30 Years of the E30

Transcription

30 Years of the E30

STRAIGHT SIX APRIL 2014
Straight Six
April 2014 £5
30 Years of Is
the
E30
The
Z1
A tribute to this iconic BMW
A Practical
Classic?
We take a closer look at this
well-used daily driver with over
215,000 miles on the clock
PLUS:
FWD
BMW KICKS
ANNOUNCED,
TRACK
REVIEWED
AND DPF PROBLEMS
EXPLAINED
SHOW
SEASON
OFF WITH
THEDAY
SOUTHERN
CONCOURS
AND TATTON
CLASSIC
BMW CAR CLUB
3 14:50
Members
Members
Edition
Edition
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28518 D
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
Contents
The Late R.J.T. Hewitt
Trevor Gillard
John Safe
Jeff Heywood
Chris Wadsley
Len Oakshett
NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Club Secretary
Dealer Partnership &
Technical Director
Historic/Classic Director
Regions Director
Concours and Valuations
Director
Events Director
Finance Director
Scottish Development
Director
EDITOR
Magazine Editor
ADVERTISING
Display advertising
Classifieds
MEDIA OFFICER
Neil Robinson
CLUB OFFICE
General Manager
Ass. General Manager
Membership Secretary
Technical Consultant
Financial Manager
David Frith
Steve Haslam
Simon Brookes
Jamal Blanc
John Castle
George Champ
Steve Haslam
Caroline Hobbs
Andrew McArthur
Isabelle Phillips
6
Matt Goldsmith
Hine Marketing
01452 730770
[email protected]
Club Office 01970 267989
www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk
[email protected]
David Frith
Jenn Roberts
Michelle Evans
Andy Everett
Sarah Thomas
BMW Car Club (GB) Ltd, Unit 5h, Glan Y Afon,
Aberystwyth SY23 3JQ
Tel: 01970 267989 Fax: 01225 703885
Office hours MONDAY-FRIDAY 9am-5pm
Website: www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk
email: [email protected]
CONTRIBUTORS
Chris Willows, Duncan Parker, Ian Martin, John Paulding,
Dan Norris, Andy Everett, Robert Rourke, Jamal Blanc,
Jeff Heywood, John Olliffe, Douglas Crisp.
CONTENT SUBMISSIONS
Please send all magazine content by email to
[email protected]
PUBLISHED ON BEHALF OF BMW CAR CLUB BY
Hine Marketing, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane,
Bishops Norton Glos, GL2 9LN. Tel: 01452 730770
[email protected]
PARTS ENQUIRIES
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
34
38
42
46
4
Board Torque
6
Cover Feature: Are Z1s Practical
Classics?
38 Run Flat or Non Run Flat?
Jamal Blanc explores the possibility that the Z1
could be a practical daily driver with this well
used example
40 Members Benefits: Wheel Referb
10 Club News
14 Thoughts from the Boardroom
16 BMW News
18 MINI News
COMMENTS
20 Products
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
22 BMW Car Club National Festival
FRONT COVER
Cover photo by Jamal Blanc
http://on.fb.me/bmwccgb
© 2013 BMW Car Club (Great Britain) Limited
BMW_April14_3 44.indd 3
All the latest news on this year’s event
24 Silverstone Classic News
The evening entertainment has been announced
and the deadline for Club passes looms
26 Welsh Weekend 2014 News
28 National Concours News
30 Dan Norris
32 Allianz Mondial Assistance
34 Diesel Particle Filter Problems
BMW produce some of the best Diesels, but
beware when buying secondhand. Jeff Heyward
explains what can be done about the DPF
problems
David Frith tests out Michelin’s Run-Flat
alternative tyres
John Olliffe reviews a local wheel refurbisher
42 Moan, Moan, Moan
Douglas Crisp ponders whether the newer BMWs
really satisfy the Boy Racer within
44 BMW Factory Tour
46 Track Day Review
We were at Snetterton and you can read all about it
48 Better Driving Day: August 14
There’s been a date change, so don’t miss out!
50 Running Reports
52 Nuts and Bolts: Road Test 320d
55 Events
56 Regional News
67 Register News
74 Classifieds
82 Your Photos
BMW Car Club Magazine April 2014
3
20/03/2014 13:14
8874-W
Board Torque
Board Torque sponsored by
Board
Torque
BOARD
TORQUE
W
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
time of a week will end up being three at least.
So, you will be very surprised to know, that
most of my business life has involved going in
to clients’ homes and changing their personal
finances or reorganising businesses that have
lost track of expenditure and efficient working
practices.
I just
happened to be in Birmingham with my
Like any difficult task, identifying the
2005
760Li
a pre-arranged
photo
shoot with
problems andfor
finding
solutions are
essential
at
magazine
(and potential
advertising
theCar
start
of any major
change, Club
but then
there is
I was keen
to showofthat
wewho
can see
theopportunity).
two very different
scenarios
those
thebebenefits
of the
andClub,
those
relied upon
asproposed
the officialchanges
BMW Car
who
just don’t
want
or don’t seeand
the long
to provide
cars
for change
various occasions,
term
need of thea changes
– which
in many
cases
demonstrate
professional
persona
that will
can
simply our
be down
to poor communication or
enhance
reputation.
the stubbornness to resist change under any
Whilst the day was interesting, with lots of
scenario.
urban
driving and photography to keep us busy,
After many years of doing this work, I have
the real
highlight
day. As
we
come
to realise
thatcame
all ofearlier
these that
elements
will
waited
four
luxury
carsare
to be
assembled
arise
and for
thethe
very
best
results
achieved
for the
day’s comparison,
mine looking
when
everyone
involved is with
in agreement,
but this
is worse
rarely ever
a reality.
change
for wear
after aThe
verydecision
long andtovery
wet
working
anditrelocate
the Club’s
office
journeypractices
form Wales,
was suggested
there
was
from
Melksham
to Aberystwyth – although being
time
to get it cleaned.
clearlyWhilst
necessary
every
business
on myfrom
wayalmost
to the car
wash
as
aspect – was exacerbated by the urgency in
directed by the organisers: Left at the lights,
which this change was required by all of us that
straight over the roundabout, second road on the
hold the Club’s existence very dear.
right,
I drove pastthe
theevents
very impressive
‘Sytners
Unfortunately,
leading up
to the
of
Birmingham’
showroom,
with
the
full
range
office being left without staff did not allow
me of
and ALPINA
Unable to resist
the‘i`luxury
of full cars.
communication
to youand
all,almost
but
the arguments to move from Melksham were
overwhelming and Aberystwyth offered the only
instant solution from a financial and staffing
point of view; and for the future, if it was to take
place, it would facilitate the New Beginning for
our great Car Club.
They do say that pictures speak louder than
words, but I can assure you, the dilapidated
state of the old building in Melksham was one
of the worst operating business premises I
have entered; and I was even more shocked
because of the conditions for our staff and the
unacceptable representation of our Club image.
Some members feared that particular change
was going to cost the Club a lot of money, but
using very influential contacts; I am pleased to
report that the annual costs are less and that
the move is being covered by the advertising
commission normally paid to the General
the representation of our models and club
Manager each month – which I am forgoing. My
matters
a wider
audience
than ever
before,
staff
havetoalso
identified
significant
expense
it made which
me feelwill
as though
I wasinleaving
savings,
be revealed
detailasoon.
signifi
cantthat
message,
the outside
So,
I hope
makes and
you showing
all feel even
better
about
change.
worldthis
what
a great team we are building. I was
Finally,
the when
long term
aim open
is to promote
visits
really
pleased
I peeled
the wrapper
from
youMarch
all to issue
our wonderful
and
of the
and saw itcoastline
for the first
brilliant
driving
roads
– andtoofget
course
real Welsh
time, having
been
pushing
this launched
hospitality. Although the move has had its usual
for some months, so a big show of thanks to
traumas, I would like to thank Jennifer and my
our editor Matt Goldsmith, and new London
wife for the emergency call to duty on behalf of
Chair, Tim
Like
anything
allRegional
the members;
andFathers.
to you all
I would
likenew,
to
it is just
but we urgently need Model
thank
you the
for start,
your patience.
Reps
Captains
to come
forward
Weand
areRegister
just waiting
for Keith
to come
and
clean
thevacancies
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cabinets
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ll the
before the
editionare
ready
andmonths
waitingtime.
– with
howaposh
in three
Weback
havelighting,
already had
isgreat
that?response but more is needed, as I see the
hen recruiting new members for our club,
the most common question we get asked is
“what`s in it for me?” We usually answer
with financially related benefits, which is of
course relevant, but a recent event offered me an insight into
what could be the key benefit, being part of the global BMW
group, where the roundel is our common denominator.
BMWCC 10
forgetting why I was here, I just had to have a
closer look. It was like seeing an old friend, that
warm fuzzy feeling of familiarity, and just like
any real friend, BMW Sytner extended the hand
of friendship as soon as I had introduced myself
at reception.
Wearing my Club attire, every member
of staff made me welcome and not only was
the 7 Series whisked away for a much needed
wash, but I was soon engaged in conversation
with one of the managers about the Dealer
Partnership
scheme.
The
uninviting front
door inObviously,
Melksham being ready for
any opportunity to publicise and promote our
Club, I just happened to have some of the very
latest high quality promotional leaflets to hand
(which really do demonstrate our very high
standards), and as a result we agreed to meet
again to build upon our relationship, and that to
me is the best benefit of the Club.
There has also been a very positive
response to our new Club Directory, by sharing
4 old
BMW
Club
Magazine
2014
The
BMWCar
Car
Club
office –April
no heating!
www.dicklovett.co.uk
Bristol: 0845 052 3355
Swindon: 0845 052 5314
Hungerford: 0845 052 3347
Directory as another major step forwards for
the club, its members, and our most important
asset, our reputation, how we are seen to new
members wishing to join.
With each of us listed, they will find a
team ready to help with any enquiry, from the
Directors to Reps, to Chairmen and Chairwomen,
anyone who has tried to recruit new members
knows how hard, yet rewarding it is. The
membership pack not only includes the best club
magazine on the market, but also the best team
directory to compliment a very efficient office
unit, operating a full business working day, I
trust you will agree, this is a significant and
important step in the right direction.
The biggest piece of this operational jigsaw
is our new website, it is now being tested daily
by the experts and despite my eagerness to get
it rolled out to you, I have been told that full
testing has to be exhausted for all of our major
requirements to be satisfied. There is absolutely
no doubt that as a professional organisation, we
must have a modern technological solution in
place that will satisfy the majority of members
who are competent Internet users.
So my message to you all, whether you are
old, new or undecided, consider being a part of
our team, as well as our Club.
David
The new, clean office in Aberystwyth
Regards
avid rith
Chairman and General Manager
BMW Car Club
W
T
c
F
Artwork can be displayed properly
The dark, old Board Room
W
W
W
David has his packing hat on!
Dick Lovett BMW
The new signs are up!
BMW Car Club Magazine 5
20/03/2014 13:14
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20/03/2014 13:14
Cover feature
Are Z1s
Practical
Classics?
Words and Photos Jamal Blanc
6
I can admit when I’m wrong, for example
when I hired a Volkswagen Polo to fit four
people, Snowboards and luggage for a week
Snowboarding in the Andorran mountains. Then
there was the time I thought it a good idea to
delete some data from a server, so it would fit
on a single backup tape. And for years I have
been debating the Z1’s fragility, standing firm in
my belief that it is impractical as an everyday
car, due to the Nubuck leather’s allergic
reaction to water, irreplaceable patterned cloth,
wrinkly camouflage seats and an increase in
discontinued parts. I may be wrong about that
too, because a year after bringing you the
stunning unregistered Z1, we have something
quite different.
Last month an email popped into my
mailbox, forwarded onto me from HQ, to assist
someone with a leaky boot problem. But what
started as a routine phone call of suggestions,
turned into a rather unusual story, because
within a few minutes of the conversation,
I thought I misheard when the owner said
they had driven their Z1 everyday since 1997,
registering the highest mileage Z1 we have ever
seen at Straight Six, at a whopping 356,521kms
(over 215,000 miles).
20/03/2014 13:14
Cover feature
Before I get to that, there are a few possible
causes of a waterlogged boot, some less
likely than others. As water will penetrate any
weakness it can find, areas such as top cover
gasket, boot lid gasket and more commonly, the
wheel arch sealant, are worth closer inspection.
There is some merit to suggest that the rubber
washers located at the panel fixing points
contribute to the issue, so consider changing
these as they have possibly come to the end of
their shelf life. The most difficult is renewing
the sealant, which requires access to the shell
underneath, by removing the lower and rear
quarter panels.
Tony, proud owner of the vehicle in
question, took a more direct approach and
drilled two holes in the boot to drain away
the excess water, but it also means water has
another way in. Fortunately, with an Aluminium
base, we don’t have the same level of concern
about water leaks, as owners of pretty much any
old car, Rover, Jag, Triumph, Ford... But once
you have done enough research and reading into
the subject, it is not as daunting as it seems to
carry out some preventative maintenance. But
be careful when lifting the rear quarter panel
past the front mounting points, to avoid splitting.
It was three weeks since that initial
introductory phone-call, and I am sitting in a
stunning whitewashed apartment with high
ceilings, wood floors, huge floor to ceiling
windows and a state of the art AV system in a
quiet cul-de-sac in Kensington, meeting Tony
for a face to face, I’m here to validate fact from
wild outlandish claims.
His motoring history is a familiar one,
having driven the kind of elite cars I buy as 1/18
scale models. After a series of Ferraris, Audis
and Porsche, the final straw came when he
bought a Lotus Esprit, moments later spotting
a Green Z1 with Lemon interior, immediately
regretting his decision. The Toprot Z1 pictured
here was purchased from Paris in 97, only
10,000Kms old for €17000, and has quite a
history.
It has been driven all over Europe, at one
point covering 1000miles per week. It has had
a new roof, two clutches, three door belts (one
replicated by a company in Leicester as BMW
were out of stock), one BTB Rear Exhaust, its
never had floor mats, suffered £2500 worth of
wing damage when the council towed it away
(reimbursed), stopped by police for having too
many passengers, damaged by a neighbour, has
the car overheated
within an hour of leaving
home, rather than turn
back, he filled the car
with water at every
opportunity for the entire
4000km round trip
a dented door skin which interrupts the window
runners, had its passenger window smashed,
witnessed a high speed crash on the French
motorway narrowly missing the front, both back
tyres blew out at the same time at 90mph, been
used to transport 15ft planks of wood to the tip,
and it gets washed every two years, maybe.
Sacre Bleu!
If that’s not enough, when asked what his
most memorable journey was, he cites his trip
7
20/03/2014 13:14
Cover feature
to Monaco for all the wrong reasons, the car
overheated within an hour of leaving home,
whilst boarding the ferry at Dover, losing water
fast. But rather than turn back, he filled the car
with water at every opportunity for the entire
4000km roundtrip, forced to stop the engine
whenever he came to a standstill. Once back on
home soil, a can of Radweld was added to the
expansion tank, it’s been fine ever since.
Is he pulling my leg? Nobody is that lucky,
surely? Or should that be unlucky? I can barely
write quick enough as the mishaps come thick
and fast, but despite all of that, he is adamant
that he will never sell his Z1, there have been
some close moments he admits, but never
doubted his Z1 will get him to his destination.
(By way of comparison, my door motor
failed two days before Silverstone 2013,
I drove the B car.)
For example, a trip to
Manchester one evening
the oil light came on;
topped up at
a petrol
station,
only
for it
to
come on again within a few miles. This
reoccurred all the way there and back, in and
out of petrol stations, the car was clearly
struggling and in a bad way, losing oil and it
smelt pretty awful. Fearing the worst he took it
to his mechanic in London for the bad news, a
new engine? Cylinder Head? Head Gasket? No,
it was a broken oil pipe.
Whilst my car gets the Red Carpet
treatment like most
garage queens, in
all my years of Z1
ownership, the
most fun
I have
had was whilst sat in the saddle, driving the
car. Tony is equally as passionate, if not more so
than I am, insisting “it is a drivers car, yes it is
basic, reliable to a fault, no safety equipment,
no air bags, no computers, heavy steering, it is
not a fast car but it can be driven fast, and after
356,521kms you know everything there is to
know, how it handles and what to expect. I had
no idea that little strip of rubber under the front
Spoilers, there for a reason.
No 9 of Tony’s top 10 weight saving tips
…they missed a bit
they may not look comfy….
8
20/03/2014 13:1
Cover feature
bumper makes such a difference, I discovered
that after removing it and the front began to lift
at high speed.”
Not a big fan of modifications after his Lancia
Integrale blew up when it was chipped, he does
not think the Z1 needs more power, it is perfectly
balanced and at 6’1”, amazed at just how
comfortable the seats are, having slept in it a few
times with his legs sticking out of the window.
As an almost afterthought, he recalls the
lowest point of his Z1 ownership, in 2005 on
one particular freezing night, losing the
rear on a corner, clipping the kerb. The
car was assessed a write-off, but
Cracks, like wrinkles, part of the ageing process.
he promptly bought it back from the insurance
company and had it repaired by Sytners, ditched
the ‘skinny’ 16-inch OEM alloys in favour of wider
17-inch rims, closely followed by the original
Z1 Audio system in favour of something more
modern.
But what of the car itself? When we stepped
outside for a closer look, I didn’t know what
to expect, but unlike my first visit the previous
Saturday, when Tony took alot of pride in telling
me he has not washed his car since he came back
from a holiday in St. Tropez two years ago, I was
a little surprised to see a sparklingly clean and
polished Z1 on the Tarmac.
Colours schemes are a personal thing and of
the colours available, Pur-Blau, Traum-Schwarz,
Toprot, Urgruen, Fun-Gelb and Magic-Violet, Red
is probably my least favourite. However, I can see
why it is the most popular. They look stunning
when clean, standout, hide minor flaws and look
clean even when they are dirty. The contours and
lines seem more exaggerated, over say, a
black car. Red cars tend to photograph
well and it’s the colour the general
public most associate with the
Z1, as it featured heavily in
the original BMW marketing
campaign. It was the first
Z1 I had ever seen and can
be found on brochures,
phone cards and the
Revel model kit.
Dirt…does not hurt.
This car was no exception. It took me 30
minutes to spot the dent in the passenger door and
the sticky window. It may have high mileage on the
clock, but it hid them well. I was expecting to see
dodgy fitting panels, cracks everywhere, knackered
exhaust, noisy engine, holes in the seats, rust?
Which is of course silly, as they don’t rust, the
point is I was expecting some sort of unpleasant
surprise. The interior had been left ‘intact’ by the
cleaners, so what I found was a car not too unlike
others I have seen with less than half its mileage.
The flaps integrated into the leather side trims
were missing, the seats waxed to the max head
to toe, cracks on the rear quarter panel above the
door button and on the wing in the usual place,
scuff marks on the kick panel, washer bottle cap
missing, wrinkles in the bum section of the seat,
a noisy 3rd gear (“it works, so why fix it?” I was
told). Surely, this level of usage must have cost a
fair bit over the years? Not so, with running costs
averaging at a very reasonable, £500/year, which
makes sense with his “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”
attitude, bulletproof indeed.
After 30 minutes of pictures and 60 minutes
of banter, it was time to leave, one of the most
enjoyable features I have had to date. I wont
speculate on what its worth, as its immaterial,
what I took from this experience was the owner’s
pride, Tony epitomises what this Club and his trusty
steed are all about, passion and enthusiasm for the
Ultimate Marque, the BMW Car Club welcomes its
newest Z1 member.
Temporary has its way of becoming permanent.
9
20/03/2014 13:1
Club News
Product Line
Regional AGM Announcement
The Central Region AGM will be held on the 12th May at The Navigation Inn, Bridge Road, Stoke
Bruerne, Towcester, NN12 7SY at 7.00pm. All Central Members (valid Membership Card holders) are
welcome, so please join us at the Navigation Inn to discuss the coming events and to discuss new
ideas. For this we need a good turnout so all please make the effort to attend.
Drive It Day, April 6
Peak & South Yorkshire’s Drive it Day is on
Sunday 6th April. This promises to be a great
day out suitable for partners, better halves &
kids of all ages so bring the family as this is
what the Club is all about. This year for our DiD
we meet at the David Mellor Cutlery Factory
at Hathersage at 10.00am where coffee and
biscuits will be available @ £3.00pp.
We need to advise on numbers so please
if you’re intending to come along let us know
ASAP. Our tour will start 11.00am and this
should last 30/40mins. The tour is FREE. Before
departing Jane will collect names of those
wishing to have afternoon tea at Marsh Green.
