Straight Six August 2015

Straight Six August 2015

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Inside

Clublife

Members Edition

30 Years of the E3 A tribute to this iconic BMW

Plus: Kleers cleaning goodies to give away!

SHOW SEASON KICKS OFF WITH THE SOUTHERN CONCOURS AND TATTO www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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The BMW Range

Wellsway

The Ultimate Driving Machine

Wellsway

The Ultimate Driving Machine

WELLSWAY, THE HOME WELLSWAY, THE HOME OF BMW IN BATH. OF BMW IN BATH. As your local BMW Dealer, we’re perfectly placed to provide you with the very highest levels of service whether you’re looking for a BMW, or you already drive one. For more information on everything from As your local BMW Dealer, we’re perfectly placed to provide you with the very highest levels of service BMW Financial Services to BMW Lifestyle clothing and accessories, call us today. whether you’re looking for a BMW, or you already drive one. For more information on everything from BMW Financial Services to BMW Lifestyle clothing and accessories, call us today.

• New and Approved Used Car sales •• Servicing and repairsUsed Car sales New and Approved •• Genuine Parts and Accessories ServicingBMW and repairs •• Bodyshop Genuine BMW Parts and Accessories •TheBodyshop BMW range is made up of a set of truly remarkable cars, each delivering moments of joy in their own exhilarating way. The best way to experience a BMW is to drive it.

The BMW range is made up of a set of truly remarkable cars, each delivering moments of joy in their own exhilarating Theorbest wayout to more experience BMW is to driveand it. the services we offer, To request a testway. drive*, to find about athe BMW range please call us on 01225 448145, or visit our website www.wellswaybmw.co.uk.

To request a test drive*, or to find out more about the BMW range and the services we offer, please call us on 01225 448145, or visit our website www.wellswaybmw.co.uk.

Wellsway Lower Bristol Road, Bath, Somerset Wellsway

BA2 3DR 01225 448145 www.wellswaybmw.co.uk Lower Bristol Road, Bath, Somerset BA2 3DR 01225 448145 www.wellswaybmw.co.uk

BMW EfficientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range. *Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

BMW EfficientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range. *Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

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CONTENTS

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34

Vice Presidents Chris Wadsley Jeff Heywood Len Oakshett

FEATURES

NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS

6 National Festival

46 Working My Way Through The M’s

Formed in 1952 as The BMW Car Club of Great Britain, incorporated in1982 as THE BMW Car Club (Great Britain) 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. Founder The Late R.J.T Hewitt President John Safe

Chairman

Richard Baxter

Marketing & Development Director

Jamal Blanc

Regions & Register Director

George Champ

Communications Director

Howard Walker

Technical Director

Tim Fathers

ADVERTISING Display Advertising

Hine Marketing Tel 01452 730 770 nick@hinemarketing.co.uk

Classifieds

Club Office 01970 267 989 www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Media Officer

Neil Robinson nrobinson5@blueyonder.co.uk

CLUB OFFICE Office Manager

Jenn Jones

Membership Secretary

Alex Evans

Patron

Mike Wilds

COVER IMAGE

Chris Teagles

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

8 The Yorkshire Posts’ REGULARS Fathers Day Harewood 4 Products House 18 Thoughts from the 12 What Would You Do If Boardroom Someone Lent You An 20 Dan Norris F10 M5?

22 BMW News 24 A Grand Day Out 41 Chairmans Chat 27 Park Life 48 Club News 31 A 6 Series E24 635csi 51 Your Letters 34 BMW Kumho 52 Classifieds Championship 55 Regions 38 A Motoring 71 Registers Autobiography Part 2 79 Your Photos 42 Sherborne Castle

Southern Concours

82 Events

44 Upgrading the AFM www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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PRODUCTSSTRAIGHT SIX

AmD Tuning Package for BMW M5 E39 5.0 V8 - Software remap and performance exhaust

AmD now has a performance tuning package for the BMW M5 5.0 V8 which consists of a Milltek stainless steel performance exhaust system and matched AmD software which makes full and efficient use of the benefits of the new exhaust. The Milltek exhaust tackles the problem of droning noise in the 2300-2800 RPM rev band and makes long journeys far more comfortable.

The new exhaust system uses larger 63.5mm (2.5”) diameter stainless-steel pipework and mandrel bent curves to improve gas flow, minimise back pressure and optimise throttle response.

The AmD software remap then enhances these benefits and, thanks to increased efficiency, produces power figures that are more than could be expected by simply combining the gains from the exhaust and software upgrades alone.

Because the AmD remap has been designed specifically to work with the Milltek exhaust you can be sure that everything works with maximum efficiency and without any fault codes being triggered in error.

AmD Tuning also offer FREE FITTING on all Milltek and Cobrasport Exhausts, or if you prefer to buy by mail order and fit it yourself, they will offer 10% off and FREE DELIVERY – which can represent a significant saving on a full system. Furthermore, if you buy an AmD Tuning performance remap at the same time as a Milltek Exhaust you can have the remap at HALF the usual retail price!

Contact AmD Tuning for further details on 01708 861827 or visit www.amdtuning.com

GAZ Coilover Suspension for BMW 2002

It’s summertime and BMW 2002s are coming out of their winter hibernation and hitting the streets. However if you find that the years have taken their toll on the ride and handling, or that the up-on-your-toes stance is a bit too dated, you’ll be pleased to hear that GAZ has relaunched its GHA coilover kit for the 2002 and it now comes with a protective black zinc finish.

The GAZ GHA suspension kit provides ride height adjustability from -25mm to -55mm.

The height adjusters have a coarse acme form thread for ease of adjustment and the damper units are zinc plated to ensure that they remain in good order even after considerable service.

Damper rates are also variable by means of an adjuster knob on the damper body.

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

GAZ Coilover Kits are available for BMW 2002 from 1968 to 1976 and retail at £650.35 plus VAT per kit. For further details visit the GAZ website: www.gazshocks.com

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

Powerflex Suspension Bushes for BMW E24, E28, E32 and E34 Powerflex has just added a new part number to its range of bushes to fit the BMW E24, E28, E32 and E34.

PFR5-606 Rear Trailing Arm Bush replaces OE numbers: 33329058824 and 33329061946.

Retail price – set: £114.96 inc. VAT PFR5-606G Rear Trailing Arm Bush is an adjustable version of the above providing on-car adjustment of camber and toe angles giving +/-1 degree of adjustment. This part also replaces OE numbers: 33329058824 and 33329061946. Retail price – set: £191.76 inc. VAT These new bushes are manufactured using the Powerflex Shore A 95 Black material to replicate the stiffness of the original bush.

Powerflex offer improved reliability over original parts and of course carry the Powerflex Lifetime Warranty.

For more details visit www.powerflex. co.uk or call 01895 460033.

AmD Tuning Package for Mini Coupe Cooper S

Software remap and performance exhaust AmD now has a performance tuning package for the little Mini Cooper S Coupe.

The package consists of a Cobra Sport stainless steel performance exhaust system and matched AmD software which makes full and efficient use of the benefits of the new exhaust. The car already boasts a turbocharged 1.6 litre engine, which provides agile, entertaining handling but the Cobra Sport / AmD Software upgrade makes driving an even more relishing experience.

The new exhaust system uses larger diameter stainless-steel pipework and mandrel bent curves to improve gas flow, minimise back pressure and optimise throttle response.

The AmD software remap then enhances these benefits and, thanks to increased efficiency, produces power figures that are more than could be expected by simply combining the gains from the exhaust and software upgrades alone.

Because the AmD remap has been designed specifically to work with the Cobra Sport exhaust you can be sure that everything works with maximum efficiency and without any fault codes being triggered in error.

AmD Tuning also offer FREE FITTING on all Cobra Sport Exhausts, or, if you prefer to buy by mail order and fit it yourself, they will offer 10% off and FREE DELIVERY – which can represent a significant saving on a full system. Furthermore, if you buy an AmD Tuning performance remap at the same time as a Cobra Sport Exhaust you can have the remap at HALF the usual retail price!

Contact AmD Tuning for further details on 01708 861827 or visit www. amdtuning.com www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

PRODUCTS

B-G Racing Steering Wheel Spacers Nowadays we tend to take an adjustable steering wheel for granted but it wasn’t always that way.

So if you need some extra reach on your classic or kit car, B-G Racing has come to your rescue with their B-G Steering Wheel Spacers.

The spacers are designed to bring

the steering wheel closer to the driver for increased comfort and they come multi-drilled to accommodate the majority of aftermarket steering wheels.

The 60mm Steering Wheel Spacer is produced from aluminium billet and will bring the steering wheel 60mm closer to the driver.

The Adjustable Steering Wheel Spacer offers adjustment to bring the steering wheel between 45mm to 70mm closer to the driver and is also produced from aluminium billet.

Both of the spacers have a multi-pattern PCD which allows steering wheels with either 6 x 70mm or 6 x 74mm bolt patterns to be fitted.

Retail prices: BG4922 Adjustable Spacer – £69.99 incl.

VAT (£58.32+VAT) BG4923 60mm Spacer – £48.99 incl. VAT (£40.82+VAT)

Design Engineering Inc. Heat Shroud

For protection of wiring against radiant heat and whilst welding Design Engineering Inc. (DEI), specialists in heat and sound control, now offers a new convenient way to protect fuel lines, wires, cables and hoses from excessive direct or radiant heat.

DEI’s Heat Shroud™ is made with a high-temperature resistant glass fibre fabric bonded to aluminised material that reflects 90% of radiant heat and direct heat up to 500° F (260° C).

A hook and loop (‘Velcro’ style) closure makes the shroud simple and easy to install. This time saving convenience makes it possible to get a secure thermal protection barrier with less chance of damaging or mis-connecting wiring whilst working quickly. This is especially important for clubman or professional motorsports.

DEI’s Heat Shroud is extremely pliable and fireproof and fits inside-diameters ranging from ½” to 2½”(1.27cm - 6.35cm). In addition to its heat reflecting properties, DEI’s Heat Shroud also provides additional protection against oil, dirt and abrasion and can be trimmed to length.

Being fireproof and heat resistant, DEI’s Heat Shroud can also be used to provide temporary protection for wiring whilst welding is being carried out nearby and can then be quickly removed by peeling the hook and loop closure apart.

The DEI Heat Shroud is available in 3 foot (91.44cm) lengths with adjustable diameters.

Part #010457 adjusts in diameter from ½” to ¾” (1.27cm - 1.905cm) Part #010405 adjusts in diameter from ½” to 1¼”(1.27cm - 3.175cm) Part #010487 adjusts in diameter from 2” to 2½” (1.27cm - 6.35cm) Requests for custom cut lengths up to 50 feet (15.24m ) can be accommodated including ½” x 1¼” (1.27cm x 3.175cm) ID (part #010405B) or 2” x 2½” (1.27cm x 6.35cm) ID (part #010487B).

Order direct from DEI in America, or you can search online for a dealer in your area at... http://designengineering.com/storelocator/international-dealers

Eurax - Scratch Repair Stick by Du Pont for instant scratch repair on any clear coated surface

Eurax Ltd is now stocking the remarkable DuPont™ Pro-Fusion Color™ Scratch Repair Stick.

The Scratch Repair Stick is the fast repair for scratches, nicks and dings in your car, bike and boat or other painted surfaces with a clear coat finish.

The DuPont™ Pro-Fusion Color™ Scratch Repair Stick is the instant finish fixer that fills in scratches in the clear coat finish.

It is easy to get a professional looking scratch repair at a fraction of the cost of a traditional car body shop repair. First ensure that the surface is clean, then gently run the pen along the scratch... and watch it disappear!

The clear fluid in the pen has the same refractive index as the clear coat finish, so as it fills the scratch it reflects the colour of the base paint below and the scratch becomes almost invisible.

Only a light touch is required, however if you do apply too much and get a ridge, there’s no need to worry.

You only need to wait until it dries and then polish the area to blend the ridge into the surrounding surface.

DuPont™ Pro-Fusion Color™ Scratch Repair Sticks retail at just £9.95 each including VAT.

Efficient performance.

www.ac-schnitzer.co.uk 01485 542000

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Warranty-friendly upgrades for BMW i8 now available, please call us for your nearest ACS8 dealer.

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What’s on: • Master of Ceremonies Steve Deeks • British Remote Control Association • Auto Car Detailer • Live Action Display Arena • BMW Motorcycle Club • Funny Bike Display • Concours • Tombola • Show and Shine • Drifting Track NEW FOR 2015 • Regional & Register Displays • Forum Displays The event can guarantee a great family day out with activities to entertain the children while you wander around the trade stalls and the exhibition of vehicles in front of the arena. Catering will also be provided with

the restaurant inside open and also the outdoor catering.

Our Trade Village will have over 20 traders on the day.

New Trade stands confirmed for 2015: • Dodo Juice • BHP • EPTG Ltd Powerflex • TPC Automotive Ltd • Eibach and many more Throughout the day the Motor Centre and Museum will be open – you will have full use of the restaurant and facilities.

This year’s event will be sponsored by Thorney Motorsport, ING Sport Racing, and Kleers are main sponsors for the National Concours.

NATIONAL FESTIVAL2015 Our annual national event is back again this year, held at Gaydon Heritage Motor Centre on 16th August!

National Festival Ticket Prices Member (Advance)

Non-Member (Advance)

On the Day

Adult

£10.00

£12.50

£15.00

Child

£5.00

£7.00

£8.00

Family (2 Adult, 3 Children)

£30.00

£36.00

£42.00

Call the Office to book tickets! Tel: 01970 267989

Thorney Motorsport: members will be able to receive discount on goods and services. They will also be able to answer any technical queries for our members as well as donating some fantastic prizes for the Tombola.

NG Sport Racing: will be bringing the fantastic BMWCC Z4 GT3 Race car for our members to see up close and personal. The team will also be displaying their multi championship winning BMW 320i WTC and drivers Mike Wilds and Ian Lawson will be on hand to chat.

Kleers: once again have sponsored the Concours providing the Club with great cleaning products to our worthy winners at this year’s show.

Special Guests: Steve Deeks will be onsite hosting all the arena activities throughout the day. Steve is the UK’s number one ‘Live’ Event & Show presenter and with more than 17 years’ experience. The arena is expected to be a great part of this year’s show.

Steve will also be presenting prizes for Concours winners, interviewing some of Members, Regional Chairs and other Special Guests.

Mike Wilds: Patron of the BMW Car Club GB, Mike Wilds will be at this year’s show on the ING Sport Racing Stand with his BMW Z4GT3 Race Car. He is currently celebrating his 50th year in racing driving. Mike Wilds has participated in eight formula one Wolds Championships Grands Prix, debuting on 20 July 1974. Mike is a well regarded racing icon who has clearly been a figurehead in racing now for half a century.

ADVANCE TICKET S SA END 7TH AUGUST LES Don’t for

get to order your ticke ts and display passes from the Club Office befor e 7th August in order for you to park in your preferred display are a – whether you are with a Region, a Register or Forum. Those wish ing to enter the ‘Show & Shine’ competition must buy Adult entry tickets PLUS a ‘Show & Shine’ £5 entry ticke t for the car.

Call 01970 267989 to book your tickets NOW!!

August 16th - Heritage Motor Centre, Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

U

nusually we had lots of people wishing to do a write up on the event at Harewood House, so I said, “Send in your copy and I will put it together”.

Harder than I thought, so I decided just to post more or less as was, with only minor edits. Here it is: BMWCC spend Fathers’ Day at Harewood

By Paul Rice – Eastern Events Organiser Sunday June 21st, a busy day in the show calendar, which combined with the forecasted un-settled weather made the large attendance by the BMWCC members the more impressive.

An early start for the willing volunteers helping to set out our allocated area. A section for the Concourse entrants was created alongside our impressive Club Marquis, flanged by the proudly flying regional flags of the BMWCC.

On the club side, the event had been jointly organised between the Eastern and North East Regions, with great support from the 7 series Register, Cumbrian, East Anglia and North West Regions. It really was a Mini Gaydon.

As the cars started arriving and the BMWCC section started to fill, it became apparent how impressive our display was to be, completely dwarfing any other at the show, including our next door neighbours, that other classic German marque Mercedes.

Will be looking to making it even better next year with a larger area and extended scope for displaying our great cars, turned out so immaculately by our members.

The Show The publicity for the event obviously had an impact, with the public turning up in their

FIVE VIEWS ON

thousands, helped by the fact that the main sponsor is a leading Yorkshire Newspaper. No amount of publicity though can make people return year on year, but what can is a diverse, exciting and interesting day and that’s what Harewood produced, from Bigfoot destroying cars in the main arena to the large funfair, not to mention the fantastic array of supercars, classic cars and of course BMWs on display. A big well done to all concerned The Concourse We all think our pride and joys are clean, but the concourse entrants were at another level. The attention to detail and meticulous preparation, on cars that are driven not pampered, was sublime.

So very hard to judge, well yes, but judged they were. The cars were grouped as one but into three Regions: Eastern, North East and Cumbria.

THE YORKSHIRE POST’S FATHERS’ DAY AT HAREWOOD Collated by Howard Walker Photos supplied by Philip Knight, Chris Knight and Robert Hogg.

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With the winners and runners up having the chance to represent their region at Gaydon, it was more than pride at stake.

Winning the closely fought Eastern group was Phil Knight’s stunning M3 Edition with Philip Stainton in his E46 M3 – YR04 LBP and a score of 259 points in second place.

For the North East, first place went to Richard Parkinson – e39 M5 – AK03 DJJ with 250 points, followed by Keith Palmer (and Jack) in another E46 M3 – M3 UWX with 241 points taking the runners up spot.

For Cumbria, a first time concourse entrant Michael Stretch – F12 118D – DX61 XCW and 201 points. Second was John Rawsthorne in his E39 523i – S164 ADS with 185 points.

From East Anglia came – Lloyd Wilburn – 750Li – N93 XGM with 254 points. As East Anglia had held a concourse, he was not eligible for a prize.

Many Happy Returns After missing last year’s event, it was clear it had been our loss. Bridges have been built and once again BMWCC and Harewood are happy bedfellows. This was shown throughout the day by how well our members enjoyed the event, which was followed by a whip round and donation of £75 to the Yorkshire Post’s nominated charities.

As the event drew to a close we finished bathed in glorious summer sunshine; what a fitting end to a truly splendid day.

Michael Barron – North East Chair After a long two years of absence we made a return to Harewood House Fathers’ Day Show, and what have we missed!!

The BMW Car Club have attended this big event for a number of years and it got more popular each year with close on a hundred BMWs at this event in 2012.

It seems that all good things came to an end, because the BMW Car Club were not fully complying with all the terms and conditions set out by Harewood, and we were not asked back.

After two years of members asking if Harewood is taking place this year Linda Barron (my wife) phoned the organiser of this great event, and explained that there were a lot of members asking about attending their show, and Linda explained that there were new people running the Regions and would it be possible to attend this year. We got a big yes, so a phone call to Howard Walker to see if we could make it a joint event with Eastern Region was made. He also had members asking about the show, so we decided that Howard would set things up with Yorkshire Post, who run the show, for us to attend this year.

As it turned out we had to buy our tickets upfront whereas in past years we just paid on the gate, so everyone had to buy their ticket through the Club website which worked very well I must say. I know it was not as easy as just turning up on the day, but that was the only way it could be done. My day started by leaving the house at 5.30am for the two hour drive to Harewood to help on the club stand; I was the chap who exchanged the club voucher for a display pass on the way in. I must say that nothing was any trouble for the Harewood marshals at the entrance, who were very helpful and cheerful even when it rained.

Stephen Haslam – Concourse Organiser.

Great to be back at Harewood so a Big Thanks to Linda and Howard for pulling the necessary strings – well done.

As always there a few matters to deal with on the day and again the team were up to the task of fitting in 65 cars where 45 were allocated – we can work wonders when called upon.

The Concours ran super smoothly thanks in no small part to the dedicated judges and admin (Thank You) along with the enthusiastic entrants, many of whom entered for the first time and seemed to have caught the OCD bug.

This is a truly great show and venue and Jane and myself can vouch that a stroll around the House gardens, taking afternoon tea on the terrace is a rather pleasant way to while away the time, perhaps not for our headmaster who was left wondering where on earth we had gotten to. Still 4.00pm is 4.00pm not 3.30pm in our book.

Here is to next year when we want to be back with 100 cars as part of the centenary celebrations so book early.

Steve & Jane H

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

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From Nick Thomas – North East Member The convoy from Scotch Corner was small (three cars) but persistent – we came down the A61 in increasingly heavy rain showers before getting lost and circling Harewood House about three times before finally finding the entrance through sheer luck!

I was worried about the rain until I saw the driver of an AC Cobra in the queue ahead of us with no roof looking very happy under a golf umbrella, so then I stopped worrying about a bit of wetness.

There was a great turnout of cars waiting for us on the club stand – we struggled to find space to squeeze in after arriving slightly late after our detour. The BMW Car Club put on a good display with the biggest club stand at the event, and showed the other clubs how to do it. The rain cleared up as the BMWs got a final polish, the concours cars were cleaned from top to bottom, and the rest of the day was dry.

Overall there were about 1,000 classic cars on show in the Harewood House grounds. It made for a great afternoon of wandering around in the shade of the beautiful old trees, admiring the cars, which brought back memories of childhood when you saw

a car you haven’t seen for years and forgot it even existed!

There were also a variety of food stands, traders, car dealers and fairground rides to keep the non-classic fans amused. The BMW Car Club was invited to showcase some of our cars in parade in the central arena, where the Bigfoot Monster Truck display also took place.

Howard gave a good overview of the club and the advantages it brings to us BMW owners, and a few of the members got to tell the crowds about their cars.

Unfortunately we didn’t get to see the house itself as the grounds were so big and there were so many other things to see. But did get to leave via the impressive entrance arch in glorious sunshine for a top down drive home.

Thanks to Michael, Howard and helpers for arranging this, standing in the rain, organising us and guiding us into tight spaces. Thanks also to the concours judging team. I really enjoyed my first try at the concours even if you were a bit harsh on my carpets! Also thanks to the other concours participants for the hints, tips and emergency loan of window cleaner.

And finally from Howard, That’s a good roundup, but I noted one or two omissions. Thanks to Peter Waud, Nigel Martin, Tommy Machin and Stephen Haslam for judging the cars. Jane Haslam for scrutineering the results, Andy Mac for bringing the Gazebo and instructing us how to erect it. Last of all, the event marshals from Yorkshire Post were outstanding in every way, with nothing being too much trouble for them.

If I have missed anyone out I apologise – you should be here so thanks a lot.

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

FOR OUR NEXT AUCTION WE ARE PROUD TO BE SUPPORTING

AUCTION: SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST BOOK NOW FOR A GREAT WEEKEND!

NOW INVITING CONSIGNMENTS

Carfest South Classic Car Auction Saturday 29th of August 2015

Laverstoke Park Farm, Overton, Hampshire

+44 (0) 1926 640888 www.classiccarauctions.co.uk

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF SOMEONE LENT YOU AN

F10 M5?

Words by Tim Fathers Photographs by Chris Teagles

Try and keep my licence Richard Callum

Never give it back Paul Murphy

Book a track day Paul Travers

Put an M Performance exhaust on it Gary Jackson

T

hat was the question I asked my friends, family, cats, alpacas (yes alpacas) and just about anyone who would listen to me.

Something I’d started in jest had actually turned into something feasible and to my surprise (some of) the answers were really good.

Maybe I should just spend the whole test trying them out.

Naturally though, I had a few of my own to throw into the mix so when Specialist Cars Stevenage called to confirm the loan I was all set to go. First up, wash it. I know. I know. Who does that? But to truly appreciate the aesthetics,

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

the imperfections and of course, which type of Rastafarian Old Holborn the design team were smoking when they put pen to Wacom tablet, you have to get out there and hand wash it.

Now, let’s move on and answer the first question. What options has it been fitted with and which ones are the best. Are you ready?

Monte Carlo blue (B05); Aluminium Trace interior trim (4L9); driver and front passenger lumbar support (488); split-folding rear seats (465); reversing assist camera (3AG); soft-close doors (323); speed-limit display (8TH); competition package (7MA); sun-protection glass (761); loudspeaker system – Harman Kardon surround

(688); surround-view (5DL); 12V power sockets (575); adaptive LED headlights (552); M multifunction seats (4MA); Comfort Access (322); powered boot-lid operation (316); 20” M doublespoke style 601M alloy wheels (2TX); M carbon ceramic brakes (2NK) and Silverstone extended merino leather (LKA9). As if split-folding rear seats and 12V power sockets are even listed let alone optional extras!

Anyway, as it’s £74,000 in ‘standard’ form, you’ll probably be thinking these are simply excessive creature comforts, but after admiring at the F10 since launch and now being able to live with one for two weeks I’m not so sure.

