Black Beauties - The BMW Car Club

Transcription

Straight Six
January 2014 £5
30 Years of the E30
A tribute to this iconic BMW
Black
Beauties
This trio of stallions demonstrate
what real horsepower is all about
PLUS: 2013
REVIEWED,
LAUNCHED
AND THE 428i
SHOW SEASON
KICKS
OFF WITH THE
THE i3
SOUTHERN
CONCOURS
ANDDRIVEN
TATTON CLASSIC
Members
Members
Edition
Edition
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.
Contents
Formed in 1952 as The BMW Car Club of Great Britain,
incorporated in 1982 as The BMW CarClub (Great Britain)
Ltd. A non profit making clubowned and run by and for its
members. Combined One-Make Car Club Associated Club of
RAC Motor Sports Association Ltd
Founder
President
Vice Presidents
The Late R.J.T. Hewitt
Trevor Gillard
John Safe
Jeff Heywood
Chris Wadsley
Len Oakshett
Contents
NaTIoNaL CoMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chairman
Directors
David Frith
Richard Baxter
Simon Brookes
Steve Haslam
Andrew McArthur
Jamal Blanc
John Castle
Caroline Hobbs
Isabelle Phillips
Company Secretary
Simon Brookes
6
EDIToR
Magazine Editor
Matt Goldsmith
aDVERTISINg
Display advertising
Hine Marketing
01452 730770
[email protected]
Club Office 01970 267989
www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk
Classifieds
MEDIa oFFICER
Neil Robinson
[email protected]
CLuB oFFICE
general Manager
ass. general Manager
Membership Secretary
Technical Consultant
Financial Manager
David Frith
Jenn Roberts
Michelle Evans
Andy Everett
Sarah Thomas
24
34
42
58
BMW Car Club (GB) Ltd, Unit 5h, Glan Y Afon,
Aberystwyth SY23 3JQ
Tel: 01970 267989 Fax: 01225 703885
Office hours MONDAY-FRIDAY 10am-4pm
Website: www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk
email: [email protected]
CoNTRIBuToRS
Chris Willows, Richard Baxter, Chris Teagles, Ian Martin,
John Paulding, Steve Haslam, Neil McDonald,
Howard Walker, Dan Norris, Richard Head, Andy Everett,
George Champ, Peter Sherratt, Robert Rourke, Chris Birkett
CoNTENT SuBMISSIoNS
Please send all magazine content by email to
[email protected]
PuBLIShED oN BEhaLF oF BMW CaR CLuB By
4 Board Torque
38 Road Test: 428i
6 Cover Feature: Black Beauties
Andy Everett visits Sytners in Sheffield to borrow
BMW’s latest coupe for a test drive
The M Power Register take a look at three of the most
recognisable M cars; from the iconic E30 and brutal
E46, to the extreme E82 1M
42 Supercalifragilistic…
The East Anglian Region reports from their final
weekend of the show season
Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane,
Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770
[email protected]
12 Club News
PaRTS ENquIRIES
16 BMW News
A bumper feature as we look back at 2013 with the
Members of the Welsh Region
18 MINI News
54 Running Reports
20 Products
This month, John Cayzer introduces us to his E36 328i
convertible
This is a service strictly for Club members only – for parts
enquiries please ask to speak to Keith Bridge on 01204
900909. Please have your chassis number available with
your enquiry and please call during office hours only
CoMMENTS
Any comments you may have about the magazine or the Club should
be sent to the Club Office The BMW Car Club (GB) Limited does not
necessarily agree with the opinions, suggestions and recommendations,
including advertisements by traders. They are entirely the view of
the authors and neither the publication of them, nor the references to
products or services supplied, implies the endorsement of the BMW Car
Club (GB) Limited. Whilst the BMW Car Club endeavours to reproduce
articles with the minimum of change to the text provided it does reserve
the right to edit any copy submitted without reference to the person who
submitted the article
FRoNT CoVER
Cover photo by Chris Teagles
http://on.fb.me/bmwccgb
14 Thoughts from the BMW Boardroom
24 NEC Classic Show
A review of this year’s Classic Motor Show from the NEC
28 Dan Norris
30 Wanna Race?
If you ever wanted to get into motorsport, this could
be the perfect opportunity
32 i3 Launch
First impressions count. Howard Walker takes a look
at BMW’s new EV
46 Welsh Region’s 2013
56 Events
Check out what’s on in your Region
58 My aLPINa Story
Central Region chairman, Chris Birkett, explains why
he became obsessed with the ALPINA brand and
BMW
60 Regional News
66 Register News
34 Monterey Car Week
73 Classifieds
Richard Head reports from this prestigious Californian
event
82 your Photos
Show off your BMW related photos
© 2013 BMW Car Club (Great Britain) Limited
BMW Car Club Magazine January 2014
3
Board Torque
Board Torque sponsored by
Board
Torque
BOARD
TORQUE
B
I don’t know about you, but the word ‘change’
normally fills with me with dread; and following
a major change in life, the phrase “never again”
is one that I am sure is familiar to you all.
Some common examples have to be moving
house or changing the car; and then there is the
more frequent ones like changing your computer
or upgrading the mobile phone – both of which
for me are almost life threatening. Another
example I dislike is changing the decor at home.
The thought of the mess and upheaval fills me
with dread; you just know that the promised job
Theofwinter
and will
Christmas
especially
does give
us
time
a week
end up
being three
at least.
So,allyou
be to
very
toect
know,
the will
chance
looksurprised
back and refl
and itthat
always
most
of myme
business
lifewehas
involved
in
surprises
how much
have
actually going
achieved
to and
clients’
homes
and
changing
their
personal
yet while you are going through the year you feel
finances
businesses that have
like you or
arereorganising
getting nowhere.
lost track of expenditure and efficient working
Some of you will have moved home without
practices.
even contemplating it last New Year and you could
Like any difficult task, identifying the
even haveand
started
a family
withoutare
planning
it, or you
problems
finding
solutions
essential
at
travelled
and wide
or bought
a new
BMWis
thehave
start
of anyfar
major
change,
but then
there
the very
collection;
all very
pleasant experiences
for see
thefortwo
different
scenarios
of those who
the2013,
benefits
of the
changes
and
those
but there
willproposed
be some who
have lost
a loved
who
don’t or
want
or of
don’t
see the(awful
long
onejust
suddenly,
beenchange
the target
a fraudster
term
need offor
thea very
changes
– which
in many
cases
experience
long time)
or maybe
you have
can
simply
be down
to poor
communication
or
had
an ill health
diagnosis
yourself,
all experiences
the stubbornness to resist change under any
which are better not to be contemplating at the start
scenario.
of a New Year.
After many years of doing this work, I have
Sharing
both
badall
and
experiences
come to
realise
that
ofgood
these
elementsthough
will
is
one
of
the
many
benefi
ts
of
being
our car club.
arise and the very best results areinachieved
Where
likeminded
people who
both members
when
everyone
involved
is inare
agreement,
but this
is and
rarely
everwill
a reality.
The
decision
to change
friends
be a great
source
of comfort
and
working
practices
office
celebration
becauseand
we relocate
all have atthe
leastClub’s
one thing
from
Melksham
to Aberystwyth
– although
in common,
our BMWs,
most of which
are sittingbeing
clearly
necessary
from
almost
every
in garages
across the
country
where
theybusiness
await the
aspect – was exacerbated by the urgency in
green shoots of spring and long daylight hours of
which this change was required by all of us that
summer and when events up and down the nation will
hold the Club’s existence very dear.
bring
us together again.
Unfortunately,
the events leading up to the
The year,
forwithout
me, has staff
certainly
unplanned
office being
left
didbeen
not allow
me
canfull
safely
say that heading
theall,
BMW
thebecause
luxuryI of
communication
toup
you
butCar
the arguments to move from Melksham were
y the time you receiveoverwhelming
this edition
of Straight
Six
and Aberystwyth
offered the
only
instant solution from a financial and staffing
point ofyou
view; and
the future,
if it was
it is hard to imagine that
willfor be
seeing
into take
place, it would facilitate the New Beginning for
great Car Club.
the new year of 2014.ourFor
those
superstitious
They all
do say
that pictures
speak louder than
words, but I can assure you, the dilapidated
people who were worried
about
2013,
all your
state of the
old building
in Melksham
was one
of the worst operating business premises I
have that
entered;simple.
and I was even more shocked
worries are over, if only life were
because of the conditions for our staff and the
Club was definitely
not anticipated
unacceptable
representation
of last
our New
ClubYear’s
image.
members
feared
that
change
eveSome
and I am
still trying
to work
outparticular
if it comes in
the
was
to cost
a lot part
of money,
goodgoing
experience
or the
bad Club
experience
of 2013but
(only
using
influential
contacts;
I amtopleased
joking)very
it has
of course been
an honour
feel that to
I
report
that thesomething
annual costs
arefor
less
can contribute
positive
the and
Clubthat
and all
the move is being covered by the advertising
of you around the country.
commission normally paid to the General
When it finally became clear in June that the
Manager each month – which I am forgoing. My
Clubhave
needed
some
immediate
attention itexpense
was simply
staff
also
identified
significant
a case ofwhich
one daywill
at abe
time
and one in
priority
objective
savings,
revealed
detail
soon.
after
another
lookingyou
back
we even
are now
able to
So,
I hope
thatand
makes
allasfeel
better
about
this change.
do I cannot
believe what has been achieved this year
long term
aim is to
visits
butFinally,
the mostthe
rewarding
involvement
in promote
the Club has
from
to ourfrom
wonderful
and or
beenyou
the all
reaction
all of you.coastline
Whether positive
brilliant
roads believed
– and ofyou
course
realright
Welsh
negative,driving
I have always
have the
to
hospitality. Although the move has had its usual
an opinion; and normally it is the negative comments
traumas, I would like to thank Jennifer and my
that can provide the building blocks for the future.
wife for the emergency call to duty on behalf of
is important
foryou
us all
is the
all theWhat
members;
and to
allinI2014,
would
likevital
to
need you
for everyone
remain a Club Member and
thank
for yourtopatience.
where
one for
newKeith
member
each soand
that
Wepossible
are justrecruit
waiting
to come
clean
all the trophies
because
the cabinets
the maintenance
work now
being done
to prepareare
the
ready
andwhat
waiting
back
lighting,
how
posh
Club for
could –bewith
its most
important
year
to date
iscan
that?
be appreciated by a growing membership.
We will welcome the coming of a new website
Regards
and professional merchandising shop that will
incorporate us on eBay and online, both are long
overdue. Having listened to many negative comments
Chairman and General Manager
as I go round the country, a new Club Directory will
BMW Car Club
be out in February as we hold it back until we are
David Frith
Dick Lovett BMW
www.dicklovett.co.uk
Bristol: 0845 052 3355
Swindon: 0845 052 5314
Hungerford: 0845 052 3347
happy with its value to you all. The new Regions and
Regional chairs will be kitted out and prepared for
the new event season with the focus having to be
recruitment - whilst proudly representing the Club
at all times must be another priority for everyone to
maintain.
The office will be on hand for all your needs
and for 2014. I can confirm there will be a new
membership secretary because Michelle is saying
goodbye to us having given her all in helping us
through the last six months, but having realised her
family and home commitments are not allowing the
time to be dedicated to her role as she would like, she
feels her leaving is in the best interests of the Club
and in all the years I have been employing people, she
is one the very few who has genuinely and honestly
decided to leave in the most honourable and dignified
way. If we don’t respond positively and grow our Club
we will be letting her down and it serves as a good
reminder that our present staff in Jennifer, Matt and
Michelle not to mention all those in the past, set an
example of commitment to the Club that sometimes
goes unappreciated - so I know you would want me
to wish them a very Happy Christmas and prosperous
New Year - which goes without saying on the wages
we pay them!
For me, I would like to thank you all and wish you
nothing but enjoyable experiences for 2014 and if one
of those is to enjoy being a Club Member, then I would
definitely enjoy that experience. I would also like to
extend the very best wishes of us all to Tim Abbott and
Thethe
new,
clean
office
in Aberystwyth
all
BMW
group
employees;
because I know it is hard
to imagine but the cars they are selling today are the
classics of the future, yes even the i3 and i8. So here’s to
an electric year for everyone connected to BMW.
David
Artwork can be displayed properly
The dark, old Board Room
The uninviting front door in Melksham
4 old
BMW
Club
Magazine
2014
The
BMWCar
Car
Club
office –January
no heating!
David has his packing hat on!
The new signs are up!
C A R • H O U S E H O L D • B I K E • VA N
Extra 5%
member’s
discount
D•
• EST
LIS
HE
AB
1997
The complete
BMW warranty
package for
BMW Car Club
members
with cover available for M Power
and Alpina including VANOS units
The BMW Car Club warranty scheme could save you
hundreds of pounds when compared with other warranty
schemes AND you will also get a 5% discount.
HAPPY CUSTOMERS:
This is the first time I have kept a new vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s warranty period.
I made my claim with some reluctance as the warranty had only been in force for a few
months. The service I received from members of staff was second to none, friendly, helpful
and courteous – a credit to the company." - Mr. Smirles, Birmingham
We keep our policies simple to understand.
Take out our cover and you can be absolutely certain that we will be doing everything in our power to deliver
complete satisfaction – keeping you as a happy customer for many years to come.
For the best price quote ‘BMW Car Club’ when you call or you can visit us online.
Want to save money?
Why not get a quote!
Call 0800 731 7001 | or buy online at www.warrantydirect.co.uk/bmwcarclub
Terms and conditions apply, see website for details
BMWCC 10
WE ALSO PROVIDE GREAT VALUE DEALS ON CAR BREAKDOWN RECOVERY, TYRE INSURANCE AND PHYSICAL CAR CHECKS
M Power Register
Beauties
D
Words Richard Baxter Photos Chris Teagles
uring the 1920’s one could famously buy a Ford
model T in any colour so long as it was black.
Nothing looks so chic than a clean and polished
car in black (without swirl marks) but there is the
rub, it shows up any imperfection.
6
M Power Register
The E30 M3 Sport Evo were difficult to sell
across Europe, even two years after production
ended only 51 were sold
7
M Power Register
The trio of M cars presented this month; 1990 E30 M3
Sport Evolution owned by Pradip since new, 2003 E46 M3
CSL owned by his son, Rudi, and the 2011 E87 1M owned
by Tim, are the most significant to leave the factory in
the modern era and there are a number of reasons; each
represent a near enough generation gap to the next,
each were produced in limited numbers 600 (worldwide
but believed only 51 official UK imports) /422/450 UK
examples respectively, each being the most celebrated
for dynamic excellence and each are proving to be very
good investment’s.
generation gap
There is an undeniable position in the market place for
developed sports coupe’s, they appeal mostly to the 30/40
age bracket where the owners already have sufficient
experience under their belts to enjoy the performance
and income to afford the purchase along with the higher
insurance, fuel, tyres and maintenance costs.
In terms of overall size and weight each clearly belong
to their respective time period not only within their marque
but amongst their contemporaries, this is noticeable in
style, technology, materials, safety and design.
Take the evergreen cross spoke wheel design it
exists in all three cars but each is more sophisticated
than the previous, the same is emphasised in the detail of
overtaking mirrors and front bumper/splitter arrangement.
8
Whereas we accept the classic style of the E30 M3,
the M3 CSL now looks quite plain and ordinary in direct
comparison to the 1M’s complex curves, air slits and
cooling inlets.
One of the appealing design aspects is the ‘side on’
seat profiles, all curves on the E30 M3, skeletal on the
M3CSL and unfortunately just plain forgotten on the 1M
as Tim remarked “it needs a set of the BMW performance
seats to set off the interior.”
We have the rough gruff (and on tick over - slightly
rattily) four-cylinder engine that demands to be revved,
in the E30 M3 with a period ‘crackle black’ cam cover
and red spark plug leads. The M3 CSL is a carbon fibre
show case with a six-cylinder engine and a sound track
that was responsible for selling every one of the 422 RHD
produced! The 1M has the scalpel sharp (fully optimized
electronics) six-cylinder slightly bland engine note along
with the expected crackle and pop over- run from the
turbo driven 3.0-litre, completely in tune to the modern
era with its fuel efficiency and emissions control.
The dog left 1st gear on the E30 M3 feels special
as the 2nd to 3rd and 4th to 5th gear are in a straight
plane, the M3 CSL is from the period when the F1 style
paddle change was the new fad and feels very dated
by comparison to the dual clutch control methods used
today, the 1M mercifully returns to the manual gearbox
and makes it more of an involving car to drive.
The 1 Series the design
has somehow wormed it
way into the affections. So
much so that the previous
generation now looks old
and dated
M Power Register
Limited Production
The ‘brilliant red’ and ‘jet black’ only colour options
of the E30 M3 Sport Evo were difficult to sell across
Europe even two years after production ended (heavily
discounted to around £26k) approximately only 51 were
sold new to the UK at a price close to £40k with extras.
Pradip’s car is one of those with virtually all optional
extras fitted plus a few of his own choosing from ALPINA,
a one owner model with all paper work from day one is
a rare thing and the condition is exemplary having been
spared salty roads in the winter but has still has 77k
miles to its credit which is a testament to his enduring
enjoyment of the car – more on this later.
The Silver Grey and Black Sapphire metallic only
colour options of the M3 CSL were also difficult to sell,
the UK allocation sat around for about 12 months until
the price was discounted to around £45k-ish from the list
£60k. However, apart from what was perceived a high
cost (around £20k premium over the standard M3) there
was also the weather/temperature sensitive Michelin
Cup tyres to consider.
Valencia Orange, Alpine white and Black Sapphire
metallic were the only colour options and no doubt due
to the rave review from the popular Top Gear programme;
plus the well judged price of around £40k, they would
find no shortage of buyers for the 1M. Selling the entire
UK production run was not an issue and two years
later, the resale price is holding up well; and unless the
forthcoming M2 is a far better car, one can assume the
1M will hold up well.
Dynamic Excellence
E30 M3 Sport Evo
What more can possibly be said about the almost
mythical status of the E30 M3 Sport Evo? The race car
developed handling, modest size and weight in a benign
and talkative chassis will make a hero of anyone who
explores the power band between 4 and 7250 rpm on a
smooth and twisty section of road.
Pradip posed the question “what would you choose
to do with the last nine minutes of your life?” A final lap
of the Nordschleife in the M3 Sport Evo would be his
choice; and this despite him having owned cars far more
exotic and powerful. A few days after the photo shoot
clearly Pradip had been musing over his experience and
sent the following comments;
“It is the most perfect car I have ever driven perfect steering feel, perfect balance, incredible
feedback. When you drive it you know you are
somewhere special. When I sit inside, I feel like I’m
completely at home. It has over the top wheel arches and
front and rear spoilers - it does not look like a road car and yet also feels understated these days compared to
most cars (power, torque are modest, 16 inch wheels)
The cabin is cosy - it’s not a big car, it wraps itself
around you. It is a car where you feel you are in complete
control and it flatters you as a driver. I’ve driven a lot of
Munich’s best cars - the M1, the E9 CSL etc - and IMO
this is the greatest car BMW has ever built, not bad for
an old 3 series”
E46 M3 CSL
Rudi’s comments: “It is a living legend, a car I will always
feel privileged to have owned”
“It is good looking without being over the top - all
muscle, no fat, no odd angles. I like the purity of
the cockpit - simple, focused, functional. The gear box - a
complaint for many - was never a major issue for me and
I just saw it as a reflection of the age of the car (ok for the
time but it feels agricultural ten years later). Yes it is does
slur, but once you changed the setting to the faster end,
the gear changes are bone shockingly brutal (great fun as
a driver, perhaps not so much for the passenger - as my
wife will testify!). Of course, the engine is the highlight.
The noise (enhanced by the carbon air box) is utterly
ridiculous, completely addictive and turns you into a
hooligan, as you just want to keep hearing that howl
again and again and again….invariably I just drive with
the windows open”
E87 1M
This is a fascinating car and the first of the new
turbocharged brigade from Motorsport GMBH. With the
development of the 1 Series the design has somehow
wormed it way into the affections. So much so that the
previous generation now looks old and dated.
Almost like a cartoon caricature on steroids or a
short sleeve T shirted over- exercised, over-muscled body
builder from the gym, one cannot avoid being visually
arrested by the exaggeration.
After taking station both fore and aft of the 1M on
the journey to the photo shoot the tension throughout
the design is just thoroughly in tune, almost like melted
chocolate poured over the skeleton. It is not difficult to
understand why this car has captured the hearts of the
enthusiast not only for its outrageous looks (especially in
the ‘see me’ Valencia Orange) but because it represents
fantastic performance value for money in a thoroughly
sorted and totally exciting driver centric package.
As Tim comments “the acceleration in 2nd gear
is just simply awesome” and the fact that BMW with
little fan fare simply raided the parts bins and seemingly
from nowhere dropped this firecracker into the party
somehow adds to its allure, well done to BMW for being
so adventurous I say!
It would not surprise me at all that when the M2
arrives in 2015 it will be an improved and refined car
because they always are – however, I’m not sure that it
will ever be able to capture the excitement of the 1M as
with many of life’s experiences it is almost impossible to
forget the first time!
9
M Power Register
Investment Values
E30 M3 Sport Evo – starting with a car in need of
restoration it is very unlikely to find one below £20k, but
that has climbed to £120k for a zero miles car but then
we are looking at cars for different kinds of owners, the
enthusiast and the straight investor.
The top price will never in my opinion cease to
climb; however, there is a noticeable temporary flat line
in the market at present especially for the many cars in
the 40k to 90k miles bracket that have come to market
by the owners wanting to cash in on the price sprint
that came to a halt around two years ago aided as it
was by the euro/£ exchange which gave the European’s
an opportunity to buy back the cars we had avidly
purchased over the previous exchange rate beneficial
years.
Those anticipating a £60k to £80k price will I fear
have a long wait, the enthusiast and probably more
importantly the former owner wanting to rekindle that
earlier experience is unlikely to fork out such funds for a
car they will unlikely want to drive as hard as they once
did especially with the cost being perceived as too high.
The winners in this situation are the owners who
have hung onto their cars (having paid around £6k
to £13k back in the day) and not afraid to go out and
exercise them hard (which is when they come alive),
those tempted only by the hype are unlikely to get under
the skin of why these cars are so highly rated from just
a cursory test drive!
10
However the cars in the £13k to £20k bracket do
seem to keep turning over and is a reflection of how
the market is realistically responding, the enthusiast as
always demands value for money.
E46 M3 CSL – high mileage cars can be found in
the early £20k’s, low mileage gems for around £50, the
latter as purely investment opportunities. For anyone
seriously looking there are sufficient numbers of cars
around that one can invariably find one by asking within
the active but perceived closed world of the owners.
Prices as always for the very best will continue to
rise but due to the numbers in circulation I personally do
not envisage a great step change.
1M – £30k to £40k appears to be the market rate
and completely mileage/condition related. Many will
be squirrelled away for the future but I do not see a
gain in value there are relatively too many around and
prices will soften but for the present owners they are
not being stung by the normal drop in car values which
is quite extraordinary. Neither are they likely to drop like
a stone in the future.
For those who purchased their cars firstly as
an enthusiast and thoroughly enjoy the ownership
experience, they will not care too much about increasing
or decreasing values for such a sea change is a product
of the financial crises which started six years ago lest we
forget. So enough of all this ‘values’ talk and enjoy the
fine set of photos taken by Chris Teagles showing well the
development of BMW styling over the past 23 years…
We are delighted to be working
alongside the BMW Car Club (GB)
to bring you two superb driving
tours in 2014.
Grand Prix de l’Age d’Or,
Dijon-Prenois
5th - 8th June
The Grand Prix de l’Age d’Or is one of the longest surviving races in France.
Currently it is held at the historic Dijon Prenois Circuit. Our tour offers an
overnight in Champagne via the old pit buildings in Reims. We have researched
superb driving roads into Burgundy for two nights amongst some of the finest
wine producing vines in France.
Classic Festival, Nogaro
7th – 14th October
Enjoy two nights driving down through France via the West coast and the
Bordeaux region. We then have three nights staying near the circuit of Nogaro
where the Classic Festival takes place. There is the opportunity to enjoy your
car during parade lap sessions as well as a rally around the local roads. We
return via the cruise ferry from Spain into Portsmouth.
Contact Thomas at Classic Grand Touring for full details and prices
T: 01483 281 282
M: 07795 160 204
E: [email protected]
See the website for more details on these tours and the others on offer www.classicgt.co.uk
Classic Grand Touring is a trusted tour operator that is fully travel bonded in accordance with package travel regulations.
No:
Club News
Matt goldsmith
Editor’s Column
[email protected]
Welcome to January’s edition of Straight Six. A
happy new year to you all! This month’s cover
feature is an M feast. We examine the E30, E46
and E82 M models owned by our Members – a
theme I’d like to continue throughout 2014. It
doesn’t matter whether it is an M model or not, I’d
like to see more Members cars featured – so if you
would like your car, or would like to recommend a
car for a feature; please get in touch.
We also review our time at the NEC Classic
Motor Show. Our most successful NEC show
to date is a tribute to the hard work put in by
the staff and Members who attended over the
weekend. We take our first look at the i3; BMWs
first toe to be dipped in the EV market. You may
get all nostalgic as you remember what sunshine
was when reading Richard’s Monterey Car Week
feature and we take a look at what the boys and
girls in South Wales have been up to during 2013.
Our technical guru, Andy Everett, takes the 428i
for a spin – can it ever replace the 3 Series in our
hearts?
As you will see below, we have teamed up
with Classic Grand Touring to provide Members
with a couple of unique experiences in 2014. As
a Club we have many events planned, there is
definitely something for everyone this year. As
usual, if you have any articles or ideas, please
email me at the above address – this is your Club,
your Straight Six – so get involved! Matt
Welsh Weekend
Prices announced
BUY 2 OR MORE TYRES
AND CLAIM A FUEL GIFT
CARD WORTH UP TO £50.
SAVE
ONMORE
FUEL
WITH BMW CAR CLUB
BUY 4 OR
TYRES
AND CLAIM
A FUEL GIFT
GREAT
BRITAIN
AND MICHELIN TYRES
CARD WORTH UP TO £75*.
BUY 2 OR MORE TYRES
CARD WORTH UP TO £50.
BUY 4 OR MORE TYRES
CARD WORTH UP TO £75*.
Tell us about your tyre
purchasing experience at:
www.tyre-dealer-reviews.co.uk
Tell us about your tyre
purchasing experience at:
*Buy 2 or more 13" or 14" and claim a £10 Fuel Gift Card.
Buy 2 or more 15" or 16" and claim a £15 Fuel Gift Card.
Buy 2 or more 17" and above and claim a £50 Fuel Gift Card.
www.tyre-dealer-reviews.co.uk
Purchase necessary. Offer applies to car, van and 4x4 tyres only.
Valid from 1 March until 31 December 2013. Terms and conditions apply. See inside for details.
www.michelin.co.uk
*Buy 2 or more 13" or 14" and claim a £10 Fuel Gift Card.
Buy 2 or more 15" or 16" and claim a £15 Fuel Gift Card.
BMWs on Tour
Purchase necessary. Offer applies to car, van
andonto
4x4 Burgundy,
tyres only. where we will have a chance to tour
then
Valid from 1 March until 31 December 2013. Terms and conditions apply. See inside for details.
www.michelin.co.uk
We are delighted that Club
Member, Thomas
Brimblecombe, who heads up Classic Grand Touring is to
be working closely alongside the Club. Thomas’ company
draws on over 30 year’s of experience in taking groups
away on luxury driving tours to Europe’s finest motoring
racing events.In 2014, two tours will be on offer to the
Club, the aim being for them both to be exclusive BMW
Car Club (GB) trips. The first is to France’s longest running
historic race, the l’Age d’Or held at Dijon in June. The
tour is not just about the racing though, it takes via an
overnight in Champagne via carefully selected routes and
the countryside with some interesting visits along the
way. At the event we will be granted exclusive parking
and parade laps of the circuit.The second tour will round
the years motoring off in October, when we go a little
further afield to the South West of France and the Nogaro
circuit. Two overnight stops are planned for the route
down. We stay near to the circuit where we have three
or four track sessions to enjoy the circuit. As well as a
rally around the local roads.As a Club, we really want to
get behind events such as these to heighten the social
side. So why not give one of these tours a try? Speak to
Thomas for more details 01483 281282.
We have secured and exclusive deal with the Park
Lodge hotel in Aberystwyth for the popular Welsh
Weekend event in May. With the option of one, two
or three nights; accommodation includes bed and
breakfast for the duration of your stay, as well as an
evening meal on Saturday night.
Prices based on two people sharing:
1 Night: (Saturday) including evening meal £164.00
2 Nights: Including Saturday evening meal £259.00 3 Nights: Including Saturday evening meal £354.00
Prices based on single occupancy:
1 Night: (Saturday) including evening meal £119.50
2 Nights: Including Saturday evening meal £204.50 3 Nights: Including Saturday evening meal £289.50
Places are limited, so book early to avoid
disappointment. Call the Club office on 01970 267989
to secure your place on next year’s Welsh Weekend.
12
The finesT selecTion of modern
classic BmW’s availaBle anyWhere
2000 Z8 Roadster
Titanium silver / red Black leather
9,500 miles. £149,995
BMW Z4 M Coupe
midnight Blue / Black nappa leather
20,200 miles. £23,995
2008 Z4 M Coupe
ruby Black/ Black nappa leather
18,800 miles £24,995
2006 M6
indianapolis red/sepang leather
24,700 miles. £24,995
2001 M5
le mans Blue/silverstone leather
16,200 miles. £27,995
2004 BMW M3 CSL
Black Sapphire / Reflex Cloth Laser
29,800 miles. £53,995
2005 E46 M3 CS
carbon Black/cinnamon leather
31,900 miles. £27,995
2004 M3 CSL
Silver Grey / Reflex Cloth Laser
36,300 miles. £46,995
2003 BMW E46 M3 CSL
Silver Grey / Reflex Cloth
55,700 miles. £35,995
2005 BMW M3 E46 SMG
alpine / Black leather leather
2,000 miles. £39,950
2005 BMW E46 M3 SMG Coupe
silverstone/ navy individual leather
12,950 miles, £24,995
2006 BMW E46 M3 Convertible
carbon Black / imola red nappa
25,100 miles. £23,995
2007 BMW M3 Convertible
carbon Black / Black nappa leather
18,600 miles. £22,995
2006 M3 Convertible
imola red/Black nappa
37,500 miles. £20,995
1990 M3 LHD Convertible
macau Blue / grey nappa leather
79,500 miles. £29,995
BMW E30 3 Series
alpine White / indigo leather
62,986 miles. £8,995
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8348 5151
W W W. h e x a g o n m o d e r n s . c o m
Viewpoint
Thoughts from the
A
BMW Boardroom
very Happy New Year to you all. This year marks
a momentous anniversary and, appropriately in
my view, we are all going to hear a lot about the
centenary of the start of the Great War.
This five year conflict was the most devastating in
terms of lives lost, the most mechanized war to date
and the aftermath fundamentally changed the world
order and shaped the century to come.
The automobile was involved in the events that led
up to the struggle when Archduke Franz Ferdinand of
Austria was assassinated in the back of a Gräf & Stift
open limousine during a state visit to Bosnia on June 28
1914. Just over a month later battle lines were drawn.
Whilst BMW as an entity was still a twinkle in
the eyes of its creators, the company’s founding fathers
were all involved in the nascent business of aero
engines in 1914. Aeroplanes were a sporting challenge
up until the outbreak of war but military commanders
quickly realised their potential in the theatre of war, first
for photography and spying but later for more damaging
aerial combat. The demands of the military encouraged
fast development of aero engines to achieve both a
speed and an altitude advantage.
It was into this environment that the newly-formed
BMW found itself embroiled and the first product to
bear the blue and white roundel was a six-cylinder
14
water-cooled unit, a layout that has remained close to
BMW’s heart ever since. The 19-litre BMW IIIa engine
started production in 1917 and was immediately found
to offer a superior rate of climb. Alongside its competitor
unit from Daimler the new BMW unit could reach 3,000
metres in 7.00 minutes compared to 13.49 minutes for
its competitor unit from Daimler. At 5,000 metres the
difference was even more obvious: the Daimler engine
took 38.05 minutes to the BMW engine’s 14 minutes,
before the latter soared on up to 6,000 metres, a height
not possible for the Daimler unit. Both engines powered a
Fokker D VII airframe for these tests.
The man behind the BMW IIIa was Max Friz, an
engineer blessed with mechanical genius and business
acumen in equal measure. His achievements included
work on the 1914 French Grand Prix-winning Mercedes
engine and various Daimler aero engines that marked
him out as a talent, but his move to BMW in 1917 was
his last: he was appointed to the Board in 1923 and
remained with the company until his retirement in 1945.