The cost is £6.00pp which includes a raffle
ticket. We will provided a route ‘guide’ and
that is exactly what it is intended so it gives
you an idea what’s along the route (but you are
also free to deviate to suit yourselves). Contact
Stephen on 01246 568701 for more info.
Autospray Southern Concours, April 13
BMW Car Club (Great
Britain) Limited
Notice of Annual General Meeting for
the year ended 31st December 2013
Notice is hereby given that the 32nd
Annual General Meeting of the Company
will be held on Saturday 10th May at
RAF Cosford, Shifnal, Shropshire TF11
8UP at 2.00 p.m.
N.B. Members attending the meeting
must ensure that they have current,
valid BMW Car Club (GB) Limited
membership cards with them. VOTING
WILL BE BY SHOW OF VALID CLUB
MEMBERSHIP CARDS.
It is intended that the following business
will be conducted at the meeting:
1. To receive the National Committee’s
Report
2. To receive and consider the Directors’
Report and the Audited Accounts of
the company for the year ended 31st
December 2013, and the Report of the
Auditors thereon.
Copies of these will be available from
the Club Office on request.
At the inaugural event last year, we attracted
nearly 130 cars from all over the south,
with around 35 taking part in the Concours
competition. This year we are expecting a
larger turn out with bodywork, mechanical and
a valeting product specialists and trade stands
in attendance. The Concours will be judged
as the’Pride of Ownership’ category, making
it a more entertaining event for competitors.
An entry fee of £5.00 per car will be taken
on the gate and visitors will also get reduced
entry to the house and grounds. Set in the
beautiful grounds of Montacute House and
gardens (National Trust site), the house provides
another attraction for people to visit whilst
judging is taking place. For more information,
please contact Nigel Smith on 01963 362002 or
[email protected]
BMW Car Club Rally at Beamish Museum,
April 27
This day was a great success last year, so don’t
miss this year, even if you were there last year
I am sure you will be there again this year.
Beamish changes each year by adding new
buildings and new themes; this year the farmyard
is set in the Second World War with the land
army women doing their bit for their country.
The cost of this great step back in time
is just £8.00 per person, instead of the normal
£18.00 entry fee. You must pay on the day at the
gate into the show field, entry is from 9.30am to
11.00am; arrive after 11.00am and unfortunately
it’s full price and you’ll have to park in the public
car park.
I must stress that Beamish are very strict
about no movement of cars from 11.00am to
4.00pm due to public safety, but if you want to
leave before 4.00pm you have only seen half of
what this great museum has on show. As last
year, there will be the opportunity to take our
cars into Beamish town centre for some great
10
3. Directors
a) To elect directors in place of those
retiring by rotation, namely Stephen
Haslam.
b) To ratify the appointment of Club
Members co-opted to the National
Committee, namely David Frith, Jamal
Blanc, John Castle, George Champ,
Caroline Hobbs, and Isabelle Phillips.
c) To consider any proposals that may
have been received for election of any
other person as a director.
4. To consider the appointment of Auditors
to the company for the coming year.
5. To authorise the Directors to fix the
remuneration of the auditors.
6. To transact any other ordinary
business of the company.
Copies of the Report of the 2013 AGM
are available either by email or hard
copy on request from the Club Office.
photos at around 5.00pm, once the last tram as
left the town.
Beamish is about two miles west of
Junction 63 of the A1M. The address is Beamish
Museum, Beamish, County Durham, DH9 0RG.
Visit www.beamish.org.uk for more info. By Order of the Board
Simon Brookes
Company Secretary
BMW Car Club (Great Britain) Limited
March 2014
Registered Office: Unit 5h, Glan Y Afon,
Aberystwyth, SY23 3JQ
20/03/2014 13:1
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20/03/2014 13:1
Club News
Product Line
Duxford Spring Car
Show, May 4
Scottish Regional
Concours, June 1
The 2014 Scottish Regional Concours event
will be held at Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries &
Galloway on June 1. This is a fantastic venue
and I can now confirm that entrance to the site
will be £4 per adult/£3 per child from 10am. We
will hold the Concours in front of the castle with
judging from 11.30 (this time will be dependent
on the number of cars on the day). I need to let
them know expected numbers therefore it is
really important that I know how many cars to
expect so please add your name on the forum
or drop me an email if you are attending. There
German Prestige Car
Show, Donington
Park, April 27
BMWCC have been allocated 12 stand places
for this prestige event of which at time of going
is a lot to do onsite with a cafe, play area and
garden. You can also access the castle for an
additional £7 per person. See their website
for more info and as always I will post all the
details on the forum. www.drumlanrigcastle.
co.uk
to print there are now only five spaces available
- please see details under Venues on Central
Forum. If you wish your car to be displayed
please Tony Skerrett on 07879 404648. It is
a top event. We have the opportunity to also
enter the Concours Event – Passes are limited to
seven cars and are FREE (inc. 2 adults). Further
information from Tony Skerrett or Steve Haslam
- [email protected]
Donington is an important event with Mercedes
and Porsche joining in so please do your best
to support your Club at this event. For further
info please go to www.bmwccgbforum.co.uk/
venues-2014_topic9543.html for general ticket
availability.
This will be amongst one of our biggest events this
year. Not only will there be hundreds of cars on
show but Aircraft flying displays as well. There is
so much to see at Duxford, Aircraft exhibits, Tanks,
Military vehicles and Historic material. Last year
we had approximately 130 BMWs on display and
this year I have asked Duxford for a larger display
area so that we can show off 200 cars.
Adjoining regions will be supporting us in
particular Tony Skerrett of Central and Howard
Walker of Eastern. So please let me or your
Regional Chairman know if you would like us to
reserve you a space. Before you realise it the show
is not many weeks away so please let us know
ASAP. Members from throughout the country are
welcome to attend as indeed many have done so in
the past. Contact George Champ at eastanglia@
bmwcarclubgb.co.uk or 07514 216660
Welsh Weekend,
May 3-4
Places are still available for our Welsh
Weekend. We have secured and exclusive
deal with the Park Lodge hotel in Aberystwyth.
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. See p.26 for more info.
Letters
Smaller windows to blame –
wheely?
Dear Ed,
I thoroughly enjoyed Richard Baxter’s article ‘Estoril Blue & M’ in the March
edition of Straight Six, but I do think his view that the “massive growth of wheel
refurbishment” being the result of modern cars having smaller windows means
they are more difficult to park (and thus kerbs are clipped more often) to be wide
of the mark. I think the blame lies in the never ending increase in alloy wheel
sizes. This means tyre sidewalls have decreased in size to the stage they now
more resemble rubber bands than tyres.
The tyre walls once provided an effective barrier to ‘kerb rash’, and indeed,
remembering back to 60, 70 (and higher!) series profile tyres, many people used the
sidewalls as a ‘guide’ to where the kerb was in relation to the wheels when parking!
Please don’t read my letter as being anti-large alloy wheels – I would rightly be
accused of ‘the pot calling the kettle black’ if I did so as I’m as guilty as anyone with
the ‘bigger the better’ syndrome when it comes to alloy wheels! Filling out the arches
to achieve the right balance in the overall ‘look’ of a car is what it is all about!
Smaller wheels mean more tyre sidewall and protection from kerbs...
Jeff Heywood
(Vice President, BMW Car Club GB)
Big is best? Bigger wheels certainly help to balance out the overall design...
Have your say! We’d love to hear from you on all subject matters, so drop us an email at [email protected]
12
20/03/2014 13:1
20/03/2014 13:1
Thoughts from the Boardroom
Thoughts from the
F
BMW Boardroom
ormula 1 seems to be a bit of a pickle at the moment
and the problem is a new formula and the age old
question of money. Formula 1 is populated by four top
teams who have bags of money, both to develop cars
and to employ the best drivers.
The rest of the field struggles to find budgets and
are forced to take on drivers who bring with them
sack loads of cash. This doesn’t necessarily mean
that they aren’t good enough to be in F1, it simply
implies that F1 is not a meritocracy and the very
best can only rise to the top with luck, patronage
or dosh.
Mind you, this has often been the way
of Formula 1 from the 1970s onwards. Harder
economic times and burgeoning research costs
have forced weaker teams to accept second best
in the fight for survival. Furthermore the new rules
featuring 1600cc turbo V6s, aero restrictions, odd
noses and a controversial double-points final race
have shaken up the modus operandi. The first test
in Jerez saw some teams suffer a disastrous start.
It is too early to say that F1 is in turmoil and I am
sure they will get on top of their troubles but it
certainly bodes well for a shake-up of the normal
order.
As far as drivers are concerned the benefit
of well packaged and cost-controlled series like
Formula BMW can now be seen throughout the
F1 grid. Nico Rosberg was one of the earliest
champions in 2002 while wunderkind Sebastian
Vettel took the title in 2004. We all know what
has happened since then! But there is also the
highly-fancied Nico Hulkenberg, who won in
2005, Esteban Gutiérrez, the 2008 champion and,
recently lost to F1 but now a BMW DTM driver,
Timo Glock who claimed the German title in 2001.
Of the older BMW alumni, Juan Pablo
Montoya is about to set foot in a single seater
again who, after seven rather lacklustre years
in NASCAR, returns to the Indycar series with
Penske Racing. I cannot help feeling that
Montoya could have achieved so much more at
the pinnacle of the sport. When he arrived at the
BMW Williams team in 2001 he was the most
exciting thing to hit F1 in years. He was one of
the very few to give Michael Schumacher a run
for his money and won seven Grand Prix before
leaving F1 in a huff. He has won several races but
I believe he could have achieved more. I, for one,
will be watching Indycar closely this season.
The second BMW ‘old boy’ I will keep
an eye on this year is Robert Kubica. His
14
devastating accident in a minor rally early in
2011 effectively terminated the career of a
potential F1 champion. His one Grand Prix win
for BMW Sauber in Canada in 2008 will stand
in the record books forever, but I believe there
was so much more to come from the Pole. So, I
am thrilled that Robert has pursued his love of
rallying and achieved a performance level that
only a truly dedicated and incredibly versatile
driver can. He won the second tier WRC 2
championship last year and is now competing
with the top guys in the sport. He managed to
win his first rally of the year and took two stages
in this year’s Monte Carlo Rally. I hope he can
win a full blown WRC event this year and little
in motor sport would give me more pleasure.
The third BMW hero is Alessandro Zanardi.
Another man who paid the price of a careerending accident, Alex raced for the Italian ROAL
WTCC team, run by Roberto Ravaglia, from 2005
to 2009 with a BMW especially adapted with
hand controls. Against the odds he won on four
occasions and achieved justifiable acclaim as a
TIM ABBOTT CEO of BMW UK
fantastic competitor and an all-round hero. As
if it were needed Zanardi cemented his place in
the pantheon of great heroes by turning to hand
cycling in 2007 winning several marathons and
at the 2012 London Paralympics he sealed his
immortality by taking two gold medals.
What a man...and he is back with BMW this
year. He is rejoining the ROAL team this season
to race a suitably-modified BMW Z4 GT3 in
the Blancpain GT Sprint series. The series
comes to Brands Hatch on May 18 so I heartily
recommend going along to applaud.
BMW’s main focus this year is, once again,
DTM and a new M4 DTM will make its debut at
the Hockenheim opener. Drivers have shuffled
teams and Antonio Félix da Costa, a Red Bull
F1 tester, has joined the squad. On the other
side of the pond the Z4 GTE will start its second
season in the newly-formed United Sports Car
Championship. The first race in the series was
the Daytona 24 Hours in which the Andy Priaulx/
Joey Hand/Maxime Martin/Bill Auberlen car
finished second in the GTLM class, 2.8 seconds
behind the winner. The second team car finished
fourth. By the time you read this the USCC will
have visited Sebring for the second round.
Even before the USCC made its debut, the
Dakar rally had run its 5,285 mile course from
Argentina to Chile. No fewer than eleven MINI
All4s were entered and all finished and won
eleven of the 13 stages. Spaniard ‘Nani’ Roma
led home multiple Dakar winner Stéphane
Petrhansel and Nasser Al-Attayah to dominate
the podium. The sport below F1appears to be in
fine fettle.
Zanardi returns to BMW in 2014
20/03/2014 13:1
035_
Swiss movement, English heart
C7 RAPI DE CH R O N O G RAP H MKI I
Made in Switzerland / Ronda 3540.D Quartz chronograph with 1/10ths second
split-timing / 42mm, 316L marine-grade, stainless-steel case with aluminium
tachymeter bezel / Anti-reflective sapphire crystal / Stainless steel bracelet with
deployment / Italian leather and rubber strap versions available
E XC LU S I V E LY AVA I L A B L E AT
christopherward.co.uk
Showroom at NO.1 PARK STREET, Maidenhead. To arrange a personal appointment, call +44 (0)1628 763040
BMW_April14_3
44.indd
035_
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20/03/2014
22/01/201 13:1
0 :09
BMW News
Product Line
I
Record February Sales
With 141,093 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce
brand vehicles delivered worldwide (prev. yr.
133,631/ +5.6%), the BMW Group achieved
its best-ever February sales result. A record
number of 273,999 (prev. yr. 256,933)
automobiles have been delivered to customers
since the start of the year – an increase of 6.6%
compared with the same period last year.
“February was another record month
for us,” said Ian Robertson, Member of the
Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and
Marketing BMW. “The innovative new models
coming out this year, such as the 2 Series
Active Tourer and 4 Series Gran Coupé we
just premiered to great reviews at the Geneva
Motor Show, will give us the momentum to
keep growing in 2014.” Robertson added.
Front-Wheel-Drive 2 Series Announced
Yes, you read that correctly. BMW have unveiled
what will be their first ever front-wheel-drive
(FWD) model. This will come as a surprise to
a number of BMW enthusiasts for all manner
of reasons. For those of you familiar with the
history and heritage of the brand, you may
question whether a front-wheel-drive 2 Series
will justifiably fall under the ‘Ultimate Driving
Machine’ banner.
In 2010, CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed that
80 percent of those surveyed believed their 1
Series was driven by the front wheels – this may
have led to the decision to explore the possibility
of a front-wheel-drive BMW in the future.
However, rather than opting for a cheaper, current
MINI based model, the all-new 2 Series Active
Tourer began life on a blank sheet of paper.
Slightly larger than the 1 Series, the 2 Series
Active Tourer is far from a FWD ‘hot hatch’. The
218i and 218d post modest performance figures
for their capacity, but will provide an experience
to rival that of its main competitor, the Mercedes
16
B-Class. The M Sport version (due for release
later this year) will be fitted with a larger capacity
engine, electronically controlled dampers and
sports steering options. Whilst this shows
promise, the jury will remain out on the new
front-wheel-drive BMW.
In addition to the 218i and 218d FWD Active
Tourers, BMW have announced the 225i and 220d
xDrive four-wheel-drive models will go on sale
in November this year – the new 2 Series range
certainly has all bases covered.
What do you think? Can a front-wheeldrive BMW really line up alongside the rest
of the range? Will BMW make an ‘Ultimate
Driving Machine’ from the FWD Active Tourer?
Let us know your thoughts at straightsix@
bmwcarclubgb.co.uk
Model
BMW 218i SE
BMW 218d SE
Power
(hp)
136
150
Torque
(Nm)
220
330
0 – 62mph
(seconds)
9.3
8.9
Top speed
(mph)
124
127
Combined
(mpg)
57.6
68.9
CO2 emissions
(g/km)
115
109
All figures are provisional and have not yet been officially confirmed. The estimated fuel consumption figures
have been calculated as per the ECE test cycle and may vary depending on driving style and conditions.
20/03/2014 13:1
w
I
L
D
L
D
• 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
20/03/2014 13:1
MINI News
Product Line
by Ian Martin, MINI Register
Clubman Concept – The Other MINI!
The 2014 Geneva Motor Show MINI presents the MINI Clubman Concept,
showcasing a new brand philosophy for a higher class of automobile. 26 centimetres
longer and just under 17 centimetres wider than the current MINI Clubman,
the Concept comes over as sophisticated, cool and elegant. The iconic design
is supplemented by high-quality details, plenty of space for functional features
and selected materials. Refinement of the hallmark MINI styling ensures instant
recognition, both on the exterior and the interior. The extensive colour and material
concept redefines contemporary elegance and high-end quality in this segment.
• Four doors and five seats offer plenty of utility space, thereby supporting an
active lifestyle.
• Classic MINI design features such as the hexagonal radiator grille, Side Scuttles,
the Black Band, short overhangs and elliptical front and rear headlights ensure
high recognition value from every angle.
• Length: 4223 mm, width: 1844 mm (not incl. mirror), height: 1450 mm.
• Integrated aerodynamics as an essential part of the exterior design.
• The interior design interprets typical MINI shapes and colours, presenting an
effortless and elegant combination of high-end quality and functionality.
• An elaborate colour and material concept in the interior with exclusive materials
and unexpected details.
• The Centre Instrument with newly conceived user interface creates an eventcontrolled interaction space with touch operation.
• A new class for the future of MINI.
S
C
Lohen Dyno Day – Saturday 15th Feb
Before I start on our day here is a little
background on Lohen; three times voted the
UK’s Best Independent Modern MINI Specialist
by readers of Modern MINI Magazine. Lohen
takes enormous pride in its customer service
record, with attention to detail and absolute
customer satisfaction is at the forefront of their
philosophy. Lohen’s skills cover all the bases
whether it’s Gen1 or Gen2. Experts in providing
superior advice and assistance, based in
Eccleshall, Staffordshire with excellent engineers
and facilities. Lohen also have their own team
in the MINI Challenge and provide services to
other racing teams as well as independent MINI
owners entering racing. Their aim? To create a
MINI as unique as its owner, so if you’re looking
for a truly individual experience then Lohen are
the experts in planning the MINI of your dreams!
Our day started on a cold Saturday morning
after a brisk run along the motorways and
country lanes arriving at Lohen’s state of the
art workshops where 26 MINI owners gathered
with their pride and joy! A mix of R53 Cooper
S, R56 Cooper S, JCW, an R59 JCW Roadster, a
R53 GP1 and an R56 GP2, all had been modified
to various states of tune with only one being
completely original and standard, our very own
Kelly Brabbin’s R53 Cooper S. Once everyone had
arrived, checked in, reset their tyre pressures
the runs began, everyone wanting to know how
each MINI performed as they finished theirs three
power runs. The noise from the R53 Cooper S on
full throttle was unbelievable with their distinctive
supercharger scream, with the R56/59 turbo
engine not being so ear piercing.
Every single MINI managed to produce more
power than when it left Plant Oxford, every owner
went away smiling in the knowledge their MINI
had something extra!
Kelly’s Cooper S was the big surprise of the
day as it is completely unmodified and even has
its original 2002 exhaust system. My GP2 on the
other hand has been fitted with a larger Forge
intercooler, a Forge intake resonator delete hose
and an ITG racing air filter panel. Our day at Lohen
and on the rolling road has only made us think
what we can do to squeeze a little bit more from
our MINIs!
Here’s how our MINIs performed:
Model
Ian
Kelly
18
Variant
R56
Factory
Factory flywheel Actual flywheel Actual flywheel
flywheel Power
Torque
Power
Torque
JCW GP2
218 BHP
280 Nm
242 BHP
322 Nm
R53
Cooper S
163 BHP
210 Nm
188 BHP
235 Nm
20/03/2014 13:1
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m ing 4
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or your car
ym l roducts
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ccessories
Car Covers
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or the enthusiast
u ury uggage
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adies eather Bags
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Manuals
Gift vouchers are available
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20/03/2014 13:1
BW AUT
Product Line
Classic Hard Rubber
Batteries available again
Lumma Design CLR X5RS Upgrade for BMW X5
LUMMA Design have become the first design house to reinterpreted the third-generation BMW X5
with their conversion kits due on-sale in March 2014.
Their latest creation is a real attention-getter, with wheel arch flares that house air inlets for the
front and rear brakes and are linked by integral looking side skirts. The front spoiler bumper with its
enlarged air inlets and integrated daytime running lights reflect LUMMA’s current styling trend. The
striking, race inspired LUMMA bonnet is designed to draw air in to cool the powerful engines. The
large built-in vents not only fulfill a practical purpose, but also give an exclusive look to the new X5. LUMMA are also launching a new road wheel specifically for the new X5. The new super-lightweight
11x23 sport rim carries the name LUMMA CLR 23 GT, has a matt, racing black finish, and is fitted with
decorative strips. The wheel fits on 315/25-23 tyres and is also perfect for standard X5 models. The
classic LUMMA CLR 22 on 295/30-22 tyres is an alternative choice with two designs available - elegant
black or a silver finish. Paint finish and interior trim are to the customer’s own specification and can be
carried out at the Lumma UK tuning centre close in Essex to the M25 motorway.
