COMING EVENTS (details inside)

Transcription

das Kummet
The Newsletter of the Tidewater Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America
May • June 2016
Ron races through the pack during 12 hour race at VIR (Courtesy of F & S Enterprises Photography)
COMING EVENTS (details inside)
May 14: 9:00 AM, Saturday - EASTERN SHORE DRIVE
May 19: Thursday - Club caravan to The Vintage BMW national gathering
May 21: 8:00 AM, Saturday - Board Meeting - all invited, Pop’s Diner Greenbrier
May 21: 9:00 AM - BIMMER BREAKFAST, Pop’s Diner Greenbrier
June 5: 11:00 AM, Sunday - ANNUAL PICNIC - Great Neck Park
June 18: 8:00 AM, Saturday - Board Meeting - all invited, Pop’s Diner Greenbrier
June 18: 9:00 AM - BIMMER BREAKFAST, Pop’s Diner Greenbrier
July 9: 10:00 AM, Saturday - ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE DAY DRIVE & DINE
July 16: 8:00 AM, Saturday - Board Meeting - all invited, Pop’s Diner Greenbrier
July 16: 9:00 AM - BIMMER BREAKFAST, Pop’s Diner Greenbrier
July 30: 11:00 AM, Saturday - BACKYARD BBQ WITH PORSCHE CLUB @ Secretary Ron Boustedt’s home
RSVP and add’l info: [email protected]
Inside This Issue
OFFICERS & KEY PEOPLE
President
Darin Kwasniewski (757) 304-1512
[email protected]
Vice President
OPEN
12 Classified
4 President’s Corner
5 Cultures of Bimmer World 13 What A Sweet Day
14 “The Vintage”
10 Annual Picnic
11 452 Laps on VIR South 16 Independence Drive
12 Eastern Shore Bimmer Drive 18 Editor’s Page
12 Bimmer Breakfast
Secretary
Ron Boustedt (757) 339-0679
[email protected]
Treasurer
Tiffiny Crossley (615) 967-7774
[email protected]
Activities Committee
Mike Curran (Chairperson)
Marc Garcia (757) 803-5658
Chris Triplett (757) 620-6623
Melissa Waddell
[email protected]
Membership Chairperson
Rob Waddell
[email protected]
Member-At-Large
Jeff Triplett (757) 620-4171
[email protected]
Webmeister
Judy Semo (757) 456-9923
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor
Mark Jumper (757) 439-2746
[email protected]
Driving Events Chairman
Ron Boustedt
[email protected]
Tech Session Chairman
OPEN
[email protected]
BMW Classics Chairman
Steve Waddell (757) 539-1305
[email protected]
Williamsburg Rep
Brad Purvis (757) 869-1459
[email protected]
Outer Banks N.C. Rep
Jack Robey (252) 480-3356
[email protected]
Foodbank Chairperson
Chris Triplett (757) 620-6623
[email protected]
Club Merchandise
[email protected]
2
MEMBERSHIP
Tidewater Chapter: 738 as of December 2015
National: 70,426 as of January 2015
ADDRESS CHANGES
Address changes can be made on the BMWCCA National website
(www.bmwcca.org) by hitting ‘Login’ and following instructions on site. From
there, click on the ‘Manage Account’ link on the top of the page; then click on
the ‘Change Addresses’ link.
Or write to:
ROUNDEL BMW CCA
640 South Main Street - Suite 201
Greenville, SC 29601
All changes done through the National office will update both your National
and Tidewater Chapter address information. If you are a member of our Yahoo
Group, [email protected], please also remember to update your
profile.
NEWSLETTER and PHOTO CONTRIBUTIONS:
Your articles and photos are very welcomed by us. To be included in an issue
the materials must be received by the 10th of the month preceding the date
of next issue. To spice up the newsletter we always need photos of chapter
events. We may also use them on the chapter website. Send your contributions to [email protected]. Thanks!
Visit our Chapter web pages at:
www.tidewaterbmwcca.org
on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/
groups/140702964729/
To subscribe to our email lists: http://www.tidewaterbmwcca.org/lists/
FINE PRINT NOTICE: Das Kummet is published bimonthly and remains the property of the Tidewater Chapter BMW CCA, P.O. Box 62145, Virginia Beach, VA 23462-2145. All information is for members and advertisers only. Ideas, suggestions, writings, and opinions are those of the contributing
authors without authentication by or liability to the BMW CCA, the Editors, or Officers of the Tidewater BMW CCA chapter. No information in das Kummet bears the status of “Factory Approved”
unless so stated and implies no endorsement or guarantees expressed. The Tidewater Chapter of
the BMW CCA is completely independent of and in no way connected with BMW NA or BMW AG.