His breakthrough with BMW’s first engine was to
design a high altitude carburettor that allowed the IIIa
TIM aBBoTT CEo of BMW uK
engine to maintain power and performance in the air,
whereas other aero engines of the period lost power
in the thinner atmosphere. This multi-stage device
permitted a constant balance to be maintained between
air and fuel flow and was controlled by two cockpit
levers by the pilot as required. The German Ministry of
supply was sufficiently impressed to order 2,500 units
of the BMW IIIa but only 591 examples of the were
produced before the armistice following which the allies
issued a ban on aero engine production.
The BMW IIIa did however leave a legacy beyond
its short-lived military prowess. In 1919, and in
contravention of allied rules, a young pilot, Zeno Diemer,
took off from Munich’s Oberwiesenfeld airstrip and flew
a DFW biplane to a new altitude record of 9,760 metres.
The 95th anniversary of this first record in BMW’s
pantheon of achievements takes place in June.
Not for the last time BMW fell into survival mode
following the ban on production of its only product. Friz
examined the opportunities for a motorcycle engine
and created the now famous ‘boxer’ twin that powered
BMW’s first motorcycle, the R32, in 1923. With this
second important product Friz helped the company
remain solvent until it could once again produce
profitable aero engines. During the 1920s BMW not
only produced a reputable range of motorcycles but also
a V12 engine, the BMW VI, that would power seaplanes
and achieve long distance flying records. Almost 6,000
were made between 1925 and 1939.
Perhaps most significantly of all, 85 years ago
in 1929, the first car bearing the weiss-blau roundel
– the 3/15 – took its public bow. Formerly named the
Dixi after the Eisenach company taken over by BMW,
it was essentially an Austin Seven built under licence.
The BMW 3/15 was progressively modified through
four incarnations to become almost unrecognizable
from its more humble beginnings.
Despite its diminutive size and small engine,
BMW achieved its first international sporting victory
with this car in August 1929 when three works
entries won the team prize in the Alpenfahrt, the first
International Alpine Rally jointly organised by the
automobile clubs of Germany, Switzerland, Austria
and Italy. Covering 500 kms a day for five days, this
gruelling endurance event provided BMW with a
sporting halo within its first year as an automobile
manufacturer courtesy of drivers Willi Wagner,
Albert Kandt and Max Buchner. What better way to
demonstrate the company’s intent?
BMW would repeat this Alpine success five years
later with an altogether more sporting model, the 315/1
Roadster, a success that would lead to AFN signing an
importer contract to sell BMW cars and motorcycles in
the UK. But that and other BMW anniversaries in 2014
will have to wait until next month, along with a few
words on the business year 2013.
BMW Insurance
Insured Warranty
The Ultimate
Driving Machine
PREPARE FOR
THE UNEXPECTED.
BMW INSURED WARRANTY.
BMW Insured Warranty helps protect you from unexpected surprises, and ensures your uninterrupted
driving pleasure. Repairs will always be carried out by an Authorised BMW Dealer or BMW Dealer Approved
Bodyshop, using only genuine BMW parts. Ultimately flexible, you choose the cover level, the excess and
the payment terms that most suit you. A BMW Insured Warranty helps give you peace of mind.
Find out how BMW can help you plan for what might be around the corner, visit www.bmw-warranty.co.uk/cc
or call 0845 641 9790.
BMW INSURANCE.
THE FINAL COMPONENT.
BMW Insured Warranty is underwritten by AGA International SA and administered in the UK by Mondial Assistance (UK) Limited. BMW Insured Warranty Services is a trading name of Mondial Assistance
(UK) Limited. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
BMW News
2 Series M Performance Parts
As with every announcement of a new model, the M
Performance package follows shortly after. This month,
BMW have applied the same tried and tested method
to the soon-to-be-released 2 Series Coupé. Much like
the 1 Series Coupé, the aggressive styling upgrades
can also be combined with a plethora of performance
and interior modifications on models ranging from the
220d to the hotly anticipated 235i.
The performance package will increase the
output of the 220d by 16bhp and 40Nm without
affecting fuel efficiency. An M Performance exhaust
will also be available for the 235i, which, in BMW’s
words “reduces exhaust gas pressure to produce a
striking, sports-style sound.” However, details of any
increases in performance have yet to be released.
One area of interest is the M Performance limited
slip differential (LSD) for the 235i. A torque-sensitive
diff that is certain to increase the drivability once the
dynamic stability control (DSC) is deactivated.
M Performance suspension lowers the ride by
20mm on shorter springs and uprated dampers, whilst
the brake calipers can also be upgraded and painted
a variety of colours. For those who don’t drive on potholed British roads, there are two 19-inch
wheel options for you to choose from.
Inside the cabin, the Alcantara/
carbon finished steering
wheel with red central
marking and race display is an expensive, yet pleasing
addition to the M range. Further Alcantara and carbon
options are available for the gaiter, gear selector and
handbrake.
The M Performance options will be available for
launch in March 2014. Please contact your local dealer
for details.
Extensive
DTM test
in Jerez
BMW Motorsport has successfully completed the final
DTM test of the year. The BMW drivers covered over
5,000 kilometres at the “Circuito de Velocidad” in Jerez
de la Frontera, southern Spain. The programme featured
numerous functions, systems and chassis tests, as well
as long runs on prime and option tyres. The engineers
were also able to test several set-up variants, which
they were unable to run during the 2013 season due to
the limited practice time on race weekends.
Augusto Farfus, Bruno Spengler, Timo Glock, Joey
Hand, Martin Tomczyk and Maxime Martin were in
action from Sunday to Thursday in the BMW M3 DTM.
BMW driver Jens Klingmann, whose outings this year
included the Nürburgring 24 Hours with BMW Team
16
Schubert, made his debut at the wheel of a DTM car.
Red Bull Junior, António Félix da Costa, also
enjoyed his first outing in the BMW M3 DTM. “That
was a very good experience. The standard in the DTM
is incredibly high, and BMW Motorsport is extremely
professional. That much was clear from the word
go. The BMW M3 DTM is great fun – and is much
quicker than I expected. It generates an awful lot of
downforce for a car with a roof. That surprised me. We
made progress with every stint, and I felt more and
more at home. The conditions were perfect for getting
to know a new car for the first time. The team made
me feel very welcome and the engineers supported me
really well. All in all, it was a really productive test.”
One noticeable absentee was British driver,
Andy Priaulx. As motorsport in North America
enters a new era in 2014 with the United SportsCar
Championship (USCC), Priaulx will line up for BMW
Motorsport in a Team RLL Z4GTE in the GT Le
Mans class. After the new car’s successful debut
in the final season of the American Le Mans Series
(ALMS) in 2013, Team Principal Bobby Rahal’s
outfit will now be in action in the USCC for BMW
Motorsport and BMW of North America. The
first highlight of the new season is on 25th/26th
January 2014: the 24 Hours of Daytona. Priaulx and
BMW Team RLL won the GT class at the 12 Hours
of Sebring together in 2011.
Take your BMW shopping.
www.ac-schnitzer.co.uk/shop
Merry Christmas from
MINI News - By Ian Martin, MINI Register
O
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
n Monday 18th November, the 107th
birthday of the Classic Mini designer
Sir Alec Issigonis MINI unveiled the next
generation of the MINI hatchback the F56!
Contemporary evolution of classic MINI design,
with improved features and higher quality
Debut of new ground-breaking three & fourcylinder engines
State-of-the-art connectivity and premium
technology, including new driver assistance
equipment
New interactive display concept using LEDs
Outstanding MINI handling makes it even more fun
to drive
Built in Oxford with the UK market launch in Spring
2014
Pricing from £15,300 OTR
Even though the F56 is instantly recognisable, which
comes from having such a globally identifiable design, it
is completely new from the ground up! Every component
has been back to the drawing board in an effort to
optimise its function, performance and style the result
is ‘The New Original’, a MINI which is distinctly familiar
but enhanced in every single way. It features significant
improvements in technology, engine efficiency and power
delivery, driving dynamics, and quality with of course
personalisation.
outside the body of the new MINI is 3,821mm
long (MINI Cooper S is 3,850mm), 1,727mm wide and
1,414mm tall, making it 98mm longer, 44mm wider and
7mm taller than its predecessor. The wheelbase has
also been extended by 28mm, while the track width has
been enlarged at the front by 42mm and at the rear by
34mm. but despite the changes; the new car has classic
MINI proportions, an instantly familiar design that’s
packed with character.
Inside the F56’s exterior dimensions mean greater
room for up to four occupants with their luggage,
including enhanced shoulder space and larger footwells.
The front seats have been given a wider adjustment
range, and the base has been lengthened by 23mm
for additional comfort and support, a greater choice of
fabric or leather finishes, or a combination of both, is
availableThe iconic central instrument now has extended
functionality which depending on the optional equipment
chosen, it can serve as a four-line TFT display as standard
or optional colour screen up to 8.8-inches showing vehicle
functions, infotainment, navigation with MINI Connected
services.
Powertrains the F56 features a new range of
three and four engines, each featuring MINI Twin-Power
Turbo Technology to increase driving fun and improve
environmental efficiency. The F56 Cooper has a threecylinder petrol engine with a peak output of 134bhp
with the F56 Cooper S powered by a four-cylinder petrol
engine which develops 189bhp. The F56 Cooper D Hatch
comes with a three-cylinder diesel engine with an output
of 114bhp for fuel efficiency this model is the undoubted
star performer, with average combined economy of
80.7mpg using the EU test cycle. A six-speed manual
transmission is standard featuring rev matching on
downward shifts and a six-speed automatic transmission
is available as an option on each engine.
New technology the F56 signals the introduction
of a range of technologies which are making their brand
debut, such as the MINI Head-Up-Display which shows
information relevant to the driver on an extendable
monitor in the upper section of the dashboard. The
new is the Driving Assistant option, a camera-based
cruise control and distance control function which
automatically maintains a predetermined distance from
the vehicle ahead, including a collision and pedestrian
warning system with initial brake function, road sign
detection and high-beam assistant, a rear view camera
and parking assistant are also available for the new
MINI for the first time.
Owning four MINI’s over the first and second
generations there are a few things I like and not
sure about the F56, I won’t say dislike as not
having seen the F56 in the flesh or driven it I can’t
really say if I’d have one or not! But that’s not
really an issue yet as won’t even be considering
trading in the GP for another three to four years.
What I like:
• The new engines and gearboxes.
• The new technology
• The new MINI Connected services
• The styling of the Cooper models
• The new speedo/tacho/fuel gauge in-front of
the driver
What I’m not sure about:
• The colour range in general I find a bit dull and
unexciting except for the Volcanic Orange and
Blazing Red.
• The increase in overall size.
• Some of the interior of the details, such as the
vents, the centre instrument display on the
base models looks a bit cheap to me!
• Repositioning of the window switches to the
doors, the centre consul position seemed a bit
more MINI to me!
• The front brake ducts on the Cooper S just
don’t go with the general styling of the new
front end.
Third generation MINI
F56 unveiled –
‘The New original’
Pricing OTR cost
18
Personal Thoughts on the F56
MINI Cooper Hatch
£15,300
MINI Cooper D Hatch
£16,450
MINI Cooper S Hatch
£18,650
BMW Classic
BMW Park Lane
BECAUSE PASSION
IS TIMELESS.
BMW Park Lane offer a unique service to the UK market for owners of classic and historic BMW cars,
offering the opportunity to purchase the parts to keep these highly-treasured and valuable vehicles on the road.
The service has access to the exclusive BMW Classic Catalogue which currently extends to 34,000 parts.
At BMW Park Lane we have restored a number of models to showroom condition. Most recent of which was
a 1979 E21 3 Series. Replacing all exterior trims, many body panels, even locating the original fabric to re-trim
the seats in Munich. The most recent restoration won Best Pre 1980 car at the BMW Car Club Show at Gaydon.
To contact the BMW Classic team call 020 7963 5650, or visit our website
www.bmwparklane.com/classic for further information.
BMW Park Lane Battersea
102-104 Stewarts Road
Battersea, London SW8 4UY
020 7963 5650
www.bmwparklane.com/classic
The Ultimate
Driving Machine
Product Line
gaZ ‘gold’ Coil over
Suspension with top
mounts kit for BMW E36
BMW 4 series Coupé by Kelleners Sport
Leading suspension specialists GAZ have a long
standing record of successful suspension upgrades for
the ever-popular BMW E36 three series, and now you
can purchase their GAZ Gold fully adjustable coilovers
complete with high performance billet top mounts.
The GAZ Gold kit is suitable for serious track
or competition vehicles although it can also be used
on street cars if you are prepared to trade excellent
handling for a harder ride.
The GAZ Gold units are bump and rebound
adjustable and can be adjusted while on the vehicle by
means of easily accessible adjusters.
The Gold range comes with a gas cell in the outer
reservoir filled with a high viscosity index multi grade
oil to prevent cavitation and reduce fade in motor
racing conditions.
Ride height is adjustable through 60mm of
adjustment and the units are plated (either zinc plated
or black nickel) and fitted with anodised adjusters for
long life. The front and rear billet aluminium top mounts
provide a firmer and therefore more positive location
for the coilovers as opposed to the standard rubber
mounts.
All units are individually tested before leaving the
factory and covered by a 2 year warranty.
GAZ Coilover kit with front & rear billet top mounts for
the BMW E36 retails at £1061.41plus VaT.
(A saving of £117.93 over buying the parts individually)
For further details visit the gaZ website: www.gazshocks.com
B-g Racing Low Rise
Vehicle Ramps
Ideal for use on lowered vehicles and race cars, the
Low Rise Vehicle Ramps allow for easier and safer
access for trolley jacks to the underside of such
vehicles. Produced from durable black
Polypropylene (PP). Sold in pairs. Considrably cheaper than the metal
ones on the market!
RRP - £45.82 + VAT (£54.99 inc.VaT)
For more details contact Brown & geeson Ltd. +44 (0) 1268 764411 or visit their website: www.b-gdirect.com
When it comes to bringing new products to the merket, German master tuners, Kelleners Sport can be as
quick as the cars it produces. To prove the point Kelleners have just released their upgrades for the brand new
BMW 4 Series Coupé (F32).
Various wheel and tyre combinations in 19 and 20 inch diameter (Hamburg wheel shown), power
increases and the first interior accessories are already available.
Further products such as sport exhausts, suspension solutions, upholstery and sport steering wheels are
in preparation and will be available soon.
With this comprehensive package, Kelleners Sport can enhance both the dynamics and the individuality
of any BMW 4 series coupé.
available in the uK from autoenhance, Kelleners official uK distributors For prices and fitting requirements call - 0208 5989115
More power for the new BMW 50i turbo engine and M135i
Kelleners Sport have just released two new power increase modules for BMWs. The first is for the new 50i turbo
engine as used in...
550i GT F07 (from 07/2012), 650i/650i xDrive F06, 650i/650i xDrive F12/F13 (from 07/2012),
750i/750Li xDrive (from 07/2012): The performance improvements are as follows:
Power 527hp (factory: 450hp), Torque 761Nm (factory: 650Nm)
The second is for the M135i / M135i xDrive F20/F21: Power 374hp (factory: 320hp) Torque 526Nm (factory: 450Nm)
Power modules from Kelleners Sport provide a more immediate response, more torque, greater pulling power and,
of course, better acceleration. The Kellener modules can be fitted without changing or modifying existing parts. The plug-and-drive system
using the manufacturer’s original connectors, means easy and quick installation. The module can also be removed
completely without leaving a trace. Retail price from £1795 incl. VaT
available in the uK from autoenhance, Kelleners official uK distributors who can also provide fitting services at their Romford fitting centre close to the M25 motorway.
B-g Racing Folding utility Station
The Folding Utility Work Station from B-G Racing is a must-have product for all workshops with its multifunctioning capabilities.
The work station incorporates a tray on the top to hold a small selection of tools, a paper roll holder, a waste
bin bag holder and an area for a 300mm x 400mm Euro bin to be fitted and store your consumables. The work station is fitted with 75mm diameter wheels which
allow ease of movement around the garage or workshop. The folding design makes transportation of the work station
easy and keeps storage space to a minimum. Manufactured from high-grade mild steel with a durable silver
grey powder-coated finish.
RRP – £109.99+VAT (£131.99 inc.VaT)
For more details contact Brown & geeson Ltd. +44 (0) 1268 764411 or visit their website: www.b-gdirect.com
20
SEE THE VALUE IN
BMW VALUE SERVICE.
Competitive pricing, outstanding quality and complete peace-of-mind: take a closer look at BMW Value Service.
Oil services cost £179 for all BMW 1 Series and selected 3 Series models over four years old, and £209 for
selected 5 Series models over four years old. As well as including parts, labour and VAT, these costs also
include replacing the microfilters, a key part of your BMW’s service schedule.
A BMW front or rear brake pad replacement is equally good value. The all-inclusive prices start at £169 for
BMW 1 and 3 Series models, and £149 for 5 Series models. Your vehicle will be returned washed, vacuumed
and with a BMW stamp in the service book. Value Service with BMW workmanship.
To find your nearest Dealer or for more information, please visit www.bmw.co.uk/valueservice
Participating Dealers only. Offer valid until 31 March 2014. 1 Series / 3 Series prices available for all E81 3-door, E87 5-door, E82 Coupé and E88 Convertible 1 Series models over
4 years of age and all E90 Saloon, E91 Touring, E92 Coupé and E93 Convertible 3 Series models over 4 years of age and 5 Series prices available for all models over 4 years of age
excluding 550i, 545i and 540i. Excludes M Power vehicles. Brake pad replacement price is not applicable for 135i or 335i & d or 535d models. Prices include parts, labour and VAT.
OUR TOP 10
DRIVING TOURS
#1
LAON HISTORIQUE
6th to 9th June - from £189.00-£299.00 Per Person
#2
LAKE GARDA & STELVIO PASS
June, July & Sept - 10 /12 Days from £699.00 Per Person
#3
IRELAND’S CAUSEWAY COAST
May, June, July & Sept - 5 Days, 4 Nights from £399.00 Per Person
#4
CHAMPAGNE, CHOCOLATES & BEER
April thru Sept - 4 Days, 3 Nights from £169.00 Per Person
#5
JERSEY MOTORING FESTIVAL
5th to 9th June - 5 Days, 4 Nights from £379.00 Per Person
#6
BRUGES & BRUSSELS CLASSIC
22nd to 25th August - 4 Days, 3 Nights - From £289.00 Per Person
#7
HONFLEUR & NORMANDY
April & May - 4 Days, 3 Nights from £279.00 Per Person
#8
GERMANY’S BLACK FOREST
June & Sept - 9 Days, 8 Nights - From £579.00 Per Person
It’s official, Laon Historique is the biggest
pilgrimage of UK Classic Cars into Europe
for an event of this type, with over 360 cars
participating in 2013.
So why not join us on our 21st anniversary tour to the ‘annual Laon Historique’, a non
competitive event dedicated to any type of vintage, classic, sports and kit cars. The city of
Laon hosts this classic car parade of over 600 classic and vintage cars from all over Europe.
On Saturday the fun begins as all of the participants make their way to the registration point
to sign on for the weekends events. Here you’ll collect your rally plate and joining
instructions for Saturdays organised run. Then on on Sunday morning, all of the
participating cars assemble in the old town ready for the highlight of the weekend, the
‘closed street run’. As the name suggests all of the streets are closed to traffic, the route
extends over 6kms and includes a hill climb with hairpin bends as cars make thier way up
Laon’s old town. Spectators line the streets to watch the biggest cavalcade of classic cars and
sports cars in Europe.
See our selection of Easter tours - 18th to 21st April
 The New Forest - 4 Days, 3 Nights from £299.00
 Champagne, Chocolates & Beer - 4 Days, 3 Nights from £169.00
 Dutch Bulb Fields - 4 Days, 3 Nights from £349.00
 Classic Champagne Tour - 4 Days, 3 Nights from £299.00
 Honfleur & Normandy - 4 Days, 3 Nights from £279.00
5 SPECTACULAR ‘ONCE IN A LIFE
#9
SWISS ALPS & STELVIO PASS
5th to 14th Sept - 12 Days, 11 Nights - From £1159.00 Per Person
#10
GRAND TOUR OF IRELAND
26th Aug to 6th Sept - 12 Days, 11 Nights - From £899.00 Per Person
CALL US ON  01732 879153
EVERYONE WANTS TO DRIVE THE STELVIO
28-31 March
4 Days, 3 Nights (+Fly Drive Option)
The Stelvio Pass at 2757m is one
of the highest and most dramatic
mountain passes in the Alps and
at the top of every driving
enthusiasts ‘must do list’.
Best approached from the north west
you’ll experience the drive down the
famous switchbacks driving through
the heart of the Stelvio National Park
before starting the descent, taking
you through some great stretches of
alpine forest and fast sweeping roads
prior to your arrival at the foot of the
pass. The drive down to Bormio is a
spectacular drive and has a number of
good vantage points to stop and take
pictures of the valley.
We have several tours that include
the Stelvio Pass, including our Italian
Lakes Tours (Lake Garda, & Lake Como),
the Swiss Alps, Ultimate Italy and our
themed tour ‘In the footsteps of 007’.
From £259.00 Per Person
MONACO HISTORIQUE GRAND PRIX
9 Days, 8 Nights (+Fly Drive Option)
TUSCANY BY MOTORAIL
9 or 16 Nights
6-14 May
April, May & September
From £1399.00-£2249.00 Per Person
SPA CLASSIC
16-19 May
4 Days, 3 Nights
SORRENTO & AMALFI COAST BY MOTORAIL April, May & Sept
9 & 16 Nights
From £1399.00-£2249.00 Per Person
D-DAY 70th ANNIVERSARY TOURS
April, June & Sept
4 Days, 3 Nights
GUERNSEY & JERSEY 2 ISLAND TOUR
16 May & 12 Sept
8 Days, 7 Nights
GERMANY’S ROMANTIK ROAD
9 Days, 8 Nights
CHATEAUX OF THE LOIRE VALLEY
5 or 6 Nights
MONSCHAU & EIFFEL MOUNTAINS
4 Days, 3 Nights
TWO HISTORIC MOTORSPORT
EVENTS IN ONE GREAT TOUR
LAKE COMO & STELVIO PASS
10 Days, 9 Nights
EDINBURGH & SCOTTISH BORDERS
4 Days, 3 Nights
MONACO HISTORIQUE & THE MILLE MIGLIA
PITLOCHRY & THE CAIRNGORMS
6th to 21st May - 16 Days, 15 Nights from £1849.00
The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique - This event
celebrates its 9th aniversary in 2014, an unmissable
event for classic motorsport fanatics. Enjoy the sights
and sounds of some of the amazing cars from the
golden age of motor racing as the drivers tackle the
twists and turns of this famous street circuit, still using the same roads as the very first race in April 1929.
The Mille Miglia - Possibly the greatest car race in
the world. This thousand mile rally around Italy, the
quintessential race in a country that can rightly claim
the greatest passion for the motorcar. This year, the
Mille Miglia 2014 will be a four-day event from 15th
to 18th May. Only the cars selected from the models
which took part in the original race can participate in
the Mille Miglia.
A 2 night stop over in Motor Valley is also included
with visits to Lamborghini Factory & Ferrari Museum.
OTHER TOURS FOR 2014 INCLUDE
TECHNO CLASSICA, ESSEN
5 Days, 4 Nights
Monaco Historique Grand Prix
THE RHINE & MOSELLE
7 Days, 6 Nights
11-19 May
22 May & 6 Sept
23-26 May
4 June & 17 September
June & August
8 June & 31 August
11-16 June
SCOTTISH ISLANDS & HIGHLANDS 13 June & 5 September
11 Days, 10 Nights
DUTCH WINDMILLS & WATERWAYS
4 Days, 3 Nights
LE MANS 24 HEURES
3-6 Nights
LAKES & MOUNTAINS OF AUSTRIA
12 Days, 11 Nights
LE MANS CLASSIC
3-6 Nights
Mille Miglia, Brescia
13 & 27 June
9-15 June
4-15 July
3-6 July
NORWEGIAN FJORDS & ATLANTIC ROAD
17-28 August
13 Days, 12 Nights (+Fly Drive Option) From £1899.00 Per Person
PRAGUE & CESKY KRUMLOV
10 Days, 9 Nights
14-23 Sept
Motor Valley Tour Included
TIME’ DRIVING ADVENTURES
THE GREAT DOLOMITES ROAD
10 Days, 9 Nights
COPENHAGEN & ORESUND CROSSING
12-17 September
ANGOULEME ‘CIRCUIT DES REMPARTS’
18-23 September
6 Days, 5 Nights
6 Days, 5 Nights
THE ULTIMATE ITALIAN TOUR
18 Days, 17 Nights
www.sceniccartours.com
6-15 September
18 Sept - 5 October
VERSAILLES & PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE
4 Days, 3 Nights
YPRES WW1 100th ANNIVERSARY TOUR
4 Days, 3 Nights
3-6 October
24-27 October
Show Report
Setting up is complete
NEC Classic
Words Steve haslam Photos Matt goldsmith, Derek Binsted, Michael Barron
What a challenge…..
Having hung up his hub-caps after last year’s
show we faced the unenviable task of following in
Ross Harris’ footsteps – fortunately without a blind
clue of what putting on this show entailed.
What with the changes within the ranks let alone
the relocation of the office and a completely new
office Staff who had virtually only just got over their
first Gaydon festival experience, the planning for the
NEC Classic started in earnest. As luck would have it
our club has many real stalwarts who come to the fore
at times like this and once again delivered a fantastic
display to do the Club proud.
The cars selected were first and foremost to
be Members cars and were selected due to their
importance within the BMW’s strategy, so each car had
a story board about the model and its place within the
Company’s history. Each car was presented superbly
and even a few owners from the Meguiars stand were
envious – a real credit to the owners so big thanks to
Sam, Sheamus, Steve B, Viv B, Ian and Tracy.
In addition as this year’s NEC Classic Theme was
“Reunited” we had Alan Leighton with his BRCA Radio
controlled models ably assisted by Lucy who provided
real entertainment for the kids and adults enabling
them to reunite with their youth – this proved a real
success and was certainly a crowed puller.
Much as the stand provided a great static display
– just see the photographs our primary aim was to
meet and greet members and convert non-members
and it gives me enormous pleasure to say we achieved
far better than our initial target by smashing the last
year’s signings significantly with 65 new members
– you are all most welcome. Thanks for this in no
small part to the terrific contributions from David Frith
and the Office contingent of Glenys and Chelsea and
in particular, Jenn who reaped the rewards for all
the pre-show planning and organisation which ran
faultlessly the whole show.
These were supported by those members who
came on various days to help and none more so than
Tracy and Simon along with John Castle, Matt, Jamal,
Neil, Viv, Norman, Jane, Chris Birkett and finally (but
“Mine’s in the mag again, Jamal”
24
by no means least) Jane for all the behind the scenes
work in the proceeding weeks. We had a very busy
few days on the stand and met some very interesting
people, many of whom we hope to build relations for
the benefit of Club members in the near future.
In addition, and somewhat perversely given
the 6.30am starts, and being on our feet until gone
6.00pm, we actually all enjoyed the event, if not a
little stressful at times, and the smiles all round told
their own stories.
So from a standing start we managed to deliver
and once again we are punching well above our
weight competing with the likes of Porsche and
Mercedes stands; clubs that have nearly three times
our membership so just imagine where your Club could
be in the future!
One final thanks on behalf of the Board to all the
above and take a well-earned rest and now let the
photographs tell more than words…
Thank you to all the team!
Final preparations before opening
Refreshments for
Members and staff
Show Report
The girls get ready to
sign new members
We’ve still got a ton of models to sell
Cars are prepared
and polished
It gives me
enormous pleasure to
say we achieved far
better than our initial
target by smashing
the last year’s signings
significantly with 65
new members
There’s always time for Concours judging
Brewer and China
were there all
weekend
The new stand
was a success
CaRS oN ThE CLuB STaND
3.0 CSL
SAM LEVER
2002tii
SHEAMUS O’DONOVAN
E30 318i
STEVE BOSTOCK
E36 ACC
VIV BOSTOCK
Z1
IAN MAGNANI
Z3
TRACY BOULTER
GT
DAVID FRITH
Viv’s E36 was a last
minute addition
65 new
Members
joined
Members new and old
were welcomed
The crowds flood in
Little and Large 1:1 and 1:5
Competition was hot
amongst staff too
The theme of “Reuniting” was apt
25
Show Report
Hungry for BMWs?
Steve’s E30
The original Mini
Nothing was left unclean
once again we are punching
well above our weight competing
with the likes of Porsche and
Mercedes stands; clubs that
have nearly three times our
membership
The Supersport stood out
Rear of the year?
The almighty Enzo
1960’s Lamborghini
Sheamus’ immaculate 2002tii
Our BMW brothers were also there
Not every old car
is a classic
A proper racer
Another straight-six
Not just road
cars at the
NEC
26
SIZE DOESN’T MATTER
BUT THE RIGHT INSURANCE
DOES
A great new benefit for BMW Car Club members.
Our policies come with some great benefits as standard. We offer agreed values (for vehicles over 5 years old). Limited
mileage discounts; the less you use your car, the less you pay. Multi-vehicle policies; we’ll look to insure other vehicles
you have at an extra discount. Free club arranged track days, with all other track days on a referrable basis. There’s
also UK roadside and assistance breakdown cover included as standard on all our policies. You’ll also get an additional
discount for being a BMW Car Club member.
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
27
Dan Norris
Dan Norris
T
Crisis? What Crisis?
he end of another
year, and here we
are again, more
political
disagreement.
This time, it’s the fallout from the chancellor’s autumn
statement combined with the Christmas sales figures,
and politicians from each side of the political spectrum
are arguing about the economic recovery: what sort
of recovery are we having? Who is benefitting from
it? Are we actually having a recovery at all? Most
importantly, are things changing in the real world?
Certainly from the little corner of the Global Village
that is Munich Legends, I can report that the signs are
good. The shops in the nearest town are closing at a
slower rate, the pubs are full and the thirty five estate
agents seem to be doing a roaring trade.
On a national scale apparently even our banks are
making a profit (from us) again, which is nice. Don’t
get me wrong; whilst I’ve understood the resentment
directed at ‘the bankers’ during the financial crisis,
I haven’t wanted them to go away. They earn their
money, pay their taxes (we hope), and travel down to
Chelwood Gate to buy a BMW. This money then pays
wages and suppliers, more tax, and feeds into the
local economy. So, what’s not to like? No, please don’t
write in.
Of course, bankers aren’t silly. They know how
little interest they pay us out on our savings – and
theirs - of course. They know the rate doesn’t pay
enough to feed a gerbil. And even then we pay tax
on it. They also know that cars really are becoming a
recognised investment option, and not just a vague
theory to try to justify an apparently frivolous purchase
to your other half. It even said so in the Sunday Times,
so it must be true.
But for many of you, this isn’t news. What is news
is that more and more collectors are turning to BMW
as the latest ‘must have’ classic. Let’s not forget, whilst
Ferrari, Porsche and others have been universally prized
for decades, BMW is a relative newcomer to the wider
classic scene, a marque usually admired by aficionados
and overlooked by the rest.
The collectors’ search for the Next Big Thing, and
a broader, growing passion amongst a new generation
of enthusiasts, has kept BMW prices consistently
strong, whereas in previous recessions we have seen
huge instability in the classic car market (E-type Jags
in the early nineties anyone?). At Munich Legends
the evidence is clear: in 2013, selling on behalf of our
customers, we’ve achieved record prices for models like
the E24 M6, M3 CSL and M3 Sport Evolution – selling
two in the last month; we’ve seen a £1/4 million M1
28
sell in a day; and we’ve witnessed a surge in interest
in newer models such as the 1M coupe, a car defying
the odds and apparently not depreciating at all. We’ve
had our strongest quarter in four years, partly due to a
feverish demand for certain models like the M3 CSL and
Z3M coupe, which are mostly sold before we even get a
chance to put them on our website.
The knock-on effect of this activity is that the
more these types of car demonstrate steady values
and demand, the more people feel comfortable
investing in maintenance and upkeep, which in turn
keeps the cars alive and kicking. The converse effect
can be lamented in the near extinction of the E12
M535i and E9 3.0L CSi models. We are seeing many
of the remaining numbers of these cars through our
restoration shop in need of care, and for the customer,
it’s obviously easier to justify the investment if the
value stays in the car.
Of course it’s not all about the money. The effect
of growing social media trends such as Facebook, the
forums and registers, and sites like Pistonheads have
transformed the ownership experience, showing a
popularity and passion for BMW that is increasing at
a huge rate and spreading across the Globe. As BMW
owners, we can connect with enthusiasts throughout
the world in an instant, sharing problems, challenges
and experiences, or videos of M5 owners in Dubai
doing burnouts in the desert.