For order enquiries or general queries please contact Lumma Design UK on 0208 5989115 or email
[email protected]
Autoenhance Quantum 44 Body Styling Kit for BMW E90
The latest bodykit from Autoenhance for the 3 Series E90 and E91 models is the Quantum 44 styling
kit comprising a new front bumper with integral spoiler and grille surround, rear bumper with diffuser
for twin exhausts and new side skirts that integrate into the car’s existing body styling. The parts
come moulded in white with black diffuser and grill mesh. The conversion features cheek vents for
brake cooling and additional air intakes for engine cooling. Fitting and painting is also available at the
Autoenhance tuning centre, conveniently located in Romford,
just east of London, and close to the M25 motorway. For
further details visit the AUTOENHANCE website:
www.autoenhance.co.uk or call 0208 5989115
Essex Mustang Centre are now one of the few
companies that are still able to
supply authentic hard rubber
batteries for classic
vehicles. As you
would expect with
a company called
The Essex Mustang
Centre, these
featured batteries
are specifically for
the
‘64 - ‘73 Ford Mustang, but
would
also be suitable for other classic cars including
some classic and historic BMW models. The
battery has a 73AH @20Hr rate and measures
249x165x197mm, making it suitable for a large
number of other classic cars. (other sizes are also
available)
Predictably delivery is heavily regulated
but Essex Mustang Centre has ensured that it is
possible. Batteries are shipped empty with a supply
of sulphuric acid in a secure container. Safety
goggles and gloves are also included to ensure the
filling procedure is handled safely.
Essex Mustang Classic Batteries retail from
£234.00 including VAT. For further details visit
www.essexmustang.com
●
●
●
●
●
●
Edge Large Diameter
Pulley for race alternators
For most race cars the alternator isn’t always
required to provide high output, but some
charging is still needed, making it impractical
to completely remove it. EDGE Performance
now offer a large diameter pulley to slow the
alternator down to improve reliability whilst
still retaining adequate charging for race
purposes. The Edge Performance Pulley is for
standard sized V belts and is manufactured
from HE30 grade aluminium. It will fit all Edge
racing alternators plus many other makes as
well, and retails at £44.95 plus VAT. For more
details telephone 01462 684300 or visit the
Cambridge Motorsport Parts website... www.
cambridgemotorsport.com
CU
R
F20/F21 M Sport
F30 SE/Sport
Roof wing £263.20
Front spoiler
elements £408.40
Together £599
Front spoiler £508.24
Boot spoiler £353.95
Roof spoiler £263.20
Together £999
P
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AC Schnitzer aerodynamic components are manufactured to OEM standards in PU-RIM, a thermoplastic
designed for the automotive industry and engineered by AC Schnitzer for an excellent fit.
www.ac-schnitzer.co.uk Stand out from the crowd - call us for a package for your car or visit our website.
01485 542000 Prices include VAT and UK mainland delivery and are correct as of 12/3/14. Parts are supplied unpainted. Offer ends 30/4/14. Not in conjunction with any other offer.
20
20/03/2014 13:1
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22
20/03/2014 13:1
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20/03/2014 13:1
Event News
Silverstone
Classic
•Open to ALL BMWs not just ‘classics’
•Hotel discount available
•Parade Lap confirmed
•Early booking discount
•Ticket prices increase on April 1
•Display Pass deadline is May 31
•Non-Members welcome
July 25-27
Words Duncan Parker
Photos Darren Teagles
What’s on?
Silverstone Classic 2014 is focused on Maserati
and will host a glittering line-up of special races,
displays and parades to celebrate the centenary
of Maserati, one of the most historic and
hallowed motoring marques in the world. On this
special milestone, Maserati will be the events
official featured ‘Celebration Marque’ for 2014
and highlights over the weekend will be topped
by a cavalcade to feature a record number of the
Italian company’s most evocative and significant
models. Marking the occasion, Maserati’s rich
competition and showroom heritage will parade
around the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit at
lunchtime on Sunday 27 July.
This year’s event also celebrates the official
50th UK birthday party for the World’s bestselling ‘classic’ car – the Ford Mustang. There
will be races and parades dedicated to the
American legend.
In addition to the contingent from the
BMW Car Club GB, there will be club displays
from Aston Martin, Morgan, Lamborghini,
Porsche, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Lotus,
Austin Healey, Allard, Frazer Nash, Morris,
MG, Rolls Royce and Triumph. At no other
event will you get to see so many famous and
legendary marques lovingly maintained and
displayed by their owners. The sheer scale of
these displays – some 9,000 cars in 2013 - is a
landmark feature of the Silverstone Classic; a
real celebration of motoring, auto design and
memorabilia.
As for the racing, each paddock will operate
independently with its own Race Control
and assembly area; driver changes, team pit
information, and tyre changes will take place
in their respective pit lane. There will be only
one Start/Finish line for all races, which will
be in front of the Silverstone Wing building.
Qualifying and racing in the morning will be for
grids based in the National Paddock and those
based in the International Paddock will run in
PRICES INCREASE AFTER MARCH 31. CLUB DISPLAY PASSES AVAILABLE UNTIL MAY 31
24
20/03/2014 13:1
Event News
the afternoon. Do not forget that you can catch
the bus to each of the pits and spend time
within feet of the cars, and in most cases talk to
the guys working on them. It really is an up close
and personal event. The grandstand seats are all
free to use unless it’s specifically reserved (the
Silverstone Racing Club, for instance, have their
own stand which is restricted.
National Paddock:
•
•
•
•
•
Historic Formula Juniors (Pre ‘64)
Stirling Moss Trophy for Pre ‘61 Sports Cars
Classic Formula 3 (‘71-’84)
Under 2-litre Touring Cars (U2TC)
Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy for
Historic Cars (Pre ‘63 GT)
• Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy for
Pre ‘56 Sports Cars
International Paddock:
• FIA Masters Historic Formula One (‘66-’85)
• Mustang Celebration Trophy (Pre ‘66)
• Chopard International Trophy For Pre ‘66 GT
Cars
• The Super Touring Car Trophy (‘70-’99)
• HGPCA Pre ‘66 Grand Prix Cars
• HGPCA Pre ‘61 Grand Prix Cars
• FIA Masters Historic Sports Cars (‘62-’74)
• Group C Endurance
Off Track Entertainment
The line-up for the weekend’s evening
entertainment has been confirmed:
Friday 25th July
Canned Heat
Ultimate Eagles
Aerosmith Big Ones
Saturday 26th July
Bonnie Tyler
Signed Sealed & Delivered
Jim Stapley Band
Mo Evans
Finally, if you’re in need of a break from the allaction racing on the famous Silverstone circuit,
then look no further than the Shopping Village
for a spot of retail therapy. With over 150
exhibitors attending there’s something for all the
family including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Motoring Memorabilia
Vintage Clothing & Accessories
Toys & Models
Motoring Books & Literature
Restoration Services
Art & Photography
Cars & Car Parts
Antiques & Auto Jumble
Accommodation Plans:
Hotel
We have once again negotiated a deal with
the Holiday Inn Express Northampton which
includes the Breakfast Buffet. Evening meals are
not included, but the establishment facilitates
takeaway orders being delivered from outside
the hotel and there are eating establishments
local to the hotel. There is a bar at the hotel
and plenty of communal area. The cost this
year will be £70 per night per room prepaid
until the end of March; increasing to £79 from
April until their offer expires on June 24 - at
which point our reserved rooms are released
for general sale. You can book online at www.
expressnorthampton.co.uk or call them on 01604
432800. The discount booking code is BMW.
Camping
As well as co-ordinating the ALPINA Register,
Simon Alcorn has also agreed to represent the
camping group this year. We have spoken to the
organisers and they will allocate an agreed area
for us based on the numbers that book camping
using our codes. The area will be roped off so
that our campers can be co-located. The total
cost for weekend camping is £49 per person.
Please book your camping when you book our
CCD Package.
Parade Lap Carry Over From 2013
As those that went to the Silverstone Classic
last year will remember, just as our Lap was
about to start the sky opened up and our
Parade Lap had to be cancelled. The Silverstone
organisers have agreed to reinstate the Parade
Lap this year and it will be held on the Saturday
evening. We will have a maximum allowable
number of attendees based on last year’s
attendance, so you need to be quick to book
your place.
We will of course give preferential treatment
initially to those who attended last year and lost
out! So last year’s attendees will be given first
refusal as long as they book before the end of
March. After that date, we will allocate places
on the Parade Lap on a first come, first served
basis. If you wish to take part in the Parade
Lap, I suggest booking your place early! We had
270 cars last year and so we have that many
allocated for this year (and we will try and get
additional ones, but we cannot guarantee that
any more places will be available). If anyone
is coming to the event and is happy to donate
their Parade Lap space to someone else can you
please email us (silverstone14@bmwcarclubgb.
co.uk) with your booking number and let us know
that you are happy to donate your potential
Parade Lap to someone else this year.
Register
Co-ordinator
/Group
ALPINA Simon Alcorn
Silverstone Classic
Booking Code
C14070
Classic John Castle
02 Register Richard Stern
E24 John Rogers
E30 Neil MacDonald
Concours Steve Haslam
M Power Richard Baxter
MINI Ian Martin
Track Days Neil MacDonald
Z3M Coupe Ian Counel
Z1 Jamal Blanc
Z3 Z4 E85 Gary Hyde
Z4 E89 Paul Kelly
Z8 X Series Jonathan Harris
1 Series Danny Nolan
3 Series 4 Series 5 Series 6 Series 7 Series Andrew Osbourne
8 Series i Series Customised Dips
Motorcycles Historics Howard Walker
C14071
C14072
C14073
C14074
C14075
C14076
C14077
C14078
C14079
C14080
C14081
C14082
C14083
C14084
C14085
C14086
C14087
C14088
C14089
C14090
C14091
C14092
C14093
C14094
C14095
C14096
need representatives for the 3, 4, 5, 6, Z3 and
i Series. If you are prepared to help, please
contact us at silverstone14@bmwcarclubgb.
co.uk. Please look at the list for coordinator
vacancies and if you would put like to volunteer
to help coordinate, it will be greatly appreciated.
Please publicise the event wherever you can.
Car Club Display (CCD) Code
Deadline
These codes are only valid until May 31 and
you MUST book using a Car Club Display code
if you wish to display with the Club. The CCD
package is the only way to obtain a relevant
display pass for the event. Tickets purchased
after the May deadline, or without a valid CCD
code, will be forced to park outside the circuit
and some significant distance away from the
action – so don’t miss out!
Book Now!
We want to make this the best Silverstone
Classic to date! Visit www.silverstoneclassic.
com and follow the car club links to buy tickets.
Request for Coordinators
This year we are urgently looking for volunteers
to assist the organisers. We have a number of
people that we know will coordinate some of
the Registers, but some of the groups we have
no names for. We are looking for people who
will take the message out to other forums and
champion getting people to come to the event
alongside BMW Car Club. They do not have to
be members of the Club and we want all models
of the brand to be represented. Specifically we
PRICES INCREASE AFTER MARCH 31. CLUB DISPLAY PASSES AVAILABLE UNTIL MAY 31
25
20/03/2014 13:1
Welsh Weekend
A
fter the hugely successful weekend
last year, we invite all our Members
back to Aberystwyth for the Welsh
Weekend 2014.
In order to make your weekend away in
Wales as relaxing as possible, we have secured
an exclusive deal with a local hotel, The Park
Lodge. The accommodation is a 20 minute walk
from Aberystwyth’s promenade, where the car
show will be held. Therefore, your weekend of
socialising, dining and exceptional driving will
all be conveniently located in the heart of this
historic coastal town.
There are numerous accommodation
packages available; all include breakfast and an
evening meal on the Saturday. The packages vary
from one to three nights stay and double or single
rooms are available, giving you the opportunity to
create your own weekend package. Prices start at
£119.50 for a one night stay, through to £354.00
for three nights. All rooms are en-suite, including
complimentary tea and coffee. There is
a fully licensed cafe bar and restaurant
at The Park Lodge, where you can relax
and unwind in your own time. Most
importantly, there is a large car park
accommodating 100 cars to the front of
the hotel.
The car show will be held along the
picturesque Aberystwyth promenade,
taking in the seaside views and
giving you the perfect backdrop for
photographs, let’s hope the weather
holds out for us as it did last year!
The historic
town, dating
back to the 13th
century, offers many
Victorian/Edwardian
buildings and a 1277 castle which now houses a
pleasant park area overlooking the prom. There
is plenty to keep you occupied in Aberystwyth,
so book early to avoid disappointment!
On the Friday, we will be meeting guests
at the Club Office and welcoming them to
Aberystwyth. We will then take you over to
the hotel to ensure you are settled in
before leaving you to relax and take
advantage of The Park
Lodge’s superb facilities.
Saturday will begin
with breakfast for those who
chose to stay Friday. In order
to give you the opportunity
to meet arriving guests and
explore the range of vehicles,
we will have exclusive use
of the full car park. There will
also be stewards patrolling
the area in order to maintain
the safety of the vehicles.
Following the three
course evening meal
at the hotel, we will be
having a quiz, raffle and
a presentation by the
chairman, David Frith.
We will all meet at the Aberystwyth
Promenade on the Sunday for 10am, where
we will have allocated BMW Car Club parking
for a Club photo shoot. This is giving you the
opportunity to take in the display of cars with a
stunning backdrop.
Leaving the prom at 1pm, we will begin
the driving routes in and around the Welsh
countryside. There will be a choice of three
routes which will all end at the Clywedog Dam.
The local café will be open especially for the
BMW Car Club, giving you time to relax and
enjoy the homemade food on offer.
If this sounds like the perfect weekend for
you, do not hesitate to call the Club Office on
01970 267989 in order to secure your place.
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:
£119.50
£204.50 3 Nights: Including Saturday evening meal
£289.50
Welsh
Welsh
Weekend
Weekend:
2014: May
May3-4
3-4
26
BMW Car Club Magazine April
March2014
2014
20/03/2014 13:1
400
SAVE ON FUEL WITH
BMW CAR CLUB
AND MICHELIN
BUY MICHELIN TYRES
AND CLAIM A FUEL GIFT
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NUMBER OF TYRES PURCHASED
FUEL GIFT CARD CLAIM VALUE
£10
£30
£30
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£50
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*Online promotion only. Offer applies to car, van and 4x4 tyres only. Valid from 1 January
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See overleaf for details.
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BMW_April14_3
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20/03/2014
13:1
14/02/2014
17:08
National Concours supported by
National Concours and Dinner:
Saturday 16th August
T
his year, the National Concours will be
held at the Ettington Chase Hotel, Nr
Stratford-upon-Avon (Just 10 miles from
the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon).
With a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere
than previous years, the hotel location is perfect
for all those wishing to attend the BMW Car
Club National Festival the following day.
The Concours is just £5 to enter and
entrants are advised to arrive at 8:30am for a
Ettington Chase Hotel
9:30am registration. Judging will commence
at 10:30am and will conclude at 3:30pm. The
awards will be presented in the Live Arena at
the National Festival on Sunday 17th August.
Members are welcomed to enjoy the hotel’s
leisure facilities free of charge whilst judging is
taking place. Food and drinks will be available from
the Bar, with the option of packed sandwich lunch.
After the competition has concluded, everyone is
invited to attend the National Concours dinner at
the Ettington Chase Hotel in the evening. A three
course dinner is priced at £30 per person and it
open to all, whether you are staying at the hotel
or not. Overnight accommodation is available at a
reduced rate and must be booked before the event.
A single room, with breakfast is £99 and a double
with breakfast is £109. Prices are per room, not per
person and are subject to a £5 booking fee. We
have a limited number of rooms reserved and as
it’s only 10 miles from Gaydon – it would make a
great base for those attending the BMW Car Club
National Festival.
Bookings for the Concours, dinner and accommodation should be made through the Club
Office on 01970 267989.
130x180 BMW Sheff_Layout 1 20/01/2014 12:34 Page 1
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20/03/2014 13:1
A-Plan. Your key to BMW car insurance with a
personal service. For enthusiasts by experts.
Here at A-Plan Specialist car insurance we understand BMW’s and that owners want the right
insurance for their ultimate driving machine.
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 contact your dedicated BMW Car Club Account Manager; Clare Ironside.
A-Plan specialist BMW policies can include: Limited mileage discount . Club member discount .
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29
20/03/2014 13:1
Dan Norris
Dan Norris
I
Three is a magic number
n case you’ve missed
it, we have had some
rain. It’d been raining
for so long, I thought
I’d developed a kind
of rain-tinnitus, with a
constant sort of watery
noise following me
around everywhere.
But finally it seems to have stopped, and out of
nowhere, spring has started with a vengeance.
And that, for me and my fellow enthusiasts, means
one thing. For car lovers, collectors and general
petrolheads, this is one of the best times of the
year - the time when cars can come out to play
again. Last weekend I saw scores of happy faces
bombing joyously around the Ashdown Forest in a
variety of classics, from 1930s Rollers to ‘70s MGs,
and of course the odd BMW or two. Even the ones
that were broken down (mainly the MGs) seemed
to be having fun.
The ‘classic car’ world is becoming more
exciting every year, with more and more people
getting in to retro cars at every level. Of course
there’s no real definition about what makes a
‘classic car’, classic. It’s not age, as modern
machines such as the M3 CSL or even the 1M
coupe seem to be all the rage. It’s not a price or
status thing – otherwise people wouldn’t collect
Still turning heads 30 years on
30
Allegros (they actually do - really). In fact for most
people a classic car or bike is something on the one
hand very personal, whilst on the other something
that is great fun to share and gives the owner a
sense of community. And that seems to be the
key to the most popular cars and why people love
them. The right car sets off very personal emotions
in a large group of people.
Part of the fun for BMW fans is trying to guess
which of the older models are lurking around at low
prices, wearing the ‘future classic’ label just out of
sight. Very few people that I meet buy their cars to
make money, but most of us like to think that the
values will rise – apart from anything else it helps
justify the expense of the upkeep as we go along.
My personal favourite at the moment has to be the
E30 3 Series. In fact I’m going to argue that the E30
is the best series BMW ever made.
Now I know that the E30 M3 is already many
people’s favourite, and with good reason. But from
the flagship of the series, some of the mighty M3
magic is starting to trickle down through the ranks,
whereas before it could well have been accused
of eclipsing the other 3s. For starters the basics
of those quad lights and classic kidney grille, for
me represent the BMW profile. As a teenager
in the ‘80s, the appearance of the E34 5 Series,
for me, marked the moment BMW came of age,
and the facelift given to the E30 in ’87 meant this
menacing pair had my – and pretty well everyone
else’s – full attention. Those two BMWs put just
about everything else on the road into the style bin,
exuding a look of success and sophistication that
just set them apart.
Today, with the exception of the M5, the E34
5 Series can look a little bit dated – solid, yes, but
maybe a bit clumsy. The E30, however, takes that
look and miniaturises it perfectly. With 2014 eyes,
it all looks so much better on the smaller car. The
Practical and classic
body is beautifully proportioned, and manages to
pull off the trick of being a small car that feels big
when you need it to, but compact and intimate on
the road. The interior is a great place to be, and is
styled in a way that just makes you want to drive
- all the controls are simple but stylish, and just
where you want them. With that night time orange
glow from the dials, and the centre console angled
round towards the driver, the E30 looks and feels
sporty and sexy. I reckon it is one of the best dash
layouts of the era, of any marque. Above all, the E30
has a well built feel - you could even say expensive.
Of course that is just as well, because the E30 was
certainly pricey, even by BMW standards. On launch
the E30 3 Series was nearly twice the price of its
predecessor, the E21, but this didn’t stop BMW
going on to sell nearly 2.5 million units worldwide.
The thing that really makes the E30 interesting
is the versatility of the range. Even now, turn up in
a polished and well kept 325i coupe to a five star
hotel, and the valet will still park your car with care.
A hundred thousand mile well maintained 320i
is still perfect as a cheap daily run about, and the
touring, released late in the model’s gestation, is
still a cool looking and desirable family all-rounder.
At the top end of the non-M3 cars is the convertible,
which to my eyes has as much claim as the SL
Mercedes, as the era-defining drop-top design. That
perfectly flat platform and compact elegance of the
E30 convertible, coupled with a pretty rugged build
quality, means that this is a rewarding and easy to
own future favourite.