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In an ideal world I’d be looking for the Competition package: sun-protection glass; Harmon Kardon sound; adaptive LED headlights and Comfort Access. Colourwise I’d be thinking Singapore Grey, Sapphire Black or this gorgeous Monte Carlo Blue.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I’ve liked the latest selection of M colours – San Marino Blue, for example. Agreed, Monte Carlo’s an older shade but somehow it’s only recently registered with me since seeing the F10 wear it. And specified with contrasting Silverstone leather, the drug dealer’s dream is complete.

Competition Package aside for a moment, if I had to single out one option I couldn’t live

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without, it would be Comfort Access. @BMW – please make option #322 standard across all models. Oh, and if I could invent an extra it’d be heated flappy paddles. Seriously, the M5’s are freezing!

Up next was Anthony Mason’s suggestion of a late-night road trip: London to Aberystwyth.

With kids now comparing Top Trumps on mpg rather than mph, let’s tackle the big one first. How does the F10 M5 compare to the frankly embarrassing E60 M5 at the pump?

Let’s base this on the current mileage of the F10, 7,000. If we’d covered the same distance in the E60 it would have cost us a whopping

£3,345 compared to the F10’s £1,744. That’s huge progress. (Figures based on the UK’s average price in June for Super Unleaded.)

Now behind the wheel, out of London and cruising on the M1, you can clearly feel the electronic evolution marching on. Unless you’re out on a track and drifting, the driver is rather numb in this environment. It’s so refined that you end up just sitting back and admiring the general luxuriousness and sense of occasion. But that’s part of what the M5’s about, isn’t it? Then, as you drowsily glance back at the dials while sipping your Americano, you notice that you’re cruising at triple figures. Again!

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Are there any rapeseed fields near you?

Chris Teagles

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www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Trip up north, late at night, so there’s not much traffic Anthony Mason

However, all the talk of comfort and refinement is quickly put to one side as the motorways turn into A and B roads and you finally hit that magic M button on the steering wheel. The whole car perks up as if it’s been given smelling salts. The head-up display is hijacked by a never-ending rev counter, the DCT box switches to rapid fire and you can feel an almost NOS-like boost as the throttle response sharpens. You then lean on the loud pedal and it sounds as if the world is about to end. “THIS THING’S BIPOLAR!” And if I hadn’t been told about the artificial engine noise being piped through the speakers about 10 times, I’m not sure I’d have an issue with it.

Cocooned in all this luxury and M Power trinkets, it still took me a while to trust taking nearly two tons into a corner with any real speed. But eventually my confidence developed and naturally it held firm with almost zero body roll, leaving my occupant still snoozing.

While on the subject of snoozing. I’d challenge anyone to not be able to get comfortable in these multi-function seats. Option #4MA. Tick!

Seriously, I’ve never sat in a more comfortable car. (I’ve not tested the M6.) Even the headrest is electronically adjustable. So after only a short while tinkering, it felt like a memory-foam kingsize mattress all to myself.

As the sun set in front of us, the next part of the experience unveiled itself: the interiorlight package. The cabin becomes awash, with soft amber outlining the door contours and dash, while flashes of brightness highlight the key controls. I can’t praise the head-up display enough. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still visible during the day, but at night it’s the cherry on the top. I soon found the button for the adaptive LED headlights. What a stroke of genius! You can watch them tracking just behind the car in front, progressively dipping and moving as the distance www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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<<insert Specialist Cars logo>>

between other illuminated obstacles changes.

It’s almost flawless. You’ll never dazzle someone (accidentally) again.

After nearly wearing out every button, we arrived at our destination just after midnight, not really wanting to leave either armchair. Five hours, 223 miles, 23 mpg and still two-thirds of a tank remaining.

As the test days wore on, I very quickly started taking the many refinements for granted.

The honeymoon period was fading and the nit picking began. Parking. I’d challenge anyone that says they can make any final adjustments easily. This M5 has so much power that edging up to obstacles is simply impossible, in reverse particularly. The mass suddenly lurches, seeing you worryingly stamp back on the brake pedal like a learner. On a similar note, in anything less than full attack the throttle response is handicapped. Pulling away from a T junction for example feels sluggish followed by an almighty turbo surge, the force of which knocks your head against the rest. More time with the car might have seen these Jekyll and Hyde personality traits tamed but somehow I’m not so sure.

Thoughts soon turned to how and where I was going to shoot her. (It’s definitely a she.)

I’d had a dark industrial location in mind and felt the M5 would offer a neat contrast. The location I eventually settled for has a slightly sad story to tell. It used to be a successful furniture factory which, on the day I discovered it, had just finished moving its production aboard. What was once a hive of activity is now spookily silent, with tools and random offcuts still lying around covered in sawdust. It was perfect. Of course, the owners thought I was bonkers but they couldn’t see what it looked like through a Monte Carlo tinted viewfinder.

Due to time pressures, we captured all the hero shots in half the usual time, so it was back to check them out on the big screen and shoot the finishing touches on the driveway. Credit to Chris Teagles for his swift and precise camera work and for his tolerance of my OCD.

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To conclude, for the right people, the F10 M5 is still the class leader: the original and best super saloon. It makes you feel accomplished and gentlemanly. The F10 continues to epitomise what the M division is all about – despite the inevitable introduction of forced induction. It’s rapid, amazingly agile for its kerb weight, and demonstrates that modern driving can still capture some of the traditional excitement. The main issue for me though is I’m just not grey enough yet.

Please join me in thanking Specialist Cars Stevenage and the Old Charm furniture factory for making this article possible. All that remains now is a quick blast to ASDA for the final shot.

And one of my favourites, simply,

Go ASDA!

Barry Bennett

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

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THOUGHTS FROM THE BOARDROOM Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Grieve

I

am very happy to report that BMW has just recorded an all-time record sales result for the first six months of 2015. I won’t go into detail with numbers but suffice to say we are heading for another record year. Such consistent success requires many things, not least of which is constant innovation and new models that appeal to the buying public.

To maintain our sales momentum there has been a flurry of new model announcements recently including the second generation MINI Clubman and BMW X1, the 2 Series Grand Tourer as well as major model refreshments for both 1 and 3 Series. Perhaps the most significant, though, is the unveiling of the sixth generation 7 Series.

The BMW 7 Series has always been a flag bearer for the very latest in high technology and this new model is no exception. It bristles with innovations that will trickle across the range as subsequent new BMW cars are developed.

In construction terms the 7 Series breaks new ground in this class by using a Carbon Core. The use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) with ultrahigh tensile steel and aluminium in the areas most appropriate for each material’s properties results in a stronger, lighter body. The new 7 Series is up to 130 kilos lighter than its predecessor despite being larger and better equipped. It is a perfect example of EfficientDynamics in action – better performance, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions – and demonstrates the transfer of know-how from the pioneering BMW i models.

Another exterior innovation is visible air flap control at the front of the car. This improves frontal aerodynamics as well as making a strong visual impact. The new 7 series is equipped with standard LED headlights and tail-lights but is the first car in its class to offer BMW Laserlight headlights that

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

provide a dazzle-free range of 600 metres.

The launch models all feature petrol or diesel six cylinder engines with BMW Twin Power Turbo technology that produces more power and improved efficiency. The 730d, for example, has a combined mpg of 60.1mpg and 124 grams/km CO2 emissions, values undreamt of only a few years back, excepting tiny city cars. But perhaps the biggest news is the addition of two plug-in hybrid models – the 740e and 740Le xDrive. Although first generation hybrid models have been available for a couple of years these models are the start of something new for BMW and deserve greater space than I have here and now, so I will re-visit them in more detail in a future column. Suffice to say for the moment that the 740e will accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, consumes an average of 134.5 mpg and emits just 49gms/km. Wow! There are many other fascinating innovations including a touch screen, four zone air conditioning system and touch screen navigation, Executive Drive Pro active chassis control, eight massage programmes on Comfort seats, an Executive Lounge seating option and even a Touch Command unit – a seven inch removable tablet to provide information and comfort controls for passengers. It even offers six variants for internal lighting and eight scent choices with the Ambient Air package. And there is much, much more.

Available in standard or long wheelbase form and with xDdrive on diesel and e models, the new 7 Series goes on sale from October 24.

Before then high summer is the time major sporting events come thick and fast. If you followed the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May you might have seen Chris Wood’s amazing hole-in-one at the 14th that earned him the BMW i8 standing alongside the green. It was a lovely

moment of pure surprise from the Bristolian.

Another Brit, Andrew Johnston, won an M4 Coupé at a second hole-in-one and there were three others but, thankfully, none offered a car – we prefer to sell them!

One of Britain’s great sporting events is the Tourist Trophy motorcycle races on the Isle of Man. I went to the island for the first time this year and it is everything it is cracked up to be. As an enthusiastic biker for many years it is simply mindboggling to stand alongside these true heroes as they hurtle through Bray Hill at 170mph plus. Sadly the Tyco BMW team didn’t replicate last year’s triple victory with the S 1000 RR although there were five examples of the BMW Superbike in the top seven of the Superstock TT and there were other placings during the fortnight.

Although I did not have the chance to ride round the 37.7 mile road circuit, I have some idea of what a fast lap feels like. I was fortunate enough to be hurled round in a car by ex-rally champion and four wheel TT record holder Mark Higgins. It was breathtaking stuff!

Shortly after my TT experience I attended the Goodwood Festival of Speed for the first time in many years. Having been in Germany for the last few Festivals I had forgotten what a fantastic show Lord March and his team put on for us enthusiasts.

If you love cars and bikes there surely can be no better place on earth to witness the variety, the sounds and the smells of racing machinery.

Summer holds more sport to come and more new cars from BMW, but one that won’t arrive in a showroom near you is the 3.0 CSL Hommage revealed at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este in May. Sadly this is one car you are unlikely ever to take on your holiday but I wish you a great time whether you be driving at home or abroad.

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“NEVER MIND YOUR GYPSY WEDDING HERE’S THE M1!” ,

T

he rise of ‘dumbed down’ TV is responsible for many heinous crimes. The pinnacle of evil, the most vacuous of this already soulless of genres is the ‘list’ programme. The ten most scary police chases. Top 50 worst dressed celebrities 2014.

Top 10 greatest Celebrity Big Brother moments of last month. Top 20 worst ‘list’ shows. You get the idea.

If you were to ask me for the greatest M car of all time, I can only wriggle and give you my very own list. I love the M3 CSL, for that incredible feeling of perfect balance and purity. As an all rounder, nothing beats the V8 M3; it’s ridiculously capable on the track, refined around town and truly thrilling on the A roads. I’ve fallen head over heels in love with a customer’s competition pack equipped M6 Gran Coupe, with its carbon ceramic brakes and mad-as-abox-of-frogs power. But the last thing anyone needs is another list.

Ask me straight, though, which is the most exciting M car I’ve ever driven, and the answer is gratifyingly simple. For the ultimate in hair-raising, spine tingling, base thrills, nothing beats the first true BMW Motorsport creation; the enigmatic, iconic, fantastic, everything-else-ic, BMW M1.

The M1 has been an outsider, an oddity, a curve ball, since day one. As we saw in Richard Head’s excellent series of articles earlier this year, it’s a miracle the car even got produced in the first place.

And it turned out that producing and racing the M1 was just the start of the challenge – interest in the M1 and subsequent sales placed it more in what you might imagine to be Sinclair C5 territory (although the C5 unbelievably sold nearly 5,000 units, compared to the M1’s total of a little over 450). Basically, it was a turkey. Somewhere out there on the net, there is a website which shows every M1 chassis number, with the details of the original owners, delivery dates, colours etc and one thing becomes immediately apparent: BMW could barely give the things away.

Apart from the original designation of Procars (20) a large number of the street cars were designated to drivers like Johnny Cecotto, BMW company directors and Formula 1 bosses, as a sort of subsidised ‘gift’.

Given the mileage on most of these cars, you can surmise that the owners weren’t exactly glued to the steering wheel, either.

From those early records, the trail for the vast percentage of M1s goes unusually cold for what should have been a high priced, desirable car.

Never considered much of a classic by the broader 80s and 90s car collecting fraternity, many of these lovely machines disappeared underground,

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surfacing only occasionally in a variety of exotic (and usually tax haven based) collections: Luxembourg, Lichtenstein, Monte Carlo, Biggin Hill and so on.

The problem with this is that the ownership records are characteristically vague, the paper trail often a tax avoidingly scant, ambiguous reference to a maybe/possible trace of some shadowy Madoff type character. Added to this is the simple fact that an M1 has never really been able to be serviced inside the BMW dealer network. Walk into a BMW main dealer today – even an ///M appointed one – ask them for an inspection II on your M1, and the response is likely to be pretty unforthcoming. So the service books don’t have that reassuring pattern of time/mileage based maintenance, with recognisable stamps and corresponding bills. As most M1s have done comparatively tiny mileage, there’s not much to collect in the way of paperwork anyway – and what there is has usually been lost somewhere between Dubai and Dagenham.

So as the world’s passion for exotic classic cars has grown, the M1 has stayed surprisingly quiet, with very few coming up for sale, and those that do failing to scale the heights of, for example, BMW’s Stuttgart-based rivals. Until now, that is.

Like all these things, it’s remarkable how obvious a candidate the M1 is for global classic status – that is to say not just within the BMW loving community – now its star is on the rise. Five years ago, Munich Legends had an M1 in stock, and after a frustrating six months of nothingness, finally achieved a sale to a German dealer for 90,000 Euros. Last month a similar M1 – albeit in a rarer colour and with a famous owner – went on sale in Germany for

850,000 Euros. I think it may just sell at that price, too. But for me, the question isn’t why M1 prices have started to rise sharply, but rather, why only now?

The M1 ticks every box. As BMW’s first true M car, the M1 was also – until the arrival of the i8 – the only mid engine super car BMW had ever made. The numbers are on the M1’s side, with fewer than 300 spread out over the world. The M1 not only has race pedigree, but its own race series – with some of the greatest names from F1’s golden era on the driver’s roster. But more than any of this, unlike most other 1980s supercars, the character of the car makes the M1 an absolute joy to drive.

The seating position is race car low, with a sparse dash layout which has many mysterious switches and levers, most of which appear to do the same thing. Fire up that magical Straight Six and feel the orchestral alchemy just behind the base of your spine, bring on the revs – the clutch is supercar tough and it’ll stall on you in a jiffy – and get ready to storm up through the dogleg box. The pedals are offset, there’s no power steering, and visibility is poor, so you’ve got a lot to think about as you pull away.

Change up into second and relax, push the throttle and head towards the red line, and all of a sudden the M88 starts that angry raspy roar, the power comes in and you’re doing the business. It’s utterly addictive – the noise, the heat, the smell, and that fabulous feeling of thrust that can only come from lightweight machine, the engine pushing you from behind – the M1 is pure sporting class.

Visually the M1 is classic late 70s – early 80s Guigiaro, it’s manly without the absurdity of, say, the Countach, and it certainly attracts attention. Every pedestrian stops and stares – you can even see the looks on the faces of oncoming drivers as they mouth ‘what...?’ – and filling up with petrol will never be the same again. In the top trump stakes, you’re holding a card that competes with the world’s very best.

So, I still haven’t answered my own question – and I’m not sure I ever will. Either way, I’m not surprised at the price an M1 now appears to command, and I won’t be surprised when they hit a £million. I wouldn’t want to insult the M1 by putting it on any list, but if I must, then it can only be at the very top.

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

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Marco Wittmann leads a BMW 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 in his Ice Watch BMW M4 DTM in Race 1 at Zandvoort

DTM 1-2-3-4-56-7 for BMW! In a race series that BMW has always been highly competitive in, the Bavarian manufacturer made a rather uncharacteristically poor start to the 2015 DTM season.

Three rounds and six races in, they finally managed to secure their first podium of the season at the Norisring in late June, when Bruno Spengler brought home his Team MTEK

M4 in third place in Race 6 after securing pole position for the same race. Yet just two weeks later at Zandvoort, and they were setting DTM records by becoming the first manufacturer to finish in the top seven positions!! Race seven of the 2015 DTM season will go down in BMW Motorsport history. Led by winner and reigning DTM Champion Marco Wittmann, the reigning DTM champion in his Ice-Watch BMW M4 DTM was followed over the finish line by António Félix da Costa in the Red Bull BMW M4 DTM, who claimed the first podium of his DTM career.

Maxime Martin was third in the SAMSUNG BMW M4 DTM, making him the second BMW Team RMG driver on the podium.

Behind the leading trio, Augusto Farfus (Shell BMW M4 DTM), Bruno Spengler (BMW Bank M4 DTM), Timo Glock (DEUTSCHE POST BMW M4 DTM) and British DTM rookie Tom Blomqvist (BMW M4 DTM) came home fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh respectively to complete an extraordinary result for BMW Motorsport.

BMW Motorsport Team Director Jens Marquardt wasn’t going to allow his young chargers to become complacent though, and in the second race at Zandvoort, António Félix da Costa secured pole then swept to victory in his Red Bull BMW M4 DTM, followed home in second place by Augusto Farfus, whilst Bruno Spengler secured third and the final podium place with Timo Glock coming fourth and Marco Wittmann fifth for an amazing 1-2-3-4-5 BMW Motorsport finish in Race 8 of the DTM season!!

Following the Zandvoort round, Team Mercedes-AMG was leading the Team championship on 116 points, with Audi Sport Team ABT closely following on 103 points. Filling the top three is Audi Sport Team Rosberg on 93 points. BMW Team RMG have moved up to fourth spot on 81 points, while BMW Team MTEK currently lies in sixth place on 77 points, closely followed by BMW Team Schnitzer on 63…

In the manufacturers championship, Audi lead the way on 297 points, with Mercedes Benz second on 249, and thanks to the Zandvoort results, BMW moved to within 12 points of M-B on 237 points…

António Félix da Costa enjoyed an unforgettable weekend at Zandvoort, securing his first ever DTM podium in the first race and then sweeping to victory in his Red Bull M4 DTM in Race 2

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www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMWNEWS Modest sales growth for BMW Group in June

Reigning DTM Champion Marco Wittmann celebrates his victory and BMW Motorsport’s amazing 1-2-3-4-56-7 finish in Race 1 at Zandvoort

BMW Group sales continue to grow with 208,813 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles delivered to customers in June, an increase of 8.0% compared with the same month last year and a new record for the month. The company achieved its best-ever first half-year sales, up 7.8% to total 1,099,748.

BMW brand achieved a sales increase of 5.0% in June with a total of 172,437 vehicles delivered to customers. Year-to-date sales rose 5.1% to 932,041. Customers do love a BMW Coupe – BMW 2 Series continues to grow its sales with 14,514 units sold in month, whilst the 4 Series found 16,693 customers in June.

As the global trend for SUVs continues, the BMW X family remains a significant growth driver for the brand. A total of 4,910 customers took delivery of a BMW X4 in June while sales of the BMW X5 were up 33.8% to total 17,520 and deliveries of the BMW X6 climbed 49.9% to 5,009.

The MINI brand has achieved its best-ever first half-year with 165,938 MINIs delivered to customers, an increase of 25.8% on the same period last year. Sales in June were up 25.4% to total 36,025.

BMW X4; from Russia… with love António Félix da Costa jumps for joy after winning his first ever DTM race at Zandvoort

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BMW’s Russian partner Avtotor will be responsible for assembling the new BMW X4 in Russia from kits shipped from the automaker’s Spartanburg plant. All X4s built in Russia will be exclusively sold in the home market.

Seven BMW models are already built at Avtotor’s Kaliningrad plant from semi-knockdown kits: 3, 5 and 7-Series Saloons, together with the X1, X3, X5 and X6 soft-roaders.

BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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AGRAND DAYOUT

Words by Tommy Machin Images BMW UK

W

ith my recent involvement with BMW UK’s latest media campaign for the up and coming 3 series, and the efforts also of Dave Evans and Stephen Haslam in organising the cars for the shoots, BMW invited us along to Oulton Park to try out all the latest machinery, and try them we did.

We were welcomed, with our +1s, at 8:30 in the Foggarty Moss Suite at Oulton Park, overlooking the beautiful countryside that deepest Cheshire has to offer. Here we signed in, and were allocated as being the Black Team for the day’s events. After a delightful breakfast, we met our team chaperone, Kelly, who would look after us for the day. As she led us outside, the morning sun was beaming down, whilst we climbed into a line of X5s to take us to the first activity.

Fitting, it would seem, the X5s were, as the first port of call was a spot of off-road driving, through a course laid out in some woodland in the grounds of the course. We paired up, two drivers per car and took the challenge. Once I’d initially pushed past taking a pristine £60,000 BMW through trees and mud, it was a blast.

The X-Drive Technology worked brilliantly,

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driving over obstacles that I’ll happily bet 99% of the cars will never see. However, it was very reassuring that the products work superbly, even on 20” road tyres, with a 315 section.

After we’d each completed the off-roading course, we were then taken to the pit area, which was almost at capacity with every current M-Sport and M-Power vehicle you could imagine, from the M135i right to M6. Our first track based activity was called Product. We were each given a single lap in the passenger seat, driven by an instructor, who drove the circuit correctly whilst explaining key points about the track.

Upon returning to the pits, we swapped seats and after a little more briefing, headed back out onto the circuit. We were using the Fosters shorter 1.6 mile track, which undulates and twists beautifully throughout the grounds. My first car was an M135i, which I can only report brilliant reviews on. It had the optional 8 Speed ZF transmission, quite simply the best gearbox on offer in any new car. The chassis balance was superb, the steering perfectly weighted and mechanical grip was aplenty. Working upwards through the numbers, my next outing was in an M235i Coupe. My biggest surprise here was the

difference felt from the 1-Series car, with the same engine and platform. Beside it, although the 2-Series had sleeker lines, there was an obvious difference in its agility and tactility, making my preference the 1-Series. My third outing of the session was one I met eagerly, in the latest M5; however the famous “Never meet your heroes” saying came to show its head.

Whilst the car was blisteringly quick in a straight line, to the standard of Lamborghini and Ferrari offerings, its composure was somewhat lost in the demanding nature of the circuit. I can’t say that I was disappointed, and I can certainly imagine the M5 munching motorway miles with ease, but it was definitely out of its comfort zone here.

A walk to the other end of the pits saw our third activity, the M-Power Experience. As we approached, we were each handed a USB stick which plugged into a camera system mounted inside the M3 and M4 cars that we drove next, recording out of the front, and amusingly, our faces as we pedalled the cars around the track.

Here, with a racing instructor, we were to take a step up and push the cars further. With my previous M4 involvement, I was delighted to www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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get back into one in this environment. I eagerly hopped in, plugged the USB stick in, and once more departed the pits. With the car in Sport + and the exhaust valves open I felt in my element, and retain my firm opinion that this is one of the finest handling road cars on sale today. Six laps later, I came once more into the pits, grinning from ear to ear.

The final part of the ‘Track’ chapter was three laps in a full race specification M235i, driven by Andy Priaulx. Aesthetically, it meant business, but nothing could have prepared any of us for the sheer performance this car would display. Harnessed in tightly, the G forces were an absolute attack on the senses. The speed was brilliant, but nothing compared to the cornering or braking that it achieved.

Now halfway through the day, we broke for lunch during which we were told about the afternoon ahead. This would involve testing certain features of the cars in a road focussed environment, designed to protect and make the BMW driver’s life easier. The most peculiar of these was the i3 automated parking demonstration, which was excellent first time, every time. After this we got around six miles each on the road in another i3, and I cannot praise the product enough. Its quirky styling and futuristic interior materials became somewhat less predominant when the go-kart style driving characteristics were revealed.

The 0-30 of the i3 is in fact faster than an M4!

Another demonstration in the cars was of the DSC, TCS and ABS systems, in M135i’s. The first was to reach 60mph in second gear before fully applying the brakes. This showed the car’s ability to not only stop the wheels from locking, but to vector the braking forces to keep the car in a straight line, even with hands removed from the steering wheel. The second part of this was a display of the Dynamic Stability Control function, by swerving violently around obstacles which were meant to represent standing traffic in your lane. Again, at the top of second gear, acting surprised by the obstacle and pulling the steering violently around it, the car remained focussed on its direction, and with clever use of the brake vectoring didn’t enter a large slide, or even a spin, that would normally occur. It’s very

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reassuring that our cherished manufacturer puts so much effort into our safety, and even though these systems can be fully disabled for spirited driving, when you’re on your way home from the track day with BMW CC GB, BMW GmbH have got your back covered.

The final event and pinnacle of the day was a road test of the most expensive cars in the BMW range. Allowed to select from various M6, Gran-Coupe or Convertible models, we were given the chance to do the same route as previously in the i3 out on the open road. As the sun was shining, my friend and I selected an M6 soft-top and naturally set the exhaust valves open, glorious.

