentleys and old Aston Martins, unfortunately almost all of them are outside of my league!”

“At Bosch we have a large automotive aftermarket division and within that division there is www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Feature a heritage department, and they are really good at sourcing all sorts of components for classic cars. If you need something, they’ll get it for you somehow. And if they can’t source it they will manufacture it for you, but let’s not talk about the price of that…”, he chuckles.

However, despite the Heritage department, Bosch are a company with their eye firmly on shaping our future.

Even a quick glance to their corporate website shows that the entire automotive division, manufacturing products as banal as those bulbs and wiper blades, has been re-branded under the oh-sofashionable title of ‘Mobility’.

The idea of focussing on the wider concept of mobility, as opposed to the narrow definition of automotive, does make sense. After all, the company were at the forefront of the development of the automobile, which only truly became popular because it could travel further in a day than a horse could. Robert Bosch himself worked on the magneto in the late 1800s, invented the ignition coil in 1903, and patented his first antilock braking system in 1928. Robert Bosch Ltd went on to pioneer thousands of concepts, including the first introduction of stability control in 1995, so you can bet they will be at the forefront as the evolution of mobility continues.

Hoffman says that the Bosch vision of mobility revolves around four future trends.

Mobility will be personalised, using several different modes of transport tailored to the needs of an individual journey. It will be automated, and Hoffman expects the industry to reach Level 4 or 5 autonomy by the middle of this decade. Mobility will be connected, with an exchange of data between vehicles and the outside world, and it will be electric. Hoffman’s future sounds blissful, for city-dwellers at least.

He says that Bosch are firm believers in individual mobility, and he speaks of a world where you will have such luxuries as a BMW that will follow you around to be conveniently on-hand when you wish to be collected.

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

On his final point of electrification, Hoffman says that Bosch strongly believe in electric powertrains and that they have already brought their new eAxle all-inone electric powertrain to market, but that a far wider approach to the issue is needed. It was rather topical, as our interview took place just a single day after Boris Johnson’s announcement that the UK will ban the sale of all internal combustion and hybrid vehicles from 2035 onwards. It was too good an opportunity not to quiz him on his thoughts, and he used it to illustrate his point.

“We very much believe in the green agenda and we think it’s absolutely the right thing, especially the 2050 carbon neutral target. I would say the fact that the UK Government is deciding to be the pacemaker with more aggressive targets is probably the right way to go, but with this particular announcement we need a bit of clarification in terms of what is included and what isn’t, especially around hybrids. Are plug-in hybrids included? Are range extenders included in that? There is no clear answer at this point’. “…Governments have been quite deficient in giving the industry emission targets… what we would strongly argue is that Governments need to tell us what results they want to achieve, and should leave the ways to achieve that to industry.”

Hoffman uses the term ‘technology agnostic’ to describe his stance, in that there’s no single silver-bullet to solving this problem.

“We feel this is a bit neglected right now in the public discussion. We are as enthusiastic as everybody else about electric powertrains and that is definitely part of the solution, but we strongly believe that we have to look with a wider view and look at other possibilities and options too… politics needs to provide some tailwind for these technologies.”

He cites synthetic fuels as an example, where hydrogen is produced

using renewable energy and chemically combined with carbon dioxide taken from the atmosphere, to produce a stable liquid fuel. Pilot programs are under way and one issue at the moment is that efficiency is only around 15 percent compared to the 40 percent of fossil fuels, but Hoffman is confident that progress can be made.

If there’s one take-home message about the place of our treasured BMWs in tomorrow’s society, it’s that our need for mobility will be separated from our enjoyment of the car as a hobby. But Hoffman is confident that enthusiast cars could be treasured even more than they are now. He notes that the carbon footprint of enthusiast cars is negligible, and cites synthetic fuels as an example where owners may be able to drive and enjoy their car while remaining carbon neutral.

“I think that classic cars, cars in general, are part of our culture and I think that there will always be cars, but they will not be in use very much,” he predicts.

“If you look at history, there’s very few examples where one technology has been completely substituted by another one. Typically, what you have is coexistence of some sort. I think that in 10 or 15 years we’ll all be using robotaxis in an even more seamless fashion than we use Uber today, but I wouldn’t be surprised if many of us choose to still own a car, a vehicle of some sort or maybe a classic car, to experience the joy of driving on the weekend. Driving can be really fun but it also can be a pain, if you think of the stop and go commute that you do every day, nobody has fun with that. Coexistence is what we believe in.”

These are refreshing words from one of the men who is leading the charge in designing what the roads of the coming decades will look like. The Ultimate Driving Machine is secure as an object of passion and enjoyment, but you best stock up on reading material for your commute.

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

27

Feature

T

he M8 Competition is the pinnacle of the BMW range and while its price tag marks it out as the most expensive M car to grace these shores it’s also up against some pretty serious competition. In the region of £120k buys some mouth-watering machinery and you could easily make a case

for a host of other high-performance coupes and cabriolets such as Aston Martin’s Vantage, Mercedes-AMG’s GT, various Porsche 911s, as being direct competitors for the M8. And let’s not forget BMW’s very own M850i xDrive which quite frankly offers all the performance you could ever need for nigh on £25k less.

While the M8 is up against some pretty stiff opposition it certainly has the necessary hardware to back up its price tag. Nestling under its sculpted bonnet is the same twin-turbo V8 you’ll find providing the firepower for the current M5 Competition which equates to 625hp at 6000rpm and a not insignificant 553lb ft of torque that’s available all the way from

CROWNING GLORY? The M8 Competition is the most powerful and expensive 8 Series BMW has ever made, but does its performance justify its price tag?

Words by Bob Harper Photography by BMW UK

28

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Feature 1800 to 5600rpm. Naturally enough it’s quick, hugely so, and if anything its onpaper stats still don’t quite prepare you for the savagery of its acceleration once you’re behind the wheel.

For the record the M8 Comp in Coupe form will knock off the 0-62mph sprint in just 3.2 seconds but it’s the 0-124mph time of just 10.6 seconds which gives a better indication of its performance. The extra weight of the Convertible (it’s 125kg heavier than the Coupe) means it’s a smidgen slower (3.3 and 11.1 seconds respectively) but the all-wheel drive traction provided by the M xDrive set up really does put the power down effectively – the M8 Competition Coupe is 1.2 seconds faster to 124mph than the previous generation M6 Comp which ably demonstrates the benefits the four-wheel drive brings.

As well as all-wheel drive the M8 also sports an automatic gearbox – the ubiquitous ZF eight-speeder that features

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

in many BMWs. There’s no manual option and the M DCT that featured in the last generation of M5 and M6 is no more. Naturally enough the ZF’s software has been optimised for its M use and shifts can either be fully automatic of driver controlled by way of the gear lever or the steering wheel paddles.

As you’d expect the M8 Competition also features a revised chassis over the standard 8 Series with a number of rubber bushings having been ditched in favour of rose joints while even the engine receives M specific mountings with the aim of improving response and agility. Damping is electronic all round with the option of Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus settings depending on the road surface or your mood and as with many M models you can also choose

different modes for the engine as well as the steering and for the first time, the brakes, too.

Given the M8’s performance potential the brakes would appear to be more than up to the job, featuring 395mm drilled and vented front discs with sixpot callipers while those at the rear are 380mm items with single piston floating callipers. There’s also a carbon ceramic option (at a not insignificant £8k!) but both set ups now feature a switchable set up – Comfort or Sport – with the latter offering a more instantaneous response when braking. Another first for the M8 is an M Mode button which not

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

29

Feature only changes the instrument displays depending on whether you’ve opted for Road, Sport or Track, but also change the driver assistance systems such as the active braking and steering set ups.

The last of the switchable set ups concerns the M xDrive which can be configured in 4wd, 4wd Sport and 2wd.

The default setting is 4wd which offers

30

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

optimised traction with power being sent to the rear wheels with the fronts coming into play when the DSC detects the rear tyres are struggling to deploy 625hp. In 4wd Sport mode BMW reckons there’s a noticeable sharpening of the car’s agility with more of the power being fed to the rear wheels while 2wd sends all of the power to the rear while also switching out the DSC system. The latter mode might be best left for track days unless

you’re on first name terms with your insurance broker and have a small excess!

The M8’s range-topping status ensures it’s packed full of equipment and has all the latest gadgets and gizmos fitted as standard… although there are still a couple of options to choose from.

BMW’s made it easy for those who want their M8 loaded to the gunwales though, simply tick the ‘Ultimate package’ (a snip at £20k) and your M8 will come with carbon brakes, Bowers and Wilkins

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Feature sounds, a carbon exterior pack, laser light headlights, the M Driver’s package (which raises the top speed to 189mph) and a host of other items.

And it’s in this guise that I tested the M8 Competition Coupe and Convertible at their UK media event which was actually held in sunny Spain to ensure some decent weather. First impressions are that both models are pretty imposing in the flesh – they’re big cars and are all muscly aggression with pumped up detailing and lashings of carbon fibre

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

thanks to the optional Carbon Exterior Package. I perhaps wouldn’t go as far as to say they’re beautiful, but they certainly have more than enough presence to clear the outside lane of dawdlers.

Inside their interiors are pretty swish and good enough to compete with any of their German rivals and knocks the fixtures and fittings of Aston’s Vantage into a cocked hat if the one I drove was a representative example. The leather’s supple, the stitching looks excellent and carbon and piano black trim gives it the necessary sporting ambiance. I’m not

a fan of some of the new switchgear though – the controls around the iDrive controller are less easy to find and use than they used to be and swapping the rotary controller for buttons for the headlights seems like a retrograde step as you can no longer operate them without looking at them. Minor points perhaps, but I’m becoming increasingly convinced that the folks who design car interiors aren’t actually keen drivers – witness the proliferation of touch screens.

Awakening the V8 from its slumbers elicits the sort of heady burble you were expecting, but it very quickly settles down into a quiet murmur and pulling away in the car’s default mode it seems remarkably docile for a 600+bhp sports coupe. We don’t have many city streets to negotiate before hitting the more open roads of the test route but they do demonstrate that the M8 is actually a pretty large beast and its nigh-on two-metre girth does make it feel a little intimidating to drive. With the engine and suspension in their Efficient and Comfort modes the M8 is the epitome of the refined cruiser.

There’s a brief opportunity to open up the taps a little on the motorway and an impromptu drag race with a 911 away from the toll booths demonstrates that there won’t be many rivals for the M8 when it comes to straight line acceleration unless you come up against a full-on hypercar. The M xDrive just digs in, endowing the M8 with phenomenal traction, and the rev-hungry V8 bellows away enthusiastically as you approach warp speed. A desire to retain a licence and no inclination to sample Spanish prison food sees me back off, but BMW’s 10 seconds and a bit 0-124mph time seems understated if the seat of my pants was anything to go by!

Coming off the motorway and onto some fast A roads and the M8 is really in its element. The road surface is good enough to opt for Sport mode on the suspension and with the other switchable elements ramped up the car really

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

31

Feature comes alive, hugging the Tarmac with a vice-like grip and retaining a flat attitude when whipping through quick corners.

While the V8 does become more vocal when pushing on it doesn’t ever exhibit an AMG-style soundtrack and does feel rather muted at times and a little more aural stimulation wouldn’t go amiss.

As we climb further into the hills the roads become narrower and more demanding and the M8’s agility tackling switchbacks and tighter corners impresses. Its turn in is exceptional and any thoughts of understeer are quickly banished as its grip is immense, even in 4wd Sport the rear end is pretty well planted but can be tempted to come out of line a little with judicious use of the throttle. What does hamper the M8 in these situations though is the car’s bulk – you’re quite aware that it weighs nigh-on two tonnes and the car’s width ultimately hampers your pace on narrow roads when you’re hemmed in by Armco on one side and a rock face on the other.

While the Coupe ticks all the right boxes I was perhaps even more impressed with the Convertible, although you have to pay an additional £7k for the privilege of having a roof that raises and lowers in just 15 seconds. With the hood up it feels every bit as refined as the Coupe and that additional 125kg of chassis strengthening has been put to good use – the roads were good but there really wasn’t any scuttle shake. And with the hood down you do get to hear far more of that V8 soundtrack and as it ricochets off the valley rock walls it really does sound divine as you work your way through the rev range.

Ultimately the M8 Coupe and Convertible are both hugely accomplished machines. Whether you’d actually use the additional performance over the M850i xDrive is debateable, but the M8 is a more satisfying machine to pedal hard. Its responses have been finely honed by M and it’s definitely a more entertaining car to drive when you’ve got all the settings ramped up to 10. So an M8 or an Aston Vantage? M8 for me every day of the week – there’s simply no Competition!

32

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

BMW M8 Competition Coupe and Convertible Engine: S63B44T4, V8, turbocharged Capacity: 4395cc Max power: 625hp @ 6000rpm Max torque: 553lb ft @ 1800-5600rpm 0-62mph: 3.2 seconds (3.3 seconds) 0-124mph: 10.6 seconds (11.1 seconds) Top speed: 155mph (155mph) Economy: 25.2mpg (25mpg) Emissions (CO2): 253g/km (256g/km) Weight (EU): 1960kg (2085kg) Price (OTR): £123,435 (£130,435) * figures in brackets refer to Convertible

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW RESTORATION MARCH SPECIAL BOOK NOW - £45 PER HOUR

in ys r). gu a m e y c he th m d t by t’s n h. k (I e ug or . m o . w ice com en .... at ho re ly C re C t h ve G 1st an’ hig Da Ic

BMW Winter Gourmet Break Offer. January to April 2020 £99.00 D.B&B per night. Phone or Website use promo code BMWCC20

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

01957 828 590 www.metropole.co.uk Llandrindod Wells - Mid Wales

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

DISCOUNTED INSURANCE FOR BMW CLUB MEMBERS

Agreed Value BMW Car Club Member Discount Limited Mileage Discounts Free Club Organised Track Day Cover

Free UK& EU Breakdown Recovery Free Legal Cover Laid Up/Project Cover Multi-vehicle Policies

01455 639 000 Authorised and regulated by the FCA

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

www.classiclineinsurance.co.uk BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

33

M Power Feature - E90 M3

LIFE

DON’T STOP ME NOW

Editorial by Steve Carter Photographs by Dean Grossmith

34

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

M Power Feature - E90 M3

I

don’t know about you, but I do fairly frequently find myself talking to my cars. Of course, this usually only happens in private and on a one to one basis with the car, if only to avoid my better half and kids thinking I’ve finally lost the plot. I’ll also readily admit to imagining that my car is grateful for this friendly conversation and that, on occasion, my car would happily converse back. In fact, there is one particular moment that I think one of my cars is not talking back, but actually singing back. And that moment would be that last 2,000rpm racing towards the redline, and she’s singing Queen’s, “don’t stop me now, I’m having such a good time, I’m having a ball”. And she is my 2010 Interlagos Blue E90 M3 saloon.

The initial design of the E90 saloon was unbelievably started in the late 1990’s when BMW’s Munich studio were looking into Rover friendly platforms.

When that relationship ended, the E90 platform development then briefly took a back seat as efforts went into the new 1 Series, or E8x as it became known. So, it wasn’t until late 2001 that focus on the E90 was revived.

Fifteen exterior designs for E90 were originally submitted, only six of those apparently made it into full size clay models with Japanese designer Joji Nagashima’s proposal being chosen for further development. Leading this development was Senior Design Manager, Boyke Boyer, whilst the interior design was led by Mike Ninic. At a time when Boyer and Ninic both reported to BMW’s then controversial Design Director, Chris Bangle, it is perhaps www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

somewhat surprising that the E90 ended up without much of the criticism that had been levied at similar era Bangle models such as the E60 5 Series and the “Bangle Butt” E65 7 Series.

The E90 design was finally signed off in 2002, with the first four-door saloon production models (MY2006) hitting the dealerships in 2005. But it was a further two years until BMW’s M division got to show the world the (production ready) fourth-generation M3 at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. Beyond Nagashima’s fine lines, the M3 version had turned the E90 and its coupe and convertible siblings into a full-blown muscle car.

The bonnet now had a power dome, the front bumper was more aggressively designed for breathing and cooling, new side vents sported the M3 logo, the rear bumper apron had a diffuser, a Gurney lip was fitted to the boot and the obligatory quad tail pipes in chrome were included, albeit packed together more centrally than on the E60 M5. The track, widened with its new aluminium M suspension, 38mm at the front and 31mm at the rear to house wider rubber, had caused the wheel arches to bulge with purposeful intent. To those in the know, this was an M3, but to those who didn’t, whilst muscular, the exterior styling had still managed to carry a certain level of discretion and subtlety.

Inside the cabin, the M3 was adorned with a number of high-quality fixtures and capabilities unavailable on the non-M version. A 200mph speedo anyone? A thicker M steering wheel, paddles for the Getrag dual-clutch 7 speed gearbox and BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

35

M Power Feature - E90 M3

an enhanced iDrive system which, once set up, allows the driver to switch from regular or comfort settings to full blown race car mode. Electronic damping, throttle mapping, DCT shift speed, steering weight and dynamic stability control can all be tailored. To access, just push that innocuous little “M” button on the steering wheel. Was this Jekyll and Hyde in one sensible family four door saloon? Absolutely.