So for enthusiasts, investors, and even BMW
specialists, the phrase ‘you never had it so good’ could
indeed apply to 2013, but what of 2014?
The general signs for the new year look positive,
with huge markets in the US opening up for cars like
the E30 M3 Sport Evo, and the internet facilitating
buyers, sellers and enthusiasts from places like Asia
and even the middle east, where the so called ‘Top
Gear effect’ on its youth is said to seriously concern
the Iranian authorities (unsurprisingly the Ayatollah
isn’t a Clarkson fan). And as banks continue to look
shaky in certain parts of Europe, a car is a great way
to keep your money safe, insured and, crucially, mobile
- particularly if you are a Greek dentist declaring
earnings of 5000 Euros a year.
Stable or appreciating prices will certainly draw
in more collectors and enthusiasts, and as the teenage
boys from BMW’s 1980s purple patch reach middle/car
collecting age, more and more of us are being tempted
to indulge our early (car) fantasies. We just need to
build that new double garage.....
Lastly, for the sake of balance I should add: the
value of investments may go up or down, and they say
past performance is not a reliable indicator of future
returns. Also the Starbuck’s coffee cup you are holding
may contain hot liquid, so do take care in 2014 when
investing, or indeed drinking coffee.
It just remains for me to wish all our readers a
safe, happy, prosperous and petrol-scented 2014.
This E24 M6 achieved a record sale price in 2013
WATERLESS ENGINE COOLANTS
For more information and to ﬁnd
your nearest Evans stockist visit
www.evanscoolants.co.uk
29
Race Days
Wanna Race?
I
f you’re reading this, then
chances are, at some point
in your life, you’ve wondered
how it would feel to be sitting
on the grid, surrounded by a
safety cage and staring down to
the first corner before the lights
go out. What’s stopping you? Is it
the cost? Can’t spare the time to
build a car? Or you simply don’t
know where to begin?
2014 sees a change in racing
regulations in the Kumho BMW
Championship as the A Class cars
are given their own separate race.
This has allowed a new, affordable
one make/model Class to be created
and launched next year. The base car
will be an E46 325ti Compact, built
to a uniform specification – which
is designed to keep costs down and
competition high.
Every car will be required to have
a safety cage, designed and built by
Custom Cages. Only Bilstein and Eibach suspension
will be allowed (subject to regulations) and the
brake parts will be from EBC - with many other parts
remaining standard. A 17-inch Kumho tyre will be the
controlled tyre. It is realistically possible to build a
competitive race car for between £4500 and £5000. If
building a car isn’t an option, it will be possible to hire
a car for around £500 per race weekend.
This new Championship will be racing at the
following circuits in 2014:
Donington Park
22nd/23rd March (TV)
Rockingham
5th/6th April
Snetterton
10th/11th May
Silvertone (INT)
7th/8th June (TV)
Brands Hatch
26th/27th July
Donington Park
23/25th August
Croft
20th/21st September
Pembrey
4th/5th October
Registrations have already been received from
Automac Ltd, Aversracers, Amspeed and HRD. For
information regards vehicle specifications and the
full regulations and a chat regards cost you can email
[email protected] or call 07767 688233
This is not an M3.
SPONSORS BMW CAR CLUB (GB)
UP TO 20% DISCOUNT OFF
FRAGRANCES & SKIN CARE
ESTEE LAUDER – CLARINS - BVLGARI - HERMES - PRADA - GUCCI ARMANI - YSL - DOLCE & GABBANA - JIMMY CHOO - ELIE SAAB
ISSEY MIYAKE - JEAN PAUL GAULTIER - THIERRY MUGLER L’OCCITANE - CRABTREE & EVELYN - TO NAME BUT A FEW!
PLUS FREE DELIVERY
GIVEN TO BMW CAR CLUB MEMBERS
CALL 01970 611 559 FOR MORE DETAILS
OR
CALL IN AND SEE US AT:
33 TERRACE ROAD, ABERYSTWYTH,
CEREDIGION SY23 2AR
This is a 1989 Brilliant Red E30 S14 M3
EMAIL: [email protected]
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ERINSPERFUMESABERYSTWYTH
Because when it comes to Buying or Selling your
BMW we’re as passionate as you are. For example,
every dealer advertising with us has been individually
approved – meaning you can buy with confidence.
Visit us today at AnyM.co.uk
Used BMW Classifieds and Parts
30
001_ERINS_QUARTER_PAGE_PRESS_AD.indd
1
9/12/13 5:33 PM
004_BMWCC_NOVEMBER_PRESS_AD_V2.indd 1
11/18/13 3:33 PM
UK Distributers for
Products
i3 Launch
The New BMW i3
F
irst impressions – it is cute, different and does
not look at all like a BMW., The only thing that
tells you that it is a BMW is the faithful roundel
at front and back. It has, what someone with a
good imagination could interpret as, kidney grills on the
front, with a chrome outer accentuated in pale blue, a
black solid inner. So there is no chance that the grill will
fall apart after 12 years or so like it has on my 7 Series.
I was told that the car was deliberately designed to look
different. They certainly succeeded!
Once the initial shock had worn off, and I studied
the car in detail, it soon became obvious that (with a
few notable exceptions) the whole concept had been
designed in the traditionally careful BMW way. It had
been properly thought out, and because it was no longer
restricted by things like large engines, gearboxes and
transmission tunnels, they could start over.
It is constructed in two main sections. The
aluminium chassis contains the drive, batteries, and
the optional 1500cc motorcycle engine if you buy
the range extender version. This means that it has a
remarkably low centre of gravity, always good if you
want to go round corners quickly. I imagine that it
handles very well in deed.
The body is a lightweight carbon fibre safety shell
that is bonded to the chassis. Because there is no
need for a “B” pillar or transmission tunnel, the floor is
flat and there is lots of internal space.
Words and Photos howard Walker
Sliding from passenger seat to driver’s seat is no
problem. At the rear, the passenger space is less than
I would like for, but as this is a short journey car, it is
adequate for purpose.
On first glance, it looked like a two door, and it
took me some time to work out that the stainless steel
plate halfway up the rear window was indeed a door
handle, and that the door opens backwards, rather
than forwards. The door handle is not accessible
unless the front door is open, so there is no chance
that it could open accidentally, as was the case with
many pre-war saloons using this type of door. With
both doors open, it presents a very large entrance
indeed. If you are a little like myself; with a portly
14 stone figure, you will need to fold the front seat
forward to enter gracefully. This is very cleverly
designed with the operating handle built into the front
headrest, which has a little slot so that you can put
your hand through it. Once in the rear seat, forward
vision is a little restricted by the large headrests.
Access to the front seats presents no problem,
with the added advantage that you can get in or out
from either side and slide across to the other one,
if you dodge the cup holders that protrude into the
space; great in our traffic ridden streets.
Sitting at the wheel, I searched for something
that looked like a control, but the only recognisable
one is the headlamp switch. It looks similar to the one
in my 635CSi. The car that I saw was being charged,
so it was not possible to examine the controls, as they
seemed to be located on two computer screens.
There was a dial between the seats, which I
understand has been fitted to many cars since 2002,
when I first rode in a 750 fitted with one. This controls
all the items that are incidental to actual driving, like
heating, radio, face book and twitter, internet and
navigator.
There are two pedals, an accelerator and a foot
brake, like any other automatic car. There is no gear stick,
as it has no gearbox, just a switch to go forward or back.
I was unable to switch on the ignition, so I am unable to
comment more on the controls.
The inside of the car was nicely appointed in a cloth
and sandalwood finish, and was light and airy. Above
BMW seems
to realise that
there are as many
reasons not to buy
an electric car as
there are
32
i3 Launch
the front seats there were two glass panels recessed in
the roof, giving 50mm extra headroom, without which
I felt that I would have banged my head if I went over
a bump. I’m only 5’9” so if you are 6’6 then you may
need to remove the glass! Other than that, the seating
position was the same as all other BMW cars, and I felt
immediately at home.
There are four different interior designs called
Standard, Loft, Lodge and suite. Loft adds £720 to the
standard price, Lodge £1116,and Suite £1476.
Now to the outside of the car. From the rear, it
looks like many other cars produced by BMW in recent
times. When you consider that the part of a BMW
most seen by the world is the back view, perhaps more
attention should be paid to it at design stage. I will say
no more.
They have taken a lead from Audi and extended it
by highlighting the rear lights with a ribbon of red on the
sides and bottom in a U shape, to differentiate it from
other makes. These lights do not seem to have much
projection on the side, so if I came upon one crossing
the road in front of me in the fog, I’d likely not see it.
Range Rovers have the same problem. The front lights
have a better side view, with the same U shaped stripe
but in white.
It was not possible to view the indicators in use,
but it looked to me that they would be hard to see at
night when the headlights were on, a common problem
with the designer lights being fitted to most modern
cars, where the headlights are so large and powerful
that they drown out the smaller indicator lights. Another
case of design taking over from functionality, and in this
case, safety.
Boot Space is quite extensive, even with the range
extender engine fitted and looks like it could take three
suitcases with ease. The bonnet, which unusually can
be opened with the key by radio, is full of equipment
under a black plastic cover. Just room for a pair of
gloves and a large hand bag I would say. The fuel cap
is opened by pressing a control inside the car. It is not
stated what the fuel tank capacity is, but it does state
that the total MPG of a car fitted with it is 470.8 and
the additional miles could be between 75 and 93. This
could indicate a tank with less than 5 litres, but the two
are not completely related, as the engine charges the
battery, so it is hard to calculate.
Overall, the build quality is typical of what you
would expect a BMW to be. Good and solid.
Pricing.
The standard car is available from £29,950 including
VAT. This includes 19-inch alloys, cloth seats, bluetooth hands-free with USB audio, business satellite
navigation, professional radio, heat protected glazing,
multi-function steering wheel in leather, rear park
distance control, rain sensor linked to the wipers and
headlights, complete with slide through lightweight
front seats. At the moment, the UK government will
give you a grant of £5000 towards the cost. The
Persuaders to Buy.
BMW seems to realise that there are as many
reasons not to buy an electric car as there are for,
so it has provided a set of what I call “persuaders”
to encourage people to buy.
These are called “BMW Electric Packages”,
and come with various offers. One allows you
to borrow a BMW or MINI if you are making a
journey over the range of the i3, or just for you to
try out a different car. You get a set of points that
can be used towards this, and can buy additional
ones if you like. Another is a charge card that
you can use to buy charging time at the “Charge
Now” set of public charging points. You use the
card and get a bill at the end of the month. Parking
charges are not covered by this, but you do get
a complimentary charging cable that fits the
charging points. If you are worried about servicing
costs, you can take out the BMW Maintenance
package and forget about the cost.
These cars are not expected to do the sort
of mileages that you would perhaps do with a
seven or a five, so BMW have organised a special
insurance called BMW Fleximile insurance. This
gives you a maximum 5000 miles, and the BMW
Connected drive technology reports back the miles
that you cover. Each month you get a statement
of your remaining mileage. Additional cover is
available on a pence per mile basis, and if it
becomes obvious that you would be better off with
normal insurance, you will be advised.
Other packages are available, and can be
seen at www.bmwelectricpackages.co.uk
literature also lists many other standard items like an e
drive designation, but I have picked out the important
ones. All these are included in the standard price.
BMW finance starts at £369 month with a
deposit of £2995 for the standard interior rising in
small stages to £410 for the top specification.
A full charge at home could cost as little as
£2.50, giving a range of 81 to 100 miles and an
additional 75 to 93 miles with the range extender
fitted.
Performance
Figures for the range extender version of the car are in bold.
Power output (hp)
170
170
0-62 mph (seconds)
7.2
7.9
Fuel consumption
0
470.8
(combined)
CO2 emissions(g/km)
0
13
Total average energy
consumption (kWh/62 miles)
12.9
13.5
NEDC Test Cycle
electric range (miles)
118
108
Customer orientated
electric range (miles)
81.1
75.93
additional range
0
75.93
total range
81-100
150-186
BIK Tax Rate (2013-14)
0%
5%
VED band
A
a
Insurance Band
TBC
TBC
VED always
0
0
Number Plates
£25
£25
Delivery & BMW / Imobile Care - £650 either vehicle
33
Monterey Car Week
I
missed the National BMW Festival at Gaydon this
year. But every cloud has a silver lining; I was at
Monterey Car Week. The only thing that could trump
our show at Gaydon is the week of automobile
worship that happens each August across California’s
Monterey peninsula. It is unlike any other classic car
event on the planet and, to many classic car aficionados,
Monterey Car Week is the highlight of the year. It is not
a single event in a single location. Rather, it is a series
of events in some of the most spectacular locations
anywhere in the world spread over a week. The events
range from casual “Cars and Coffee” meets, through
more prestigious marque events, includes five major
classic car auctions, classics racing at Laguna Seca
and culminates in the headline Pebble Beach Concours
d’Elegance.
Simply put, Monterey Car Week, is the biggest, the
brashest, most prestigious car event in the world (Gaydon
excepted!). It’s where the globe’s most exclusive classic
cars and owners gather for seven days straight. With
a little negotiation I managed to schedule our family
holiday so we ended up in Monterey over car week.
Family commitments and the insufficient girth of my
wallet meant I couldn’t do everything, but here are the
highlights of my week in automobile fairyland.
After a family visit to the world class Monterey
aquarium we made our way over to Carmel (so exclusive
Clint Eastwood used to be the mayor) for Concourse-onthe-Avenue. Eighteen blocks of the centre of Carmel were
closed off and filled with all manner of cars from the local
classic car club. This being one of the most exclusive
locations in the world’s richest nation meant that, well,
meant that there wasn’t anything as mundane as an MGB
on show. Instead the good folk of Carmel showed off
their Porsches, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Toyotas and the
like. When I say Porsches we’re not talking ‘80s 911SCs,
we’re talking 356s, 550 Spyders (of James Dean infamy),
and 959s. To cut the Ferrari mustard in Carmel you need
a Daytona or ‘60s exotica. If it’s a Lambo it’s got to be
a Miura or an Islero, anything later than a Countach
doesn’t get a second glance. Toyota? No Corollas of
course, instead two of only 351 examples of the 2000GTs
Monterey
Car Week
Through BMW glasses
Words and Photos Richard head
produced were parked up on the high street, another sold
later in the week at auction for $935,000. A special drop
top version of these stared with James Bond in the 1967
movie You Only Live Twice. Unfortunately, the only BMW
in the show was an Isetta, the Carmelites may have the
millions but obviously not the taste for Bavaria’s best.
Having said that, we did see a Z8 parked in a drive way.
While my son and I enjoyed the wonderful cars, my wife
and daughter sloped off to the beach.
Next up on our schedule was an auction. These
are what attract many who flock to this spit of land that
juts out into the Pacific Ocean. The top names in the
classic car auction business - Gooding, Bonhams, Russo
& Steele, Mecum, and RM - all held auctions during the
week and cars worth more than $300 million changed
hands. This year a new record was set when a 1967
Ferrari 275 GTB NART Spyder, one of only 10 made, sold
for $27.5 million, the most paid at auction for any car. The
car had one owner from new and the money it made was
donated to charity.
While I wasn’t there for this milestone, we did visit
the Mecum auction for entertainment. Mecum specialise
in US muscle cars, but had a few upmarket machines
too: its headliner was a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder. It went
for $3.75 million. Mecum presented 800 cars over three
days of hard selling. Each driven across the block with
razzmatazz and that hysterical brand of cattle market
gabble anyone born this side of the pond cannot decipher.
What fun, but keep hands in pockets.
On the drive back
we passed a BMW Z8
in a traffic jam, a rear
ended Porsche 359 in
the central reservation,
were passed by a Bugatti
Veyron and then followed
a Lamborghini Miura for a
dozen miles
A ‘normal’ collection of classic BMWs at ‘Legends’
34
Monterey Car Week
1958 503
cabriolet, one of
four BMWs in
the Pebble Beach
Concours
Yes. Post ‘73 impact bumper on
an E10 stands out at ‘Legends’
Turbo prototype
was the star
exhibit at
‘Legends’
Z8 parked up in a side street
M1 Pro Car raced at Laguna Seca
CSL, M1 and 2002 await their
turn at Laguna Seca
BMW 507 doesn’t attract much attention in this crowd
BMW 507 driver
gets frustrated in
most expensive
traffic jam ever
BMW 507
35
Monterey Car Week
The next event was my highlight of the week. For all
the upper-crust snootiness that any collection of milliondollar cars brings, the saving grace of the Pebble Beach
Concours is that all of these machines are expected to not
just be clean, but to be driven and displayed free to Joe
Public. Early one morning the best 200 cars in the world
depart Pebble Beach Golf Course, drive a circuit around
the peninsular on open roads and arrive mid-morning in
Carmel where they park up on the high street. While
the owners and drivers have a champagne lunch, the
public get to wander around the cars and view them
close up. Given the value and condition of these cars, I
was surprised we were allowed to clamber around them,
covering them in sticky finger marks and occasionally
banging cameras against them. While it’s really just a big
show for rich people to out-do each other with cars (when
Jay Leno was asked what it took to win, he answered
“short of murder?”) it is a chance for regular folk to see
cars that aren’t in museums and that we’d otherwise
never see because they’re hidden in private garages.
Good on their owners.
The cars are wonderful. Never before have I been in
such a density of precious metal. All the great automotive
exotica are here; the very best Ferraris, Aston Martins,
Lamborghinis, Porsches, Alfas as well as lesser seen
Pegasos, Packards, Hispano-Suizas and the rest. BMW
were represented by three 507s, a 503 cabriolet and the
new M4 getting its world release. I was so engrossed in
the classic cars that I missed a scoop not recognising the
new BMW smuggled into the line-up. Only later did I hear
BMW had snuck in a production-ready concept of the
M3 Coupe-replacing BMW M4. My only excuse is that it
doesn’t stand out in a crowd like this!
For a couple of hours we got to wander around the
best cars in the world and rub shoulders with (I spotted)
Jay Leno, Simon Kidston and Nick Mason. Then the
drivers mounted up and in organised chaos 200 classic
cars started-up and roared off down the street, each
trying to out rev the others.
The next day it was BMW day at the ‘Legends of the
Autobahn’ show. It’s like Gaydon, but more so. With zero
chance of rain, it’s set on a lovely golf course. A nice twist
is that it’s a German marque meet so BMWs, Porsches,
M-Bs and Audis all park up together. After Carmel, it was
nice to see more normal classic cars on display, although
the setting on a golf course was stunning. Pride of place
was given to the BMW turbo concept I’d last seen in the
Munich Museum. Alongside it was the M1 it spawned.
There was a Paul Bracq tribute going on as he designed
the turbo concept for the 1972 Munich Olympics as well
as the E24 6 Series and numerous Mercedes. There were
a fair few E9s, 2002s, E30s and E24s all in very good
condition. It rarely rains in California so it must be pretty
easy keeping them shiny. I bought a few essential spares
IMSA GT’s descend the infamous
corkscrew at Laguna Seca
36
from the vendors and my son and I spent a very pleasant
couple of hours at ‘Legends’; squint and it could almost
have been Gaydon.
We didn’t want to stay too long though as next
stop was classic racing at Laguna Seca which was
30 minutes away (closer if we hadn’t got lost). The
Monterey Motorsports Reunion is similar to Silverstone
Classic, but a little smaller. Corvette was the featured
marque so there was plenty of American V8-ness on
display. Thankfully, the domestic-themed nature of the
event didn’t prevent BMW, Porsche, Mazda, and other
manufacturers getting a look in. BMW bought along a
CSL, two M1s and a 2002 with privateers adding a 320,
a 700 racer and more 2002s. I was fortunate to bump
into Brian Redman, of CSL racing fame (and a lot more),
who was reacquainted with the CSL he’d raced in period.
Wandering the paddock was brilliant, especially avoiding
the race cars as they made their way to the track, but we
had to visit the Corkscrew corner which we’d heard so
much about.
The Corkscrew is one of the classic corners of the
racing world. It’s considered one of motorsports most
challenging turns due to the drop in elevation as well
as its blind crest and apex on the uphill approach. The
Corkscrew drops 59 feet between the entrance and exit
of the turn—the equivalent to a 5½ story drop-in only 450
feet of track length. It’s so steep the IMSA GT’s lift the
right front wheel on entry and scrape the front spoiler as
they descend. Sitting in the shade of a tree at the base of
the corkscrew watching classic racers fly down it should
be on every classic motorsport enthusiasts bucket list.
As the last race finished we left the circuit and headed
back to the hotel. This was the end of our Monterey
Car Week. We’d done a lot, but missed a lot. There is
so much to do; much of it running concurrently, that one
visit is not enough. I’d have liked to have done the Italian
equivalent of ‘Legends’, but the $120 entry fee put me off.
The Concours D’LeMons sounded fun, but we couldn’t fit
it in. Quail is where the billionaires hang out; they fly in
their cars and test them as they discover the back roads
in privately led convoys. Our hired Chevy Impala didn’t
open any doors for us. Maybe one day the lottery will
come in and I’ll get to fly my car over and join in, in the
mean time I’ll ponder which BMW I’d choose to do it in.
The essence of Monterey car week was captured on
the drive back to San Francisco. While the organised
events are the only place in the world where you can
get jaded by the sight of classic and supercar exotica,
it’s always a pleasure to see these type of cars in the
wild. On the drive back we passed a BMW Z8 in a traffic
jam, a rear ended Porsche 359 in the central reservation,
were passed by a Bugatti Veyron and then followed a
Lamborghini Miura for a dozen miles. Only in Monterey
for a week in August can that happen.
Porsche 356 rear ended in traffic
An M1 at Legends of the Autobahn
Porsche, BMW, M-B
and Audi park up
together at ‘Legends’
Rare Glas among a wonderful
selection of BMWs
1955 Lincoln Indianapolis Boano Coupe, given to
Errol Flynn by his friend Henry Ford II
1960 Alfa Romeo
Superflow IV
Pininfarina Coupe
with its sliding
glass roof
Nick Mason, of Pink Floyd fame and fortune
Finding you the right BMW insurance
at the right price... that’s our policy.
Can we save you money on your BMW insurance?
We’ll review your existing cover and with our flexible schemes for BMW Car Club GB members,
we’ll recommend the policy and price that’s right for you.
For a quotation call your dedicated BMW Car Club Account Manager;
Clare Ironside on 01635 874646.
A-Plan specialist BMW policies can include: Limited mileage discount . Club member discount .
Modified vehicles . European cover . Dedicated claims team . UK & European breakdown cover .
Multi-vehicle cover . Free excess protect . Agreed value & more.
A-Plan Insurance, 44 Chapel Street, Thatcham, RG18 4QL. www.aplan.co.uk/specialist
Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
428i Test
Here at last -
BMW 4
Series
Coupe
T
Words and Photos andy Everett
wenty Two years after it first arrived, the
BMW 3 Series Coupe is no more. After a run
that spanned three generations, its place is
taken by the all-new 4 Series, BMW’s fine
new mid-range Coupe that promises to be every bit
the success its forebears were.
38
Launch day in the UK was Thursday October 3rd, but car
launches are best at weekends when folk can have a
proper look around them as well as a drive. So for the
weekend of the 5th and 6th, my white 1993 318iS is in
the showroom of Sytner Sheffield where it stands pretty
much toe to toe with a 420d in a very similar shade of
Alpine White. The cars are 20 years apart, yet the 318iS
is still a fine thing to drive, and after the slightly skippy
E30, it formed a template for Coupes that BMW have
followed to the letter.
Sytner Sheffield support the local region of the
BMW Car Club, we do the same for them and it works
well - many of the staff there in parts and service came
from what used to be Bridgegate in Chesterfield so
we’ve known them for 15 years. They did well with the
launch weekend, taking a number of orders but due to
the demonstrators being in such demand it wasn’t until
the following weekend that I could have the car to myself
and do some proper driving miles - living in Sheffield,
I’m on the edge of the peak district where you can really
drive a car.
First off, the 4 Series looks terrific. It’s an amalgam
of the outgoing E92 and the current 6 Series and as a
whole it looks just right The bulging side flanks are from
the 6 Series, the rear roofline is nice and flat for more of
a fastback look and the pouting front end that doesn’t
quite work on the 3 Series gives the 4 Series a look not
unlike the Maserati Gransport. Ours is a 428i M Sport in
Estoril Blue and therein lie my two negatives: in an age
where BMW are thrusting ever forwards into the youthful
future, I can’t really understand why they’ve dragged
Estoril Blue back, again. It was an okay but somehow
unremarkable colour 17 years ago when it arrived on the
E36 M3 Evolution but it’s been done to death now and it
makes the 4 Series look six years old before it even has
the number plates fitted. Thankfully though, some of the
colours from the latest 1 Series are freely available - the
metallic Midnight Blue is a stunning, modern colour for
example, a dark, greeny blue that looks deep enough to
Under these conditions
the engine sounds more
like a six - that’s due to
a six-cylinder engine
note being piped into the
speakers
swim in just looks perfect when combined with black
leather, and the mineral grey metallic with red leather
makes the car look like the futuristic Coupe the TV
adverts and early teaser photos promised. As it is, the
4 Series in Estoril just seems to blend in - other BMW
drivers glance and then double take because the rather
dated colour takes away a lot of the initial impact.
The other issue is some of the M Sport addenda.
The worst are the small M badges on the wings and that
reminds me of when you’d see fake M badges glued to
428i Test
the back of an E30 318i. The other problem is the ride
on M Sport suspension, made worse by the 19-inch
wheels. On smooth surfaces it’s okay but potholes make
the suspension crash and you can both hear and feel
the dampers and top mounts really working. The M
Sport front and rear bumpers look more aggressive, if
aggression is your thing, but my to my eyes and spine the
Sport version at £1500 less is much better - as I found out
with a recent drive in an F30 320d Sport, the ride on the
standard suspension and 18-inch wheels is superb and
the handling is sublime. The M Sport doesn’t even offer
much extra in the way of extras either over the Sport you’re paying for the tacky side badges, hard suspension,
slightly different 18-inch alloys (19s are optional) and
some inconsequential trim differences that include an
admittedly very good looking steering wheel. In other
words, save your money, buy the Sport and spend that
£1500 on the eight-speed automatic.
Based as it is on the 3 Series platform and just like
the 320d I had a week before, the 428i handles superbly
and is even better than the E92 that was still the clear
class leader. Ultimate Driving Machine is right because
it really does possess an astonishingly good chassis. If
cars that weigh 1600 kilos with fat tyres are supposed
to fidget or understeer slightly in tight bends taken after
a slight crest, then nobody told BMW. I don’t drive like a
loon - especially in cars that aren’t mine - but it’s always
good to drive a car that’s been really well honed. The
steering is perfectly weighted (the electric power steering
took some perfecting but they’ve done it), the turn in
immediate and you have all the grip you’ll ever need. For
all that though, I can’t say the car behaves any better
than the 320d Sport, proving again in my mind that the M
Sport suspension is just not worth having.
Almost bringing the BMW straight-six chapter to a
close is the 428i’s four-cylinder engine. The only petrol
‘six’ left is the 435i - a turbocharged 3.0-litre. The 428i’s
engine is the same impressive 2.0-litre turbo as found
in the 328i, a stonking 245bhp unit that idles silently,
delivers 40mpg on a long steady run and yet will slingshot
the 428i to 60mph in 5.8 seconds. Having driven the
328i on unlimited motorways, the best thing about this
car is the way it will power out of motorway slip roads
and rocket up to an unfussed 135mph cruise, still 20mph
39
428i Test
short of its limited maximum. Under these conditions the
engine sounds more like a six - that’s due to a six-cylinder
engine note being piped into the speakers. That’s as
well because as an engine, the 2.0-litre ‘four’ sounds
as exciting as a 1.6-litre Astra and aurally, it’s nowhere
near as nice as the 3.0-litre straight-six non turbo engine
in the E92. But sounds aside, the 328i engine is a peach
combining the eagerness to rev of a petrol, the grunt of a
diesel and a low speed silence the 320d can only dream
of. If you can justify the extra £1000, it’s worth having.
Allied to this engine is what has to be the best
automatic gearbox ever made. The eight-speed ZF might
seem like overkill on paper, but on the road it is the
perfect transmission - if you only specify one option,
make sure it’s this. Of course, the six-speed manual is a
lovely thing to use but this is almost 2014 and having to
change gear yourself when this box does it much faster
and better seems pointless. Changes are butter smooth
to the point where you only see the rev counter needle
bobbing up and down as the gearbox does its thing - I’ll
The M Sport is the
where the flash cash will
go but you need to drive it
first and see if you really
can live with the ride on
the 19-inch wheels
40
be surprised if the forthcoming i3 and i8 have smoother
drivetrains.
There are other details that delight and one that will
infuriate. The ‘auto stop-start’ is a pain and part of the
Efficient Dynamics package and it’s a pity it’s not optional
because I’d do without it - it can’t be good for the battery
or starter motor. But there is so much else that is great
about the car - the 6.5 inch ‘TV screen’ display is a real
step forward and the iDrive easier than ever. Probably by
accident rather than design, BMW have used the letter
‘i’ well to imply a link with the iPhone, another marvel of
the modern age. Even BMW’s model catalogues show an
iPhone nestling neatly in the centre console.
There are five trim levels with the 4 Series. The entry
level SE is very well equipped with 17-inch alloys, the
6.5 inch screen, a fine sound system and everything you
really need. The Sport model is next and is my tip for the
model to go for. The Modern trim is perhaps for mature
buyers, with extra chrome and pale Oyster interior and
the Luxury version with even more chrome, full leather,
sports seats and the ‘media package’ which 20 years ago
meant a map book and a copy of the Daily Mail strewn
across the back seat. The M Sport is the where the flash
cash will go but you need to drive it first and see if you
really can live with the ride on the 19-inch wheels.
4 Series prices start at £29,200 for the 420i SE and
end up at £44,680 for the 435d X Drive four-wheel drive
M Sport. The car tested weighs in at £37,100 with the
auto box, and the Luxury version is around £500 less. If
you’re content with the SE model, you can get all the
thrills of the 428i for just £32,595 although stretching to
£35,600 for the Sport model with the automatic option
would be prudent for resale value.
So, it’s more of the same from BMW. A great looking
Coupe that drives like a dream, goes hard yet is so very
easy to live with. Like the 3 Series, it’s a car that will
ease its way into your life, provide driving thrills when
demanded yet which will rarely annoy you. BMW have a
habit of making cars that are virtually perfect, and they’ve
only gone and done it again.
Thanks to Sytner BMW Sheffield
(0114 275 5077) for the kind loan of the 428i.
swissvax
swissvax
high
highperformance
performancecar
carcare
care
™™
hand
handmade
madeininswitzerland
switzerland
care
carefor
foryour
yourdream
dream™ ™
HITH
WITW
VOBL%
76 7V6OAL%
A BA
CARCNARUNAU
FORFOR
WMW
BMB
CARCSARS
Swissvax
Swissvax
«Onyx»
«Onyx»
Standard
Standard
waxwax
for for
all colours
all colours
withwith
purepure
Brazilian
Brazilian
Carnauba
Carnauba
(30%
(30%
by by
vol.)vol.)
produces
produces
a brilliant,
a brilliant,
streakstreakfreefree
gloss.
gloss.
Price:
Price:
£65.00
£65.00
Swissvax
Swissvax
«Mirage»
«Mirage»
Premium
Premium
waxwax
withwith
overover
40%
40%
by vol.
by vol.
of Brazilian
of Brazilian
Carnauba
Carnauba
andand
an excellent
an excellent
choice
choice
for for
modern
modern
water
water
based
based
paints.
paints.
Price:
Price:
£115.00
£115.00
Swissvax
Swissvax
«Shield»
«Shield»
Natural
Natural
waxwax
with
with
PTFE
PTFE
for for
a a
legendary
legendary
«non-stick»
«non-stick»
effect
effect
of of
dirtdirt
andand
insects.
insects.
OurOur
best-selling
best-selling
formula
formula
for for
German
German
Autobahns.
Autobahns.
Price:
Price:
£130.00
£130.00
Swissvax
Swissvax
«Blau-Weiss»
«Blau-Weiss»
Swissvax
Swissvax
«Best
«Best
of Show»
of Show»
Premium
Premium
waxwax
withwith
40%
40%
by vol.
by vol.
of of OurOur
famous
famous
concours
concours
waxwax
withwith
purepure
Brazilian
Brazilian
Carnauba,
Carnauba,
specifically
specifically50%
50%
by vol.
by vol.
of pure
of pure
Brazilian
Brazilian
developed
developed
to match
to match
the the
requirerequire- Carnauba
Carnauba
for for
a deep,
a deep,
wetwet
«show
«show
ments
ments
of the
of the
paint
paint
system
system
used
used
on on car»car»
shine.
shine.