The contents of this publication remains the property of the chapter. All BMW CCA chapters, with
permission, may quote or copy from the publication provided full credit is given to the author and
the Tidewater Chapter unless noted as “Copyrighted” and is not used for commercial purposes.
May • June 2016
- das Kummet
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das Kummet - May • June 2016
2/11/16 8:44 AM
3
President’s Corner
Volunteers are the key to the success of our organization, and we are
fortunate to have a group of volunteers that keep our Club moving
forward, including organizing events for all of us to enjoy. We have
recently added several key volunteers, who are helping with current
responsibilities and taking on new roles.
Our Chosen Charity
For 2016:
Foodbank of
Southeastern Virginia
Since the Club events are the most obvious result of the volunteer’s
efforts, I’ll first mention a couple of the “not so new” activities
volunteers. Joe Braeutigam and Marc Garcia have been activities
volunteers for many years, and each organized and led our last two
driving events in February and March respectively. If you missed
these events, you not only missed some fun driving and good
company, but also some great meals (really good!). Our club is lucky
and grateful to have Marc and Joe (as well as our other “not so new”
volunteers of course) as they continue with all their efforts.
You can support this effort by bringing
canned goods or money to any chapter
event. However, money provides
more meals than canned goods. Chris
Triplett leads the committee. For more
information or to volunteer, please
contact Chris Triplett, foodbank@
tidewaterbmwcca.org
Complementing our existing volunteers are many new volunteers
who are helping with activities, membership, and the newsletter.
It’s quite fitting that several of the articles in this issue, including
the Valentine’s Day article, the May drive teaser, and the Bimmer
Breakfast article are examples of their contributions. Thanks to all
our volunteers, “old” and new.
Join Us On Facebook!
And of course a big thanks to all our members, both “old” and
new, who are attending these great events! Our monthly Bimmer
Breakfast is a great example of success – Pop’s diner has moved us
to a bigger area, as we have outgrown the back corner. We couldn’t
do it without you.
There is always room for more volunteers—please think about it
and let us know if you would like to help. You, too, can help keep the
good things happening in our Tidewater chapter!
Darin Kwasniewski, President
Join us on Facebook to stay up to date
with all your club’s activities!
To become part of our Facebook group,
you must have a Facebook account.
After you sign on to Facebook at
www.facebook.com, enter “Tidewater
BMW CCA Activities Page” in the
search block. You should be shown our
activities page along with a link labeled.
“Join Group”. Click on join group, a
box will appear that will ask you if you
want to join this group, click the “Join”
button. You are then taken to our club
activities page, where you can see and
post activities and pictures.
Bigger tables for Bimmer Breakfast - April crowd
March Bimmer Breakfast parking lot
4
May • June 2016
- das Kummet
The Cultures of Bimmer World – Part I
by Ray Laffoon
I have lately been thinking about the many ways that
people display their love of their cars. Some options
and décor I don’t care for—there’s no accounting
for taste, including mine!—but the time and money
lavished on their rides tell many stories of care and
affection that I completely understand.
This realization made me want to park next to others’
interesting and often artistic machines—because
their owners care about cars, both theirs and mine.
Besides, this shared love for cars has led to some
enjoyable conversations.
A shared love for BMWs exists within our club
despite the presence of several different “cultures”
among its members. Herein is my amateur attempt at
categorizing the various cultures of our BMW world.
M6 GTLM bows at Daytona
RACING - BMW’s racing heritage is legendary! The
reason is that BMW has inspired people to actually
race their BMWs on racetracks in racing events,
and they have done so for decades. The racetrack
is definitely the best place to more fully and safely
enjoy the capabilities of ANY BMW. BMWs also
frequently win racing events. The really good drivers
race BMWs owned by someone else, and get paid
to do it! I have yet to find myself in this category.
Regardless of the category, there is a racing culture
in the BMW community and, after glancing through
our club newsletter and/or attending an event like
the breakfast in February, one discovers that this
culture is alive and well in our club. On the pro
level, legends continue to be made by BMWs at
places like Daytona, Virginia International Raceway,
Spa-Francorchamps, Hockenheimring, Zandtfort,
and the legendary Nurburgring. BMW’s winning
of a few DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters)
championships doesn’t hurt this culture either!