To summarise, if you’re in the market for a new BMW but are unsure which to go for, this experience day will do no harm in making

up your mind. A wonderful time was had by all, and we extend our thanks to BMW UK, specifically Charlie Dalglish, for our invitations to your fantastic event. If you wish to take part in the event day yourself, tickets and dates are available on www.MSVTrackDays.co.uk/ bmw2015And mine will be a Sonic Orange 3-Door M135i, please and thanks.

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Steve Brolan with his stunning 850CSi – ‘Best in Class’ on the Saturday

The Curdling’s Z1 was one of the main attractions on the club stand on Saturday

A wet start on the Sunday failed to dampen anyone’s spirit

PARKLIFE! The NW Region display once again helped to provide the Tatton Classic with a touch of Bavarian magic in late May writes NW committee man Andy Messi…

P

reparation for the show started on the Friday, with Darryl (farmer) Curran in charge of grass cutting duties before Fudgie and myself made a start erecting the gazebo, flag poles etc. Poor Lewis Curran covered endless miles emptying the grass box which seemed to be full every five minutes or so!

For some unknown reason, the organisers always seem to give us a stand more suited to Isettas than full size BMWs, and this year was no exception, with cars crammed onto the display area on both days. Even so, we put on a

Steve Seed pictured with his beautiful ‘Best in Class’ Bright Red 318i – surely the E30 model must be considered a classic now…?

great display representative of the marque on both days; Saturday’s highlight on a beautiful day was the stunning Z1 belonging to Anne and Mike Curdling, and the show-stopping Alpine White 850CSi belonging to Steve Brolan, which won the prize for ‘Best German Car’ on the first day – see photo.

Sunday started damp and wet, but thankfully it brightened up late morning and improved as the day progressed. We again had a stand chock full of stunning BMs, with Steve Seed’s truly immaculate Bright Red E30 318i grabbing the attention of visitors to the stand. Indeed, Steve’s 318i later picked up the ‘Best German Car’ of the day, much to the annoyance of some on the Merc club stand!

Another great Tatton weekend came to an end with the promise come hook or crook we will secure a larger stand space in 2016! I must also thank Fudge, Farmer Curran and young crofter Lewis – the stand wouldn’t have happened without you guys, and finally I must thank everyone who displayed their cars on both days.

An eclectic mix of old, new and modern classic – E24 635i, 135i M Sport and Z3M Coupe

Threes to the fore!

Filling every last metre of space on the stand on Sunday

The club stand was busy most of the time on both days

Membership Drive

With our busiest period of the show season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to remind you of the ongoing Membership Drive. For every new member you sign up you will receive a £5 Club Voucher. The £5 can be collected and redeemed against your membership renewal or redeemed in the Club Shop.

To receive your voucher, you must ask the recruited new members to quote your name and membership number when they sign to join up. All referred persons should join the club by calling the Club office on 01970 267989. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

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ECU Remapping for all BMW models

- from £299.00 What is an ECU: An ECU is the brain of the car and ECU Remapping is the process used to tailor the common functions set out within a vehicle’s that ECU. It is programmed by car manufacturers to control the engine’s functions and ECU’s are programmed with a large level of tolerance.

The car manufacturer take this precaution to cater for the number of markets in which the vehicle

maybe driven in and the ECU will be programmed at manufacturing stage to compensate for various different driving styles and be given a “middle of the road” type of performance on both power and fuel efficiency.

It also needs to be able to cover levels of neglect to a vehicle engine, in terms of servicing & it’s upkeep if this occurs - in this case the ECU unit will compensate

“Exceeding most dealer standards, at a fraction of the cost”

What does ECU Remapping do: ECU Remapping is the modern day way, in which a car is finally tuned for the performance and economy. We have the equipment and expertise in which we can carry out this fine tuning to any BMW model.

The effects of ECU Remapping: IMPROVEMENTS YOU CAN EXPECT • A car with improved throttle response • Improved acceleration • Smoother power delivery • A car that generally feels more responsive and alive.

TURBO PETROL CARS TYPICALLY GET: • 20% more power • 25% more torque TURBO DIESEL CARS TYPICALLY GET: • 25% more power • 30% more torque • Improved fuel economy NORMALLY ASPIRATED CARS: • 10% more power • Improved throttle response • Superior driveability

Stourbridge Automotive Ltd is a leading BMW Independent Specialist, based in Stourbridge DY9 7ND, West Midlands since 2010 for Servicing, Repairs, Diagnostics and MOT’s * Next month see our feature advert with AC Schnitzer for performance parts

Telephone: 01384 377792 or visit our website – www.stourbridgeautomotive.co.uk for all enquiries.

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A 6 SERIES E24 635CSI FOR A NEW GENERATION… Words by Gavin Spencer and John Rogers

G

avin Spencer came to our RAF Hendon meeting in his 1986 E24 BMW 635CSi. His car is a wonderful sight. It is in immaculate condition and has a very low mileage of about 40,000. Unusually its finish is non metallic black and it has the ultra rare manual gearbox. After about 10 years of garaged existence with little usage, Gavin has worked with great taste to refresh its appearance and update its mechanicals. Gavin has the same age as his car and it is fascinating to hear his views on a car which most current owners can recollect nostalgically as an icon of the 1980s. Gavin writes…

The car was bought by my grandfather and used as a commuter for his last few working

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years. After he retired the car only came out occasionally for a spin and mileage remained very low. Around 1999 I went to stay with him during school holidays and one of my fond memories was being taken out in the 6 for a blast along some of Hampshire’s country lanes. In 2000 my grandfather had a stroke and although he survived he could no longer drive.

The car sat for about 10 years and was hardly used at all.

In 2010 my grandfather was trying to sell the car and I made contact as soon as I heard.

I couldn’t let the car go to anyone else. I hadn’t realised how low the mileage was and how well it had been kept. An arrangement was made and I went to collect the car with only 37,188 on the odometer. The car flew through its MOT and was only given an advisory for a scored rear disc! I have since spent many hours cleaning its bodywork, spending a few quid on goodies. The car hadn’t been paid much attention for 10 years and was in dire need of cleaning, a new battery, tyres and of course a service. It now benefits from a full Fritz’s Bits exhaust and manifold and some recently refurbished style 5 BBS alloys.

The car had bottle top alloys with TRXs which were cracked where the car was sitting and couldn’t be used so, to get the car on the road, I bought some old E39 wheels with part worn tyres for £100. I spent hours trawling the internet and in particular www.bigcoupe.com trying to educate myself on the shark. I noticed BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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that style 5 BBS RC090 wheels really suited the car. I sourced a staggered set from an E31 and three years later had them refurbished. I wanted them highly polished but trying to find a company to do the work wasn’t easy. It took six months for them to be completed as the company who had quoted £400 quickly realised how much work was involved and did them between their other jobs. The wheels were done at Happy Wheels in Welwyn Garden City in January last year – but they may have since ceased trading.

They powder coated the centres, highly polished the barrels and changed the bolts holding the two piece wheels together. I ordered new centre stickers from BMW at Stephen James and got new tyres from Protyre in Enfield which were competitively priced Michelin Pilot Sports. Being staggered wheels I’ve gone for 225/45/17 at the front and 255/40/17 at the rear which from internet research is as close I can get to the original wheel and tyre sizes.

The exhaust had started to blow and after continual repairs I had to choose between a

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stock or stainless steel replacement. I had intended to minimise modifications to keep the car almost entirely original but couldn’t justify a more expensive stock exhaust which would need replacement at some point and didn’t give any performance gain apart from recovering the horses lost by the old blowing system. After a lot of internet research I stumbled upon the Fritz’s Bits website. It was clear that FB know their stuff. They focus predominantly on classic BMWs and have lots of information on their experiences and the services they provide for each model/engine. FB have spent a long time developing their exhaust system, particularly the manifold, to give a S/S alternative to the factory item. They had found that the factory item is hugely restrictive on the engine, especially on

RHD M30s, which have a steering box where the manifold pipes should run. This means that equal length pipes for maximum performance are nigh on impossible but their system is gas flowed and is as efficient as possible.

Fritz’s Bits is in Wellington, Somerset beyond Taunton which is a long drive from Hertfordshire.

I was aware that the studs holding the exhaust manifold to the head can seize and the studs could shear. But on arrival, the car was taken straight to the workshop with the exhaust still

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very hot which apparently is the best time to get the bolts to move. I was intrigued by the large workshop area which was well equipped and surrounded by shelves full of spares. I was shown the system when it was fully fitted and was told I have the cleanest E24 they had ever had in off the street. They said they had never seen another 6 in a non metallic colour and it must be very rare amongst remaining cars. Rich Hearn Jnr spent an hour tuning my car, adjusting the air fuel mixture guided by the emissions readings. My car had been running rich and his thought was that it had probably been running slightly rich all its life. This was amended whilst we chatted and with it now running clean the car

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was test driven. I couldn’t believe the difference.

Although my old system had been blowing and I knew an airtight system would be an improvement, I was very impressed. The car had noticeably more power right through the range but especially at low end. The noise was louder than expected but it was a refined sound that says powerful engine rather than boy racer with bean can on the back. The original Blaupunkt Oxford cassette radio is still in the car but doesn’t get used much any more as the exhaust sound track is so nice and really addictive!

Although it is louder than I thought it might be the, extra noise is almost unnoticeable when cruising and doesn’t boom or drone in the cabin which aftermarket exhausts can be known to do.

In November 2014 I went to see Mick Rodgers at Pristine Bodyworks in Rochford, Essex on the recommendation of Fritz’s Bits who said he was one of the few people in the UK they would trust with my car. Mick carries out bodywork on behalf of BMW Park Lane for their classics. The car went in for minor bodywork to remedy a small patch of rust on the square panel beneath the front of the passenger door.

A few age related dings and dents were also removed. The rear bumper was realigned and the centre chrome strip in the front bumper was replaced. The off side wing mirror was rescued from its duct taped form. They also kindly cleared my sunroof drains and cleaned my front arches thoroughly. Throughout my ownership I have meticulously cleaned the car, hence its current appearance. Endless time has been spent washing, polishing, claying and waxing.

Last year I treated it to a machine polish but otherwise all of my polishing has been by hand.

I am now looking to have the car professionally undersealed, refresh the suspension and pay a lot of attention to the engine bay where the car would benefit from some new hoses and some powder coated parts to further enhance its appearance.

The car was originally purchased 18th August 1986, the day I was born, which probably makes me one of the youngest E24 owners in the club at 28. The original VRM was D162 YLT. I have the original invoice. The car cost £28,598.

(The inflation rate calculator suggests this would be £77,500 today). This was my grandad’s third 635CSi. The first one he bought and drove for three years and then traded it for a newer one.

During his ownership of the second one it was stolen and a few days later recovered by police

sitting on its brake discs, back when alloy wheels got stolen. The car was recovered and repaired but Grandad said it never drove the same and he part exchanged it for the car I have today.

Before he committed to his third E24 he tried the Ferrari of the moment which I believe was the 308. Despite having fond memories of being told to slow down by the salesman while doing 100mph on the A406 during the test drive, the build quality wasn’t to his liking and, although cheaper than the 635CSi, he said it wasn’t much faster. The number plate is my grandfather’s initials and his first branch of his business was door number 442 but that was unavailable so he went with 424!

The E24 is an amazing piece of engineering.

I find it hard to believe that these cars are so well equipped for their age and they compete with today’s cars with ABS, power steering, electric everything, AC, central locking, heated locks and mirrors, OBC, cruise control etc. Only air bags are missing! You could drive a thousand miles in an E24 and feel like you have just driven round the corner. The engine is still very capable by modern standards if you put your foot down but happy to simply waft along in the fast lane. The cabin is spacious, the sports seat comfortable and supportive, and the controls ergonomically designed around the driver. The incredibly generous boot space is another plus point. These cars were eye wateringly expensive in their era yet they sold so many units. The build quality is second to none and the car feels like a car should, giving feedback from the road and responsive in the right places. The shape of the car is utterly gorgeous with its distinctive shark nose and from the driver’s seat, the bonnet seems almost neverending. It has to be the best looking BMW ever made. The car was designed as a GT to eat up the miles and deliver its occupants in comfort. I feel that BMW excelled in making the 6 a legendary car that everybody loves to see. Most importantly the car makes me smile every time I drive it, every journey is genuinely a treat.

I would like to thank my grandad Bernard Jones for everything and keeping the car so nice during his ownership. And thank Fritz’s Bits, Mick at Pristine Bodywork, Protyre, Iain Mackay and his team at Stephen James BMW, Sodo and Mike Panayiotis, Neil and the team at SPS Tottenham who help me keep the car on top form, Terry Papazachariou for all his help along the way and Lindsay Thoms for being my supportive and understanding better half.

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BMWKUMHO CHAMPIONSHIP CROFT – SNETTERTON – THRUXTON Words by Neil McDonald Images by MVG Photography

T

he Championship has progressed through the season and is now half way through after stretching through the length of the country to some different and challenging circuits.

Croft in Yorkshire never disappoints as a racers’ circuit and attracted some of the locals to attend as invitation, including NW Saloons champion Mike Cutt and Kirk Armitage. This circuit hosts the BMWCC most popular trackday and is always enjoyed by all the drivers.

The races on the Saturday had the addition of rain, after a dry qualifying, and this made it interesting seeing in particular Alan Thompson in his 328 chase down Armitage. For some it was their first wet race but it was great to see Class D driver Samways and BMWcup driver ReesDavis with smiles at the end of race especially

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as they were on the podium.

In class A Colin Wells won both races despite a challenge from James Mcintyre. Class B, Ian Crisp coped with the weather better in race one but was hunted down by Richard Marsh for the win on Sunday. Class C was Alan Thompson’s this weekend, followed by the forever smiling James Rees-Davis who admitted the learning curve in only his second weekend had been huge. Class D saw James Ford with the smiles after winning race two and just pipped in race one by reigning D champion Greg Marking, there has been a fag paper between them both all year so far.

The drivers’ and teams’ next stop was Snetterton 300 in Norfolk, which is a great mix of fast and slow corners so gives the drivers great opportunities to race cars in the different classes.

Wells was again the man to catch in A over the weekend, and Crisp was the victor in B; C was the exciting class again with Alan Thompson being the man to catch. Beating B cars in race one he got a good grid position for race two, but had contact with a B car which left Russell Dack and James Rees- Davis to spend 20 minutes bumper to bumper, with Russell getting a car length at the finish, and he was driver of the day in his BMWcup compact. In D once again www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

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it was James Ford and Greg Marking battling for the win and getting one each to keep the class battle alive.

The fourth race weekend would see a trip to Thruxton which again would attract some new local faces in particular Ray West in Invitation – he would have the pace on the other B cars all weekend.

The weekend was perfect for racing, the sun came out and there was plenty for the crowds with the Trucks racing and good grids for the BMWs. The first race saw an A class win for Wells, and a B win for Noye, following Championship leader Crisp crashing out whilst racing Heasman who was the clear class C winner. D honours

went to Ford which spices things up with Marking for the next race and the championship.

Some lap records also fell in C and D during the day.

This weekend would also see the Three Musketeers on track again in C, Travers (Porthos), Heasman (Athos) and Thompson (Aramis), to renew the battles from last year. It’s great to see competitive drivers enjoying each other’s company on and off track – friendly rivalry at its best.

The Saturday race saw Athos and Porthos outqualify some M3s in their 328s so Aramis was disadvantaged from the start… Athos pulled a gap and managed with the exception of the invitation West to be ahead of all the B cars

and Porthos at the finish with Aramis third in C not far behind.

The Sunday race would see this challenge come alive off the start with Thompson (Aramis) storming past both Travers (Porthos) and Heasman (Athos), but he overcooked the first corner allowing Travers to retake the position and chase after Noye and West. Sadly Heasman’s car had a misfire but he was still able to bring it home in third in class. Travers managed to pip Noye who won the B race on the last lap but there was no catching West at his home track.

The win in D went to Marking, followed closely by Ford and then Bennett, but as his was invitation the third went to Samways .

Next is the live TV round at Donington where there will be another good turnout in all classes. Why not come along and support the drivers – check out the threads on the club forum regarding free tickets… then the annual visit to Brands Hatch... Silverstone and Pembrey to finish the championship.

The end of the season for many of the drivers though will be the Birkett 6 hour – it will good to see who wins the BMWcup, will the BMWCC team retain it, can the Kumho team beat the BMWcup teams… I can’t wait to find out.

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ENGINEERED TO EXCITE

TECHNOLOGY DESIGNED WITH THE BEST CAR MAKERS TO ENHANCE THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR CAR.

A MOTORING AUTOBIOGRAPHY Part 2 Words by Hew Dundas

A

s indicated last month, my TVR had serious flaws and, in terms of the electrics, was highly unreliable (it needed the AA or RAC every time to start it) and, in addition, having to drive from Edinburgh to Blackpool for servicing (although a local Ford dealer could probably have handled it) was not realistic so in early 1977 I began to look out for a replacement and the Blackpool TVR dealer agreed to take the car back. Around that time FIAT had launched the Bertone-styled X1/9 to great acclaim but there were to be only 1,500 RHD cars for the entire UK, each individually numbered, and they had sold out very quickly. I was lucky in that a farmer in the Scottish Borders had bought one for his 18-year-old daughter but she had failed her driving test so I bought #1,232 in metallic green at

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10% over list price. For such a small car it had a remarkable amount of boot space (front and rear boots) and a detachable hard top which clipped inside the front boot. Although a two-seater, she once carried five for a short distance (work that one out !!). In 1978 a colleague and I did a four-and-a-half-week camping tour of Austria and Hungary and the X1/9 rose to the occasion in magnificent style.

At the 1976 Motor Show (and again in 1977 and 1978) AC Cars showed a concept car which I thought looked wonderful and, given that it had a 3-litre Ford engine and was a fairly straightforward design, ought to be reliable. In late 1978 I took the plunge and ordered one which, after a longish delay, arrived in resplendent yellow, the 12th (of 63) production ME3000s ever built. On its good

days it was a great car and really enjoyable to drive but… there was a major fault in a boughtin electrical component which intermittently led to all the electrics cutting out. Further, I once returned from a foreign trip to find the cockpit full of water from a roof leak. However, I have fond memories of the AC because much of my then romance was conducted using it.

After nine months I decided that ‘enough was enough’ and I persuaded the selling dealer (whose main business was Lotus – see later) to take the car back which he did on condition I bought something else off him. After looking at what was on offer I chose a dark blue Ferrari 308 GT4 (S/N 13180), the first of my 12 Ferraris.

I mentioned in Part 1 that I had previously bought a 150 mph TVR but I did not mention that I was only 23 at the time and for someone so young to obtain insurance on such a car would normally have been impossible. However, the TVR Car Club had a deal with a leading broker so I secured insurance at a rate normally applicable to a 30-year-old with a 10-12 years clean sheet.

When I came to insure the Ferrari, my clean sheet, covering both the TVR and the AC, stood me in very good stead.

The 308 was a wonderful car, travelling long distances and even occasionally commuting to work in West London, and I had few reliability issues. One drive, still talked about by the several that remember the story, was a London to Edinburgh run, leaving at 03:00, i.e. an empty road almost all the way; I will leave it to readers to guess the rest… It is highly probable that that run has never been matched since. Just as with the X1/9, I once carried six in the car for a short distance in what was technically a 2+2. In December 1979, I had a problem with an airlock in the cooling system so the Glasgow Ferrari dealer very kindly opened up on Boxing Day (I had to get back to London for work on the 27th) to sort it for me.

I kept the 308 GT4 for a year but received a surprise telephone call from the selling dealer whose primary business was Lotus; he had been offered one only of a new limited edition Lotus Esprit with turbocharging and painted in the colours of Essex Petroleum, at that time sponsors of the Lotus F1 team (it transpired subsequently that Essex Petroleum was largely a sham outfit and many of its business dealings were fraudulent so some oil traders lost huge amounts of money). I duly took delivery of #015 of the 47 built and had a wonderful time with it and it was a quantum leap forward in performance. The turbo had been fullyengineered (unlike my TVR turbo) and the power delivery was spot on. The most exciting moment

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in the car was just after going past a stationary police car on the M9 coming into Edinburgh where they turned on the full suite of blue flashing lights etc and I was going to get ‘done’ but…. next the left rear tyre exploded and I wrestled the car to a halt on three wheels with the flailing shreds of the tyre carcase causing some serious damage to the bodywork. The two police officers decided that, in the circumstances, they couldn’t book me ! My passenger did not enjoy the final 15 miles into Edinburgh with the wheel and wrecked tyre on his lap Wonderful though the Esprit was, I had caught the Ferrari bug and, in addition, I had occasions (e.g. girlfriend with a 10-year-old son) when a 2-seater was inadequate. After looking at several options and passing over several 308 GT4s, I plumped for a Mondial 8 (S/N 38183) which was an unfortunate decision, the car being underpowered (think… skin… rice pudding…), a serious shortcoming partly rectified by the subsequent 4-valve (QV) version but it made adjustment from the Esprit difficult.

When owning my earlier 308 GT4 I had not been aware of the existence of the Ferrari Owners Club (FOC) but, second time around, I joined it and (see photo1) took to the track at Goodwood at an owners’ track day having just started training in single-seaters with the Jim Russell Racing School. Little did I know then that I had caught not just a bug but a GIANT BUG… of which more anon.

Around the same time I attended an FOC lunch meeting not far from London and was approached by a small boy who asked which one my car was; I showed him and his dismissive response was “my dad’s car is far better than that”.

There was no organised Ferrari racing at that time but there was an annual race at Donington and an annual outing to Zandvoort brilliantly hosted by the Ferrari Club Nederland. The 1983 race at Donington was run in heavy rain and, having never raced before and not understanding the procedure, I overtook six or so cars in the first few corners before realising from the ‘slow down’ waving of the frantic marshals that this was only the warm-up lap; oooooh dear!! When the race did get underway, I drove cautiously round the first lap following a 365BB then, coming onto the start/finish straight, applied too much power too early and spun into the wall in front of the grandstand containing the entire FOC contingent; ooooooooooooh dear!!! Fortunately the damage was relatively minor, the Mondial’s front end being a separate structure attached to the main body shell and the latter was not affected.

In 1983 I took the Mondial to the FCN meeting at Zandvoort and there was a family of four there that had I met on the ferry. Dad took

his 14-year-old son out for a ride and the 11-yearold daughter seemed unhappy so I offered (with Mum’s permission!) to take her out; I did a couple of warm-up laps before asking the girl if she minded my going a little quicker. “Of course”, she said, “Daddy drives far faster than this” ….2 The Mondial’s shortage of power led me to trade up to a new 512BBi (S/N 46707) which, although undoubtedly powerful, was a brute to drive, particularly the immensely heavy clutch.

To run it in, I drove from London to Edinburgh to meet friends for lunch, then straight back again that afternoon; on coming into London in heavy Sunday evening traffic, the repeated use of the clutch became increasingly arduous, so much so that I reached my oil company office (where I was allowed to park the car under the building, thereby benefiting from 24-hour CCTV!!) in tears of pain and then discovered that my left leg was completely dead.

One summer Sunday morning, I took the 512BBi out around 04:30 and disappeared for an hour or so; on my return, one of the office security men was waiting and greeted me with “how fast?”, correctly guessing that I had been out for a top speed run.

My then girlfriend hated cars and was terrified of speed but seemed happy passengering in the 512 and never noticed how fast we were going.

I entered the 512 in a number of sprint events, mainly at Goodwood but also at Prescott3 and in

a standing kilometre event at Keevil Airfield (161 mph across the finishing line), but its handling was dodgy given the fact that the heavy flat12 sat high up on top of the gearbox so I never entered the car in any actual race. However, at an FOC track day I was congratulated on my outstanding drive of a difficult car on a very wet track but the reality was rather different: Nick Mason was there with his BBLM (i.e. the full Le Mans version) on full wets so I drove around in his near-dry tyre tracks.

I was reunited with #46707 in Edinburgh (where I have lived since 1990) in the mid-1990s, it being owned by then by a local property developer.

My life was about to undergo a dramatic change…

1 1982-MONDIAL 2 See photo 1983-MONDIAL 3 See photo 1984-512BBi-2

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Presents two sales of classic motor cars, to be held at the Bedford Autodrome on: - Sunday 6 September 2015, at 1:30pm, and - Sunday 8 November 2015, also at 1:30pm Located within 60 miles of London, Oxford and Peterborough and equidistant to both the M1 and A1, this is your ideal opportunity to either fetch a good market price for your classic motor car, or buy into something which is fast becoming an ideal combination of both lifestyle and investment.

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

CHAIRMANSCHAT BMW Car Club Chairman Richard Baxter rbaxter@btinternet.com

Vice President – John Safe We send our very best wishes to Vice President John Safe for a speedy recovery from a recent head on motor accident that was not his fault.