BMW
BMW
cars.
cars.
Price:
Price:
£115.00
£115.00
Price:
Price:
£195.00
£195.00
FirstFirst
application
application
requires
requires
a wax
a wax
pretreatment
pretreatment
withwith
«Cleaner
«Cleaner
Fluid»
Fluid»
or Swissvax
or Swissvax
waxes
waxes
willwill
not not
adhere
adhere
to the
to the
paint
paint
surface.
surface.
Price:
Price:
£34.00
£34.00
Swissvax
Swissvax
«Master
«Master
Collection»
Collection»
TheThe
complete
complete
valetvalet
kit for
kit for
youryour
car car
willwill
enhance
enhance
every
every
detail
detail
of of
youryour
automobile
automobile
to award
to award
winning
winning
Concours
Concours
standard.
standard.
Includes
Includes
ourour
products
products
for for
surface
surface
care,
care,
leather
leather
seats,
seats,
wood,
wood,
plastics,
plastics,
vinyl,
vinyl,
wheels,
wheels,
tyres,
tyres,
chrome,
chrome,
brass,
brass,
nickel,
nickel,
glass.
glass.
Price:
Price:
addadd
£495.00
£495.00
to your
to your
waxwax
selection
selection
(see(see
above)
above)
Swissvax
Swissvax
«Entry
«Entry
Collection»
Collection»
TheThe
perfect
perfect
introduction
introduction
for for
youryour
firstfirst
10–20
10–20
Swiss
Swiss
vaxvax
applications.
applications.
AndAnd
it comes
it comes
in its
in own
its own
handy
handy
cooler
cooler
bag.bag.
YouYou
willwill
cause
cause
a sensation
a sensation
when
when
youyou
useuse
these
these
hand-made
hand-made
products
products
for for
the the
firstfirst
time.
time.
Price:
Price:
addadd
£135.00
£135.00
to your
to your
waxwax
selection
selection
(see(see
above)
above)
Swissvax
Swissvax
«Discovery
«Discovery
Kit»
Kit»
Paul
Paul
Dalton’s
Dalton’s
«Crystal
«Crystal
Rock»
Rock»
State-of-the-art-wax
State-of-the-art-wax
withwith
76%
76%
by by
waxwax
vol.vol.
of pure
of pure
Brazilian
Brazilian
ivoryivory
carnauba
carnauba
wax.wax.
It coats
It coats
a cars
a cars
paintpaintwork
work
in ainsmooth
a smooth
andand
glossy,
glossy,
yet yet
tough
tough
andand
protective,
protective,
water-repellent
water-repellent
film.film.
Price:
Price:
£795.00
£795.00
Swissvax
Swissvax
Leather
Leather
Care
Care
KitKit
incl.incl.
waxwax
«Onyx»
«Onyx»
50 50
ml,ml,
Cleaner
Cleaner
Fluid
Fluid
andand
Cleaner
Cleaner
Fluid
Fluid
Medium
Medium
for for
paintwork
paintwork
preparation
preparation
plusplus
Nano
Nano
Express,
Express,
100100
ml, ml,
to get
to get
quickly
quickly
a top
a top
finish
finish
on most
on most
materials.
materials.
Price:
Price:
£120.00
£120.00
Easy
Easy
to use
to use
andand
everything
everything
youyou
need
need
to clean
to clean
andand
maintain
maintain
youryour
leather
leather
in perfect
in perfect
condition.
condition.
WithWith
UV-protection.
UV-protection.
Price:
Price:
£85.00
£85.00
EW
NENW
care
carefor
foryour
yourmatt
mattpaint
paint
CAR
CAR
BATH
BATH
«OPAQUE»
«OPAQUE»
WASHING
WASHING
Price:
Price:
£32.00
£32.00
PRE-CLEANER
PRE-CLEANER
«OPAQUE»
«OPAQUE»
CLEANING
CLEANING
THE
THE
PAINTWORK
PAINTWORK
Price:
Price:
£34.00
£34.00
WAX
WAX
«OPAQUE»
«OPAQUE»
PAINT
PAINT
SEALING
SEALING
Price:
Price:
£160.00,
£160.00,
200200
ml ml
Price:
Price:
£54.00,
£54.00,
50 50
ml ml
QUICK
QUICK
FINISH
FINISH
«OPAQUE»
«OPAQUE»
QUICK
QUICK
CARE
CARE
Price:
Price:
£26.00
£26.00
Swissvax
Swissvax
«OPAQUE»
«OPAQUE»
is the
is the
onlyonly
complete
complete
car care
car care
product
product
lineline
for for
mattmatt
paints
paints
worldwide,
worldwide,
thatthat
eveneven
includes
includes
a high-carnauba-content
a high-carnauba-content
wax.wax.
Conventional
Conventional
polishes,
polishes,
waxes
waxes
andand
insect
insect
removers
removers
should
should
not not APPROVED
APPROVED
be used
be used
on matt
on matt
paintwork
paintwork
andand
willwill
mostmost
likely
likely
cause
cause
damage.
damage.
Please
Please
onlyonly
use use
products
products
which
which
werewere
specifically
specifically
developed
developed
for forthoroughly
thoroughly
tested
tested
mattmatt
paintwork
paintwork
likelike
the the
Swissvax
Swissvax
«Opaque»
«Opaque»
product
product
lineline
which
whichby several
by several
of the
of the
will will
not not
damage
damage
the the
mattmatt
surface
surface
appearance.
appearance.
For more
For more
inforinfor
mation
mationmost
most
prestigious
prestigious
manufacturers
manufacturers
please
please
referrefer
to our
to our
72-page
72-page
Handbook
Handbook
andand
discover
discover
the the
world
world
of ofcar car
Swissvax-Car-Care.
Swissvax-Car-Care.
Swissvax
Swissvax
«Discovery
«Discovery
KitKit
Opaque»
Opaque»
Designed
Designed
to give
to give
youyou
a taster
a taster
of the
of the
Swissvax
Swissvax
Opaque
Opaque
product
product
range
range
Suitable
Suitable
for for
matt
matt
foil foil
wraps
wraps
as well
as well
as matt
as matt
paint
paint
finishes
finishes
(but(but
NOTNOT
for for
useuse
on on
textured
textured
or structured
or structured
foils).
foils).
Please
Please
callcall
to make
to make
suresure
if you
if you
areare
uncertain.
uncertain.
Price:
Price:
£145.00
£145.00
More
More
information?
information?
Have
Have
a look
a look
at at
ourour
interactive
interactive
handbook
handbook
online
online
at at
www.swissvax.co.uk
www.swissvax.co.uk
3636BMW
BMW
CarCar
Club
Club
Magazine
Magazine
swissvax
swissvax
united
unitedkingdom
kingdom
41
SWISSVAX
SWISSVAX
UKUK
· CONCOURS
· CONCOURS
HOUSE
HOUSE
· NIDD
· NIDD
VALLEY
VALLEY
BUSINESS
BUSINESS
PARK
PARK
· KNARESBOROUGH
· KNARESBOROUGH
HG5
HG5
9JA
9JA
· PHONE
· PHONE
01423
01423
860022
860022
· SALES
· SALES
· WWW.SWISSVAX.CO.UK
· WWW.SWISSVAX.CO.UK
@SWISSVAX.CO.UK
@SWISSVAX.CO.UK
BMW-1-012-GB
BMW-1-012-GB
Swissvax
Swissvax
is aisuniquely
a uniquely
hand
hand
crafted
crafted
carcar
carecare
system
system
made
made
in Switzerland
in Switzerland
andand
designed
designed
to beto the
be the
finest
finesthighhigh
volumes
volumes
of pure
of pure
Brazilian
Brazilian
carnauba,
carnauba,
the the
world's
world's
purest,
purest,
hardest
hardest
andand
mostmost
transparent
transparent
natural
natural
wax.wax.
These
These
exclusive
exclusive
product
product
lineline
of automotive
of automotive
cosmetic
cosmetic
maintenance
maintenance
in the
in the
world.
world.
Since
Since
1930,
1930,
the the
Anwander
Anwander
family
family
hashas
beenbeen
creating
creating
mag-mag-formulas
formulas
are are
veryvery
easyeasy
to apply,
to apply,
leaving
leaving
no white
no white
residue
residue
or wax
or wax
build-up.
build-up.
There
There
are,are,
quitequite
simply,
simply,
no compromises
no compromises
when
when
nificent
nificent
Carnauba
Carnauba
waxwax
formulations.
formulations.
TheThe
Swissvax
Swissvax
system
system
comprises
comprises
twotwo
major
major
components:
components:
a cleaning
a cleaning
pre-wax
pre-wax
oil oilit comes
it comes
to our
to our
pursuit
pursuit
of the
of the
ultimate
ultimate
waxwax
andand
car car
carecare
system.
system.
No No
wonder
wonder
Swiss
Swiss
vaxvax
is OEM
is OEM
to to
several
several
of of
thethe
which
which
prepares
prepares
andand
nourishes
nourishes
the the
surface,
surface,
followed
followed
by the
by the
waxwax
formu
formu
lation
lation
of your
of your
choice.
choice.
TheThe
essential
essential
oilsoils
found
found
in inmost
most
prestigious
prestigious
vehicle
vehicle
manufacturers
manufacturers
likelike
Rolls-Royce,
Rolls-Royce,
Bugatti
Bugatti
etc.etc.
We We
invite
invite
youyou
to see
to see
for for
youryour
selfself
Swissvax
Swissvax
waxes
waxes
including
including
avoavo
cado,
cado,
passion
passion
fruitfruit
andand
orange
orange
produce
produce
a wonderfully
a wonderfully
aromatic
aromatic
fragrance,
fragrance,
comcom
bined
bined
withwithwhatwhat
delighted
delighted
enthu
ensiasts
thusiasts
andand
collectors
collectors
all over
all over
the the
world
world
are are
discovering
discovering
about
about
Swissvax.
Swissvax.
East Anglia Region
Now you see them
c
i
t
s
i
l
i
g
a
r
f
i
l
a
c
r
e
p
Su
expialidocious
Words george Champ
Photos george Champ
and Martyn Fuller
O
r any other superlative would describe what
was for all intents and purposes, barring our
on going Pub Meets and the Charity Race Day
at Snetterton, a fitting final weekend to our
season of events.
Barring just a spot of rain our weekend was really just
one of wall-to-wall sunshine thank goodness, enough
just to maintain that tan a bit longer. As always I like
the photos to tell the story, but not without some
narrative to fill in the gaps and help describe the
atmosphere. Unless you have ever been, it is hard
to describe the special something that exists at the
Buntingford Classic Car Show which we attended on 7th
September (see www.buntingfordchamberofcommerce.
co.uk). What makes this show so special is that all sorts
of Classic Cars and Motorcycles from the very old to
the more modern are given exclusive rights to park in
42
the High Street in a Le Mans start angle from which all
other cars, vans and trucks are banned. This means that
we are parked amongst the shops that remain open all
day from Cafés, Clothes, Pubs, Chemists, Food Stores,
Florists and Charity Shops (more of this a bit later). Live
music and singing takes place at several locations up
and down the street and hot delicious food is also being
served. Once a couple of us had parked up our 2002s it
was time to bag a seat in a Café and indulge ourselves
in a Full English Breakfast – just as a treat of course.
Suitably nourished, it was time to set off and
explore and drool over some of the competition and look
for friends whilst trying very hard of course not to be too
distracted by many of the pretty girls who seemed to
favour dressing in 1940’s style clothes.
Right, enough of that back to the cars and
motorcycles, for those of you who have a particular
penchant for American metal you would not be
disappointed. There is much on offer upon which to
feast your eyes and estimate how few miles to the
gallon some of these huge automotive sculptures
guzzle. Sorry but I keep diversifying and am about to
do so again to recount a strange experience much like
a real life musical that you suddenly see explode into
action on the big screen. My daughter-in-law who
lives in Holland has started a company called Utterly
England and teaches English to students. A few weeks
back she decided it would be nice to serve them tea
in Royal Commemorative Mugs. We were given our
orders and of course this has entailed my wife Maggie
and I trawling around every Charity Shop we can find
looking for either, Wedding, Silver or Golden Jubilee
Commemorative Mugs. Thank goodness we have
almost finally accomplished our mission. However, there
was unfortunately a Charity Shop in Buntingford and
yes you guessed it, I found a Commemorative Mug.
East Anglia Region
John and Malcolm
with a 1940’s girl
Now you don’t - hoards of visitors
Machine guns and strollers
fins
Drive through USA style
Don’t scare your
pillion passenger half
to death
Whilst purchasing same for the princely sum of £2
from the rather attractive assistant the transaction was
interrupted. The assistant spotted her friend making
towards her with a Doll in her hand, which it appeared
they had been trying to sell for sometime. Oh no! Said
my cashier, you are not going to say my mission for
the day is to try and shift that thing? Yes said assistant
number two. The cashier immediately turned to me
again and said “Sir would you like to buy this lovely
little doll?” You’re going to have to try harder than
that, I said. How about if I do a little dance she said
and started waving her arms about. I then cheekily
said, “Do you know a dance that involves using seven
veils” (bearing in mind we are in a Charity shop
full of old clothes). We all laughed, by which time
assistant number two returned with a white bunny
and plonked it on the counter flipped a switch and the
bunny immediately began singing “If your happy and
you know it clap your hands” as well as clapping. The
shop full of people all immediately began hooting with
laughter singing along with the bunny and clapping
our hands. And no I didn’t buy the doll or bunny and
escaped clutching my Commemorative Mug back out
into the real world to enjoy cars. Hope you do as well,
by drooling over the photos.
43
East Anglia Region
Norfolk lavender fields
Next day Sunday 8th September was again
another early start to enjoy the ever-popular North
Norfolk Coastal Run. Six Cars a Z3, 125i M sport, Z4,
M3 AC Schnitzer and two E46 Clubsports’ met at East
Dereham at the Romney Rye (Wetherspoons) for a
hearty reasonably priced English Breakfast (another
one). Amply nourished ten of us squeezed back
into our cars and headed off to our next rendezvous
point, Norfolk Lavender (www.norfolk-lavender.
co.uk) at Heacham. This involved our convoy having
a spirited drive westwards through some really lovely
countryside. Katherine led the way in her Z3 and Mark
rode shotgun in his Clubsport making sure none of us
strangers to the area got lost.
Riding shotgun was very appropriate as part way
towards Heacham on a very clear safe stretch of road
Mark decided to blast past four of us in his Blue Velvet
Clubsport and gave us the full benefit of his exhaust note
as he shot by.
Just prior to reaching Heacham we drove past
Rossiters (AC Schnitzer) for which we have to thank Chris
Rossiter for the later freebies, which we handed out
namely packets of travellers peppermints and two AC
Schnitzer key rings as prize draws.
When we arrived at the Norfolk Lavender Centre
a very strange thing happened (see Photo) all our cars
seemed to turn a sort of Lavender blue in colour, weird.
Another strange thing in Norfolk they do still appear to
use buckets in their urinals (see Photo). But I do hear that
they expect to be using electricity soon once they have
been connected to the National Grid.
Yet another strange event at Heacham, Martyn had
obviously splashed some Norfolk Lavender aftershave
behind his ears as he suddenly became a “Chick Magnet”
and the ladies flocked around him (again see Photo).
Shame I didn’t buy some, I must remember next time I’m
passing.
Vital buckets
For those of you who
have a particular penchant
for American metal you
would not be disappointed.
There is much on offer
upon which to feast your
eyes
At Heacham we had also arranged to meet new
friends in the shape of members from Lincolnshire and
Leicestershire and it was a pleasure to welcome them
along.
Numbers had by now swelled to 12 cars including
more Zs and more E46s and E30 convertibles. The convoy
now headed off along the A149 beautiful North Norfolk
Coastal Road to our next port of call The Muckleburgh
Tank Museum (www.muckleburgh.co.uk) not before
however deciding to make a quick additional stop at
Wells-next-the-Sea to have a quick look around and to
buy some Cider. However, as luck would have it things
don’t always go to plan and a packed town and Car
park meant there was no room anywhere so we had to
regroup at Holkham Hall just to re establish for everyone
that we were reverting to our original plan and would
head straight to Muckleburgh. Lets be honest these
outings are not so much fun unless you have one or two
hiccups along the way.
Chick magnet
I won’t dwell on the Muckleburgh collection so as
not to spoil it for those of you who might wish to visit,
but suffice to say it was very interesting. Be warned
that anyone merely wishing to stop off for refreshments
only, entry to the Café is via the museum only and you
will have to pay the entrance fee. Having been suitably
impressed and expanded our knowledge we left this
museum not before another photo shoot, at this stage
John and Martha Tovey had left the convoy to return
home to prepare for their holiday.
Our last port of call beckoned, namely the cliff top
Car park at Cromer, another photo shoot, and a pleasant
walk down into the town for sustenance in the form of
what else but Fish and Chips.
The stroll back to the cars was somewhat more
hurried as black clouds warned of pending rain. Just
time for quick last minute goodbyes and we all headed
off home our separate ways. Already with thoughts and
plans for next years North Norfolk Coastal Run ticking
over in our heads.
Muckelburgh line up
44
Welsh Region Focus
Welsh Region
Review 2013
Words and Photos Peter Sherratt
National BMW Festival,
Gaydon, 2013
O
nce again, we at the Welsh Region have had
a very busy year, since the 2012 Festival last
August. Back in May we had another very
successful Welsh Weekend at Llandrindod
Wells and Aberystwyth! In July I was re-elected as
Welsh Region Chairman, also there was the moving
of the Club office from Melksham to Aberystwyth,
and with one of our Members taking the position of
Chairman and General Manager, so well done again to
David Frith for that task.
This year, again due to all the positive feedback
that I received following last year’s Festival weekend,
I wanted to continue to show my gratitude, and to
thank the boys for their commitment and support
in travelling the distance involved, plus the overall
expense of the weekend, so I again took it upon
myself to contact various different associated
companies, and had positive responses
from 15 companies to be exact, and put
together “travel / goodie bags”.
Along with their Festival
ticket, passes and overnight stay
accommodation details, I was also
able to include; a 500ml bottle
of BMW screen wash supplied
by Barry Jones at Trainer
BMW (Parts), a 500ml bottle of Simoniz Quick
shine supplied by Michael Taylor at Holts/Simoniz ,
cans of Red Bull energy drink supplied by Cameron
at Red Bull, a thermal mug from Altron (Geoff’s
Engineering Company) a load of car care samples
from Autoglym, Meguiar’s, Mer & Swissvax, a pair
of mechanics gloves, key fob and pen from Kumho
Tyres, a Magnatec stress ball from Castrol, a packet
of branded mints from AC Schnitzer/Rossiters, a pen,
keyfob and sticker from WD-40, a pen and writing
pad from M-Style, a pen and keyfob from Adrian Flux
Insurance and a pen from Teddy at SS-DD Motorsport.
On Saturday 17th August, the weather was nice
and dry, and the majority of us met up 11am at Sarn
services J36/M4. We had a pick-up point
along the way, where Arit, Rhys and
a few other boys joined us on route
at the M5 Strensham services. We
then made our way in convoy, to the
Premier Inn overnight accommodation
at Bromsgrove Central, the same place
we stayed the last couple of years,
where I had pre-booked seven rooms. On
All our cars outside the premier Inn
the way up, the weather looked like it was going to
rain but held off until the end of the night! When we
arrived, we were all able to park together alongside
the hotel, and the cars looked very impressive, I have
to say. Once we had checked in and freshened up,
we made our way to the Brewers Fayre restaurant
which is attached to the hotel, for food and liquid
refreshment. It was good for all to relax over a lovely
meal and a few pints, without the worry of having to
drink and drive home.
As the evening progressed, I presented everyone
with a raffle that I had pre-planned, to which they
were most grateful. This year, due to the huge
response I had, I was able to supply everyone with a
raffle prize. The names were drawn from a bag to be
nice and fair.
A good night was had by all. Chris Reed even
asked the boys after the raffle, to raise their glasses
to me, for all my hard work in planning and organising
the weekend. Then afterwards we headed into town
as usual, to sample some of the local bars, some more
of the bars and then a band. Then to finish the night
off, a Dominos pizza walking back in the Rain. Lovely!
On the morning of the Festival, we all met in the
hotel car park at 7.30am, where we carried out a few
finishing touches and bug removals from the cars,
before we proceeded to the Heritage Motor Museum
at Gaydon in an 11 car convoy at 8.30am. Hopefully,
Phil will remember his alarm clock next year!
Impressive Regional sail banners
46
Welsh Region Focus
Not quite ‘Abbey Road’ fella’s?
Our Members
chillin’ out
Enjoying a nice drink after the meal
4th to 9th raffle winners!
‘Papa Fro’ fitting his
new rear LEDs
First, second and third raffle winners!
10th to 13th raffle winners!
Adrian having
zip problems
Geoff never stops
cleaning his E30
Phil & Geoff plotting
scenic route home
One use for an
engine block
I have to say, the Festival seemed much better
organised on arrival this year, with no queues to get in at
all, so all the feedback through the year obviously paid
off. Also, we were given a lovely sized pitch for our Club
Stand, so were able to spread out nicely and show off our
Welsh Region cars. In fact, Andrew and Ian both had their
cars fully resprayed for the occasion and I have to say that
AWL Bodyshop done them both proud. They were both
looking dazzling in the sun and you can’t beat fresh paint.
There was a vast array of BMWs there as usual
as far as the eye could see, including a huge turn-out of
impressive M3s from the M3 Cutters forum and others.
The weather was really sunny when we were there, so
we couldn’t have asked for more, although I have to say,
with the amount of bloody wasps there every year, it
does put the dampeners on it for me, along with others
too. Dan and Phil Fro both treated themselves to a set of
LED tail lights, for their E46Ci coupes which they fitted
up there, and most certainly improved the rear of their
cars! By the time it came for us to pack up at the end of
the day, we were all glowing pink and shattered from the
night before.
Just as we were clearing up our Club Stand, Geoff
Jones approached me, to say that he wanted me to have
his BMW Motorsport Bag (raffle prize) he had won in our
evening raffle. He said he felt that I deserved it more than
him, for all the work and effort I put in to planning our
Festival weekend. Also due to the fact that I never win
anything! I have to say that I was touched by this gesture,
as nobody has ever done anything like that for me before,
so thank you Geoff for that mate. Nice one!
Myself and Phil had a
little fun on the way back,
just to see which of our
cars had the upper edge;
and I am sorry to say it was
mine after being chipped
- even with 30 odd kilos
of Club Stand gear in the
boot”
We left the show in two groups this year; some
went home on the motorway as usual and some of us
went back to South Wales the scenic route, over the
Malvern Hills, Abergavenny, Herefordshire and down
through Glyn Neath. There were some great roads on
the way, where we were able to put our cars through
the paces, in between being stuck behind caravans and
tractors.
Myself and Phil or “Papa Fro” as he had become
over the weekend, had a little fun on the way back too,
just to see which of our cloned E46 320Ci cars had the
Welsh Region flying the flag!
upper edge; and I am sorry to say it was mine after being
chipped - even with 30 odd kilos of Club Stand gear in the
boot. Better luck to Phil next year!
Unfortunately, on the motorway route, Arit Shah had
Head Gasket problems with his E36 ALPINA Tourer as it
was throwing out white smoke from the exhaust. He and
the few boys that went that way home got back quite late
after a pit stop at the M5 services again. Good luck to Arit
with the repairs for that one!
I just want to say a big thank you to David Frith
again, and the other organisers for making this year’s
BMW Festival the brilliant success that it was. But
please sort those wasps out! Also a big thank you to
all who attended from our Welsh Region, which made
our Festival Weekend the best fun to date so far. Nice
One Guys! >>>
David Frith with the Club car
47
Welsh Region Focus
New Office Open Day!
Welsh Region on display
Club Office Open Day:
W
e at the Welsh Region had been waiting
for this day, since it was announced
that the new Club Office was coming
to Aberystwyth. As the day got closer,
I had been monitoring the weather on the Met Office
web site, as it had been rather wet that week. So we
were so lucky to have a dry day for this event. The Gods
were obviously proud to have the BMW Car Club HQ
in Wales!
Nine of us met up at the Services J47/M4 at 8am,
to make our way down to Aberystwyth. Phil Marker
with his Z4M, kindly offered to plot an interesting route
down there for us, as he was familiar with that neck of
the woods, plus I don’t think he had much faith in my
Sat Nav either! We also met up with Geoff and Tony,
plus Barry from Trainer BMW on route at Ammanford,
as it was easier for them to meet us there than to
double back.
We got down to Aberystwyth about 10.30am to
see that all was going well. There was a fella washing
cars if you needed it, and also a wheel specialist there
repairing alloys. The girls from the Office gave us a very
warm welcome, offering complimentary homemade
cakes and hot drinks, while David Frith was bringing
down his spectacular fleet of cars, including his newly
BMWCC sign written 5 Series GT, and his immaculate
white M5, which used to belong to Jenson Button.
There was also a chance to win a MINI for a weekend
from Rybrook, and the Club was offering a reduced
Membership on the day, to which our Neil with his
silver E46 M3 made good use of and joined up while
he was down there! So a BIG WELCOME to the BMW
Car Club Neil.
Also while we were there, Barrie from Autocraft
Leisure approached us and asked if we would like
to watch him liquid wrapping a car at his newly
prepared unit up the road. To which we all jumped at
the chance! He was Plasti-dipping his own brand new
white BMW M5, in a Burnt Matt Orange colour. It was
great to experience this new liquid wrap technique.
The procedure was so much easier than the usual
wrapping and spraying, and the finish was brilliant; not
to mention the cost was a lot cheaper too. To actually
be there and witness the job was fascinating. The good
thing about it, is that when you get fed up with the
finish, you can just peel it off and revert back to the
original colour paint work. So I think I might be trying
that out in the near future?
Once everybody was ready and organised, and
some of the cars had been cleaned, we made our way
in an 18 car convoy, following David’s 5GT, which I have
to say really does look professional when it’s on the
road. We all drove through Aberystwyth town with
our headlights on dip, turning heads as we went. The
convoy was very impressive and really looked the part!
We then made our way down past the caravan
parks at Borth, to Ynyslas Sands, to get the cars into
formation for a photo shoot. The sand was firm so it
didn’t cause any problems with anyone getting bogged
down. I’m just glad the tide didn’t come in, but David
had assured me he had arranged for the tide to be out
while we were down there that day. So that was good
of him! From the sands across the estuary you could
see Aberdovey, and on a good day you can drive there
but unfortunately getting back is a problem.
After everybody had captured the moment with
their cameras, we then left in convoy again and headed
up to Machynlleth, deep into the Welsh countryside,
where we experienced some amazing views and
spectacular scenery. There were also some really great
driving roads on our way to the refreshment stop at
Clwedog Reservoir and Dam. There we were greeted
by David’s friends at the Red Kite Cafe, who had kindly
opened especially for us that day, as it was out of
season for them really. All the food there was home
made, and the cakes and sponges were to die for! The
chicken curry and rice I had there was lovely too.
When we were all ready, we again left in convoy
to head back to Club HQ, where David presented
each of us with a freebie Michelin sports bag, mens
aftershave samples from Erin’s Perfume Shop, and a
Photo shoot on the sand
BMW Car Club in formation
48
Welsh Region Focus
In convoy!
Lunch stop
Brand new M5 gets prepared for Plastidip
New BMWCC office
One of the many views
The boys at Autocraft Leisure hard at it
load of BMWCC goodies (Pens, key fobs, badges etc.)
David also presented us at the Welsh Region, our
own new Event Shelter to use at shows and events that
we attend. It will be lovely to gather under it, to shelter
from the sun or any showers we encounter, whilst on
location at the events we take part in with our Club
Stand! It will also make a change to use this quality
shelter, instead of my own dilapidated gazebo that we
have used up until now.
Once I had put all the gear back into my car, we
made our way home. There weren’t so many of us on
the return journey, as a few had made their way back
earlier in the afternoon, but we had a good cruise back
all the same.
I am ashamed to say, that in the 46 years that I
have lived in Wales, I have never ventured to the
Aberystwyth area at all and feel as though I have been
missing out all these years! I think when you live here,
so close to the coastline you just take it for granted; but
what a beautiful part of the country west Wales is! We
can now all look forward to the Welsh Weekend Event
next year, on May 3rd 2014, so we can all experience
that part of the country again (Please contact the Club
Office for details). I have to say that I received good
feedback from everyone who attended the Office
Open Day and all the boys said they really enjoyed the
drives and demanding roads. David also wanted me to
thank all the members on his behalf who attended this
event, because without them it wouldn’t have been the
success that it was! >>>
First primer coat applied
7 coats later and it’s finished same day
Following David to the photo shoot
Pete’s pride and joy
The reservoir
49
Welsh Region Focus
A
s you will have read in last month’s Straight
Six, we attended Weston’s Cider Mill
as a Region, so we’ll move forward to
the Deutschland Dragon run. One of our
members, Adrian, with his Phoenix Yellow E46 M3,
and also former E46 M3 Convertible owner Chris Reed,
kindly offered to organise and plan this day for us,
as a final drive through Wales, to finish off our busy
2013 calendar of events as they couldn’t make the
Aberystwyth Office Opening Day.
Seven of us met up at the Twelve Knights Pub,
Margam (where we have our monthly meets) at 8.30am
on the damp morning of Saturday 19th October, those
included Arit in his brand new Ford Focus ST, and Chris in
his VW Golf. We discussed the route, and then made our
way to the M4. We had a Walkie Talkie each for this trip,
which was a great tool to have for advanced road/traffic
conditions and a great deal of banter along the way.
At Junction 45, we turned off, and then proceeded
up through Pontardawe and towards Ammanford.
Then up to Brynamman, and the Black Mountain Road.
All we could here over the radios was Adrian and his
“Hairpin! Hairpin! Hairpin!” chants. We had a park up
at the top of the Black Mountains, to admire the not so
clear views, as by this time the thick ‘Pea Soup’ fog had
set in, which didn’t make driving that road too clever
this time. Once we had taken in the breathtaking misty
scenery, we headed off down the windy hairpins, and
on to Llangadog, and then onwards to Llandovery for a
lovely All-Day breakfast at the famous West End Cafe!
Heading back to normality
After the lunch stop, it was a bit late for Geoff and
Tony to carry on with us, as they had to get back home
to sort their animals out before dark. We were supposed
to continue on to Rhayader and up to Aberystwyth, but
due to the time and weather conditions we thought it
better to give it a miss; so they left us as we headed
on back to the Black Mountains for more fun and photo
shoots, as by this time the fog was clearing, which
made visibility up there much better!
There was again more “Hairpin! Hairpin! Hairpin!”
chants on our way there, but all I could think of by
this time was “Jet wash! Jet wash! Jet wash!” - as
the cars had really picked up a lot of muck on the
wet and sometimes muddy country roads. Once we
had eventually had enough of the demanding Black
Mountain Road, and Adrian had received his hairpin fix!
We then made our way back home through the Brecon
Beacons through Ystradgynlais, Abercraf, and on up to
the Craig-y-nos Country Park, where again there were
some cracking views of the Wind Farm and spectacular
scenery!
On the way home we stopped overlooking the
Crai Reservoir for another photo shoot, before heading
back towards Bridgend and the end of our Deutschland
Dragon Run.
The first thing I did when I got back was to jet
wash my Black Sapphire E46 coupe, and get the
bodywork back to normality by removing all the
countryside muck and debris that collects in the deep
dish alloys. Once home then all I had to do was chamois
it down and give it a hoover, then I was happy again.
I would just like to thank Adrian and Chris for a
great day out, and to all the boys that made the effort to
attend this event! Also I think the Walkie Talkies were a
massive addition to this run and can’t wait to use them
again now on future runs, events and of
course Gaydon BMW Festival weekend
next August!
Deutschland Dragon Run:
Looking the part
There was again more “Hairpin! Hairpin! Hairpin!”
chants on our way there, but all I could think of by this
time was “Jet wash! Jet wash! Jet wash!
50
Welsh Region Focus
Coming round the mountain when we come!
Deutschland Dragon Run convoy
View Of Craig-y-nos Country Park
Adrian’s big
brakes got a
bit hot
Adrian loving the hairpin!
Adrian loving the views
Windy Black Mountain road
Up at the Crai Reservoir
Lovely Welsh
scenery
Foggy conditions at first
As you can see, the former Welsh Region was extremely active and has a very
varied range of activities. If you would like to get involved next year, why not get in
touch with Peter ([email protected]) and find out what’s going on
in their Region - you don’t even have to live in Wales to get involved! Wales is now
sub-divided into three Regions; North, Mid and South Wales – of which Peter is the
chairman. If you are interested in running either the North or Mid-Wales Regions,
please contact the Club Office.