TOURING - Most BMW owners like to drive; after all,
BMW is the “Ultimate Driving Machine.” For lack of
a better term,
I’ll call this
the touring
culture.
Tourers
(I’ll avoid
tourists) seek
opportunities
to drive their
machines for
the adventure.
Some start
by taking
delivery in
Munich and
Touring group enjoys native habitat
enjoying
Germany’s
autobahns, then seeking the challenges of Europe’s
Alpine roads. I always find it interesting to drive
a car in its native land, and having a BMW in
Germany is truly a marvelous experience. I came
to understand why BMWs drive the way they do and
feel the way they do after spending time on the roads
in Germany, specifically Bavaria. I cannot think of a
better place to spend the first moments with a new
BMW than in Germany. Upon returning to the US of
A, these tourers embark on road trips, near and far,
to continue to enjoy the wonders our country has
to offer. Our club includes many from this culture
as exhibited during our club’s driving events that
skillfully wander through the countryside, always
concluding at locations known for excellence in the
culinary arts.
ROADSTERS - I would contend that the Tourers have
a roadster sub-culture. Z3s and Z4s attend every
club drive and meeting, carrying the flame of the
classic BMW roadsters of the past. Two marvelous
machines come to mind. The first is the beautiful
328 from the 1930s. The Mille Miglia versions were
the ultimate
racing
evolution of
that great
handling
roadster.
Then there is
the beautiful,
sensuous
507 of the
1950s—a
Roadsters old and new
car that Elvis
owned. The
507 could easily rival the performance and shape
of any Ferrari of its time. The 507 also inspired the
Continued on pg 8
5
Activities Committee
Advertisements
We are glad that you are supporting our events - THANK YOU! It is still VERY
important to RSVP (as early as possible) of your participation to any upcoming
activities. These numbers are needed to allow our hosting restaurants to be
prepared for us. Inaccurate totals make for unhappy restaurant managers and
cause them to be reluctant to allow our group to book in the future.
Non-commercial classified ads are free
to chapter members. Ads will run in
three published issues and then may
only be continued in subsequent issues
only by contacting the Newsletter
Editor. Ads submitted are limited to
200 words per ad including name,
address, phone number and email
address if available. Items offered for
sale must be the personal property of
the submitting member or family and
not of a business.
YOU can help great events happen for our chapter! Committee members
are listed below and they value your ideas and input. Maybe you can help
support an event--we can always use someone to help with registration, photos,
newsletter article, etc. Or maybe you’d like to joint the committee! For that,
contact President Darin Kwasniewski at [email protected].
Mike Curran, Activities Chairman
Chris Triplett – (757) 620-6623
[email protected]
Marc Garcia - (757) 803-5658
[email protected]
Melissa Waddell
[email protected]
…AND KEEP COMING TO THOSE EVENTS!!
Commercial ads are available to
members and non-members. Such ads
must be accompanied by payment in
full. Rates shown below are per year
(approximately 6 issues). All ads must
be submitted in a usable digital format
or as camera ready. “Das Kummet”
reserves the right to edit or reject any
ad submitted.
Full page
…$135 per issue or $700 per yr.
Half page
Club TOOLBOX
The following tools are available for members use. A deposit may be required and
will be refunded upon return of the tool in working condition.
1/4 page
• 17mm Trans. Drain Socket
• Service Light Resetting Tools
- Very Useful
• Brake Bleed System - Very Useful
• Tie Rod Separator - Pickle Forks
• Coil Spring Compressors
• Remote Starter Switch
• Peake-Code/Reset Tool - all
models - can be connected under
• Clutch Alignment Tool
hood or dash
• Pilot Bearing Puller
• NEW!! SRS Air Bag Scanner
• Fan Clutch Wrench & Bar
• Electric Impact Wrench
Contact Bob Parsons at 587-7423 or
• Lockstrip Tool
borrow [email protected] for
your needs
Biz card
Club MERCHANDISE
We have made arrangements through Lands End for club members to order a wide variety of chapter logo items. Access by going to:
http://ces.landsend.com/Tidewater_BMWCCA. Contact [email protected] for any questions regarding Lands End or the
following merchandise:
BMW CCA Map Grille Badges: $20
Chapter Logo Decals/License Plate Frames: FREE at club events
BMW CCA Decals & lapel pins: FREE at club events’
NAME TAGS: You can order a Chapter name tag complete with logo, from: Kay Cee Engraving, 254 Hemlock Loop, Mineral, VA 23117
Phone 540-894-4340, Email [email protected]
Website kayceetags.com
Online ordering: http://kayceetags.com/emailorderform.html
Contact [email protected]
6
May • June 2016
- das Kummet
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7
The Cultures of Bimmer World, continued from pg 5
styling of the more modern Z8. Roadster owners love
their cars and enjoy driving them, preferably with the
top down.