The really interesting part about the E30 3
Series is the price. The M3 leads the way with
sport evolutions fetching £80k+ for low mileage
perfection. Standard M3s will fetch £20-25 for
good condition 60-80 thousand milers, and any old
shed will fetch ten grand. Away from the M, the
convertibles are looking good, with absolutely top
quality examples currently fetching mid teens or
more, but by contrast I found a shabby looking 325i
rag-top on Pistonheads for less than £2000 – with
an MoT and a new roof. All this means that the E30
3 Series makes about as good a proposal as you’ll
find for a low priced, fun, and practical ‘80s classic
BMW.
For my part, I’m currently searching for a new
interior for my own E30 convertible project, and it
has to be ready by summer. Roof down, the wind in
my hair – my very own taste of ‘80s threedom.
20/03/2014 13:1
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31
20/03/2014 1 :20
BMW
Insured Warranty
B
MW continues to surprise us with their
innovation in design and performance. The
strength of the BMW EfficientDynamics
technology offers a compelling mix of
performance and economy - lowering emissions
and improving fuel consumption.
Alongside the recent launch of the ground
breaking and award winning BMW i3 the
brand launched the BMW i text
messaging service - BMW i Genius,
providing customers with all the
information they need via a realtime conversation.
Innovations such as these,
demonstrate that BMW is a
manufacturer committed not only
to providing its customers with
32
vehicles which exceed their expectation but with
an extensive range of other benefits.
Their extended warranty programme
protects the BMW driving experience and
is designed to be flexible enough to suit the
individual needs of its customers. Research
shows that consumers often do not have a clear
understanding of what is and is not covered by an
extended warranty and could be undervaluing its
potential benefits. In fact, with three cover levels
as well as the option to add on BMW Insured
Emergency Service, an extended warranty could
offer the peace of mind a BMW driver is looking for
to protect their financial investment.
Comprehensive Cover provides BMW’s
highest level of Insured Warranty protection and
covers the majority of mechanical and electrical
components for a vehicle.
Named Component covers a range of
specified components, and
Driveline protects the main components that
contribute to the engine, transmission and drivetrain of the vehicle.
With these options available, BMW customers
can choose to select the most appropriate cover,
at a cost which suits their budget. Furthermore, if
faced with unexpected repairs, the customer would
only pay out an excess level chosen by them and
unlike with most other warranty providers, the
customer will never have to pay up front in the UK.
Importantly, the BMW Insured Warranty is
designed to guarantee that a BMW remains a
BMW through the use of genuine BMW parts fitted
by highly qualified BMW Technicians, protecting
both the driving experience and the owners’
financial investment.
To learn more about the Warranty services
BMW could offer you, visit www.bmw-warranty.
co.uk/CM or call 020 8603 9502.
20/03/2014 13:1
S 1
/SilverstoneClassic
@SilverClassic
S 1
ar
210x297
3
BMW_April14_3
44.indd 33
eed 2.indd 1
20/02/201 13:1
09:55
20/03/2014
Diesel Particulate Filter Problems
Smoke gets in
your eyes…
Words Jeff Heywood Photos Jeff Heywood/BMW Press
B
MW are renowned for designing and
producing some of the finest turbo-diesel
engines in the motoring world, but even
the finest diesel engines can fall foul of
the curse of the diesel particulate filter in later life.
We booked ourselves in for a crash course in DPFs
at Darren Wood BMW Specialists to find out more
on why DPFs are fitted, why they go wrong and
what alternatives are available other than a ‘flush
and go’ or a ‘like for like’ replacement.
The issue of drivers experiencing diesel
particulate filter (DPF) problems has become so
serious an issue that it is now dissuading many car
buyers from purchasing a diesel powered vehicle.
So what is this ‘particulate filter’ that is causing all
these problems, and how does it work? A DPF is
a device similar to a Catalytic Converter that sits
in line with the vehicles’ exhaust system, forcing
exhaust gases through the honeycomb filter mesh.
The DPF is designed to remove soot particles
from the exhaust ‘gas’ of a diesel engine, which
34
is basically the black smoke you see being
emitted from a diesel powered vehicles
exhaust. Soot particles are caused by the
incomplete combustion of diesel fuel.
The quality of the fuel, sulphur content
etc. has an influence on the formation of
these particles. When working efficiently,
most modern DPFs can remove 90+%
particulates, and under certain conditions
can attain soot removal efficiencies
approaching 100%.
How a BMW DPF Works
Many manufacturers (including BMW) use
a system that is designed to burn off the
accumulated soot passively in normal day to
day driving, or by active or ‘forced’ means by a
BMW dealer/specialist. The passive regeneration
process is designed to be working continuously
when the engine is running, which is fine in
theory, but in practice it only works if road
speeds are constantly higher than can generally
be attained on city/urban streets. Realistically
the engine needs to be run above
2000rpm regularly at motorway
speeds for a minimum of 20-30
minutes daily to burn off any soot
that has been collected by the filter.
The soot then turns to ash which is
removed via the exhaust. This may
seem of little consequence to those
Just the sort of warning light you don’t want to see lighting
up on the dash!
who are regular motorway users, but it isn’t as
simple as you think. Take this scenario. On a daily
basis you may regularly drive 100-200 miles (or
more) on a motorway which would have burned
off the accumulated soot, but if your journey ends
with say an hour or so work that includes stop
start city centre driving, visiting clients etc. the
soot will already have started to build up again.
This is fine if you have another decent motorway
run afterwards or the following day to burn it
off. But just think if it was Friday and you had
parked up for the weekend and only used for the
weekly shop etc. or you then had a good number
of days of ‘cold running’ visiting local clients
around the city and surrounding towns where the
car doesn’t generate sufficient temperatures to
burn off soot; this is how, in time, even a higher
mileage/hot running car can suffer from DPF
problems, especially if there is also a fault such
as a faulty glow plug
that exacerbates the
problem.
The second
way a DPF burns off
20/03/2014 13:1
soot is by forced regeneration. This can only
be carried out by a BMW dealer or a BMW
specialist and is usually carried out after one
sees the DPF warning light illuminate on the
dash (see photo) and you take your car into the
garage. A technician may then carry out a forced
regeneration of the DPF; the engine software
instructs the glow plugs to switch on to introduce
very high heat (approx. 600°C) along with extra
fuel which is injected into the exhaust system/
DPF, to burn off the accumulated soot. This is all
fine and dandy when the car is relatively new and
the engine has no detrimental faults to ancillary
systems, plus it is only a short term cure and does
nothing to solve why the DPF clogged up in the
first place. Some manufacturers are starting to
introduce an active regeneration system (some
of the latest VW Group vehicles for instance)
where engine software ‘instructs’ the engine to
perform what is called a ‘Parked Regeneration’
if it detects a dangerous build-up of soot – the
regeneration warning light illuminates on the
dash, the engine revs automatically rise and hold
at approximately 1500rpm while stationary for
20-30 minutes, which increases the temperature
of the exhaust gases to burn off the soot. You
do have the option to carry out a kind of forced
regeneration yourself, but this means running
up and down a motorway for 30-40 minutes at
engine speeds above 2000rpm, which probably
means in 3rd/4th gear as it would be difficult to
constantly maintain revs above 2000 in top gear.
Problems, problems, problems
A DPF seems to be working OK when everything
is new, but as the miles increase and years stack
up, failure of the likes of a glow plug (which
incidentally, doesn’t show up on BMW’s diagnostic
equipment as a fault, so are usually missed by
inexperienced technicians), the exhaust gas
recirculation (EGR) valve or a an injector results in
the engine running rich leading to a massive buildup of soot in the DPF. This, or, as mentioned earlier,
even plenty of day to day, stop-start town driving/
cold running can lead to excessive build-up of soot
and eventual blockage of the DPF (see photo). This
usually happens over a period of 4-5 years on a
mileage of 10,000 per annum, hence the reluctance
in the second hand car market to purchase a diesel
powered car over 4-5-yrs-old with 50-60K+ miles
on the clock. A DPF problem results in steadily
worsening fuel economy and reduced performance
and will eventually lead to the ‘Particle Filter’
warning light illuminating and the engine possibly
refusing to run; according to the guys at Darren
Wood BMW Specialists, this often results in many
diesel powered BMs being towed into their garage
on the back of a breakdown truck.
DPF Fixes
For £2-300+ some ‘specialists’ will spray special
chemicals into the exhaust system which should
then clean out the DPF, followed by a forced
regeneration. If successful, the cars memory is then
cleared and all is potentially OK. This sounds like
a reasonable ‘fix’ on paper, but who will guarantee
that all the soot will be removed, and it is only
a temporary solution – if the DPF has clogged
up there must be a reason. If this ‘wash and go’
chemical treatment doesn’t work then your local
specialist (or BMW dealer – they will not carry out
a so called chemical wash) will suggest the DPF
be replaced, either with an aftermarket or official
BMW DPF. This can cost well over £1K (if using
BMW approved parts), hence the reluctance to
buy an oil burner in the second hand car market!
The reason why replacing DPF costs a packet
is twofold; the replacement DPF isn’t exactly
cheap, plus to gain access to the DPF one has to
remember that it is an integral part of the cars
exhaust system so it isn’t a case of just popping
off some clips and removing a paper filter. The
undertray and various suspension parts have to be
removed, plus the exhaust has to be taken apart
where the DPF meets the centre section and the
turbo downpipe – this takes time and thus costs
extra £££. If the DPF is replaced and the engine
management is reset and the engines ancillaries
are healthy then all is fine. But, again this is only
a mid-term solution as the DPF will eventually
clog up again if the reason for clogging up isn’t
addressed.
BMW produce some of the finest diesel engines in the automotive world, but they can suffer from DPF problems in later life…
There are also unscrupulous specialists out
there who will offer to remove the blocked DPF
and replace it with a DPF replacement pipe and
send you on your way. If this isn’t a quality DPF
replacement unit with milled threads for the
Lambda Probe and temperature sensors (which
need to be re-attached after a replacement DPF
has been fitted) the engine management system
will think there is still a problem with the DPF
and a re-gen is needed and will result in the
warning light appearing on the dash. Plus, if a DPF
replacement is carried out, a full remap should also
be undertaken afterwards to adjust the engines
electronic settings to suit the new pipe so the
customer receives the full benefit from fitting the
replacement DPF in improved mpg/bhp figures There is an alternative though…
Ecotune – Darren Wood DPF fix
Scottish based tuners Ecotune are renowned
throughout the tuning world as masters of the dark
art of electronic engine re-mapping and tuning
– online forums sing the praises of the Glasgow
based company and the main man Stan. They
offer all sorts of electronic meddling and fettling,
which is ideal with today’s modern cars, and
they soon became aware of the DPF issue when
customers started to complain about poor mpg
and performance tailing off in their turbo-diesels.
The problem is so widespread that Stan decided to
come up with a permanent fix. They have designed
an elegant and efficient way of disposing of the
‘hated’ DPF that also vastly improves both economy
and performance in the bargain – sounds too
good to be true? Read on. They have developed
replacement DPF and software kits for a number
of manufacturer’s vehicles, including BMWs. The
replacement (2.5” bore) pipe is made from 316
Marine grade stainless steel and the flanges are
laser cut for a perfect fit and finish. The unit comes
with a lifetime warranty, making this a once only
replacement. The kit also contains a software
upgrade with choice of two software programs,
plus an iFlash OBD2 diagnostic programming tool
with cables and software. Once fitted, the kit
gives better performance due to the restrictive
primary catalytic converter and DPF being removed,
and greater fuel economy, usually by 5-10mpg,
depending on which program you choose.
The iFlash unit also provides the following
benefits;
1) Customers who are concerned that their
dealer may detect modified software can
use the iFlash to program their car back to
standard before servicing.
2) Dealers often perform software
updates overwriting your tuned software.
Using the iFlash you can simply
reprogram your optimised software
back onto the vehicle avoiding the
need to revisit ecotune for a reflash.
3) You can set your vehicle to a more suitable
map for other drivers in the household.
4) The iFlash sold with the DPF kits is now
supplied with a credit for two software
upgrades. Additional tuned files are
discounted by 50%.
5) Vehicle coverage is second to none in the
35
20/03/2014 13:1
owner operated tuning tool market and it is
highly likely that your iFlash will be compatible
with your next car. Please note however
that you must program the original vehicle
back to standard before your iFlash can be
reprogrammed to be compatible with another
vehicle. A 50% discount will then apply on the
software for your new car making your next
remap much more cost effective.
6) A built in diagnostic fault code reader
allows you to read and self-diagnose faults
then erase the codes once repair has been
carried out switching out engine management
lights. This will save you the high cost of
taking the vehicle to the dealer.
There is no noticeable difference to the
sound of the exhaust on mild to medium throttle
levels. At full throttle, the whistle of the turbo is
more audible but not too intrusive. Removal of
the primary catalytic converter and DPF on BMW
diesel engines has no effect on the MoT test. On
average, your engine will produce lower particulate
emissions (0.7 against a limit of 1.5) due to a more
complete combustion cycle. Petrol cars differ as
they are subject to a full emissions test.
I spoke with Darren Wood about the ongoing
DPF problem well over 12 months ago, when he
said he wasn’t totally happy ‘fixing’ customers
DPF problems by fitting new, ‘like-for-like’ BMW
DPFs (even though this is what a BMW dealer
would, and still offer as a ‘fix’), because he knew
the problem would eventually return, maybe
not with the current owners time with the car,
but maybe with the next owner and so on. He
went on to say he was in negotiations with a
company who provided a far better solution to
the problem, hence my visit 12 months on to
see an Ecotune kit being fitted. Knowing Darren
like I do, I know he would have spent hours and
hours doing his research and thought long and
hard before deciding to offer the Ecotune kits to
his customers and sign up as Ecotune’s official
north west suppliers/fitters for Ecotune products.
“They really are the dog’s danglies” said Darren
as we chatted about the DPF kit that was about
to be fitted to an E60 530d; “the quality is
absolutely top notch, better than many of the so
called high end (read expensive!!) performance
exhausts we have fitted to BMs. Once fitted, the
replacement DPF pipe looks totally OEM and the
iFlash software enables the car to fully benefit
from having the DPF removed – the power
delivery is far smoother, with more torque and
power on tap, plus customers tell us they achieve
anywhere from 5-15mpg better fuel economy”
(obviously dependent on the model, engine and
size of the right foot!)
Ecotune currently have replacement DPF
pipe and software kits for most BMW diesel
models – visit www.ecotune-scotland.co.uk
to see if your car is covered. If your DIY skills
don’t stretch to fitting the replacement DPF and
uploading the iSoft software, Darren, Mike and
Gary are the boys you need at Darren Wood
BMW Specialists (0161 4257403 – www.darrenwood.com) if you are north west based or don’t
mind travelling for highly recommended, first
class service.
36
“Darren Wood kindly allowed us to take photos
whilst they replaced the DPF on an E60 530d with
an Ecotune kit. Fig 1 shows the old DPF still in place
and just how little space there is to operate. To
gain access to the DPF the engine undertray had
to be removed along with the lower engine brace.
The subframe could then be lowered to remove the
engine mount leg. Once the leg is removed the clamp
can be removed which fixes the DPF to the turbo.
Fig 2 shows the old DPF unit removed. The
catalyser is clear to see (3) and the various probes/
sensors that are attached to the DPF (4). Fig 5 shows
the new mesh filter in a standard DPF, whilst Fig 6
shows just how blocked the DPF’s filter can become,
leading to poor fuel economy and performance.
The Ecotune replacement pipe (Fig 7) is a superbly
engineered piece of kit - in Fig 8 we can see it
alongside the original BMW DPF for comparison
purposes. In Fig 9 we can see the DPF replacement
pipe bolted into place. The photo clearly shows
where the replacement DPF clamps to the turbo
downpipe (10) and mates up with the original
exhaust (11).”
20/03/2014 1 :12
DPF and the MoT
Dear BMW Car Club,
There is currently a high volume of traffic on
internet forums, chat rooms etc. going to and
fro regarding the issue of DPF removal and
falling foul at MoT test time as the rules say
that if a diesel car was fitted with a DPF when
new, it should have one fitted for the life of
that vehicle. An MoT tester is not permitted to
remove any covers, heat shields etc. during the
test therefore if a DPF is located under a cover
there is no check available. Both Cats and
DPFs are integrated seamlessly into pipework
therefore visually it is impossible to tell if there
is one installed. It must also be remembered
that MoT testers work on a huge variety of
vehicles and brands covering many years, so
it would be very difficult, time consuming and
unreasonable to expect an MoT tester to know
if a Cat or DPF has been installed as standard
or not. For instance, my 2005 Mercedes Viano
never had them fitted, only factory silencers.
The most significant change to the MoT
test for diesels happened in January 2012
where the smoke limit was reduced from 3.0
to 1.5 – on average, any of our DPF deleted
diesels will average a smoke score of 0.7, so
we would welcome a reduction of the smoke
limit again by a further 50%. Some of the
latest 2000bar common rail diesels with the
DPF removed score less than 0.3 on a smoke
test, such as the BMW 123d. Plus there is
currently no way of testing for the presence
of a Cat or a DPF on a diesel through exhaust
emissions. Cats were installed on diesels for
odour control as they assist in condensing the
sulphur vapour, but now that new, low sulphur
fuels are in place even this is not so much an
issue as before. Health and the environment
is a real consideration for us (Ecotune) so the
following fact might surprise one or two. A
DPF reduces the particle size emitted from
an exhaust to such microscopic levels that
it is actually drawn deeper to the Alveoli in
the lungs; larger particles are ‘caught’ much
earlier where health risk is far lower. There is
no doubt that someone came up with the bad
idea of installing DPFs when the better solution
would be to further improve the injection
systems ensuring a cleaner burn and less fuel
consumption, which considering DPFs require
the user to waste fuel by making needless
motorway journeys at higher revs only
increases the carbon emissions generated,
which is a joke if it wasn’t true.
In a nutshell, we do not believe it is
possible to police this rule and most MoT
testing stations will not want to get embroiled
with customers telling/asking them does their
car have a DPF when new etc. I could go on,
it’s a legitimate concern due to the publicity
generated by this issue, but not one to overly
worry about.
Stan Ward (Ecotune)
via Jeff Heywood
Vice President
BMW Car Club GB
37
20/03/2014 13:1
Run flats or
non run flats?
That is the question.
The new Michelins are fitted
Words and Photos David Frith
The worn out rears
A
s I sit down to write the sun is shining
with real intent for the first time in many
months. You can picture the thousands
of car club members up and down the
country, uncovering their machinery and exposing it
to the natural light that brings the paintwork to life
and inhaling the smell of the interior which seems
to be unique to each BMW model you own.
Not all stored cars have to be classics
however; one of my stored cars was the 535d GT.
This is commonly known as our ‘Club Car’ due to
the very noticeable graphics that are seen as I
travel up and down the country attending all our
major shows and events.
Whilst the winter might provide a good rest for
some of our cars, it is a busy time for the Club as it
looks to negotiate deals with our sponsors. I was
pleased to secure support from Michelin who will
be playing a major part at our track days and will
be continuing with their fuel gift card offer when
purchasing new Michelin tyres in 2014. As an extra
benefit, they have agreed to let me test a full set of
non-run-flat tyres in place of the worn out Goodyear
run-flats that were factory fitted. The Goodyears
had managed to survive the first 18k miles although the rears were well past their prime.
Having bought quite a few new BMWs and
tested even more, the extra stiffness of the ride
caused by unforgiving run-flats has long been
a niggle of mine. So this year I decided to do
something about it by switching a couple of our
modern cars over to non-run-flats starting with
my wife’s two year old X3 3.0d and the 5GT.
Although I am going to give a more comprehensive
38
comparison later in the year, I can tell you the
change in the ride quality is so noticeably good
any negatives that I encounter will have to be
significant for me to go back to NRFs.
The obvious negatives are ones you already
know of; the fact that a puncture will render you
stranded. Even if you were carrying a spare wheel
it is almost impossible to change this at the side
of the road - so good breakdown cover is a better
alternative. As for the handling? It is doubtful that
any member of the buying public will ever drive
their car on the public road to the maximum limit
for this to be an issue at all.
For this test, Michelin have fitted Pilot Primacy
245/40/R20 on the front and 275/35/R20 on the
rear, but if your wheels are smaller and you want
try this experiment with me, you may find the Pilots
have been superseded by the Primacy HP or 3. You
will be pleased to know there is a Michelin ZP (zero
pressure) available now for smaller wheels, which
is designed to give the ride of a NRF although it is
their latest run-flat tyre - with 20-inch wheel sizes
being available in 2015.