But of course, like every M car, it’s what’s under the bonnet that is the star of the show. And this M car for the first time saw a small-block S code V8 engine fitted to a 3 Series. With an engine block forged in BMW’s Landshut foundry, that of Formula One fame, a 4-litre swept capacity with normal aspiration and double VANOS, achieved a power output of 414bhp and a torque output of 295lbft at 3,900rpm. Oh, and that redline I mentioned earlier, that’s set at an incredible 8,300rpm. When reflecting on the E90 M3, Top Gear’s Stephen

Dobie stated, “The manic, high-revving delivery is almost supercar-like”. And it is. This is no low revving torque rich lazy Americanesque V8, no sir, this is a screaming banshee of a V8 motor which hunts limiters for fun.

Performance, as you would expect, is positively Rocketship-like. 0 to 60mph in 4.8 secs for the 6-speed manual and 4.5 secs for the DCT; and I’ve seen more than one data source showing these times for a DCT down to 3.9 / 4.0 secs in the LSI model. To put it into perspective, a Porsche 911 Carrera of the day took five seconds. And if you ever found yourself on an Autobahn, 100mph would come up in just over ten seconds. Pretty rapid for an off the shelf rear-wheel drive car, albeit an M car.

And so compact is the S65 engine that three quarters of its block sits behind the front axle, arguably making the car front-mid engine and eschewing the M3 with a centre of gravity perfectly balanced between front and rear. And

by the way, that forged engine block is 15Kg lighter than the one used in the previous generation M3’s outstanding S54 six-cylinder motor. However, despite this weight saving, and the use of an aluminium bonnet and plastic front wings (and a carbon roof for non-sunroof coupes), there is no getting over that this E90 was heavier and more grown up than the previous, and legendary, E46 M3.

Also, the E90 saloon was heavier than its E92 coupe sibling, albeit by only 25kg. However, both cars shared exactly the same footprint on the road, although body wise the saloon was higher, wider and shorter than the coupe, and also rarer.

Out of the 8,262 E9x generation M3’s that came to the UK, only 625 were four door

M Life: My E90 M3 Cars that combine ordinary looks with extraordinary performance and which slip under the radar have always appealed to me.

Sometimes referred to as ‘sleepers’ but more often known as ‘Q’ cars. For me, my Space Grey BMW E90 M3, notwithstanding the power bulge on the bonnet, quad tail pipes and 19” 359 wheels, sits comfortably in the Q car space.

Some think the BMW E90 M3 lacks style but to me it’s gentler lines, four doors, generous boot space and more refined feel makes it a far more subtle proposition than its E92 and E93 counterparts.

The M3 V8 is designed to be driven quickly and that’s where it’s at its best.

The downside is that in the UK those technically challenging roads where you can actually exploit and enjoy the performance are few and far between, at least in the congested South East of the country.

Read any buying guide for the E90 M3 and they mention with higher mileage cars that it’s worth checking to see if the throttle actuators have been replaced and for potential bottom-end engine failures. As my car was a low mileage example, I checked that first service had been undertaken at 1,000 miles and that there was a full BMW service history; service history from a good independent with backing documentation will also suffice. Also check the tyres on the car, not so much for tread wear but DOT number and make. If the car is shod with budget tyres that should flag that the previous owner has skimped on costs.

Frank Wright

36

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

M Power Feature - E90 M3

saloons; the coupe and convertible proving more popular with buyers at the time. That makes the “sensible four door family” M3 saloon quite a rare beast nowadays.

Driving Blipping the key, opening the Interlagos blue door and settling down in to the sumptuous Palladium Silver Novillo Nappa Leather, two things are instantly noticeable. Firstly, the seats are extremely comfortable and supportive (and remain so over a long drive). And secondly, you are sitting higher than you want to be. It’s a position which at first feels at odds with the height of the steering wheel, which is perfect, but it’s a feeling that soon vanishes.

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Pushing the start button initiates a start-up routine which takes a minute or so. If you have started an E60 V10 M5, it’s almost identical. I confess the first time I heard it from the outside of the car, I thought I had been mugged and my V8 replaced with a 200,000 mile diesel unit from a 90s Renault Laguna! But after doing its priming and start up routine, the car takes a deep breath (literally) and then relaxes, the engine settling in to a dignified yet quiet V8 burble.

This car is fitted with the 7-speed DCT gearbox. The next noticeable thing is how agricultural it feels pulling away. It seriously feels like the gearbox is fighting against being rudely awoken and used against its will. However, after

a few minutes, the fluids warm up and the gearbox and car settle into their rhythm. With driver settings at default, and the Electronic Damper Control set to comfort, this car rides as good as, if not better, than any non-M E90 3 Series; the initial damping is just so impressive.

And perhaps you might think me odd for talking about these virtues, but it is this grown up ability where the M3 goes about everyday use with such ease that makes it the great car it is, and different from previous generations.

Driving around town is not wonderful for fuel economy that’s for sure, but it doesn’t faze the car one bit. It will pootle around in start stop traffic, the only occasional flinch being from the DCT box changing down at slow speeds. Similarly, if I were to load the car up with family, dog and two weeks’ worth of luggage, I could drive from Brighton down to Cornwall in absolute comfort, and doing it all at a V8 pace (Waze on of course!).

So, IT IS a sensible family four door saloon car then? Well, not entirely…

There is of course another side to this car. The M side. The side where it goes from being Dr Jekyll to Mr Hyde.

The transition between the both needs nothing more than a press of the throttle, hanging on to a gear longer than necessary and a bunch of corners taken with gusto. Wind this car up and she just goes. The way in which the power builds and the torque comes in through the rev range means that you are effortlessly and safely in control of what is being sent to

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

37

M Power Feature - E90 M3

the rear wheels. There’s no spikey turbo torquefest to be frightened of here. Oh, you want to spin the rear wheels and hang the back end out? No problem, wring the engine out and you’ll achieve your heart’s desire.

But to just do so would be ignoring what is really special about this car. It has more layers of capability than any car I have ever owned. The depth of its talent is truly remarkable and can only be experienced on different roads in different conditions. I thought I had

the M button configuration figured out within three months of owning it, but only four years further down the line did I really know how the car performs at its best with the various M settings as I like them; everything on max attack, DCT in M Dynamic mode and dampers set to Comfort. And let’s face it, I’m still learning about this car’s many layers, and loving it more by doing so.

What I do know is that the E90 M3 is highly forgiving. The hydraulic steering and weight balance allow the nose of the

M Life: My E90 M3 With the need to transport grandchildren and their car seats, it became clear to me in 2017 that my E46 M3 coupe would have to go. The question was, what could replace it. I hadn’t at that point realised that the E90 included a 4 door M3 but when I found out, acquiring one became my ambition. I hadn’t realised either that so few were imported.

However, with the joint effort of myself and dealer Nick Johnson, we eventually found a good one, a Monte Carlo Blue example with only 23,500 miles on the clock and from the last month of production.

It’s a wonderful machine, great to drive, very good performance and it has a fabulous exhaust note. Mine has the DCT gearbox which is smooth in auto mode and has really fast changes in manual mode.

There are many stories circulating regarding main bearing wear but I’m told these are primarily with the earlier models: later ones have revised bearing material.

However, the key is to allow the oil to warm correctly before using a lot of revs and to undertake oil changes more frequently than the service indicator advises.

I change the oil every year only using the correct Castrol factory recommended oil and I have the old oil analysed for premature bearing shell wear.

All in all, I have to say that this is one of the very best cars I have ever owned (40 in the last 51 years), and every drive brings a smile to my face.

Peter Keneally

38

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

car to be pointed exactly where I need it.

You have to be exceedingly juvenile with your driving to wash the front end wide, it’s easier in the wet of course but warp speed is required in the dry. And talking of driving in the wet, since fitting the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S to the M3’s 19-inch alloys, the levels of all-weather grip in combination with that adjustable power delivery have become astounding. What these tyres can do in the cold and damp is truly remarkable - Michelin, please please please make them for 18-inch wheels too!

And that gearbox, which was all huffy and puffy when cold, really finds its rhythm once warmed up and when being used as the M engineers intended.

Playing with paddles isn’t necessary for daily driving, but if you want to dive off from your regular commute home onto your favourite twisting A or B road, then simply pull a paddle and off you go. And once you use a paddle it stays in manual - that’s M Engineer thinking right there.

The only problem with the gearbox is that it’s so much fun that it can be hard to avoid over using it. The auto-blipping on downshifts when you have the M settings wound right up, and in combination with the shift lights (not just a gimmick if you’re properly on it), really does make for a near supercar experience.

Now I know that Dan Norris (owner of Munch Legends) is biased by being a fellow owner, and he did sell me my M3, but he is not too far wide of the mark when he says, “The E90 M3 is the best www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

M Power Feature - E90 M3 M Life: My E90 M3 Since childhood I have loved BMWs, my dad had an E36 and that’s where the love began. I’ve always wanted an M3 and in the summer of 2016 I finally got my chance. After browsing all the usual sites, I found my dream car on Pistonheads; a sparkling graphite E90 M3 with extended Fox Red leather. Finding a high specification four-door M3 was hard due to the low numbers made, so as soon as it came up I called the seller.

I’ve always loved the E9x platform and have owned everything from a 320d, a 330d and even a couple of Alpina D3s. I chose the E9x M3 platform because of the V8 engine and the muscular looks, it really is all I could have hoped for. And with the way the economy and climate change are going they will surely never make another naturally aspirated manual 4.0 V8 M3 - So, I had to dive in and buy one.

I enjoy taking the car down country lanes, the car handles perfectly with the V8 screaming at high revs… down private roads of course! But the car also serves well as a family car and is very comfortable on a long run.

Reliability wise they are pretty solid. Mine has had both its Throttle Actuators done and Rod Bearings replaced already, the only two real weak mechanical points of the car.

In late 2018 I had the opportunity to purchase another E90 M3, this time in Jerez Black. So, I did the honourable thing and bought the wife one too.

Amar Suemul all round M car BMW has ever made”.

And it’s those “all round” words that’s the important bit to me. Are there better pure M cars? Yes, I think so. But this M3 is a V8 automotive chameleon - and if that’s its only compromise, then so be it.

Ownership Now, it would be easy for me to wrap this article up right here, leaving the impression that owning an E90 M3 is the stuff of dreams. And frankly that would be easy. I mean, I only meant to satisfy an itch by owning one for 12 months myself, and five years later I still have it. And although I briefly thought about selling her before she hit 60,000 miles just last Christmas, (don’t worry, I had a word with myself), it’s going absolutely nowhere. But. And there is a But. Owning one of these amazing machines will not be the same as owning a similar age E90 335d in terms of running costs. I know, I have owned both.

In my five years I have only once broken down and that was entirely my fault – happy to explain what a (bleep) I was over a beer sometime. But that engine does need the proper care. Servicing on demand needs to be followed religiously with the right quality OEM grade products.

The throttle actuators will need replacing at some point, one of mine went at 35,000 miles so I replaced both – just under £2,000. Don’t skimp on tyres either, buy the best you can afford, £800 or under should get you quality premium brand rubber. I’ve just had two rocker cover gaskets, a mass air flow meter and two lambda sensors fitted, that was well over a grand, too. And treating the rear subframe.

And the brake replacement cost. And the annual Road Tax of £570. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

The real elephant in the room of course with this S65 engine are the rod bearing shells. If these wear out and expose the oil to copper grindings, it can be a high four-figure engine repair bill, or, if you are lucky and catch it in time, two grand. How the engine has been looked after and serviced, right back to that initial running in service, seems to play a huge part in the robustness of these shells with later cars seemingly more robust. I have been analysing my oil twice a year for a while, and at over 60,000 miles there isn’t a hint of a problem. But I never drive off without the start cycle being performed, and I certainly never use the engine properly until it’s fully warmed – that’s why M cars have an oil temperature gauge, right?

I’m sure you get my point on the running costs. Yes, they are high, but

looked after and serviced as needed with no corners cut, these cars are hugely reliable. I spent almost nothing on my M3 for the first two years of ownership, then a chunk, then nothing again for a year or so. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Every time I step away, I look back at her. Every time. Whilst I know that at some point in the future I won’t be allowed to drive a car like her anymore, I will whilst I still can. And as I pass you by, you’ll no doubt see me happily talking to her, as she is singing with her V8 back to me, “I’m a racing car, … I’m gonna go, go, go, there’s no stopping me!”

A quick note to say thanks to the fellow owners who so enthusiastically contributed to this article with their own E90 M3 experiences. Thank you, Frank, Peter and Amar! Steve.

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

39

Feature

W

hy wouldn’t you want to own one of BMW’s much lauded E30 models?

Compact rear-wheel drive saloons were in short supply in the ‘80s. The E30 harked back to the 1960s and before, to the days of Alfa Giulias, Triumph Vitesses and similar rear-wheel drive sporting machinery; the E30’s only rear-wheel drive adversaries in the eighties were the solid but staid Mercedes 190 and the fragile Alfa Romeo 75. The E30 was so successful that well over two million were made in a varied selection of models. Power units ranged from an 86bhp diesel to the 238bhp M3 Sport Evo. BMW launched the E30 in November of 1982 and resisted any temptation to change a winning formula; instead the E30 was refined in almost every detail from the E21. Fuel-injected models used electronics, there was a delightfully crisp all-new five-speed transmission, and the E21’s tail-happy handling had been dialled out in favour of a fine ride/ handling compromise, while the heating and ventilation system was much improved. Stress analysis of the structure kept weight to a minimum despite extra equipment over earlier versions, and a five-door Touring model joined the two

Four-door models made for an excellent all-rounder, suiting the eighties up and coming executive with a young family – in midweek the car was an excellent work tool but the four doors also made it the perfect family car at weekends, with plenty of room for youngsters in the rear yet providing the owner with a sporty drive

and four-door saloons and two-door convertibles – initially by Baur, and later as a full factory convertible.

At the UK launch in March 1983, a 316 with a 1.8-litre four cylinder engine, and six-cylinder 320i and 323i models were available to order for UK customers.

In November of that same year a 318i model was added, plus a four-speed automatic became available as an option on six-cylinder models, and on fourcylinder models the year after.

October 1985 saw the 325i replace the 323i and in 1986 the Touring and Convertible arrived in the UK, plus the newer M40 engine replaced the M10.

In 1988 the carburettor-fed 316 model was dropped and in 1990 the 318iS was added, with a 16-valve 136bhp M42 1.8-litre four-cylinder unit under the bonnet; this allowed the 318iS to sprint to 60mph from rest in 9.3 seconds, and onto a top speed of 125mph. Later the

REVISITINGTHE CLASSICS

same year, 316i/318i Lux models were launched. 1991 saw the E36 replace the E30 in most markets, although the Convertible soldiered on until ’93 and the Touring until ’94.

Performance enthusiasts were not forgotten, with options on the 323i/325i including a close-ratio ZF gearbox, but it was sophistication that shone when the E30 was tested. Motor commented on the 325i’s “exceptional blend of refinement, smoothness and responsiveness” and its “high quality feel”.

The driving position “fits like a glove” and the “teutonically firm” seats were surprisingly comfortable; rear seat space was limited but the boot was huge.

A warning check-light panel in the roof above the rear-view mirror was one of the few unconventional features on the E30.

BMW’s Convertible model, unusually for the eighties featuring a fully open cockpit to distinguish it from Baur’s Top Cabrio was stunning, with its top disappearing out of sight, leaving a beautiful uncluttered line when both the roof and windows were dropped.

Road testers’ only criticism was excessive wind noise when the roof was up. Extra strengthening made it heavier – and some scuttle shake was inevitable with the Sport suspension setup usually

NO4 - BMW E30 3 SERIES An occasional and brief look at BMW’s ‘classic’ models

40

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Feature

The E30 Touring model proved to be very popular with buyers, the model soldiering on until ’94 when it was finally replaced by the E36 Touring

fitted to the 325i – but it was the fastest production four-seater convertible you could buy in 1986.

The E30 Touring arrived in 1988; it was a true performance estate with limited but useful load capacity that weighed fractionally less than the convertible.

If you are keen on an E30 make sure you give the car, or any classic for that matter, a thorough inspection, because if rust has started to eat away, repairing the damage will quickly become the largest cost. Rust is the biggest enemy of an E30, so carefully check the following; start with the wheel arches and front wings for rust and scabs and the inner wing/suspension turret tops in the engine bay. Check the front subframe mounts, sills and jacking points and the boot floor. On the body, check around the windscreen, especially the lower corners and scuttles, and also check the bulkhead under the fuse-box.

If a sunroof is fitted, check it and the surround thoroughly. Also check footwells and where the seatbelts mount, door bottoms and boot floors, and while down near the carpets, make sure they are nice and dry, as water ingress could be coming from numerous areas like blocked sunroof drain pipes, door membranes damaged or from worn grommets in the engine bay letting water into the cabin.

And (obviously) make sure there is no rot in the floorpan, which may in turn allow the carpets to get soaked.

Mechanically, regular maintenance is the key to long engine life, so check the service history and interrogate the seller about the car’s history. The sixes need a cambelt every 30,000 miles or four years and it’s best to change the water pump at the same time. Otherwise, they can easily do over 200,000 miles without problems.

The chain-driven cam and chain on M10 fours can be worn by 100,000 miles; cambelts on less-robust M40s should be changed at 30,000 miles or three years for peace of mind.