tools and spare racing tires. X owners are people
who want to bring things with them in a vehicle that
has style and handles and performs well. The X1,
X3, X5, etc. sell well around the globe and bring new
people to the BMW world. Thankfully, these BMW
machines are known for their handling prowess and
in some cases will outperform many performance
cars. Basically they are good whether going to
dinner, hustling around a race track, or towing a
trailer. And then there is the awesome X5M…..
1972 Bavaria restoration
PRESERVERS - BMW turned 100 on 7 March. This
is a good time to think about its heritage and think
about those who keep the machines that built the
reputation of BMW running, a culture that I will call
the preserver culture, as in, “preservers of all that
is great in the BMW world.” The members of this
culture drive, restore, and discuss machines like
the 2002 and the Bavaria. They know the intricacies
of the E30s and E46s. Many of us remember when
these cars were new and on the cutting edge of
performance and technology. We’re fascinated when
these machines show and drive at club events. They
inspire us to see them in person. We take pictures
and just enjoy being near them and their amazing
owners. The DNA from these machines continues
in many modern BMWs. The memory of our first
BMW encounter once again becomes vivid when we
encounter a keeper of our heritage—a preserver.
X5M makes tracks
THE X PEOPLE - The arrival of the Sport Activity
Vehicle created a shock in the BMW world. Of course
the same thing happened in the Porsche world when
the Cayenne was introduced. Is a vehicle designed
to haul and pull things truly a BMW? SAVs seem
to go against the concept of fast, light and nimble.
Regardless, this “X” culture is composed of people
who need to haul equipment for camping or paddling
a kayak, all the paraphernalia that goes with having
children, or pulling a boat or camper. I have it
on good authority that an X1 can tow two (2) BMW
S1000RR sport bikes on their trailer, complete with
8
2015 Rolls Royce Ghost Series II
ROLLS ROYCE, ANYONE? There are two other
brands in the BMW world with their own subcultures.
Rolls Royce is owned by BMW and definitely
constitutes a Rolls Royce culture. Occasionally
I see a reference to Rolls Royce in Roundel but I
have yet to meet a Rolls Royce owner at one of our
club meetings. I understand that they are amazing
cars. However, their world is not the same as mine. I
occasionally see one, and in London, England I saw
more than one. A Rolls Royce was used to good effect
in the movie Johnnie English Reborn where Rowan
Atkinson as Johnny English drives a rather special
Rolls Royce.
MINI - Speaking
of Rowan Atkinson,
his Mr. Bean
character drives
a classic Mini I
know of several
BMW owners
who also drive a
MINI. Together
they make for
a high-energy
MINI Culture.
BMW, shortly after
acquiring Mini
from BMC, found
a way to revitalize
the Mini into its
own brand that
Peeping from a MINI
Continued on pg 10
May • June 2016
- das Kummet
Your obsession – our passion
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Chesapeake VA 23324
8-5 Monday-Friday
757.545.9394
sportsandimports.net
Specializing in BMW
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9
The Cultures of Bimmer World, continued from pg 8
is relevant to the modern world. The result is a funto-drive automobile with its own unique following
and culture. MINI culture is a bit out there, full of
original ideas and lots of individuality. The classic
Mini is known for winning the Rally of Monte Carlo
and being a dominant
force in rally racing. The
modern MINI is known for
winning the Dakar four
years in a row! A quick
drive confirms that the
BMW DNA, mixed with
the Mini DNA, produces
an authentic BMW
experience with many
smiles, mile after mile
after mile—even in the
more pedestrian versions!
from the first R32 in the early 1930s. That’s the
Beamer Cycle Culture. Winning races, hill climbs
and endurance events set the competition standard.
BMWs were ridden around the world and endured
the toughest terrain and conditions during war and
peace. Imitation is a form of flattery as BMW designs
were copied by Russian,
Chinese and Indian
manufacturers. As in the
automotive world, the
BMW motorcycle world
is divided into its own
different cultures—about
which we’ll look, next time
around!
(Part II will continue in
DK’s next issue)
BEAMER CYCLES - Early
BMW history was built
around aircraft engines,
cars and motorcycles.