He is suffering from ‘bruising to the ribs and abrasions’; the good news is that he was not driving one of his beloved BMWs. Straight Six We hope you find plenty of interest to enjoy in our Club magazine this month, Tim Fathers’ article on the M5 F10 is a good read and with great photography by Chris Teagles. Chris has recently completed his university degree in photography, a good photo is a good photo and we should be indebted to him for the time and effort he regularly contributes to creating some quite brilliant images.

A case in point has been last month’s cover shot of the Classic E3 saloon and Combi, which was noted and acknowledged by the German E3 Club, some distinction! Also and as a result we are asking for help to locate a 3.0i saloon in Inka Orange – reg no: MYP 9 L, a long shot for sure!

Personally I’m enjoying the ‘auto’-biography of Hew Dundas and his motoring experience. As we will shortly appreciate, the range of cars he has owned is breathtaking (apologies that some photos relating to his article were not published last month).

Tatton Classic has long been a Club favourite event and is obviously of great pleasure to many (after a short period of non attendance), it has once again returned to the North West Region’s fixture list and, as the photography shows, a fantastic standard and presentation of BMW’s finest created much enjoyment.

New Members A warm welcome to all the new members who have joined in the last month; their names and Regions have been noted elsewhere. More important than the welcome will be the hope that they integrate themselves within the local Region and get to develop friendship around the marque we all enjoy.

Centenary 2016 Prepare yourself for the big event that will be celebrated next year across the civilised world!

We have already started drawing up plans as to how we can do this justice. The development will be shared month by month starting from September; please do contribute your ideas.

Driver Awareness Course Like many of you I too have sinned, and greatly so… On the return journey from the Club’s AGM in May, travelling south on the M1 near Northampton there is a 20-mile stretch of roadworks where they operate ‘average speed www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

cameras’, there to protect the non-existent work force (Saturday PM).

Not being a machine, but likely having dozed off as we are now encouraged to be automatons behind the wheel, I averaged 60 and not 50mph and shortly after the envelope landed on the mat. The choice: three points, driver awareness course or attend court. Although my licence is going through one of those ‘clean’ phases it is all too easy for this situation to change and therefore needs to be safeguarded at all costs.

However the choice of a four hour driver awareness course just to make you feel like an uncaring member of society has been almost too much to bear and I left it until the final 28 days before deciding that it was indeed going to be some humiliation (end of September) to avoid the points.

Gaydon National Festival – 16th August 2015 We have enjoyed the facilities at Gaydon for many years now, especially the amphitheatre feel of Gaydon with the drop down as one negotiates the spine road. With the extensive redevelopment of the site over the last year, the alterations have dictated a different entrance and the Regional and Register displays will also be in a new position.

Overall one will notice a difference to the appearance and layout and it will be interesting to notice how this will be received. My impression is that we will be occupying a far greater space across a wider showground; this, it is hoped, will provide an ease of space around the individual show clusters.

At the base of the spine road for example and to the left will now be occupied by the arena, Club gazebo and trailer with seating, so it will feel more relaxed like a Club area, along with a display of three focal point red cars – not as before where one stepped out of the Club tent onto a busy trackway.

The arena will be utilised for 30 minutes each hour on the hour so one can enjoy the entertainment but not be assailed the entire day by the public sound system. We will invite the Regions and Registers to drive into the arena and talk about their year to our presenter Steve Deeks. We will be scouring the show for nice, rare and unusual BMWs and a chat with our interviewer. The presentation for Concours along

with their cars will also occur within the arena plus other highlights.

The trade area will be on an elevated section and we hope this will draw people to walk through and pick up some bargains and hard to find spares.

At the top of the ground out of earshot and view from the main show area, will be a drifting course where rides can be taken in an E39M5, E46M3 and Nissan Skyline. Adjacent to this will be a picnic area on a raised bank of earth providing a natural seating area to look down at these skilled guys in action.

I think it is fair to say that this show and future shows will provide an increasing mix of car interest with an ‘entertainment’ base: this year a Laser game, Mini tanks and Rob with his funny bikes.

So please spread the word as we aim to develop this largest BMW gathering into a truly family day out, and one where each angle is not impinging unsatisfactorily into another.

Finally there will be the usual tombola, a competition called ‘Hotspots’ where six cars will be distributed through the show and one can guess the overall value, the closest three will win prizes.

The Club will be represented by Jenn and her office team along with the directors, Jamal Blanc, George Champ, Tim Fathers, Howard Walker and myself. We will do our best to say hello to as many as possible…

BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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SHERBORNECASTLE SOUTHERNCONCOURS

Words & Images by Nigel Smith

L

etâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it, the week leading up to the show wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the greatest weather but slowly started to improve as the week went on. The forecast for the Sunday was overcast but 20% chance of rain.

Sunday morning was a 4am start for me as had another movement on the day to do before setting up for the show, 6.45am was on the grounds of Sherborne Castle closely followed by a few of our regional committee members. All was well and setting up got under way. A few early arrivals started turning up for concours closely followed by various other BMW owners.

Unfortunately we did keep getting attacked by a few light drizzles of rain, but was short-lived luckily. The line up of cars in concours was about 30 cars and totalling 133 cars turning up for the day, which considering the weather leading up to the event, We saw some people had travelled over 150 miles to attend so I was happy with the commitment shown.

This year we had our usual team of judges, Diana Leake, Keith Waller and Jim Hudson, and we thank you for doing, it tends to be a thankless task.

This year they had to start using a new format of judging and it proved to be a quicker process.

Various people took advantage to look around the grounds, lake and castle which hopefully was enjoyed, as was a lovely location Overall winner Michael Pang E30 M3 Region Western 252 Pts Overall runner-up Ian Magnani Model Z1 Region Devon 250 Pts Winner Class A Anthony Birchall 236 pts 2002 Devon Winner Class B Mike Pang 252 pts E30 M3 Western Winner Class C Roger Boaden 236 pts 840 ci Cornwall Winner Class D Dan Wood 241 pts E39 540i sport Western Winner Class E Ian Warren 217 pts E92 Cornwall

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

and we are looking at using it again next year, so keep your eye out for the dates.

Again the show was sponsored by myself, Autospray VSS Ltd www.autospray-uk.com providing set up costs and trophies and hopefully those who were interested in our service found me as I did quote various vehicles and was pulled about all over the place, sorry if I did not get to speak with you.

Also other trade stands included Matt Dudbridge from MapTek carrying out ECU remapping and he did my van and it has definitely improved its torque level, Steve Grant from Mac Tools was onsite with some tools offers, Westerley BMW attended with an I8 and an I3 for everyone to look around and they also donated a lovely remote control car into our raffle, and we had Mike and his wife running the club shop with club regalia.

Due to the new judging format the judging was carried out quicker than usual which enabled us to bring the raffle and prize giving forward. The results are listed; I took second in class C which I was happy with considering the lack in prep time that I had on the day.

All in all I think the day went ok and look forward to next year.

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

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UPGRADING THE AFM Words By Matthew Hunt

O

n such a renowned classic car, it feels strange for my first column to be about an upgrade or ‘mod’. Don’t get me wrong – in almost all areas I attach a great premium to originality and OEM features (I spent a fortune on a period CD player), so I’d therefore like to explain why I made this exception. But before I do that let me say something else – modify at your own risk, particularly where the engine is concerned.

Engine mods can sometimes have an adverse effect on longevity, or put a stress on other parts – so research carefully to make your own informed decision, and only use mechanics that you trust.

Early in my period of M3 ownership – probably in 2009 if I recall correctly, I became aware that a few informed Evo 2 owners were installing something called a ‘Rongineer Airbox’.

I was intrigued and performed further research, including talking to the installer – renowned E30 M3 tuner Paul Sheppard. Paul explained to me that most fuel injection systems require a component to measure the flow of air going

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

into the engine, such that the fuel / air mix is appropriate. Whilst modern cars have relatively uninvasive ways to do this (MAF sensors), the E30 M3 used the simple and old fashioned ‘flap’ method where the airflow has to push a hinged flap attached to a spring. The flap displacement measures the airflow. The flaw in that system is that the flap is somewhat restrictive and holds the engine back.

The solution is to delete the AFM by installing the Rongineer airbox in its place – this allows an unrestricted flow of air. But the ECU still needs to control the fuel injection – the solution here is a ‘piggyback’ ECU chip that allows a fuelling programme based only on throttle position and engine revs. Paul used the ‘Unichip’ system that allows a completely bespoke tune – herein lies the importance of the tuner knowing what he is doing, as many an S14 engine has been torched by a dangerous mapping.

This tuning system is known as ‘Alpha N’ and is not uncommon in the E30 M3 scene – particularly

in the US where full carbon airboxes (emulating the DTM heroes of the era) are quite popular. I would have considered this route myself, but could never have dispensed with the painted plenum that graces the Evo 2. Indeed a huge advantage of the ‘RonBox’ is that it leaves the engine bay looking completely stock to anything other than the most trained eye.

For six years I have been delighted with the results. Top end power is better, but much more important is the mid range grunt that powers the car around the wonderful twisty roads where it is most at home. To finish where I started, I hope I will never know about the effect of the change on engine longevity – but for me this one was worth it.

E34 M5 Registrar It is my great delight to introduce David Olias as the E34 M5 registrar. To many E34 M5 owners David will need no introduction – his company (Classic MD Autos) provides many valuable services and he organises an annual E34 M5 spring meetup where like minded owners can get together and discuss how the cars can be so wonderful, and so high maintenance all at the same time.

We’ll let David provide a fuller personal introduction next month, suffice to say that the Motorsport Registers are privileged to have him. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

WORKING MYWAY THROUGH THEMs Words by John Denny

I

t’s July 2003 and my girlfriend of the time had bought a second hand Mini that was missing its service book, so the wonder of BMW Customer Services, we tracked down the servicing dealers and set off on a country tour getting the new service book stamped up.

One of the stops took us to Knightsbridge BMW Stafford, where walking into the showroom I was greeted by a Silver Grey CSL. Now to a BMW fan, who at the time was driving the cheapest M3 you could buy, being a early 1995 M plate M3 3.0 Coupe, a car that had been re-shelled by BMW before I bought it, so in

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essence would have been a CAT D write off had the work not have been completed away from the insurance company, walking into the most expensive M3 you could buy just showed what a task owning one of these cars would be, and as such was the void it became my dream car there and then, and that was before sitting in it!

The salesman was very friendly and let me have a look around the car, and now I wish I had taken a brochure, but didn’t want to waste too much of his time.

From this point, the M3 CSL became the car that I would compare all other cars to that I would own in

the future, and this has led to many a car swap, from M3s to Toyotas, Porsches and even an EVO 6.

I even had the M3 CSL as my wallpaper on my computer at work for 10 or so years, and looked forward to seeing them on the TV, and reading features in the BMW magazine etc. I was especially impressed with the feature Top Gear did where they drove the car around the Isle of Man, the noise that car made only stood to further cement the car into my dream garage.

Moving on to October 2010, and I was invited to Bruntingthorpe to take part in a photo shoot for BMW Car Magazine’s 200th edition featuring 25 years of the M3. Now when I say I was invited, it was my car that was invited really.

I pulled into the car park of the onsite greasy spoon and to my surprise there was a Silver Grey CSL parked up next to a Storm Grey V8 Coupe, two cars that turned out to be BMW press cars, and the same CSL that has been seen on the TV. The photo shoot was a great success, good weather helped, but an interesting twist was we got to have a drive of the cars, and when asked which one I would like to drive first, there was no other answer than “THE CSL!” Now I have always been told, never drive you dream cars, and I guess with a Dodge Charger or a old Ford Mustang this is probably true, but the CSL is a piece of precision German engineering and with only 16k on the clock it was still factory fresh.

From just turning the key and hearing the car spark into life, I know one day I would need one of these cars, though again the prices were on the rise, as is always the case when I want www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

a special one off car, on a budget, not being a millionaire. Must say at this point I was driving M3 Imola Individual, believed to be the GT2 prototype, so number 1 of 1? so quite a limited car already.

Spring forward three years, and I had bought and sold a good few cars, but was lucky enough to find a M3 V8 Coupe at a local Honda garage, and as it was not their usual stock, coupled with the fact it need some TLC, I got a good trade deal and took my V8 home.

I spent a few weeks polishing and replacing parts, and got the car just as I wanted it until sadly one night it was stolen from my drive.

More annoyingly, the thieves broke into the house for the keys!

The insurance company were really good and as their policy is to pay market value for claims, for once this played into my favour, as I got my money back as well as my excess.

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

I replaced the V8 M3 with something completely different as I was convinced another M3 would play back into the crim’s hands, so I bought a Z4M Coupe in Bright blue, logic being I’d always wanted to try one, and it was less practical for the undesirables, as the big M cars are popular as they fit 5 people and swag in the boot.

The inevitable then happened and after only one month in the Z4M I started looking for another car, and was even considering a further departure from BMW, and was test driving an RS6.

Then I came a cross a Silver Grey CSL that was in the 100k club, and was a sensible price, the first I’d seen that was just within reach, so the Z4M was quickly sold. Luckily enough I didn’t lose too much money for once, then a quick MBNA zero percent loan brought me in touching distance of the CSL! This one sold, but I was determined the next car had to be a CSL, and one of the CLS Register

members emailed about one he had that he was thinking of selling. It needed some TLC to bring it back to how I wanted (just under 3k over the last two years) but there it was, and after five minutes of seeing it and a quick drive, I was shaking hands, and the CSL was mine, just 10 years after sitting in my first car.

Ten years older and wearing over 100k it was a far departure from the BMW heritage example I had previously driven, but such is the quality of these cars is that there is little difference in the ride, and with a good set of Pilot Super Sports now scrubbed in and the fact that I own the car means that I can enjoy the ride even more than one that’s being ‘borrowed’. I even felt brave enough to have a quick taster session around Oulton Park Racing Circuit, to really appreciate what the car could do.

So the moral of the story? I guess if you want something, don’t stop dreaming, as sometimes the forces align and you are in the right time and place to find you dream car, or lucky enough to be able to go out and buy a shiny new one.

BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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CLUBNEWSCLUBNEWS CarFest North & South

The club will once again return to CarFest North and South this month. Simon Alcorn has kindly offered to run the club stand for the second year running. Club members’ vehicles will be on display throughout both weekends and Sytner have kindly supported us with a car again this year to help raise money for the Children in Need charity.

With the Show putting on a fantastic display in the Showground such as JCB Dancing Diggers, Motocross, Motorcycle Quad show, fire stunts and much more, it’s expected to be another great event.

Membership Drive CarFest North and South have a list full of activities for what’s going on, head over to the website http://www.carfest.org If you’re visiting either show come by and pay us a visit.

BMW CC Factory Tour 2nd – 6th September

With our busiest period of the show season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to remind you of the ongoing Membership Drive. For every new member you sign up you will receive a £5 Club Voucher. The £5 can be collected and redeemed against your membership renewal or redeemed in the Club Shop.

To receive your voucher, you must ask the recruited new members to quote your name and membership number when they sign to join up. All referred persons should join the club by calling the Club office on 01970 267989.

Join fellow club members on a meticulously planned driving tour to Munich. We have planned a tour taking in France and Germany with sensible daily driving distances on fabulous roads. Some brilliant hotels have been selected for their charm and character and there will be some lovely meals over which to discuss the day’s adventures. Includes • Four nights’ accommodation in bed and breakfast including secure parking • Dinner on two of the evenings including wine and water • Access to the Porsche museum • Entry to the Schlumpf collection • Services of an experienced tour manager Contact Classic Grand Touring for a booking form, tel 01483 281282 or email info@classicgt.co.uk

NEWMEMBERS CENTRAL

Jacqueline Simmonds Graham Hart Sundesh Burk Leevan Finney

CENTRAL WEST Abid Iqbal Dan Harborow David Ward John Partridge

CHANNEL ISLANDS Jon Marley

CHESHIRE AND STAFFS Wesley Travis Graham Edgerton Lynden Barber Pete Chambers

CORNWALL Michael Fry Tim Carter

COTSWOLD

Claire Barron Geoffrey Smart

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M Wiggal

CUMBRIA Richard Fox

EAST ANGLIA

Alexander Sims Neil Pirie Mark Dawson Neil Ratcliffe Simon King Steven Winter Clive William Logan

EASTERN

Ben Oxley Alec Dobbie Nick Bates Christian Kelly

IRELAND

Richard Kirkpatrick

LONDON

Sally Wardle Robert Berry Jaroslaw Zimnick Ravi Singha

BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

Jim Palmer

Can we all take a moment to mourn the passing of one of our regulars.

Jim Palmer enjoyed his last trackday with us at Cadwell Park in May. Touring Europe in his air cooled Porsche 911RS, there can’t be many circuits Jim hadn’t driven.

Jim attended all of our trackdays bar none.

If you can’t quite picture the man, think of the little green Elise held elegantly on its limit clipping each apex to perfection.

He will be missed.

Nicholas Wright

Bernard Abrahmas Jamie Clarke Gurdave Reshi Bhogal Ravinder Roland Armes Mark Metcalfe Syed Rizvi Ibrhama Susever Graeme Franklin Jonothan Taylor Jason Ponteen

SCOTTISH

NORTH EAST

SOUTH EAST

Simon Wetherell

NORTH WEST

Lisa Jane Sutton Tracey Cowburn Neil Brennan Ian Smith Ian James Andrew hibbert Peter Hammonds Micahel Davies Howard Hughes Ashley Leung Ian Goacher Mohammed Hussain Gaurav Batra

Graham Walker Gordon Lindsay Robin Farrer Michael Cowley Edwin Robertson Mark Lawrie Kevin McGuire

THAMES Paul Teall

Robert Steward Divesh Raval Nikesh Shah Sebastian Bishop Robert Carter Ian Elliott David Murrin Bob Fry Giovanni Gallazzi

SOUTH WEST

John Hatton Scott Roberts

MID WALES

James Cherrington

SOUTH WALES Monir Khan Leigh Llewellyn Doug Crockford

WESSEX

John Lymer Adam Wilson

WESTERN

Derek Palmer Leslie Crowfoot Gary Webster Martin Carwardine Tony Capnos

OVERSEAS Ahmad Kabir

Roy Gregory

NORTH WALES Gethin Thomas

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

CLUBNEWSCLUBNEWS Boardtorque

by Steve Haslam, Vice Chairman

The BMW Car Club Celebration On Saturday 15th August 2015, all roads lead to Warwickshire, where we will be hosting our very first Car Club Celebration, in recognition of the people who have supported our great club over the years, followed by the National Festival on Sunday 16th. And that means you, members, Directors, Staff, Regional Chairs and Registers, are all invited.

Wroxall Abbey Estate is set in 27 acres of private grounds, surrounded by a collection of historic buildings, filled with elegant rooms and medieval features. We will be dining in their Tapestries room to a sumptuous three-course meal with private bar and wine provided by our sponsor Lockton Insurance, and entertained by an Acoustic Guitar set and a trio of Comedians.

Hotel Stays Guests wishing to stay at the Wroxall can make full use of the in-house facilities, ensuring you

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

take advantage of the discounted rates organised on your behalf by the club. Simply call Gemma Williams on 01926 486729 (quote BMWCC), with prices starting at £85 for a single room, bed and breakfast.

Alternatively, you may wish to book with our Hotel partner IHG, and stay at the Holiday Inn, located a short distance away and offering a discount to members. To book, go to www.IHG. com/bmwcarclubgb or contact our club office for more information.

The CCCC Tour If you love driving, then you will want to join the Tour organised by the Cotswolds Region, which promises a great drive through the stunning countryside, prior to the event. If you have never driven through the Cotswolds, you’re in for a treat, so arrive on time, check in, drop off your luggage and get back into the car.

Prices As much as we would like to lay all this on free of charge, we are unable to do so, but have made every effort to keep costs as low as possible without compromising on a fun night.

We are restricted to 50 places, priced between £55 and £65/person, depending on meal choices, so do register your interest before it’s too late and contact HQ, pronto.

Gaydon 2015 It does not stop there of course, after a night of good food and entertainment, get ready for our National Festival on Sunday 16th, where another day of action awaits.

See you there!

BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

49

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STAR LETTER Is the Magic Fading?

I have to agree with much of what Dan Norris and Marie-Noelle Lazaridou wrote in the July magazine about the direction in which BMW is heading.

To anyone who knew BMW back in the The Good Old Days, the Active Tourer is akin to Rolex making battery powered watches, something that should never have been countenanced but sadly, the lure of (even more) profit led BMW to opening this Pandora’s Box from which there is no return. The less said about this sorry vehicle, the better.

I’m not a fast driver like I used to be – I reserve that sort of thing for track days – but I do like a nice fast road car. The trouble is, who makes anything now that is genuinely desirable? I find the F10 5 Series nice enough but too big and the 3 Series, as worthy as it is (and it’s very good indeed) is just a bit dull now. Piped engine sounds through the speakers is just laughable. As an everyday car that does everything well, the F30 is brilliant but there’s something that makes the car ordinary – the engine.

I’m a big fan of modern automatic gearboxes, especially bolted to the back of a well optimised van engine (320d).

What do I think was the last really proper BMW? I’d say it was the E90 325i and 330i. Others can chase a mythical 60 mpg with the 320d but anyone who appreciates a proper engine would delight in the 258 bhp 330i – what a car. So good is this engine that to fit it with an automatic box would be a crime when there is a six speed manual available. At Stratstones I had a 325i Coupe E92 for a few days and enjoyed every minute. It was one of those cars you’d drive just for the sake of it to savour the rapidly dying species that the normally aspirated straight six

Marmite Colours – Part 3!

The first three BMWs I owned were all blue, a colour I find very attractive. One was Sydney Blue and the others were of a similar hue. They were good long term colours and I never got sick of them.

In 2012 I decided to buy a new F20 118i SE. Unfortunately there was no dark-ish blue. The only other mid colours were orange and red which I think are horrible.

I asked the dealer if he had a car in Midnight Blue (he hadn’t) so I took the plunge and ordered a car in Midnight Blue, based on BMW’s 1 Series brochure and website pictures showing it as a true ‘dark blue’. When I took delivery of the car I found that it was not blue, it was almost black. If you look at it from a particular direction in bright artificial light or sunlight you can see blue in the metal-flake, but I want the car to appear blue all of the time! The paint choice is awful, I do not want black, white, grey, silver or any variation of any of those.

I am depressed every time I see the outside of the car. It would look a lot better if I painted it manually with a brush in a suitable colour. I think a quality car manufacturer should provide the option of coloured paint other than orange and red without having to have an M Sport model.

I also hate the car because the interior is of seriously poor quality as it is black which, in Western culture, means darkness and death. I would not have the carpets, wallpaper and furniture in my house all black so I cannot imagine why BMW thinks that I want to travel in a car that is like that. BMW is taking us back to the days of Henry Ford, “You can have any colour you like as long as it is black”.

The 1 Series wasn’t available without a black interior, unfortunately including the recently facelifted 1er. I often think about painting the plastic and fitting seat covers to make it look less unattractive. I am unsure yet what to do to the carpet. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

was. It was just like the 325i E36 Coupe I drove 20 years beforehand – a fantastic engine note from a unit that needed to be given some beans allied to a manual gearbox that still mercifully had the correct level of noticeable gear whine in each ratio, something to remind you that you were operating machinery as opposed to some soulless man/electronics interface. This was the last link to the E30 325i.

More recently I had the pleasure of a Vauxhall (or should I say Opel – they build the thing) Insignia, one of the most numerous pieces of street furniture in the UK. Exciting it is not, but neither is a 318i. This one, an ordinary SE or whatever, was a 1.8 petrol with 140 bhp, a hire car as so many are. It is built to fulfil the needs of the average motorist whoever he or she may be, and I found it rather good. That 140 bhp isn’t really enough to haul it along as it’s quite heavy and the vision out is as poor as any other modern thick pillared car. But apart from that it was fine. Press on and it handles and grips well, the assembly quality felt fine and the paint finish was markedly better than anything BMW or Mercedes can manage these days. Overall, it just did everything that is required from it.

The shocker though was the price – at £16,500, it’s nine grand cheaper than a standard 318i and that’s before your local Vauxhall dealer gives you your standard £1,500 off list price to get a sale – plus to get a hatchback, you’re looking down the barrel of 30 grand for the 3 GT model.

So – is the 318i really nine thousand pounds better, or is that the feel of wool being pulled over my eyes? Me? I’d have the Opel built repmobile, and spend the change on a stunning E30 325i Sport.

Andrew Everett I think a quality car manufacturer should provide the option of an interior that is not black. I suppose I could get a 2 Series Coupe but I do not fancy having to have leather seats.

This is not my idea of driving pleasure but punishment for being stupid enough to buy such a sombre monstrosity.

Yours,

David Coleman

Hi David, I’m afraid you paid the ultimate price for ordering a car without seeing it in the metal. It is strange why BMW only offer SE models with a black cloth interior, although the M Sport models do have a choice of other colours, plus Estoril Blue is also an exterior paint colour option on the 118i M Sport model...