Regular maintenance is crucial to a good E30, especially the engine. A motor that is neglected and allowed to overheat will cause head gasket issues. An overheated six can crack its head, so look for signs (mayonnaise-like emulsion under the oil filler) and make sure that the viscous fan still works as many fail. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

M10 four-pots can suffer from a clogged oil feed to the cam (especially if servicing is sporadic or non-existent), resulting in a worn cam and followers, while the later M40 and twin-cam M42 can have problems with the oil pick-up from the twopiece sump. Don’t be afraid of high mileage examples, provided that a full history with no recent gaps is there to back it up.

Automatic transmissions, which are common, need regular oil changes. If not, there’s a chance that it will be worn out by 120,000 miles. Desirable manuals rarely need more than new linkage bushes; check for oil leaks.

Rattles from the rear end are likely to be caused by worn suspension linkages or rear subframe bushes, which ruin the handling and are a nightmare to change.

Front strut mounts fail, so listen for graunching/knocking from the front; also check lower bushes. Calipers can seize if a car is left unused; front discs are vented on sporting models.

If you do go for a convertible don’t be put off by a faded or tatty hood - manual hoods cost around £900 and are simple and effective; just factor the cost of the new hood into your budget and haggle like crazy over the price. BMW offers a kit to convert the electric/hydraulic tops to manual. Check the fit of the hood all-round, and look inside for stains and other signs of water ingress and damp carpets. If the vendor is willing, ask to sit inside and check for leaks while someone hoses the roof thoroughly!

Interiors are robust, but driver’s seats are often worn on the bolster, the right one especially which is often damaged by the studs in jeans; a good trimmer can sort it.

As mentioned previously, feel carpets for damp, especially in convertibles. Some trim parts are difficult to find. Also check the glove box lock/catch – all E30 glove box catches will eventually fail, resulting in the glove box lid hitting your passenger’s knees when driving A complete toolkit is a bonus and shows that the car has been cared for.

Look for service history, especially in recent years – too many have been neglected.

A good E30 should feel tight, smooth and safe on a road test, with an excellent surge of performance from the sportier models. Worn suspension bushes play havoc with handling and tyre wear. Look for leaks from the power steering rack and shock absorbers. If you find a decent car that just feels a little saggy, you would be surprised what a difference a new set of dampers, springs and bushes will make to the car; just make sure you use OEM or high quality replacement parts, and again factor in any costs when haggling on the price.

The electrical items are complex and, while usually reliable, should be thoroughly tested. For example, the wiper motor can stop when switched to intermittent – only a replacement will cure it. Powered windows also give trouble, as does central locking, and check the warning lights above the rear-view mirror to make sure everything is working.

As we always advise, if you are unsure, employ the services of an expert to give a car the once over, preferably with access to a ramp or inspection pit. Our choice would be the 318iS model from 1990; peppy yet frugal, they are fun to drive, the 16-valve 4-cylinder loves to rev and is nigh on unburstable, and they just look right without being too over the top.

The 325i Sport models are also very desirable but are becoming quite expensive to purchase, especially the really nice, low mileage examples. Just remember that there are two 325i Sport models, an M Technic 1 version which was available from September 1986 to August 1987 and an M Technic 2 version available from 1988 in the UK.

The Convertible E30 is a real show-stopper with that fully folding hood that disappears into the boot, leaving a stylish, uncluttered look with the windows dropped; find a good one and cherish it. Just check there are no leaks, that there’s no rust lurking anywhere, and make sure the hood folds and seals properly and that the hood and associated seals are all in excellent condition.

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

41

Feature

W

e ran out of superlatives during 2019 to describe the racing and the people involved in making the BMW Car Club Racing events a success. From the Club office and 750 Motor Club staff to the supporters at the meetings and the drivers who came to enjoy each meeting, we needed to find a way to thank them all properly. The awards night offers a chance to honour not only the people who stood on the podiums or won trophies, but also those who made it happen including friends and family.

The 750 Motor Club hosted a large awards evening for all their championships in January, with a large contingent of BMWCCR attendees there to collect their overall awards, accompanied by their partners and friends. This event gave Matt Smith and myself an idea, to make the first BMWCCR awards evening a true celebration for those who attended.

The BMW Car Club Racing awards evening was booked at Sedgebrook Hall for the weekend before Valentine’s, to get a full room with a mix of drivers, their families and Club members including Howard Walker, Dean Greenfield, Dave Evans and Jan, which put the icing on the cake for me.

TIME TO CELEBRATE Words by Neil McDonald / Photographs by Jon Elsey and Mark Culmer

42

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Feature

Clive Watson 2nd BMWcup and 3rd Overall - With Stuart Rolfe

Matt Page - Overall Champion, BMWcup Champion and Gripper Novice Winner

I was fortunate that Matt Smith, who deservedly won the Whizzo award, found the venue and did the leg work on organising the event. He sorted pictures for all the drivers and made the setting up so much easier, with assistance from Dave Evans.

We chose to make this year informal as the 750 Motor Club event had been black tie and we wanted to offer more flexibility for those attending. All I had to do was the hosting, but we had so much fun that I ended up losing my voice after integrating the Nick Wright style raffle after the awards section. Plans for the 2020 dinner are

Mike Cutt - M1 Champion

Darren Ball - Class 6 Champion

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

already well underway, with ideas to make it easier for all Club members to attend.

It’s an overworked cliché, but everyone involved was a winner this year. Those with trophies will be able to treasure the memories and pictures for years to come, and looking at them, maybe I need to learn how to smile. But I was enjoying every minute!

Awards for 2019: Overall Champion and BMWcup Champion – Matt Page Second Overall and M2 Champion – Graham Crowhurst Third Overall and 2nd in BMWcup – Clive Watson M1 Champion – Mike Cutt

Graham Crowhust - M2 Champion and 2nd Overall

Kevin Denwood 3rd Class 6

Paul Laramy 3rd BMWcup and Rookie of the Year

Class 6 Champion – Darren Ball Class 4 Champion – Richard Harrison 2nd in M1 – Rick Kerry 2nd in M2 – Adrian Williams 2nd in Class 6 – Jim Benson 3rd in M1 – Gary Hufford 3rd in M2 – Mark Culmer 3rd in Class 6 – Kevin Denwood 3rd in BMWcup and Rookie of the year – Paul Laramy Whizzo Award – Matt Smith Mechanical Award – Rick Kerry Most Fun – Kevin Denwood Everyone played their part and deserves congratulations as we now look forward to the 2020 events and more fun days with the Club. Thanks again to everyone and we look forward to seeing some new faces in the forthcoming years.

Mark Culmer 2nd Class M2

Matt Smith - Whizzo Award in memory of Barrie

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

43

MEGUIAR’S ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OFTHEIR NEW HYBRID CERAMIC DETAILER

REMOVE LIGHT CONTAMINANTS & APPLY HYBRID CERAMIC PROTECTION M

eguiar’s, the worldwide leader in car care, is introducing an exciting addition to their Hybrid Ceramic line of products, Meguiar’s® Hybrid Ceramic Detailer. This advanced formula puts a whole new twist on what a spray detailer can deliver by gently and quickly removing light dust and contaminants while leaving behind a layer of hybrid, Si02 ceramic protection that beads water like crazy.

Meguiar’s has been making amazing detailers for a while now, but none like this one! As you would expect from a traditional detailer, it contains lubricants that help to buffer the surface when removing light contaminants between regular washings and wax applications. However, their chemists have figured out a way to infuse this with Si02 technology to leave behind Hybrid Ceramic protection by just spraying on and wiping off. It’s the ideal choice for maintaining pre-existing Hybrid Ceramic Protection created by Meguiar’s® Hybrid Ceramic Wax or Meguiar’s® Hybrid Ceramic Liquid Wax, but it can also be used to strengthen any wax, sealant or coating of choice. When done, paint is left with a slick finish, increased shine and a boost in water beading protection.

About Meguiar’s For more than 100 years, Meguiar’s has provided car enthusiasts with specialized state-of-the-art formulations for making every car’s appearance show car perfect.

Meguiar’s provides high performance car care products for every automotive surface. To learn more visit www. meguiars.co.uk

Size: 768ml.

Product Code: G200526EU. RRP: £20.00.

Launch date: Mid-March 2020

44

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

best ches even

e will

Feature

FROM THE TARMAC TO 5G: PIRELLI’S SMART TYRES DESCRIBE THE ROAD SURFACE

Feel the road through your tyres and communicate the information gathered via the 5G network. This is what we saw on the Lainate racing circuit just outside Milan and the rooftop track of the Lingotto building in Turin, during two test drives carried out by Pirelli in joint collaboration with FCA, Vodafone and Marelli in the former case and Ericsson, Audi, TIM, Italdesign and KTH in the latter. Vehicles equipped with tyres fitted with sensors developed by Pirelli Cyber Tyre will be capable of transmitting information about the road surface to the driver and nearby vehicles via the 5G network, giving advance warning of the risk of aquaplaning.

Greater safety, comfort and performance and more information with cyber tyres The tyres are the only element of contact between the vehicle and the ground. Thanks to the technology currently being perfected by Pirelli, they will be able to communicate with the vehicle, the driver and, very soon, by harnessing the power of 5G, with the entire road infrastructure. In the near future, the goal of Pirelli Cyber Tyres, which are fitted with an internal sensor, will be to provide the car with data on the tyre model, mileage, dynamic load and, for the first time, potentially dangerous situations related to the road surface, from the presence of water to poor road grip.

46

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

This information will enable the car to adapt its control and driver assistance systems, greatly improving the level of safety, comfort and performance. It will also be able to forward the same recommendations to other vehicles and the road infrastructure system.

The 5G network Thanks to the ultra-bandwidth and low latency of the new 5G mobile network, Pirelli will be able to place the tyre within an expanded communication paradigm that encompasses the entire road transport ecosystem, making an active contribution to the development of solutions and services for the mobility

of the future and autonomous driving systems.

It is worth recalling that Pirelli is a member of the 5GAA-Automotive Association, the group that brings together major global companies from the automotive, technology and telecommunications industries to encourage digital transformation in the automotive industry, with the ultimate goal of promoting cooperative intelligence mobility systems.

The Perfect Fit strategy at Pirelli The ‘sensorisation’ of the tyres is an essential aspect of Pirelli’s Perfect Fit strategy, which focuses on the development of products and services tailor made to meet the needs of car manufacturers, vehicle fleets and drivers in general, with one eye always to the future and the changes already taking place in mobility.

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 http:// 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 1

2

3

4

5

8

6

7

9

10

11

13

12

14

15

16

17

19

20

21

23

25

18

22

24

26

Winner of last month’s crossword - James Thomson All entrants for March’s issue crossword must be received into the office by 11th March. 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 Across: 1. Michelotti, 9. NH (New Hampshire), 10. Oil, 11. IL (Illinois), 12. Edits, 13. Dorf, 15. IN (Indiana), 16. MBE, 17. Sunbeam, 20. RR (Rolls-Royce), 21. IM, 22. Linwood, 24. AFN, 25. CO (Colorado), 26.

Glas, 28. Agate, 29. EI, 30. One, 32. DE (Delaware), 33. Rallycross Down: 2. Indium, 3. Chinn, 4. Eos, 5. Li, 6. Old BMW, 7. TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers), 8. Ilford, 14. OE, 16. MAN, 17.

Singer, 18. BLFSOL, 19. Ein, 20. Rootes, 23. Ocado, 24. AA, 27. LiA, 28. AEC, 31. NY (New York)

Across 1. Birthplace of Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc (6) 6. What Bayerische Flugzeugwerk, founded in 1916 is called today (1,1,1) 8. Could be term for a environmentally-friendly hot hatch?! (3,1,1,1) 10. Exclamation of surprise (2) 11. Mistake (5) 12. Steve...: Works driver for BMW, Ford and Rover who in 1999 took over the BMW dealership in Lincoln (5) 14. Automotive marque founded in 1969 and BMW brand since 2000 (4) 15. Something that you really don’t want to do as a rally driver (4) 17. Grandson of Noah in the Old Testament, also a town in Quebec, Canada (5) 19. Locking component, for example, for keeping your bonnet closed (5) 22. Energy capacity for an electric vehicle e.g.

27.2k for a BMW i3 (1,1) 23. Concatenation of the major German automobile association and its UK equivalent / partner (1,1,1,1,1,1) 25. Slang for 100mph (3) 26. Porsche model first launched in 2006 and also islands that are a British Overseas Territory, both named after an alligator (6) Down 1. University city on the southern tip of the Netherlands - BMW Keram is the local BMW dealership (10)

2. Native, inhabitant or pertaining to the thirdlargest municipality in Italy - M. Car is the local BMW dealership (10) 3. Dull pain or longing desire - perhaps for that new BMW? (4) 4. Postcode for the more-northern Essex location of Cooper BMW (1,1) 5. Europe’s largest manufacturer of shock absorbers, minus the leading ‘B’ in the brand name (3) 6. Midlands city - home to Sytner BMW dealerships in Oldbury and Solihull (10) 7. Large town between Liverpool and Manchester - Halliwell Jones is the local BMW dealership (10) 9. Designation of Triumph sportscar models produced between 1953 and 1981 (1,1,) 13. Postcode for the most western location of Cooper BMW (1,1) 16. Postcode for the more-southern Essex location of Cooper BMW (1,1) 18. To or at a distance from a particular place or person (4) 20. Commonly used initials for digital optical disc format co-developed by Philips and Sony and first released in 1982 (1,1) 21. Initials for the second oldest artillery corps, and the venue for the London Concours event in London in June 2020 (1,1,1) 24. Postcode for the northern home city of Lloyd Group, originally founded in 1964 as a tractor dealer and opening a BMW dealership there in 1986 (1,1)

socialmedia A simple request on the social media front this month, and that’s another gentle reminder and a kind request to like, comment and share as many of our posts on social media as possible.

You may have noticed a shift in your Facebook feed over the past six months, whereby Facebook is prioritising content from friends and families. This is done to ‘improve your experience’, but in reality, the change has been made to help monetise the platform by making businesses and organisations pay to reach their audiences. Without paid promotion, posts made by an organisations page might reach as little as 2% of the people who follow it.

How can we combat this without spending Club money on social media advertising? That’s where members come in! By

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

liking, commenting and sharing, it helps Facebook’s algorithms determine that our posts are relevant to real people, and then more people see them.

It won’t change the world overnight, but commenting and sharing is one simple way to really help the Club with a minimal outlay of effort.

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

47

Puncture Prevention & Puncture Repair Specialists

Safety on the move...

A Puncture Prevention System

:39:59 pm

ROYTHORNE THE BMW SPECIALISTS

PUNCTURE PREVENTION • Protects tyres from 95% of tread area SYSTEM punctures ••Protects tyres fromup 95% of tread area punctures Seals punctures to 15mm an seal punctures up to 15mm •• CStops most rim and bead leaks ••Stops most rim and Non corrosive, no bead shelf leaks life, no chemical processes • Non corrosive, no shelf life, • no -350c freezing point chemical processes • No speed / distance restrictions JEC MEMBERS • -35°c freezing point • On road / off road BENEFIT • No speed /distance restrictions • Tube / tubeless • On road/off road • Tube / tubeless/ run flats

Roythorne

T: 01278 671900 E: info@autoseal.co.uk PUNCTURE REPAIR www.autoseal.co.uk

• Exclusive compact puncture repair kits • Self -vulcanising, no glues.

• Genuine Safety Seal components.

• Shearing strength 160 kgs, T.U.V tested over 180 mph.

• 6 or 12 plug systems IAM MEMBERS

BENEFIT

BMWCC MEMBERS BENEFIT

T: 01278 671900

Email: enquiry@bikeseal.com or info@autoseal.co.uk

Visit: www.bikeseal.com or www.autoseal.co.uk Autoseal_IAM_Autumn18.indd 1

48

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.roythorneandson.co.uk • All servicing and repair work undertaken • Menu service pricing (please ring for a quote) • Autologic diagnostics

• MoT testing • Air conditioning servicing, repairs and re-gas • Bodywork estimates and SMART repairs undertaken

Roythorne & Son Ltd 01553 673000 / 672213

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

23/08/2018 14:53

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

regionalnews Central Tony Skerrett Central Region sponsored by

07879 404648 central@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Barons Bedford

I am sorry to advise that Mercedes Brixworth have advised (Jan 2020) that they no longer cater for tours for security reasons due to new engine developments. Only individual tours are offered Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 3:30pm to owners of current AMG models and members of the AMG Private Lounge.

It’s a similar situation with Meguair’s Daventry and their schedule is complete for 2020 and appears to have been cut back. I’m attempting to contact Neilsen’s Swadlincote DE12 6DA to arrange a tour. They appear to supply good quality polishing materials. Please await more information on the BMWCC forum. In the meantime most members are looking forward to the new season but the outlook for Diesel/Electric/ Hybrids motor vehicles looks a bit grim following Boris’s recent announcement that we will be going all electric by 2035!

01234 434 122

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

June 14th - Tour of Peak District with Howard Walker as chief guide.

June 21st - Cotswold Tour itinerary – Subject to Member discussion at next Regional Meeting.

July 19th - Henley Traditional Car and Boat Festival.

30/31st August - Brougton Castle Festival of Transport.

4th October - Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble date 9am to 4pm.

My Car by Stephen Bailey

Past Events January 6th - Sunday Scramble.