BMW Motorrad quality
is legendary in the
motorcycle world starting
Beamer bike ready to tour
Annual Picnic Social & Show
When: June 5, Sunday, 11:00 AM
Where: Great Neck Park, 2513 Shorehaven Dr, Virginia Beach, VA
Details: Our Chapter’s annual picnic will be catered by Pollard’s
Chicken and BBQ, with water and soda provided. Please bring an
appetizer or desert to share. Come gather at 11:00 to park & polish
your pride & joy for all to see, then begin to enjoy your Bimmer
friends and the lovely park, with food served around noon.
Door prizes and raffle items will be given after the meal, with
all proceeds going to our Food Bank cause. At least one of
our corporate sponsors will bring a new or unique car for
your viewing enjoyment. Please bring money for food bank
donations and/or the raffle, bug spray for pesky mosquitos, and
lawn chairs for lounging and telling tall tales (plenty of picnic
benches are available for dining). We do need some folk to help
set up, and a few more to stay and help clean up (please inform us
in your RSVP if you can help).
Please tell us if you’re coming (with how many) by 1 June to
[email protected] or Chris Triplett, 757-620-6623.
10
May • June 2016
- das Kummet
452 Laps on VIR South!
By Ron Boustedt
Let’s do the math. On a beautiful March 5th Saturday
the RaceWerks team ran 452 laps on the 1.65 mile VIR
South course. That’s 745.8 miles, at an average speed
of about 62 MPH (100 KPH to you internationalists).
These probably look like pretty average “road trip”
numbers until you factor in the nine highly technical
turns, five driver changes, and fifty-nine other race
cars. Trust me, by the end of my second stint I was
feeling every one of the 1,300 turns I’d executed
(motion sickness sucks). What does all this add up
to? Well a second-place finish of course! Actually
we were 2nd overall and 1st in class: a truly awesome
achievement! The racing was so close that after
twelve hours of racing
the top three cars
all finished within
sixteen seconds of one
another!
John Kopp and Dan
Tiedemann, the owners
of RaceWerks, took on
the Crew Chief and
Chief Mechanic roles,
with Jonathan Noriega
and Zack Davis taking
on support mechanic
and fueling duties.
Zack also had the
pleasure of running the
final stint and bringing
her home to a big podium finish for the team. The
12-hour race started out with John Schwaebler (long
time TCR racer); second in the seat was me; third
was Vernon McClure (1st place NASA GTS 3 Mid
Atlantic in 2015); fourth Kevin Pirkle (his first race
ever!); fifth was me again (“A man’s gotta know his
limitations”—I probably should have stopped at one
stint); and last but by no means least was Zack. Zack
by far had the toughest stint when our beautiful day
turned to night AND it started raining. Racing in the
rain is tough enough without having to do it at night.
Great job Zack!!
The second tidewater team, 3G Racing, with their
shiny new e36 Chump Car, made their inaugural
debut at this event. Marco Estrada, Savvas Sakkadas,
and Michael Shammas were turning some great
laps, and moving up the field until about the halfway point when one of the bolts holding their
differential sheared off. This was a major bummer
for me because Michael and I were having a great
time trading positions in stint 2, and I was looking
forward to more in stint 5. Unfortunately this is a
tough fix at the track so the guys chalked this one
up as a successful test/shake-out race and called
it a day. The team, including the support folks Eric
Laufer and Raemy Carey, were a little let down, but
I’m sure they’ll be out again for the 24-hour race in
August. Great job, guys, and congratulations on your
first race!
Last but certainly not least was the Raoust O2
Motorsports team. This Hampton Roads team consists
of a father Olivier and his two sons, Scooter and
Philippe. They have a few events under their belt
and are really starting to come together. Their e36
lost a few laps about a third of the way in due to a
failed center support, but they were able to do the
swap and get her back
on the track with only
about an hour of lost
time. I do owe them
a big apology. I went
way too hot into Fish
Hook and pushed right
into their line. If not
for some great driving
on their part I would
have been hit for sure.
A big part of Chump
racing is what they call
“Chumpmanship”; this
is the recognition that
yes we are all racing,
but it’s really about
everyone having fun
(they even give an award for it at the end of each
race). Team Raoust exhibited true Chumpmanship,
and some great driving. Unfortunately about a lap
later they weren’t as lucky and got hit going into turn
1, breaking a front control arm and putting them out
of the race for good. Tough break guys, but I’m sure
your time will come. See you out there in Aug for the
24 hour event.