When the Pilot Primacy was introduced, it was
to offer shorter breaking distances and longer tread
life than its predecessor and was homologated
for use with BMW vehicles. However, due to the
softer compound of the tyre, you will find the
official fuel economy rating will be quite low; but in
real terms this is not a significant loss and (so far)
well worth any small increase in running cost.
Another possible cost saving with having
NRFs comes in the way of more rubber protection
for your expensive alloy wheels. They receive
New Michelin graphic
absolutely no protection with RFs from kerb
damage and with the slightest scratch costing over
£50 per wheel it is food for thought.
One word of warning however is that under
no circumstances should you mix RFs with NRFs
because the difference in the sizes of the two and
drag on the tarmac will seriously damage your
gearbox -especially with automatic transmissions.
So whilst there may be uneven wear (front to rear)
tempting you to replace just the worn ones, don’t
bother because you will create more problems than
you are trying to solve.
I would like to thank our local tyre company
A&D Tyres of Aberystwyth for their free fitting
service and whose keen prices have already
benefited some our members with the delivery of
tyres around the country. I would also like to thank
Stripemaster of Telford who continue to do our
club graphics and are responsible for the graphics
of Rybrook BMW; and lastly Mike Meredith and
the team at Michelin who continue to support our
BMW Car Club.
20/03/2014 13:1
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39
20/03/2014 13:1
Member Benefits
Members Benefits:
Wheel Refurbishment
19-inch MVRs. The manager, Pete, and receptionist
Ella were very keen to please and the work was
carried out over a couple of days. I have to say they
did an excellent job. The wheels look like new.
They will provide Club Members with a discount,
so give them a call on 01202 875553.
They have offered to host a Club visit and
we will be arranging that for a Saturday in the
spring. Motor Vehicle Technicians (MVT) near
Wareham also have good reports and again
carried out work that gave me the confidence to
recommend them. Mention the Club to Paul on
01202 630008. Whilst shopping at Motabitz in
Ferndown, I mentioned the Club and our strong
local following to the manager Graeme Bridger.
As is turns out, he owns a 330Ci Sport in
immaculate condition and was keen to support
the Club Members with discounts and offers.
The lesson learnt from all this is that suppliers
would really like to be identified with our Club and
offering discounts is normal. Go and sell the Club
to a local supplier and see what response you get.
Word and Photos John Olliffe
A
s the Bournemouth Branch gathers
momentum with good support for our
monthly meetings, it occurred to me that
we should be making better use of the
suppliers that Members use and recommend whilst
spreading the good word. We BMW owners are
a fussy lot; only the best will do for our Ultimate
Driving Machines. One good example is wheel
refurbishment; and although we have a good
number of companies locally, I would much rather
entrust my car to someone who has satisfied a
fellow Member. Following a couple of good reports,
I engaged The Wheel Specialist in Ferndown,
Dorset to carry out a long overdue refurb of my
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
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CALL 01970 611 559 FOR MORE DETAILS
OR
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This is a 1989 Brilliant Red E30 S14 M3
33 TERRACE ROAD, ABERYSTWYTH,
CEREDIGION SY23 2AR
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.
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Visit us today at AnyM.co.uk
Used BMW Classifieds and Parts
40
BMW Car Club Magazine April 2014 1
001_ERINS_QUARTER_PAGE_PRESS_AD.indd
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EM ER_PRESS_AD_ 2.indd 1
11/1 /13 3:33 PM
20/03/2014 13:1
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YOUR KEY TO A WINNING WEEKEND.
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Crowne Plaza® offer superb facilities including fine
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plus the perfect night’s sleep thanks to our unique
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20/03/2014 13:1
Moan, moan, moan
– by a Grumpy old boy racer!
M
y first car was an Austin 7 Ruby. I’m
sure thousands of people my age
could say that. I was 15/16 and it
cost £11 17s 6d which I saved from
my paper round! I bought it from a scrap yard.
I didn’t really know much about cars – I just
loved them. I took the engine out and stripped it
down to the last nut and bolt, using my bicycle
spanners and Dad’s adjustable wrench. Anyway,
the challenge was to clean out all the oil sludge
and carbon and get it back together again and
make it work! Well it was working when I took
it out so what could possibly go wrong? I didn’t
have any money so replacement parts were a
no/no. Gaskets had to be made and the two
piston rings I broke – well they would make it a
bit lighter wouldn’t they? I don’t think precision
engineering had been invented in 1959/60!
The point about this introduction is that
unbelievably – I did get it going again and
although it never went on the roads, I used to
spend hours (usually with a friend I met under
Ruby while doing repairs) driving it up and down
our rubble drive and into the garage where we
had to do an emergency stop before hitting the
end wall! Now anybody who knows will tell you,
the clutch on an Austin 7 has no play – it’s either
in or out. Strictly speaking that’s not true – it has
about ¼ inch pedal movement and by reversing
out of our drive and across to the other side of
the road, we learnt clutch control by doing hill
starts over the camber and up the drive.
Synchromesh in those days really only
worked on new cars for about 15k, after that
you had to learn to feed the gear stick into
the next ratio very carefully when changing
Is the E61 an Ultimate Driving Machine?
42
>>Words and Photos Douglas Crisp down, in order to avoid crashing the gears.
After about 20k you had to take the same care
when changing up! The type of bangers I was
buying had done 70–80k when I bought them,
so synchromesh was virtually non-existent and
the brakes weren’t much better, so you really
did need to change down. Solution ‘double de
clutch’ of course. For readers under 50ish - if you
were in top (that was usually 4th unless it was a
Ford in which case it was 3rd) you had to dip the
clutch and select Neutral – release the clutch,
blip the throttle so the revs speeded the gearbox
up to roughly what they would be when the next
gear was engaged, dip the clutch again and
engage that gear – easy! Indeed, after a while
it did become second nature and you could even
do it (without the blip) when changing up.
As well as making gear changes that
sounded like Stirling Moss was at the wheel,
it made them smoother and much quicker. You
didn’t always get it right, but when you did, it
was very satisfying, and certainly added to the
pleasure and satisfaction of driving well. Pedal
clusters on some cars were even designed so
you could brake with the toe of your right foot
while blipping the throttle with the heel. That
of course was called a ‘Toe Heel change’ and is
very useful when braking hard while setting the
car up for the next corner on a race circuit – or
roundabout – who said that? On BMWs, the
action is more of a ‘Roll Foot change’ rather
than a ‘Toe Heel’. So much for the driving lesson
(apologies to those who knew and I hope those
who didn’t – found it interesting.) Of course,
nowadays synchromesh is so good it seems to
be indestructible, but some of us ‘old farts’ still
I had it remapped
and the performance is
astonishing. In a straight
line it’s much faster than
my E39 M5!
double de-clutch in order to obtain a smoother
change that does not destabilize the car when
setting it up for fast corners.
Wind the clock forward 50 odd years and
you’ll understand why my eight BMWs have been
fast, petrol-engined and with manual gear boxes
that usually had 70–80k on the clock! I’ve loved
them all; the three M535is, the 540i the 328, the
330 and the two M5s (E34 and E39 – of which I
wrote an article about in last September’s Straight
Six, and I still own it.
However, last September I decided to join
the 21st Century and bought an E61 535d M Sport
(so that’ll be an AUTOMATIC DIESEL estate car
then). I had it remapped and the performance
is astonishing. In a straight line it’s much faster
than my E39 M5! It has lots of toys – Lights that
swivel round corners as well as head and dip
automatically. It’s bathed in a pool of light when
you unlock it in the dark. The tail gate opens and
closes electronically from the key. Obviously the
wipers deal with the changing weather and if you
talk to it nicely, it’ll alter the radio and CDs for you.
So what’s my problem? Well – because of all
this technology, my pride and satisfaction in driving
have almost gone. In the words of Jethro (famous
Cornish comedian) “It is an automatic, but I do like
to be there when it goes somewhere!” I no longer
enjoy driving fast. It just doesn’t feel right (my wife
says that’s a good thing). If you select Manual
Sport Mode and use the ‘flippers’, it even blips
the throttle for you on down shifts. But it does it,
not me. Even in Sport mode it doesn’t shift down
like Jenson Button does – it seems to have a mind
of its own. I suspect it’s programmed not to shift
down at high revs in case I’m doing it to accelerate
not decelerate – only I know that! When you do
put your foot down, there’s no mighty V8 roar,
just a quick silent push into the seat and you’re
illegal – nice but no passion. During its first time
on a motorway, I am doing my 75mph using cruise
control and the traffic ahead begins to slow. I use
the flippers to change into 5th and it does – but it
20/03/2014 13:1
doesn’t seem to slow down, so I flip into 4th but
it still doesn’t slow down and I have to use the
brakes. The reason is that the cruise control does
not disengage when you change gear!
Cornering is good but it’ll never be an M5.
The Sat Nav takes an age to set and doesn’t take
a full postcode like the TomTom I bought about
ten years ago. It calculates an ETA about 50%
pessimistic unlike TomTom, which was always
10% pessimistic. The interior light is like daylight,
but it’ll flatten your battery if you leave a door open
and stop for coffee while cleaning the inside. It has
no engine temperature gauge - so how do I know
when it’s safe to put my foot down?
One of the biggest reasons I’m disappointed
though, is the claimed 40-45 mpg. I just don’t
believe that is possible on the road and I feel
conned. It’s my fault, I should have checked, but
I didn’t believe BMW were the sort of company
to dupe its customers with such a false claim.
There is a garage in my local town at the top of a
hill. If you fill up there and reset the mpg before
cruising down the hill at 50mph with your foot just
feathering the throttle – it’ll read 50mpg after 1
mile! After the next mile you’ll be back in the 30s.
On long runs I average about 35 mpg, but around
town it’s back in the high 20s. Still, it’s better than
the M5’s 22mpg on expensive fuel I suppose? The
difference is – I knew that when I bought the M5!
Having read Jeff and Cathy Heywood’s
excellent piece ‘Choices, Choices, Choices’
(February’s Straight Six) I am staggered by their
reported average 44mpg from their 640d M
Sport, which I think is the same engine (without
the re-map). I know mine is not as aerodynamic
and carries three more doors, but I would have
expected that to cost me 5mpg not 12mpg. Any
suggestions or opinions?
Gear shifts aren’t as swift as they could be
On the plus side, the heater is brilliant. I
tend not to use A/C in winter and when the
humidity is high you can hear it trying to keep
the screen clear. Only in extreme conditions
have I resorted to turning the A/C on because
it was getting too hot and the fan speed too
high. The comfort is good. The audio is good
and for most people it is a very fast, spacious,
luxury automatic car that does about 30mpg and
switches to semi-manual when they’re feeling
sporty. What I wanted was a very fast, spacious,
luxury manual car that does about 40mpg and
switches to automatic when I’m feeling lazy!
Is it ‘the Ultimate Driving Machine’? Well
it’s still pretty good, but it does a lot of the
driving – not me. You live and learn. I am getting
used to it though and there is a danger I might
get to like it before I’m 80. That’s the trouble
with being a ‘boy racer’ at heart!
The M5 suits the ‘boy racer’ within
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
May 6th - Cadwell Park - £150
July 14th - Croft Circuit - £175
Sept 29th - Donington Park - £225
Nov 14th - Oulton Park - £150
Prices shown are members ‘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
43
20/03/2014 13:1
BMW Factory Tour
BMW Car Club (GB)
Packages
start at
£489.00*.
Factory Tour 2014: June 22-27
T
his June, we are offering all Members
the opportunity to join us on an exclusive
European tour to the BMW headquarters
in Munich. As a Club, we will journey
along some fantastic European roads over the
six days; pay a visit to the impressive BMW
Museum, BMW Welt and enjoy a Premium
guided tour of the Factory. Packages start at
£489.00 per person.
BMW Welt (World) is located adjacent to the
BMW company headquarters, the BMW main
plant and the BMW Museum. An architectural
masterpiece, it is both the delivery centre for new
BMW automobiles and a brand experience rolled
into one. BMW Welt collates the brand identity of
the BMW Group and its four brands in one location.
Changing product exhibitions of automobile ranges
and motorbikes, as well as numerous interactive
exponents show all visitors the world of BMW,
BMW M, BMW i, BMW Motorrad, MINI, Rolls
Royce Motor Cars and Husqvarna Motorcycles.
Every brand has its own experience area.
BMW Museum offers a very special journey
through time. BMW is presented here, from its
origins through to the present and the future.
The BMW Museum collects over 125 of the
most important and most attractive original
exhibits of the BMW brand. The core is the ‘flat’
design in which 26 main topics are displayed in
seven exhibition halls.
44
BMW Factory Tour guides guests through
BMW’s original plant offers an exciting insight
into all areas of automobile production. The
experts guiding the tour naturally focus on the
guests’ specific requests and questions. In its
concept and route, the BMW plant tour follows
specific content-related criteria, giving guests
access to all automobile production technologies
at BMW Plant Munich: the Press Shop, Body
Shop, Paint Shop, Engine Shop, the Production
of Interior Equipment and Seats, as well as
Assembly.
Itinery:
The 6 Day, 5 Night ‘Club Tour’ to Munich, BMW
Welt BMW Museum Including a Guided Factory
Tour
• Return P&O Ferry Crossing - Dover/Calais
• 1 Night at the Novotel Ouest, Nancy
• 3 Nights at the Hotel Gasthof zur Post,
Munich
• 1 Night at the Gulliver Hotel, Luxembourg
• 5 Buffet Breakfasts & 3 Dinners
• BMW Tour including BMW Museum,
Factory Tour & BMW Welt
• Complimentary Car Parking at all Hotels
• Detailed Road Book featuring Great Drives
& Attractions
• Commemorative BMW Car Club GB Rally
Plate
*Prices are per person and based on two
persons occupying a car and room. Single room
occupancy supplements £150.00 for the duration
of the tour.
Our Tour Hotels:
Novotel Nancy Ouest - Located 5 km from the
centre of Nancy close to the major highways
to Lyon, Paris, Metz and Strasbourg. It features
comfortable rooms in leafy surroundings as well
as an outdoor swimming pool. Novotel Café is
open for service 24/7
Hotel Gasthof zur Post - Located in Munich’s
Pasing district, just 15 minutes from BMW Welt.
Gasthof Zur Post offers country-style rooms,
three Bavarian-style restaurants and a beer
garden. Guest rooms feature cable TV, a minibar,
desk and private bathroom.
Hotel Gulliver - Located close to the Belgian/
French borders, the Hotel Gulliver offers modern
accommodation with a fine cuisine, free WiFi
and on-site private parking. The restaurant
offers Belgian specialities, as well as French
and Italian dishes.
Book Now!
To secure your place on this fantastic tour,
please contact Scenic Tours on 01732 879153
or visit their website www.sceniccartours.com/
bmw-car-club-factory-tour.
20/03/2014 13:1
BmW Classic
BmW Park Lane
The Ultimate
Drivin machine
BECAUSE PASSION
IS TImELESS.
BMW ark ane offer a unique service to the U 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 e clusive BMW
lassic
atalogue which currently e tends to
,
parts.
At BMW ark ane we have restored a number of models to showroom condition. Most recent of which was
a
eries. eplacing all e terior trims, many body panels, even locating the original fabric to re-trim
the seats in Munich. The most recent restoration won Best re
car at the BMW ar lub how at aydon.
To contact the BmW Classic team call 0 0 9 3 5 50, or visit our website
www.bmwparklane.com/classic for further information.
BmW Park Lane Battersea
tewarts oad
Battersea, ondon W
U
www.bmwparklane.com classic
BMW_April14_4
27522
193875 2.indd
ar ane4
a
i
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Ad 297x210
- 2.indd 1
20/03/2014
2
2 /05/2013 13:
15:20
Track Report
Thanks to Michelin for their continued support
A
fter the headline grabbing weather
we’ve encountered, you would be
forgiven for staying in hibernation
until summer is well and truly upon us.
However, for the hardcore Members, a glimpse
of sunshine is the perfect excuse to dust off the
dormant machinery and blow the cobwebs from
the exhaust in the most frightening fashion. Yes,
it’s technically spring and the start of our track
day season!
Snetterton in Norfolk was the destination;
and for those who travelled through the
torrential rain on Friday, the Saturday sunshine
was a most welcoming sight. Snetterton has
undergone somewhat of a renaissance during
the recent years following a multi-million pound
redevelopment project at the start of 2011,
which was met with rave reviews from both
spectators and competitors alike. I am always
amazed at the space we enjoy on our track days,
and with the 3-mile, ‘300’ circuit to play with,
you could be forgiven for thinking you were the
only car on track at some points during the day.
A big thank you must be given to Michelin
UK for once again supporting our track day. The
guys were on hand (and busy) all day as they
checked tyre pressures, temperatures and the
overall condition of the rubber – keeping our
drivers safe and allowing them to get the most
out of their time on the circuit. We were also
treated to a preview of the Michelin Pilot Cup
Sport II tyre; an exciting new tyre with more
information to follow regarding BMW fitment.
We welcomed a new sponsor at Snetterton;
Track Day:
Snetterton,
March 1
Words and Photos Matt Goldsmith
46
BMW_April14_4
2.indd 4
20/03/2014 13: 3
Track Report
Warren Haills showed his E30 no mercy
Paul Dadswell wins Driver of the Day
Paul Dadswell – Driver of the Day
Scalextric. The famous model manufacturer
Hornby is based close to the Snetterton
circuit and when they heard about our Club’s
attendance, Adrian Norman from Scalextric
kindly donated a Scalextric Digital set and a
couple of cars for our end of day raffle. The
Lotus themed set was won by serial raffle
winner Chris Biglin, but don’t worry if you
missed out, there’s a chance to win another
Scalextric Digital set and Scalextric goodies
in the next raffle at Cadwell Park on May 6!
The other big winner in the raffle was Sean
Lonergan, as he walked away with the top prize
in the form of a £150 Club track day voucher.
At the end of the raffle, it was time to
announce the ‘Driver of the Day’. Although it
was a close run contest, the award is judged
by the marshals – not by the Club – and
Warren Haills in his E30 323i was beaten by
the narrowest of margins by Paul Dadswell.
Paul demonstrated considerate driving towards
others, consistency in his driving lines and
BMW_April14_4
2.indd 4
improvement throughout the day. His Z3M
Coupe was an exhibition in speed and car
control by the time the chequered flag waved.
For his efforts, Paul received the Driver of the
Day award and Michelin watch, presented by
Mike Meredith from Michelin UK.
We are pleased to announce another new
sponsor at Cadwell Park in May - Autoglym. You
will all be familiar with Autoglym’s products,
so it will come as no surprise that they will be
sponsoring a new prize for the ‘cleanest’ car on the
day, as well as the Driver of the Day award at the
next event. So, keep the lines of your car as clean
as your lines on track and you could be walking
away with a nice bonus at the end of the day.
There are over 700 photos from the day on
our Flickr page. Visit www.flickr.com/bmwccgb
to download them for FREE! Call the Club Office
to book your place on our next track day at
Cadwell Park on May 6 – 01970 267989 – and
take advantage of the early bird price of just
£150!
Chris Biglin wins the Scalextric Digital set
Sean Lonergan wins the £150 voucher
47
20/03/2014 13: 3
NEW DATE
BMW Car Club
- Better Driving Day:
Cadwell Park, August 14
Words Chris Rossiter Photos Matt Goldsmith
Time for a new type of track day?
Actually, we’ve done it before… Looking back
as an old timer and attendee of club track
days for over 30 years, when incidentally such
days were a rarity, it’s clear that I’m indebted
to the Club for the joy those days brought me.
Moreover though is how those early “on track”
events improved my road driving and car control.
Having watched track days evolve since the
mid-eighties, it’s clear that the nature of these
events has changed dramatically. Track focused
cars arriving on trailers now dominate the days
along with fast drivers in high performance models.
The original concept of our Car Club track
driving days all those years ago was for the
ordinary driver in his daily BMW to enjoy the
freedom and thrill of actually driving their car on a
circuit. We called them “Better Driving Days”. Over
half of the participants were what you’d describe
as steady with most of the rest moderate. There
were only a few truly quick drivers. Today, that mix
is completely reversed and the novices and slower
drivers are in the minority.
48
BMW_April14_4
2.indd 4
Are you a track novice or know someone
who is?
Ask yourself if you’d be happy inviting a nervous
driver (maybe your wife, parent, son or daughter)
to our current open pit lane high speed days?