Welsh Weekend Dear Editor, Having just returned from the Welsh Weekend – 3rd/4th/5th July 2015 – we would like to thank Justin and Judy Baird-Murray of The Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells for a most fantastic time. The time, effort and organisation they must have put in to make the weekend as great as it was, was apparent to everyone who attended. Their hosting skills were exceptional. The whole experience was a joy to partake in.

Mel & Jo Ingram (Hereford) – Central West Region

BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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CLASSIFIEDS

in association with AnyM.co.uk

HOW TO PLACE YOUR ADVERT The BMW Car Club has teamed up with AnyM to provide you with the most comprehensive BMW only classifieds service in the UK. Whether you’re looking to buy a BMW or simply sell your current model AnyM is the website of choice.

Founded in 2010 and run by fellow members they are fuelled by the same passion for BMW’s as we are. It’s this mutual enthusiasm coupled with their honest approach that make us proud to offer you their services.

A neat feature to look out for is their approved adverts. These are bright red and have been personally inspected and approved by AnyM. In addition they also meet and approve traders before allowing them to advertise - ultimately helping you view BMW’s more confidently.

For more infomation or just an enjoyable browse visit www.AnyM.co.uk In order to place the advert in the magazine you will firstly need to create an online advert and email the link to the club office office@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk where someone will then call you for further payment.

What will your next BMW be?

Price: £1,995ono BMW 323i convertible E36 in Cosmos Black metallic with power hood and full grey leather interior.

Original BMW spec throughout with no modifications. Owned by us for 7 years. Always garaged by us and driven by my wife for past 6, only doing about 5000 a year.

Full service history back to previous owners with copy invoices, MOTs etc. Current MOT runs to January 2016. Current mileage is 179356. Last service November 2014 at 177430, 4 New Toyo Proxes tyres June 2014 at 174847.

Engine replaced in 2009 with one having done 58k less, so engine mileage is only about 121553.

New power hood in 2010, and genuine BMW rear mesh wind shield.

Unlike too many BMWs, this car has not been misused but has been cared. Even so, it has a few scratches but no dents, and could with a little effort be brought to concours standard as it is completely original, even down to a BMW battery and first-Aid kit..

Blaupunkt CD-Radio with aux-in. Pre-wired for CD changer, but not fitted. Clifford alarm, and 3/4 tank of Shell petrol!

Located Northamptonshire, delivery by trailer can be arranged at cost of fuel. Any questions, please contact by email or phone. E: Andrew@griffin.org M: 07775 644748

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Price: £2,995 This is the best low mileage E39 in the UK. Only 65768 miles from new 2002 BMW 530i auto with £6000.00 worth of extras fitted when it was built. full stamped service history had a full service at 64 k , I wanted a individual 7 series but missed so bought this as a stop gap , no offers on this price £2995.00 I am in Bolton Tel: 07851 742747..or 01204 521185 or e:mail rockinbaz@hotmail.co.uk

Price: £14,990

Find her on

AnyM.co.uk 52

BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

Autovogue Edition, bespoke vehicle. Bmw 320i se coupe, 2010 (60 plate), LCI Facelift. pearlescent white, Hamann 20” Alloys unmarked, full custom autovogue stainless quad twin exit exhaust, full Hamann sports suspension setup, full Autovogue Aerodynamic body styling package. Xenons with bright white angle eye upgrade. Led facelift. Start/Stop tech. Brakes professionally sand blasted and painted Monte Carlo blue metallic. Full black sports leather. Recent full major service, including timing chain replacement kit. Full 12 months Mot. Full Service History. 2 Owners. 49,000 miles. Selling due to needing family car. Pristine condition. Fully valeted including clay bar. A one off bespoke vehicle.

Mileage will rise slightly. Low insurance & tax. £14,990. Call for info. 07725215043

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW 518i Reg D107 GYF (1986).

Only 27,300 miles from new.

4 door saloon in dark metallic grey with factory fitted beige leather upholstery. Factory fitted manual sunroof. Central locking. Original Blaupunkt radio/cassette. Electric windows at the front, with electric wing mirrors, all working perfectly.

One year’s MOT from May 2015. New battery.

Purchased new from Official BMW Dealership First Front in South London by my parents who have had the car from new. The car has always been garaged and there is no rust whatsoever. Immaculate other than two minor dents: one over the wheel arch and one under the rear bumper. The car drives perfectly in every way.

An opportunity to acquire a rare, low mileage, one-owner classic BMW.

0794 668 0138 cell/ 020 8883 2859 home NB Viewing location North London N2.

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£6,995 Offers invited

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21 Haviland Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH21 7RZ BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

53

Central

ClublifeREGIONS Tony Skerrett 07879 404648 central@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

One thing about the good weather we have recently enjoyed is that it always brings out those members reluctant to expose their cars to adverse weather conditions. Earls Barton Classic Car and Bike Festival held on the first Wednesday of each month – 1st July was a lovely warm day and over 40 BMWs attended, and that does not include those BMW owners who chose to park with their own friends.

Astonishingly over 900 classic cars turned up on that perfect day.

Sometime ago the Chairman expressed his wish that we ought to be looking at Sunday Morning Meets so with that in mind Earls Barton have now agreed to host a Sunday Brunch meet on 9th August: 8.30am to 1pm £3.00 entry Earls Barton NN6 0EP J10 off A45 More details on www.classiccarmeet.co.uk Recent Events FI Williams Classic Museum Tour – over 17 members attended and thanks go to Central for organising an interesting trip to the museum at the Williams F1 factory in Grove, Oxfordshire, and also to Simon who was our very enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. We were shown into the Conference Centre for refreshments before being given a guided tour of the museum. Initially we were given the background to the creation of Williams F1, Sir Frank Williams (money man) and Sir Patrick Head (designer), and information about the seven world champions that they have helped to create, these being Alan Jones (1980), Keke Rosberg (1982,) Nelson Piquet (1987), Nigel Mansell (1992), Alain Prost (1993), Damon Hill (1996) and Jacques Villeneuve (1997). We were then shown around a collection of 40 (minus a couple on the day) F1 grand prix cars, starting with their first car from 1978, a twin rear wheeled car that never raced, through to modern F1 cars. Ever since the death of Ayrton Senna at Imola in 1994 his name is on every front wing. After the tour of the museum it was back up to the conference room for further refreshments and a look around numerous displays and trophy cabinets. Williams F1 employs 600 people at their Grove factory that manufactures everything bar the engine with a modest budget of £100 million, which is a lot

less than Mercedes or Ferrari but they try to be clever with it. The technologies they develop at their Advanced Engineering department are also sold to other companies, helping bring additional revenue in.

Earls Barton 1st July – great success this event, with over 900 classic cars present of which over 40 were BMW cars. The Club Chairman was there too which gave us all a ‘fill up’!

Kimbolton 12th July – Great event with over 36 members in attendance – rain came down at 1.30pm but did not dampen our spirits.

Amazing entry to the The Pride of Ownership with 14 entries, with top judging by Natasha Collins, Tony Pratt and Brian Adams. First was Lloyd Wilburn in his 7 series, second was Dean Button with an amazing 250k miles on the clock and third was Terry Bean (both 7 Series).

Future Events Earls Barton 5th August 4.30pm to dusk £3.00 entry Earls Barton 9th August – Sunday Brunch 8.30am to 1.00pm £3.00 entry Blenheim 23/24th August free entry Claydon House 6th September Classic Car

CentralWest Central West Region sponsored by

Autobahn Servicing Ltd Telephone 0121 585 9146 email: info@autobahnservicing.co.uk www.autobahnservicing.co.uk

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Dave Evans 07800 616500 centralwest@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Unit 13 Belfont Trading Estate, Mucklow Hill, Halesowen B62 8DR

Recent Events The summer weather has been good to us as all recent events have gone ahead as planned.

Show new development to last year event. More to come.

Santa Pod BMW Festival 26/27th September – Pip Howell’s masterminding.

Sywell Classic Car Show 27/28th September – more to follow but great place to exhibit your car.

The Saturday evening Fish and Chip supper in June on the Severn Valley Railway was a lovely sunny summer’s evening starting at the station

01902 457000 Benhambmw.co.uk in Kidderminster where there was a fantastic display of life during the 1940s. We then headed off along the picturesque Severn Valley to BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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Clublife REGIONS

Bridgnorth where the food was brought to us on the station and a welcome pint washed it down, and then back again to the other end on the line.

Good company and a fun evening was had by all.

We also had our Annual BBQ in July, a relaxing Sunday afternoon, good food and drink, a chance to chill and chat with friends old and new. A big thank you to all who helped with the food preparation, especially our BBQ chef Steve Waterhouse who slaved away for a couple of hours and produced a perfect array of mouth watering unburnt food, and to Hilary, Kate and Dennis for the delicious cakes. We also took this opportunity to hold out regional Pride of Ownership competition won by Dave Stacey with his stunning E30 318, and runner up Brian Elliott with his Alpina D3 Bi Turbo. Good luck to you both in the national Concours at Gaydon in August.

Events Calendar Please advise us if you wish to attend any of the below events as this makes planning so much easier.

16th August – National BMW Festival – Gaydon Heritage Museum – book your tickets and parking passes via the club office.

Cornwall Welcome to some recent new members in our Region. We hope you enjoy being part of the club and that we meet you soon – if we haven’t already!

Recent Events Along with a few other local clubs, we were invited by the Ford RS Owners Club to their show near Wadebridge in late June. We managed to get quite a varied selection of cars on display and also attracted a couple of new faces. It was good to meet you and hopefully everyone enjoyed it. It was a good show, with some fantastic cars from the host club. A write-up will be in a future magazine, but in the meantime

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To include tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival, a walking tour of the Arboretum followed by a carvery lunch at local pub, and then a drive to incorporate Cannock Chase and finishing in Ironbridge or Bridgnorth.

Approximately £15.00 per head (parking fee not included)Alrewas 13th-15th November – Classic Car Show – NEC, Birmingham Second Sunday of every month many of us attend the Shelsley Walsh Breakfast Club (details on the Shelsley Walsh website) if you fancy coming along.

There are numerous other events run by other regions and track days that you are welcome to join in with if you wish.

Don’t forget the monthly pub meet on the second Tuesday of every month at The Queens Head, Wolverly Village, Kidderminster, DY11 5XB Time – 7.30pm 23rd August – Retro Rides – Shelsley Walsh, Worcestershire – view details online, google Retro Rides Shelsley Walsh for details.

6th Sept – Classic Car & Transport Show – Himley Hall, Dudley 26th-27th September – Pistons & Props – Sywell, Aerodrome, Northampton 10th October (TBA) – Drive & Dine including a visit to National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire

Facebook Search BMW Car Club Central West Region – You will receive regular updates and everyone can post comments, photos and events.

Forum – Club website Keep up to date with events, discussion between members, help, information and advice on all things BMW.

James Brewer 07527 490728 cornwall@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

thank you to those who came along, and to Ian for co-ordinating it.

Since the last magazine we have also had BM’s On The Lawn at Weston-Super-Mare.

Thank you to Western for organising again, and even though the weather wasn’t the best, it’s always good to catch up with members from up country!

Forthcoming Events This magazine may or may not reach our doorsteps in time, but there is the Mount Edgcumbe Classic Car Show near Torpoint on 2nd August, raising money for Cornwall Hospice Care.

Also, if anyone is going up to the National Festival at Gaydon on 16th August, please let me know.

Monthly pub meets continue on the second Monday of each month at The Punchbowl & Ladle, Penelewey. If you are new and fancy coming along let me know and I will keep an eye out for you.

Diary dates 2nd August – Mount Edgcumbe Classic Car Show, Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Torpoint.

10th August – 7.30pm – Monthly pub meet, Punchbowl & Ladle, Penelewey, Feock, Truro, TR3 6QY. 16th August – National Festival, Gaydon.

14th September – 7.30pm – Monthly pub meet, Punchbowl & Ladle, Penelewey, Feock, Truro, TR3 6QY.

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

57

Clublife REGIONS

Cheshire & Staffs

Steve Cooper cheshireandstaffs@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Cheshire & Staffs Region sponsored by



Blue Bell Fourth Avenue, Weston Road, Crewe Cheshire. CW1 6XH. Tel:01270 212525  Knights Bede Road, Radial Park, Stoke on Trent Staffordshire. ST4 4GU Tel:01782 572100

Here are some photos from Trentham Classic Car Show on Fathers Day at Trentham Gardens on 21st June. A great show and a great turnout, double the members of last year where here I even took an i8 that brought the crowds.

Cotswolds Cotswold Region sponsored by

Cotswold Motor Group

Martyn Goodwin cotswold@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

www.cotswoldgroup.com Cotswold Cheltenham : 01242 578 838 Cotswold Gloucester : 01452 872 600 Cotswold Hereford : 01432 375 555

This month I am working on details of the Cotswold Tour taking place on the 15th August.

Every club member should have received an email about this already.

The full day will commence at an easy rendezvous point – North Oxford / Kidlington Services at the A34 / A44 intersection, meeting time 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. There is easy parking, and all of the usual service stop facilities. The Cotswold Region sail flag will be raised to mark a focal meeting point. Route instruction sheets will be provided – in Tulip Rally style however, this is not a time and distance challenge, we just want you to enjoy each other’s company and the camaraderie of a stream of BMWs exploring the delights of the Cotswold Region.

We will head off from the Services in a Westerly direction and into the Cotswold countryside, with our next rendezvous point being around lunchtime at The Air Balloon, Crickley Hill, GL4 8JY. The Air Balloon is a rambling old pub (featured in The Good Pub Guide) with good food and beer, with a good size car park. Assuming the weather IS going to be fantastic, there are incredible views over the Vale of Gloucester from a viewpoint just above The Air Balloon.

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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 )

After lunch, you can have further choices. The main route will be heading South East towards the southern fringe of the region before picking up the Fosse Way and then swinging North. The alternative choice, and shorter route, will send you across the Cotswold Region to pick up the Fosse Way and towards the final destination for either route, Wroxall Abbey. If you are not planning to attend the evening event at Wroxall Abbey, our route will be headed in the general direction of Gaydon and your alternative choices of overnight accommodation.

Whichever part of the route you wish to enjoy with us, you can be assured of a warm welcome.

Start either in the morning at North Oxford, or at The Air Balloon at lunchtime, do the full route or a part route, the choices are yours. You are equally free to stop off in any of the towns or villages that we pass through and to make your own route choices thereafter, as long as we know that you have done so and don’t need to initiate a search party to find you!

YOU MUST however advise me in advance of your participation such that the Gloucestershire & Thames Valley Constabulary can be advised of both the route and the number of cars participating: cotswold@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Recent Events Our participation in the Cotswold Motor Group (CMG) motor show on the weekend of 4th and 5th July was a great success and enjoyed by many guests of CMG and Car Club Members alike, with over 170 test drives being concluded over the 2 days. This was an Arrive and Drive event, location being Cheltenham Racecourse, and was hosted by Cotswold Group and featured a number of member cars in a supporting static display. Cars including a 118d M-sport, 220d convertible, 640d convertible, 435d, i3, M235 convertible, M4, M5, M6 Gran Coupe, X3, X4, X5, Z4 were all available to drive plus a static display i8 and 320d M-sport equipped with M-performance body styling etc. Club member

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Clublife REGIONS why it is so special to you, to be featured in this section

cars on the static display over the weekend included John Castle’s E9 3.0 CSL, Dave Evans’ E21 318 (as featured in current media campaigns for the new 3 series) plus his E23 735, CMG’s own E24 635 Csi, Lewis Sugden’s E30 318i convertible, Keith Chinn’s lovely Z1 entrusted to me for the weekend, Ray Molloy’s E31 850 Csi, and my own E60 M5. Plans to screen ‘Adrenaline’ throughout the weekend as entertainment in the hospitality area and as a wet-weather standby, unfortunately

were scuppered by technical issues. Plans for a repeat event next year may include the Mini, BMW Motorrad and BMW motorised and pedal power bikes – so watch this space !

Thanks to all who attended and made this a great showcase for the BMW Car Club.

Car of the Month Cotswold Region members, please send me your photographs and a brief history of the car and

Cumbria As I write this report we will be looking forward to attending Grasmere classic car show. We have around 12 cars attending this local show in which around 200 cars work hard to clinch the best in show title. I will present a write up of the show and will include it in a future edition.

Events calendar 2015 National Festival 16th August Dalemain Castle classic car show 23rd August Scottish weekend 17th-19th October There are more available and I will publish when they are available.

If you know of any shows then let me know and I will see if others are interested.

Stuart Roberts cumbria@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Welcome to our new members who have joined the club in the recent months. I look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you at some of the shows we have planned.

I would like to focus on the issues around communications within the Region. I have ensured that all the comms including up and coming events are published either in the magazine or via email.

If you are not receiving emails from the club over recent weeks then please get in touch with the club direct as they may have an incorrect email

Membership Our membership for our Region is looking healthy. Our numbers are ok but like any club we could always welcome more. If you have a friend with an interest in their BMW then why not ask if they’d like to join the club. All new members are more than welcome to join in the events days.

Devon

Diary Dates Our regular pub meetings continue on the second Wednesday of the month, with our next meeting on 12th August, at The Swan at Coombe Hill.

Car Club Celebration & Cotswold Cruise: 15th August BMW Car Club National Festival Gaydon: 16th August – A volunteer for Region Marshalling is required , please!!!

Morgan Cars (Factory Visit) Date to be confirmed Cotswold Motor Group New Site Opening Date to be confirmed (now moved to Q1, 2016) Please feel free to contact me directly by phone or text on 07968 190728 or email cotswold@ bmwcarclubgb.co.uk to chat or to introduce yourselves, or just turn up at The Swan at the next monthly meeting, see you there!

address for you. I have also added a section to the car club website, can I ask that you also visit this for information and updates on the Region.

I also would like to hear from you as Cumbrian members of the club. Any interesting visits, holidays with your car etc will make good reading perhaps.

Car of the month I have spent the last month preparing the m3 for the up and coming shows. For those who know me that means many hours of prep, followed by a strict regime of correction and finished off by a copious amount of sealing products.

I have also completed an interior cleanse, this involved a light steam clean followed by a careful application of gliptone leather cleaner and conditioner. It now smells like a tannery inside the car.

Kathy Jemfrey 01626 330436 devon@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Devon Region sponsored by Several members and friends were missing this month due to Goodwood, work and Committee commitments and they were missed by us all. As a pub meet goes we had a lovely evening taken up with the usual chatter of all things on this planet. We had two returning members, Sally and Stuart Horsted, and another interested in joining: Tom Gibbons came to see what we were all about. I hope they enjoyed their evening and will join us again On Saturday 27th June three members took their cars to support The Rover P4 Car Club at Blue Ball Inn Sidford. A large field opposite the www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

pub, fantastic food and the hospitality from the staff is excellent, as is the welcome from P4. A good day weather-wise and the company was excellent as always.

By the time this goes to press The Powderham Classic Car Show will be done and dusted for another year. If the weather stays kind we should have 20 cars on the Sunday attending this prestigious show, now in its 42nd year. Considering the first year we did Powderham, we only had four cars exhibiting. Just goes to show it is good to talk to your members and listen to their requests. This is how we got involved with Powderham.

Notable dates for 2015 1st – 2nd August South Glos Show 16th August Classic Gathering – Exmouth 19th September Sidmouth Classic If you wish information regarding any of the forthcoming events please contact Kathy Jemfrey 01626 330436 or 07971 871739 or devon@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk and I will do my best to help.

BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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Clublife REGIONS

East Anglia East Anglia Region sponsored by

Elms BMW

George Champ 07514 216660 eastanglia@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

www.elmsbmw.co.uk Bedford Cambridge Stanstead

: 0844 326 7246 : 0844 326 7249 : 0844 326 7244

Elms offers members • Generous discounts off the new BMW and MINI range • A minimum discount of £500 on approved used cars in stock • 15% plus discount on parts and accessories 10% discount on all service work and labour (15% on cars over 4 years old) Discount activation code ELMSCC20133

Jack Reason your new Branch Representative or myself will always try to attend but all members of the CVCM are a jolly, friendly bunch and will make you welcome anyway.

We would like more of you to attend the Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambs/Beds Pub Meets to have a chat and meet friends old and new.

Please note the new pub venue for the Suffolk meets.

The events season is well and truly here now and it is time to book which events and outings you would like to take part in.

Long-term family members Graham and Nina Rudd recently celebrated the wedding of their son Jason to his bride Tara, our congratulations to them all.

Some of the guests present included a number of club members amongst whom was our Suffolk Branch Representative David Adams or should I say Davina. I sometimes question whether we have chosen the right man/woman for the role – HA HA. Not to be left out, the family’s 850 seized the photo opportunity as well.

Please try to remember to hold Pride of Ownership events at your various meets. It is just as new to us in East Anglia but we are giving it a go. So why not give it a try, it is fun, easy to print forms and guidelines available from the Club Website.

1. Most Chelmer Valley Car Meet events, see monthly CVCM Newsletter, which is emailed to you all. Email me for a copy if you have not received one. Some excellent events on offer 2. Helmingham Hall 2nd August – Contact David Adams 3. Duxford Summer Car Show 2nd August – Contact Robin Hainsworth robinhainsworth@sky.com 07753 545344 4. National Festival Gaydon 16th August 5. East Anglia Vehicle Fest, RAF Coltishall 23rd August 6. Little Gransden Air Show 30th August – Contact Matthew Hunt 7. Classics by the Lakes 6th September – Contact David Adams 8. Kings Lynn Classics on the Quayside 13th September – Contact Paul Sharp 9. Charity Motor Show, Snetterton 22nd November Please try to attend the Essex Pub Meets and join in with the Chelmer Valley Car Meet who organise many events, talks and lectures; we are all invited to attend. In the spring and summer months many classic and exotic cars of all types are on display in the pub car park which makes for a great evening out especially if you bring your wife or partner along and treat them to a meal. You really are missing out.

Eastern A busy month indeed, and busy ones are up and coming in the Eastern Region. Firstly I’d like to apologise personally for my lack of correspondence. As the closest members to me will know, I have had a very difficult start to 2015, for reasons I’d rather not publicly disclose, however be assured that I am on the mend and coming back stronger than ever. Thank you to everyone for your support regionally and throughout the club.

One announcement that I have the pleasure of telling, is that Paul Rice has been appointed as our Regional Events Co-ordinator. Paul has a strong commitment by attending almost every

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Forthcoming Pub Meets: 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 Note New Location – Third Thursday evening of the month at 7.30pm, The Farmhouse, St Isidores Road, Kesgrave, IP5 2GA Contact – David Adams (Suffolk Branch Rep.) bmwccsuffolkrep@btinternet.com 07774 668596 Cambs/Beds Pub Meet – Fourth Tuesday evening of the month at The Royal Oak, Barrington CB22 7RZ at 7pm, all nearby Herts members especially welcome Contact – Matthew Hunt (Cambs/Beds Branch Rep.) matthew.hunt13@btinternet.com 07973 986525 Norfolk Pub Meet – Ever changing venues in order to add variety to the Pub Meets. Please contact Paul Sharp on beemerbat@yahoo.co.uk to find out latest special meeting place.

Essex Pub Meet combined with Chelmer Valley Car Meet (CVCM) –Every last Thursday evening of the month. All types of Classic Cars and others attend at The Lodge Country Inn, Battlesbridge SS11 7QT. Combining the Essex Pub Meets throughout the year. BMW Car Club members welcome to attend. Contact: Jack Reason jackreasonbmw@gmail.com

Tommy Machin eastern@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

regional and some national events throughout the club’s calendar. He has already begun to contribute by submitting a brilliant report on the Fathers Day gathering and regional concours at Harewood House.

Our regional meeting in Howden is as strong as ever, with great thanks owing to Nick for his continued efforts. Thank you to all that regularly attend, and to the staff at the Barnes Wallis for providing us with ever increasing trouser sizes. This meeting is the last Tuesday of every month from 7.30pm. Our meeting at The Dusty Miller in Barlborough does however require some attention. We are absolutely open

to a suggestion to a new venue, which makes it easier for more of our demographic to attend.

Many of the current attendees do so for their evening meal on this meeting, so my suggestion would be to look for somewhere with brilliant food and a nice setting to display our cars.

Thinking caps on!

August 2015 Firstly to look forward to on 9th August is the BMW & Porsche Show, at Witton Castle. Some of you will remember that we used to hold a joint show at Raby Castle, and it was a great success for both clubs. After speaking to Graham www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

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Clublife REGIONS Ford from the Porsche club at the Fastlane show last year we thought it would be great to get together again. At this moment we are hoping to get Lloyd’s BMW Newcastle, to come along.