Words by Frank Mazzotta/Tony Skerrett Frank Mazzotta reported that the Sunday Scramble was well organised with excellent parking up facilities and terrific refreshment facilities with plenty of choice. Frank said that visitors are welcome to perambulate the tree-lined avenues of the Technical Site, discovering the recently restored 1920s and ’30s buildings, drinking in the inherent history and evocative setting that is the former RAF Bicester airfield. With plenty of action, the sound of rare historic cars and aircraft often fills the air, adding to the excitement of these motoring meetings.

In addition to the Sunday Scramble, Bicester Heritage is also the venue for other well-known events, such as Bonhams MPH auctions and Build It Live. With such a large amount of well-drained open space on hand and 50,000 ft2 of covered events space in one of our WW2 C Type hangars, Bicester Heritage is available for event, film and photography location and test track hire.

Proposed Events 2020 Proposed Event dates for 2020 (finalised dates will be edited on BMWCC website).

February - Mercedes-Benz Engine Factory Brixworth - No tours permitted other than AMG owners.

Feb/March - Trying to arrange Tour of Neilsen Chemicals Swadlincote, Derbyshire.

April/May - Date to be confirmed. Tour of Lotus Cars (New Factory) Norfolk 22nd April - Classic and Bike Meet. From 5pm to dusk.

April 26th - Bicester Sunday Scramble 9am – 4pm should be nice and warm.

June - proposed tour of BMW Mini Oxford.

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Having gone out one Saturday morning for a good breakfast, I unexpectedly came home with a car! Being lucky enough to drive several BMW’s over the years, I had never seen one this colour.

After a fair bit of polishing, helped by my nephew, who is very proficient with a dual action polisher, the real colour started to appear. Messing apparently is Brass in German. In the sunlight there are flecks of “Brass” which result in different colours in different light.

The car, initially supplied by Park Lane BMW, is an Individual model with sport suspension etc.

To many, this model is quite an “ugly duckling”, that all contributes to it being quite different. As we know, the six cylinder engine is excellent; the sound, smoothness and reliability.

Handling is as expected, I have been on several BMW Driver Training courses to Austria, including winter driving. I know this car is a very solid bit of kit. At the moment it has the odd paintwork blemish, which will be addressed in due course.

I’m looking forward to this New Year’s events with a great group of likeminded BMW enthusiasts within the Central Region.

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

49

regionalnews

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

Welcome to all our new Regional members, we hope you enjoy being part of our Club and that you will be able to join us at some of our events this year, we look forward to meeting you at our monthly pub meets.

Recent Events Chateau Impney Coffee & Chrome Breakfast Meet Recently a few of our Regional members braved a cold Sunday morning to visit the first Coffee & Chrome breakfast meet of the year. Organised by Footman James, this meeting brings together a vast array of classic vehicles and their enthusiastic owners within the grounds of the stunning Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire. As usual a diverse range of cars were present ranging from Vintage right through to Modern, also present were a large collection of American Muscle and Custom cars. Coffee & Chrome meets are free to attend but are limited to 500 cars by a pre-registration process, so if you are planning to visit you should make sure you register early. Trust me, it is well worth braving a cold Sunday morning for.

2020 Events Calendar to date: Friday 27nd – Sunday 29th March – Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show NEC, Birmingham The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show is the show to kick-start the classic car season of 2020.

Whether you are looking to ignite your passion to finish a restoration project or simply want to reminisce with family and friends over the beautiful completed classic cars on display, you should join us at the NEC Birmingham in March.

As a Region we will be managing the Club stand with the help of the girls from the Club office and other members. We will also have Tom, a representative from Retro Engineering Ltd

Cheshire & Staffs Steve Cooper Cheshire & Staffs Region sponsored by

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.

For details of how to register your car to be part of the Club display please contact office@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk.

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.

There will be more Regional events posted as we progress through the year, so keep updated over the next couple of months.

Regional BBQ date to be announced If anyone has a short article or photo they would like us to share in the Regional news section please email 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

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.

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

April / May – 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.



Cornwall Jim Husband

50

in Evesham, on hand to answer and deal with any questions or technical information on all matters appertaining to restoration, modifications and race preparation of all things classic. In the past the show has been a great success, although not on such a large scale as the Classic Car Show held in November, but it’s full of interesting exhibits, trade stands and live shows.

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

cornwall@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

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. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

regionalnews 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 / 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 the Club magazine as deadlines allow.

Monthly Meets The monthly pub meets continue to be held on the second Monday of the month, please check the dates below for time and venue.

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.

Recent Events: No recent events to report on. Events start for the year with the bowling evening and meal on March 7th.

Forthcoming events: Looking ahead to events in 2020 with dates already scheduled for your diaries.

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 An update on last month’s Car of the Month.

Andrew had the remap on his BMW Z4 E89 S Drive 35i as planned. Gains were impressive, he is now waiting for better weather to see how this feels on the road.

The Stats: BHP Originally: 306bhp Now: 365bhp Increase of: +19% TORQUE Originally: 400NM Now: 520NM 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.

Events Saturday March 7th – Annual Bowling evening followed by a meal 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 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 at Weston Super Mare Sunday 19th July – Wadebridge Wheels 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

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

Cumbria James France Hello to all Cumbria Region members new and old, the nights are drawing out now and hopefully the weather will start to get kinder and we can get out and do some car stuff.

My MINI and E46 Touring are still hibernating with the MINI being in a thousand pieces receiving preventative maintenance and a supercharger service along with a new radiator, various hoses, clips and other bits.

A few of us have booked ferries and tickets to attend Le Mans Classic in early July. It’s been a few years since I have attended, it is worth it just to see what is parked in the campsites. The E46 Touring will be myself and Stuart Roberts’ chariot for this one.

If you have never done this event you need to put it on your bucket list, any members who would like to go contact me ASAP so that I can give you ferry details, we have found a good source for booking with substantial savings, sailing from Hull overnight to Zeebrugge, two people one car is £320.00 return. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

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

Discounts on approved used vehicles in stock 15% plus discount 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@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Entrance tickets for the weekend are around £100 each, we are camping but some people may want to stop in a hotel which is an extra, we will be having an overnight stop on the way down through France and on the way back.

We have a mix of cars going down, a couple of the cars have partners coming along so it’s not a “lads jolly”, though it will be a jolly!

So if you would like to know more get in touch, I would recommend sooner rather than later.

Get together for pint and craic on Thursday March 19th at the Sportsman, just off the A66, postcode CA11 0SG, 19.30 p.m. 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 e-mail jimfrance1@hotmail.co.uk Regards Jim. BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

51

regionalnews

Devon Kathy Jemfrey

01626 330436 devon@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Devon Region sponsored by

INDEPENDENT BMW & MINI SPECIALISTS

January seems to be in general a very quiet month here in Devon. Our pub meet was attended by about 13 members and friends at our usual venue of Hare and Hounds Kingskerswell (check the listing for details). I would like to invite our new members to pay us a visit one evening and enjoy our social gathering and conversation with likeminded car owners.

Car of the Month I have pinched this idea from other Regional news, so I apologise in advance.

I have been scouring my archives and I shall no doubt find something some may have

forgotten about or wish I’d never found. I will start with Derek modelling a ‘No Parking’ cone taken at Torbay Old Wheels Car Show in Paignton just a few weeks after breaking his femur, hence he is in a wheelchair. Nowadays he can be seen racing around on hisMobility Scooter, that he has lovingly adorned with BMW M4 stickers.

Dates for Diary 2020 As you will see from the Diary Dates we have the start of a very interesting season and I’m looking for some inspiration from our new and existing members. Please get in touch by email: kathleenjefrey@sky.com or ring me on 07971871739.

May 3rd - Southern Concours, Sherborne June 20th - P4 Rover Club Sandygate, Exeter July 5th - BM’s on the Lawn, Weston Super Mare Seafront July 11/12th - Powderham Castle Sept 19th - 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

It’s time to try and put the dreary weather behind us and look forward to a lovely spring and summer of enjoying driving our BMWs, even if it means popping over the Dartford Crossing and vice versa. A lot to communicate this month so please read carefully and take note, hence a straightforward list of events below as already some organisers have their booking entries open, so book direct early. Other events you will need to book via your Branch Rep. We are only allocated a certain number of spaces, and when they are gone, they are gone.

The Essex area now has an official Facebook page set up and moderated by the Club Office and Chris Quilter. The page can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/essexregion Or by searching ‘BMW Car Club (GB) Essex Region’. When joining the page it will ask for your membership number so please have this to hand. I would like to offer my thanks on behalf of everyone to Chris for agreeing to maintain the page for us.

Pure perfection at Barons Cambridge at the last BMWCC showroom display. Why not add your favourite photo of your car onto either our new Essex or your branch Facebook page.

Starting on Sunday March 8th from 9am and every month thereafter on the second Sunday of the month, we are holding a Breakfast Meet at Channels Restaurant, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 3PT. Also please remember the Cambs/Beds pub meets will recommence in April on the fourth Tuesday evening of the month until September at The Royal Oak, Barrington.

Any questions or problems about events please contact

52

BMW Car Club Magazine March 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.

myself or your Branch Rep, as there is only so much information I can squeeze in here.

2020 Events Sunday March 22nd – Lodge Coaches High Easter.

Sunday April 5th – Framlingham Country Show and Festival of Dogs.

Sunday April 19th – Pistons at the Park, Stansted. Book direct pistons@mantlebusinesscentres.co.uk. Meet up at the nearby Audi garage at 8:15 and drive in together.

Sunday April 26th – Peter Best Drive-it Day. New FREE event at Braxted Park Estate. See February 28th newsletter, and book direct.

Sunday May 3rd – 50th Anniversary Ipswich to Felixstowe run.

Pre 30/4/90 registered cars only. Book direct as individuals. ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk Sunday May 3rd – South East Regional meet at Chatham Dockyard 10am, then onto Lepson’s Wheel Refurbishment.

If interested contact South East Region southeast@ bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Sunday May 10th – Lodge Coaches VE Day, including Hurricane fly past Sunday May 31st – Norwich Classic Club Strumpshall Steam Museum.

Sunday May 31st – Elveden Car Show.

(Yes the last 2 are on the same date.)

Saturday and Sunday June 20-21st – Wormingford Essex Wings and Wheels provisional.

Sunday July 5th – Maldon Show.

Saturday and Sunday July 11-12th – Michelham Priory (South East Regional event). See February 28th newsletter for booking form. If unable to access this please contact me.

Saturday August 8th – Mersea Island Show. Book direct merseaislandlionsclub.com. Let John know so we can park up together.

Sunday August 2nd – Helmingham Hall Festival of Cars.

Sunday August 23rd – Lodge Coaches Special Event including Bus and Train Rides www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

regionalnews Sunday August 30th – Little Gransden Air Show.

Sunday September 6th – Classics by the Lake.

Sunday September 6th – Glemham Hall Car Festival.

Sunday September 13th – Kings Lynn Heritage Open Day and Classic Car Show in Market Square. Book direct west-norfolk. gov.uk/classiccarday Sunday September 20th – The Warren Supercar and Classic Car Show. Register with Anthony, pre-payment vital details to follow.

Sunday October 18th – Lodge Coaches including Auto Jumble.

Warren Breakfast Meets from 8am to 11am on 26/4, 17/5, 21/6, 19/7, 16/8.

Museum of Power Breakfast Meets on 22/3, 26/4, 24/5, 28/6, 26/7, 23/8, 27/9, 25/10, 22/11, 27/12.

As already mentioned other numerous things will evolve such as special M Power runs and Sytner Technical Meets, joint BMWCC, Mercedes and Porsche Club Event TBA, better support at Snetterton and Brands Hatch for BMWCCR Events, combined outing with Central Region (details TBA), South East Region joint invites, and our own pub meets and coffee mornings etc.

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 As with most Regions, Eastern covers a large area and as such it can be difficult to cater for all. Over the last couple of years of taking in feedback from the membership, we have tried our hardest to provide more variation on both geography and type of meet.

There have been changes to the two established meets recently with the latest being the Yorkshire event switching from the Percy Arms, Airmyn to the George and Dragon, Whitley, keeping within the M62 Corridor. The second being the Elm Tree, Heath, covering Derbyshire and the Peaks. Both are traditional pub meets with much car chat over a drink and the optional meal. Thanks to Nick Wright (Yorkshire) and Richard Rixham (Derbyshire) for overseeing and promoting these meets.

The two new recent additions have been the twice monthly (April – Sept) gathering at the Reindeer Inn, Sturton-Le-Steeple - thanks to Paul Neal for promoting this. Also the Motorist Hub breakfast meet, Sherburn-in-Elmet. Thanks again to Nick Wright for all the hard work in getting this one off the ground, it’s turning out to be a big success.

George and Dragon Doncaster Road, Whitley. Use postcode DN14 0HY Continuing on from previous locations this monthly meet takes place on the last Tuesday of every month with the first visit being 25th February and subsequent dates after that.

The George and Dragon is a traditional pub open daily with food served on Tuesdays up to 8pm. As with the Percy Arms we start arriving from about 6:30pm, but as this is an informal gathering there is no specific time to arrive, just come when you can and if it’s your first visit please find us and introduce yourself.

The location features a large car park and gardens so hopefully we will have a few nice summer evenings where we can exploit these to the full.

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

eastern@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

The Elm Tree Mansfield Rd, Heath, Chesterfield. Use postcode S44 5SE Held on the second Monday of the month throughout the year from about 8pm, although many arrive earlier to sample the various foods on offer. If you cannot find us please ask at the bar and they will point you in the right direction. Lots of banter and good humour in pleasant surroundings, but always open to new ideas to add variation to the evenings.

The Reindeer Inn Church St, Sturton le Steeple, Retford. Use postcode DN22 9HQ Two meets per month scheduled on the second and fourth Thursday from April to September. This delightful village pub set in the equally delightful village is mainly based as an outside event, open to all types, from military vehicles to vintage steam cars, a very eclectic mix. Not the usual car club meet but a very pleasant way to spend a summer’s evening.

The Motorist Hub New Lennerton Ln, Leeds. Use postcode LS25 6JE A new venture that has been very well received and is open on weekends from 10am. It’s becoming a popular location for a growing number of car clubs and we have the first Monday in the month set aside for our visits, not uniquely BMW on these days but we do have the lion’s share of cars.

The Motorist Hub has an ever changing stock of classic cars on display in their heated showroom along with access to view more classics undergoing repairs in the workshop. The Hub has big plans for the future and hopefully we will be right there with them.

Car of the month

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

53

regionalnews Justin Newiss’ E92 335i An interesting addition to Justin’s continuing BMW ownership.

Along with a Z4 and an X5, Justin owns a familiar car at many of our events with his Phoenix Gold E46 M3 Convertible.

Interestingly, Justin states that he feels the 335i is quicker, quite a claim considering the M3 has certain power upgrades over the already high basic output. The one thing that does take some swallowing and something no doubt many of us

have questioned is the road tax on the E92 335i, over £500; gulp! Still, even with that shocker overall the non-M E92 at the moment represents excellent value for money.

Events updates June 21st – (Father’s Day) Harewood House, West Yorkshire July 5th – Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire July 26th – Doncaster Classic Car Show

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 I know, I know – who’s this guy, huh? Well, I’ve dusted off my club keyboard and thought it was about time I wrote some new news, again.

It’s headline stuff, too. Well, actually – come to think of it it’s simply natural progression. Six years or so ago, Club life completely consumed me. My naive ramp up to Directorship was an almost overwhelming experience but a thoroughly enjoyable one. One of which I draw on every day, valuing the hurdles we overcame, or not(!) and the people met, who I now call friends.

In that time and more domestically we formed the London Region which was previously split into the surrounding Regions.

So, the platform was set and together we more than doubled the Regional membership!

Awesome! What’s the issue then? The, or more like my issue, is that I took on too much too quickly and have more recently lost the love. It’s that simple. I’m out of road. And so, the ramp down began. Last year I gave notice on my Directorship and now, here’s me sharing a fond farewell to the London Regional Chairmanperson-ship, or however the right way to say it is these days.

And I think you all know who the next person in the hot seat is? Of course, I did – I asked Anthony Mason! Natural progression.

He’s had an enormous impact on the Region since taking on the North London Representative role around two years ago. His approach is effortless and everyone has warmed to his sincere playfulness.

In parting I would like to encourage anyone who’s interested in contributing to the Region to contact Ant – it’s a huge, densely populated geography and the only way to success is to divide and concur!

Image: SBN Media/Amar Bath/Luxus Car Detailing

Please join me in congratulating him when you see him next – thoroughly well-deserved, buddy.

Now, any advice on where I can find that ‘love’ thing – I’m thinking another S54 Z3M Coupe?! Black, obvs.

Tim Fathers

First London meet of 2020 January brought us practically monsoon season, this time of year brings heartbreaking car cleaning times, the cars are clean for a day until they get covered in that thick gritty salty road film - it literally sticks to all the shiny paint and makes the alloys look dull and grey.

Our first meet of the new decade was a lovely band of merry men and women - we sat in the smaller room by the fire and chatted about a host of things, not just cars. The evening of our meet was an awfully wet one, but we still had some lovely cars in attendance; an 1M, an M2, two M3s, a highly spec’ed 5 Series and a beautiful brace of Z-cars. The cars took a back seat in the meeting and we had a good old chat and put the world to right. My New Year’s resolution is to write more about the London Region and plan some fair-weather drives out. One for the diary will be the Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble in April where I’m hoping to get to meet some more London Region members. We will be displaying with the Club and I will be doing a 1M collective meet there, so far I have the trinity of colours for the first time since my summer outing to Germany. If you fancy a day there, look at the Club website and grab a ticket early to avoid disappointment.