For those inspired by this article to get involved in
racing yourself, feel free to inquire at one of our
monthly breakfasts, or swing by the RaceWerks shop
and chat with John and Dan. Driving our beloved
BMWs is a joy, but driving them realllly fast during a
race is AWESOME! I encourage everyone to try it out
11
Eastern Shore Bimmer Drive
We’re expecting a beautiful day on Saturday, 14 May for a drive up (and down) the Eastern Shore!
We’ll meet up at 9 am at Starbucks, 5824 Northampton Blvd, and get caffeinated, organized, and readied for
the drive, then head
north onto the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (www.cbbt.com/current-toll-schedule/, E-Z Pass transponder
is recommended). Once on the Eastern Shore, we’ll take some interesting side roads to Turner Sculpture
Gallery (www.turnersculpture.com) in Onley, VA to browse the incredible bronze wildlife sculptures created
by the Turner father and son team.
Then we’ll drive on to the scenic Island House Restaurant (www.theislandhouserestaurant.com) on the eastern
bay. The lunch menu includes crab cake or oyster platter, flounder sandwich, chicken Wachapreague salad,
southwest chicken salad, or fish & chips.
Please bring your FRS radios (charged & set to channel 1) and donations to the Food Bank!
RSVP or request additional info by May 9th at [email protected] or Michael Curran,
757-753-3509
Bimmer Breakfast Kicks Off
the New Year!
By Stephen Bradshaw
The January Club Bimmer Breakfast kicked off our 2016
activities at Pop’s Diner in Chesapeake on January 16th. This is
a great monthly event to get together with other club members
and BMW enthusiasts. Everyone is friendly and talkative, with
many new car facts available to discuss. You can enjoy the
suggestions to modify and up the performance of your car
from persons that have actually done the job. The food is also
excellent with lots of hot coffee. The omelets and specials come
in abundant quantities to satisfy the most demanding appetite.
Details of upcoming events were discussed and it’s a great time
to have your questions about the club answered. Afterwards
the attendees venture to the parking lot to view the cars. In the
diner parking lot this month we were treated to several E90s to
view. Owners show much pride in their Bimmers and it is well
deserved.
So come on out to the next Pop’s Diner Bimmer Breakfast and
partake in the fun. Our monthly breakfasts take place on
the third Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM at Pop’s Diner
Greenbrier. See you there!
Classifieds
FREE PARTS:
Cleaning out my buddy’s shop, and came across some
gaskets for an E46. I would rather donate them to a fellow
member’s use than try and sell them.
1) Victor Reinz part # 15-33077-02 valve cover gasket
set. You can search on it on ebay for more info. New in
package.
2) Elring Part # 24117557070 transmission filter kit. Bought
from Bavauto. New in package.
That is all I know, but I can send pictures if you are
interested. I am in Virginia Beach North End, you would
have to pick them up. Gary Farrell Phone: 757-575-4719
PARTS & ITEMS FOR SALE:
Headlights from 2006 E85 Z4 roadster Left and right
sides. These headlights are used and in very good
condition. They should fit 2003 to 2008 Z4 roadsters. Price
is $350.00 plus $20.00 shipping. Phone (cell): 267-229-1244
or email: [email protected]
LOOKING FOR:
Searching for a media blaster to clean intake valves on
an N54 engine. Phone: (830)890-8968
Name: Bob Beuerlein E-Mail: [email protected]
Racing came to breakfast
in March
12
May • June 2016
- das Kummet
WHAT A SWEET DAY!
Drivin’ and Dinin’ to Hearts’ Content
by Melissa Waddell
I must confess…I don’t usually spend Valentine’s Day at Home Depot. This year was special. On this cold
18-degree clear morning, we were going for a BMW CCA Tidewater Chapter fun drive! I soon found myself
among the steady stream (no pun intended) of women, who were making Home Depot their first “pit stop.”
The parking lot quickly filed up with BMWs of every shape, style, and year. Chapter President Darin
Kwasniewski and his wife, Mary, took care of the formalities. Joe Braeutigam, the drive organizer, passed out
beautiful roses to the ladies. Nice touch, Joe!
With Joe in the lead car, the race (I meant ride)… began. Each car navigated the narrow back roads and
hugged the sharp curves as only a BMW can. I must say, after coming out of an extreme reverse-left turn, and
finding a jogger on the other side, I feared for his life! He likely felt the same.