Brian, put that banana away!
Gathering at the Twelve Knights
51
The world’s greatest BMW’s,
in the world’s greatest
car magazines.
BMW Car is the monthly magazine for
all BMW owners and enthusiasts.
Covering the latest new cars, the
essential classics and BMW icons it’s
required reading for every BMW fan.
On-sale the third Thursday of every
month.
The best monthly magazine
for all modified BMWs, from supercar
beating M3s to exquisitely styled 2002s,
get your fix of modified Munich metal in
the UK’s best-selling performance BMW
magazine, on-sale the first Thursday of
every month.
Save 20% when you subscribe to BMW Car or
Performance BMW magazine.
Visit www.unity-media.com for further details
or call 01732 748084
52
BMW Car Club Magazine XXXXX 2014
With you every mile
Footman James is one of the leading specialist insurance brokers
for classic car owners and collectors. We always go the extra mile
to secure our most competitive rates for you.
All Footman James policies offer more of the benefits that are
important to you.
Policies include as standard:
• The agreed value of your classic
• Specialist claims repairer – choose a repairer you trust
• Limited mileage
AND 24 hour breakdown recovery in both UK and Europe
SPECIALIS
T
RATES
FOR CLUB
MEMBERS*
At home in this market, our friendly UK
team is available to quote.
0843 357 1014
Visit: footmanjames.co.uk
We can also quote you for your
We share your passion
Modern Car
Modern Motorcycle
Household
Footman James is a trading name of Aon UK Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of insurance mediation activities only. Telephone
calls may be monitored or recorded for your protection. * Subject to eligibility criteria. Terms and conditions apply. FP7814.02.13
Aon is one of the world’s largest insurance brokers, providing insurance solutions for thousands of customers worldwide. Aon UK Limited negotiates with all major UK insurers. Opening hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm and Sat 9am - 1pm.
Running Reports
Welcome to the new look Running Reports! If you would like to get featured,
please contact [email protected] for more info
Running Reports
I
had numerous E36s in the late ‘90s to mid ‘00s, all
coupes. First was a ‘94 325i, then a blue ‘97 328i
Sport followed by a ‘97 318is, and lastly a ‘99 328i
Sport Individual. I have always had a soft spot for
the E36s and their looks - which admittedly are pretty
old school when compared to the likes of the
latest 3 Series.
I spent an age looking for a low mileage E36
Convertible as a long term keeper which had to be
100% original and un-abused, eventually finding, in
August 2010, a genuine 36K mile Titan Silver October
1999 328i Convertible automatic in lovely condition from
a gentleman in South Wales. It was highly specified
from new with options like Sport Kit (M3 style front
bumper, side skirts etc), rear park assist, wood Kit,
fully heated black leather sports seats, Harmon Kardon
amplifier and speakers, fully auto hood along with
original head unit and CD changer in a box. It also has a
great Kenwood KVT-729DVD head unit, with digital TV
receiver, Bluetooth, sat nav and iPod connection.
Being an Electronics Engineer by trade, I have
spent the past three years doing the following optional
extra retrofits (using cars being broken up on eBay as
a source of parts), electric seat bases, electric lumbar
(not originally available on the sports seats), 8 button to
18 button on board computer upgrade, Climate Control
AUC upgrade, Cruise Control, fire extinguisher, leather
armrest, under bonnet light, Hi/Lo HK Switch (not found
on the convertibles), changed the original 16-inch Style
30s (standard Sports alloys) to Style 32s (more usually
found on the ‘Individual 328i’ convertibles). All retrofits
have been embodied to look OEM even down to use
of the correct wire sizes. (I hate bodging anything). I
have also obtained various other OEM parts like a wind
deflector (makes an amazing difference in the cabin at
speed), glove box cup holder and door coin box. I have a
complete headlight washer kit and the USA style central
door locking switch for the centre console still to fit.
Also fitted OEM mud flaps, mainly to try to keep stones
being flicked up the sides (although they don’t look
aesthetically pleasing).
54
Over time, all the little items
that were marked, chipped,
Owner: John Cayzer
cracked have been replaced, and
the Parts Dept guys at Bowker
Car: 1999 E36 328i Convertible
BMW, Preston, have been
friendly, knowledgeable and very
helpful!
The car is SORN’d over
winter, and only comes out on
sunny days during the summer.
There is no rust anywhere and
I have Waxoyled all the brake
pipes and anywhere under the
chassis, doors and boot lid
where the E36s are known to
rust. The 2012 MOT at Bowker
BMW highlighted that the Track
Control Arm bush on the driver
side was showing signs of wear,
Engine size: .......2.8-litre straight six
Report No.: .................................... 1
so both sides were replaced,
BHP: ..................................... 193 bhp
Total Mileage: ..................... 40,000
along with a weeping sump
Torque: ................................206 lb-ft
gasket and intermittent brake
Miles since last report: .............. 0
Modifications:
light switch. As the car is over
Engine: ................................ standard MPG: ...................... 20-35 depending
13 years old, it has seen some
on type of driving
Chass
is: .............................. standard
paintwork in the past and the
Exter
ior:
..........
Runni
..........
ng
near side quarter and side skirt
Costs:..£750 plus the usual
......... standard)
Interior: ................as listed in report
were given a paint correction
Future plans: ......... New rear screen
at a cost of £300.
The car now looks
immaculate with no car park dings and lovely bodywork
all thanks to the paint-less ding removal I had done
three years ago and the use of Poorboys sealant and
a year with no accidents or convictions was £230, and
wax. The car flew through its 2013 MOT again at
six months VED was £123.75. I generally only drive the
Bowker BMW, this time with no advisories, having just
car around towns so 20mpg is usual. On a run, it will
turned 40K miles.
do 35mpg.
On the things to do list are sort the hood out which
My daily driver is a 2007 BMW 118d MSport,
occasionally clips the tonneau cover when being opened
but the 328i Convertible is the car that still gets the
(by replacing the tonneau cover gas struts) and maybe a
admiring looks and even the folk at Bowker BMW were
new rear screen which currently has visible fold marks.
mightily impressed with its condition and mentioned the
Running costs are pretty good. Fully Comp
words “Showroom Condition” which cannot be said for
insurance with protected no claims, limited to 2K miles
many E36s these days.
B
W
INDEPENDENT BMW SPECIALISTS
TRAINED BMW TECHNICIAN WITH
MORE THAN 27 YEARS EXPERIENCE
AUTOREPAIRS.CO.UK
AUTO
REPAIRS
POWER DYNO RUNS
WORKSHOP FACILITIES
POWER GRAPH
BEFORE AND AFTER RE-MAP
● Workshop Facilities with service and repairs.
DYNO DYNAMICS 12OOBHP
ROLLING ROAD TESTING AVAILABLE
We can supply engine ECUs without EWS/
immobiliser free ECUs
● Main dealer coding, programming, diagnostics,
tools & alot more.
M3, M5, M6 engines ECU conversions allowing
these engines to be fitted into other cars
● DPF (Diesel Partical Filter) removal from exhaust
system and from cars software - from £450.
Alpha N remaps M3, M5 and Z4M from £400
● BMW ECU’s repairs and replacement ECU’s.
E60 M5 WORTEC ELECTRONIC
SWITCHABLE TONE
SPORTS EXHAUST SYSTEM
CAT BACK £2175
● We supply NOS bottle re-filling.
● First company in the UK to remap F Series
BMW cars through the OBD socket.
SEAR
BWCH CH FOR
ON YO IPTUNE
U TUB
E
PERFORMANCE TUNING
ECU TUNING
EQUIPMENT & DIAGNOSTICS
FOR CONTINENTAL CARS
5
F10 M2 M6
F11/F10 bhp
60-7 rade
upg 9
£79
Water da
m
or burnt aged
out
ECU’s?
We can r
epai
them! r
CUSTOM MADE TUNING FILES, MORE POWER, MORE TORQUE, BETTER MPG SAVE FUEL, SAVE MONEY ON FUEL BILLS
We now have our own tuning dealers across the UK, abroad and mobile.
Tuning Dealers - Opportunities available for other BMW, Audi, Seat,
Skoda, VW, Mercedes, Land Rover specialists. Ring to find out more.
REMAPS
Petrol 1996-2002....................................................... £200-325
Petrol 2003 onwards................................................ £300-375
Diesel 1996-2002 ...................................................... £250-325
Diesel 2003-2006.................................................... £300-£345
Diesel 2007-2008.................................................... £355-£395
Diesel 2009-2011.................................................... £375-£495
E92 2008 M3 plus 25bhp & 30nm of torque.............£399
E60 M5 ................................................................................... £399
E46 M3 20bhp..................................................................... £300
PERFORMANCE REMAPS
ON 2014 BMW CARS
BW SWITCH FLASHER
You read your cars ECU data, Email it to
us, we make your tuned file, you write
flash the tuned file to the car, you can
then switch from
original to power
to eco mpg tunes
in a flash!!! Can be
used for removing
DPF Software.
bw switch flasher
ONE OF THE OLDEST
AUTOLOGIC USERS
WE HAVE NOW MOVED TO HAYES
MOBILE: 07831 10 30 30
Unit 8-9 Alpha Industrial Estate, Clayton Road, UB3 1BB ● Telephone: 0208 561 1818
Events
National Events 2014
If you would like an event added to the calendar, please email details to
[email protected]
Welsh Weekend: May 3-4 We have secured and exclusive deal with the Park Lodge hotel in
Aberystwyth for the popular Welsh Weekend event in May. With the option
of one, two or three nights; accommodation includes bed and breakfast for
the duration of your stay, as well as an evening meal on Saturday night.
Prices based on two people sharing:
1 Night: (Saturday) including evening meal
2 Nights: Including Saturday evening meal
£164.00
£259.00 £354.00
Prices based on single occupancy:
1 Night: (Saturday) including evening meal
£119.50
£204.50 £289.50
Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Call the Club
office on 01970 267989 to secure your place on next year’s Welsh Weekend.
APRIL:
13:
27:
27:
Autospray Southern Concours
Prestige German Car Show. Donington Park
Beamish Museum Visit (Eastern/North East)
MAY:
3-4:
04:
10:
Welsh Weekend, Aberystwyth
Duxford Spring Car Show (East Anglia)
Club AGM. RAF Cosford Air Museum, Telford
JUNE:
08:
15:
Concours of the North (Eastern/North East)
BMs on the Lawn. Weston Super Mare (Western)
JULY:
25-27:
Silverstone Classic, Silverstone, Northamptonshire
AUGUST:
16-17:
National BMW Festival. Heritage Motor Museum. Gaydon
National BMW Festival: August 16-17
56
Pub Meets:
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. Special venue for Christmas
Dinner (7:00pm) The Swan, 2 Wavendon Road, Salford, Milton Keynes,
MK17 8BD
CENTRAL WEST: Second Tuesday of every month (commencing 14th
January 2014), The Old Wagon & Horses, Stourbridge Rd (A451),
Kidderminster, Worcestershire,DY10 3NX
CORNWALL: Second Monday of the month at The Punchbowl and Ladle,
Penelewey, Feock, Truro, TR3 6QY.
CUMBRIA: First Thursday of the month at 7:30pm. Hunday Manor,
Winscales, Workington, CA14 4JF
DEVON: January 30 at 7:30pm. Passage House Inn, Hackney Lane,
Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot, TQ12 3QH
EAST ANGLIA:
Suffolk Pub Meet: Third Thursday evening of the month at 7.30pm, The
Wild Man, Sproughton, Ipswich, IP8 3DA.
Cambs/Beds/Herts Pub Meet: Suspended until spring 2014.
Norfolk Pub Meet: Last Sunday lunchtime of the month from 12.30 pm at
The Gull Inn, Framlingham Pigot, Norfolk, NR14 7PL.
Essex Pub Meet: Every last Thursday evening of the month. The Lodge
Country Inn, Battlesbridge SS11 7QT.
Herts /North London Meet: Second Monday evening of the month from
7pm at The Crooked Chimney, Lemsford, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 7XE
EASTERN:
Peak & South Yorkshire: Second Monday of the month from 8pm at The
Twin Oaks Hotel Church Lane, Palterton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S44 6UZ
Yorkshire and Humberside: The last Tuesday of the month, 7:30pm to
closing time at Barnes Wallis Inn. One mile north of Howden on the B1228,
5 minutes from the M62 J37 www.barneswallisinn.com
IRELAND: TBA
ISLE OF MAN: TBA
NORTH EAST: First Wednesday of the month (Feb 5th) at the Dun Cow
from 7.30pm to 8.00pm. Dun Cow, Primrose Hill, Bournmoor, Chester-leeStreet. Tell 01913 852631.
NORTH WEST:
Main meet: Middle Sunday of alternate months (starting January) from
12:00 noon. Next meet is on the 19th January 2014 & 16th March 2014 at
The Swan, Bucklow Hill, Cheshire, WA16 6RD. Contact Peter Cheesbrough
07887 987745
Manchester Branch: First Tuesday of the month at the Sheldon Arms,
Sheldon Way, Ashton-under-Lyne M34 5QL.
Wirral and Merseyside: Last Sunday of the month at lunchtime. The
Shrewsbury Arms, Mickle Trafford, CH2 4EB. Contact Phil Pinnington 07803
577935
SCOTLAND: Regular meets in various locations contact Scottish@
bmwcarclubgb.co.uk for details.
SOUTH EAST:
Dorking Area: Second Saturday in Month, 7pm for 7.30 meal.Watermill
inn Reigate Road Dorking RH4 1NN. Tel: 01306-711224.
Maidstone Area: Last Saturday in the month at 6pm. The Ship Inn, 14, The
Street Cobham Gravesend Kent. 01474 814326.
Surrey/Hants Area: Last Tuesday in the month, at 8pm. 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 every month at 7pm
(6pm for food) at the Twelve Knights Pub, Margam, Port Talbot, SA13 2BN
WESSEX:
Bournemouth Area: Wednesday 5th February at the St Leonards Hotel,
Ringwood. BH24 2NP 7.00pm onwards. Contact John Olliffe 07834 498114
Basingstoke Area: Tuesday 21st Jan and 18th Feb. 7.30pm onwards. The
Fox, North Waltham, Basingstoke RG25 2BE. Contact Simon Alcorn 07973
299024
WESTERN: Weds 5th March 2014 TBC then every first Wednesday of each
month after that. Woolpack Inn, Shepherds Way. St Georges. Weston–
Super-Mare BS22 7XE
Member Focus
A
fter having spent a great deal of time, effort
and money on my beloved MK1 Mazda MX5
over the space of a year, I finally made the
very difficult decision to let it go. As can be
seen from the photo’s I enjoy detailing and spending
time on my cars getting them to look and drive as
best they can. However, as there are three of us in
our family, including my wife Kelly and our four year
old son Daniel, it was always going to be impossible
visiting various motoring events around the country in
a two-seater sports car, unless of course we took two
vehicles. Not really an option.
My list of cars and motorcycles over the years has
been a mixture of “why did I ever buy that?” (Renault
Megane Scenic) through to ‘German Autobahn crusher’
(Audi RS6), with a sprinkling of AlfaSud 1.5Ti Green
Cloverleaf (brilliant), Subaru Impreza (fast) and Audi 90
Quattro 20v (solid), amongst others.
So, what next? I definitely wanted another
cabriolet, but this time with four proper seats and
enough legroom in the back for a very fidgety young
petrolhead! So, it basically boiled down to another
Audi, a Mercedes, a Jaguar XK or a BMW. I went down
to the local Jaguar dealer and had a look at an XK-R.
Beautiful though it was, as soon as I took one look in
the back it got struck off the list straight away as there
may as well have been no back seats in there at all!
Audi? No, had enough of those already. Mercedes? No,
I still haven’t found a model that I really love, unless of
course it was a C63 AMG but they don’t do a soft-top
version of course.
Which left BMW. Now, I hate to say this but after
25 years of driving I’ve never owned a BMW! Still, I was
all too aware of the pedigree, build quality and great
engines so I started trawling the usual websites with
a view to picking up an E46 330 or similar. A friend of
mine had also just picked up a stunning E46 M3 but the
running costs put me off a little. Anyway, after several
hours getting Repetitive Strain Injury from hardcore
mouse clicking, I found something that stopped me in
my tracks. It was a stunning 2003, BMW ALPINA B3S
Cabriolet in an amazing purple colour, which I later
My ALPINA Story:
The start of a new obsession…
Words and Photos Chris Birkett
58
Member Focus
There was an old
white Fiat parked about
three feet away from the
front of the car... I opened
my door and Daniel
shouted to me “Daddy, that
man has just crashed into
our car, it went bang!
found out to be called Mora. It had a beautiful interior
in Champagne Nappa, together with colour matched
piping in Mora and ALPINA rhombs in the seats and
steering wheel. I readily admit that although I’d heard
of ALPINA I didn’t really know much about them, other
than they were something a bit special and quite rare.
Kelly knew that I was smitten with the car as I
couldn’t sleep that night and got up again at 1am,
turned on the PC and spent another two hours doing
research into the marque, mainly via the ALPINA
Register. I was starting to get excited but worried
that it had probably already been sold. After leaving a
message on the vendor’s mobile it was then a nerveshredding few hours before I received a call back from
him to say that it was still available. Arrangements
were made to view the car as soon as possible and it
was only 30 miles away, which was an added bonus.
On seeing the car for the first time I knew that I had to
have to have it. Although it was a bit dirty and needed
a good clean, I could see the potential and imagined
what it would look like after I’d spent some time on it
with a rotary polisher and lots of ‘products’. The vendor
took all three of us out for a spirited blast and I was
hooked from that moment on.
Needless to say I was itching to get my hands on it
but had to wait a couple of days to carry out the usual
HPI checks and sort out insurance. One thing I did find
challenging was that the car didn’t appear on any of the
usual insurance comparison sites, which made getting
a number of quotes challenging. However, Adrian
Flux came to the rescue with a reasonable quote on a
limited mileage scheme and I was all set.
When the big day arrived I was able to get a friend
from work to take Daniel and I over to the vendor’s
house to collect it and after a nice chat I collected the
keys and we were on our way. I stopped off for some
fuel, pulled up to the pump, filled up and went to pay at
the kiosk. Upon arriving back at the car there was an old
white Fiat parked about three feet away from the front
of the car which I thought was a bit odd. I opened my
door and Daniel shouted to me “Daddy, that man has
just crashed into our car, it went bang!”
I couldn’t believe it.
I’d had the car 20 minutes and already someone
had already reversed into it. Luckily the man at the
pump next to me told the other “*@#!” to stay where
he was until I got back. My heart was pounding from
the adrenaline as I walked around to the nearside
corner where it had hit to survey the damage. My relief
was palpable when I didn’t find a mark on it, not even
a scratch! It just goes to show you the excellent build
quality of a BMW. After some heated words we set off
for home. I didn’t even bother looking at the other car
as, quite frankly, I couldn’t care less!
Luckily we managed to get home without any
further incidents and I hoped that wasn’t going to be a
bad omen for the future! That was enough excitement
for one day so I left the car on the drive (the MX5 was
still in the garage at that time) and started to look into
Club Membership. I decided to join the BMW Car Club
(GB) straight away and the ALPINA Register followed
a few days later. I’ve since found out that everyone is
really friendly and are all too happy to help with any
questions or issues about the car.
So, following attendance at one Club meeting with
the Central Region I decided that I’d like to become
more involved. I knew that they were looking for a new
Regional Chairman and at the meeting in September I
was voted in. Fortuitously, David Frith was visiting that
night and briefed us all on the proposed new boundaries
for the Club, which has cut the Central Region into
three; East, West and Central. This is perfect for me
as I live in Milton Keynes, right on the Southern border,
have family living in Derby, near the top end and I know
most places in-between. I’m relishing the opportunity
of taking on the new role and am looking forward to
help steer the Club in the right direction.
Hopefully I’ll be showing the car at some of next
year’s events as long as I can get it up to scratch over
the winter period. But that’s another story……..
59
Regions
REGIONS
Central
Happy New Year to all of our members and I hope
Santa brought you everything you wished for,
especially if it was BMW related!
Since the last report, I attended my first NEC
Classic Car Show on the BMW Car Club (GB) stand on
the Saturday. I have to say it was a great experience and
something I would certainly like to do again next year.
The stand looked great and everyone certainly put a lot of
effort into, what I believe was the most successful show
to date in terms of new member sign-up - 65 people
joined in the three days and lots of other people took
literature away with them so hopefully we will get a few
more to add to the numbers. I met a lot of interesting
people who are very knowledgeable about the marque
Chris Birkett
[email protected]
(certainly more so than me!) and I also got chance to have
a whiz around the show and was extremely impressed
with both the quality and variety of vehicles on display.
I was chatting with David Frith about next year’s
show and he would like local Club members to ‘(wo)
man the stand’ as it would be a great experience and
keep costs down (no need to book hotels, etc) which
means the stand can be bigger and better than ever
as more funds can be channelled into the stand itself.
I’ll be contacting you all in the Region next year about
this so watch this space.
We’re also beginning to plan some of next year’s
events that happen earlier in the season, especially
Duxford on the 4th May. George Champ has been
Central West
heavily involved with organising this in the past but
as he would like to go on the Welsh Weekend on the
same date I’m going to help him out to make sure
Duxford is even better this year. 130 BMWs attended
the last event in 2013 and the aim for this year is 200!
We’ll be looking for lots of support for this one please
so keep an eye out in Straight Six, the website and the
various Facebook pages for details.
Finally, as soon as the weather starts improving a
little I’ll be looking to start holding extra monthly Central
Region meetings somewhere towards the North of our
area to enable those of you who live too far away from
the south of the border to get together for a chat and a bit
of tyre kicking, not too hard though!
Dave Evans 07885 837758
[email protected]
We will also be looking at having organised drives to
events put on by our fellow Club Regions.
An awful lot going on so we are hoping that some of
you will be willing to help out in whatever way you
can.
We intend to have a section in the regional news
every month where we feature a CWR members car be
it new, a company car, classic or even vintage as long
as it has a BMW badge please see below “My Pride
& Joy” we will need a short write up and a photo of
you and your car this can be emailed to us and we
will feature one every month. Here’s the first of our
members “Pride & Joy”
My pride and joy
With Christmas and the New Year behind us we now
have an exciting season of car club events ahead.
We are really looking forward to meeting you all
in the newly formed Central West Region and hope
many will be able to come along to the first pub meet
on Tuesday 14th January (details of venue in the
pub meet section). We believe the venue we have
chosen is fairly central, on a main A road, not far from
motorways and reasonably priced good food if you
wish to eat. Also for the warmer months it has a play
area for the children and a field we can use to host
small events.
We would appreciate it if all who are intending
to come along on the 14th could email or text us so
we have some indication of how many to expect and
can inform the pub so they can be prepared. So get
your thinking caps on so we can hear all your ideas to
make our Club enjoyable, social and fun for all ages
and tastes. We had our first club member contact us
by email following the December issue of Straight Six,
thank you Chris from Cheslyn Hay looking forward to
meeting you and seeing your E30 Cab.
search BMW Car Club Central West.
The Twitter account now set up and can be found
if the members search BMW car club (cw)
We are also looking to produce a quarterly
newsletter, so please send us any of your stories, tips
and useful information so they can be shared with the
Membership.
Forthcoming Events
We are planning to arrange a regional show stand at
Ragley Hall (Alcester), Himley Hall (Dudley), Weston
Park (Shropshire) and possibly the Plum Festival
(Pershore). Also in conjunction with the Central Region
we have been asked to organise the BMW Club stand
at The Classic Car Show at the NEC in the Autumn.
Owner – Dean Dyoss (Halesowen)
A 1989 325i Motorsport, this one is the first version
of the desirable motorsport convertibles. Purchased
in December from its 1st and original owner it has
been treated to the following: Full repaint, many new
trim parts sourced through BMW Park Lane, leather
trim refurbished, new tyres all round and wheels
refurbished.
The vehicle has all MOT’s and tax discs and a huge
history file to back up its very low 44,000 miles.
Local Trades and Dealers
We are going to have an open day for
approximately 30 people along with a small show
and shine in 2014 when we are over the worst of
Web Update
Dean, our vice chair, has been very busy creating a
Facebook page and a twitter account. Thanks Dean!
The Facebook page now up and running. Central West
Members can find and like it on Facebook if they
60
Dean’s 325i Motorsport
Regions
the winter weather. Further details will follow in
January. The company who will host this is based in
the Halesowen area and trades as Autobahn, their
website is www.autobahnservicing.co.uk the main
contact is Rob and he will offer members a discount
on any work carried out, he also specialises in all M
cars as well as modern and classic BMWs.
Please let us know your recommended
tradesmen in the region so we can share our findings
with each other. Hoping to share our vision for 2014
with you all.
Cornwall
Happy New Year to all our Members and their families!
Following our pub meet in November, we now have
a provisional list of events for this year. If you would like
to register your interest, or join us at any of them, then
I would be glad to hear from you. Similarly, if there are
any other events you would like to attend with the Club,
please get in touch.
In the meantime, our provisional list is as follows:
April 13th – Joint Southern Regions Concours
May 18th – South West Autosport, Newton Abbot, www.
southwestautosport.com
July 20th – Wheels, Wadebridge, www.
wadebridgewheels.co.uk
August 9th/10th – Castle Hill Car Festival, Barnstaple,
James Brewer 07527 490728
[email protected]
www.castlehillcarfestival.co.uk
August 17th – National Festival, Gaydon
October – Classic Air Force
November 10th – Cornwall AGM
December 8th – Christmas Meal
Filling in the gaps (exact dates to be announced) will
be a Dartmoor Run including Moretonhampstead Motor
Museum, a bowling night, and a visit to a South West
BMW i dealership to look at the i3 and new i8 when the
latter is launched. There is also discussion of a Museum
Weekend combining visits to Haynes Motor Museum
and Beaulieu Motor Museum, and a charity event later
on in the year. There are of course nationally organised
events, and Club events in other Regions, which we will
Cumbria
Regional News
This year sees a few changes to the Region, firstly we
will be replacing the monthly meeting with a quarterly
meeting that will include a drive and dine. This meeting
will take place in four different venues within the
county. The first meeting will take place in the South of
the county in March 2014. I will send out further details
as they emerge. This will be followed by a meeting in
June in the west of the county, September in the East
and December in the north that will also include a
Christmas Dinner meeting.
look at going to if there is enough interest as and when
organisers announce dates and details.
Facebook
Thanks to Adam breathing new life into our Facebook
page it will be updated more regularly this year than it
was in 2013. So if you are on there, please have a look at
BMW Car Club GB – Cornwall and “Like” us.
Our next pub meet, again continuing on the 2nd
Monday of the month, will be 13th January. The venue is
The Punchbowl and Ladle, Penelewey, Feock, Truro, TR3
6QY. You will usually find us gathered around the main
bar, but if you’re a new face, let me know you’re coming
and we will keep an eye out for you!See you all soon!
Stuart Roberts 01946 590356 (after 7pm)
[email protected]
me the details. This month’s entry is an Imola Red E46
330i owned by a very proud Mr Andy Hodgson.
“My B.M.W 330Ci sport coupe was acquired in
2001 from Batemans BMW in Lindale. It was their
demonstrator which was loaded with extras. Bizarrely,
I went to look at an E36 but the 330 caught my eye.
Here we are, 13years later and still enjoying her. It is
a bonus to be in Imola Red - my favourite colour. The
car has been tastefully tuned by D.M.S Automotive but
still retains 100% reliability.
The spec of the car is 330Ci M Sport with
balanced M Sport suspension. I have put on a full
Eismen exhaust system with deleted resonator boxes
- which helps it breathe better and gives a great note.
Schnitzer roof spoiler, Schnitzer 5 spoke split rims
alloy wheels shod with Michelin Sport tyres.”
Forthcoming events
Over the winter months I will be getting in touch with
you to discuss proposed events for next year. This is
your Region and will only work if you get involved.
I will be planning in several local events including
Grasmere classic, Dalemain castle, moffat and Hutton
in the forest as well as event in other Regions. If you
wish to attend a specific event then please share the
details and we will attend as a Region.
Event reports
This section will be used to report back on any events
we have either attended or organised. I will be looking
for a couple of photos and a few lines to add into the
report.
Car of The Month
This is a new section in our report that I feel is very
important as we have some of the very best cars
located in the Region. If you wish to nominate either
your own car or a fellow members then please forward
Devon
We welcome all new members to the Car Club
and invite you to join us at the Passage House Inn
Kingsteignton, every last Thursday of each month,
please do come and join us. For our penultimate pub
meet 16 members and friends assembled. As always
Kathy Jemfrey 01626 330436
[email protected]
we had a pleasant evening. Our thanks to our waiting
staff who look after us so well.
By the time you read this we shall have had
our Christmas Evening at the Passage House 12th
December. The hall is decked the table will be laid the
food and wine will flow and you guessed it we shall
all be merry. Our next meeting will be 30th January
7.30 for our first meal together for 2014.
Hope you all have a safe and Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year.
61
from
(meet in
in The
TheBarn).
Barn).We
Welook
look
from6.45pm
6.45pm to
to 9.30pm
9.30pm (meet
forward
of you
you as
aspossible.
possible.
forwardto
to seeing
seeing as many of
pass.We
Weonly
only
have
spaces,
soisitimportant
is important
pass.
have
2525
spaces,
so it
thatthat
youletletmemeknow
know
if you
stand.
you
if you
willwill
be be
on on
ourour
stand.
East
Anglia
East Anglia
25:
AirAir
Show
– Cambs/Beds.
25:Little
LittleGransden
Gransden
Show
– Cambs/Beds.
Regions
East Anglia
Anglia Region
Region sponsored
East
sponsoredby
by
Elms BMW
BMW
Elms
www.elmsbmw.co.uk
www.elmsbmw.co.uk
Bedford: 0844 326 7246
Bedford: 0844 326 7246
Cambridge: 0844 326 7249
Cambridge: 0844 326 7249
Stansted: 0844 326 7244
Stansted: 0844 326 7244
Elms offer members:
Elms
offer members:
• Generous
discounts off the new BMW and MINI
• Generous
discounts off the new BMW and MINI
range
•range
A minimum discount of £500 on approved used
• Acars
minimum
in stockdiscount of £500 on approved used
stock
•cars
15%inplus
discount on parts and accessories 10%
• 15%
plus on
discount
on parts
10%
discount
all service
work and
and accessories
labour (15% on
discount
all service
cars overon
4 years
old) work and labour (15% on
carsDiscount
over 4 years
old) code ELMSCC20133
activation
Discount
code ELMSCC20133
George
Champactivation
– 07514 216660
George Champ –[email protected]
07514 216660
Hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas and New
[email protected]
Year.
It is now
time welcome
to look forward
to and
for
As
always,
a warm
to all the
new plan
members
2014.
Many
within
Club
mean
we
will
who
have
recently
thethe
Club.
Athe
really
As
always,
a changes
warm joined
welcome
to
all
newpleasant
members
havehave
some
exciting
events
andClub.
outings
look
forward
surprise
last
monthjoined
to
be voted
as
one
ofto“Hewitt’s
who
recently
the
A really
pleasant
Heroes”,
thank
you. to
(See
issue).
to. I make
nomonth
apology
for
publishing
below
yet again
surprise
last
be page
voted12asJuly
one
of “Hewitt’s
and will thank
continue
do sopage
a list12ofJuly
possible
events for
Heroes”,
you.to(See
issue).
News
the coming year. Where you will find the differences
The AGM for East Anglia Region will take place on
News
from previously is the fact we will organise less
Thursday 29th August at 7pm at The Lodge Country
The
AGM
for East This
Anglia
Region
will take
placeofon
events
ourselves.
isSS11
quite
simply
because
lack
Inn,
near
Battlesbridge,
7QT.
Thursday
29th
August
The Lodgeattend
Country
of support
in the
past. at
We7pm
willatmainly
June was
a relatively
quiet
month only
event wise
Inn,
nearand
Battlesbridge,
SS11by7QT.
events
arranged
other
organisations
coupled
withshows
the fact
“Summer”
decided
it would
June
was aHowever,
relativelybyquiet
month
wise
delay
its start.
the time
youevent
read
this
with less
self arranged outings.
The events
lists
will
coupled
with
the
fact
“Summer”
decided it would
hopefully
July
will
have
seen
an
improvement.
We did
however be refined in the future to show the actual
delay
start. However,
by our
the relationship
time you read
this
enjoyits
to cement
Elms
dates the
andchance
WWW.
Websites
you canwith
make
hopefully
will
have
seenso
anthat
improvement.