Anthony Mason

Mid Wales & Shropshire Phil Pinnington Welcome to the March edition of the Mid Wales & Shropshire Region Chairman chitty chat. Tim, Adrian and myself sorted through the list of shows/events for this year over a lovely

54

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

midwales@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Chinese takeaway meal. The list was discussed and handed out at our AGM last month, and we have a great line up including a couple of new ones. Throughout the year I’ll be adding breakfast www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

regionalnews meets that come to my attention. The information is purely for anyone wishing to go to the odd breakfast meet that they fancy.

These won’t be anything to do with the Region as such, just

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 A fairly ice free start to the year meant the January Monthly Meet was well attended, and it was nice to see a few classics out of hibernation.

Keith of Moto Tec (helped by Caroline) demonstrated his new four-wheel laser wheel alignment machine for a group of nine members on Sunday January 26th. As well as a very interesting explanation of the equipment and process involved, there were also light refreshments under Keith’s concours winning E30 M3, a car so clean that we could eat our

cookies off the exhaust! Many thanks to Keith and Caroline.

To celebrate the auspicious day of 02-02-2020 with relation to the BMW 2002 model we had a social event. 11 of us met at Northumberlandia for a coffee and a leisurely walk round Europe’s largest man made earthwork, followed by lunch at the Three Horseshoes. Thanks to Mike Milbourne for organising the day.

rock up and enjoy something different. Our AGM in February will be our last pub meet until after the last show of the season - the list of shows will be in April’s Straight Six. northeast@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

with various Registers, Facebook groups and Forums to hold various ‘Meet Within Meets’ – Z3 and Z4, E46, Alpina and the Northern Concours. The show will be held at Newby Hall and is one the larger meets in the area attracting a fabulous range of about 1,000 exotic sports cars to admire. There is also the option to visit Newby Hall itself, 25 acres of an award winning enchanting woodland walk and a miniature railway. Younger visitors will also enjoy the exciting adventure gardens. There will also be a number of related stalls and catering on the day.

The Northern Concours is a very informal affair for BMWCCGB members, where cars are judged based on how well they are presented. Originality is not part of the scoring. Age, total and annual mileage are taken into account so daily drivers are not disadvantaged compared to garage queens. 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.

SCITP have learnt from 2019 and made changes to the entrance procedures. They will be using the old main entrance with multiple lanes of traffic and new security and stewards managing the entrance and parking. Display cars can arrive from 8:15. SCITP trialled the improvements at the autumn 2019 event without any issues and are confident there will not be a repeat of 2019 queues. Tickets for driver and displaying car are £7.50, with each extra occupant costing an additional £7.50.

This is cheaper than the usual Newby Hall entrance tickets.

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, or you may end up parked amongst Audis and Volkswagens.

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 NE Region Facebook group.

Car of the Month The January “Car of the Month” was awarded at the Black Horse meeting to Z4 Register Captain Paul Dodds and his Z4 Coupe, with a special commendation for Paul’s DIY bodywork repair skills. All BMWs are eligible to win COTM and a goodie bag 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.

Forthcoming events North East events over the next few months are:Sunday March • 8th – Monthly meet at Black Horse Beamish • Friday March 27-29th – Tykes Tango organised by the Eastern Region. NE members can join the whole event, or just the runs.

• Sunday April 12th – Monthly meet at Black Horse Beamish.

Treat your BMW to an Easter egg.

• Sunday April 26th – Route 66 Run to the Lakes.

• Sunday May 3rd – We are jointly attending Sports Cars In The Park at Newby Hall again this year. We will be working www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

55

regionalnews

North Wales David Allen

07788 718590 northwales@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

We are now at the beginning of March, the days are getting longer and for those like me who put their cars away for the winter, it’s time to get the wheels turning and ready for the spring and summer months.

By the time you read this we’ll have had our first meeting at the Anglesey track day. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a sunny day.

We have a small BMW North Wales WhatsApp group already in force, as we know this is a large Region. This year I would like to WhatsApp as many members as possible to keep everyone in touch with what is going on. If you would like to be added to the group please email your mobile number or give me a call on 07788 718590.

Forthcoming events I have a few dates for your diary. On Monday March 9th there is a meeting at the Beaufort Hotel in Suchden, near Mold at 7.30pm.

The next date is Sunday April 19th at The Hub in Bala (a North Wales central location). A table has been booked for a brunch circa 10.30. Weather permitting there is a lovely run around Bala Lake afterwards. Parking is free. Please let me know if you are

North West

Jeff Heywood

attending as they would like some idea of numbers.

I have also provisionally allocated May 17th for a meeting at Llyn Brenig.

I have also received details of the Clwyd Practical Classic Car Show in Caerwys near Mold on Sunday July 12th. This show is always well attended and I need to have an idea of the number of members who want to show their cars. Please let me know.

There are also dates available for the Classic Shows at Bodrhyddan Hall. You need to go on the ‘Classic Shows’ website to book your car, and don’t forget to mention the BMW stand. The dates are July 26th and September 6th. The venue is near the Dyserth/St Asaph turnoff on the A55.

Finally, I have been talking to Halliwell Jones in Llandudno.

They are attending the Anglesey Show on August 11-12th 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 me an email.

BMW Car Club GB North West image Twitter: @BMWNW

News Welcome to the March edition of North West News. This month we return to the Swan on the 29th for the second pub meet of 2020, where we’ll also be holding the Regional AGM – please give this meet your full support. As we went to press we’re still trying to pin down somewhere to visit, hopefully details will be in April’s magazine. In May we host our third Swan meet and later in the month we have a Club stand at the Youngtimers Car Show at Gawsworth Hall – see below.

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

immaculately turned out BMW was duly awarded the Swan CotM award – see below. The Darren Wood sponsored NW Quiz was hotly contested, with the TucanBridge team coming out on top closely followed by PaulHM5. In third spot was the Derbyshire Bush2002 team!

Let’s see an even bigger turnout for the March meeting, when we’ll also be hosting the Regional AGM – keep an eye on start times so you don’t miss out.

Swan CotM – Nick Taylor’s E82 118d Sport Plus Edition The deserved winner of the Car Detailing Centre sponsored Swan CotM award was Nick Taylor’s spotless E82 118d Sport Plus Edition which was the best presented car on the day.

Nick’s car was first registered in 2012. He purchased the car in 2015 and it has now covered 45k miles. The Alpine white exterior is complimented by an interior trimmed in Anthracite Alcantara and is equipped with BMW 18” Type 313 alloy wheels and shifts gears via a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Nick really enjoys his ‘Sport Coupe’ – “having owned various Vauxhall and Ford company cars over the years it is now nice to own my own ‘quality’ car, I really enjoy the 118d’s breadth of qualities; it is solidly built, it handles well and has a decent turn of speed from the 141hp/300Nm 1995cc TDI engine along with excellent fuel economy…60+mpg if driven with restraint!”

Nick has his car serviced and repaired at Rockvale, but I expect he’ll be a convert to Darren Wood BMW Specialist soon…

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 26th January – Swan Pub Meet We had a decent turnout for the first Swan meet of 2020, who braved the nippy January weather to support the meeting. It was nice to see a new member in attendance, Nick Taylor, who’s

56

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

regionalnews Forthcoming Events 29th March – NW meet at the Swan and NW AGM Let’s see a great turnout of Club members for our second Swan pub meet of 2020 and more importantly, the NW AGM! The AGM serves to elect a committee to run the Region for the following 12 months. Do you have any questions you would like to ask about the Region or the Club itself? Come and join us and have your say on how the Region runs/works.

The AGM finishes at 12noon. We’ll then retire downstairs to take lunch in the dining room. We’ll also be holding round two of the NW Prize Quiz, kindly sponsored by Darren Wood, plus the committee will be judging who’s arrived in the best prepared 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 NW AGM starts at 11.00am. The meeting will take place in the first floor meeting room. 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.

17th May – NW meet at the Swan More details next month.

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 – more details next month but you can reserve a place by contacting Jeff now.

19th July – NW meet at the Swan More details next month.

Local NW Branch News Manchester Branch News February’s meet attracted a decent attendance. Topics of conversation were Alpinas, the (difficulty!) of the NW Quiz and future events. Let’s see an even better turnout at the March meeting.

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 – 3rd March – 7th April – 5th May 8.00pm onwards.

Scottish Isabelle Phillips Recent Events The February monthly meet turned out to be a great day despite the weather. The rain was torrential but as always, we did not let that deter us as we had planned a drive through the Campsie Fells with a stop off at Kirkintilloch golf club for lunch. We met at Stirling Services in the pouring rain and had a coffee before heading off at a steady pace as it was really wet. Gary said he had planned a route, however I think he just made it up as we went along! As usual it was fun and he took us on roads which we hadn’t been on before - even one which was closed with flooding, that was interesting!

We arrived at the Golf Club to be welcomed by Euan who had invited us for lunch. He had also invited one of the local dealers,

07803 612220 bmwccscottishregion@gmail.com

Harry Fairbairn of Giffnock, who arrived with a beautiful M850i.

We were given the chance to go out with Calum, the Product Genius who was really knowledgeable about the car. The club treated us to a lovely lunch with BMW videos on the TV and a chance to use their golf simulator. We will definitely return after the warm welcome we received, but in the hope of better weather!

Forthcoming Events March Monthly Meet Colin is arranging the March monthly meet and is planning a run up through the deepest darkest Lanarkshire on Sunday March 1st. The plan is to meet for breakfast at around 10am at the Brookside Garden Centre and then take a planned drive. This is a repeat of the event Colin organised last year which was affected by bad weather. Let’s hope the day is drier this year!

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

57

regionalnews April Monthly meet (note the change of date) Graham is arranging the April monthly meet but we have had to change the date as we have a clash with another event. So, please note the change of date to March 29th. The plan is an early start with breakfast and then we will follow a pre-planned route handed out on the day with a stop halfway for lunch at the Crown Hotel. Some folk may want to stay over on the Saturday night at Dumfries (Hotel details will be PM’d on request) as it’s an early start. All the details are on the forum.

September Monthly meet Just a reminder that Andy W and Andy H are planning a trip to the lakes on September 13th for our monthly meet. There is a hotel arranged for those wishing to make a weekend of it.

So, don’t delay in getting that booked if you are interested. All information is on the forum.

2020 Shows As promised last month I have updated the events list with the shows we are planning to attend this year. There may be some others which come along, so keep an eye out for changes as we go through the year.

As always, the events list is posted on the forum. The dates and locations are provisional, but we will always give notice of changes where we can. Some dates may need to be

South East

Ian Bryant

South East Region sponsored by

Chandlers Brighton 01273 769 812

The 2020 season has commenced with the Sussex Micro Meeting at Shoreham Airport on Sunday 23rd February, our first event of the year.

March 1st launched the Kent Micro Meeting at Chatham Dockyard, and these Micro Meetings will run monthly for the rest of the year, with the Kent Micro Meeting on the first Sunday of the month at 10:00 and Sussex on the 4th Sunday of the month at 08:30.

A topical subject raised on several occasions has been alloy wheel repairs and the fitting of tyres without damaging those lovely rims. Having had three sets of wheels refurbished myself

by Lepsons and being very pleased with the result, I decided to contact them to see if a visit could be arranged. Lepsons repair over 28,000 wheels a year, and have offered to open their facilities on Sunday May 3rd for all Club members in any Region. They will be able to take us through the full factory refurbishment process and they will have their tyre facility open to show us how they manage to fit tyres without damaging rims. If you’re interested in the event, full details can be found on the South East Region web page on bmwcarclubgb.uk. Lepsons and the Club have quite a long history and they offer members a 10% discount on repairs.

Larry is engaged with Brands Hatch on the British Touring Car Championship and information will be distributed shortly for the April event.

A number of members have contacted me about Michelham Priory Classic Vehicle Show, where we will be attending in July again on both days; Saturday and Sunday. If this is of interest full details are on the South East web page, and they have an established process via a booking form that works very well.

South Wales Jonathan Bamford Welcome to our South Wales Region March news. I would like to begin this month with the news of Adam’s departure last month as Co-Chairman for our Region. Adam took on the role at a time when there was very little interest from others

58

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

confirmed and any changes will be advised on the forum and on our Facebook page.

I look forward to welcoming everyone to the meets this year.

Our Facebook page can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/13576080191/ Our Forum page can be found here: http://www. bmwccgbforum.co.uk/scottish-region_forum24.html Scottish Region Events list 2020 March 1st – Drive & Dine – Lanarkshire March 29th – Drive & Dine – South coast 300 May 3rd – Drive & Dine – Leadburn May 10th - Bridge of Allen show May 23rd – Ayrshire Motor show June 7th – Breakfast Meet – Whitby June 28th – Moffat Classic Show July 5th – Drive & Barbeque – tbc July 12th – Glamis Extravaganza July 31st – 2nd Aug – Silverstone Classic August 9th – Dumfries Motor Show Sept 13th – Drive & Dine – Overnighter to the Lakes Oct 4th – Drive & Dine Nov 1st – AGM – Eastern Dec 6th – Christmas Party Night southeast@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Hailsham 01323 306 106 Worthing 01903 444821

www.baronsgroup.co.uk/bmw

BARONS CC20133 =

15% discount code

I have been in touch with both the East Anglia and Wessex Regions and plan to attend a couple of events. Sherbourne Castle Classic and Supercar Show is one, I’ve been twice and highly recommend it. If you’re interested contact Tim Maltby, the Wessex Regional chair on wessex@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk. The Warren Classic Concours d’ Elegance hosted by East Anglia Region is a popular event and I have managed to secure a small number of tickets, if you’re interested please contact me.

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 01/03/2020 – Kent Micro Meeting at Chatham Dockyard and Gin Tour 12/04/2020 – Brands Hatch British Touring Cars 03/05/2020 – Lepsons tour of Alloy Wheel refurbishment and Tyre fitting facility 05/07/2020 – The German Car Show, The Hawth Crawley.

BMW/Porsche and Mercedes 11-12/07/2020 – Michelham Priory Classic Vehicle Show 19/07/2020 – Sherbourne Castle run by Wessex Region 20/09/2020 – The Warren Classic Concours d’ Elegance run by East Anglia Region 11/10/2020 – Brands Hatch British Touring Cars Link to the BMW South Region home page bmwcarclubgb. uk/regions/south_east.html where you can find a full listing of our 2020 events, plus other featured highlights.

southwales@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

due to work commitments and family lives. He certainly gave it his all, at the same time running his own business whilst having a young family. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Adam for his commitment to the Region, and the help www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

regionalnews and support he offered to me at my point of joining him.

Since the last issue, there is little to report in the way of events. I guess at this time of year people are preparing their pride and joy all ready for show season. We have had a few new members join the Club, so welcome to you if this is your first issue.

I have had recent meetings with BMW Sytner in Cardiff.

I approached them to see if they were open to becoming an active part of our Region and to help members enjoy discounts across the South Wales Region. At this time, we have organised a visit to their new showroom facilities on Penarth Road, which is a real eye catcher! They have a huge range of M cars on display at the dealership along with Alpina and the electric range. They have offered us the use of their boardroom to utilise as a meeting space and will put on snacks. They will also give us a guided tour of their new facility. Dates for this have yet to be arranged. Please keep an eye out on our WhatsApp group to ensure you don’t miss out. If you are yet to be added to this, then please contact me and I will add your number to all the chit chat.

Following on from the success of our quiz night in January, I have decided to hold another one. This time we will wait for the light nights to arrive and hopefully we can enjoy some sunshine and a ‘cold one’ at the same time. We still have a great number of prizes left over from the first quiz, but if anyone has anything they would like to donate, or if you’re able to obtain any donations from elsewhere, then please let me know and I can arrange to meet up and collect them from you.

Previously, members have arranged breakfast meets which have been a great morning out and very enjoyable. As a Club, nothing has officially been arranged for this yet, so I welcome your thoughts on any venues which you think could be able to welcome a handful of cars and their members. Ideally, we could visit a number of cafes/venues with a different location each time so members across the Region can join in.

Our monthly meetings are held at the Twelve Knights Pub in

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Margam, SA13 2DB. They are held on the third Wednesday of every month. If you haven’t been to one of our meetings before then please come along. It is a great opportunity to meet new people and share your passion for cars. They start between 6:30 and 7:00pm, with some arriving slightly earlier for food.

Forthcoming Events Rolling Road Day in Cardiff – Organised for March. Cost £30/£40 per run. Contact myself on the WhatsApp group to book your place.

Round Wales Trip – Proving to be a great trip already.

Plans to cover all the great sights of our wonderful country.

Organised photoshoot at Portmeirion and much more - Date pencilled in for the weekend of September 18th.

Bridge Run – Our trip organiser Phil will work his magic once again to capture iconic landmarks in this well planned trip – Date pencilled in for March 22nd.

Spring Action Day, Castle Combe – It looks as if this is the first confirmed show of our season. To be held at the famous circuit on Saturday April 4th. Please contact myself to confirm your interest and attendance.

BMW Show, Santa Pod – Already booked in and paid, our stand can accommodate 10+ cars. If you have yet to pay for a ticket and are interested to come then please contact me to arrange – June 14th.

BM’s on the Lawn, Weston Super Mare - July 5th.

Forge Action Day, Castle Combe – Another date for the diary. Nothing confirmed on this yet, please keep an eye out on the group chat.