Our ride ended at Sal’s by Victor Italian restaurant in Williamsburg. Once again, Joe had outdone himself. The
group feasted on an amazing, multi-course Italian feast and wine tasting. All twenty-two members ate and
drank; then ate and drank some more. When we were finished, we thought—oh yes, dessert!—we ate some
more. At the end of the day, we rolled our bloated but contented bodies out of the restaurant. Go figure…we
had driven for 1½ hours and eaten for 3!
Now that’s a sweet Valentine’s Day!
13
IMPORT CAR PARTS
Major parts brands for BMW and other import cars.
Getting Ready for “The Vintage”
The premier vintage BMW event on the east coast
-- The Vintage -- is almost here. If you like older
BMWs (1990 and earlier), then save the date of May
20-22. Our Tidewater group will be heading down to
Asheville, NC, on Thursday, May 19th, to be ready for
the Friday day tour of the BMW Foundation. There will
be fun drives and scenic tours in addition to the big
event on Saturday. To find out more, go to the event
website at www.atthevintage.com, where you can also
see a wonderful video of what it’s all about. If you’re
interested in joining our caravan, you can contact me for
more information: Steve Waddell, 757-535-5878. Hope
to see you there!
11246 Jefferson Ave., Newport News 757.599.3360
1300 East Little Creek Road 757.440.0004
606 First Colonial Rd., Virginia Beach 757.425.7100
or on the web at www.BAp-geon.com
3040 High St. (Corner of High & Airline), Portsmouth 23707 757-‐966-‐9528 ! All Repairs & Service ! Latest Factory Diagnostic Equipment ! Virginia State Inspection ! Quick Turn-‐Around ! Genuine & OEM Parts ! A/C Service, Tires, Alignment ! Monday – Friday, 9AM to 6PM ! Low mileage, excellent condition pre-‐owned BMW & Mercedes Owner & Operator: Jon Mack jon@import-‐autowerks.com Newport News Are You Going Up There Norfolk Portsmouth Suffolk VA Beach When You Could Come To Us? 14
www.Import-‐Autowerks.com Or Way Out Here Website Import Autowerks Chesapeake www.tidewaterbmwcca.org
LOOK!
6 Month
No Interest
Financing
Available
May • June 2016
- das Kummet
15
New vs Old, continued from pg 18
shape of four cylinders! But everyone should have
at least some experience of a glorious Bimmer
straight six, smoothly singing its song to the topmost
notes. The manual transmission was super pleasant
and accurate, and quite easy to use—of course it’s
new!
Steering: All makers are going to electric steering
for the fuel economy benefits. The E90 is among
the last of a dying hydraulic-steering breed. Some
makers do better than others with the new setup,
but sad to say, BMW is no longer known for great
steering feel. I’ve read it; now I’ve felt it—or not felt
it, I should say. Now I finally understand the reviews.
They’re right to note that BMW’s electric steering
is almost perfectly accurate. It goes exactly where
you point it. In that you’re completely confident.
But—it’s numb. Few messages are felt from the road.
I remember the revelation I felt in my first Bimmer.
The communicative steering TALKED to me! It
opened up a whole new dimension of experience,
previously unknown. My hands became partners in
sensing the driving environment. I felt that I would
never again want to give up this extra dimension
of feel. Alas—at least so far, BMW appears to have
given up on that very thing that I didn’t want to lose.
For now, we can only hope for better in future, while
accepting—or not—the total package and its many
great features as they stand.
Suspension: My daily driving didn’t give much
challenge on this score, but the cloverleaf Grand
Prix revealed firm, consistent purpose with no
control issues. As with so many makes, electronic
settings abound to help you achieve just the setting
you want. Even on sport setting, my impression
is that the F30 has made major progress in
reducing impact harshness and increasing overall
smoothness.
The Verdict? I really liked this F30 and was sorry
to turn it in—mentioning to them that it’s one of the
few cars I’ve encountered that I’d feel comfortable
buying as-is, off the lot. The interior is maybe a
touch down in style and substance, but plenty nice,
with many more features. You lose the six song and
smoothness, but you get the four’s lighter weight,
better power, and greater economy. You lose
steering feel but get better gearbox feel and better
ride. The styling is truly a step up, especially in
M-Sport guise. This is a Bimmer that looks the part
as it goes about its business of driving joy! Now . . .
does anyone want to lay out the near-$50K they want
for this fine package? THAT, as always, is a question
that only you can answer.
As for me? Time marches on, but not always
progress. I’m happy to say that in this case, BMW is
leading the progress parade.