Weyour
did
BMW andJuly
MINI
dealerships,
who
are now our Region’s
own
arrangements
or
booking
if
you
wish
to
attend,
if
enjoy
the chance
to cement
ouron
relationship
Elms
Sponsors.
We were
able to put
showroom with
displays
we
are
not
organising
same.
BMW
and MINI
whoStortford
are now(Stansted),
our Region’s
of members’
carsdealerships,
in the Bishops
Sponsors.
WeCambridge
were ablebranches
to put onofshowroom
displays
Bedford and
Elms.
ofAny
members’
carssuggestions
in the Bishopsfrom
Stortford
(Stansted),
ideas and
yourselves
are
Bedford
and
Cambridge branches of Elms.
Event
News
always
welcome.
The
16th
June also saw 10 members’ cars displayed at
Santa
Pod,
“Journey
through the Ages”, a last minute event being
Event
News
Car Fest
(Chris
Evans),
held16th
nearJune
Diss.also
The saw
event10was
not without
drama, at
The
members’
cars its
displayed
JD Classics open days,
as apparently
local
stop the
show
“Journey
through
theresidents
Ages”, atried
lasttominute
event
being
Hiltonahead
& Moss
open
day,means. I am told this included
going
byThe
various
held
near Diss.
event
was not without its drama,
Heveningham
Hall/Wings
&signs
Wheels
12th
and
13th
removing
or altering
to to
the
event
even
aseither
apparently
local
residents
tried
stop
theand
show
broadcasting
that
the
show
had
been
cancelled
– but
July
2014
(club
stand),
going ahead by various means. I am told this included
all
thisremoving
has
yet toorthe
be
verified.
Journey
Through
Ages (club
either
altering
signsstand),
to the event and even
Duxford
Spring
Car
Show
May
stand),– but
broadcasting that the show
had2014
been(club
cancelled
all
this has yetHall
to be
Helmingham
3rdverified.
August 2014 (club stand),
Gaydon (EA Region stand) 16th/17th August 2014,
AUGUST
Classics
by the Lakes
Bury
St Edmunds
Sept
2014are
(club
04:
Helmingham
Hall,
Suffolk
(Only 20
spaces
stand), on our Club stand)
available
AUGUST
North Norfolk Coastal Run Sept 2014 (we organise as
04: Helmingham Hall, Suffolk (Only 20 spaces are
10
& 11: Norwich Motor Show, Norfolk Show
usual),
available
on
ourdirect
Club stand)
Ground.
Book
www.norwichmotorshow.co.uk
Lt Gransden
Air Showvia
Aug
2014 (club stand),
Forthcoming Events
Forthcoming Events
Monthly Norwich
Pub Meets throughout
theNorfolk
year (continue
as
10
Show,
17&&11:
18: National Motor
BMW Festival,
Gaydon.Show
Book
now),
Ground.
Book
viaAttention
www.norwichmotorshow.co.uk
direct with
Clubdirect
Office.
all E30 owners – This
DTM racing
HatchinCANCELLED,
year’s
event at
willBrands
be special
a number of ways, not
Chelmer
Valleywe
Carcelebrate
Meet various
events
throughout
17
& 18:
National
BMW
Festival,
Gaydon.
least
because
30 years
of
the
E30Book
and
direct
with Club
Office. Attention all E30 owners – This
the
64 whole
BMW year,
Car Club Magazine
year’s
event will
special in a number of ways, not
Sherringham
Carbe
Show,
least
becauseClassic
we celebrate
30September
years of the
E30 and
Buntingford
Car Show
2014,
64
BMW Car
Club Magazine
Lavenham
Car Show,
Regionals-AUG.indd
64
Harpenden Classics
on the Common,
Kimbolton (club stand),
Battlesbridge Car Shows,
Regionals-AUG.indd 64
Battlesbridge Country Run to Mill Race Nurseries
Colchester,
Snetterton Kumho Racing/ BTCC,
62
gathering
of classic
and interesting
gathering
of classic
and interesting
cars. cars.
Please
note,note,
not allnot
theallevents
listed listed
aboveabove
are runare run
Please
the events
by BMW
Car Club.
by BMW
Car Club.
Contacts:
George Champ 07514 216660
Contacts:
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
[email protected]
01:
JD
CLASSICS
–
Open
Breakfast
Morning,
01: JD CLASSICS – Open Breakfast Morning,
Anglia
Regional
Chairman.
George
ChampChamp
8:30am-11:30am.
www.jdclassics.co.uk/news-events.asp
Anglia
Regional
Chairman.
George
8:30am-11:30am.
www.jdclassics.co.uk/news-events.asp EastEast
[email protected].
Tel:
07514
216660216660
John Hill’s Neue Klass
[email protected]. Tel: 07514
01:
Coastal
Run
– Norfolk.
01:North
NorthNorfolk
Norfolk
Coastal
Run
– Norfolk.
Suffolk
Branch.
DavidDavid
Adams
Suffolk
Branch.
Adams
01: Classics by the Lakes – Suffolk. 11am – 4.30pm
01: Classics by the Lakes – Suffolk. 11am – 4.30pm [email protected]. Tel: 07774 668596
[email protected]. Tel: 07774 668596
Norfolk Branch. Katherine Mason. [email protected]
01: Hedingham Castle Classic and Vintage Car
Norfolk Branch. Katherine Mason. [email protected]
01: Hedingham Castle Classic and Vintage Car
Show – Essex/Suffolk border. Book direct,
Show – Essex/Suffolk border. Book direct,
Essex Branch and EA Events Coordinator
www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Essex Branch and EA Events Coordinator
www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Clive Skoulding. [email protected]
Clive Skoulding. [email protected]
07: Buntingford Classic Car Show – Herts Book
Tel: 07500 804988
07: Buntingford
Classic Car Show – Herts Book
direct
www.buntingfordchamberofcommerce.co.uk/
Tel: 07500 804988
direct www.buntingfordchamberofcommerce.co.uk/
buntingford-classic-car
Cambs / Beds Branch. Matthew Hunt
buntingford-classic-car
Cambs / Beds Branch. Matthew Hunt
[email protected]. 07973 986525
13-15: Goodwood Revival. Please make your own
[email protected]. 07973 986525
13-15:
Goodwood
Revival.
Please
make
your
own
arrangements to attend.
arrangements to attend.
Herts Branch. Tim Fathers. [email protected]
Herts Branch. Tim Fathers. [email protected]
22: BMWRDC Kumho Championship, Brands Hatch.
related snippet (not necessarily a BMW) with an
Brands
Hatch Events,
22:
BMWRDC
Kumho Championship, Brands Hatch.
29:Brightlingsea
Battlesbridge
Classic
Car Show – Essex. Book
accompanying amusing photograph.
Classic
Car Show,
direct
at www.battlesbridge.com/events.php
29:
Battlesbridge
Classic
Car
Show September
– Essex. Book
This man owned and drove the same car for 82
St Mary’s
Motor Show
Bishops
Stortford
direct
at www.battlesbridge.com/events.php
years. Can you imagine even having the same car for
2014 (Club
Stand),
OCTOBER
82 years?
Silverstone Classic July 2014,
Stephen
Kelly – 00353 87 418 1372
27:
JD CLASSICS – Open Breakfast Morning,
OCTOBER
Mr Allen
Swift
(Springfi
Charity Motor Show
Snetterton November,
[email protected]
Stephen
Kelly
– 00353
87eld,
418MA)
1372received this
8:30am-11:30am
www.jdclassics.co.uk/news-events.asp
27: JD CLASSICS – Open Breakfast Morning,
1928 Rolls Royce Piccadilly
P1
Roadster
from his
Porsche BBQ July 2014,
[email protected]
8:30am-11:30am www.jdclassics.co.uk/news-events.asp
father, brand new – as a graduation gift in 1928. He
Welsh Weekend 3rd May 2014,
News
NOVEMBER
03:
Truck Racing
drove
it up
until his
deathphotos
last year
the age of
Donnington
Park and
27th Fireworks,
April 2014, Brands Hatch.
Please
send
in some
of your
from…
theatrecent
News
NOVEMBER
car shows.
102!!!
He was
the oldest
living
owner
of athe
carrecent
that
AGM
RAF Cosforth
10th Fireworks,
May 2014 including
03:
Truck
Racing and
Brands Regional
Hatch.
Please send
in some
of your
photos
from
18:Chairman’s
Charity Race
Experience,
was
purchased
new.
Annual
Conference,Snetterton Race
car shows.
Circuit, Norfolk.
Motorsport
JustNews
thought you would like to see it. It was
Mystery
Tour/Drive
starting from Elms
BMW Bedford.
18:
Charity
Race Experience,
Snetterton
Race
Circuit,
Donegal
International
21st-23rd
2013 It
donated
to a Springfi
eld Museum
afterJune
his death.
PleaseNorfolk.
note not all the events listed above are
Motorsport
News Rally:
Irish
Irish
Pub
run Meets
by BMW Car Club.
Pub Meets
Suffolk Pub Meet – Third Thursday evening of the
has 1,070,000
on it,and
stillJames
runs like
a Swiss
watch,
Monaghan
pairInternational
Sammiles
Moffett
O’Reilly
were
Donegal
Rally:
21st-23rd
June 2013
the delighted
winners
the Donegal
dead silent
at any of
speed
and is inInternational
perfect cosmetic
Monaghan
pair SamTheir
Moffett andImpreza
James O’Reilly were
Rallycondition
over the (82
weekend.
years). ThatSubaru
is approximatelyWRC
13,048
Star Car
the delighted
winners
ofover
the Donegal
International
recorded
a 90 second
victory
the Ford Focus
of
month
at
7.30pm.
The
Wild
Man,
Sproughton,
Ipswich,
miles
per
year
(1087
per
month).
This month I have chosen John Hill’s Neue Klass
RallyKelly
overand
theKevin
weekend.
Theirafter
Subaru
Suffolk
Pub19/9,
Meet17/10,
– Third
Thursday evening of the Donagh
Flanagan
threeImpreza
tough WRC
IP8
3DA.
15/8,
21/11.
You
get
the
idea
so
I
look
forward
to
some
Quite
simply for
the reason,
John came to the
a 90
second
victory
Ford Focus
of
with many
of the
stages
madeover
verythe
slippery
by
month at 7.30pm. The Wild Man, Sproughton, Ipswich, daysrecorded
you all,Flanagan
otherwise
I will
run tough
out of
rescue
provided
his
car for
Elm’s i3 Launch display. wet contributions
Donagh
Kelly from
and Kevin
after
three
conditions.
IP8
3DA.and
15/8,
19/9,Pub
17/10,
21/11.
Cambs/Beds/Herts
Meet
–Fourth Tuesday
suitable
material.
It fittedofperfectly
into
were
given to show
days
with
many
the itstages
very slippery
by
For the
first
two of
days,
lookedmade
as though
last
evening
the month
at the
Thebrief
Royalwe
Oak,
Barrington
wet
conditions.
case7RZ
theatroots
developments,
whichespecially
led to
Cambs/Beds/Herts
PubHerts
Meet
–Fourth
Tuesday
year’s
winners
Garry Jennings and Neil Doherty would
CB22
7pmofallthe
nearby
members
BMW’s 27/8,
successful
322/10,
Series
cars
culminating
in the i3. scoreEvents
For thevictory,
first two
it lookeda as
though
evening
of the24/9,
month
at The
Royal
Oak, Barrington
a repeat
but days,
they incurred
costly
threelast
welcome
26/11.
penalty
for members
checking
out
of a and
service
area
too Day
year’s
winners
Garry Jennings
Doherty
would
CB22
7RZ at
7pm all nearby
Herts members
Some
Norfolk
enjoyed
the Neil
Charity
Race
Restricted
showroom
space meant
Elm’s wereespecially
not able minute
early,
dropping
them
to fifthbut
place
forincurred
SundayFor
morning’s
Norfolk
Pub
–range
Last
Sunday
lunchtime
of asked
score
a repeat
victory,
a acostly
welcome
27/8,
24/9,
22/10,
26/11.
experience
at Snetterton
in they
November.
smallthree
to include
a Meet
wider
of
members
cars but
restart.
The penalty
disappointed
pair managed
recover area
to
the month from 1pm, Aug 25th meeting is at The
minute
for you
checking
out oftoto
abeservice
donation
to charity
were able
a passengertoo
me to convey their thanks to the owners who offered
thirdearly,
position
by the them
finish,towhich
them
still morning’s
Feathers,
71 Manor Road, Dersingham, Norfolk, PE31
dropping
fifth leaves
place for
Sunday
Norfolk
in
a
variety
of
fast
or
exotic
cars
and
be
whisked
their cars.Pub Meet – Last Sunday lunchtime of
leading
the Tarmac
Championship.
6LN.
venues
always
check
restart.
The disappointed
pair managed to recover to
the Changing
month from
1pm,soAug
25th double
meeting
is atwith
The
around the race circuit. A rather snazzy and no doubt
To qualify for
“Star
Car”
please
submit either
Katherine
25/8,
29/9,
27/10,
24/11.
It wasposition
a dreambycome
true forwhich
Moffett
and them
O’Reilly
third
the finish,
leaves
still
Feathers,Mason
71 Manor
Road,
Dersingham,
Norfolk, PE31
very
quick
Austin
A35Championship.
one debut
of many
directChanging
to me or venues
your Branch
Representative
one with
on only
their
second
rally
inwas
thisamongst
car. On their
in cars
leading
the
Tarmac
6LN.
so always
double check
Essex
Pub Meet,
combined
with
Valley
taking
part.
photograph
of your
car (at
least
1Chelmer
MB24/11.
in size)
and a
a World
Rally
Cara two
months
won a round
Katherine
Mason
25/8,
29/9,
27/10,
It was
dream
comeago,
truethey
for Moffett
and O’Reilly
Carbrief
Meet
(CVCM) –ofEvery
evening
of
description
why last
you Thursday
think it qualifi
es eg:of the
National
Championship,
but On
to add
onDunlop
only their
second
rally in this car.
theirtheir
debut in
the- month.
All
types
of
classic
cars
and
others
attend
first International win was more than they could have
It hasPub
wonMeet,
a prizecombined
at a showwith Chelmer Valley
Essex
a
World
Rally
Car
two
months
ago,
they
won
a round
at The Lodge Country Inn, Battlesbridge SS11 7QT.
hoped for.
Car
Meet
(CVCM)
– Every
last because
Thursdayofevening
of
- Car
is either
stunning
or rare
its model
of the Dunlop National Championship, but to add their
Combining the Essex Pub Meets throughout the year.
the
month. All types of classic cars and others attend
or colour
first International win was more than they could have
BMW
Car Club members welcome to attend. 29/8.
at
The
Lodge
Countryy having
Inn, Battlesbridge
SS11
hoped for.
It
is now
a butterfl
emerged from
a 5 7QT.
year
26/9. 31/10.
28/11.
Combining
restorationthe Essex Pub Meets throughout the year.
BMW /Car
ClubLondon
members
welcome
to attend.
29/8.
HERTS
North
Meets
– Second
Monday
- Something
else special
etc. etc.
26/9. 31/10.
28/11. from 7pm at The Crooked
evening
of the month
Chimney,
Lemsford,
Welwyn
Garden City, AL8 7XE. The
Stranger
Than
Fiction
HERTS
/ North
Meets
– Second
restart
of your
ownLondon
Herts meet,
so please
comeMonday
along
Again
in
order
to
spice
up
the
dark
months I am
evening
of it.
the12/8,
month
7pm
at winter
The Crooked
and
support
9/9,from
14/10,
11/11.
introducing
the
newCM1
section.
with
the7XE.
“StarThe
Chimney,
Lemsford,
Welwyn
Garden
AL8
The Hare
Pub,above
Roxwell,
4LU –AsCity,
The
first
Car” item
I ammonth
inviting
all of
you of
to exotic
submit
acome
motoring
restart
of
own
Herts
meet,
so
pleasecars
Saturday
of your
the
a gathering
etc.along M1 Rallying in the Donegal International Rally 1980
and support www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk
it. 12/8, 9/9, 14/10, 11/11.
The Hare Pub, Roxwell, CM1 4LU – The first
M1 Rallying in the Donegal International Rally 1980
Saturday of the month a gathering of exotic cars etc.
15/07/2013 10:50
On the same weekend Elm’s BMW and MINI
held a launch event at their Cambridge dealership to
15/07/2013
herald the arrival of the new BMW i3. The showroom
was packed and visitors enjoyed entertainments,
demonstrations as well as food being laid on for
10:50
Regions
guests. I believe Elm’s took orders for a number of i3s
on the day.
The Club were asked to provide some Classics to
demonstrate how the successful 3 Series has evolved.
Restricted space meant we only had room for two
of our cars a Neue Klass owned by John Hill and my
own 2002 Lux. Elm’s would have loved to showcase
the entire 3 Series range throughout the years but as
stated space was at a premium. Elm’s were able to
source two other cars from BMW Heritage, the ever
quirky Bubble car and a fabulous 507 which is reputed
to be worth well over £600,000.
We are looking forward to a closer association
with Elm’s in the future and are already thinking about
suitable members cars to stand along side the BMW
i8 when it is launched in the UK in July 2014.
Forthcoming Pub Meets all members are
welcome at any meet. Always double check
with your Branch Rep. as some Pub meets are
suspended during the winter months. However
I am pleased to say many will continue
throughout.
Suffolk Pub Meet – Third Thursday evening of
the month at
7.30pm, The Wild Man, Sproughton, Ipswich, IP8 3DA.
2014 dates 16/1, 20/2, 20/3, 17/4, 15/5, 19/6 etc. etc.
Contact - David Adams (Suffolk Branch Rep.)
[email protected]
0777 466 8596
Cambs/Beds Pub Meet Suspended until Spring 2014.
Norfolk Pub Meet – Last Sunday lunchtime of the
month from 12.30 pm at The Gull Inn, Framlingham
Pigot, Norfolk, NR14 7PL. 2014 dates 26/1, 23/2,
30/3. Contact - Katherine Mason (Norfolk Branch
Rep.) E-mail [email protected]
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
- George Champ (East Anglia Regional Chairman)
[email protected] 0751 421 6660
Herts /Nth LDN Meets will continue throughout
the winter on the – Second Monday evening
of the month from 7pm at The Crooked Chimney,
Eastern
Howdy folks, you may have noticed the last couple of
months have been a bit light on content from me. The
two chief reasons behind it are mainly work which has
been consuming more and more of my time so Club
stuff has sadly had less time devoted to it. The second
reason being a question: what next? Well I’ve been
thinking about that and there has been no easy answer
so I talked to a few people and together we have come
up with a bit of a plan. This year I won’t be trying to
do an event every month, it’s very tiring and not easy
coming up with sufficient ideas. I’m pleased to say
various members have already volunteered their time
and have already planned events and I would like to
offer my thanks in advance.
Since we are no longer going to Harewood on
Father’s Day I have been looking for a venue to hold our
Lemsford, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 7XE Next year
2014 13/1, 10/2, 10/3, 14/4, 14/5, 9/6 etc. etc.
Contact - Tim Fathers (Herts Branch Rep)
[email protected]
Contacts:
George Champ (East Anglia Regional Chairman)
David Adams (Suffolk Branch Rep.)
[email protected]
0777 466 8596
Katherine Mason (Norfolk Branch Rep.)
E-mail address [email protected]
Clive Skoulding (Essex Branch Rep. and East Anglia
Events Coordinator)
Matthew Hunt (Cambs/Beds Branch Rep.)
Tim Fathers (Herts Branch Rep)
[email protected]
Kelly Brabbin 07749 251803
[email protected]
main regional event. At the time of writing I’ve 99%
found one where we should have a fantastic family day
out and a Concours competition will break out as well.
Talking of Concours I hope to continue that tradition and
have the largest number of entrants outside of Gaydon.
Forthecoming Events
North East goes to the dogs – Saturday 18th
January
Well we didn’t get asked to leave last year so we are
going in for seconds. Held at Owlerton Stadium in
Sheffield it is a really good night out. Tickets are £12
and it is the best cheap night out ever. What you get is
entry, a race card, a meal i.e. chicken in a basket, two
£1 bets and three drinks. To find out more and book your
ticket please call Andy Mac on 07775 893000.
East Regional AGM – Sunday 23rd February
It’s that time again to voice your opinions about the
region and how it’s run. So if you fancy having a go
at being Chair or pledge support or want to voice
63
Regions
concerns or ideas please do come along. For those who
have never been, the meeting usually last for about an
hour and a half and is followed by a rather decent lunch.
This year the meeting will be The George and Dragon
public house, 20 High Street, Mosborough, Sheffield S20
5AE and kicks off at 11.30am. To be talked into going or
for more information contact Kelly on 07749 251803.
The German Prestige Car Show & Spares Day –
Sunday April 27th
I know it’s quite a few months off but it’s already
advertised elsewhere in the magazine and is in
Ireland
Isle of Man
North East
our region. In association with the Porsche Club &
Mercedes Benz Club. It will be held at the exhibition
hall, Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derbs, DE74
2RP. The best bit? Well it’s indoors which is always a
bonus in April in Britain. I have no further details at
this time but will post them here when I have them.
Stephen Kelly
[email protected]
Dan Mills
[email protected]
Michael Barron 07570 795232
[email protected]
Welcome to January’s news from the North East
outing, really is a spectacular part of the country. This
Now the important bit, the cost of this day out
Region. Let’s start this month’s by wishing everyone a
part of the country is definitely on for another day out.
is only £7.00 per head if you’re in a BMW, normal
Happy New Year, for 2014 and hope we get as good
Please keep checking the North East section on
admission is £17.50 per adult and £10.00 per child I
a summer as last year. As there is not a lot to report
the club forum, as if there are any events or changes
am sure you don’t need me to do the maths on that
at this time of year, here are one or two personal
to events that occur between Straight Six editions, all
one. Entry is pay on the day at the gate into the show
highlights from 2013. First one that comes to mind is
details will be posted there.
field, entry is from 9.30am till 11.00am arrive after
our first BMW day at Beamish Museum, on the 28th
11.00am and unfortunately it’s full price and park
of April, Beamish said we need to get 50 cars, quiet a
Forthcoming Events
in the public car park. The only stipulation Beamish
concern when the most cars we have had at any event
April 27th BMW Car Club Rally at Beamish Museum.
is strict about is there is no movement of vehicles
was between 20 to 30, well I lost sleep for nothing as
After last year’s success it was decided to have
between 11.00am and 4.00pm due to public safety,
we got well past that with 75 cars, thanks to all that
another visit to this award winning museum, I spoke
but I can assure you that if you arrive at 10.00am and
made it a success.
to lots of members on the day and asked if they would
want to leave before 4.00pm you have only seen half
Next
event
that
comes
to
mind
is
the
Corbridge
come
again
and
everyone
said
they
would
defi
nitely
of this great museum has on show.
East Region. It was great to see the
Classic
carwith
show,
this
event took place on 7th of July,
come again next year.
So get the date in your dairy and don’t miss
June’s monthly
meeting
cars
filling
w car park, butorganized
there’s still
for more.
byroom
MG Northumbra,
what a event this is
Beamish is a world famous open air museum.
out, we have already got our palls from the Scottish
bigger and bigger each year, there
It tells the story of life in North East England in
Region coming. Beamish is about two miles west off
nth’s meetingturning
on the out
7th to
willbeinclude
over 630
carsusofawhich 375 individual entry’s 21
Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian times. The museum
junction 63 of the A1M. Address is Beamish Museum,
emonstration were
from etyres,
giving
North West Region sponsored by
looking after car
the clubs,
black rubber
and wethat
hadour
19 cars on the BMW Car Club
stands in 300 acres of beautiful County Durham
Beamish, County Durham, DH9 ORG. Beamish web site
ing machinesstand,
cannotado
without.
Williams
BMW
great
local show with all proceeds
going to Stockport
countryside.
Within the site you will find Pockerley Old
www.beamish.org.uk
are a nationallocal
company
that operate
three
charities
raising between
£13000
and £14000, it
Hall, The Town, Rowley Station, The Fairground, Home
www.williamsstockportbmw.co.uk
itting vans around
Region
andpart of this great show.
really our
is nice
to be
Pub Meets
Farm and The Pit Village. With so many things to see,
e see
a tyre
to
the fitting van at the Dun Cow for
Telephone
6000is a wonderful day out for people of all ages,
Another day that springs to mind
was the Dales0161 477
Monthly Meetings, are held on the first Wednesday
Beamish
th cars filling
look
around and ask questions; it should be
oom for more.
Outing on 29th of September, organized by Tony Hope,
of the month, 7.30pm - 8.00pm at the Dun Cow Inn,
it really is a family day out, with free trams and buses
sting
night.
ill include
giving us a
13 North
cars West
turned
up at Scotch Corner for our Dales
Primrose
Hill,
Chester-lee- Street.
to get you all over the museum.
Hall, Wigan on 11th August, I can now
confirm
thatBournmoor,
we
Region sponsored by
GIONAL NEWS
North West
EWS
North West
S
ber that our
Williams Stockport BMW
sthout.
North West
t operate three
ion
atand
Harewood House took place on Sunday
Dun Cow for
Telephone 0161 477 6000
.ons;
Our
branch
it should
be had a great turn out; twelve
Search
North West
are going to be having a stand and it looks as though
Peter Cheesbrough 07887 987745
we should have a worthwhile day. As I write this in the
first week of July, I have around ten cars lined up to
[email protected]
join me and I have confirmed with the organisers that
they can give us space for more cars if required.
Those of you who are on my list of attendees
should have received details of arrangements; giving
location and time of arrival. If anyone else would like to
join us give me a call or an email and I will update you
with the latest information.
for: BMW Car Club GB North West
Scotch
ling Corner Services, with Tony and son
Hall, Wigan on 11th August, I can now confirm that we
onitTwitter:
on route at Leemingbar BMW
to join Car
the convoy
are going to be and
having now
a stand and
looks as though
Club GB
more.
we should have@BMWNW
a worthwhile day. As I write this in the
fection I must say). TheNorth
big surprise
place on Sunday
first week of July, I have around ten cars lined up to
West of the
@bmwnw
twelve firstSearch
Dixon;
at thefor:services,
keep
up the
emrn out;
join me and I have confirmed with the organisers that
BMW Car Club
GB North
West
Peter
Cheesbrough 07887 987745
th Tony and son
they can give us space for more cars if required.
aryan.
and now on Twitter:
oin the convoy
Those of you who
are on my list of attendees
Email:
[email protected]
North
West Region sponsored
by
@BMWNW
g surprise of the
should
have received details of arrangements; giving
our
Jay Milnes
07850
keep upevent,
the
aes,great
withCheesbrough
lots of BMWs
and
location and time of arrival. If anyone
else740519
would like to
Peter
07887 987745
us give me a call or an email
and I will681513
update you
Email: over. The
[email protected]
AndyjoinMessina
07833
er classics to drool
BMW stand
with the latest information.
Jay Milnes
07850 740519
BMWs and
New Members:
he
biggest
and
the
Concours
cars
were
Andy Messina
07833 681513
e BMW stand
three
New Members:
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new
were
News
.s cars
A massive
thanks to all that organised
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new
News
hat organised
NW based members who have recently joined the Club.
NW based
have recentlythis
joinedmonth?
the Club. Well, I have
y out. Roll on Sonext
hasmembers
beenwho
happening
what year!
has been happening this month? Well, I haveSo what
or
We look forward to seeing you at forthcoming
We look forward to seeing you at forthcoming
Telephone
6000
not been
in the Region for much 0161
of the month477
as I not
been
in the
Region
for
much
ofcountry.
the month as I
Club
events
in
the
North
West
and
across
the
have been away on a road-trip holiday around Europe,
ould be
Club events in the North West and across the country.
members
of the Club
are welcome holiday
to attend around Europe,
haveAsbeen
away
on ayouroad-trip
including a visit to BMW Welt and Museum in Munich.
events organised by all the Regions and Registers.
You will have seen and read about that before so I will
As members of the Club you are welcome to attend
including a visit to BMW Welt and Museum in Munich.
let you in on the details of another, less well known,
News
radio studio from where Mary Anne
City that
in Salford
Quays.
Our meeting
point
should
have
events
organised
by all
the
Regionsproducers)
and Registers.
BMW have
Specialist
Listings:
Hall,
Wigan
on 11th
August,
I can now
confirm
that
we
motoring attraction that is only a couple of hours drive
You will
seen
and read about
before
so I will
With last
We are always interested in hearing about suppliers
from there.
First
of all, may I wish you all a happy
New
Year.
I hope
Hobbs had presented her Radio 6 Music show earlier
been
inside
the
building
but the
way
was as
blocked
by
s, Alex has
let
you
in
on
the
details
of
another,
less
well
known,
are
going
to
be
having
a
stand
and
it
looks
though
that
we
can
add
to
the
list
which
is
available
on
the
Vötters Old-timer Museum in Kaprun, Austria is
ggest club
BMW Specialist
Listings:
Club website.
If you haveand
had good
service
a
a quirky,
eclecticall
mix of
automotive
history located inChristmas
you
have
had
an enjoyable
season
that morning. The “desk” was an array of faders
tradesmen
laying
down a plywood
andthis
covering
motoring
attraction
that
is only
afrom
couple
of
hours
drive
we
should
have
a worthwhile
day. Asdeck
I write
in the
pe we do the
supplier and feel you can recommend them to other
Motor Show,theStokesley:
With
basement of a hotel.
It is aslast
though the owner just
We are always interested in hearing about suppliers
frommembers
there.let us know and we will makefirst
sure
their
unday
are
looking
forward
to
2014.
and computer screens. Completely perplexing to the
it
with
red
carpet.
Tom
Jones,
Kylie
Minogue
and
Co.
can’t stop
buying stuff
even though
he
ran out of space
week
of
July,
I
have
around
ten
cars
lined
up
to
being
such a great
success, Alex has
details are included.
we can add to the list which is available on the
, so no muddy
long ago.
Vötters
Old-timer
in me
Kaprun,
Austria
isthe nextthat
welve
join
I have
confirmed
with the
organisers
that
for:
BMW
Car
North
Thethe
endbiggest
of 2013
hasClub
beenGB
a fairly
busyWest
time
for theMuseum
eye,
were
inand
town
to film
series
of
The
Voice!
es
the year.Search
ckonthis
We had
club
Club website. If you have had good untrained
service from
a
Event Reports
a quirky,
eclectic mix of automotive
history
located
in for more
00am
for the
nd
son
they
can
us space
carsand
ifwe
required.
show
last year,
so let’s
we do
thethe visit to Media
North
Westhope
region
with
finalHouse:
Next
Whilst
quite
where
should
go,recommend
a
Father’s City,
Day at our
Harewood
I was
unable
to givewondering
supplier
feel
you can
them
to stop,
other after avoiding the Daleks and Tardis in
live south of
the
basement
of
a
hotel.
It
is
as
though
the
owner
just
and
now
on
Twitter:
go
myself
as
I
was
away
on
holiday.
I
do
have
reports
nvoy
before
9.30am;
Those
of you who
my list
of attendees
ar.
members
let
us
know
and for
we will make
sure their
regional Sunday
lunch at the Swan
the lobby
of the studios (now accessed by a side door),
young
overare
andon
asked
if we
were
there
that
thisthe
was
aChristmas
fairly stuff
quiet dayeven
as far as
North
West
can’tand
stop
buying
though
helady
ran rushed
out of space
Estate Station
@BMWNW
of the
members were concerned.
should have received detailsdetails
of arrangements;
giving
d TS9 7AE.
included.
w
is held on hard
so without
no muddyfurther ado,
long ago.
partystanding,
night. So,
let me give you a
the tour? Having confirmed that wearewere,
she took us
was the Blue Peter studio. It all looked very technical,
Williams Stockport BMW
ing Events
up
thelast
d £5000
location and time of arrival. If anyone else would like to
off to a separate BBC building where we went through
with lots of lights and cameras (but very little action).
join us give me a call or an email
I will update you
Eventand
Reports
the rigorous
procedures
– well,
weHarewood
signed a House:
OurI was
first unable
impression
was that it looked much smaller
Father’s
Day at
to
with
the latestsecurity
information.
sheet and took a pass!
than
it
did
on
TV.
Our
guide said “yes, things do look
go myself as I was away on holiday. I do have reports
thata this
a fairly
day as far
following hour and
halfwas
gave
us aquiet
quick
a as
lotNorth
moreWest
spacious on the small screen but in this
New The
Members:
members
were
concerned.
intotothe
workings
ofwelcome
modern
radio
andnew
TV
case it was probably due to the fact that the old Blue
Iinsight
would like
extend
a warm
to
all the
News
sed
and motorbikes. It is a really crazy exhibition! That
NW
based
members
who
have
recently
joined
the Club.
group
of
20
members,
partners
and
friends
began
to
studios.