Classics in Cardiff – Previously attended by us, this free event is an opportunity to show your car among some classics – May 17th.

Car of the Month This month I would like to share Roger’s beautiful 3 Series E46.

The attention to detail that has gone into this CSL has to be seen to be appreciated. If you ever get the chance to see it in person, then make sure you ask him to start it up!

I have yet to see this car in anything other than perfect condition.

Thankfully this is not his daily run around and is only used for special occasions. Hopefully we will see more of it this show season so more people can enjoy it, just as he does.

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

59

regionalnews

Thames Tony Skerrett Most members are looking forward to the new season, but the outlook for diesel/electric/hybrids motor vehicles looks a bit grim following Boris’s recent announcement that we will be going all electric by 2035! Never mind.

I am sorry to advise that Mercedes Brixworth have advised (Jan 2020) that they no longer cater for tours due to security concerns around new engine developments. In the meantime we are in contact with Neilsen Chemicals Swadlincote, Derby to arrange a factory tour. Please await more info on the BMWCC forum.

Past Events January 6th - Sunday Scramble.

Words by Frank Mazzotta/Tony Skerrett Frank Mazzotta reported that the Sunday Scramble was well organised with excellent parking up facilities and terrific refreshment facilities with plenty of choice. Frank said that visitors are welcome to perambulate the tree-lined avenues of the Technical Site, discovering the recently restored 1920s and 30s buildings, drinking in the inherent history and evocative setting that is the former RAF Bicester airfield. With plenty of action, the sound of rare historic cars and aircraft often fills the a worthy successor to the M1. Speculation was ratcheted up air, adding to the excitement of these motoring meetings. another notch by two further prototypes, the BMW Nazca C2 (Tokyo 1992) and its open-top sibling, the C2 Spider (1993). But the BMW Nazca M12 never made it into series production.

Which was a shame, of course, but not the one-way ticket to obscurity it might have been. Because BMW Group Classic has gathered together a treasure trove brimming with FORGOTTEN HEROES – and we delight in telling the fascinating stories behind these unforgettable milestones in BMW history.

Correction to the Jeff Leek article in SS6 June Issue.

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

07879 404648 thames@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Proposed Events 2020 Proposed Event dates for 2020 (finalised dates will be edited on BMWCC website) Feb/March - Trying to arrange Tour of Neilsen Chemicals Swadlincote, Derbyshire April/May - Date to be confirmed. Tour of Lotus Cars (New Factory) Norfolk April 22nd - Classic and Bike Meet. From 5pm to dusk April 26th - Bicester Sunday Scramble - should be nice and warm June - proposed tour of BMW Mini Oxford June 14th - Tour of Peak District with Howard Walker as chief guide June 21st - Cotswold Tour itinerary – Subject to Member discussion at next Regional Meeting July 19th - Henley Traditional Car and Boat Festival 30/31st August - Brougton Castle Festival of Transport 4th October - Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble

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.

07885 252448 wessex@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Barons Hindhead 01428 853 357

New Forest Treasure Hunt We met at our usual rendezvous, the St Leonard’s Hotel, for coffee a chat and a chance to check out the cars.

Recent Events A staggered start began at 2.00pm and the 36.8 mile drive through What a fabulous start to our first event of the year when we went the most stunning New Forest countryside began. It must be said to the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection. In spite of its name, that one or two of us did considerably more than 36.8 miles. the collection was moved from MOD Boscombe some six miles With 45 questions to solve, our navigators were kept busy. to the former WW1 Airfield at Old Sarum, Salisbury, as a means During the drive we saw New Forest ponies and their foals, of preserving many prototypes. XX154 was the prototype Hawk longhorn cattle and everyone’s favourite, donkeys, all roaming freely which retired after 45 years of service and was airlifted into Old from village to village.

Sarum by Chinook helicopter on August 21st 2019. One of the Various stop off points around the route enabled us to learn Chipmunks is in fact the actual plane that Prince Philip, Duke of facts relating to the New Forest whilst solving the questions.

Edinburgh, learnt to fly in.

We all arrived at the Bell Inn in Brook and sat down to a My thanks to Eric Thompson for helping to organise, his hearty meal. narrative and the photographs:

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 The drive to Old Sarum Airfield was quite hairy and I passed Diary Dates 2019 two cars already in ditches. Dorset Council can’t afford to salt National Festival Gaydon 11th August. If you are parking up roads, it seems! with Wessex then please drop Tim Maltby a line: Wessex@ The A354 to Salisbury was like an ice rink and even at very bmwcarclubgb.co.uk- book your tickets bmwcarclubgb.uk low speeds a touch on the accelerator brought the traction Sunday 15th September is now confirmed for our visit to a working control light on. The roads were quiet so no great problem and flitour mill at Sturminster Newton and to indulge in a cheese festival. gave me a chance to practice before our upcoming trip to the More details to follow. skid pan at Thruxton!

“Leaving home at around 8.30 it was still below freezing but luckily lovely and sunny. Nigel Smith

On arrival it was great to see such a good turnout, the cars western@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk lined up next to the hangar doors looked most impressive.

Welcome new members. Thank you to all that came along to BM’s on the hopefully you all enjoyed yourselves; look out 60 BMW CarLawn, Club Magazine March 2020 for the full article in next month’s magazine.

cars so far. Please contact me to register your interest. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk 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

Western

regionalnews clouds. At most museums it’s a “Please do not touch” but not here, in fact you were encouraged to have a go. I was amazed at how small some of the cockpits were, even for me.

The volunteers at the museum were most helpful and looked after us all morning, supplying coffee, tea and biscuits to help combat the chilly weather.

Following on from the museum most of us drove a few miles to the Stones Hotel to warm up over lunch.

We will definitely visit Boscombe Down Aviation Collection again later in the year when a new display of personal flying crew memorabilia will be on show. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Many thanks to Ray Powell for helping to organise the event.”

Following coffee and biscuits we sat down for a talk about the history of the museum and the WW1 hangar which is believed to be one of only two originals left in the UK. I didn’t know that in WW1 many Chinese men came over from Shanghai to the UK to help with the war effort and some helped build the hangers we were visiting.

The hangars are full to bursting with model aircraft, target drones, biplanes, helicopters, a Harrier Jump Jet, a BAE Systems Hawk and many more. The great thing is how you can climb into most of them and imagine yourself flying into the

Forthcoming events Sunday April 5th – Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, Yeovil BA22 7LH Sunday April 26th - Mottisfont Abbey and Gardens Sunday May 3rd – Southern Concours, Sherborne Castle DT9 5NR Saturday June 27th – Norden Train Station (Corfe Castle) Steam train to Swanage Sunday July 19th – Classics & Supercars at Sherborne Castle

Western Nigel Smith

western@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Welcome new members, Sorry it’s been a bit quiet on our Regional news, not really had much to discuss over the winter months and yes, I did miss the article deadline on one occasion, I’m only human and we all make mistakes, the bigger person admits theirs.

We are now back! I hope everyone is fine and now looking forward to the longer daylight hours, I certainly am. It’s back to it all again, show season is creeping up fast now. Hopefully we will see as many of you as possible at our Regional events this year and hopefully see you attending some national events as well.

Get those cloths and products out, and happy cleaning.

Don’t forget we are starting our show season off with the Southern Concours on May 3rd this year instead of in April, we will also be having our concours section separated into Pride of Ownership classes and Masterclass, this way we are allowing other cars that usually don’t get first place to stand a better chance of moving up the ranks. The cars that usually win are now being moved into Masterclass. I’m sure this will please some, good luck.

How many of you have been carrying out winter projects on your cars? Maybe send them to our Facebook page, I’m sure it will always be of interest to others and something is different to look at.

Please visit our Facebook page for a full list of event dates and any 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!

2020 Events May 3rd – Southern Concours and General BMW Gathering at Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, Dorset July 5th – Bm’s on the Lawn, Weston-super-Mare sea front lawns July 12th – Powderham Castle See pub meets at the back of Straight Six.

Be event ready for 2020!

Club branded merchandise is available from our online shop shop.bmwcarclubgb.uk See the full range on display at our National Events such as NEC Restoration Show, London Classic Car Show and Silverstone Classic www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

61

SALES SERVICING RESTORATION READY TO WEAR AND BESPOKE COVERS FOR ALL CAR MODELS

.co.uk www.carcovershop.co.uk | t.01780 654088

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.

Soft Stretch Indoor Covers from £99

Waterproof & Breathable Outdoor from £179

Classic Heroes. Classic motoring without classic car headaches.

PROTECTOR4 FLEECE LINED BREATHABLE FROM £112

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

CUSTOM INDOOR COVERS FROM £279

OUTDOOR CUSTOM WATERPROOF FROM £275

REVEAL COVERS FROM £159 AirChambers, CTEK Battery Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Half Covers, Hardtop Stands

OVER 10 YEARS BMW DEALERSHIP EXPERIENCE GENUINE PARTS USED MOT’S ARRANGED FREE NEW PURCHASE APPRAISAL

AAA business park, 7 Camps Industrial Estate, East Calder, EH27 8DF

01506 885 788

E: info@ksautomotive.co.uk 62

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

regionalnews

registernews 02 Richard Stern Jaymic Jaunt 02.02.20 On a wet and windy start we headed to Norfolk, and 02 country. Arriving at Jaymic HQ on time, we were presented with a lovely “2020” style script badge as a memento of the day. Fay took the lead at great speed, having the advantage of knowing the local country lanes. We arrived at the first arranged stop; Baconsthorpe Castle where we parked all the 02s in line for muddy photos. A quick tour around the castle ruins and we were off again.

Lunch was at the famous Wiveton Bell in Holt, where I recall being there years ago for a similar 02 meeting. In the pub fireplace used to be an E-Type engine that the old Landlord would start up every Saturday night, sadly it’s now replaced with a boring old log burner. I have to say the roast beef dinner was superb, I could have quite happily stayed there all afternoon. Poor old John had broken down a few miles from the pub meet with missing wheel nuts. As we left the pub, funnily enough a recovery truck went past with John’s 02 on the back, what a shame. Hope you got back safely?

07770 443373 02register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Anyway, onto the next stop; Holkham beach for the final three 02’s (Red, Amber, Green) and then sad departures for the trip home. I was lucky enough to find a hand car wash open on the way and promptly got them to jet wash all the mud and clean under the arches ready for its next outing.

Thanks to Jaymic for organising and great to see nine 02s on a cold, wet February Sunday – well done to all that attended.

Talking of Jaymic – they now have “Tii” complete replacement front panels as well as normal 02 carburettor ones, previously not available (minus front hole for standard air filter cold feed pipe), also sensibly priced new black door cards and more. Give Jaymic a call if you have any requirements.

Electric Classics – you might have noticed in the news and recent social media that more and more companies are now offering electric conversions for your classic. There are benefits and drawbacks with all of this. Obviously almost every day now the news is full of stories of global warming, whether it’s true or not we do need to be less pollutive in our lifestyle so that’s not such a bad thing, whatever your views on climate change.

Firstly the benefits I can see are; • Less maintenance.

• Better performance (acceleration).

Drawbacks; • Cost to convert or purchase.

• Handling will be totally different (worse due to weight of batteries and possibly position).

• Limited range (against the petrol alternative).

• Increased electric costs (if you charge at home), watch your home energy bills double!

• Long Journey times increased due to having to recharge midway.

• Value; in a recent interview with the curator of the Peterson Collection in the USA, he stated, “originality is everything” and I tend to agree with this view point. You only need to look back at historic and anything classic to realise originality is always worth more.

So, while there might be some strong cases to go electric, I am personally not so sure that this is the future. I strongly believe it is a short-term alternative to fossil fuels, but long-term a better solution like Hydrogen is the only real answer. Maybe then we’ll see flying cars in the near future as often Sci-Fi programmes predicted we’d be driving in 2020?

I think the moral of the story is; drive your fossil-fuelled classic now while you can, our days are perhaps numbered.

2020 key events to watch out for All events here; https://www.bmw2002.co.uk/upcoming-events/ Next big 02 gathering is the 26th April – “DID-DAY” let’s get lots of 02’s at the famous Bicester Sunday Scramble.

10th July – Bi-Annual 2002 Treffen event https://www.nullzwo-freunde-alfstedt.de/treffen-2020/ At Alfstedt Germany. Contact nullzwo@dennis-monsees.de Tail Pipe 02 T-Shirts (USA) https://www.etsy.com/shop/2002fanatic 02 Club of Colombia including basic VIN decoder https://www. bmwclasicos.com/en/services.php# Reminder of some of the year’s recent discounts offered to Club members; Vapour blasting and more https://www.icmhome.org.uk/ The world’s best car mats https://www.cocomats.com/

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

63

registernews

1 Series

Anthony Mason

The year has started off with some lovely time at the wheel of the 1M. I treated the car to a new OE spec AGM battery at the end of December as it was on its original 2011 one. This does require coding so it keeps the battery in peak condition. The car rewarded me with what I can honestly say has been an absolute delight to drive.

I was invited to stay with some friends on the Cheshire borders teetering on the edge of the Peak District, which provides some truly epic bendy country roads with blind crests.

Practically visible apexes and scenery to distract the passengers from looking at the speedo. My friends have a beautiful old farmhouse complete with the log burner that has a stress busting tranquilliser effect. Unfortunately the drive up on the M6 was a dull 50 miles per hour which is brilliant for mpg but so boring after 20 minutes. I spent time honing my seat position, playing with the radio and generally fiddling with all the buttons and settings in the iDrive.

I actually managed to tie in a visit to an automobile Mecca on the way up north. Those of you who use Facebook or Instagram, their online profiles are beautiful. (I might have massaged my route to achieve this visit). I think I’ve made my feeling clear about the wonders of the Ace Cafe in London, the place oozes history and with a real classic approach, it’s like walking into a 1960’s diner with all the mods and rockers.

3 Series

Simon Maskell

1series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Well there’s a new kid in town. Caffeine and Machine is set over a sprawling 12 acres and is also a B&B. Their mentality is ‘all welcome, even Lycra clad cyclists’. There is also a great menu available.

They are a responsible outfit and very aware of their neighbours and don’t tolerate unsafe driving in any way, they have incorporated a slogan of ‘DON’T BE A D**K’ which is available as a poster and sticker. The car park is large and sprawling - I pre-booked a place for a small fee and managed to get a prime position. The weather wasn’t great but with a break in the rain I got a few shots of the car. The venue is very rustic with interesting automotive trinkets in every corner - some lovely art on the walls with artwork and posters for sale. I bought a t-shirt to remember my visit. www.caffeineandmachine.com/about-us

3series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Welcome to the March edition of the 3 Series Register. We’d like to advise that Autofahrt Munich, the Register trip that takes place in early June 2020, is filling fast and places are now limited. There is a copy of the flyer that outlines the itinerary.

I must stress this trip is open to ALL Club members, not just 3 Series owners; at the time of writing we have 7, 5, 3 Series and Zs. Any other owners could make a full house! The trip is starting to fill, but there is room for a few more. Interested people should contact me through the Register email address.

The trip starts in The Netherlands, continues along the most picturesque part of the Rhine valley (lots of Castles and vineyards), makes its way along the Romantische Strasse (picture postcard German villages), and onto Munich. Whilst at Munich we will visit the BMW Welt, factory tour, BMW group classic, as well as the dismantling center over a period of a few days.

For the return journey we will visit the Sinsheim Technik Museum, which is a truly spectacular place to visit and the only place in the world you can see Concorde and its Russian counterpart the TU-144 in one place. They are mounted in a take off pose on the building’s roof and you can go inside both aircraft. There is also a massive collection of cars, including a Bugatti Royale and many classic and modern vehicles. This is merely the tip of a very large iceberg! It takes all day to get round the exhibits.

The trip then moves on to the Nurburgring, where we will stay in Sabine Schmidt’s hotel (ring expert and often seen on various car programs) and have the opportunity to dine in her restaurant (they do an excellent fillet steak I can attest to). The trip then ends and you depart to your chosen point to return home. The hotels are a mix of three and four stars.

Prices are now confirmed at £1,149 per person in a car

64

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

registernews and bedroom (based on two people sharing) and £1,498 for a single person and car (an £800 discount from the two person total price). There is the ability to customise your start and finish points and you need to tell the tour people at the time of booking where you intend to cross the channel. More details

3 Series E46 Simon Maskell It has been said that a week in politics is a long time; I feel that a month is a long time in BMW ownership! If you read my article last month I mentioned that I had the idea of creating a homage to the German police, well that plan has now been shelved due to the sale of the 330d Touring! Have no fear though, this is merely a delay for this plan, it will return. Probably.

I touched on the other up and coming plans for the year in last month’s article and was left wondering what mechanically I need to do to my cars. The 328i needs a rocker cover gasket replacing and the convertible has a leaking VANOS pipe. This supplies oil to the unit and doesn’t appear to be much of a leak, however the quantity of oil suggests otherwise. It is a bit of a pain in the derriere to access, as one end hides under the intake manifold, but I’ve been assured by friend of the Register Greg Webster that it’s not too bad a job, it’s another common E46 fault!