Independence Day
Drive & Dine
What: Annual Independence Day Drive & Dine
When: Saturday, July 9, 10 am - 2 pm
Where: Northern Peninsula
Details: This year’s drive will occur the
weekend following July 4. We will follow
a route through the northern part of the
Peninsula and conclude at a restaurant
TBD. Don’t miss the fun run and food - put it
on your calendar now!
Contact & RSVP by July 5 to
[email protected]
or Larry Williams at [email protected]
16
May • June 2016
- das Kummet
17
Editor’s Page:
New vs. Old; Four vs. Six!
By Mark Jumper
some suitable extra interest. All in all
this is one classy, lively look that tells
the world that you’re driving style,
quality, and road-oriented fun!
I recently took my 2008 328xi
to Checkered Flag BMW for a
new battery and some routine
maintenance. They were kind
enough to schedule a loaner
to make my day easier. After
dropping off my car and
signing the work order, it was
off to the loaner desk, where
I received a question that’s
one of my favorites
in a while: “Would
you mind taking a
car with a manual
transmission?”
Would I! (My own
car’s a manual
and I’ve owned
primarily manuals
for more than thirtyfive years.) New
cars with manual
transmissions are becoming as
rare as unicorns. I could hardly
believe they had one in stock.
Bravo, Checkered Flag!
Interior: The simple, flowing E90
dash (no navigation in my case)
has given way to a cacaphony of
competing shapes and arcs that
just don’t convey the same grace
of style. But the troublesome
retractable cupholders in the E90
have given way to sturdy alwaysopen receptacles. As with European cars
in general, the many electronic features are
pleasantly understated, vs. the Tokyo-by-night
“Look at me!” philosophy that afflicts many
other makes. The sport seats are great, the
sport wheel is meaty and nicely holdable. I do
agree with other road testers, that overall the
F30 interior feels just a bit down on substance
and quality from the E90. But even so, it is very,
very nice and I’d be happy to
spend some serious time in it.
Soon I was buckled into a 2016
328i M-Sport, nicely optioned to
just under $50,000—seemingly
reasonable, these days.
(According to Kelly Blue Book, the average vehicle
transaction price (not list price) in August 2015
was $33,543.) After spending some time setting
everything just so—a bit of a task with all the
electronic do-dads—off I went, willingly powered
by “four eager turbocharged cylinders.
This was my first time to drive an F30 3-series. I’ve
admired the newer 3, 5, and 7 series from afar,
feeling that the styling has returned to classic
Bimmer themes, albeit in modern form, following
the Bangle diversions. I had a day to drive around
Hampton Roads and got a good feel for the car. So
how did this newer hotshot four-cylinder compare
to the older E90 six-cylinder?
Exterior: The styling is just about dead-on, to
my eye. The silver-grey color reflected a classic
German Bimmer-look. The M-Sport aero aids add
18
Engine and Transmission:
My E90 six sings a sweet
song. I’ve had it for almost
a year and have only gotten
more enamored of its easy
willingness to smoothly rev
to redline. There’s not a lot
of torque or raw power, but
it’s very linear, direct, and responsive to whatever
I ask—I never feel flatfooted. True, it doesn’t
compare to my old 540i, but then what does? It’s a
really enjoyable engine to use, albeit the gearshift
is a bit notchy. The F30 four has much more torque
low down, and in general feels more powerful and
ready to punch up your speed. It also gets about
20% better gas mileage than the E90 328i six,
comparing my normal driving venues and styles.
But it just doesn’t sing that sweet six song. Its sound
is more moan than song. The revving is nowhere
near as seductive, not nearly as eager to mount the
heights. The metrics all say progress. But the soul
seems a bit left out. It’s true that BMW has made
great fours for decades—witness the 2002 and the
early 3-series, not to mention 5-series elsewhere,
and here, too, more recently. The BMW corporate
headquarters building is even fashioned in the
Continued on pg 16
May • June 2016
- das Kummet
John Kopp
[email protected]
2445 Castleton Commerce Way
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Dan Tiedemann
[email protected]
19
BMW Car Club
of America
Tidewater Chapter
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE PAID
NORFOLK, VA
PERMIT NO. 256
BEY EM VEY, Inc.
Tidewater Chapter BMW Car Club of America
P.O. Box 62145
Virginia Beach, VA 23462-2145
Inside this issue....
Calendar of Events • President’s News • Pet Peeves - and Starry Solutions
My First Car...? • Event Calendar • Officer Descriptions • Officer Nominations
Fun & Fame • Bimmer Breakfast • Journey of a Thousand Miles

COMING EVENTS (details inside)

Transcription

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