We will meet at Durham Services DH6 5NP and depart 9.00am for the short drive to Witton Castle, Bishop Auckland, DL14 0DE. On Saturday 15th, all roads lead to the Wroxall Abbey Estate in Warwickshire, where we will be hosting our very first Car Club Celebration, in recognition of the people who have supported our great club over the years.

That means you the members, Directors, Office Staff, Regional Chairs and Registers, you are all invited. Wroxall Abbey is set in 27 acres of private grounds, with private parking and surrounded by a collection of historic buildings, filled with elegant rooms and medieval features.

We will be dining in their Tapestries Room to a sumptuous three-course meal with private bar and wine provided by our sponsor Lockton Insurance, and entertained by an Acoustic Guitar set, an MC and Comedians. For bookings please email the office. The following Sunday 16th is of course the BMW CC GB festival at

North East Welcome to the North East’s monthly news. Well we had our first Sunday morning get together at Champs, Washington, and it got the thumbs up from everyone, there was plenty of room to park which was an improvement, the staff were very helpful and the coffee was nice, also the bacon sandwiches got the big thumbs up also.

As things turn out the August meeting falls on the 9th which is the BMW & Porsche show at Witton Castle. This will be the only downside of Sunday meeting, but hopefully it will just be on the odd occasion and we will just give the meeting a miss; unfortunately it has occurred so soon into the new Sunday meetings, but hopefully we will soon get the hang of things.

Event Report Harewood House, 21st June. Thanks to everyone who made this a great success, and well done to the North East Concours winners RICHARD PARKINSON, KEITH PALMER. roll on next year.

MG Classic Car Show, Corbridge, 5th July.

Well what can be said about this show that has not been said before, it just gets bigger and better year by year. There were a vast amount of classic cars on display of all makes, and as this show is organised by MG Northumbria there are always plenty MGs on show.

Heritage Motor Museum, Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ. 13th September 2015 The Herriot Museum has not featured on our list for some 20 years, so we thought that you might like to do it again. It’s in Thirsk, just off the Market Place. After visiting the museum, and grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants or at one of Thirsk’s great fish shops, we will take a short (23 mile) run to the Lavender Restaurant and Garden Centre in Terrington, North Yorkshire, postcode YO60 6PD before winding our way home over the Howardian Hills.

27th September sees a Mystery Canal Tour in Lincolnshire, bookmark the date. More details to follow in September’s Straight Six Magazine.

October 2015 4th October we will be attending The Trolley Bus Museum in Sandtoft – rides on the buses are free! Sandtoft, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN8 5SX, from 10.00am. We will receive a discount of 15% if 12 or more book before 27th September, get in touch and I will forward details on.

And beyond Regional Christmas Celebration Meal this year is at the Hardwick Inn, contact should be made to Viv Bostock for a reservation.

We are always seeking to do new and exciting events in the Eastern Region, so if you’ve been along somewhere which was particularly fun, or entirely relaxing, please put your suggestions forward!

Car of the Month is this epic M3 GT from Harewood House, which as you can see from the setup and windscreen sticker gets some serious use!

Please submit your photographs for car of the month and photograph of the month!

All the best, Tommy Machin

Michael Barron 07570 795232 northeast@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

We met in Wentworth Car Park in Hexham in glorious sunshine. After making sure we all had our entrance passes sorted, we spent a happy ten minutes sorting the cars into model order to make for an easier arrival at the main event. The ten minute convoy to the showground passed off without event, apart from a somewhat bemused Vauxhall Astra which got caught up in the middle of a BMW invasion. I’m sure we made an impressive sight and sound rolling into the grounds just as the other clubs were in the middle of setting up. As always the organisers did a great job in getting us in place without any trouble, and we had a plenty of room to put on a great BMW Car Club stand.

We had 22 BMWs on display and a classic BMW motorbike so our club stand looked great, and the weather was just spot on, a lucky break between the heavy rain of Saturday and the thunder on Sunday evening. With the hot sunny weather, the E21 Baur and the three E30 convertibles (the first BMWs onto the showground) which were all lined up together certainly were catching a lot of attention at the front of the stand. Our M collection was on show for the crowds at the other end, and we had the LUXs standing guard around the club headquarters! The show had a smaller, cosier feel than the Harewood House show from a

few weeks before. Maybe fewer attractions to look at, probably fewer cars but somehow more time to slow down, look at lovely cars and chat with the owners. Also better toilets and more interesting stalls and traders. We had the usual Corbridge Crush getting out at the end of the day, but the police guides did a great job in getting us on our way without too much delay.

Special thanks to Andy Scott for sorting this event, thanks to everyone for putting on a great BMW club display, special thanks to John and Mike who travelled from Ulverston, and Justin from Keighley, not forgetting MG Northumbria for inviting us again and putting on a great show.

Forthcoming Events August 9th, BMW & Porsche Show, Witton Castle.

Let’s hope for a sunny day and lots of BMW Club cars on display. This joint event is being held in the grounds of Witton Castle which dates back to the 15th century, and looks a great place to hold a car show.

Those who wish can meet up at Durham Services DH6 5NP (departing 9.00am) for a convoy to Witton Castle, Bishop Auckland, DL14 0DE, or just make your own way there.

August 16th, National Festival 2015.

Not too late if you’re quick to phone the club

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Clublife REGIONS office and get your tickets, and not forgetting your North East Region pass, for this feast of BMWs on display, so come and be part of the BMW Car Club National Festival.

6th September, Kielder Drive.

This is a joint event with our Scottish friends from north of the border. It is always nice to meet up and get together, the chat is always worth the of the Northand East It was great to see the drive alone, theRegion. scenery on the way to Kielder sunshine at June’s monthly meeting with cars filling is some of the best around. We plan on having the Dun Cow car park, but there’s still room for more. lunch there; you can bring a picnic or have lunch in

REGIONAL NEWS

This month’s meeting on the 7th will include a talk and demonstration from etyres, giving us a insight in to looking after the black rubber that our ultimate driving machines cannot do without.

North West

Etyres are a national company that operate three

North Region sponsored mobile tyreWest fitting vans around our Region and by

they will have a tyre fitting van at the Dun Cow for Williams Stockport BMW members to look around and ask questions; it should be a very interesting night.

News Welcome to August’s North West News. We Event News have a busy couple of months coming up with Dayfor at Harewood House place oninSunday theFather’s ‘Passion Power’ show at took Tatton Park 16th of June.

Our branch hadNW a great turn twelve a couple of weeks and the Show & out; Shine cars met at on Scotch Corner Services, Tony and son competition 4th October, with a with Swan visit meeting up on route at Leemingbar to join the convoy slotted in between, so make sure you keep those (timed to perfection I must say). The big surprise of the diaries up Team to date! day was Dixon; first at the services, keep up the good work Bryan.

Express-dent-removal This is a great event, with lots of BMWs and Simon Robinson of South Manchester based loads of other classics to drool over. The BMW stand express-dent-removal.co.uk is Concours our regional was by far the biggest and the cars dent were removal expert, covering Greater Manchester unbelievable. A massive thanks to all that organised and areas only). thissurrounding great day out.

Roll (mobile on next year!

He quotes from a photo taken of a dent and his quote is binding; best of all, his repair charges start at just £45.00!

Simon can be reached on 0800 998 9828 or AUGUST 07767 832255 – check out the testimonials on 11: Charity Motor Show, Stokesley: With last www.express-dent-removal.co.uk

Forthcoming Events

year’s show being such a great success, Alex has

invited us back – this year.this We had the biggest club Event Reports none month

stand at the show last year, so let’s hope we do the same this year.

Forthcoming Events The show is held‘Passion on hard standing, so no muddy 22nd/23rd August: for Power’ feet! We will meet at Wolviston Services on the Tatton Park A19, TS22 5PZ at 8.30am and depart 9.00am for the Come on guys, show us your ‘M’ Muscle! M

REGIONAL NEWS

early to avoid disappointment. There will be a the restaurant, the choice is yours. We will meet of the North It was to seeto thebe made on or before the offgreat payment at Dobbies Garden Centre, Street House Farm,East Region.one sunshine meeting withmeeting cars filling September’s (13th). A two course meal Ponteland, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE20 9BTatatJune’s monthly the Dun Cow car park, but there’s still room for more. is £15.99, three course meal £18.99, we will 10.00am and depart no later than 10.15am, the This month’s meeting the 7th willpayment include at the BMW & Porsche beoncollecting drive north will take around 1 hour 15 minutes. a talk and demonstrationshow, from etyres, giving us and a September’s meeting. and Gaydon, North West Region sponsored b insight in to looking after the black rubber that our Christmas menu is on the BMW Car Club 5th December, Christmas Meal.ultimate driving machinesFull cannot do without.

Williams Stockport B website on the events calendar.

Yes I hear you all cry, Christmas already, but Etyres are a national company that operate three www.williamsstockportbmw Please keep a check on the North East we have changed the venue from past years mobile tyre fitting vans around our Region and section for all updates and and we are going to theof the Ravensworth Arms, theyIt was willgreat have tyre fitting van atof thethe Dunclub Cowforum, for North East Region. to seea the Telephone 0161 477 6000 sunshine& at June’s monthly meeting0ER, withlook cars filling details of each event as we come nearer to the Lamesley, Gateshead, Tyne Wear NE11 members to around and ask questions; it should be the Dun Cow car park, but there’s still room for more. interesting night. date and as it is very popular we havemeeting toa very book very This month’s on the 7th will include

North Wes

REGIONAL NEWS

North West

North West

a talk and demonstration from etyres, giving us a insight in to looking after the black rubber that our ultimate driving machines cannot do without.

Event News

North West Region sponsored by

Williams Stockport BMW

North West Region sponsored by

Etyres are a national company that operate three www.williamsstockportbmw.co.uk mobile tyre fitting vans around ourDay Regionat andHarewood House took place on Sunday Father’s they will have a tyre fitting van at the Dun Cow for Telephone 0161 477 6000 16th branch had a great turn out; twelve members to look around and of ask June. questions;Our it should be a very interesting night. cars met at Scotch Corner Services, with Tony and son

Jeff Heywood 0161 678 2088 northwest@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Williams Stockport BMW

www.williamsstockportbmw.co.uk

Telephone

Search for: BMW Car Club GB North W

Hall, Wigan on 11th August, I can now confirm that we and now on Twitter: are going to be having a stand and it looks as though we should have a@BMWNW worthwhile day. As I write this in the first week of July, I have around ten cars lined up to join me and I have confirmed with the organisers that Peter Cheesbrough 07887 987745 they can give us space for more cars if required.

Email:Those of you whonorthwest@bmwcarcl are on my list of attendees @BMWNW (timed to perfection I must say). The big surprise of the have received details of arrangements; giving Jayshould Milnes 07850 740519 is a great event,Peter with lots of BMWs and day was Team Dixon; first atThis the services, keep up the location and time of arrival. If anyone else would like to Cheesbrough 07887 987745 good work Bryan. join us give me a call or an email07833 and I will 681513 update you Andy Messina loads of other classics toEmail: drool over.northwest@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk The BMW stand with the latest information.

Jay Milnes 07850 740519 This is a great event, with lots of BMWs and

meeting up on route at LeemingbarBMW to joinCar theClub convoy GB (timed to perfection I must say). The big surprise of the 0161 477 6000 Father’s Day at Harewood House took place on Sunday North West dayhadwas Team Dixon; at the keep up the 16th of June. Our branch a great turn out; twelve first Search for: services, BMW Car Club GB North West cars met at Scotch Corner Services, with Tony and son good work Bryan. and now on Twitter: meeting up on route at Leemingbar to join the convoy Event News

@bmwnw

Power/M-Sport and ZMs are still needed to There will also be detailing seminars and Q&A Hall, Wigan on 11th August, I can now confirm that we make our stand the most powerful at the show! session, shop will be open theasearly are going Joe’s to be having a stand and itfor looks though Anything modified/interesting/stunning please Xmas purchases and light refreshments will was by far the biggest and the Concours cars were we should have a worthwhile day.

As I write this also in the Andy Messina 07833 681513 loads of other classics to drool over. The BMW stand New Members: was by far the biggest and the Concours cars were News unbelievable.

A massive thanks to allofthat organised get in touch. be provided. first week July, I have around ten cars lined up to I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new News unbelievable. A massive thanks to all that organised this great out. Roll onjoin year!

Sothe what has beenwho happening this the month?

W NW organisers based members have recently joined Club. greatplease day out.

Roll on next year! dayon Sonext what has been happening this month?

Well, for I with havefull me and I have confirmed that Search for: BMW Car this Club GB North West To register an interest, call Messi See next month’s entry details, times etc.

We look forward to seeing you at forthcoming not been in the Region for much of the month as I not Club been in inthe Region for muchtheof the mon events the North West and across country. they can give us space for more cars if required. have been away on a road-trip holiday around Europe, 07833 681513 As been membersaway of the Club are welcome toholiday attend arou onyou a road-trip and now Forthcoming on Twitter: including a visit to BMW Welt and Museum in Munich.have Events Those of you who are on my listevents of attendees organised by all the Regions and Registers. @BMWNW AUGUST

Forthcoming Events

You will have seen and read about that before so I willincluding let you in on the details of another, less well known,

a visit to BMW Welt and Museum

should have received details of arrangements; giving Listings: 20th September: Swan pub meet & NW Quiz will Specialist have seen and read about that bef motoring attraction that is only a couple of hours driveYouBMW 11: Charity Motor Show, Stokesley: With last We else are always interested about suppliers location would likein hearing to another, from there. and time of arrival. If anyone Peter Cheesbrough 07887 987745 let you in on the details less we show being a greatmembers success, Alex has We hope to see a largeyear’s turnout ofsuchAUGUST club that we can add to the list whichof is available on the Vötters Old-timer Museum in Kaprun, Austria is join us give me a call or an email and I will update you invited us back this year.

We had the biggest club Club website.

If you have had good service from a Email: northwest@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk attraction that is only a couple of a quirky, eclectic mix of automotive history located in motoring at the show last year,Charity soof let’s2015, hopeMotor we do the Show, Stokesley: With last for what is the final NWstandsummer meet supplier and feel you can recommend them to other 11: the basement a hotel. Itinformation. is as though the owner just with the oflatest same this year. frommembers there.

Jay Milnes 07850 740519 let us know and we will make sure their can’t stop buying stuff even though he ran out of space year’s show being such a great success, Alex has with some highly polishedThecars entered for the details are included. is held on hard standing, so no muddy long ago.

Vötters Old-timer Museum in Kaprun, Andy Messina 07833show 681513 feet! We will meet atinvited Wolviston Services on this the year. We had the biggest club Perfect Detailing sponsored ‘Swan Carus ofback the New Members: a quirky, eclectic mix of automotive history Event Reports A19, TS22 5PZ at 8.30am and depart 9.00am for the stand at the show last year, so let’s hope we do the Harewood House: I was unable to short drive to the show.

For those that live south I would like to extend a warm welcome toDay allatthe Month’ Wood backed Quiz is of the Father’s basement of anew hotel. It is as though the News whilst the Darren go myself as I was away on holiday. I do have reports Stokesley and just want to meet thereyear. before 9.30am; same this thatstop this was a fairly quiet day even as far asthough North Westhe ran can’t buying stuff NW based members who have recently joined the Club. the address is,ever.

Terry Dicken Industrial Estate Station being contested fiercely as So what has beenashappening this month? Well, I have members were concerned.

Rd, Stokesley, Middlesbrough, Cleveland The showTS9is7AE. held on hardWe standing, so no muddy longatago. look forward to seeing you forthcoming not been in the Region for much of the month as I This event is for Charity and raised £5000 last feet!

We will meet at Wolviston Services onNorth the West and across the country.

Club events in the year in its first year, so everyone is hoping for the have been away on a road-trip holiday around Europe, A19, event to be bigger this year. TS22 5PZ at 8.30am and depart 9.00am for the As members of the Club you are welcome to attend including a visit to BMW Welt and Museum in Munich. short drive to the show. For thoseorganised that live south events by allofthe Regions and Registers.

17 & 18: Nationalthat BMWbefore Festival, Gaydon: It’s not You will have seen and read about so I will Stokesley and just want Local to meet NW there Branch before 9.30am; News too late to get your car on the North East stand at the let you in on the details of another, less well known, All the cars are squeezed inStation so tightly you can’t show of the year. Please the Club office ask for thecall address is, and Terry Dicken Industrial Estate Manchester Branch News walk round Specialist them or view them properly and they have the North East stand pass when you buy your tickets.

BMW Listings: motoring attraction that This is only a couple of hours drive Cleveland 7AE. built shelves over the carsTS9 to store the lighter vehicles is a show not to Rd, miss, Stokesley, BMWs as far as Middlesbrough, the eye Our June meet enjoyed aincracking with We are always interested hearingturnout, about suppliers and motorbikes.

It is a really crazy exhibition!

That can see. from there. said, they do raised have quite £5000 a lot of interesting cars hidden This event is for Charity and last aching bodies all round after the Tatton Classic that we can add to the list which is available on the Vötters Old-timer Museum in Kaprun, Austria is away in there. This museum is probably not worth However, I can also report that Dave Brindle made Pub Meets year in its first year, so everyone for the going too far is out hoping of your for, but if youhad are ever in having the trek over to Yorkshire Club website.

Ifwayyou have good service from a to participate in the Concours weekender!

Farmer Curran was problems a quirky, eclectic mix of automotive history located in Zell am See or Kaprun you must pay it a visit. competition and I guess it is hardly a surprise that he Monthly meets are always heldto onbe the first Wednesday event bigger this year. supplier feel you recommend to other wonthem thementioned Masterclass.

Congratulations, Dave, it must Following my announcement incan last month’s at the Dun Cow. have a room with his and livestock again, whilst Messi the basement of a hotel.ofIttheismonth as though theWeowner just make all that time and effort spent preparing the car magazine about the German Classics show at Haigh reserved, so we can all get together and have a good members letabout us know andcrackers? we will make sure their can’t stop buying stuff even though he ran out of space worthwhile. chat. We start to gather from 7.30pm to 8.00pm, see something cream what’s happening in the in to the pubBMW 17 car &park, 18:then National Festival, Gaydon: It’s not details are included. long ago.

July saw another decent attendance, with plenty Forthcoming Events of car banter, a missing Messi (Alfie sorted thatare squeezed in so tightly AUGUST All the cars Event Reports 11: August: German Classics, Haigh Hall, Wigan: The Dun Cow is the just offNorth the A1MEast at junction 63, pass walkThisround them and one…) and Fudgie, plus talesHouse: about Charlie stand when you buy tickets. iswas a new show foror theview interestproperly in Father’s Day atyour Harewood Ithe unable toClub andthem take the A183 for Sunderland. After approximately one short drive to the show. For those that live south of is very good.the If youcars would to like store to join usthe at ligh builtattending shelves over is sign a show not to miss, BMWs as far as the eye mile, turn right on to This the A1052 posted HoughtonChans… go myself as I was away on holiday.

I do this one have day showreports then please get in touch. Contact Stokesley and just want to meet there before 9.30am; le-spring and the pubcan is on the right. motorbikes.

It more is ainfo. really crazy exhibitio see. for Join us on 4tha August for day moreasand wacky tales from that this was fairly quiet farPeter asCheesbrough North West the address is, Terry Dicken Industrial Estate Station Any questions or queries; please do not hesitate said, they do have quite a lot of interesting to contact Michael on 07570 795232, or Alan on 07749 the 17 & 18: National meet BMW Festival, Gaydon: If you members wereand concerned.

Sheldon, don’t forget the September Future Swan meet: 22nd November Rd, Stokesley, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS9 7AE. away in there.

This museum probably no 286736, or Peter on 07776 015864. are going to Gaydon and want to displayisyour car in Pub Meets is on thewww.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk 1st…

66 BMW Car Club Magazine going too far out of your way for, but if you This event is for Charity and raised £5000 last Zell are am See Kaprun Manchester Branch meetings heldoron the you must pay it a vis 4th October: NW Show & ShineMonthly + Detailing meets are always held on the first Wednesday year in its first year, so everyone is hoping for the Following my announcement in last mo of the month at the Dun first Cow.Tuesday We have of a room every month at the Sheldon Arms, Seminar event to be bigger this year. magazine about the German Classics show reserved, so we can all get together and have a good Sheldon Way, Ashton-under-Lyne M34 5QL. For all those detailers out there, don’t miss chat. We start to gather from 7.30pm to 8.00pm, see just in500 metres the NW Region’s show and shine competition, what’s happening in the Situated car park, then to the pub from Junction 23 of the 17 & 18: National BMW Festival, Gaydon: It’s not the best meet(ifisyou easily accessible for many in/ to be held at the premises of, and by sponsored 8.30pm to sample theM60, landlords get the too late to get your car on the North East stand at the Mrs to drive).

The Dun Cow, Primrose Hill, Bournmoor, around Greater Manchester. by, Perfect Detailing.

Proprietor Joe Turner is All the cars are squeezed in so tightly you can’t show of the year. Please call the Club office and ask for Chester-le-Street.

01913 852631.– 4th August, 1st September, 6th Next meetings providing ‘Bestthem in’ categories well walk roundprizes them for or view properly andasthey have DH 6 DY. Tel: the North East stand pass when you buy your tickets. shelves to store lighter vehicles 3rd atNovember & 1st December at 8.00pm. asbuilt a prize forover ‘Besttheincars Show’ and the ‘Best Wheels’.

This is a show not to miss, BMWs as far as the eye The Dun Cow is justOctober, off the A1M junction 63, by 8.30pm to sample the landlords best (if you get the too to get your car on the North East stand at the Mrs to drive). The Dun Cow,late Primrose Hill, Bournmoor, Chester-le-Street. DHshow 6 DY. Tel: of01913 the852631. year. Please call the Club office and ask for

Regionals-AUG.indd 66

can see.

Scottish

Pub Meets

Monthly meets are always held on the first Wednesday Last month I mentioned quite a few of the month at the Dunthat Cow.we Wehad have a room new members joining up.getI didn’t quite reserved, so we can all together andrealise have a how good many Straight Six arrived and it turned out see to chat.until We start to gather from 7.30pm to 8.00pm, bewhat’s 13! Sohappening welcomeintothe allcar of you park,and thenI am in tohoping the pub by there 8.30pmwill to sample landlords (if you get that be morethethis month!best Facebook is the Mrs helping to drive).usThe Dun Cow, Hill, Bournmoor, really ‘spread the Primrose word’ and it gives Chester-le-Street. DH 6 DY. Tel: 01913 852631.

The Dun Cow is just off the A1M at junction 63,

64takeBMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST the A183 for Sunderland.

After2015 approximately one mile, turn right on to the A1052 sign posted Houghton-

15/07/2013

and motorbikes. It is a really crazy exhibition!

Thatfor Sunderland. After approximately one take the A183 mile, turn right on to the A1052 sign posted Houghtonsaid, they do have quite a lot of interesting cars hidden le-spring and the pub is on theHowever, right. away in there. This museum is probably not worth I can also report that Dave Brindle made Isabelle 07803 612220 isabelle@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk going too far out of your way for, but if you arequestions ever in or Phillips the trek overdo to Yorkshire Any queries; please not hesitateto participate in the Concours Zell am See or Kaprun you must pay ittoacontact visit. Michael on 07570 competition I guess it is hardly a surprise that he 795232, and or Alan on 07749 weekend.

It all started on the last Sunday non members to see in what we get up won the Masterclass.

Congratulations, Dave, it must Followingthe my chance announcement last month’s 286736, or Peter on 07776 015864. of June when we attended the longstanding tomagazine as a Region and want to join us! make all that time and effort spent preparing the car about the German Classics 66 show at Haigh BMW Car Club Magazine www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk favourite of ours, the Moffat Classic Cars show. worthwhile.

Recent Events So this month we are in the busiest time in Regionals-AUG.indd our events calendar, with something on every66

Unfortunately the weather was a bit mixed and quite a bit of time was spent under the event shelter dodging some very heavy showers which

Forthcoming Events

AUGUST 11: August: German Classics, Haigh Hall, Wigan: This is a new show for the Club andwww.bmwcarclubgb.uk interest in attending is very good. If you would like to join us at this one day show then please get in touch. Contact

Clublife REGIONS led to quite a bit of hilarity! The show was up to its usual standards and we all enjoyed a great day with the classics and not too much mud!

The July monthly meet was our annual concours event and for the second year we held it at Drumlanrigg Castle in Dumfriesshire. We had members from Scotland, North East and Cumbrian Regions attend and the new rules, as provided by the club, were implemented. I have got to say it turned out a fantastic day. Eighteen cars in total entered the concours which was judged at the Pride of Ownership level by Ian King and Paul Rice. Thanks must go to both of them as they had a very challenging job in between the rain showers. The cars were all a very high standard and as always our members put a lot of effort into the preparation of their cars.