I want to announce that there will be a Northern E46 event taking place at Newby Hall in North Yorkshire on Sunday May 5th. There will also be a pre-show gathering on the Saturday the intention is to stay at the Ripon Spa hotel (01765 602172) the night before and on the Saturday have a run out to one of the many scenic places that part of the world has to offer. If you’ve never been, pencil this event into the diary as there will be many BMWs (last year we were one of the biggest single makes in attendance), the Northern Concours, many other Registers, as well as all the latest and greatest supercars, fast Fords, etc. It is a great venue, with lots for the family to do, and

3 Series E9x

Julian Pickering

Yes, you may need to do a double take on this, as it is the first Register report covering the E9x (E90/91/92/93) models published in Straight Six for a long time – certainly the first since I joined the Club two years ago. I am a member of the Bournemouth Wessex Group and the proud owner of a 2009 M Sport 320d Highline (E93 - the convertible). If you are not familiar with this model, take a look at the attached picture of the sales brochure but more about this car another time.

I have been coerced into standing as the new E9x Model Rep and I am hoping that you will see a few more frequent E9x Register reports in Straight Six this year. I just need you owners out there to send me interesting information and stories about your cars. I confess that I am much better known for my interest in Land Rover Defenders, with three in my current stable, and leading the owners club for the 60th Anniversary (SVX) model.

However, I am no novice to 3 Series BMWs, having owned an E30 and an E36 in the past (a shame I don’t still have them).

The E9x models are going through a tough time of life at the moment – they are rather like the adolescent teenager who is too old to join in child games but too young to be really classed as an adult. They are probably leaning more towards being an old “newer” car just now rather than a young classic, but that will change. Prices are rock bottom for examples in average to poorer condition, as buyers are wary of BMW ownership costs with older cars, but fine cars are starting to gain rarity value. My advice is to grab these cars while you can because they will soon join the hallowed grounds of the E46 and earlier 3 Series models. I read a lot of articles about people who are buying cheap E9x cars and running them to destruction and this pleases me greatly as every example scrapped takes mine a step nearer to true classic status. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

from Scenic Car Tours, who are organising this for the Club.

Payment is an initial 20% deposit, with the balanced paid 10 weeks before departure.

Some places are still available, so contact the tour operator on 01732 879153 and speak to Emma, Beth, or James. e46register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

for the petrol heads, the best bit can be watching the cars leave at speed up the private drive that links to the main road. The cars can stop at the exit and then do a launch; it usually is very entertaining!

Next month there will be another interview with Nick Jupp, this time on his love for one particular tuning house, as he shares his knowledge and passion with us about his latest purchase - a supercharged AC Schnitzer Touring. e90register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

It is my intention to conclude this opening report without discussing any technical issues – we can talk about N47 timing chains, N52 oil leaks and N53 injectors in future reports. Reading technical articles in the excellent BMW enthusiast magazines is enough to turn anyone to drink and makes you really question your faith in BMW engineering and reliability. Added to this is the passion that BMW owners have for their particular model of car, sometimes to the exclusion of other models. So I would like to leave you for now with a thought, bearing in mind that I also come from a car world where air conditioning is the result of poorly fitting doors and central locking means that you can reach all four door knobs from the driver’s seat: we are fortunate to own excellent quality cars, which all offer a first class driving experience. When failures are reported in the press, there is little information about their frequency of occurrence. Many thousands of BMW miles are completed each year with a wide range of models and an equally wide range of power units and this should be something that we should all be proud of in our Club.

Happy driving this month!

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

65

registernews

4 Series

Paul Roberts

Back from the gym (part of my weight loss regime!) and thought it’s that time again to put some thoughts down regarding Register news. Actually, there isn’t a lot to say this month I’m afraid.

We had another local BMW Car Club meet on January 30th, where we could flesh out some possible dates for events etc.

I think this year we will try to attend a few static shows, but with more emphasis on a drive followed by lunch/picnic at a designated location. More on that later.

I have booked us into the Tykes Tango weekend at the end of March, so that should be fun and I anticipate using the same route up to Ripon (the Hotel location) that we drove on the way up to last year’s Highland Fling - through the middle of Lincolnshire rather than just up the A1. I believe there are five or even six cars heading up to Yorkshire from the East Anglia Region, so we may try to organise a convoy. No news regarding my car this time, except that I was rather surprised at the cost of some touch up paint (almost £20). Just hope I don’t need to use it!

I have also started to use the Meguiar’s cleaning pack that someone (yes, you know who that was) got me for Christmas and I have been impressed with the end results. Unfortunately the only other incident to report is that I had to replace both rear tyres at short notice, and I’m recovering from the cost. Still, I suppose I should persevere with run flats. Anyone changed their 4 Series to regular tyres? I must admit the run flats certainly do produce quite a bit of road noise. Whilst I’m having a moan, I now have some severe creaking going on from the near side rear of the seats. I don’t think this is the stored wind deflector but I’m in the process of trying to eliminate the source as it’s beginning to get on my nerves.

Finally, I had communication from another fellow 4 Series owner so I’m pleased to report the details. Having recently received his membership pack, Phil Parratt sent me an email.

5 Series

Stephen Coulson

4series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

On January 17th Phil collected his Sapphire Black 440i Gran Coupe from Ocean Torbay. The car is a July 2019 registered car with Black Dakota leather and brushed aluminium interior trim.

Additional spec includes M Sport Plus, Park Assist, Comfort Pack, Enhanced Bluetooth, wireless charging and WiFi hot sport preparation. Future planned additions are the M Sport carbon front splitter and rear spoiler. Phil sent me a couple of pictures, so these are as shown.

It’s good to get details from fellow 4 Series owners, so please send me more!

5series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Hello all in the 5 Series Register, Hope everyone is enjoying the New Year, does anyone have a project on the go that they would like to share with us over these dark winter nights?

Car of the Month Moira & David Thursfield’s lovely E34 525i on Tour.

Please forward any to me for inclusion in the magazine and also any more photos for Car of the Month. There must be some out there! if you have any experiences of running your 5 Series, no matter what year and would like to share them please send them in as well.

Thanks, Steve.

5 Series E34 Manj Sandhu

Carrying on from last month with regard to the 535i. Recently in 2019, I replaced the spark plugs and put it through a full Inspection II service again. As you have probably guessed I like to make sure the car undergoes a proper service when it goes in for its annual MOT. Every time I get the car, I am amazed at how healthy the engine always sounds on that first drive back. Since I only cover 3,000 miles a year in it, the regular change of oil, filters etc seems to reward me every time.

Speaking of engine performance, the M30 engine in its final form (M30BTU35) is a wonder of nature in my eyes. This has been my one and only experience with this engine and what a sensation it is. It is no wonder the engine found its way into various BMW models for over 20 years, and why the great publication you are reading is named accordingly. I often refer

66

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

e34register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

to the 535i as my ‘menace’, purely down to the sound of the engine. It always sounds as if it wants to get up to mischief and cause trouble! The mechanical sounds and nature of the engine in manual form with the sports suspension is a thrill. The gearing is long, especially in third gear and seems to go on forever. The engine is rev happy and thrives above 3,500 rpm accompanied by the most incredible howl from the straight six engine.

Although it is no M Car, it needs to be handled with care rather than thrown around carefree. Unfortunately, with my driving style (let us call it laid back - my kids refer to me as Miss Daisy in their description!); my E39 M5 is clearly wasted on me. Too much power for someone who does not have the driving skill to match. However in the E34, just a tad under 50% less power (211 compared to 400 horses) than the M5, it suits me perfectly. Not so fast as to www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

registernews

embarrass and expose my lack of driving talent, but enough for me to have a little bit of fun. It really does get your senses racing on an open road without breaking the speed limit. As far as I am concerned, for me it is a perfect fit.

I do wonder from time to time how the straight six compares with the latter V8 engines! Has anyone been lucky enough to experience both?

If I am honest, the nature of the engine in manual form is a little out of kilter with the usual refined nature you are normally accustomed to with an E34. Thinking back, I did love and still miss the smooth unassuming nature of my old 520i. God how much I miss that car!

As a final note, I would like to say a big thank you to all the E34 owners who have contacted me with their kind words, E34 thoughts and especially the pictures. I have to say that E34 owners are very meticulous with their cars considering some of the pictures I have

6 Series

Mani Singh Hayer

I’ve done little mileage in my E64 over the last few weeks, and the only report to make is regarding some sticky locking wheel bolts on the front wheels, discovered when I wanted to replace the front tyres. These were overtightened by whoever serviced the car before me and I could not believe how difficult it was to remove the wheel bolts without causing any damage to the wheel. After attempts by three different garages (one of them affiliated with the garage I bought the car from originally), with strict instructions not to damage the wheel the car was finally and duly booked into Sytner BMW Leicester. Just 20 minutes after dropping it off, I received an email saying that the car was

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

been sent. Some of the cars look brand new and not coming up to potentially 30 years old. It is a credit to the owners for bestowing some of the best care and attention an automobile could wish to have. Let me know if you would like me to include the pictures in the monthly E34 Register slot. If you provide me with a little background and interesting facts, I will gladly include it all together in the future.

Hats off to you all, and please keep them coming. I will respond to every email, I promise. Have a safe month and keep those E34s on the road. Do not let the UK weather stop you from enjoying such a wonderful machine all year round.

Finally, I have had a question from a fellow member – Is anyone aware of a source for an index of original BMW E34 parts numbers? Quite a few part retailers list parts available for 1990 cars and September 1991 onwards, but nothing in between those dates. Any ideas please let me know.

Kind Regards, Manj.

6series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

ready for collection and the bolts were off! No damage caused to the wheel which was fantastic too.

So with the bolts sorted and new Bridgestone’s fitted to the front and matching the rears, it’s time to spend a little bit of money on my E46 330i Individual with a full alloy wheel refurbishment required, something that I wanted to do last year but time has been running away so never got the chance.

If anybody has any recommendations for a good alloy wheel refurbishment company in the East Midlands area, please do get in touch.

A shout out to a new member, Robert L who is very lucky in that he owns this stunning Silverstone Silver M6 E64! Robert is planning a trip to Le Mans this year so if there are any other members planning a trip, please do get in touch.

Finally, if you have a refurbishment project going on, have recently acquired a 6 Series or maybe you just have an interesting story to tell, please email me along with some photos so that it can be featured in future 6 Series Register updates.

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

67

registernews

8 Series

Debbie Blythe

Welcome once again to all the 8 Series owners and enthusiasts out there, both E31 and G15 owners. The future events calendar is now ready, please see below and get in touch if you are coming to any or have news of any other events you would like the Register to know about. 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 Car Club Regional events.

In May we are planning to join the Italian E31 owners at their annual event, this time in Treviso, near Venice. We hope to make this a tour down through France, into Italy and then back through Germany with a visit to BMW Welt in Munich on the way back. I hope to have full details by the time you read this in the magazine, so please email if you are interested in joining in.

8series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Sunday September 27th – 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 October 4th – Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble – tickets available from their website.

Car of the Month This month we have another E31 8 Series owner who has also bought a new G15 8 Series, this time for his wife. Here is Shirley Hook-Pattison with her story of getting her new car: “What’s this?” I muttered, screwing up my eyes to read an email from Sytner on my phone. “Why are they mailing me about the 8 Series?”

I thought no more about it, until on the Saturday my husband asked me if I had had an email from Sytner, explaining that he had enquired about an 850 on my behalf. I looked at him in amazement. Then he mentioned the C word. In my book, nothing matches up to a convertible, so I started to become interested.

Phyllis (as I have christened her) was in Tamworth, so on the Sunday, off we went to have a look. I liked what I saw. In my opinion, she has a quiet understated elegance. Karl was worried that she wasn’t “flashy” enough for me, as I do like a bit of bling, but she had other compensating factors.

She drives beautifully at 30mph in a built-up area in comfort mode, without the driver feeling that she’s “raring to go”. Put her in Sport, and she certainly is raring to go, with lovely burbling exhaust noises, so one has the very best of both worlds.

I like gimmicks on cars and Phyllis has them in spades. We have the parking assistant, so she will park for you, the reversing assistant, so she will back down a tight road when you find you can go no further, the ability to change the colour of the lights in the cockpit (I have them set to purple), the lovely neck blowers so you can have the roof down on a cold day. I could go on…

For the techies, she has a V8, 4.4 engine, delivering 523bhp and you can take the roof up or down at speeds of up to 30 mph.”

Future events – 2020 Sunday April 19th – 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.

April 17th - 19th – Spanish E31 Club tour of Mallorca, email me for details.

Sunday April 26th – Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble – tickets available on their website.

Sunday May 10th – 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 on their website www.classicshows.org/bowood-classic-car-motorcycleshow-sun-10-may-2020 May 23rd - 24th – Italian E31 Club meeting in Treviso, near Venice. I am still waiting for details from our Italian counterparts but email me for details if you are interested.

June 19th - 21st – Welsh Weekend, Llandrindod Wells, book directly quoting “BMW Welsh Weekender”.

Saturday July 4th – Cars in the Park, Beacon Park, Lichfield, Staffs, WS13 6RA. We are having a stand for the E31 Register. I have booked for 15 cars and have just a couple of places left. If you would like to join us please email me asap, it is just £3 per car.

Sunday July 19th – 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.

September 20th - 27th – 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.

68

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

registernews

Z3 Register

Alan Jones

z3register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Welcome to the March edition of Straight Six! I’m sure that some of you will be really keen to get your car out of the garage and onto the open road, but are a little hesitant as there is surely some cold weather to come and the dreaded salted roads. But the warmer months will hopefully be here soon, enabling some open-top driving without the freeze.

I asked last month if anyone would like their car published in this section and I’ve had a few replies from members, so here is the first.

Hello Straight Six, I thought it was about time I put pen to paper as I’ve been a member for a few years now, and have owned my BMW for five.

She, Bella, is a 1998 2.8 Straight Six pre-facelift Z3. She’s now 22 years of age and all is well, both the engine and gearbox are just bulletproof and she only has 97k miles to date.

A bit about Bella. Purchased in January 2015 with 69k miles, I set to work to get her back on top form. Work carried out to date: • Full respray • Full cooling system renewal • Full brake system renewal • Shocks, springs and top mounts refreshed • Diff and gearbox oil refreshed • All bushes refresh including diff bush • Fuel filter and sender unit replaced • Rear screen • Full underbody and sills refresh (corrosion treated and powder coated where required) • New spare wheel carrier Modifications include: • 18” MV3’s on a staggered set-up, summer and winter sets • Bilstein Shocks and springs, lowered 30mm • Supersprint cat back stainless steel exhaust • Racing Dynamics front strut brace

Z4 Register

Paul Dodds

Hello and welcome to the March edition of Straight Six. In last Month’s issue, we were introduced to Shaun Casey and his BMW journey with his rare as hen’s teeth Sepang Bronze Z4M Coupe in a rather filthy state enjoying some B-road antics from a recent trip to Ireland. This month is no different as we keep the ‘M’ theme going strong with another Z4M. However, this time, a roadster in full winter mode sporting a black hardtop. Here are a few pictures and words from Ray Coop, the proud owner of this fine-looking Z4M: Hello, I’m in the South East Region and live near Canterbury.

I’ve owned the car from ex-demo and it’s now done 17,000 summer miles during our 13 years of ownership. I bought a hardtop last year and my wife and I now use it occasionally during the winter.

As to why I bought it, there are various reasons. Firstly, we liked the marque having owned three BMW’s previously.

Secondly, we fancied a soft top and finally it had better

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

• K&N 57i induction unit • BMW sports seats • ICE and amp upgrade • Boot lip spoiler Bella is used all year round, but on sunny days only in the winter. If it’s not raining, the roof is down. Fortunately I live in West Cumbria so the Lake District is my back garden, Bella can be found going over Hardknott, Wrynose and Honister Passes on a regular basis as well as many of the other glorious roads in the Lakes. She’s been to France, Germany and Switzerland as well as Scotland in recent times, effortless cruising.

Kind regards, Andy. z4register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

performance than the Boxster and Cayman I was comparing it against! We haven’t been disappointed and in fact, it’s the longest we’ve ever kept a car and I don’t see us ever getting rid of it.

I did a couple of track days in it last year including the Club’s day at Castle Coombe and was highly impressed with the car’s performance.

Regards Ray Next month As I type this up I have just placed an order for a few parts for my Z4. Sadly no shiny fancy new bits, this time they take the shape of two gaskets, one for the oil cooler to the oil filter housing and the other from the oil filter housing to the engine.

And also the atmospheric air vents in the boot that have passed their sell-by dates too. I shall let you know how I get on in replacing said parts in next month’s issue.

This also leads me on nicely to my next point, if you have any “do it yourself” stories that are good or bad that you would like to share with us all, remember you can get in touch via the forum or email at z4register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

69

registernews

X Series Jonathan Harris

xseries@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

It’s Been Too Long… again Once again I’m starting my note with apologies. It’s been a while since my last note, and although there has been little to report from the X Series Register, that is no excuse.

So, we’ve had a very wet winter… perfect weather for the X vehicles! But, and I do not want to tempt fate, dare I say there are glimmers of hope around the corner and summer is on its way, ish?

If you are like me, my X5 M has been rather unloved over the winter and has only been cleaned once, possibly twice, over that period (it’s probably only been driven 50 miles since September too!) To be honest, I’m so bored of the cold and wet weather, finding the enthusiasm to clean my car has been almost impossible. The warmer, sunnier weather will change that, and I’m looking forward to giving my car the decent clean

i Series

(and drive) it deserves.