Wouldn’t you feel more confident letting them
put a toe in the water at a specialised novice
event?
To that end, we plan to re-introduce the
“BMW Car Club Better Driving day”. This day will
be exclusively for novices, drivers of modest pace,
people apprehensive about track days and drivers
who just want to learn and develop confidence in
themselves and their cars. Race, fast and sporty
drivers need not apply on this occasion as the rest
of our track calendar is your domain.
If you are one of our regular quick boys (or
girls), you might like to accompany a friend or
relative for whom this day would be perfect. And
whilst mentioning girls, we’d love more female
drivers to attend. It’s a road car day to raise skill
levels and encourage smooth safe progressive
driving.
What to expect…
We’re planning to be in paced groups behind
instructors all morning. This will be followed by
free lapping in the afternoon where strict rules
regarding speeds and overtaking will prevail.
We plan a relaxed, steady and intimidation free
day. I’ve worked on similar style courses on
Motorcycles and the amount the riders learn
by slightly under riding all day and being free
of pressure is astonishing. Many of them come
time and time again. I’m confident that our
participants will feel the same. It may be, due
to the confidence and knowledge they acquire
at our modest paced day, that they’ll then feel
sufficiently equipped to come to our other track
days.
Limited places available…
We’ve booked Cadwell Park on August 14
specifically for this event, so if you feel this
is for you or know someone who’d relish this
type of day, get in touch now. We’ll announce
prices very soon. Keep your eye open for more
information in the magazine and on the website
and start to think of those people you know
who’d relish such a relaxed sensibly paced day.
Prices are yet to be calculated but there will
only be space for 40 cars and we will have a
team of instructors to control the day. To register
an interest, please contact Nick Wright at nick@
bmwcarclubgb.co.uk (07714 805804) or Chris
Rossiter at [email protected] (01485 540000)
for details of the event itself.
20/03/2014 13: 3
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2.indd 4
20/03/2014 13: 3
Running Reports
Running Reports
If you would like to be featured, please contact [email protected] for more info
Owner: Roger Turner
Car: Mini Countryman John Cooper Works
Engine: ................ 1598cc inline four
BHP: .................................... 215 bhp
Torque: ..................................206lb-ft
(221lb-ft overboost)
Modifications:
Engine: .....................................None
Chassis: ...................................None
Exterior: ...................................None
I hate to get those calls saying that
you’d better come over… While the
M5’s bodywork repairs were finished
it seemed that the car wouldn’t start
due to what initially looked like a
fuel pump issue. Rather than as I
hoped my being able to drive away a
gleaming example, instead I helped
push the car out of the spray booth
and on to a low-loader!
My friends at AutoStore, soon
diagnosed some electrical gremlin
caused, they reckoned, by the
combination of a flat battery and
having tried to be started too many
times. The car sounded a little
‘tappety’, with what AutoStore
thought to be a sticking valve rather
than a major VANOS problem, and
50
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
0
Interior: ....................................None
Report No: ..................................... 1
Total Mileage: ........................ 8546
Miles since last report: ..........N/A
MPG:.................................. 35.0 mpg
Running costs: ............... £800 spent
on a set of winter wheels and tyres
As a car enthusiast with a ‘next
purchase’ habit that causes my wife
some concern, I have to try and
justify every choice that is made. It
was time for me to take a sensible
pill and look for a car that justified
a place in my garage and gained a
‘thumbs up’ from my other half. It
needed to be practical for trips to the
garden centre, have four doors for
when the grandchildren visit, and not
be ‘too big’ for parking when we visit
them in London. Added to that, fourwheel drive is useful for dealing with
the winter weather in our country
lanes. Some driving fun and a bit of
charm would also be nice.
When the Countryman JCW
was announced, it really seemed
to be all that I desired and ticked
all the boxes. I contacted my dealer
to arrange a test drive and I liked
it very much. I ordered a car in
‘Oxford Green’ with a white roof
and automatic transmission. A lot
encouragingly, the car passed its
overdue MoT with no advisories.
Bob, my eagle-eyed bodywork
specialist, has a rare ability to match
and blend in metallic paintwork.
Even after having been over the car
carefully, I cannot tell any difference
between the new and old paint and
where the work has been done. At
the same time as the MoT, I had
four new Michelins and refurbished
‘shadow chrome’ wheels fitted, so
visually quite a transformation.
Given that I can’t yet put polish
on the new paintwork, I’ve had to
console myself by doing a spot of
interior cleaning using Autoglym’s
leather conditioner and balm ‘feed’
which after 48 hours dries to a
superb soft touch
matt finish. Bob
was also keen
that I replaced
the BMW kidney
grilles, BMW
roundels and
number plates,
front and rear:
talk about
ha’porth of tar!
of other bells and whistles were
specified and I took delivery from my
local dealer, Wood of Bournemouth
on the 22nd February 2013.
A year on and over 8000 miles
later, the car has proved to be
a great choice. I added a set of
winter wheels and tyres at a cost
of £800 which were fitted last
November, although they have not
really been fully tested this winter.
Long journeys to the south of
France and shorter trips in and out
of town have given me an overall
fuel consumption of exactly 35 mpg
which is about what the makers
claim. No other expenses have been
involved so far, but I will have to
take it to the dealer soon to identify
and fix a rattle that has appeared
and repair a ding in the bonnet
caused by a flying stone.
All in all, a fine car and one that
might just have broken that habit
of mine!
Owner: Martin Wooler
Car: 2000 E39 M5
Engine size: ................... 5.0-litre V8
BHP:..................................... 408 bhp
Torque: ................................369 lb-ft
Report No: .....2 (Last report Dec 13)
Total Mileage: ................... 175,000
Modifications:
Miles since last report: ...... Not as
Engine: .....................................None
Chassis: ...................................None
MPG........................ 22 mpg (30 mpg
Exterior: ...................................None
Interior: ....................................None
many as I’d like
on motorway)
Running Costs:....... £1,000-2,000pa
20/03/2014 13: 3
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BMW_April14_4
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14:11:11
14:11:11
Nuts and Bolts: Road Test
F30 320d SPORT
AS GOOD AS THEY SAY IT IS...
Words and Photos: Andy Everett
I
’ve recently been spending some time with
a new F30 320d Sport, a car that is now so
increasingly common on the roads that I don’t
pay them much attention. The weeklies howl
on about how it’s the best thing since the last best
thing and it goes right over my head I’m afraid. However, Sytner Sheffield kindly loaned
me this black example for a weekend whilst my
prized 1993 318iS spent said weekend in their
showroom for the 4 Series launch.
This is the first time I’ve driven the F30 as a
2.0-litre diesel, my only other F30 experience
being the 328i Luxury a year or so ago when it
was launched. That itself was an impressive
car and a fine example of BMW’s art, but is the
F30 320d really all that? I mean, I had a Vauxhall
Insignia 2.0CDTi SRi for a month last year and
that was a very good example of a modern
2.0-litre diesel saloon.
First impressions count, and I thought the
F30 was nice enough; a blend of the E90 and the
F10 5 Series and with an odd looking front end
with a bonnet that falls away, plus that strange
grille whose chrome flows into the headlights.
Overall then, exactly what was expected and it’ll
offend nobody. It sells like nobody’s business too
- the power of the brand?
52
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
2
In most areas, the F30 is an improvement over
the E90. The first improvement you notice is the
door shut - it closes with a soft, muffled thump
that’s far nicer than the E90 - they obviously spent
a lot of time getting that right. The paint finish
seems better than metallic BMW’s of late and it
really does feel perfectly put together. In truth it’s
probably not that much better than the Insignia, but
the Vauxhall had an issue where the carpet would
pull out from the door sill strip, a sign that they cost
pared it a bit too far.
On the road, the E90’s main weakness - the
indifferent ride - has been well and truly
banished. Whilst it doesn’t ride like a Silver
Shadow, the F30’s ride is fluid, smooth and
comfortable. Sheffield’s’ roads are so bad that
the pot holes and botched repairs would raise
eyebrows in Cambodia, yet the worst roads that
would see the E90 and previous E46 crashing
and jarring don’t bother the F30 at all. On
smooth roads the tyres are silent and rougher
surfaces elicit a muffled roar.
However, the real centrepiece is that
engine. The N47 is in its latest twin power
guise and it puts out 184bhp. That in itself is
impressive, but the reason you can’t keep up
with a well driven example is the 380nm of
torque that is largely all there by 1750rpm and
stays there until 4000rpm. My example had the
eight speed automatic transmission - as much
as I like manuals, I don’t like them in small
capacity high power diesels and you’d be mad
to order a 320d without this fantastic auto. It
will of course harm the economy a little as well
as denting your wallet to the tune of £1500, but
that’s a small price to pay for a transmission that
is so utterly perfect in every way. It is never in
the wrong gear and it is the ideal match for this
superb power unit. Performance is what Rolls
Royce used to call ‘adequate’, meaning that you
really don’t need any more. 0-62 is despatched
in 7.6 seconds on a wave of sheer grunt - it’s
probably the closest thing to a powerful electric
car in the way it just keeps on going.
So it looks good, goes like the clappers, handles
like a BMW should and rides like they never
20/03/2014 13: 3
Nuts and Bolts: Road Test
used to - so far so good. The F30 is also filled
with other goodies such as that radio/nav
screen, keyless go and the nifty auto selector.
Everything inside is well finished although I’m
not sure how some of the plastics will hold up in
high mileage and old age.
This example was the Sport model, which
is exactly the one I would choose. There are
various different models and BMW have cleverly
expanded the model range and reduced the
options list. There is a standard ES and SE with
cloth trim, 17 inch wheels (16 inch on efficient
Dynamics cars) and everything you really need.
- as much as I like
manuals, I don’t like
them in small capacity
high power diesels and
you’d be mad to order
a 320d without this
fantastic auto
The Modern trim package has a dubious Oyster
beige half leather interior whilst the Luxury has
stitched full leather, wood and chrome. The M
Sport has all the bits you’d expect including
some naff M logos and lower harder suspension,
but for me the Sport model has all the nice
extras you need - the best looking wheels in
18 inch size that retain ride comfort, sports
seats, high gloss black exterior trim and drive
performance control. It looks and feels exactly
right and needs no further enhancement.
A look under the bonnet reveals that BMW
put a bit more thought into future repairs - for
example, the turbo can now actually be seen
from up top rather than being buried down under
the manifold. Whilst the N47 has had some
timing chain issues (now resolved I’m informed),
the turbos seem to last a lot longer than they
did although we’d still be changing the oil every
10,000 miles.
Faults? The N47 might be a powerhouse,
but it’s certainly audible at idle and low speed
- I’m certain the E46 320d is quieter. The auto
stop start is quite frankly a pain in the bum. It
doesn’t save much fuel and just cannot be good
for the battery, starter motor or the timing chain
- strain on this item is at its highest when the
engine is cranking. Whilst it can be turned off
(sadly not permanently), I’d rather see a system
where the ecologically minded can engage it if
they so wish, rather than BMW foisting it on all
of us.
All in all though, the F30 320d is every
bit as good as they say it is, a fine blend of
performance, economy, dynamics and a ton of
standard equipment. I averaged 46mpg with a
mix of town driving and open road stuff so it’s
cheap to fuel as well. At a shade under 30 grand
it’s also good value but I’d definitely recommend
that you spend an extra 1500 quid and opt for
the automatic.
Thanks to: Sytners Sheffield, Hollis Croft, Broad Lane, Sheffield,
South Yorkshire. S1 3BU
Tel: 0114 2755077. www.sytnersheffieldbmw.co.uk
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
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53
20/03/2014 13: 3
NEWfrom
BRITISH
MOTOR
HERITAGE
Startmonkey 400 is a revolutionary new alternative to the
heavy battery jump pack. Weighing in at only 1100g and
measuring just 210x65x64mm, it will start the 12 volt
battery of any 4x4, van, car, boat or motorcycle between
15 and 20 times without requiring a recharge. It will retain
75% of its charge for at least a year. The roadside model
connects to your battery with conventional crocodile clips
while the motorsport model is fitted with a standard
Anderson plug.
£199.95 incl UK delivery and VAT.
Zircotec has appointed British Motor Heritage as distributor
and technical support for their incredible heat management
products. Significant reduction in under-bonnet
temperatures is possible by coating an exhaust manifold
with Zircotec ThermoHold Coating. A range of 14 different
coloured ceramic coatings provide the ultimate in thermal
barrier performance whilst they are also an attractive
durable finish that is easy to maintain. Please call for
more information and a quotation to coat your exhaust
components.
The Motoring Classic’s Powermonkey Discovery measures
only 46x13x114mm yet can recharge an iPhone twice,
standard mobile phones 3-4 times, or give iPods / MP3
players up to an additional 120 hours playtime. Simply
recharge the unit from your computer USB or a mains
charger (not supplied).
£45.00 incl UK delivery and VAT.
buy online at
www.motoringclassics.co.uk
or call
01993 707200
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
4
20/03/2014 13: 3
m
E
Events
National Events 2014
If you would like an event added to the calendar, please email details to
[email protected]
MARCH
29:
Meguiar’s Visit (Central)
APRIL:
06:
13:
27:
27:
Drive It Day (Eastern)
Autospray Southern Concours (Western)
Prestige German Car Show. Donington Park
Beamish Museum Visit (Eastern/North East)
MAY:
3-4:
04:
10:
24-25:
25-26:
Welsh Weekend, Aberystwyth (see p.22)
Duxford Spring Car Show (East Anglia)
Club AGM, RAF Cosford Air Museum (see p.12)
Masters Historic Festival, Brands Hatch, Kent (See 02 Register)
Motorsport at the Palace, Crystal Palace, London (See Classic
Register)
JUNE:
01:
15:
22-27:
Scottish Regional Concours, Drumlanrig Castle (Scottish)
BMs on the Lawn. Weston Super Mare (Western)
BMW Factory Tour (see p.44)
JULY:
25-27:
Silverstone Classic, Northamptonshire (see p.24)
AUGUST:
16:
17:
National Concours, Stratford-upon-Avon (see p.28)
National Festival. Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon (see p.22)
r
t
k
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:
£164.00
£259.00 £354.00
Prices based on single occupancy:
£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 this year’s Welsh Weekend.
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
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. The Navigation Inn, Bridge Road,
Stoke Bruerne, Towcester, NN12 7SY
CENTRAL WEST: Second Tuesday of every month, 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: Last Thursday of the month at 7:00pm for 7:30pm meet. Passage
House Inn, Hackney Lane, Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot, TQ12 3QH
EAST ANGLIA:
Norfolk Pub Meet: Last Sunday lunchtime of the month from 12.30 pm at
The Gull Inn, Framlingham Pigot, Norfolk, NR14 7PL. Contact - Katherine
Mason (Norfolk Branch Rep.) [email protected]
Suffolk Pub Meet: Third Thursday evening of the month at 7.30pm, The
Wild Man, Sproughton, Ipswich, IP8 3DA. Contact - David Adams (Suffolk
Branch Rep.) [email protected] or 0777 466 8596
Cambs/Beds Pub Meet: Fourth Tuesday evening of the month STARTING
APRIL 22nd at The Royal Oak, Barrington CB22 7RZ at 7pm all nearby Herts
members especially welcome
Essex Pub Meet: Every last Thursday evening of the month. The Lodge
Country Inn, Battlesbridge SS11 7QT. Contact - George Champ (East Anglia
Regional Chairman) [email protected] 07514 216660.
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
LONDON/HERTS: Second Monday evening of the month from 7pm at The
Crooked Chimney, Lemsford, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 7XE
NORTH EAST: First Wednesday of the month at the Dun Cow from 7.30pm
to 8.00pm. Dun Cow, Primrose Hill, Bournmoor, Chester-lee- Street. Tell
01913 852631.
NORTH WEST:
Main meet: Middle Sunday of alternate months from 12:00 noon. Next
meet is on the 18th May at The Swan, Bucklow Hill, Cheshire, WA16 6RD.
Contact Peter Cheesbrough 07887 987745
Manchester Branch: First Tuesday of the month at 8.00pm 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 isabelle@
bmwcarclubgb.co.uk for details.
SOUTH EAST:
Dorking Area: Second Saturday in Month, 7pm for 7.30 meal. The Owl,
Dorking Road, Kingsfold, RH12 3SA.
Maidstone Area: Last Saturday in the month. Time: 7.00pm at The Ship
Inn, 14 The Street, Cobham, Gravesend, Kent. Tel 01474 814326.
Surrey/Hants Area: Last Tuesday in the month, at 8pm. 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 March at the St Leonards Hotel,
Ringwood. BH24 2NP, 7.00pm onwards. TBC. Contact John Olliffe on 07834
498114
Basingstoke Area: Wessex AGM, Sunday 23rd March. Meet 10.00am.
Harvest Suite, The Wheatsheaf Hotel, North Waltham, Basingstoke RG25
2BB. TBC. Contact [email protected]
WESTERN: Every first Wednesday of the month. Woolpack Inn, Shepherds
Way. St Georges. Weston–Super-Mare BS22 7XE
BMW Car Club Magazine March 2014
55
20/03/2014 13: 3
Regions
REGIONS
Central
The Central Region AGM will be held on the
12th May at The Navigation Inn, Bridge Road,
Stoke Bruerne, Towcester, NN12 7SY at 7.00pm.
All Central Members (valid Membership Card
holders) are welcome, so please join us at the
Navigation Inn to discuss the coming events and
to discuss new ideas. For this we need a good
turnout so all please make the effort to attend.
I have coerced some Members to prepare
articles on their “Pride and Joy” and these will
start to appear in May’s edition of Straight Six.
I am sure this will make for interesting reading
with some of the Models I know to be available.
One of our Members owns two or three Beemer’s,
so it will be interesting to read how he manages
to cope with so many cars.
By sheer good fortune I have been lucky
enough to become acquainted with a Club
Member who is a fanatical “Concours enthusiast”
but still finds time to be consultant surgeon! I
hope to obtain an article from him on his take on
Concours events – I really do hope so. I also plan
to introduce an article on the E31, surely BMW’s
one time super car?
As some Readers may be aware, Central,
through David Frith have opened discussions
with BMW Wollaston concerning sponsorship
of Central events in and around Northants. The
first meeting took place in latter part of February
went very well and culminated in a proposal
for Central to be involved in forthcoming new
model presentations. Wollaston is keen for good
examples of the previous model to be exhibited,
so at least positive progress has already been
made with BMW Wollaston on behalf of Club
Members.
There’s plenty to look forward and all coming
from Central Members too!
BMW Statistcs
On a purely lighter note here is a Market
Research Guide to BMW/ALPINA owners:
• Those who have bought a BMW in the last
three years are predominately male (53%), down
from 60% in 1994.
• They are 46% more likely than the average to
be in the ‘playschool parents’ lifestage group.
• BMW owners are 98% more likely to read a
‘broadsheet’ newspaper, than the average adult.
They are 84% more likely than the average to be
‘very interested’ in cars and motoring issues in
newspapers.
• They are 178% more likely than the average
car owner to admit they are very ‘possessive
about their car’ and are 84% more likely to ‘love
a fast, punchy style of driving.’
• They are also 82% more likely than average
adult to have seen advertising at an airport in
the past week.
• They are 13% more likely than the average car
owner to claim to ‘enjoy taking risks’
56
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
Tony Skerrett 07879 404648
[email protected]
• Two-thirds of all BMW owners are happy with
their standard of living, however they are 10%
more likely than the average person in full-time
employment to ‘worry about work during leisure
time’
• BMW owners are 42% more likely than the
average adult to ‘spend money without thinking.’
They are 35% more likely than the average to
find expensive aftershaves/perfumes irresistible,
and 35% more likely to wear designer clothes
• 65% of BMW owners are concerned about
“pollution and congestion caused by cars,” with
83% of BMW owners using unleaded fuel.
• They are 28% more likely than the average
adult to listen to the radio less than 10 ½ hours
a week. They are 41% more likely than the
average adult to visit the cinema at least twice
a year
• BMW owners are twice as likely as average
to play golf and Hockey.
Event News
Now that April has arrived, Central will be
launching into a series of new Events starting with:
Malvern Classic Car and Auto Jumble
Show, 13th April
This is a new event for our Region and we need
to introduce the BMWCC to this highly popular
event and make our presence known. It is a good
opportunity for the Club to make an impact. We
have booked an indoor Club Stand which will
hold up to twelve cars. Set in the Three Counties
Showground with the backdrop of the Malvern
Hills, it is a beautiful area where one can picnic
and maybe take some walking in the nearby
Malvern Hills?