So congratulations go to the winners, well done to you all! It was very close!

1st – John Adams, E36 M3 Evo with a total of 258 2nd – Barry Boyle, E46 Clubsport with a total of 256 3rd – John McCall, M235i with a total of 249 Thank you to everyone who helped me on the day!

At the end of June I was asked to help Tartan Tarmac source every M3 as they wanted to put on a evolution of the M3 stand at a local charity event the Erskine Classic Car Show. So, determined to complete the request as I thought it was a great idea, I posted on the forum and on Facebook and thanks to our wonderful members I managed to get all the versions of the M3 apart from the E46 CSL, E92, and E93. Not bad, I thought, in the short time I had. Well done to those who attended, you did us proud and helped raise over £9,800 for

the charity! Maybe next year we could do the evolution of the M5!

We also attended a new favourite of ours, the Glamis Extravaganza and we had a fabulous day in the sun and no rain! We also managed to recreate the M3 line up from the previous day along with a nice Z line up, a couple of M5s and a line up of various other models. Twenty-one cars in total!

Forthcoming Events In my regional news I have been asking for suggestions for the August monthly meet but nothing came forward. I also mentioned that I was discussing the possibility of organising a detailing day. So with the help of new member Gordon McGuiness we are now holding a detailing day at Chemical Guys in Cambuslang on Satarday 1st August. It has been requested by some members to have an event on a Saturday so we were happy to move this monthly meet from Sunday 2nd.

Please note the slight change of date. All the details will be posted on the forum.

We are of course attending the National Festival at Gaydon and the stand is looking good with around 20 cars on it! If you are there but not on the stand please come and say hi!

The week after Gaydon we have been invited by the Cumbrian Region to go on their

stand at the Dalemain Show. We have 11 cars confirmed for this and are very happy to help out our friends!

The September monthly meet will be a combined meet with the North East Region and hopefully some of the Cumbrian guys will attend as well. We will be returning to the Keilder Forest/ Water to meet up and have lunch! Always a good day when we have done it before. All the details will be posted on the forum nearer the time.

What a busy couple of months I think you will all agree! Check out the forum for all the photos!

Note – Please do not forget to check the car club forum regularly for any last minute changes and updates to any of our events or just to keep up to date with what’s going on in the Region.

Our Facebook page can be found by typing our address into your browser. http://www.facebook. com/groups/13576080191/ I am also happy to respond to any questions or suggestions by email so please feel free to message me on scottish@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk if I can help you with anything.

We look forward to meeting you at our events whether you are new to the club or a longstanding member, everyone is always welcome.

Scottish Region Events list 2015 Date 2 August 6 September 4 October 1 November 6 December

Monthly Event TBC Monthly Drive & Dine Monthly Drive & Dine AGM Xmas Monthly Meet

Venue TBC Borders (Kielder) Abington + Lead hills Eastern TBC

Event National Festival Dalemain Classic Car Show Ingliston Revival BMWcc Scottish Weekend

Venue Gaydon Penrith Ingliston, Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh Highland Fling

Shows 2015 Date 16 August 23 August 12/13 Sept 16 October

South East Stephen James Bromley Brickley Road, Bromley, Kent. BR1 2NE Tel: 08442 451 302 9th August 15th August www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Chair position available, please contact the Club office for more information

Offering all car club members 10% off parts,

15% off accessories, £89 per hour servicing.

Kingsley Classic Car Show Capel Classic Car & Bike Show 12–5. A great family day out. For a small village the event attracts around 200 cars BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

65

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Classic Car | Classic Bike | Modern Car | Modern Bike | Kit Car | Collectors | Classic Motor Trade | Household *All cover is subject to insurers terms and conditions, which is available upon request. **Premium example based on: 1971 BMW 2002. Value: £5000.

Main policy only and does not include any FJ+ cover options. All premiums assume the vehicle is not the main car and includes Insurance Premium Tax. Male driver aged over 25 years old, 2000 annual limited mileage, and full clean driving licence with no claims or convictions. Member of associated club.

Postcode OX10, vehicle garaged with no modifications. Includes a £10 arrangement fee.

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Clublife REGIONS 16th August 16th August 30th August 26th September

National Festival 2015 at Heritage Motor Museum Classic Car Show & Autojumble at Cranleigh Showground Petersfield Post & Herald Summer Motor Show Alton Town Show – starts with a 15 mile rally and then takes over the town with parking everywhere, normal cars are banned from the centre of the town

South Wales Firstly, I’d like to say that we had a great turn out for the Western Region’s ‘BM’s On The Lawn’ event last month. Although we gave up going to our own Welsh Weekend organised by the BMW Car Club GB, and also the Festival Fields Classic Car Show in Llanelli, I can safely say that we made the right decision, as we all had a marvellous day at Western Super Mare, even though the weather was a bit hit and miss.

Secondly, as you all know, it’s the South Gloucester Show and the BMW Festival at Gaydon this month, so I’m sure we’re all looking forward to these events, and praying for good weather for the two of them. If the heatwave weather is still about then we should be lucky.

Thirdly, as you may be aware, I was hoping to organise a new event this year to Snowdonia, but due to lack of interest, I’ve had to call it off.

Instead, we have another new event on our calendar – Margam Park Classic Car Show in September on Sunday 20th in aid of Bloodwise leukemia and lymphoma charity. So if you would like to attend this event, can you please let me know ASAP. Also can you please let me know if you want to attend any of the events below, so I don’t have to keep nagging all the time, as I will need numbers well in advance for most of them.

Peter Sherratt 07718 042888 southwales@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Forthcoming Welsh Region Events for 2015: Aug 2nd South Gloucester Show Aug 15th & 16th BMW Festival Weekend (Bromsgrove/Gaydon) Sept 20th Margam Park Classic Car Show Nov 4th Unofficial AGM Dec TBC Christmas Bash!

Also, if you’ve got any ideas regarding this year’s events and wonders, either text me as usual on 07718 042888, or if you prefer, you can email to: southwales@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk I would really appreciate it if you didn’t wait to be texted. If you see an event in the list above that you wish to attend, please let me know yeah!

Also, if there is anybody else who would like to take up the challenge, of organising our visits to these events instead of me, or any other events for that matter, then could you please make yourself heard.

For those who don’t know, we have our Pub Meets at the Twelve Knights Pub, Margam, Port Talbot, SA13 2BN, on the first and third Wednesday evening of every month at 7pm (6pm for food).

So all of you Welsh members out there, why not show your support along with all the regular guys, by coming to our relaxed Pub Meets for a friendly atmosphere, with good company, useful BMW and general motoring information, Aug 2nd Aug 16th Sept 20th Nov 4th Dec TBC

South Gloucester Show National Festival Margam Park Classic Car Show Welsh Region Unofficial AGM Christmas Bash

Wessex June must rank as a higher mileage month than usual for many in our Region. As always, events do seem to clash and as a result Sunday 7th June saw several of us at Wilton House for the Supercar Sunday which did not disappoint. On the back of this we are planning to have a club presence there next year. For others it was a trip across the water to attend Bimmerfest at Venlo in Holland which is close to the German border.

For a couple of years this event has been steadily growing in size and was certainly worth the trip which was attended by some 2,000 cars. I was impressed by the diversity of cars present and how large and active the Dutch car scene is.

Brilliant event, met some great people and one which I would happily go back to again. www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

advice, tips and info to share.

Remember! It’s your Club, so Get involved, and make it your own!!

See you all soon and Safe Driving

Tim Maltby 07885 252448 wessex@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

The end of the month saw several Alpinas return to their birthplace to take part in the 50th Anniversary celebrations at the Alpina factory in Buchloe. This was an event in itself but to make the trip more memorable a day was spent in Munich looking around BMW Welt and the BMW Museum. The four cylinder building is equally impressive at every visit but also how the exhibits in the museum are updated. If you are a fan of classic Mini or BMW MINI this should be on your bucket list.

July saw the Bournemouth guys revisit Mudeford Quay which had a good turnout with some new cars and faces, so welcome all. There was some excuse that as the sea mist rolled in so members had to retire to the pub!

Forthcoming events: National Festival, Gaydon. Sunday 16th August.

We are now planning our Wessex Area so please could you let me know if you would like to display. I appreciate that there are torn loyalties BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

67

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Clublife REGIONS

between the Registers and Regions but… contact Tim Maltby on 07885 252448.

Haynes Motor Museum 6th September Sunday Breakfast Do you fancy a run out to the Museum, park up as a small club display, enjoy a breakfast and then a close look at a great collection of cars built up over the years by a certain Mr Haynes

who publishes the Haynes Workshop Manuals?

If so please join us before 09.00 and let John Olliffe know as soon as you can… 07834 498114.

Upcoming events 16th August National Festival at Gaydon 6th Sept Haynes Motor Museum,Sparkford 27th Sept Sunday BMW Show, Santa Pod

Regional Officers BMW Car Club Central Tony Skerrett Central West Dave Evans Cheshire & Staffs Steve Cooper

central@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk centralwest@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk cheshireandstaffs@bmwcarclubgb. co.uk Cornwall James Brewer cornwall@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Cumbria Stuart Roberts cumbria@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Cotswold Martyn Goodwin cotswold@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Devon Kathy Jemfrey devon@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk East Anglia George Champ eastanglia@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Eastern Tommy Machin eastern@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk Ireland Stephen Kelly ireland@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk 130x180mmM Ad_Layout 17:09 Page 1 Isle of Man Dan Mills 1 09/06/2014 manx@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

London North East North West Scottish South East South West Thames Wales - Mid Wales - North Wales - South Wessex Western

Tim Fathers Michael Barron Jeff Heywood Issy Phillips Vacant Allen Tiso Vacant Vacant Brian Davies Peter Sherratt Tim Maltby Nigel Smith

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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Classic

A topic which always gives rise to some interesting discussions in the Club is the definition of ‘Classics’. Over the last few years the Club’s Classic grouping has been defined in terms of age covering all the post 1960s models up to the mid 1990s, but not strictly by date or series This is because model production dates overlap and many had mid-life updates which in some cases made them almost new models.

So it was interesting last month when BMW Classic announced that the E36 3 Series had been added to their inventory of classic models so that we can now look up their parts availability and prices on line. This is of particular interest to me because I have a 1992 E36 318is as a daily runner. The illustrated parts list can be accessed on https://shop. bmw-classic.com. For those of you who have not used the facility it covers 1502 -2002Tii; E3; E9; E12: E21; E23; E24: E26 (the M1 if you have one!); E28; E31 (8 Series); E32; E34: Z1 and now E36, Z3 (E36) and M3 (E36). For the Club however the difficult issue remains in allocating cars to Registers. We already have type specific Registers such as Alpina and M Power which cover models with a range of ‘E’ numbers but there are still not Registers for all the ‘E’ numbers now designated ‘Classic’ by BMW. So my recommendation is that if you have a model not covered by a specific ‘E’ number Register, then you should join the Series Register. For example for an E36, join the 3 Series Register.

This year is the 50th anniversary of Alpina starting to produce parts which were endorsed

by BMW, for the Neue Classe models in 1965.

Burkard Bovensiepen, when asked which was his favourite model, nominated the E34 B10 Bi-Turbo 5 Series which was produced in 1988.

The engine was based upon the 6 cylinder 3.4 litre M30 engine with two Garett T25 turbos to produce 360hp. The car had a top speed of 180mph. Bovensiepen’s particular delight was

E9 CS A worrying development earlier in the year was the closure of the only car key supplier who could make replacements for our ‘dimple’ keys. So I am very grateful to Joe Barlow who tracked down the new home for the cutting equipment and the new owner who can also cut keys if given the key or lock number. You do not need your original key as a pattern.

I always recommend that you should hold a duplicate key in a safe place at home so if you need the contact for the new supplier, contact me.In my ‘classics’ general report above I mentioned the difficulty in finding 14” replacement tyres with the correct speed rating. After an extensive search one register member found just three manufacturers: www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

John Castle classic@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

that the 4 door saloon easily out-performed the 911 Porsche model at the time. Five hundred and seven cars were built and it remained in production until June 1993. A real classic.

Last month in a repeat of a 2013 Wheeler Dealers programme Mike Brewer paid £2,000 for a 635CSi Highline to ‘restore’. His mechanic diagnosed worn drop links for the rear anti-roll bar, a blowing rear exhaust box, both of which were replaced, and to stiffen up the suspension he fitted a front strut brace. Wind noise was solved by fitting a new door seal. The interior was badly worn and without much ceremony a second 635 with a failed MoT but with a full leather interior and an almost perfect set of Alpina wheels and tyres having been acquired for £350. At that point I felt like saying ‘he should be so lucky’. The leather interior and wheels were transferred to the Highline and the total cost of the restoration was declared to have been just over £3,000.

The car was then sold for £3,600. For most of us with classics, life is simply not like that. If I add a cost for the labour my estimate for the restoration would have been about £7,000 giving a total project cost of £9,000. So the profit was not £1,600. That is the reality for our classics.

Most, but not all, will cost more to restore than their resulting value and I continue to be surprised at the prices being paid for cars online which realistically are never going to be roadworthy again except at great expense.

Just a final paragraph. Several of my CS Register members have been in touch to report difficulties in finding replacement 14” tyres for their cars. Manufacturers are constantly changing their product ranges and there are now very few suitable tyres in the 13” and 14” sizes suitable for our ’02s, E3s and E9s. A secondary difficulty is tyre speed ratings, because using a lower speed rating than that originally specified

by BMW can invalidate your insurance. Ours should be at least ‘H’ or ‘V’ and most 13” and 14”

tyres are now made for small economy saloon models which are ‘S’, ‘T’ or ‘U’. Do be careful to make sure you get the correct speed rating even if the tyres cost more.

Last month’s issue of BMW Car magazine has an article on David Maughan’s 3.0Si, first registered in August 1973, which he brought in 1993 with only one previous owner. Even now it has only covered 53,000 miles. The article concludes that E3 prices have now breached the £15,000 ceiling. We still do not have a handle on the numbers which remain roadworthy in the UK or even how many were sold by BMW Concessionaires in the UK during their production run from July 1969 to February 1977 of 9,183 right hand drive models. Unlike the CS models, some were built from the outset as right hand drive versions for sale in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Japan, and even today they make a perfect family classic for our modern road conditions. My feeling is that the pool of roadworthy E3s is now almost fixed. A few project cars still emerge from barns on eBay but are not economically restorable. So with a now fixed supply and increasing demand, prices are going to continue to increase and the days of finding a bargain are over – just as we have been warning for the last five years or more.

Two of a kind. Nigel’s 3.0Si and David Maughan’s rare estate car conversion.

John Castle, and Nick Hull bmwcsregister2@btinternet.com

Vredestein, Michelin and Maxxis. The Michelin tyre is a modern replica of the original famous XWX radial specified for the CSL in the workshop manual and accordingly is very expensive too. The Vredestein is a good upmarket modern tyre whilst the Maxxis is a low cost standard road tyre but still with the correct speed rating. I feel we should be grateful that at least three different tyres are still available. An alternative is to upsize your wheels to 16” for which there is still a wide range of manufacturers producing tyres. With modern cars now having 18” and 20” diameter wheels as standard I do worry that even 16” tyres will become limited.

The Villa d’Este BMW CSL Homage car

got enormous coverage in the motoring press.

It had many recognisable features from our classic CSLs including the Hofmeister kink in the C pillar with its BMW roundel and the black CSL stripe along the sides at waist level. The treatment of the rear fins and wing was reminiscent of the Batmobile which at the time was a hard nosed aerodynamic feature rather than a styling feature as it is on the Hommage car. The only quirk in the design was the treatment of the front based upon the deep kinked radiator grilles of the 2000CS, when a design based on the famous ‘Sharknose’ I felt might have been so much better. However it was nice to see homage being paid to the E9. It deserves it.

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Clublife REGISTERS

E12/E28 Our thanks to members of E28s who contacted us offering their cars for the Practical Classics photo-shoot. At the time of writing the car has not been selected for the visit to the studio in August.

Additional endorsement for our view that ‘Sharknoses’ are beginning to get the recognition they deserve came in the July issue of BMW Car

O2 Chairman’s Chat This recent 1969 barn find was purchased by Tony Gibson. It’s a very early 02 and always been local in the Christchurch area. With low owners and mileage, it’s been off the road for 23 years, Tony is hoping to have this lovely original 02 ready for the celebrations next year. We look forward to seeing it soon.

Supported by Pat Tremain classic@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

magazine with a long and very comprehensive article on the E28 as ‘an appreciating asset’. The article comments that the model is becoming scarce with prices ranging from £1,500 to £9,000.

When new it was verging on the introduction of lots of electronics, and the instrument cluster can be a problem as it incorporates a battery to maintain the memory if the main battery is

Richard Stern 07770 443373 02register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Matt hopes to be at our National show on 16th August with his freshly restored 02. I look forward to comparing notes.

Which leads me nicely on to the main 02 event of 2015, when we will again be joining the BMW Car Club at the annual show. Not only do we run the 02 Auto-Jumble (free out of your 02 boot), but also, kindly sponsored by Jaymic 01263 768768, the ‘Best of Class’ competition where you vote for your favourite 02 for each category e.g. Touring, Targa/

Cabriolet, Tii, Turbo, Modified and 1502/1602. I look forward to seeing you all there. You need to pre-book to get on the 02 Register stand/display and your 02 can be in any condition – just get it there (as I failed the last two years due to breakdowns – old cars eh?).

And if you missed it - my Tii was cover and main feature in the July issue of Classics Monthly and I hope to finally have it at Gaydon after the last two years breaking down and failing to get there (third time lucky eh?).

Other main events for 02s are (listed on Events page at bmw2002.co.uk); 30-31st August Knebworth Classic Car show.

Always popular with something for the whole family and Autojumble http://www. knebworthhouse.com/events 5th September, the fantastic Dutch 02 Weekend, contact;Robbert-Jan Konieckzek 06 - 50 86 58 61 secretariaat@bmw02club.nl

Other 02s are now reappearing after decades being off the road, including Matt Leese who has restored an 02 after ten years.

1 SERIES Dear 1 series collective, this month was all about tidying up the 1 series. It had sustained a few ‘parking wounds’ let’s say, over the last year. Finally I got the chance to spend some money rectifying the damage on her. I chose to do the wheels in Ferric grey which is the current BMW alloy colour and I have to say I do like it, OEM with a slight custom touch, bearing in mind she’s 10 years old in September

removed, and over time it corrodes and damages the circuit board, and cannot be repaired. A quick check on the BMW Classics parts list shows that the board is no longer available and supplies of second hand boards is drying up. If you buy an E28 and the instruments are OK it might still be worth having the battery replaced as a precaution.

Anthony Mason 1series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

and I’m pleased to say I think the design is holding up well. When I see the F20 I think the original design is standing up very well. I’m still interested in getting a lot of 1s together for a meet up. I’m planning on attending the Gaydon get together on the 16th August so hope to see some of you there. Don’t forget to email me on 1series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk with any questions or suggestions.

3 SERIES

Tommy Machin 3series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Well what a busy couple of months the past few have been! With my involvement with the 3-Series advertising campaign, finishing the M52 Compact and building the engine for the E36 van, I really haven’t had a single second.

The 3 Series Campaign is now in full swing, with our cars present on billboards, pamphlets

and Stephen Haslam especially. One definite talking point is the obvious colour swap of my E36 on the still media. This was due to an error

and event the artwork inside the BMW pavilion at Goodwood FOS! That was a nice surprise. I can’t thank those involved enough, Dave Evans

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Clublife REGISTERS in the supplied car from BMW. It was meant to be the Black car we’re having at Gaydon, but as you can see, it was Red. With my car being the star opposition for the new one, a decision had to be made, Dakar Yellow it was. Fortunately, the cost of editing the colour in the videos was far over budget, so at least it’s got some fame in Hellrot.

The star cars of this campaign will be displayed inside the museum at Gaydon for all to see, with the pinnacle of our involvement being

the unveiling of the 2015 BMW 340i Sport at 14:00 on 16th August. We are the first external body to have this car, outside of BMW, anywhere in Europe. I think you could say I’ve managed to build quite a successful rapport with BMW UK and hopefully we will continue to grow our bond and make great progress in the future. I cannot wait to see you all there.

Have a wonderful August, Tommy.

5 SERIES Hi my fellow 5 Series Enthusiasts, Hope you are all well, enjoying our typical summer and looking after your beloved Munich Carriage.

Not much to report this month regarding Barney, my e60, except an Air Con re-gas – we can all live in hope of a nice summer – and the addition of an excellent interior modification.

With respect to my Air Con re-gas, I came across an excellent company called CoolCar, www. coolcaraircon.co.uk, who for £60.00 have a mobile service that not only topped up Barney’s gas, but did

7SERIES

Hi guys and girls, We have been busy this month as a Register, attending lots of meets. Our first meet in June was Woodford Halse, and what a lovely day out

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Dave Routledge 5series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

a full service on my aircon system, including oiling my compressor and checking for any leaks / future problems, so I fully recommend this service.

Regarding my interior modification, may I thank Nigel at Nigel Marston Motorpsort, www. nm-motorpsort.com for supplying me with a set of Chrome Style Climate Control Knob Rings which has just finished off the interior of Barney.

Thanks once again, Nigel.

Finally, for the moment, a little help.

My first ever BMW was a wonderful white

e12, BMW 525, with the registration number of NLT281P. Does anybody know if this vehicle is still around, and if so, do you know where it is as I would be very interested in seeing some pictures of the old girl, or Brenda as she was called.

That’s it for the moment, please don’t forget to send on details of your cars, so that I can include them in my next article.

Happy 5 Series Motoring.

Dave & Barney

Pip Howell & Lauren Osgood 7series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

that was. We were joined by five of the 7 series and Tony and Trank from the Central Region. The weather was not as bright as we would have liked when we first set off to the show but it began to brighten up throughout the day, with only one run back to the cars when a big dark cloud appeared. We enjoyed the cars so much that we missed out on getting the cream teas so ended up with the leftovers from the cake stand.

Everyone enjoyed the flyover, even if the weather conditions were VERY windy! A few gasps were heard when the aeroplane came past. Overall a fantastic day out with the 7 series family.

With all this lovely sun the Register joined up with the Central Region and took a trip down to the beach. A lovely long journey to Sheringham was just simply perfect sitting in the 7s they really were built for comfort. Sheringham

was jam packed with cars, as the Central Region had made connections with a local car show that was happening and managed to get us a space.

With a short walk through the town, ice creams in our hands, we made it to the beach, where we all enjoyed hunting for shells and the left over pieces of crab from the fishing boats. After a wander round looking at all the cars we went back to our shiny 7s. (Lloyd was of course still cleaning his car.) Tummies were rumbling and of course that meant only one thing: fish and chips!

Would be rude not to. The day drew to a close and some very sunburnt owners got back in their cars ready for the long journey home. All in all, a great day down by the sea.

A massive Thank You to Rob Jull for this article: On 13th June seven members visited Bletchley Park, famous for its role in breaking the

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Clublife REGISTERS

German Enigma Code in WWII and latterly in the film The Imitation Game, although we learned that only limited filming actually took place here.

8 SERIES 850-Carat diamond from Durham A couple of months ago I had an email through the Register alerting me to an 850CSi which was owned by the Motor Vehicle Department of East Durham College’s Technical Academy. Naturally I was most intrigued as to how this situation had arisen and I gave Centre Manager, Rob Hutchinson a call to find out more about it.

He explained that the car (a black 1995 850CSi) had been donated to the college by a local benefactor, Diane Borsberry, who was unable to drive due to medical reasons.

The Academy have been using the car for training their motor vehicle students and together with the enthusiastic staff are returning the car to its former glory!

BMW Car Club advice and involvement was requested from The Academy, so I travelled up to Peterlee to meet the team and to see the car.

The car is in excellent condition overall, in spite of having covered 135k since 1995. Several items have needed attention nevertheless, including some minor delamination and corrosion of the rear windscreen.

So far a full engine service has been carried

As per what appears to be 7 Series Register traditions we met up at McDonalds on the outskirts of Bletchley before proceeding to Bletchley Park. Only Andrew (E38 728i), Simon (E38 730i), Dave (F01 750i) and Rob (E38 750iL) were brave enough to risk their 7s in what were pretty poor weather conditions with rain lifting to heavy drizzle at the best of times. Other members arrived in a 3 series and 2 series and a Ford Fiesta (I think).

Bletchley Park is now contained well within Bletchley, surrounded by a mixture of residential and commercial buildings. Due to members dropping out we were not able to take advantage of a group booking but Andrew had arranged for

Steve Hamblyn 01273 557675 8series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

out: oil/filter/air filters/sparkplugs and fuel filters.

The old fuel has been drained and replaced, the brakes have been stripped and cleaned, various bulbs have been replaced and the headlight flash function repaired.