Silverstone Classic Decent weather on the horizon can mean only one thing: the Silverstone Classic is upon us! You’ll all know by now that this event is my personal favourite and the motoring highlight of the year. The dates for the Silverstone Classic have all been confirmed for July 31st – August 2nd 2020. Please remember there are ‘early bird’ Car Club Display discounts available but you must book your Car Club Display tickets by 31 March 2020.

The discount code you need is 2020CCD057 so please get booking!

It is the 30th anniversary of this wonderful family-friendly event so what better way to celebrate than flooding the event with BMW X vehicles!

Clive Neville

iregister@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

I am advised that there might be eight of us in this Register exclusivity guaranteed! On that note, and while I would like us to be less exclusive, it would be really great to hear from fellow owners, even if it’s only to make an initial introduction and to establish what you might be looking for through the Club. Please contact me through the Register contact details above and I will get back to you.

While writing, I should mention that my wife and I have accepted an invitation from the BMW Pure Impulse programme to attend the 2020 (and last) tour of the i8 and i3 factory in Leipzig in the early spring, before i8 production ceases

in April. While not exactly cheap for us mere mortals, it nevertheless seems likely to be an unrepeatable opportunity to see the facilities - which have been built with environment considerations in mind - and to view first-hand the location where my car rolled off the line some two years previously. I will be asking loads of questions to our hosts about the i8 to ensure that I come back with far more knowledge about the car than I had hitherto.

So, if you have any burning questions about your car that BMW UK hasn’t been able to answer, then let me know all about it. But please, no questions on unresolved warranty claims....

Concours Dan Wood Concours sponsored by

concours@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

RYBROOK WARWICK http://www.rybrookwarwickbmw.co.uk/

Events and the Concours 2020 Project!

The Club offers both Regional and National Concours events each year and all Club Members are warmly invited to take part.

Dates for your diary and details are:The Southern Concours, Sunday May 3rd 2020 at Sherborne Castle, Dorset, DT9 5NR 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 performers will be separated out into a Master Class Category.

The Northern Concours, Sunday May 3rd 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.

Please keep abreast of the Western Region and North East Region sections in Straight Six Magazine for details.

Both our Regional Concours events take place within stunning settings which offer activities and entertainment for the whole family. Additionally, both events are shows for everyone – so if you want to come along but not take part in the Concours, that is absolutely fine – all members are welcome to the shows regardless of whether you enter in Concours or not. The vast

70

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

http://www.meguiars.co.uk/

majority of Club Members take good care of their cars, so if you plan to come, why not enter?!

Introducing the Concours 2020 Project!

During 2020, we will be recording a series of videos covering the preparation of a car and entering it into Concours. The intention is to show how members can get involved and get started in Concours, offering tips and guidance that can be replicated at home by Club Members. Teaming up with our Concours sponsors Meguiar’s, the videos will also showcase the range of products used to prepare the car and demonstrates them being used. The car in question is a 2009 Black Sapphire 120i Convertible which has covered 129K miles. This is a really good starting point as far as the videos are concerned as the car is a daily driver, having covered an average of approximately 12,000 miles per year over its lifetime. We’re not starting with a ‘garage queen’ here, we are starting from the very beginning with a ‘daily driver’ in order to provide tips and ideas and encourage you to get involved!

We’ve certainly given ourselves some work to do!

The videos will form a series of episodes covering all aspects of preparation including engine bay, interior, exterior, convertible roof etc. and will also cover how it fares at events.

The car will be on display at The Southern Concours this year.

Come along and check it out! So far, we have recorded an ‘introduction to the project’ video and a video covering the ‘engine bay’ and these are in editing prior to being released (check out the before and after photos below).

Please keep abreast of the Club’s YouTube Channel to ensure that you are informed of all the video episodes in the www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

registernews

series. Go to YouTube and search for “BMWCCGB” where you will also find a video covering introductory information regarding Club Concours.

We very much look forward to providing you with a warm welcome at both Regional events this year!

Keep on Concours-ing!!

CLASSIFIEDS For sale: Four BMW Style 21 ‘Throwing Star’ alloy wheels.

Two 8x17 (fronts) and two 9x17 (rears), with centre caps. I have had the wheels for over 15 years and were originally fitted to my 840Ci Sport.

They may fit other BMW models. There are some paint/lacquer blemishes and odd scuff on all the wheels/centre caps, whilst they do the job they could benefit from refurbishment. To my knowledge the wheels have not been repaired previously, I cannot see evidence of that.

Wheels have tyres fitted, but tread on the rears is not road legal and the fronts have been stored in my garage for over 12 years and I would not recommend them for road use.

Price - £650. Buyer collects only from Fareham, Hampshire.

For more information please email me at dtgreen@btopenworld.com or ring Dave Green on 07715 607072.

in association with AnyM.co.uk

For sale: BMW 840 Ci Sport 1999, Silver, 66,800 miles. Interior black/black leather. My second car for over 15 years. Full BMW main dealer service history with 12 stamps. Inspection 2 (major) service 300 miles ago in June 2018, includded new front lower suspension arms and radiator using genuine BMW parts. New, genuine BMW exhaust (excluding Cats) fitted in 2017 and new batteries in March 2019. All old MOT’s, receipts and paperwork since I’ve owned the car available. Electric seats, sunroof, A/C, CD player etc, toolkit & two keys. Fitted with Hartge 19” wheels (19x8” front, 19x9” rear) and Goodyear Eagle tyres (245/35 front, 275/30 rear), all about half worn.

Averaging 200 miles a year, so it could do with more use. Price: £13,750 For more information please email dtgreen@btopenworld. com, or ring Dave Green on 07715 607072. Fareham, Hampshire

Trackday Calendar 2020 9 April:

Cadwell Park – £185

16 June: Brands Hatch – £120

(track evening)

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

28 Sep:

Snetterton – £200

6 Nov:

Oulton Park – £170

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

71

yourphotos

Sponsored by

The very best of our readers’ photos will be published every month with exclusive Meguiar’s products up for grabs for our top contributors.

Please send a high resolution image along with a caption to officeadmin@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk.

Photo of the Month

Dean Clayton - Z4 at Lake Maggiore

Nick Lynch - My E36 Compact California at Cholmondely Castle

Malcolm Field - Top Gear

72

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

Harry Woodington- Trip to Wales and BMWCC HQ

Philip Sneap - A wolf in sheep’s Clothing

Robert Lewis - St George’s Park

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

WANTED ALL BMW M SERIES MODELS CLASSIC TO MODERN All conditions wanted, from restoration projects to concours. Complete collections purchased. Right and left-hand drive. Cash buyer. Discretion assured.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 1st Choice.......................................33

Footman James ............................16

Adrian Flux .....................................45

For sale: BMW 320Ci convertible.....73

Auto Seal Limited..........................48

For sale: BMW 7 Series................73

Autoenhance ...................................7

Klasse Series Automotive.............62

Autospray VSS Ltd.........................73 BMW Car (UK)........................ 9, OBC BMW Car Club Insurance (A-Plan Insurance) ........................................3

Linwar Motors................................48 Meguiars......................................IBC

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in selling your BMW and are looking for a prompt hassle-free cash buyer! Please feel free to contact me for a no obligation friendly chat.

I am also interested in low mileage: 3 Series, 6 Series, 8 Series & all models 1920s to 1980s

Opie Oils.........................................48

Carcovershop ................................62

Roythorne & Son............................48

Classic Heroes...............................62

Spit and Polish Alloy Wheel.........62

Classicline Insurance.....................33

The Metropole Hotel & Spa..........33

D Class...........................................IFC

Toro Sports Cars.............................73

BMW E46, 320Ci Convertible.

CALL DIRECT ON: 07787 528131 UK Based Buyer

BMW 728I E38 AN APPRECIATING CLASSIC FOR SALE

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:

– just 20 years young!

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.

Full black leather

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

Registered June’99

Sport interior and M-Sport Multifunction steering wheel along with walnut trim, electric heated memory seats, digital climate control, on-board computer, traction control, cruise.

Original Service Book with 12 stamps Long MOT until April 2020 no advisories 2 keys

High spec includes: 6-stack CD Electric front seats, windows, mirrors Driver’s 3-way Memory seats Front and rear parking sensors Cruise control

Air con – fully charged Door-handle entry down-lights F/R mud guards Motorway miles with good tyres all round A good example of this gentleman’s autobahn cruiser.

£1,995 ONO PLEASE CALL OR MESSAGE: 07969 456214

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

73

Feature

clubpubmeets This section is for those regular pub meets that are on-going within the Regions. You will always be very welcome to attend any of these events, so pop along and introduce yourself.

CENTRAL: 2nd Monday of each month – 9th March, Aviator Hotel, Northampton, 7.30pm. Earls Barton Meet thereafter, after the first Wednesday of each month through to September Clay Lane, Earls Barton, Northampton NN6 0EP. CENTRAL WEST: Second Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm at The Manor House of Whittington, Wolverhampton Road, Stourbridge, DY7 6NY. CORNWALL: 9th March – 7:30pm at the Punchbowl & Ladle, Penelewey, Feock, Truro, TR3 6QY. 6th April – 7:30pm Venue to be confirmed.

COTSWOLD: Second Wednesday of each Month 7.30pm at “The Swan at Coombe Hill” Tewkesbury Road, Coombe Hill, Gloucester GL19 4BA. CUMBRIA: Thursday 19th March 19.30pm – The Sportsman, just off the A66, CA11 0SG. Feel free to contact me beforehand if you have not been to one of our meets.

DEVON: Last Thursday of the month at 7.00pm for 7.30pm we shall be meeting at the Hare & Hounds, Torquay Road, Kingskerswell, TQ12 5HH. For further information, contact Kathy or Derek on 01626 330436 or mobile 07971 871739 or email: devon@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk EAST ANGLIA: Pub Meet Contacts – all members are welcome at any meet. ALWAYS double check with your Branch Rep. as some Pub meets are suspended or venues changed for a variety of reasons.

Suffolk Pub Meet – White Horse, Stoke Ash IP23 7ET Contact – David Adams (Suffolk Branch Rep.) bmwccsuffolkrep@btinternet.com 0777 466 8596 Also follow us on Facebook BMW Car Club GB Norfolk and Suffolk Branch Cambs/Beds Pub Meet – The Royal Oak, Barrington, nr Cambridge CB22 7RZ – Recommences April to September, Fourth Tuesday evening of the month. Contact – Matthew Hunt (Cambs/Beds Branch Rep.) matthew.hunt13@btinternet.com 0797 3986525. See details of coffee mornings on FACEBOOK facebook.com/groups/1795515350724518?ref=bookmarks Norfolk Pub Meet – LOOKING FOR A NEW VENUE. Last Thursday of every month. Contact Richard Howard on bmwccnorfolk@gmail.com. Also follow us on Facebook: BMW Car Club GB Norfolk and Suffolk Branch Essex Pub Meet – Various locations. Breakfast Meets are being trialed, refer to Facebook BMW Car Club GB Essex Branch which we hope will shortly be set up again.

NW Norfolk, STH Lincs, Peterborough Pub Meet – The Sandboy Pub, Gayton Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE32 1EP. Contact Aaron Reeve on westnorfolk@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk EASTERN: The Motorist Breakfast Meet – On the first Sunday of each month between 10am 12 noon.

The Motorist New Lennerton Lane Sherburn in Elmet LS25 6JE. Further details on the Motorist can be found at www.themotorist.com Contact: 01977 681486 Peak & South Yorkshire Pub Meet – Second Monday of the month from 8pm at The Elm Tree Inn, Mansfield Road, Heath, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 5SE Yorkshire & Humberside Pub Meet – Last Tuesday of the month at 18:00 at The George & Dragon, Doncaster Road, Whitley, Goole, DN14 0HY North Nottinghamshire – The Reindeer Inn, Sturton le Steeple DN22 9HQ on the second and fourth Thursday of the month LONDON/HERTS: Second Monday evening of the month from 7.00pm at The Crooked Chimney, Lemsford, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 7XE NORTH EAST: Our monthly breakfast meetings are held on the second Sunday morning of each month, from 10.00am to 11.30am at Black Horse Beamish, Red Row, Beamish, Co. Durham, DH9 0RW. NORTH WEST: North West Region Sunday Lunch & Quiz – Sunday of alternate months (all at 12.00 noon) 29nd March (NW AGM), 17th May, 19th July at The Swan, Bucklow Hill, Cheshire, WA16 6RD CONTACT Jeff Heywood – 0161 678 2088 Manchester/NW Local Branch Meeting – First Tuesday of the month at 8:00pm, 3rd March, 7th April, 5th May, 2nd June at The Sheldon Arms, Ashton under Lyne, M34 5QL CONTACT Jeff Heywood – 0161 678 2088 SCOTLAND: See Scottish region news and club forum for more information or contact Issy on bmwccscottishregion@ gmail.com SOUTH EAST: Kent Micro Meet – Chatham Dockyard 1st Sunday of month 10:00am - 12:00pm. 1st March.

Sussex Micro Meet – Shoreham Airport 4th Sunday of month 8.30am.

THAMES: Last Thursday of the month at the Littlebury Hotel, Bicester, at 7.30pm. 30th March. Contact thames@ bmwcarclubgb.co.uk for more information.

WALES: NORTH WALES: For more information contact northwales@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk MID WALES & SHROPSHIRE: TBC at 12PM, Hanmer Arms, Hanmer Village SY13 3DE SOUTH WALES: Third Wednesday evening of the month at 7.00pm (6.30pm for food) at The Twelve Knights Pub, Margam, Port Talbot, SA13 2BN WESSEX: Bournemouth Pub Meet – Every first Wednesday of the month. March 4th 7.00pm onwards. Tyrrells Ford Country Inn, Avon BH23 7BH. Contact John Munyard 07977 501128 or Eric Thompson 07722 835930 with any queries or confirmation of meeting venues.

Basingstoke Pub Meet – Third Tuesday of the month. March 17th 7.00pm onwards. The Fox, North Waltham, Basingstoke RG25 2BB. Contact Simon Alcorn 07973 299024.

Alton Pub Meet – Every last Tuesday of the month. March 31st 7.00pm. The Jolly Farmer, Blacknest, Binsted Road, GU34 4QD. Contact Bob Ward 07980 833321.

WESTERN: First Wednesday of the month: 7.30pm at The Woolpack, Weston-Super-Mare. 4th March, 1st April, 6th May, 3rd June, 1st July, 5th August.

74

BMW Car Club Magazine March 2020

Your Region & Register officers Regional Officers BMW Car Club Central

Tony Skerrett

central@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Central West

Dave Evans

centralwest@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Channel Islands

Jonathan Harris channelislands@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Cheshire & Staffs Steve Cooper

cheshireandstaffs@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Cornwall

Jim Husband

cornwall@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Cumbria

James France

cumbria@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Cotswold

Martyn Goodwin cotswold@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Devon

Kathy Jemfrey

East Anglia

George Champ eastanglia@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Eastern

Paul Rice

eastern@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Ireland

Nick O’Kane

ireland@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

London

Tim Fathers

london@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

North East

Nick Thomas

northeast@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

North West

Jeff Heywood

northwest@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Scottish

Issy Phillips

bmwccscottishregion@gmail.com

South East

Ian Bryant

southeast@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Thames

Tony Skerrett

thames@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Wales - Mid

Phil Pinnington

midwales@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Wales - North

David Allen

northwales@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Wales - South

Jonathan Bamford southwales@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Wessex

Tim Maltby

wessex@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Western

Nigel Smith

western@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

devon@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

& Shropshire

Register Officers BMW Car Club Classic E3 E9 02 M Power

ALPINA 1 Series 2 Series 3 Series 3 Series - E21 3 Series - E30 3 Series - E36 3 Series - E46 3 Series - E9x 3 series F30/1 4 Series 5 Series 5 Series - E12 5 Series - E28 5 Series - E34 5 series - E39 5 Series - E60/1 5 Series- F10/11 6 Series 6 Series - E24 6 Series - E63 7 Series 8 Series Z Series Z Series - Z1

Sam Lever classic@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Tony Wilkes e3register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Nick Hull e9register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Richard Stern 02register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Richard Baxter, mpower@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Tristan Glass & John Denny Simon Alcorn alpina@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Anthony Mason 1series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk VACANT 2series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Simon Maskell 3series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Kyri Nicolaou e21register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Neil McDonald neil@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Sean Garnham e36register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Simon Maskell e46register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Julian Pickering e90register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Katie Littler f30register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Paul Roberts 4series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Stephen Coulson 5series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Pat Tremain e12register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Mark Cox e28register@@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Manj Sandhu e34register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Dan Paskin e39register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk VACANT e60register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Mani Singh Hayer f10register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Mani Singh Hayer 6series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Konstantinos Loizou e24register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Duncan Antony e63register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Scott Margison 7series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Debbie Blythe 8series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk VACANT zregister@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Jamal Blanc z1register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Z Series - Z3 Z Series - Z4 X Series i Series + i8 MINI Modified Concours Track Days

Alan Jones Paul Dodds Jonathan Harris Clive Neville David Young Dipesh Amin Dan Wood Neil McDonald

z3register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk z4register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk xseries@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk iregister@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk mini@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk modified@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk concours@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk trackday@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

The Ultimate Driving Machine

EQUIPPED FOR ADVENTURE. Take your BMW to the next level with Genuine BMW Accessories.

Customise and add even more character on the inside, on the outside and on the tech-side. For more information, visit your local BMW Retailer or shop.bmw.co.uk