We have the opportunity to display
alongside other Car Clubs, making new
acquaintances and attracting new members to
boot. Malvern is an attractive Spa and Market
Town with fascinating Medieval History, Water
Cures, The Malvern Museum and the Morgan
Motor Collection. Sir Edward Elgar was buried
nearby. The Avon and Wye Halls are spacious
and well laid out show rooms, particularly
popular with Car Clubs such as the Mini,
Sunbeam Talbot! (A reminder from the past) and
Morgans.
This is an opportunity to exhibit the Club to
a wider audience so let’s take advantage of this
opportunity. ..........and take the opportunity to
browse amongst the Auto Jumbo Stands
Please PM me ([email protected])
for space as soon as possible and/or contact
01484 667776 to complete booking form... You
must stipulate that you are member of BMWCC.
Display cars please by 9.45am
Old Warden Shuttleworth Collection
Classic Car Show, 20th April
Co-hosted with the East Anglia Region - The
Aircraft Museum is worth a visit alone
and discounted tickets are available £3.50/car
from Gemini Events 01527 831726. You must
complete Booking Form and state BMWCC.
Otherwise on the Gate cost is £8/car. Display
cars please by 9.00am. Museum tickets also
discounted - www.classicmotorshows.co.uk/
application_form.html
This show was pioneered for Central Region
by Paul Leggett, ex Chairman of Central Region,
and is now shared with the East Anglia Region
and caters for all types of cars including the
Classics. A wide range of classics are expected
to attend the Classic Rally and Auto Jumble
Show at the aerodrome home of the worldfamous Shattleworth Collection on the 20th
April 2014.
Everything from Morris Minors to Austin
Sevens, BMWs (all types) to Morgans and even
Stars and Stripes muscle cars will vie for Car of
the Show, with individual categories including
pre-1939 cars, Sports & GT Cars and Foreign
Cars both Classic and Modern.
German Prestige Car Show, Donington
Park, 27th April
BMWCC have been allocated 12 stand places
for this prestige event of which at time of
going to print there are now only five spaces
available - please see details under Venues
on Central Forum. If you wish your car to be
displayed please call me now on 07879 404648.
It is a top event. As we went to press we now
have the opportunity to also enter the Concours
Event – Passes are limited to seven cars and are
FREE (inc. 2 adults). Further information from
Tony Skerrett on 07879 404648 or Steve Haslam:
[email protected]
As mentioned before, Donington is an
important event with Mercedes and Porsche
joining in so please do your best to support
your Club at this event. For further info
please go to www.bmwccgbforum.co.uk/
venues-2014_topic9543.html for general ticket
availability.
20/03/2014 13: 3
Regions
Central West
We had our second pub meet at the beginning
of February and had a few more new people
attend. We are really pleased with the response
so far, twenty people altogether. Thanks to all
of you for making the effort on what was a very
wet and windy evening. If you live in the Central
West Region or if is the most convenient Region
for you to attend, please come along and join us
on the second Tuesday of every month at around
7.30pm (don’t worry if you’re running late as we
don’t stand on ceremony). Food is available at a
very reasonable price if you wish to eat as many
of us do.
I have been spending many of the winter
evenings and weekends giving my recently
acquired 1974 2002 a makeover (as I call it). I
expect many of you out there have been using the
time to work on and prepare your cars for the car
show season ahead. I’m really looking forward to
meeting more of you and seeing your cars for the
first time.
Forthcoming Events
April:
05: Open Day and Show & Shine. Venue Autobahn, Unit 13, Belfont Trading Est., Mucklow
Hill, Halesowen, B62 8DR at 10am. Please
let us know if you wish to attend as there is a
limited number spaces available, email Dean at
[email protected] to secure your place.
We are planning to have a catering van on site
who will keep you fed and watered for reasonable
prices and we will also be running a Show & Shine
with prizes for the three best cars on the day.
12-13: Practical Classics Restoration Show, NEC
Birmingham. If any of you have a BMW that you
are currently restoring and may have it available for
the show, please let us know as we are still looking
for cars to exhibit.
27: Prestige German Car Show, Donington Park. A
new show that includes BMW, Mercedes, Porsche
and Audi; see forum for more information.
May:
03-04: Welsh Weekend, Aberystwyth. See
p.26 for details.
Dave Evans 07800 616500
[email protected]
04: Duxford Spring Car Show, RAF Duxford,
Cambridgeshire. Being organised by Central
and Eastern Regions. This is a great day out
for all with the added attraction of the Imperial
War Museum. Please let us know if you are
interested in attending as we need to advise the
above Regions of numbers.
10: BMW Car Club AGM, RAF Cosford Air
Museum, see Club News on p.10
26: Ragley Hall Classic Vehicle Show, Ragley
Hall, Alcester. Please advise us ASAP if you
wish to attend as we are organising this as
Region.
Forthcoming Events
April 13: Autospray Southern Concours
This event is nearly upon us and by the time
this magazine arrives through your door we will
have more of an idea on timings and numbers.
So if you would like to go up from Cornwall but
haven’t put your name down yet, please do get
in touch. Alternatively, entries are accepted on
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
My Pride and Joy
June:
15: BMs on the Lawn, Sea Front, Weston-SuperMare. If you’re interested please let us know
as we need to advise the Western Region of
numbers.
July
25-27: Silverstone Classic, Silverstone,
Northamptonshire. Book with Silverstone
Classic. See p.24 for details.
August:
16: National Concours, Stratford-upon-Avon.
See p.28.
17: National Festival, Heritage Motor Centre,
Gaydon. Please book your tickets in advance
(01970 267989). We will also need numbers for
our regional display area. See p.22.
November:
14-16: Classic Motor Show, NEC, Birmingham
We will also hoping to arrange several
regional get-togethers throughout the summer
to include a barbecue and dive & dine. If you
have any ideas or venues you think would be
good please let us know.
Web News
Facebook: You can find us on Facebook Search - BMW Car Club Central West and like
it, keep up to date on what happening, see what
other members are up to and post your updates.
Cornwall
Our first Bowling and Curry Night was deemed
a success, so hopefully we will do that again
sometime. Thank you to everyone who came
along and well done to the winners; Kaz for the
ladies team and Jim “I haven’t done this for
years” for the men’s team! I wonder if there’s a
bowling alley somewhere in that household.
Twitter: There is also a twitter account
and this can be found by searching - BMW Car
Club (CW).
Car Club Forum: Central West Regional
forum now up and running.
As we are still awaiting information from
Members, it’s my 2002 this month. I stumbled
across my latest project scanning through a
local newspaper whilst marooned in a caravan
on a wet and windy late summer’s day in South
Wales. I came across an advert for a 2002 only
10 miles away from where I was sitting. YES!
We arranged to call in and take a look on our
way home and discovered this 39,000 mile, one
owner, original example of this iconic BMW
with not too many issues.
We collected him a few weeks later
and had an enjoyable journey back with no
problems; which was rather unexpected as
the car hadn’t been used in the last 20 years.
Jan and I have lovingly spent our spare time
through the winter months cleaning, polishing
and sorting out a few problem areas. We now
have a totally original, but not perfect, Rivera
Blue 2002; and we are looking forward to
getting out and about in it during the summer
months.
The Central West area has lots for you to
get involved with and enjoy this summer. We
look forward to meeting more of you and your
families in the months ahead. Phone email or
text us at any time.
James Brewer 07527 490728
[email protected]
the day so hopefully we will see you there if
we don’t hear from you in the meantime. Once
again, the venue is Montacute House, Yeovil,
Somerset, TA15 6XP. More details will no doubt
be elsewhere in this month’s magazine, but
please drop me an email if you would like more
information.
The next monthly pub meet is on April 14th
at The Punchbowl and Ladle, Penelewey, Feock,
Truro, TR3 6QY. See you there, anytime from
7.30pm!
Directory of Local Services
This is making progress with a selection of
businesses on board, and will be finalised and
sent out soon.
Car of the Month
This month’s Car of the Month belongs to Mick
Goodship and if you look through a number of
previous issues of Straight Six, you might see
that it doesn’t appear to be camera-shy!
2003 E85 Z4 3.0i in Maldives Blue
“My baby was found in a dark corner of West
Coast Bentley (I still have the keyfob) in 2008,
the cheapest car on the forecourt and just 13,000
miles on the clock. She is best driven with the
roof down and blasting along Cornish coastal
roads. Since joining the Club I have ventured to a
number of events, although it usually rains when
I say I am going to attend! I have been lucky with
some events though, the parade lap at the 2012
57
20/03/2014 13: 3
TT
RR
***
**
s
CS
S
CK
CK
Regions
Zed-Fest was great fun, and the fact that there
were only two other Maldives Blue Zeds in nearly
300 cars attending was brilliant. She has been on
display at the National Festival for the last two
years, and the most recent Club event was near
the end of 2013 with a cruise to the Classic Air
Force Museum near Newquay, where she looked
great in the hangar with the aircraft. A series of
upgrades has taken place over the last five years.
The cruise control helps on long runs and last
year the wheels were refurbished. Next on the
list is a headlight upgrade. The four new tyres hit
the wallet a bit, and she does like water pumps –
two so far! But nearly six years on, she still puts a
smile on my face every time I drive her.”
To have your car featured as the Car of the
Month, please email me some details, along with
a good picture (as high-resolution as possible).
Cumbria
Regional News
There will be a meeting in June in the west of
the county, followed by one in September in
the east and December in the north that will
also include a Christmas Dinner meeting. I will
be looking for people to help arrange these
meetings so if you want to get involved then
please contact me. Can I please ask that you
ensure the Club Office has your up to date
contact details. It is usually the last thing we
think about when changing email addresses.
Forthcoming events
I am pleased to announce that the Cumbrian
Region will be holding an Invasion of the Lakes
Stuart Roberts 01946 590356 (after 7pm)
[email protected]
2014. I am currently in discussion with the Club
to finalise the details. There will be more details
to come in future editions of the magazine.
Please let me know if you wish to attend as
spaces will be limited. Other events that have
emerged so far include Beamish on 27th April
(organised by the North East Region), Tatton on
the 31st May – 1st June weekend (North West)
Grasmere and Moffat on the 29th June, Haigh
Hall on the 3rd August, Dalemain Classic show
on the 17th August. Please Support the shows
were you can as this is your Region and will only
work if you get involved. 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. As you can
see from the above section there will be a
lot to write up from the events that we have
planned.
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 our Region. If you wish to
nominate either your own car or fellow members
then please forward the details.
Devon
Members and friends of the Devon Region held
their monthly Car Club meeting at the Passage
House Inn Kingsteignton. As always it was well
attended and an enjoyable evening was had by all.
It is always encouraging to see 18 members and
friends enjoy our social evenings. It was a pleasure
to see Charlie and Shelia back with us after an
absence due to Charlie’s work.
We extend to all new members and friends a
Second
Monday
of
Month.
Thepub
pub
meetings
very warm
welcome
andMonth.
invite them
to come
and
Second
Monday
of the
the
The
meetings
will
Stoke
Bruerne.
Running
will
be
The
Navigation
in Stoke
Bruerne.
joinbe
usatat
onThe
theNavigation
last Thursday
of each
monthRunning
at the
from
6.45pm
to
(meet in
in The
The7.00pm
Barn).We
Welook
look
from
6.45pm
to 9.30pm
9.30pm
(meet
Barn).
Passage
House
Inn Kingsteignton
for
730pm
forward
of you
you as
aspossible.
possible.
forwardto
to seeing
seeing as many of
for a bite to eat and a good old fashioned natter
about anything from the weather to new cars.
REGIONAL
NEWS
REGIONAL NEWS
Pub
PubMeets
Meets
East
Anglia
East Anglia
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 activation
code ELMSCC20133
George
– 07514
216660
DuxfordChamp
Spring
Car Show
4th May
George Champ –[email protected]
07514 216660
This will be amongst one of our biggest events
[email protected]
thisalways,
year. aNot
only
will there
of
As
warm
welcome
to allbe
thehundreds
new members
who
have
recently
joined
the
Club.
A
really
pleasant
As always, a warm welcome to all the new members
surprise
last
month
toMagazine
be voted
as one
of “Hewitt’s
58 have
BMW
Car
Club
April
2014
who
recently
joined
the Club.
A really
pleasant
Heroes”,
thank
you.
(See
page
12
July
issue).
surprise last month to be voted as one of “Hewitt’s
Heroes”, thank you. (See page 12 July issue).
News
The AGM for East Anglia Region will take place on
News
Thursday 29th August at 7pm at The Lodge Country
Kathy Jemfrey 01626 330436
[email protected]
25th May Devon Region Car Show in conjunction
We are looking forward to some good weather
with the Passage House Inn Kingsteignton
for all forthcoming events and as you can see, we
15th June North Devon Hospice Charity Car Run
are already dates are piling upon us before we can
28th June Rover P4 Car Show Blue Ball Inn
say Happy Easter. Please keep a keen eye on dates
Sidford Sidmouth
published and if I am missing an event please let
9th & 10th August Castle Hill Second Car Show
me know and I will rectify the matter.
13th August Fireworks Championships Plymouth
There is a very busy year ahead and the dates
Date
Unknown
Torbay
Oldcontinues
Wheels
Paignton
we
have
so
far
are
as
follows:
there
will
be
a
special
display
of
E30s
at
Gaydon.
If
you
commences
approx.
8:30am
and continues
throughout
there will be a special display of E30s at Gaydon. If you
commences
approx.
8:30am
and
throughout
would
liketoto
part
this
display,
please
the Summer.
16th
August National Concours (See p.28)
13thlike
April
Autospray
Southern
Concours
atcontact
would
bebe
part
of of
this
display,
please
contact
NeilNeilthe Summer.
McDonald
([email protected]).
When
McDonald
([email protected]).
you you
bookbook
17th
August
Festival,
Gaydon
(See
p.22)
Motacute
House, £5 pay on entry When
The
Goat
Pub,
25 Vicarage
Causeway,
Hertford
The Goat
Pub,National
25 Vicarage
Causeway,
Hertford
your
please
remember
to request
an EA
stand
your
remember
to request
an EA
stand
Heath,
SG13
– First
Sunday
of
month
If you
information
onevery
any for
thea large
3rdticket,
&ticket,
4thplease
May
Welsh
Weekend,
Aberystwyth
(See Heath,
SG13
7RTrequire
–7RT
First
Sunday
of every
month
a large
pass.
Weonly
only
have
spaces,
soisitimportant
is important
pass.
have
2525
spaces,
so it
thatthat gathering
gathering
of classic
and
ofdates
classic
and interesting
cars. cars.
above
please
dointeresting
not hesitate
to contact
p.26)We
youletletmemeknow
know
if you
stand.
you
if you
willwill
be be
on on
ourour
stand.
Please
note,
not
allnot
theallevents
listedinformation
aboveabove
are runIare run
Please
note,
the events
listed
me
and
I will
forward
whatever
10th May Club AGM, RAF Cosford, Telford (See
by BMW
Car
Club.
by BMW
Car Club.
have
to date.
p.10)
25:
AirAir
Show
– Cambs/Beds.
25:Little
LittleGransden
Gransden
Show
– Cambs/Beds.
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
throughout the country areTel:
welcome216660
to attend
cars on show but
Aircraft flying displays as well. [email protected].
[email protected]
Tel: 07514 216660
as
indeed
many
have
done
so
in
the
past.
There
is
so
much
to
see
at
Duxford,
Aircraft
01:
Coastal
Run
– Norfolk.
01:North
NorthNorfolk
Norfolk
Coastal
Run
– Norfolk.
exhibits, Tanks, Military vehicles and Historic
Suffolk
Branch.
DavidDavid
Adams
Suffolk
Branch.
Adams
01:material.
Classics Iby
the Lakes
Suffolk.
– 4.30pm
promise
you–and
your11am
family
not [email protected].
Expressions
of interest
needed
01: Classics
by the Lakes
– Suffolk.
11amwill
– 4.30pm
Tel: 07774 668596
[email protected].
Tel: 07774
668596
be bored and will certainly struggle to see it all.
At
this stage I just need to know
if you would
Norfolk Branch. Katherine Mason. [email protected]
01:Elms
Hedingham
Castle
Classic
andRegion
Vintage
Car
Norfolk
Branch.
Katherine
Mason.
[email protected]
Cambridge
BMW
our
EA
sponsors
like
to
reserve
a
space
for
items
1,
2
and
3. The
01: Hedingham Castle Classic and Vintage Car
Show – Essex/Suffolk border. Book direct,
will
be
hand
with
2
new
display
cars
for
you
same
applies
to
our
events
list
shown
below.
Show
– on
Essex/Suffolk
border.
Book direct,
Essex Branch and EA Events Coordinator
www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Essex
Branch
and EA
www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
to view and discuss.
1.
Duxford
Spring
CarEvents
ShowCoordinator
4th May. We will
Clive Skoulding. [email protected]
Clive
Skoulding.
[email protected]
Last
year
we
had
approximately
130
BMWs
on
have
space
for
200
members
cars so let me or
07: Buntingford Classic Car Show – Herts Book
Tel: 07500 804988
07:
Buntingford
Car asked
Show Duxford
– Herts Book
display
and this Classic
year I have
for
your
Regional
Chairman or Branch Representative
direct
www.buntingfordchamberofcommerce.co.uk/
Tel: 07500
804988
direct
www.buntingfordchamberofcommerce.co.uk/
buntingford-classic-car
a larger display area so that we can show off
know if you would like us to reserve you a space
Cambs / Beds Branch. Matthew Hunt
buntingford-classic-car
200 cars.
and
they/ Beds
will inBranch.
turn advise
me. Payment
at the
Cambs
Matthew
Hunt
[email protected]. 07973 986525
13-15: Goodwood Revival. Please make your own
Bring
your
own
picnic
or
eat
at
one
of
the
gate
on
the
day
£10
per
person
(much
lower
than
[email protected].
07973
986525
13-15: Goodwood
Revival. Please make your own
arrangements
to attend.
many
food
outlets.
Adjoining
regions
will
be
the
normal
admission
price).
arrangements to attend.
Herts Branch. Tim Fathers. [email protected]
in particular
Tony Skerrett
2.
National
Festival
(Gaydon)
16th-17th
Herts
Branch.
Tim Fathers.
[email protected]
22:supporting
BMWRDCus
Kumho
Championship,
Brandsof
Hatch.
Central
and Kelly
Brabbin
of Eastern. Brands
So please
August. We will again have an East Anglia
22:
BMWRDC
Kumho
Championship,
Hatch.
me or your Regional
Chairman
you
Region Stand and to help me book the size
29:letBattlesbridge
Classic Car
Show –know
Essex.if Book
direct
at www.battlesbridge.com/events.php
29:
Battlesbridge
Classicyou
Cara Show
Essex. Book
would
like us to reserve
space.– Before
of our stand please let me know if you would
direct
at www.battlesbridge.com/events.php
you realise
it the show is not many weeks away
like to attend. Tickets and Passes for the East
OCTOBER
so please let us know ASAP. Members from
AngliaKelly
Stand
are going
be available shortly
Stephen
– 00353
87 418to1372
27:
JD CLASSICS – Open Breakfast Morning,
OCTOBER
[email protected]
Stephen
Kelly
–
00353
87
418
1372
8:30am-11:30am
www.jdclassics.co.uk/news-events.asp
27: JD CLASSICS
– Open Breakfast Morning,
[email protected]
8:30am-11:30am www.jdclassics.co.uk/news-events.asp
News
NOVEMBER
03:
Truck
Racing
and
Fireworks,
Brands
Hatch.
Please
send in some of your photos from the recent
News
NOVEMBER
car shows.
03: Truck Racing and Fireworks, Brands Hatch.
Please send in some of your photos from the recent 20/03/2014
18: Charity Race Experience, Snetterton Race
car shows.
Irish
Irish
13: 3
Regions
My First Car
via the Club Office, but as I say I do need to have
an idea of number of likely attendees.
3. Brands Hatch suite reserved so far for
British F3/GT Championship 30/31st August.
HSCC Historic Car Championship 27/28th
September. British Truck Racing Championship
including Fireworks 1st November. Only 20
spaces per event so hurry once they have gone
they have gone.
COME ON GUYS EVERYONE HAD A FIRST
CAR!
Star Car
Come on don’t be shy I know many of you have
some stunning/interesting BMW’s out there so
please submit to me your favourite photo of the
car with some brief facts and details so that we
can all share the appreciation together.