X REGISTER By time this August issue arrives on your doorstep, some of us will have just attended the Silverstone Classic – more on that in next month’s issue.

As many of you will have noticed we are well and truly into ‘show season’. No doubt sales of car care products are reaching new heights and birthday/anniversary gifts that we receive tend to be car orientated – a new chamois always comes in handy!

My home town is certainly into ‘show season’ and the annual Classic Vehicle Show was as its very best – and by chance it was on Fathers Day. In fact, what a day as a whole that was given there was a car show on Fathers Day… and there was an F1 Grand Prix to watch when we got home. Perfect! I did manage to spend some time with my family, just, but they are an understanding bunch – I’m a lucky chap.

That said, my son, George, who is only seven, stayed with me all day. And whilst 10 hours of www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

one free guide book for each of the seven cars.

The weather remained poor throughout our visits and to cater for the various interests and different areas which everyone wanted to see, we split into groups to tour the grounds, the original house, the code breakers’ huts and the later administration buildings. There were several displays making use of the recent film history as well as reconstructions showing how the huts would have been during WWII. As well as an Enigma machine there were numerous other exhibits and replicas of early computers, although not computers as we would know them. The weather limited our exploration of the grounds and meant that we did not stay for photos in front of the house.

Items on going are: replacement of corroded AHK (Active Rear Axle Kinematics) pipes, small repairs to the sills, a small area of paintwork on the roof and replacement of the rear screen.

Under the supervision of the Academy specialist staff, the car is being prepared for its MOT test, in order to get it back on the road.

The Technical Academy staff would be interested in any tips from club members, 8 series owners in particular, on what diagnostic equipment can be used to improve the car’s performance.

Some of the many photos taken of the Academy’s 850CSi and my 840Ci during my visit to Peterlee are included below.

All in all the visit was most interesting and gave me the unique opportunity of seeing a classic 850CSi close up and comparing it to my 840.

The Academy staff and students plan to complete improvements to their classic ‘Beemer’ before assessing its value as a saleable asset, for future re-investment in other motor vehicle maintenance equipment for the department Any members interested in more details of this project can contact either myself or Rob Hutchinson, The Centre Manager, on 0191 5185579.

Jonathan Harris xregister@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

‘hanging around’ car enthusiasts isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, George took it in his stride and did extremely well. He tells me three days at the Silverstone Classic will be fine too. I’ll let you know how we got on next month!

The car show itself was a typical ‘modern classic’ show with both old and new vehicles attending. I have no idea what the official number of exhibitors was but I’d say there were approximately 500 vehicles. No bad given the human population here is about 501!

The local BMW group put on a colourful display of a variety of vehicles including an E28 and multiple M3s and an M4. It was also a great opportunity for me to show my X5M. I tend to forget that the X5M is a bit of a q-car given it looks like a stock X5 – it received plenty of attention from some of the 3,500 show visitors.

One particular BMW that attracted plenty of attention at the show was a fellow BMWCC member’s gorgeous low mileage Z3M coupé.

Whilst I know it’s not an ‘X’ and I’m writing in the ‘X’ section, I feel it’s always worth noting special cars and Mark Brouard’s Z3MC is just that. And I suppose ‘Z’ isn’t too far from ‘X’!

That’s it for now. Plenty more next month and with hopefully a full report on the 2015 Silverstone Classic.

BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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Clublife REGISTERS

Z REGISTER

Where has this year gone? We are now in the month of August, with the car shows in full swing and Gaydon still look forward to, so don’t forget to order your tickets. Just in case you are interested, I will again be attending this year, and will be trying to arrange the parking around the Z area, so after the initial rush has died down, look me up and say hello, as I’ll be glad to talk to you about your or my Z. I would also like to congratulate Pete Freeth on being appointed the new Z8 Captain. He has said that he will be attending Gaydon this year, so if you can track him down say hello. This position has been vacant for a while now, so with his appointment the Club has all the Z Captains positions filled, until the new Z2 arrives sometime in the future.

We have also have had a few more people join the various Z Registers as below: David Rothschild Z1 Gordon Calder-Jones Z3M

Alan Jones 07749 286736 zregister@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Bryan Davies Z3 Andy Merry Z3 James Thompson Z3M Nigel Thorne Z4 Allan Callender Z4 Paul Childs Z4 I attended the Fathers Day car show at Harewood House on 21st June. This show was a joint venture between the North East and Eastern Regions. I’m sure everyone had a great day as there were at least 50 very well turned out BMW cars to look at, as well as everything else that was there as well. Because there were so many cars, it was a tight squeeze to get them all into the space we had been allocated (see photo). It seemed to be the largest Fathers Day show at Harewood I personally have attended.

Talking to Howard Walker, he told me that the BMW stand was the biggest club stand on the show

Z1 A to Z1 Alloys – A temporary fix to improve appearance of kerbed alloys: 1) Sand damaged area 2) Fill any gaps with body-filler 3) Sand smooth to touch 4) Mask around damaged area 5) Source OEM Alloy spray and test before applying. 6) Save up for a professional finish.

Brakes – Who doesn’t like the look of nicely finished calipers? A wire brush and copious amounts of brake cleaner to remove caked on brake dust from your caliper and dust shield, finished in black or silver heatproof paint, makes all the difference.

Carpets - Floor mats, carpets or boot liners, they are either hard to get hold of or no longer available.

Prolong their life by fitting some over-mats, fashioned from old mats.

Door belt – Grab a torch, remove the seat belt leather trim and black plastic guard, (located between the door and rear panel, the one with the brush material) any sign of fraying?

Exhaust – Lie, sit or crouch behind the rear exit pipe, is it centered? Or is it a snakeskin away from the plastic? The rear exhaust may be a work of art, but it requires herculean strength to lift, putting strain on the rubber grommets and breaking many hangers. Best case scenario it needs adjusting or a new grommet, worse case it gets hot and melts the bumper.

Front Indicators – Condensation, colour fade, brittle fitting screws and the lens are no longer available as a separate item, it can’t get any worse. Giving them a clean, reviving the rubber seal and new bulbs is a good idea, however the screws might crack taking them out, which are also unavailable to buy.

Grills – Hopefully your front Kidney Grills are still held on with the two securing pins on each side and large blob of double-sided sticky pads. Gently pull on

Jamal Blanc z1register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

one of the fins and check they are stuck fast. And yes, they too are NLA. Headlights – As per my riveting breakdown on Headlight removal in May, reduce condensation by cleaning the glass, revive the rubber seal, clean the reflectors and replace the silica gel bags tucked away in the corners.

Interior – Wahl and Kossyk produce a perfect colour match for the dark gray leather interior. The instrument cowl, kick-panel and corner of dashboard are all susceptible to scuffs and scratches.

Jack – Those of you on the Technical day may remember Pat Slade was using a magnetic block under the jacking points. If anyone knows where to get them, do let us know, Pat has no idea either.

Kilos – Have you ever used the space saver? At 1250kgs, the Z1 is no featherweight, is it time to invest in an alternative lighter puncture repair kit and reclaim the space?

LSD - Limited slips were not installed as standard, but do consider changing your Differential oil, it’s good for your Differential.

Modifications – With the list of unavailable parts increasing, there are a number of credible after-market companies making quality replacement items and should not be discounted when sourcing hard to find parts.

Nubuck - Keep a soft suede brush and portable 12v vacuum handy, using them at least twice a year.

Owner’s Manual – Packed with useful information, most tend to keep them lovingly wrapped in a leather bound jacket for fear of creasing the pages.

Useless in that sense, so download a paper copy from my site www.BMWZ1.co.uk.

Plastic repair – Enough said, as you should all be well versed on this important subject.

Z3 With my garage barricaded for the last month by many tons of gravel, I have been driving our Golf TDI quite a lot, and find that my powers of concentration and anticipation are far better

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

field, so well done everyone doing the organising, and to everyone who turned up. After trying to clean the car the day before the show and having to keep dodging the showers, I also found out talking to a few of the other entrants at the show, that they had the same problems as me. However, eventually I did manage to get the car clean for the show. Then by chance I was parked under a tree at the show, so by the time I left there were tiny pieces of tree sap all over the car, so when I returned home I had to wash the car again to remove the tree sap. Ah the joys of car shows!

Quarter panel – The weak point is the area above the door button, usually caused by the door going up too high. Consider your door may need adjusting, there are also strengtheners available from www.

Roadster-Fashion.de.

Rear screen – Keep an old cotton blanket in the boot and use as a cushion in the shape of a “3”, this prevents contact with anything in the boot and the folds touching. Ensure you remove any creases in the plastic screen before folding.

Speedo - As reported in April, there has been an increase in the number of Speedometers failing. If you can shed some light on the matter, do let me know please.

Tyres – 225 45 16 is no longer available from the premium brands apart from Continental. If you prefer the characteristics of a Michelin Pilot Sport 3, switch to size 215 45 16, which is still a popular size from Michelin, and claim back some dosh from the Tyre promotion.

Undertray – They do take a beating over the years, check the bolts are still in situ, and it’s not hiding any nasties.

Valuation – Have your car valued and take advantage of the current price promotion, if only for the feel good factor.

Wheel Arch liner – If you are still using the original liners, be gentle, they are extremely brittle.

If needing a repair, use waterproof roof material as a temporary fix, it is easy to shape and fit over any gaping holes.

Yoke – I know there is one, I just don’t know where it is. Sorry.

Xenon - The original lights are poor, no getting away from that fact. And this is a sensible, safe and justifiable upgrade, use a 4000 colour temperature bulb in-keeping with the 1980s theme.

Ziki – The Z1 wiki on www.BMWZ1.co.uk.

Mike Fishwick z3register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

when driving the Z3 – maybe it is something to do with the level of comfort provided by the driving position and its pimply leather seats, or the more immediate response to driver inputs

of our cars. One thing is certain – even after 15 years I still look forward to driving the Z3!

While larger, modern, more sophisticated BMW cars may be popular, they cannot equal our www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

Clublife REGISTERS cars in terms of driver involvement and the sheer pleasure they provide. For example, a friend has recently bought a lovely E60 520d Touring, and while it is a beautiful car in which to cross Europe – or even go shopping – I would not swap the Red Zed for one.

Apart from driving it, I enjoy working on my Z3, and jobs for the near future will include a coolant change, which is a good opportunity to remove the radiator and clean the front of the engine, replace the alternator belt tensioner roller, and also fit new rubber inlet pipes. It will also visit our local BMW dealer for an air conditioning service – an unusual experience!

It is often said that one’s hobbies should complement each other, and there are few which work as well together as motoring (or

Z8

This being my first month into the role of Register captain and having only just introduced myself in the magazine, I was really surprised to get this very kind email from Mike Timmins, a Z8 owner and club member. I have been in touch with Mike and he has kindly allowed me to publish his email and share with you all the picture of his beautiful Z8 – which I think you will agree looks superb.

It even wears its hard top and makes the car a very elegant looking coupe. Quite fitting for the weather we seem to be getting as I write this!

Is it as wet where you are as it is here in South Wales?!

Mike wrote:Hello Pete I was delighted to see that someone has volunteered for the Z8 Secretary role – I have considered volunteering myself but always got distracted (a lame excuse I know!).

I am a Z8 owner and was a member of the Z8 club until this year. The club produces a lovely magazine and arranges drives in Europe but there appears to be little interest among UK Z8 owners to get together, so continued membership appeared rather pointless. I hope you have

M POWER

M4 F82 – Water Injection Cooling System Over the years one could say the 4 stroke engine has changed very little over the past century, the crankshaft turns the pistons, the spark ignites the fuel, etc. However, it is the refinement of this process that has been remarkable, in the last 25 years BMW have been shown to be one of the first to bring these technical developments to market in a bid to increase power and/or reduce fuel consumption, usually both.

Over the last 3 decades we have seen the introduction of several innovations such as; Engine control units and associated sensors; individual throttle bodies, vanos, individual coil pack per cylinder, and turbo charging to name but a few. Water injection cooling is the latest refinement being introduced and on this occasion on the M4 GTS, no precise figures have been released but performance will be increased.

From what I can fathom, water is delivered www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

motorcycling) and photography. It is unfortunate that these days the majority of photographs – particularly those taken with smartphones – end up by being deleted soon after they are taken, when with a little thought and some additional images they could form a permanent reminder of a great trip.

What I am suggesting is that during your next long trip you (or in the police-ridden UK, your passenger) take a series of images while on the move, to provide continuity between those which simply show where you stopped.

Taking good pictures from (and of) a moving car is something of an acquired art, but is not too difficult with a good wide-angle lens of similar coverage to the 28mm type found on a film camera. You will find that with a little practice

the use of a viewfinder is not necessary, and that you can aim the camera accurately without much difficulty.

Experiment with views over and through the windscreen, low alongside the passenger door (very effective in hairpin bends), at angles around the car, showing that the picture was taken while on the move in a Z3, or looking backwards if travelling in company with another car. After some practice you will be surprised at the quality of your best images, and – who knows – one of them may even find its way into Straight Six! Mention of Straight Six reminds me that this is my 49th Z3 News, and while I am happy to continue, I remain conscious that someone may do better, so if you are interested, get in touch with Alan Jones or myself!

Pete Freeth z8register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

success in changing the attitude of Z8 owners in the UK. If you need an example any time let me know. I will be at the Silverstone Classic on the Saturday. I am also a Trustee of the National Motor Museum and so if you ever decide to arrange a get together that is a venue I can help with.

Good luck and thank you for picking up the baton.

Kind regards Mike Timmins Thanks for that Mike. I wasn’t aware of the Z8 Club in Germany until now but I will try and make contact with them to see if we can be closer to some of the Z8 things happening across Europe. The club looks very active in Europe and who knows we might even be able to join them on a few runs if anyone was up for that? It seems a shame though that there appears to be little interest from the UK at the moment but I hope that will change. If anyone reading this does own a Z8 and doesn’t have it on the club’s Register then please get in touch. I was very surprised to learn that there is in fact only one car on the Register!

On another BMW related note, I was very

pleased to find out that my local main dealer Green Bower has been making headlines. Green Bower’s Jamie Picton has been recognised as the UK’s top performing Service Manager for BMW and MINI for the 2014/15 year and Service Advisor Leanne Wood nominated at one of the top five service advisors in the country. Overall Green Bower finished third overall in the UK for customer satisfaction. Well done guys, a well-deserved win and keep up the good work!

Finally, I have also tracked down a very special Z8 and I hope to be able to write about that soon but until then, that’s all I am saying!

Enjoy your cars and stay safe.

Richard Baxter mpower@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

to the injectors at a pressure of 10 bar and this regulates the temperature of the turbo charger.

The technical will surely reveal more details but my assumption is that as when it rains, the engine is filled with a moisture biased charge which seems to make an engine feel Peppier.

The water based system is located in the boot within a 5 liter tank, and will need to be refilled every fifth tank of petrol. With turbo

charging becoming the norm one can anticipate this performance enhancing feature appearing right across the range.

M6 GT3 The M6 GT3 should appear next year challenging for honours in the increasingly competitive GT3 racing category, with a diet of around 500kg (sounds a lot but it starts off a heavy car). The 4.4L V8 engine with dry sumped M TwinPower turbo technology, 6 speed sequential transmission and aerodynamic package is all pretty close to standard, which makes a lot of sense in this highly profitable segment of the luxury speed wagon.

Unveiled at the Nürburgring 24 hour race, was the forthcoming ‘Competition Package’, here one can play with 600bhp and 516Ib ft of torque which for the coupe equates to 0-62mph in 3.9secs, or 0-124mph in 11.8secs. Springs, BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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Clublife REGISTERS dampers and anti roll bars get firmer damping.

The active M differential has its own control unit to improve traction due to improve mapping on the servotronic steering mechanism.

Externally the appearance is enhanced by double spoke 601M bi colour alloys in 20” filling the arches with menace, plus the akrapovic sports exhaust system livens things up aurally.

Anyone who has driven the new M6 is full of astonishment and praise for the model and with added sporting pedigree, it could be about to make a big name for itself.

DTM 2015 A quick update on the DTM this season (sadly without a UK round). Until round 8 at Zandvoort where BMW occupied positions 1 to 5, they have been languishing poorly down the field.

However with those points the field has tightened as follows: Standings: 1st Mercedes OT – 116 pts 2nd Audi - ABT Sportsline – 103 pts 3rd Audi – Team Rosberg – 93 pts 4th BMW – Team RMG – 81 pts

Register Officers BMW Car Club

M Power Car of the Month

BMW Z3m Roadster – 25k miles - £22995 – Classic Heroes

4 Series

Vacant

4series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Classic

John Castle

classic@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

5 Series

Dave Routledge

5series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

E3

Tony Wilkes

e3register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

6 Series

Vacant

6series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

7 Series

Pip Howell & Lauren Osgood

7series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

8 Series

Steve Hamblyn

8series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

E9

John Castle

e9register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

02

Richard Stern

02register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

M Power

Richard Baxter, Matthew Hunt & John Denny

mpower@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

ALPINA

Simon Alcorn

alpina@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

1 Series

Anthony Mason

1series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

2 Series

Vacant

2series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

3 Series

Tommy Machin

3series@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

3 Series - E21

Mark Brown

e21register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

3 Series - E30

Neil McDonald

neil@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

3 Series - E36

Stephen Coulson

e36register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

3 Series - E46

Rob Owen

e46register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Z Series

Alan Jones

zregister@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Z Series - Z1

Jamal Blanc

z1register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Z Series - Z3

Mike Fishwick

z3register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Z Series - Z4

Nina Barbar

z4register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Z Series - Z8

Pete Freeth

z8register@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

X Series

Jonathan Harris

xseries@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

MINI

Vacant

mini@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Concours

Steve Haslam

concours@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Track Days

Nick Wright

nick@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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YOURPHOTOS

The very best of our readers’ photos will be published every month with exclusive Kleers products up for grabs for our top contributors. There will also be an exclusive yearly prize for the best photo of 2015. If you would like details of the minimum requirements for photo entries, please email the office, who will be happy to help. Office@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

‘Jane and her little friend’ Paul Taylor

E30 M3 at Silverstone. Curtis Thomas Just a quick obscure view of my rear “Deep Dished” Silver / Stainless 18” Devil Riviera rear wheel, with Carbon Fibre centre cap, fitted to my E46 320ci M-Sport coupe, taken down at the BMWCC GB Welsh Weekend last year, with the Aberystwyth Bay in the back drop! Peter Sherratt

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

79

YOURPHOTOS

Sponsored by KLEERS

The very best of our readers’ photos will be published every month with exclusive Kleers products up for grabs for our top contributors. There will also be an exclusive yearly prize for the best photo of 2015. If you would like details of the minimum requirements for photo entries, please email the office, who will be happy to help. Office@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

My son sitting proudly in his 1988 635csi Darren Senerat

“Caught on camera – a pair of wolves in sheep’s clothing Jeff Heywood

“This is my kind of Spa weekend “ Russell Knight

BMW, a 320d M Sport. This was taken at Lewtrenchard Manor in Devon in the summer. Robin Hainsworth

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

81

Clublife EVENTS 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: Second Monday of the month at The Flying Fox, Sheep Lane, Woburn, Milton Keynes MK17 9HD CENTRAL WEST: Second Tuesday of the month 7.30 pm at The Queens Head, Wolverley Village, Kidderminster, W orcestershire, DY11 5XB CORNWALL: Second Monday of the month 7.30pm at The Punchbowl and Ladle, Penelewey, Feock, Truro, TR3 6QY Cotswold: Second Wednesday of each Month 7.30pm at “The Swan at Coombe Hill” Tewkesbury Road, Coombe Hill, Gloucester GL19 4BA. CUMBRIA: First Thursday of the month at 7.30pm at Hunday Manor, Winscales, Workington, CA14 4JF DEVON: Last Thursday of the month at 7.00pm for 7.30pm meet at Passage House Inn, Hackney Lane, Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot, TQ12 3QH EAST ANGLIA: Forthcoming Pub Meets: 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 Note New Location – Third Thursday evening of the month at 7.30pm, The Farmhouse, St Isidores Road, Kesgrave, IP5 2GA Contact: David Adams (Suffolk Branch Rep.) bmwccsuffolkrep@btinternet.com 07774 668596 Cambs/Beds Pub Meet Fourth Tuesday evening of the month at The Royal Oak, Barrington CB22 7RZ at 7pm matthew.hunt13@btinternet.com 07973 986525 Norfolk Pub Meet –Contact Paul Sharp Norfolk Branch Rep. Location changing to give variation to members.

Essex Pub Meet combined with Chelmer Valley Car Meet (CVCM) – Every last Thursday evening of the month. All types of Classic Cars and others attend at The Lodge Country Inn, Battlesbridge SS11 7QT. Combining the Essex Pub Meets throughout the year.

BMW Car Club members welcome to attend. Contact: Jack Reason jackreasonbmw@ gmail.com SS11 7QT. EASTERN: Peaks & South Yorkshire: Second Monday of the month from 8pm at The Dusty Miller, Sheffield Road, Barlborough, S43 4TW Yorkshire & Humberside: Last Tuesday of the month from 7.30pm to closing time at Barnes Wallis Inn. One mile north of Howden on the B1228, five minutes from the M62 J37, www.barneswallisinn.com IRELAND: Cars and Coffee at Cherrywood Business Park, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18 – On the 1st Sunday of the month at 10:30 to 12:30pm.

LONDON/HERTS: Second Monday evening of the month from 7.00pm at The Crooked Chimney, Lemsford, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 7XE LONDON/SOUTH: Last Tuesday evening of the month from 7pm at The Crown Pub, 117 Burnt Ash Hill, London SE12 0AJ NORTH EAST: Second Sunday morning of the month 10.00am to 11.30am, at Champs, Emerson Road, Washington, Tyne & Wear NE37 1LE NORTH WEST: Manchester Branch: First Tuesday of the month at 8.00pm at The Sheldon Arms, Sheldon Way, Ashton-under-Lyne M34 5QL .

North West Region Sunday Lunch & Quiz Sunday of alternate months(all at 12.00 noon) NEXT meeting 20th September & 22nd November. The Swan, Bucklow Hill, Cheshire WA16 6RD CONTACT: Jeff Heywood – 0161 678 2088 Wirral and Merseyside: Last Sunday of the month at lunchtime at The Shrewsbury Arms, Mickle Trafford, CH2 4EB. Contact Phil Pinnington: 07803 577935 SCOTLAND: Regular meets in various locations. Contact isabelle@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk for details.

SOUTH EAST: Dorking Area: Second Saturday of the month at 7.00pm for 7.30 meal at The Owl, Dorking Road, Kingsfold, RH12 3SA Maidstone Area: Last Saturday of the month at 7.00pm at The Ship Inn, 14 The Street, Cobham, Gravesend, Kent. Tel: 01474 814326 Surrey/Hants Area: Last Tuesday in the month at 8pm at The Jolly Farmer, Binsted Road, Blacknest, Alton GU34 4QD. Tel: 01420 22244 SOUTH WEST: TBA THAMES: TBA WALES: North Wales: TBA Mid-Wales: TBA South Wales: First and third Wednesday evening of the month at 7.00pm (6.00pm for food) at The Twelve Knights Pub, Margam, Port Talbot, SA13 2BN WESSEX: Bournemouth Area: Next Meeting 1st July from 7.00pm onwards at the St Mudeford Quay. Contact John Olliffe: 07834 498114 Basingstoke Area: Third Tuesday of the month from 7.30pm at The Fox, North Waltham, Basingstoke RG25 2BB. Contact Simon Alcorn: 07973 299024 WESTERN: First Wednesday of the month at Woolpack Inn, Shepherds Way, St Georges, Weston–Super-Mare, BS22 7XE

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BMW Car Club Magazine AUGUST 2015

If you would like an event added to the calendar, please email details to office@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

National Events 2015 AUGUST

31 July – 2: Car Fest North 1: The South Gloucestershire Show 15: Car Club Celebration 16: National Festival

28 – 30: Car Fest South

SEPTEMBER

2-6:

BMW Car Club Factory Tour

OCTOBER

16:

The Highland Fling

NOVEMBER

13-15:

Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show

Track Day Calendar 2015 21st September

Donington Park

6th November

Oulton Park

www.bmwcarclubgb.uk

d:class

Unit 6, Studley Court, Guildford Road, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8EB Tel: 01483 722 923 â&#x20AC;˘ web: www.dclass.co.uk email: dclassautomotive@hotmail.co.uk

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:classâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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

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You’ll never hear cries of, “are we there yet?” again with our Universal DVD System and Headphones set from just £349 or our iPad® Holder (with base) from just £125.

For more information on the full range of Genuine BMW Accessories visit www.bmw.co.uk/summer Prices are recommended retail prices correct at the time of printing and available at participating Retailers only. Subject to availability and may be withdrawn without notice.

Prices do not include fitting. Speak to your Retailer for fitting requirements where applicable.