Peter studio in London (which is the one we would all
said,what
they doraised
have quite
a lot of
interesting
hidden month? Well, I have
ent is for Charity
and
£5000
last cars this
So
has
been
happening
away in there. This museum is probably not worth
However, I can also report that Dave Brindle made
We
look
forward
to
seeing
you
at
forthcoming
gather
on
the
Piazza
in
front
of
The
Studios
at
Media
Our
fi
rst
port-of-call
was
a
self-operated
(no
remember) was three times the size of the new one”.
st year, so everyone
is
hoping
for
the
goingbeen
too far out
your Region
way for, but for
if you much
are ever inof the
the trek
over to Yorkshire
not
in ofthe
month
as I to participate in the Concours
Zell am See or Kaprun you must pay it a visit.
competition and I guess it is hardly a surprise
he
first Wednesday
Clubthat
events
in the North West and across the country.
bigger
this year.
have
been
away
on
a
road-trip
holiday
around
Europe,
won
the
Masterclass.
Congratulations,
Dave,
it
must
Following
my
announcement
in
last
month’s
a room
As members
of the Club you are welcome to attend
make all that in
timeMunich.
and effort spent preparing
the car
magazine about
German
at Haigh
d have a good
including
a the
visit
toClassics
BMWshowWelt
and Museum
worthwhile.
o 8.00pm, see
events organised by all the Regions and Registers.
64willBMW
Cluband
Magazine
January
2014
in to the pub
You
haveCar
seen
read about
that
before so I will
Peter
Cheesbrough
lingmeet
at Wolviston
Services
on events.
the 07887 987745
round-up
of those
for the
PZ at 8.30amEmail:
and depart [email protected]
for the
od the show. For
that live south of07850 740519
Jaythose
Milnes
aydon: It’s not
Event
Reports
d stand
justatwant
to meetMessina
there before 9.30am;
st
the Andy
07833 681513
tand
All the cars are17:
squeezed
in so tightly
you and
can’t More
fficeTerry
and askDicken
for November
Media
City
is,
Industrial
Estate
Station
walk round them or view them properly and they have
uyre
your tickets.
y,asMiddlesbrough,
Cleveland
TS9
7AE.
built 10:00am
shelves
over theon
cars
to
the lighter
vehicles
At
a store
grey
November
Sunday morning a
ar
the eye
tional BMW Festival, Gaydon: It’s not
Forthcoming
Events
you
in onEast
thestand
details
of another, less
well known,
onletthe
North
at the
t (if you get the
et your
car
Hill,
Bournmoor,
Regions
The Swan Car of the Day, on this occasion, was
awarded to Paul Hearn’s E39 M5 – Immaculately
presented, as usual, but especially so considering the
weather on the day!
December 7: Christmas Party Night
The Christmas Party night at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel
was supported by a small number of members, partners
and friends.
Next we transferred to yet another BBC building,
the ground floor of which was the home of BBC Sport.
We entered through a fire exit and went up the backstairs to the third floor, from where both BBC Breakfast
and Look North West are broadcast. The same studio is
used for both programmes.
We finished off the tour with a few members of
our group trying their hand at hosting a show from the
red Sofa and presenting the weather.
To finish off the day most of the group made the
journey in to central Manchester for an enjoyable late
lunch at Rosso in Spring Gardens.
24: Sunday Lunch and Quiz at the Swan.
Again, there was another good turn-out for the Sunday
lunch meeting with over 30 in attendance.
Jeff presented the final round of the quiz series.
The winner’s prize went to a scratch team hosted by
Paul Hearn. The series has been closely contested
and Jeff wanted to ensure that his calculations for
the winner of the series were double-checked so they
were not announced on the day. He has subsequently
advised me that the series winners, by a margin of just
one point, were Keith and Lynn Bridge. I presented
them with a small prize at the Christmas Party.
We are looking for members who are willing to take on
the running of both social and show events. Please get
in touch with the regional Chairman.
January 19: Sunday Lunch and Quiz at the Swan
This is the first Swan meeting of the New Year.
We should have the first round of the new quiz
championship and a Swan Car of the Day.
March 16: North West Region Annual General
Meeting and Sunday Lunch & Quiz at the Swan
The annual General Meeting gets underway at
11:00am in the upstairs meeting room and the second
Sunday meeting of the year follows immediately
afterwards. We should have the second round of the
quiz championship and a Swan Car of the Day.
April: Event City Classic Car Show
No sooner had I committed to print that we would be
attending this event, than the dates were removed from
the organiser’s website. It looks as though this event
will not be taking place in 2014.
Local NW Branch News
To start the evening we all gathered in a quiet
lounge to hold our traditional Christmas draw. This year
a generous donation from Darren Wood the Stockport
based BMW specialists, was converted into a number
of prizes including a hamper, wine and chocolates etc.
These prizes were supplemented by a voucher for a
weekend break donated by the hotel.
The Dunkenhalgh Hotel put on a really good meal
which received compliments from all round our table.
Scottish
South East
I hope everyone had a merry Christmas and wish
you all a Happy new year. We have lots of events
organized again this year so all we have to hope is
that the weather is kind to us. Please keep an eye on
the forum for the latest information. We have now
a Facebook page so you can keep up to date with
all the info on that including pictures of the events.
I look forward to seeing you at some of the events
this year.
Forthcoming Events
Manchester Branch News
Manchester Branch meetings are held on the first
Tuesday of the month at the Sheldon Arms, Sheldon
Way, Ashton-under-Lyne M34 5QL. This is 250
metres from Junction 23 of the M60. The next two
meetings are on the 7th January 2014 and 4th February
at 8:00pm.
Wirral & Merseyside Branch News
The Wirral & Merseyside meetings take place on the
last Sunday of every month at The Shrewsbury Arms,
Mickle Trafford, near Chester. You are more than
welcome to join Phil Pinnington & friends. Please
give him a call on 07803 577935 for more details.
Isabelle Phillips 07803 612220
[email protected]
Marie Nolan
[email protected]
Abridge Motor Fest 21st June 2014 TBC
Biggin Hill Car show and fun day 5th July 2014 TBC
Concourse Bentley wildfowl and motor museum July
2014 TBC
Silverstone 25th,26,&27th July 2014
Gaydon 16th&17th August 2014
Harris hospice car show 7th September (TBC)
Players show North Weald 15th September (TBC)
We have some extra events coming up next year so
please keep on checking the forum.
Upcoming events
AGM The Wateringbury– Chef & Brewer pub, Tonbridge
Road Wateringbury, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5SN
Saturday 1st March 2014
Charwells House & Sunday Lunch 23rd March 2014 (TBC)
Enfield Pageant of Motoring 24th 25th 26th May 2014
Harris Hospice car show and fun day 7th June 2014 TBC
Bromley Padgeant of motoring 8th June 2014 TBC
65
Regions
Forthcoming Local Pub meetings:
Dorking area - : Normally second Saturday in Month, 11th
January. 2014. Time 7pm for 7.30 meal.
NEW VENUE the Watermill inn Reigate Road Dorking
RH4 1NN. Pub has large Car Park. Tel: 01306-711224.
We will need to know numbers. Please contact Selwyn
Frostick, ASAP. E-mail: [email protected]
or Tel: 07415685423. Full and directions in South East
Region Forum and website.
Maidstone area pub meet- We meet the last Saturday
in the month 25th January 2014. Time 7pm for 7.30
meals The Wateringbury – Chef & Brewer pub, Tonbridge
Road Wateringbury, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5SN. Tel:
01622812632. If you plan to attend. please leave a post
on the SE forum. Email [email protected] or
give Dave Cooke mobile: 07850432224 so we have an
idea of numbers.
Surrey/Hants area - : Last Tuesday in Month. 28th
January. 2014. Time 8pm.
The Jolly Farmer, Binsted Road, Blacknest, Alton GU34
4QD.Tel:01420 22244
Club contact Nicola Ward Tel: 01428 713001. Also Nicola
has informed me that: “People don’t really need to phone
for numbers - there will always be enough room as it is a
big pub.” Full details and directions in South East Region
Forum and website.
NEW South East Region members.
The SE committee would like to welcome all the new SE
members who joined the club we hope to see you at an
South West
Mid Wales
North Wales
Thames
South Wales
Chair position available, please contact the
Club office for more information
Peter Sherratt 07718 042888
[email protected]
Welcome to the January News for the Welsh Region.
Firstly, I would like to wish you all Best Wishes and
a very Happy New Year for 2014. I hope you all had
a wonderful Christmas and you’re all keeping warm
in these cold and freezing conditions that we’ve
experienced? But I must highlight the importance
again, not to forget your “Pride and Joy” parked up
outside this weather.
Here are a few helpful tips again on Winter Car
Care. It’s vital that you check your vehicle, when you
are planning to drive in winter weather conditions.
Start by ensuring that your vehicle is well maintained
and it’s servicing is up to date. If you have been having
any battery problems get the battery checked, or
replaced. Make sure your coolant system is protected
by anti-freeze and is topped-up to the correct levels.
Make sure concentrated winter additive is added to
the windscreen washer bottle to prevent freezing.
Make sure tyres have plenty of tread depth and are
maintained at the correct pressure as this will help
the life of the tyre and save you fuel. Check that your
wipers and lights are in good working order and check
them daily. Clear any snow off your car and keep
lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice
and snow otherwise you could incur a £60 fine and 3
points.
Secondly, I would like to thank all those members
who attended our Christmas Bash, at the Waterfront
Beefeater Restaurant at Swansea SA1 on Friday 6th
66
event soon.
New club web site update is now live, so why not
check it out www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk.
We are still looking for more club member
recommend BMW Specialist in South East. I must
thank all the regions members who have sent in details.
We need more! If any club member can recommend a
Specialist in South East in these categories: Alloy Wheel
Repairs, BMW Dealers, Car Air Conditioning, Car Body
Repair and Painting, Car Maintenance and Service, Car
Parts and Breakers, Engine Chipping and Remapping,
Exhausts, Suspension and Brake Specialists, Wheels and
Tyres, that are not all ready there. Please e-mail me at
[email protected] the details needed and I will
upload to SE section on club site. Thanks.
December. I think the night went well and everybody
seemed to enjoy themselves, by all the positive
feedback I received. Also thank you again to all the
companies who donated raffle prizes this year.
Forthcoming Events
May 3rd & 4th BMW Car Club Welsh Weekend
(Aberystwyth)
May 10th MWCC GB Official AGM (RAF Cosford Air
Museum, Telford)
June TBC BM’s On The Lawn (Western Super Mare)
July TBC Festival Fields Classic Car Show (Llanelli)
Aug 15-17th BMW Festival Weekend (Brosgrove/
Gaydon) (2 Night Stay!)
Sept TBC Deutschland Dragon Run (Around The
Welsh Triangle)
Nov TBC Welsh Region Unofficial AGM
Dec 12th Christmas
Bash!
Anybody who
has any thoughts
regarding different
future events,
feel free to let me
know and I will be
sure to look into
adding them to
our forthcoming
calendar for 2014.
Don’t forget too
that any member
who recruits a
New paid member
into the Club, will
receive a £5 voucher
to use against
membership or
Club merchandise,
providing your valid
membership number is quoted at the time. If you don’t
know already, 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, advice, tips and info to
share. Remember, it’s your Club, so get involved and
make it your own.
Remember too, that are NO PUB MEETS now
until Wed 15th January when they will resume as
normal. So all that’s left for me to say is, have a very
happy 2014. See you all soon and Safe Driving.
Regions
Wessex
Happy New Year to one and all. What a great start
we have to 2014 with a warm welcome to Snows
BMW who have kindly agreed to become our Regional
sponsor. We are at the early planning stage for some
joint Club Dealer initiatives throughout the year, so
watch this space. As a taster though please read
through the background of BMW Value Service as
published by Snows.
‘’The Team at Snows BMW believe that you
and your BMW deserve the very best level of service
available, yet no-one wants to pay over the odds.
Snows are, therefore, pleased to introduce you to
BMW Value Service; an all-inclusive and highly
competitively-priced programme for selected BMW
models built between 1995 and 2006, including M cars.
All inspections and maintenance are carried out by our
BMW Trained Technicians, using only Genuine BMW
Parts, which are covered by a two-year warranty.
For those of you who prefer to carry out the
work yourselves, Snows are also able to offer BMW
Value Line Parts, such as Service and Brake kits for
E46, E90, E91, E60 and E61 models. These Parts kits
represent extremely good value for money and are
usually available immediately from the Snows BMW
Parts Counter.
For more information, please contact one of the
Snows BMW Dealerships on the telephone numbers
provided above.’’
On the off chance that if reading this the weather
outside is gloomy I have included some pictures taken
on some of the sunnier occasions that some of us
enjoyed.
Well, let’s turn to 2014 and what is being planned.
Tim Maltby 07885 252448
[email protected]
7 SPA & GTO at Goodwood Festival
Lambretta &Ferrari Dino at Hartley Wintney
Friends at Goodwood Festival
Friends at Silverstone Classic
Tasty snack at Aber
Friends at Gurston
Forthcoming Events
May
11: Basingstoke Festival of Transport
July
20: Sherborne Classics at the Castle, Dorset.
Sunday 20th We haven’t been here as a Region,
but would welcome your comments .Is it worth us
organising a Club presence this year?
Is there anything that you feel you would like to
attend? How about a Drive & Dine?
Chevy & Rolls Royce, New Year’s Day at Hartley Wintney
Pub Meets
January
Basingstoke Pub Meet. Tuesday 21st. 7.30pm
onwards. The Fox, North Waltham, Basingstoke RG25
2BE. Contact Simon Alcorn 07973 299024
February
Bournemouth Pub Meet. Wednesday 5th at the St
Leonards Hotel, Ringwood.BH24 2NP 7.00 pm onwards
Contact John Olliffe 07834 498114
Basingstoke Pub Meet. Tuesday 18th. 19.30 hrs
onwards. The Fox, North Waltham, Basingstoke RG25
2BE. Contact Simon Alcorn 07973 299024
March
23: Wessex AGM. Sunday 23rd.Meet 10.00am. Harvest
Suite, The Wheatsheaf Hotel, North Waltham, Basingstoke
RG25 2BB. Contact Tim Maltby 07885 252448
April
13: Southern Concours
21: Spring Classic Vehicle Show. Wyke Down,
Andover. Easter Bank Holiday Monday
Wheel with a view
67
d
been
n June
ghly
ur
took
uced a
g.
7th
urne,
John
Have
on
fun
e you
display?
et up
tact
does
ying
tby
Western
Regions
Ron Parish – 01179 406930 / 07812 899823
[email protected]
Western
Western Region sponsored by
Dick Lovett BMW
www.dicklovett.co.uk
Bristol: 0845 052 3355
Swindon: 0845 052 5314
Hungerford: 0845 052 3347
A report on the Western Region AGM at the
News
Woolpack Inn 6th November 2013
Here we are, passed the halfway mark of 2013. I do
13 members attended the AGM and there were no
hope you are enjoying the Car Club events despite
apologies.
the
weather. This month is of course our National
Festival at Gaydon on 17/18th August. I look forward
Chairman’s
to
meeting a report.
number of you there, either on the
Western
Region
stand
or somewhere
Ron Parish
gave his
report
for 2013 asaround
follows:the show.
Remember
it’saover
two days,
with theyear.
Concours
on
We have had
reasonably
successful
The pub
Saturday.
Margaret
and
I will better
be a lot
freer
year
meet attendance
was
a little
than
lastthis
year
and
– no Show and Shine to deal with. Last year, we had
it was good to see a few new faces.
a Regional picnic at lunchtime 1.00–2.00. It would
On 12th
we had
firstsoSouthern
Concours
be good
to doMay
the same
thisouryear,
just come
to the
– a joint event
withyour
Wessex,
Southtime
West
Region’s
area with
lunch.Wales,
It’s a good
to and
meet
Western
Regions.
was of
a very
eventthe
up
and have
a chatThis
as most
you successful
will be visiting
other
stands
during the
with over
a hundred
carsday.
turning up on the day and
25 entering the Concours. This event was sponsored
by Nigel Smith of Autospray, so thanks to Nigel and
a special thank you to his daughters who helped with
cakes and raising funds for CLIC.
Unfortunately we had to cancel attending two
events, the Cherished Vehicle Show and Bath Pageant
– this was due to lack of interest.
Our ‘Show & Shine’, BMs on the Lawn took
place on 16th June, was once again a soggy start
a great venue and we will have a dedicated display
area. If the weather is good, we will have a parade lap
up the hill. There is easy access to the pits and great
opportunities to view the racing.
This is the home of the Bugatti Owners Club and
there is a very interesting museum to visit. To get
a discount for this event, we have to buy tickets in
advance. We get them on a sale or return basis so
but was
well supported
withlike
40+tocars
attending
please
letstill
me know
if you would
attend
– £12
from
various
Regions.
Thanks
must
go
to
our
Sponsor,
per person (£15 on the gate).
Clayton Cars, also to Rob and Debbie for their
Pub
Meets of the event.
organising
Our very
friendly
entertaining
pub meets
continue
A few
of us and
attended
the Silverstone
Classic
in July.
onThis
theyear
firstthe
Wednesday
of each
monthand
as usual.
I by
Club was very
welcomed
supported
would
see this
someevent
newwill
faces,
plus alland
mybetter.
usual
BMWlove
UK. Itoknow
get bigger
friends of course. Next Meet: Weds 7th August –
August was once again the time for our National
Woolpack Inn, Shepherds Way, St Georges, Weston–
Festival – not
as good
last 521670
year, butoras you know
Super-Mare,
BS22
7XE. as
01934
this
was
the
fi
rst
festival
arranged
under new
www.woolpack.butcombe.com
management. I think the Western Region display was
as good as any other Region. It was a good social
event and a few of us stayed at the best B&B around
– Redland Farm – we also enjoyed two evening meals
out with friends.
Our last event was the Prescott Hill Climb in
September. There was a very good attendance of 20+
great cars on show, under the Club’s new banner. With
some great weather on the day it was very enjoyable
watching the various cars race up the hill.
As I have mentioned the Club is now under new
management. Those of you who were at the October
Club meet will, I am sure, have been inspired by the
talk by our new Chairman, David Frith giving his plans
for the future of the Club. Also you will have read his
‘Board Torque’ in our new look Club magazine.
May I take this opportunity to thank all of you for
your support during my time as Chairman. The Region
has been in existence since 2009 and I am sure it will
continue to flourish in the years to come. I will still be
an active member and will always help where I can.
Ron Parish 01179 406930/07812 899823
[email protected]
Election of Chairman and Committee
As Ron Parish had stood down from the position of
Chairman those present were asked if anyone wished
to stand. No-one came forward. A discussion took place
and it was unanimously decided that the Region would
continue under the guidance of a committee only.
The following members agreed to stand as
Committee members for 2014.
Robin Hammett, Robert Scanlan, Scott Waters,
Nigel Smith, Nick Reygate were carried forward from
2013 and in addition new committee members were
elected as follows: Michael Pang, Dan Wood and Dave
Balderstone.
The Committee agreed that they would meet as
soon as possible to discuss the way forward. This
meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 5th February
2014.
As for 2014 events there are two that are
scheduled, Autospray Southern Concours Sunday
13th April 2014 and BMs on the Lawn Sunday 15th
June 2014. More will be added so keep an eye on the
magazine and the web.
Western Region Monthly Pub Meets
Weds 5th March 2014 TBC
1st Wednesday of each month after that.
Woolpack Inn, Shepherds Way. St Georges.
Weston–Super-Mare BS22 7XE.
www.woolpack.butcombe.com
01934 521670
Come and join us on track in 2014
Book Now! To increase your
enjoyment we will be running fewer
cars at each event in 2014 - so book
now to avoid disappointment
Michelin, our track day partner, will
be on hand to provide technical
support at all our 2013 track days
March 1st - Snetterton 300 - £150
May 6th - Cadwell Park - £150
July 14th - Croft Circuit - £175
Sept 29th - Donington Park - £225
Nov 14th - Oulton Park - £150
BMW Car Club Magazine 69
Michelin, our track day partner, will
hand to provide technical
support at all our 2014 track days
15/07/2013
be10:51
on
Prices shown aremembers ‘early bird’ prices and increase 30 days before the event
Call Nick Wright 07714 805 804 or the Club Office 01970 267989 for more information or to book a place
68
Registers
REGISTERS
ALPINA
Registers
CLASSIC
Simon Alcorn 07973 299024
[email protected]
John Castle
[email protected]
I read recently a press release by Ford introducing
a further version of their three-cylinder Eco-boost
range of engines which they claim will extend the
life of petrol fuelled engines for another decade
despite competition from electric and other forms of
automotive propulsion. The claims for exhaust gas
emissions are extraordinary although once again I felt
how stupid it is to measure the “ecological” efficiency
of cars by grams of CO2 per kilometre when in the
UK our cars spend much of their time stationary at
traffic lights or in motorway start/stop queues (try
the M6 on a Friday evening between Birmingham
and Manchester). We need more politicians with
engineering backgrounds to get involved with
environmental issues who can understand the whole
life budgets of cars using different forms of propulsion
ranging from rare earth batteries to mineral fuel oils!
BMW are well ahead in ecological developments
with some of their current diesel powered cars which
are far more “green” than their electrically powered
competitors. And now there are the i3 and i9 models
to add to the mix.
How different this all is from the 1960/70/80s
when our classics were being produced. BMW
published a limited edition two volume book in 1999 in
their BMW Dimensions series “The History of Engines –
Engines that Made History” (ISBN 3-932169 -05 -0)* by
Dr Karlheinz Lange in which he explains in great detail
how the two iconic engine types in our cars, the M10
and M30, came to be developed. After the war BMW
concentrated on motorbikes and car production only
restarted car production in Munich in 1952. The two car
ranges consisted of the “bubble cars” (Isetta) built under
licence from ISO Spa of Milan, using a 250cc derivative
of their successful R25/3 flat twin motorcycle engine
and the large and expensive 500 series of saloons and
sports cars with an alloy V8 engine.
Development of the flat twin to power the small
600 and 700 series of small saloon and sports cars
which followed the Isetta was the “driver” for valve
gear development and the final versions of their 700cc
engine achieved the magic figure of 100HP/litre using
inclined valves in a hemi-spherical head with a single
overhead camshaft for each cylinder.
This design transferred directly to the now
famous M115 4 cylinder development engine which
we now know as the M10. And there were other
contributory factors. BMW invested heavily in alloy
casting at Munich and were able to produce alloy
cylinder heads, bell housings, and manifolds in house
so that design changes were easy to accommodate.
They considered using an alloy block for the M115
with either wet or dry cylinder liners but found that
they could not get reliability due to the expansion of
E3
Transfer of the data on the CS Register to
the E3 Register was completed in December. Very
encouragingly a number of E3 owners have been in
touch after the announcement of the new Register in
E9 CS
We continue to get reports of E9s being put up
for auction on line or at the regular events held by
regional auction houses around the country. The
trouble is that we can usually get the registration,
colour and a description of the car but not it’s VIN.
Sometimes I am not surprised that the description of
the car is wrong particularly with automatics which
are described as CS or CSi because they have been
converted to manual. My difficulty is advising on
values. Even with a set of photographs unless a car
has a valid MoT then you can be pretty sure that the
engine will need careful re-activation with fresh oil,
filter, and anti-freeze with a period of turning the
Tony Wilkes with help from Nigel Gibb
[email protected]
the November issue and some reports of E3s for sale
have also been sent in. Unfortunately the latter do not
include VIN numbers which makes identification difficult
because registration numbers can change and there
(also includes the 2000CS with Ian Juffs)
engine over without plugs fitted until the oil pressure
light goes out. If it is D – Jetronic then a new fuel
filter and fresh tank of fuel with injector cleaner will
do no harm either. The E9 brake system also suffers
from inactivity. The vacuum chambers on the servos,
and brake callipers seize up and brake discs rust. As
a rule of thumb I would allow about £1000 to get a car
going again assuming that the shell is sound.
Walloth & Nesch in Germany are continuing
to expand their range of high quality repair panels
and have recently added the front skin (41 33 1 814
083) around the grilles which has not been available
for some time. It is of course the panel which gets
02
The National Champion:
For 50 years running the BMW Team Schnitzer has been
involved with professional motorsport . The team from
the Upper Bavarian Freilassing has won countless championships in recent decades. The most recent highlight
the different materials so for the M10 they retained
the cast iron block. Another big advance was in the
use of drive chains to replace push rods for valve
operation and chains are still in use today (after an
unsuccessful flirtation with drive belts in the 1980s).
Of course the objective in those days was
efficient cylinder filling and good fuel mixing to give
a stable flame front in the cylinder for smooth power
and torque. The M10 had a double hemispherical
shape which was then modified still further to a
triple hemispherical shape for the 6 cylinder MO6
development engine which we now know as the M30.
The requirement was to get horsepower without
pre-ignition over the full engine speed range using
the poor quality and variability of petrol at the time.
Of all the cars built in the 1960/70s the 2002Tii was
the most fuel efficient as well as the most powerful
in terms of HP/litre. Both M10 and M30 ranges of
engines thereafter had 25 year lives.
As the present owners of our classics we are the
beneficiaries of all this careful development work.
With regular oil, filter and anti-freeze (read “anticorrosion”) changes it is not unusual to get 100,000 to
150,000 miles out of an M10 or M30. Joy really is a
BMW Classic.
There are no regional classic meetings for this
monthh
is a risk of double counting. So the Register is up and
running and looking forward to consolidation in the
New Year.
John Castle, and Nick Hull
[email protected]
damaged in a “frontal” accident. Although it will be
difficult to fit it does save the search for a full front
section which has been the only solution in the past.
Cost is €539.
The plans for a new style Club Festival at Gaydon
are taking shape. With more emphasis on making it
family friendly and less of a Tesco car park there will
be some limitations on the space available for each
Register. So this is just a heads up that we will need
a range of models for the CS display and I will need to
call for commitments in the New Year. Every member
will of course be welcome but some may need to use
the public car park if their car is not chosen for display.
Richard Stern 07770 443373
[email protected]
in the colourful history of the brothers, Josef and Herbert
Schnitzer and Charly and Dieter Lamm was in 2012 when
BMW Schnitzer driver, Bruno Spengler, won a heartstopping final race in the DTM. Three titles were gained;
for the driver, the BMW brand and the team. A huge
success in the first year of the re-entry of BMW to DTM.
THE NATIONAL CHAMPION traces the long journey
from humble beginnings to today, when engineering
the best racing teams in the world matters. Without
claiming to be complete representation of each year, each
69
Registers
individual race; but peppered with high points, low points,
and episodes of a lot of human emotions on the edge of
the track.
The name Schnitzer stands for around 400 victories
and title wins on racetracks around the world. The
authors and witnesses Gustav Busing and Uwe Mahla
have experienced a lot of racing history and memorable
times from this period together; dramatic and inspiring
stories to make you smile. Many world class drivers who
have taken the steering wheel during their career are
portrayed and come to word (so comes about the preface
of Formula 1 ace Gerhard Berger). A gallery of 400 photos
in part of previously unreleased on 256 pages takes you
back to a bygone racing history. Of course, the DTM
seasons in 2012 and 2013 assessed in detail. A compre-
E12/E28
We had an offer of a 1986 520i at the end of
November. It has been in storage for 8 years pending
restoration and was for collection with a donation
to a charity. Sadly it highlights the difficulty we face
in raising the profile of the E28 models, especially
those with the small capacity M20 6 cylinder engine,
because their values are so far below the cost of
even the most basic restoration. The M20 was not
a successful engine design, using a timing belt
hensive statistics section documents this extraordinary
team history. At the same time allows this book provides
a detailed journey through five decades of fascinating
racing. An impressive compliment to THE NATIONAL
CHAMPION . (Translated from the German)
• 256 pages
• 400 photos ( black / color)
• Format: 245 x 300 mm
• German text
• Hardcover
• Comprehensive statistics
Available from 02 December 2013
ISBN: 9783928540711
Price: 50,00 EUR
To order, simply go to: www.DieMeistermacher.de
or directly at: www.GruppeC.de or by telephone : 0203765511
driven overhead camshaft to reduce its weight and
complexity and it was phased out in 1988. At the time
of writing I have not had any offers to collect the car
which needs to be removed fairly soon. The larger
capacity 5s are a different proposition because they
use improved versions of the classic M30 engine.
The block was made slightly narrower to save weight
and the bore and stroke was changed to increase the
space between the bores and hence cylinder sealing.
Supported by Pat Tremain and Geoff Weeks.
[email protected]
These engines are fitted to the 528i and 535i and if
properly serviced can be considered as “bomb proof”
Notwithstanding the lack of success this last
year in getting more “Sharknosed 5” owners to get in
touch we are going to keep up the pressure in 2014.
Their moment will come as a desirable classic and just
as prices for the M variants have started to increase
significantly, so will those of the standard models. Let
us have the aim of getting a Register started in 2014.
E21
E23/32/7 Series
E24
TRX Tyres:
An interesting post on the Car Club forum has advised
us that TRX tyres are available again. Apparently
Michelin had sold the tooling to a company in Serbia
which has now recommenced supplies. Prices on
Youngtimertyres after discounts seem high but
perhaps, with the very low mileage being achieved
by most modern classic BMWs, the deterioration
from sunlight effects will occur sooner than from
the ravages of road wear - and the annualised
cost of such tyres might seem quite moderate. My
preference of course, with the exception of cars
with pretty low mileages, is that our cars should be
driven enthusiastically and we should make use of all
appropriate modern upgrades.
Track Rods:
Last month I mentioned my MOT failure because of
front end dust covers. By coincidence Brucey has
recently posted on Big Coupe a very detailed report on
all aspects of Track Rods and steering set up. Brucey
has been somewhat quiet recently but has now caught
up on a variety of topics. His Track Rod postings can
be found through his key word search AFAICT.
Are Valuations Rising?
Well possibly, but realistically, only for lower mileage
or special cars. However some expectations seem
to be very high and insurance valuations are said to
be one of the causes. My understanding is that an
insurance valuation is a view of the market price to
replace a total loss - immediately. E24s are of course
70
Mark Brown 07958 173098
[email protected]
Andrew Gilbert 01353 727173
[email protected]
John Rogers
[email protected]
steadily reducing in numbers and finding a match for
an equivalent car might take time but, if a dealer has
one for sale, perhaps he would negotiate for a high
price. Some owners who may be deciding to sell their
cars could be expecting to achieve their insurance
valuations but they may have to accept the reality of
a lower seller’s value. For less than near perfect cars
the prospects for getting inflated prices seem rather
unlikely.
Photo Shoots:
10 Tips for Owners attending photo shoots written
by Classic & Sports Car magazine were included in
the December E24 Register report. Simon Turnbull
subsequently wrote about his experiences… “It was
a very interesting day at Rockingham. Munich Legends
provided no less than 3 M cars including a M5 and
their red M1 which was
transported up there.
I provided my M6 and
there was a very nice
E30 M3. The two James
from C & SC magazine,
one the deputy editor
and the other their lead
photographer, could not
have been more careful
and courteous. We were
extremely lucky that
after a dire weather
forecast the rain held
off allowing them to do
all their static shots followed by some moving shots
going past the grand stand on the oval. The only time
they drove the cars themselves was very gently around
the oval with their photographer sat next to them.
On every occasion they always asked, even to do the
simplest thing to the cars, and they provided food for
everyone and were generally very good company”.
Clearly an excellent experience.
Reminder: If you have any E24 news or information
please email me at [email protected]
My Car and Me:
This is Simon Turnbull with his M6 on which we
included a detailed report in Newsletter 4 and a
Running Report in NL 5. Simon has owned his car for
20 years but fairly recently he added a Ferrari to his
collection.
Registers
E30
CONCOURS
M POWER
M Power Car of the month:
2003 M3 CSL – Silas Benaiah
Auction Sale E28 M5
Brightwells sold this E28 M5 no 142/187 at their
November sale, guided at 8 – 10k it went for 14.5k
plus commission. Two important factors about this car;
it is one of a few (believed 8) made in white and one
Neil McDonald
[email protected]
Steve Haslam
[email protected]
Richard Baxter
[email protected]
owner from new, it will therefore provide a very good
basis for the car to be fettled. In my experience the
less number of owners involved with a car the better
chance that everything will be 100% correct in detail –
never more important than when the specific to model
parts are no longer available from BMW.
E36 M3 GT1
The E36 M3 GT1 in LHD was a little more potent than
its RHD equivalent a product no doubt of the steering
column altering the exhaust manifolds finely tuned
shape. It would also appear that the European market
MINI
As you will see in this issue of Straight Six the
MINI Register has been given our own page
toward the front of the magazine in addition
to our section in the Registers, I’ll be using this
for ‘MINI News’ ‘Event Reports’ ‘Tech Advice’
and ‘Your MINI!’ but I need you help to keep
the content fresh and relevant to what you the
MINI owners want!
MINI Events 2014
January
26: Mini Fair – An indoor event and one of the
most well attended National Mini Shows. Mini Fair
was established in 2000, Mini Fair is that winter
essential, giving our spirits a lift in those dark
winter months. Places are strictly limited to three
per club for display cars, I have booked a display
area for the MINI Register with currently one place
left so if you’d like to join us get in touch as soon
as possible. All BMC events have a theme and
this years is ‘Rally & Race’ so another chance for us
MINI owners to don a costume, dress our MINIs
and win a prize for our Register and Club. We’ve
picked a rally pit stop as our theme with pit crew
and drivers, so come and join the fun!
Mini Fair is held by the British Mini Club in the
Halls at Staffordshire County Showground, also
known as Bingley Hall, near Stafford in the West
Midlands. Post code for your satnav is ST18 0BD
March
22: Brooklands Mini Day – All types of Mini/MINI
are invited to this annual event, so expect displays in
all areas of the Museum site. With over 1,000 Minis
on site last year despite the adverse weather. From
the oldest Mini to the newest MINI, 2014’s event will
holds these cars in higher esteem than we in the UK,
here is one for sale in Germany for a cool 32,500 euros
with 94k Kms in perfect original condition.
Also in Germany a 1995 4 door saloon in Hell red
with just 27k Kms for the 17,000 euros – that is like
buying a new time warp car!
Seasons Greetings to you all.
Ian Martin 01865 589550 or 07879 642593
[email protected]
see some of the earliest Minis nestling among the
hundreds of Minis and their variations such as Vans,
Pickups and Mini Mokes parked around the Museum
grounds. As always Test Hill will be in action (subject
to weather).
Brooklands Museum, Campbell Entrance off
Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey. Post code
for your satnav is KT13 0QN
Please note this event has been moved forward
eight days to Saturday 22nd March due to major road
works around the Brooklands site, restricting access.
April
30: Beamish – An event arranged by the BMW
Car Club North Eastern Region for the second year in
the showground of the Beamish Museum, the living
museum of the North East!
From the North and South - Follow the A1M to
Junction 63 (Chester-Le-Street exit), then the A693
towards Stanley for 4 miles, following the signs for
Beamish. Post code for your satnav is DH9 0RG
MINI Does the Ring!
Kelly Brabbin and myself had a trip across
Germany to the Nürburgring in her BMW 318is last
year and this year we are planning a second trip! This
time I’ll be taking my JCW GP2 (GP1241) on track, I’m
inviting fellow GP2 owners from the GP2 International
Club on Facebook, the GP UK Owners Club and some
MINI owners from the Regional UK clubs to join us, so
if you’re interested please get in touch for details, let’s
see if we can make this a big MINI and BMW event.
This event is penciled in for the third or fourth week of
April, dates and details to be confirmed.
May
11: British Mini Day – Held at Himley Hall - Dudley
after 20 years is firmly established as a great opener
to the summer Mini show season, with numerous
trade stands, a 20 class Concours competition,
special displays with their trademark crowd pleaser
‘Win a Mini for a £1’.
British Mini Day is held by the British Mini Club
in the grounds of Himley Hall, near Dudley, West
Midlands. Post code for your satnav is DY3 4DF
Remember you are also a member of the
BMW Car Club GB so are more than welcome to
join any of the many and varied events held by
the BMWCC across the UK, not forgetting the
regional pub meets, as these the best places to
find out what is going on in your area.
So let’s see if we can have a MINI presence at
as many of these meets as possible!
If you own a MINI even if it’s not the main
car, why not become part of the MINI Register it’s
FREE if you’re already a member of the BMW Car
Club GB!
To Join the MINI Register contact club office
or email: [email protected] or call 01865
589550 (24/7 voicemail)
Modern MINI Magazine – If you’re a MINI
Register member and not getting your copy of
Modern MINI please get in touch with myself
or club office and let us know so we can sort it
for you.
ATTENTION: - All MINI owners please send
me or club office your up to date Email
Address
For more of what’s going on in ‘Your MINI
Register’ watch out for your MINI Register UK
Newsletter in your email!
71
Registers
TRACK DAYS
1 SERIES
Z
Z1
How many cars have you owned? 10? 20? 50? I was
thinking about my ownership history at a Graduate
assessment day, perhaps not the time or place but
it popped into my head nevertheless whilst reading
a candidates CV about Inviscid Fluid dynamics and
Classical Mechanics.
In my case there has been a mere 15 cars over the
years, closely influenced by what my friends drove in
the hot hatch mould, GTE, R5T, GTI, GSI, V-Tec, RX7,
325i, 240z, Audi Coupe, even my old rust bucketed
Punto had its place. Whilst the Z1 has always been
the pinnacle of my car aspirations, I drive a modest
Golf day-to-day, it’s not OTT or ostentatious, it just
does what it says on the tin and does it very well,
but lately I’ve been thinking about something more
impractical.
It all started at the Silverstone Classic, then
Gaydon, the array of nice machinery, how I would
love a V8. The idea I could experience a more serious
toy for not alot more than my Golf, led me to the
classifieds and compare insurance websites.
The one that stood out the most is the E46 M3,
affordable, but higher maintenance costs, these
may even follow the footsteps of the E30 M3 one
day in terms of value. I doubt I would keep it that
long to find out, but at single figure asking prices,
they cant possibly get much lower can they? It will
certainly make the journey to the board meeting
more interesting, as well as to the Wateringbury
Pub in Maidstone, which is where I found myself
one Saturday night in October meeting SE Regional
Chair Marie Nolan and a large contingent of BMWCC
members.
As soon as I arrived, despite the poor weather I
picked out a few classics in the wet car park, an old
skool M3, 635, 840 and a fellow Z1 owner. Whilst
we are on the subject I must say thank you to the
SE Region for making David and I impromptu visit so
enjoyable, I had no idea there was such huge support
for the Club in close proximity, I hope you all got out
Z3
During the winter the UK will no doubt receive still
more rain, so this is a good time to check your flexible
inlet bellows – the rubber hose between the airflow
sensor and the throttle body. These tend to split deep
in their convolutions, so need to be stretched around
to properly check the condition. The also tend to split
around the hard plastic pipe from the dipstick tube.
In many cases a torn bellows is not obvious, but
by admitting un-metered air to the engine it can often
weaken the mixture to the extent that the exhaust
gas becomes oxygen-rich, causing a ‘Lambda Voltage
Implausible’ error code. In such cases, always check
the inlet bellows before spending money on diagnostic
work, or fitting new Lambda probes.
Winter brings the potential for deep water, so
72
Nick Wright 07714 805804
[email protected]
Danny Nolan
[email protected]
Ian Conuel
[email protected]
Jamal Blanc
[email protected]
of the meet as much as we did, we are heading in a
new direction and I will certainly make every effort to
assist in any way I can.
Another huge shout-out goes to SE member
Robert Born and his impressive collection of cars, who
caught me by surprise when he said hello a few yards
from my desk at work, turns out we are colleagues,
small world, our regular coffee machine debates are
appreciated.
A lot has been going on with our Club behind the
scenes to make the Club bigger and better, hopefully
you have caught a snippet and approve of the work
in progress from the Chairman to the Office Team,
Regions and Registers, Tech-Team, Directors and
Editor Matt’s creative influence on the new magazine
design.
In 2014 I am hoping to organise another Z1
Technical Day, a repeat of the very successful event
in 2009, where we crammed in as must as we could,
doors, interior, bodywork and a number of faults.
do not delay – my daughter misjudged the depth of
a puddle, the resultant water spray passing through
a torn bellows into number five cylinder, causing
hydraulic lock and bending a connecting rod of her E46
coupe. A good low-mileage car was effectively written
off by a £15 piece of rubber, so be warned!
Another worthwhile pre-winter task is to remove
the brake pads and clean the surfaces on which
they slide, lubricating and protecting them with a
trace of Copa-Slip or similar. Rust on these surfaces
can cause a binding brake which increases fuel
consumption, disc, and tyre wear, with in extreme
cases, overheating and long-term damage to the
calliper seals. A garage will often make an instant
diagnosis of a seized calliper, costing you money and
Finding a suitable location is the first challenge, the
Heritage Museum would be ideal as it limits travel
for attendees and accommodates the speaker who
is travelling from Germany, so if anyone has a large
heated garage, fully stocked with a sofa, electricity
and Sky Sports and located centrally, please let me
know.
Once again thank you for all your support, wishing
you and your families a prosperous new year.
Mike Fishwick
[email protected]
inconvenience, so regular maintenance beyond the
BMW schedule is a wise precaution.
A date for your diary – the BMWCC Annual
General Meeting will be held at 2 pm on Saturday
May 10th, at the Cosford Aerospace Museum, which
is just off the M54 J4. Our AGM is usually interesting,
and with the massive changes which took place
during 2013 it should be one to remember. Members
will have free use of a private parking area, and free
entrance to the world-class collection. I will be taking
a group on a guided tour, leaving the restaurant at
10.15 am sharp, so if you would like to join us, just
turn up! If you are late you will soon find us. We had
a lot of Z owners at last year’s AGM, so let’s try to do
the same again!
Classifieds in association with AnyM.co.uk
Classified
Advertising
MEMBERS’ Adverts
ADVERTS
Members’
in association with
E30 325i convertible. 2.5-litre, 1989,135,000 miles, Red, drives superb. Recent
tyres, brakes, starter, belts. Manual roof, new radio/cd. Cat 1 alarm. Refurb alloys,
chrome
is excellent,
headturner!
have old 1100
MoTs!!!!
for further
BMW 2002tii.
Only real
2 owners,1
since I 1976,only
milesPlease
since ring
complete
details.
(Watford,
Herts)body,
Price:
£2595,invoices
ovno Tel:
251882 taxed,
or 07812
362774
refurbishment,
engine,
interior
over01923
£20000.now
MOT
Ref:
8628F Immaculate condition, N Hall. Leics. Price offers over £15,500
to aug.2014,
Tel: 01162 478214/07970 099985 Ref: 8841F
M1 Coupe 1 owner from new June
2011, 7000 miles in white with many
E39 520i SE. 1998. 73k. Montreal Blue,
M Aero package, 17 inch M Sport with
Tel: 07738 262118 Ref: CL1B
Michelin Sport tyres. Genuine BMW
BMW Z3. 1.9-ltr Roadster For Sale. 2002 (51) Convertible. 83k miles. Manual.
Lights upgrade with Halos. Dual zone
Silver. Red leather interior. Electric hood (VGC), seats and windows. PAS. ABS. Air
climate with
control
AC.CDSteering
con. Central locking. Twin airbags. Radio cassette
6-disc
changer.Wheel
6 months
controls.
Cruise
control.
Low mileage.
tax and MoT. VGC. Club Member owned. Price £3750 ovno Tel: 01923
251882 or
Just serviced. MOT July 2014. New
07812 362774 Ref: 001/08/09F
Battery. Immaculate.
Price: £2995 Tel: 07789 713839
Ref: 8873B
extras. Price £38,000
BMW Z3 2.0L 6 Cyl Sport. Topaz Blue,
17in Sport wheels with new Michelin
tyres, Tan leather, electric seats, M
steering wheel/gear knob, walnut trim,
CD changer, hood in perfect condition,
rear window unmarked, looks and runs
Z3.new,
2.0Lnew
2000.
Manual.
Petrol.
79,000 miles. Limited edition colour MORA (purple).
like
battery,
taxed
and MOT.
Electric,
heated
seats piped to match car. Elec windows, elec
Hard
top and
fittingcream
kit soldleather
separate.
heatedplate
wingnotmirrors.
Manual
Private
inc. Price:
£6500hood. 6 stack CD player. Air con. PAS. Silver side
vents(originals
FSH (BMW stamped) Most old MOT certificates. New
Tel:
07789 713839available).
Ref: 8872B
rear tyres just fitted. 4 months MOT 6 months Tax. 2 lady owners. Complete toolkit
and unopened first aid kit. Comes with private plate. Featured in Dec 2012 Straight
Six “Invasion of the Lakes” Sadly for sale as I’ve just purchased a new 3 series
BMW. £5,500 to include soft top rain cover, boot luggage rack and 4 winter tyres.
[email protected] Price £5500 Tel: 07702750239 Ref: 004/07F
Hartge wheels. I have a set of Hartge wheels 16 inch wheels fronts 7.5 et13 and rear
E21 BMW
320/6.
E21beenthusiast
Z3
sale.
(T missing.
reg) From
8.5 etRoadster
25 two withfor
centre
caps1999
And two
e30Wanted
m3 and can
used on to
give�400
my Open
320 the
TLC nevdmello@
I can no longer
2.8-ltr.
miles.
Manual.
Bluewill
with
e28 and46,000
e34.without
tyres
with tyres
cost extra.
to offers.
black
roof. Blue
on£400
Blackono
leather
interior.
yahoo.co.uk
Price:
Tel: 07957
311562 supply.
Ref: 8887£950 spent last August to get
through MOT. Presently on SORN.
Power hood. Power seats. Heated
Sapphire blue. 157,680 miles, Manual.
seats. Parking sensors. Sony radio disc
Owners Handbooks 1995 M3 E36-1999 M5 E39- 1968 1800 – 1980 E12 5 Series
No reasonable offer refused. Call for
player. Boot rack. Very good condition
– 1990 E34 5 Series – 1990 E36 3 Series Saloon - 1996 E34 5 Series –Sequential M
more details. Neil Goodson. Price: £650
for year. Price: £3500 Tel: 01242 261544
Gearbox SMG 11 Supplement for owners handbook – Plus many more please enquire
Tel: 07917404190 Ref: 001/06/07
Ref: 002/07/08
Tel – 07802 650892
Please make sure all
digital images are
supplied as high
resolution images. Your
camera should be set
to its highest setting
Spares & Plates
Please note: All trade adverts are charged at non-members rate. Feature adverts are not available
to traders. Please send all adverts (with photo if required) before the first of the month preceding
issue to [email protected] or place advert on website
19 inch Pirelli P Zero run flat tyres 2 x front 225x35 2 x rear 255x30 tread depth almost
suRE
all digiTal
iMagEs
as PlEasE
new. BargainMakE
at £350 Buyer
collects.Derby
area. Price:
£350 Tel:aRE
07791suPPliEd
618615
as high REsoluTion iMagEs.
YouR caMERa
should
sET
To iTs
highEsT
sETTing.
225x40x18
MSport Wheel.
Suitable BE
for the
3 Series
with tyre
6mm tread.
£60ono.
Tel: 01737353548 Ref: 01/10/11
BMW Car Club Magazine 77
73
Classifieds in association with AnyM.co.uk
Set of M Contour (Style 23) Alloys from E36 M3 Evo Saloon. These were
refurbished in August 2012 so are in very good condition. No tyres included.
Collection from East Grinstead, West Sussex. Price: £500 Tel: 07921 659866
Ref: 8892
17” Genuine BBS Split rims from 8 Series, used on M635 (or 635), 8J and 9J, fitted Star Millennium (Avon) tyres, with virtually new centre caps.
Nearest rolling circumference for M635 to original. Use as they are - there’s a few
small faults in the lacquer. Perfect rim edges, no dinks. More photos available.
Collect from west London or Suffolk. Price: £Offers. Tel: 020 8741 8959 / 07850
183677 or [email protected] Ref: 8881F
Set of four winter wheels and tyres. Goodyear Ultragrip 205/55/16 with good
6mm of tread left to fit E90, 91, 92, 93 cars. They come into their own in snowy
WET conditions, and when temperatures are below 7 degrees. These tyres can be
used all year round. Contact Jim Hutson on 01285 720223 or e-mail hutson77@
btinternet.com Price: £offers Ref: 8876F
X6M 50d Full set of 20 inch M double spoke 435 M wheels with run flat tyres
off 2013 X6 M50D. 275/40 R20 front and 315/35 R20 rear.Brand new, never been
used.Collect from Melksham, Wilts Contact Gary. Price£ 4200 Tel: 07971 311116
Ref: 8815F
Witter detachable towbar for BMW 3 Series Touring. Excellent condition
detachable Witter swan towbar with double electrics to fit 2009-2012 BMW 3
Series Touring. EC type approved EC type no. 00-7347 max towing capacity 1800kg.
Comes with 2 keys and storage bag. Selling due to change of car. Price: £180
Tel: 07941 967 577 Ref: 02/10/11
Wanted
Seeking E39 M5. Must be in good, well maintained condition. Prefer full service history
and file full of receipts. Low mileage and few owners a bonus. Please call Tom Byrne 07708 920 583. email - [email protected]
Hartge Wheels, 16 inch wheels fronts 7.5 et13 and rear 8.5 et 25 two with centre
caps And two missing. From BMW E30 M3 and can be used on E28 and E34.without
tyres with tyres will cost extra. Price: £400ono Tel: 07957 311562 Ref: 8887F
74
Please visit www.bmwcarclub.co.uk
to place a classified advert
LANCASTER INSURANCE
Classic BMW Insurance
Ask us about:
Car Club Member Discount
Agreed Valuation
Limited Mileage Discount
Multi-Car Policies
Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may vary between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting acceptance.
Calls may be recorded for monitoring and training purposes.
BMWCC-1212
ill
We w ur to
o
av
ende at any
be itors’
et
o
c mp otes
qu
For a great deal on Classic BMW Insurance call:
01480 484848
www.lancasterinsurance.co.uk/bmwcc
Follow us on
Facebook
Twitter
LANCASTER
INSURANCE
Lancaster Insurance Services Ltd is authorised and
regulated by the Financial Services Authority 306514.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
CLASSIC CARS - MODERN CARS - KIT CARS - 4X4 - EX-MILITARY VEHICLES - MOTOR HOMES - CAMPER VANS - CLASSIC TRACTORS
Advanced Poseidon
car wash
At ValetPRO we like to perfect our products and
with Advanced Poseidon Car wash we have done
that. It’s a maintenance car shampoo, designed to
give a glossy and shiny surface while protecting
your paintwork between washes. It also helps
improve the durability of waxes or paint sealants.
However the most important element is its cleaning
power, and I am proud to say that Advanced
Poseidon Car Wash is an incredibly effective cleaner
that’s mild enough for all types of paint ﬁnishes.
WWW.VALETPRO.CO.UK
BMW Car club.indd 1
03/04/2013 21:00
75
ROYTHORNE
THE BMW SPECIALISTS
For your car
For the enthusiast
Roythorne
Zymol Products
Scholl Concepts
Accessories
Car Covers
Aqua Gleam
Luxury Luggage by Caracalla
Ladies Leather Bags
BMW Books /Brochures
Manuals
A comprehensive range of parts for trade & retail
• All servicing and repair work
undertaken
• Menu service pricing
(please ring for a quote)
• Autologic diagnostics
Gift vouchers are available
www.johnswax.co.uk
• MoT testing
• Air conditioning servicing,
repairs and re-gas
• Bodywork estimates and
SMART repairs undertaken
Roythorne & Son Ltd
01553 673000 / 672213
Nursery Lane, North Wootton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
Airflow .............................. 29
A C Schnitzer ................... 17
A-Plan Insurance .............. 37
Adrian Flux ....................... 57
Any M ............................... 30
Autoenhance .................... 31
Auto Car Detailing ........... 77
Autospray VSS Ltd ........... 81
BM Autosport................... 77
BM Autorepairs................ 55
BMW Car (UK) ........OBC, 21
BMW Warranty
Insurance .......................... 15
BW Autorepairs ............... 55
CA Technologies
International Ltd .............. 77
Chipex ............................... 78
Classic Grand Touring ...... 11
Classic Heroes.................. 78
76
Classicline Insurance ....... 27
Cotley Garage................... 78
Crowne Plaza ................... 45
Darren Wood BMW
Specialist .......................... 81
Dick Lovett .....................4,68
Elms BMW Stanstead ..... 62
Erins Perfumes Sponsor .. 30
Evans Hydratech .............. 29
Footman James ............... 53
Hamilton Classic .............. 81
Hexagon of Highgate Ltd. 13
Hindsight .......................... 78
Jaspers Green Motors..... 78
John Drake ....................... 76
Lake District Hotels.........IBC
Lancaster Insurance......... 75
Linwar Motors.................. 81
Norton Insurance ............. 80
Opie Oils ........................... 80
PCS - Milton Keynes ........ 80
Performance BMW/
BMW CAR ........................ 52
Pukar Designs................... 78
Redish Automotive .......... 79
Roythorne & Son .............. 76
Scenic Car Tours..........22,23
Snows BMW.................... 67
Spit and Polish Alloy
Wheel ............................... 81
Swissvax........................... 41
Valetpro ............................ 75
Warranty Direct.................. 5
Wellsway BMW ............. IFC
Williams Stockport
BMW ............................... 64
Auto Car Detailing
Car detailing is an
extensive process of
thoroughly:
• Analysing
• Polishing
• Cleaning
• Waxing a vehicle
Fully insured.
Mobile service
Secure premises.
Fine waxes and
seallents
• Paint correction
• New vehicle
detailing
• Dodo Authorised
Detailer.
• Show valeting.
• New Vehicle
Detailing
• Maintenance
Detailing
• Enhancement
Detailing
• Correction Detail
• Soft Top Protection
• Leather restoration
• Engine Bay
Detailing
055 BMWCAR
0913 29/07/2013
• Mini Valet & Mini
Detail
• Annual Vehicle
Maintenance Plans
Auto Car Detailing provides a range of distinct
car valeting, car detailing and professional paint
correction services to clients in most UK locations
•
•
•
•
Through specifically locating and treating problem
areas, a car’s paintwork can be revitalised to regain its
showroom condition, meaning imperfections such as
paintwork swirl marks, scratches, buffer marks, exterior
hologram effects, micro-marring, cobwebbing and
road debris damage can be removed.
Auto Car Detailing ensure that we dramatically
improve the appearance of your prized BMW by
adhering to the four stringent areas of detailing
using finest waxes, polishes and cleaning products
from premium manufacturers such as Dodo Juice
and Autoglym.
P
www.autocardetailing.co.uk
07739 120 111
Un
14:39 Page 55
[email protected]
CA
LTD
CA TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL LTD
COMPLETE
ENHANCEMENTS
COMPLETE PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE AND VISUAL ENHANCEMENTS
TEL/FAX:
TEL/FAX: 0871
0871 231
231 1010/1011
INTL
INTL TEL:
TEL: 00
00 44
44 870
870 2424 219
WWW.CA-INT.CO.UK
WWW.CA-INT.CO.UK
EMAIL: [email protected]
[email protected]
INTL FAX: 00 44 870
870 2424
2424 213
213
WWW.EISENMANN.CO.UK
WWW.EISENMANN.CO.UK
SUPPLYING PREMIUM QUALITY CUTTING EDGE BMW UPGRADES SINCE 1994
• PREMIUM & EXCLUSIVE UPGRADES FOR
ENGINE, CHASSIS & AERODYNAMICS (from
Mild to Wild)
• SUPERCHARGING SPECIALISTS
Official Technical Centre
Master Dealer
• PREMIUM PRE - PREG AND DRY LAMINATED
CARBON FIBRE PRODUCTS
• CA PROJECTS ARE REGULARLY FEATURED IN
THE PRESS & TV
• WE SHIP WORLDWIDE. MINIMUM 20%
DISCOUNT ON ALL EXPORT ORDERS
Eisenmann exhausts
Official Retailer
In Partnership with
15 - 20% discount on most
exhausts for a limited period
77
Smarter
motorists
deserve
smarter
cars
Jaspers Green Motors Bodywork Specialists
ChipEx is a revolutionary paint chip repair
system that really works. It’s the easy-to-use
alternative to touch-up sticks or the more
expensive ‘smart’ repair sytems.
BMW Specialist
Unit 7 , Goulds Farm,
Rayne, Essex
CM77 6DF
The ChipEx repair system allows the home user to simply & safely
deal with paint chips, scratches & ‘road rash’ damage to a very high
standard. It also helps to increase the ‘used value’ of your vehicle without
the cost and added inconvenience of booking a specialist body shop.
Every ChipEx paint is hand-made to the manufacturers’ original paint
formulation for an exact colour match. Then using our unique 3 step
process of ‘paint, blend and polish’ users can apply and remove the paint
better than any touch-up kits or paint sticks. Kits start from only £29.95
and the results are amazing - you’ll wonder why you never tried it before!
For further information and videos, or to order your bespoke ChipEx
repair kit, just visit our website today www.chipex.co.uk. You could also
give us a call on 01295 258308.
All leading marques catered
for – classic & modern
Proprietor
John Herman (T) 01787 238 375 or 07712 453 915
mpany here call 01225 709 009
Don’t forget to look out for our ChipEx ‘how
to’ videos on the ChipEx YouTube channel or
follow our latest news and user feedback
on Facebook and Twitter.
CHIPEX
®
Official
Paint-Chip
Repair
System
supplier to:
UK
Official
supplier to:
Paint Chip Repair System
The
Morgan
Car
Company
www.chipex.co.uk
Established 1995
Tel 01250 872591
INDEPENDENT BMW SPECIALISTS
• Servicing • Repairs • MoTs
Air Conditioning • Tyres • Dealer level
coding and programming using Autologic
Athole Street, Blairgowrie, Perth PH10 6DU
www.cotlygarage.co.uk
Jaspers Green Motors Bodywork Specialists
AMSPEED
Unit 7 , Goulds Farm,
Rayne, Essex
CM77 6DF
BMW Specialist
Hindsight
Restored Vision for Convertibles
Treat your screen before it splits
design | build | race
• Restores clarity by removing
scuffs and opacities
• Lubricates & protects from frost
• Reduces risk of splitting
• Avoids replacing rear screen
• Particularly effective on SLs
• Restores milky acrylic head/tail lights
• Renovo Fabric Hood restoration
products also in stock
Tel: 01780 749449
www.morethanpolish.com/
hindsight.asp
world-wide shipping
All leading marques catered
for – classic & modern
Proprietor
John Herman (T) 01787 238 375 or 07712 453 915
78
“Hindsight miraculously removes
scratches and opacity, and is
environmentally friendly”
Mercedes Gazette
“By far the best screen
cleaning product
I’ve tried”
Editor - Classic & Sportscar
We would like to wish all our customers and friends a very
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year
PCS - MILTON KEYNES
Independent
BMW
Specialist
Fully Trained Technicians
Complete Range Of Test and
Diagnostic Equipment
Outstanding Level of Service
All work is carried out according to
manufacturers specification using genuine
or parts of comparable quality
Call FREE
0800 026 5201
or
01908 - 270503
54 Barton Road, Water Eaton,
Milton Keynes, MK2 3BN
www.pcs-mk.co.uk/bmw
The Classic & Modern BMW Insurance
Run for enthusiasts by enthusiasts since 1965
Call us now on
0845 373 4777
•Discounts forBMW Car Club members
•Agreed value with free certificate for classic BMWs more than 10 years old
•Cover for unlimited UK club track days •Up to 90 days European cover
•More cars than drivers? Enquire about our Family Fleet policies
Quote & buy online at
www.heritage-quote.co.uk
Ref: BMWCC
80
Authorised by the Financial Services Authority. Telephone calls may be monitored or recorded for your protection.
Car Care and Motorsport BMW and MINI
Product
Suppliers
SPECIALIST
Manufacturers
of Car-O-Port and Autopod and
10% Discount
off all our products for Mercedes‐Benz Club Members UK Distributors of the Moltex and Supertex Fleece Lined
Tel: 0161 425 7403
Car Covers and the CTEK Range of Battery Chargers
Mercedes‐Benz Car Covers for All Models – Indoor & Outdoor and Conditioners.
Tailored or Semi‐Tailored as well as the Cair‐O‐Port Indoor Air Storage Tent Suppliers of Quality Car Care and Race Products.
www.darren-wood.com
Advice and many more useful [email protected]
products also available Please see UNIT 3‐ BREDBURY
COURT IND EST
ASHTON
ROAD
BREDBURY
our website or call us for SK6 2QB
Brochure. Applies to any car you own Just add HCLMBC09 in the code box in our website checkout or call the office quoting this code. 10% Discount off products from Hamilton Classics Ltd
has been negotiated for BMW Car Club Members when
they are ordered through the Club. Please view the
Hamilton Classic Website for the full range of
Web: www.hamiltongrouponline.com Car Care and Race Products available and contact thee: [email protected] Club on 01970 267989 toTel: +44(0)118 973 7300 place your order
For more detailed product information contact
Hamilton Classic on the number below.
TEL: 0118 973 7300 www.hamiltonclassic.co.uk
81
YourPhotos
Welcome to the ‘Your Photos’ section. If you wish to submit any photos to us, please email them to [email protected] with the heading
“Your Photos”. Please also include a few words about the photograph and remember to send the ‘non-cropped’ image!
Sony DSC-T70, ISO 100, f/5.6 1/640sec
Yemi Omo-Ogunkoya: Photo was taken in north of Spain, 50 miles from Bilbao and turning off into a road called Pesadas to a
village called Credilla on to another village called Sedano and then finally a little village called Covanera; in total about 45 miles of
heavenly tarmac full of twists, turns, up-hills and big drops. We left England three days before and arrived in Spain that morning.
FinePix S1500, ISO 64, f/5, 1/450se
Canon PowerShot SX150 IS, ISO 125, f/4.5, 1/160sec
Simon Hilton: This cake was baked by my son Alan, then aged 14, to
Simon Calado: This photo was taken into the mirror of my Z3M Roadster at
celebrate the 25th birthday of our little 318i. My late father (also Alan)
this year’s Silverstone event, just before the heavens opened causing the track
bought the car when it was two years old and I took it over in 1993 when to be closed before we had the chance to take a drive around the circuit.
he bought an E36 320i (we still own that as well).
82
Idyllic Getaways
in the Lake District
for you and
your motor...
Stop for a bite to eat or stay at one of
our 6 ideally situated, family owned
and run hotels in stunning lakeside
and picturesque town centre locations
- ideal for touring the beautiful Lake
District. Here is what we can offer
• Refreshmentstops.
Including morning coffee,
lunches, afternoon teas and
dinners
• TulipRoutes.Fabulous
routes (45 - 120 miles)
through the Lake District
with optional stops at
interesting attractions and
hostelries
• OvernightAccommodation
in comfortable bedrooms
• AmpleCarParking
• FlexibleMealtimes
• CompetitiveGroupRates
LIMITED
FEEDBACKFROMOURGUESTS
“We enjoyed the weekend enormously. I think I can speak
for all in saying that we found the food and accommodation
excellent and the staff were very friendly and helpful too. The
hotel management gave us some detailed tulip routes driving
through the beautiful Lake District enjoying the scenery and
visiting different tourist attractions”
MorganOwnersClub,Worcestershire,April2013
“Organisation by the hotel of the entire trip including tulip
routes through the fantastic Lake District, left us with the
impression of an excellent and well run establishment. The
menus and catering were to a very high standard and the
hotel team could not have been more accommodating. One
of the best trips that we have ever done”
TheBeanoBoys,Lincolnshire,May2012
“We had a wonderful weekend and everyone was delighted
with the hotel and the helpful staff. As organisers we were
pleased that praise was heaped on the standard of the food
and service as well as the comfort of the bedrooms”
TheAstonMartinClub,Feltham,April2013
LIMITED
www.lakedistricthotels.net/motoring
BMW Winter Tyres
Genuine BMW
Accessories
BETTER GRIP.
BMW WINTER TYRES DELIVER IMPROVED SAFETY AND
ENHANCED CONFIDENCE IN WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS.
When temperatures fall below 7° centigrade, and a lizard’s thoughts turn to hibernation, BMW Winter Tyres improve safety by
reducing braking distances considerably. What’s more, these tyres last longer than normal ones at lower temperatures, and
with prices for a set of four wheels and tyres starting from just £700 RRP* it won’t take long until they’ve paid for themselves.
For more gripping reasons to use BMW Winter Tyres, visit www.bmw.co.uk/winter-tyres
Winter wheels and tyres are available on selected models and subject to availability. *Recommended retail price of £700 is based on steel wheel style 12, tyre dimension 195/55R16 87H and one set
of wheel covers for BMW 1 Series, including VAT but excluding fitting.
The Ultimate
Driving Machine

Black Beauties - The BMW Car Club

Transcription

Similar documents

New Transport Models and Smart Use of Transport Infrastructure

Car of the year

ATW – Issue September 12, 2014

Professional Services

Dear Friends of the BMW Foundation, ear Friends of the MW

eas - Bimmerpost

K 1300 S - BMW Motorcycles

March 2006 Club News - Monterey Bay BMW Riders

R 1200 GS - BMW Motorcycles