This month we have to thank Graham Rudd
for sharing details of his BMW 850i. This 1991
BMW 850i has covered 200k (miles). It has a
Powerflow stainless steel sports exhaust fitted,
set on 19 inch black and polished alloy wheels.
It has been well received at many car shows
in East Anglia and has also been on the front
cover of East Anglia Practical Classic’s monthly
magazine. It is a 5.0-litre, V12, with 300bhp
and a 0 to 62 time of 6.8 seconds. The top
speed is 155mph (limited) and looks great in the
Lagunengruen (lagoon green) colour with black
leather interior.
To qualify for “Star Car” please submit
either direct to your Branch Representative or
me one photograph of your car (at least 1 MB in
size) and a brief description of why you think it
qualifies eg:
- It has won a prize at a show
- Car is either stunning or rare because of its
model or colour
- It is now a butterfly having emerged from a
5-year restoration
- Something else special etc. etc.
Stranger Than Fiction
Again in order to spice up the dark winter
months I am introducing the above new section.
As with the “Star Car” item I am inviting all of
you to submit a motoring related snippet (not
necessarily a BMW) with an accompanying
amusing photograph.
Pink Probe
This month’s item is rather a fortuitous story
in many ways. In 2009 Mike and Rita Temple
members of the Ford Probe Owners Club decided
to take part in Barcelona Bangers, which
involved joining a group of fellow enthusiasts
driving cars that had cost no more than £200 to
BMW_April14_4
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Barcelona to raise money for Charities.
They lived in Lossiemouth, Scotland
and managed to source a teal blue Probe in
Sheffield. They commenced preparing this
vehicle for a very long trip. The cars were all
themed to be fun and eye catching so they
had Dulux gloss paint mixed to a shocking
Candy Pink shade and painted the car with
a four-inch brush. They were raising funds
for two charities, St. Gemma’s Hospice in
Leeds, Yorkshire and CHAS (Children’s Hospice
Association of Scotland). They decorated the
car with their logos and the finishing touch was
the addition of a pair of big blue eyes and red
lips on the bonnet. Plus the names of generous
supporters on the front wings of the car.
They travelled in total further that anyone
who was taking part in the rally, 4,300 miles
averaging 37.75 mpg. They arrived at Barcelona
in fine style and whilst many of their fellow
ralliers scrapped their cars and flew home,
they had plans to take the car on the way back
to Probefest in Newark where they intended
to raffle the Probe for the Charities. They sold
tickets at £5 each and raised a further £245.
The total amount they raised was £1400 so
they felt that the car had done the job.
This is where the current owners Duncan
and Jan Thomas appear on the scene as their
winning ticket secured them the first prize,
namely the Probe itself. Returning to the
original owners Mike and Rita, this left them in
Newark with all their luggage minus a car with
which to return to Lossiemouth. This is where
another Knight in shining armour came to the
rescue; he had bought two cars to Newark one
of which he had trailered there. He promptly
handed them the keys to one of the cars saying
to return it in a few weeks’ time when they
were all attending a wedding in Manchester.
Now back to the current 12th owners
Duncan and Jan who tell me the car has been
repainted a number of times. It now joins their
other five Probe cars and attends many shows
and events as shown here at the Chelmer
Valley Classic Car Meet Breakfast run on 12th
January. It naturally turns many heads and
causes much amusement and smiles.
All I can say is eat your heart out BMW Art
Cars! Do any of you own such an outrageously
painted BMW?
Finally well done to Mike and Rita and this
might encourage some of us to use our BMW’s
to raise money for Charity. You get the idea
so I look forward to some contributions from
you all, otherwise I will run out of suitable
material.
We are pushing the boundaries a little further
and just for fun inviting you to send me details of
your first car. All you need to do is dig out an old
photograph (even if it is in Black and White, ha ha)
scan it and Email it to me with some brief details.
Forthcoming Events
The following list is for your information and
I suggest you make a note of those you are
interested in. Booking arrangements will be your
own responsibility either directly with me, the
Club Office or the organisers via their websites.
Proposed events list as follows; any ideas
and suggestions are always welcome:
April:
Monthly Pub Meets throughout the year
(continue as now)
27: Prestige German Car Show, Donington Park
(Book direct with organisers)
May:
3-4: BMW Car Club Welsh Weekend,
Aberystwyth (See p.26)
04: Duxford Spring Car Show (EA Club Stand)
10: BMW Car Club AGM, RAF Cosford
(including Regional Chairman’s Annual
Conference, see p.10)
10-11: Snetterton, Kumho Racing/ BTCC (Book
directly)
31: Marshall Aerospace, Cambridge – limited to
only 30 visitors, so hurry up and book direct with
Clive Skoulding who will make you aware of
security limitations
June:
21-22: Journey Through the Ages (EA Club
Stand)
July:
5-6: Sherringham Car Show (Book direct)
12-13: Heveningham Hall/Wings & Wheels (EA
Club Stand)
Northamptonshire (Book direct, see p.24)
August:
03: Helmingham Hall (EA Club Stand)
16: National Concours, Ettington Chase Hotel,
Stratford-upon-Avon (See p.26)
17: National Festival, Gaydon (EA Region
Stand) advise GPC if you would like a space, but
buy tickets and pass direct with Club Office on
01970 267989 (See p.22)
59
20/03/2014 13: 3
Regions
24: Lt Gransden Air Show (EA Club Stand)
September:
14: Kings Lynn Historic Quayside (EA Club Stand)
TBC: Classics by the Lakes, Bury St Edmunds (EA
Club Stand)
TBC: St Mary’s Motor Show, Bishops Stortford
(EA Club Stand)
TBC: North Norfolk Coastal Run (we organise
as usual)
TBC: Kimbolton (EA Club Stand)
November:
TBC: Charity Motor Show, Snetterton (Book
direct)
Others TBC:
Santa Pod,
Car Fest (Chris Evans),
JD Classics open days,
Hilton & Moss open day
Chelmer Valley Car Meet various events
throughout the whole year,
Lavenham Car Show,
Battlesbridge Car Shows,
Battlesbridge Country Run to Mill Race
Nurseries Colchester,
Brands Hatch Events,
Please note not all the events listed above
are run by BMW Car Club.
Eastern
Are you an Eastern Region
Member?
If your postcode is in any of the following list,
then you are.
Bradford
BD
Doncaster
DN
Halifax
HX
Huddersfield
HD
Hull
HU
Leeds
LS
Lincolnshire
LN
Nottingham
NG
Sheffield
S
Wakefield
WF
York
YO
Strangely enough, Eastern does not include
Harrogate post codes, which now form a North
East island between York and Bradford. So now
you know. Matters not – wherever you live, you
are always welcome in Eastern.
In March the new Eastern Region held its
annual general meeting in Sheffield. The usual
people rolled up and talked cars, clubs and
food. Kelly, who had been the Chairwoman of
the old North Eastern Region resigned due to
work commitments and was thanked for her
three year stint by everyone. We needed a new
chair person, but there were no volunteers.
Eventually, Steve Bostock and I volunteered
to do the co-ordinating work for the new
region. The work will be split between us. I
will act as co-ordinator, with responsibility for
communications, events scheduling and writing
the monthly magazine articles. Steve will look
after shows, sourcing public events and forum
postings. Anything else will be shared between
us. Andy Mac will be responsible for finance
matters, and other volunteer members will
assist as needed
Co-ordinating means what it says. We will
not produce events unless we wish to. That is up
to other members. What we will do is provide
help to anyone wishing to run an event in the
form of publicity, research, and try to ensure that
your event does not clash with others, to help it
be a success.
Many members are quite happy to pay their
subscriptions, read their magazines and attend
the events provided by others. If that is what
you want, then that’s fine. Personally I have
60
BMW_April14_4
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0
Contacts:
George Champ (Director and East Anglia Regional
Chairman) [email protected]
0751 421 6660
Katherine Mason (Norfolk Branch Rep.)
[email protected]
Mark Steward (Deputy Norfolk Branch Rep.)
[email protected]
David Adams (Suffolk Branch Rep.)
[email protected] 0777 466 8596
Matthew Hunt (Cambs/Beds Branch Rep.)
Clive Skoulding (Essex Branch Rep. and East Anglia
Events Coordinator)
Howard Walker 01484 844920
[email protected]
always found that what you get out of being
a Club Member depends on what you put into
it. Having been Chair of the North East region
and a Club Director in the past, I just spent the
last eight years as secretary of an organisation
called BCEF, which is an umbrella organisation
looking after all BMW Clubs in the UK, Ireland
and Scandinavia, so I do practice what I preach.
I really enjoyed the work, and am now
happy to retire into the relatively easy job
of joint co-ordinator for Eastern. I live in
Huddersfield, and you can contact me by email
on [email protected] – from which you will work
out that I own an original E24. My phone number
is 01484 844920. Ring me any time from 9:30am
until midnight. Leave a message if I am out.
Steve Bostock runs Peak & South Yorkshire
area and is several times a Concours winner.
He can turn a wreck into a winning car with
his wide knowledge of detailing. He made my
old banger of a 2001 728 (below) look like new
after a couple of days work. He has been a Club
Member since yonks, and with the help of his
wife Viv, runs the raffle at the Chesterfield club
meet, the Christmas dinner, and judges cars at
Concours’ whilst running a successful building
company as a side line. Need a kitchen or a
bathroom? Ring Steve on 07811 722742 or email
him at [email protected]
If you have any ideas for events, local meets
or anything else that is Club related, please
contact me or Steve, and we will do our best to
meet your needs.
Car of the Month
No one volunteered so here is my old 728i
before I purchased it. Now DXI 431
Forthcoming Events
April:
06: Drive It Day. Peak & South Yorkshire’s Drive
it Day is on Sunday 6th April. This promises to
be a great day out suitable for partners, better
halves & kids of all ages so bring the family as
this is what the Club is all about. This year for
our DiD we meet at the David Mellor Cutlery
Yorks & Humber Branch News
By Nick Wright
February saw me back in the chair at the Barnes
Wallis after a two year sabbatical. We had
17 eager attendees quickly snap up the 22
drivers’ names for the first race in our F1 lottery.
Hopefully all the drivers will finish and we
will be able to name three £10 winners at the
March meet. The Yorks and Humber Branch of
the BMW Car Club was formed 10 years ago to
cater for BMW enthusiasts within easy reach
of the M62 between Leeds and Hull and we
meet on the last Tuesday evening of each month
at The Barnes Wallis Inn, Howden Station,
Howden, East Yorkshire, DN14 7LF. See you
there.
20/03/2014 1 :14
Regions
Factory at Hathersage at 10.00am where coffee
and biscuits will be available @ £3.00pp.
We need to advise on numbers so please
if you’re intending to come along let us know
ASAP. Our tour will start 11.00am and this
should last 30/40mins. The tour is FREE. Before
departing Jane will collect names of those
wishing to have afternoon tea at Marsh Green.
The cost is £6.00pp which includes a raffle
ticket. We will provided a route ‘guide’ and
that is exactly what it is intended so it gives
you an idea what’s along the route (but you are
also free to deviate to suit yourselves). Contact
Stephen on 01246 568701 for more info.
14: At the Peak & South Yorkshire branch
pub meet on Monday 14 April at 8.00pm, PC
Russell Smith, a Crime Prevention Police Officer
has been invited to give us an informal talk on
Car related crimes, protecting our cars and other
police stories. It would be great if we had a
good attendance. Please ink it into your diary.
27: German Prestige Car Show, Donington
Park. At the time of writing we have four cars
registered for this event, with room for another
12 on our Club Stand. Each place includes entry
for two adults and two children. The normal
cost for these would be £26. Contact Steve
Haslam on 07879 404648 for any queries.
Passes and tickets can be obtained from Andrew
Greenwood Classic Shows on 01484 667776.
First come first served.
29: Yorkshire and Humberside meet is on
the last Tuesday in the month at the Barnes
Wallace about a mile north of Howden by the
Ireland
Club News
Can you please send in some photos of your
cars.
Motorsport News
Circuit of Ireland Rally organisers have
confirmed that this year’s startline will include
high profile FIA WRC 2 competitor, Dublin’s
Robert Barrable who is set to contest the
Circuit’s international rally, the fourth round of
the 2014 European Rally Championship. Paris based Federation Internationale
de l’Automobile have officially signed off the
Circuit’s entry regulations allowing organisers
to forge ahead and accept entries in both the
International and National events. The London Region is recruiting!
Since the resent announcement of the new
London Region, we’ve been building a team to
help support the capital’s growing membership.
Below are the roles currently open:
Secretary: Open
North London Branch Rep (Herts): Tim Fathers
South London Branch Rep: Open
Taking place on 17-19 April the Circuit of
Ireland Rally will be the first fully asphalt event
on the FIA European Rally Championship roster. The Circuit also counts as Round Two of the
new-for-2014 FIA ERC Junior Championship. Organisers are in the process of finalising
BMW_April14_4
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1
The new issue of BMW Magazine is available
on line at: http://www.bmw-clubs-international.
com/en/news_events/council_news.html
This is a good (free) magazine which is all
about BMW Clubs worldwide. You can also
contribute articles about your club scene. The
BMW House Magazine app is now available
from the App store for phone or tablet – applies
to Android operating systems only.
arrangements for what promises to be a bumper
week-end of motorsport and the management
team are calling for additional volunteers to join
the existing team of marshals. For more details
and to register log onto www.circuitofireland.net
or call the volunteer hotline 07732 612261. Recently purchased in Scotland and brought to Dublin!
Dan Mills
[email protected]
Tim Fathers
[email protected]
East London Branch Rep: Jamal Blanc Live in an area not listed? We’d still love to
hear from you. For more information call 07778
209057 or email [email protected]
Car of the Month:
Owner: Barry Sharp
Model: 2005 E63 M6
Current MPG: 15!
North East
Let’s start this month’s news with the important
visit from our Club chairman, David and his
wife Glenys at our meeting on the 5th of
February. I personally was looking forward to
the meeting as I met David at the Classic Car
Show at the NEC Birmingham and found him
very enthusiastic towards our Club, and I knew
it would be a very interesting evening for all that
turned up.
David started by telling us what is
planned in the coming months and what he
hopes the Club can achieve in years to come.
BMW NEW
Stephen Kelly
[email protected]
Isle of Man
London
News:
level crossing on the Bubwith Road. Now that
Nick Wright is back in harness, you can enjoy
his car quizzes and invest a pound or so in his
Grand Prix sweep. Not to mention the super food
produced by Kieran and served up by Kirsty and
her lovely staff. 7:30 until you are thrown out.
Michael Barron 07570 795232
[email protected]
Then he told us the reason for changing the
regional boundaries. Everyone at the meeting
agreed with David’s thoughts on this subject as
it makes sense to be our own Region, instead
of being an add-on as the Tyne Tees Branch of
the old North East Region. Let’s hope for lots of
support from North East Members at events that
are planned for the year ahead.
I would like to thank David and Glenys on
behalf of all that were at the meeting for finding
the time to visit us. It was much appreciated and
filled us with more enthusiasm for the future of
the North East Region of our Club. A few people
contacted me over the following days and said
that they thoroughly enjoyed the evening. As all Members will have received the new
Club Directory with last month’s Straight Six, I
would like take the opportunity to welcome the
new Members that fall under the new North
East Region, (yes, it was a surprise to me when
I saw the area we covered). I have always tried
to arrange events that cover to all areas of
the region, when we were just the Tyne-Tees
branch, but obviously will have to think further
61
20/03/2014 1 :14
Regions
Forthcoming Events
63 of the A1M. The address is Beamish Museum,
Beamish, County Durham, DH9 0RG. Web
April:
site www.beamish.org.uk 06: Jim Clark Room Visit
It’s not too late to come along to our first drive out
May:
this year, but unfortunately it is too late for the
18: Picnic. Hopefully a sunny day and a picnic
Sunday Lunch, as I have had to let the Black Bull
around Derwent Reservoir, more details next
know by the end of March. If at the last minute you
month
wish you had put your name down, you can still
come for the drive out. We will meet Heighley Gate
June:
Garden Centre, Morpeth, NE61 3DA at 10.00am
01: Scottish Concours. Let’s support our friends
and leave 10.30am for the scenic drive to Etal.
north of the border at Drumlanrig Castle,
27: BMW Car Club Rally at Beamish Museum
Dumfries.
This day was a great success last year, so don’t
miss this year, even if you were there last year I
July:
am sure you will be there again this year. Beamish
06: MG Classic Car Show, Corbridge. Once
changes each year by adding new buildings and
again we have been invited to attend this ever
new themes; this year the farmyard is set in the
Second World War with the land army women
Event Report
growing show, more details next month. doing their bit for their country. There is also a new
We had a Sunday Lunch get together on the
bakery opening (don’t worry it’s not Greggs).
16th of February at the Ravensworth Arms,
August:
The cost of this great step back in time is just
Lemesley, Gateshead, we had a great turnout
16: National Concours, Stratford-upon£8.00 per person, instead of the normal £18.00
of members with 20 of us to sample the
Avon. See p.28.
entry fee. You must pay on the day at the gate into
Ravensworths fine ale and food. It was nice to
17: National Festival, Heritage Motor
the show field, entry is from 9.30am to 11.00am;
see everyone in day light, and let’s hope the rest
Centre, Gaydon. This is the big one let’s hope
of the North East Region. It was great to see the
arrive after 11.00am and unfortunately it’s full price
of the
events
for a big turnout of North East Members for
unshine at June’s monthly
meeting
withwe
carshave
fillingplanned get the same
and you’ll have to park in the public car park.
weather
as room
it was
bright sunny day. It was
this. Please book your tickets in advance (01970
he Dun Cow car park, but
there’s still
foramore.
I
must
stress
that
Beamish
are
very
strict
also
Kris
Luxs’
birthday
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week.
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267989). We will also need numbers for our
This month’s meeting on the 7th will include
about no movement of cars from 11.00am to
refer to
Krisusasa ‘young Kris’, but from now
regional display area. See p.22.
a talk and demonstrationoften
from etyres,
giving
North West Region sponsored by
nsight in to looking afteron
theit black
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ouras he came of age and
4.00pm due to public safety, but if you want to
will be
‘oldthat
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ultimate driving machines
cannot do
without.
BMW
leave before
4.00pm you have only seen half of
reached
the
grand old age of 21. Williams
Kris has been Stockport
a
September:
what this great museum has on show. As last year,
Club Member
forthree
three yearswww.williamsstockportbmw.co.uk
and is always
TBC: White Scar Caves, Yorkshire Dales
Etyres are a nationalCar
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More details of all events will be in
nthly
meeting
with
cars
filling
members
to look around and ask questions; it should be
but there’s still room for more.
around
5.00pm,
once
the
last
tram
as
left
the
town.
of
a
get
together
for
our
birthday
boy!
(oops,
published
in Straight Six closer to the dates and
ating
very
interesting night.
on the 7th will include
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on from etyres, giving us a
August, I can now confirm that
afield. There is a very true
Saying, “You cannot please all the people
all the time, but you can try to please most of
the people most of the time”, so please don’t
be afraid give me a call or email about anything
regarding the North East Region, as I am very
proud to be the Chairman of this great part of
the country, and I’m really looking forward to
meeting you all at some point in the near future. I would like to congratulate Alan Jones on
becoming the Z Register Captain for the Club.
I know Alan will do a great job in this role as
he is very enthusiastic and does a great job in
organising our Christmas Party (hint, hint). There
are quite a few Zeds in the North East, so it is
great that we have the Captain amongst us.
REGIONAL NEWS
North West
NAL NEWS
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North West
North West Region sponsored by
ter the black rubber that our
are going to be having a stand and it looks as though
we should have a worthwhile day. As I write this in the Jeff Heywood 0161 678 2088
first week of July, I have around ten cars lined up to [email protected]
join me and I have confirmed with the organisers that
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gion
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ve thanks
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NW based members who have recently joined the Club.
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Events
his
great
day
out.
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on
next
year!
So
what
has
been
happening
this
month?
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I
have
NW
based
members
who
have
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joined
the
Club.
l on next year!
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Club events in the North West and across the country.
have been away on a road-trip holiday around Europe,
Club events in the North West and across the country.
ions; it should be
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are welcome3-4:
toholiday
attend
onyou
a road-trip
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03:
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BMW
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Weekend,
ents
events organised by all the Regions and Registers.
As members of the Club you are welcome to attend
You will have seen and read about that before so I willincluding
a visit to BMW Welt and Museum in Munich.
16:
National Concours, Ettington Chase Hotel,
Aberystwyth
(See
p.26)
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organised
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nes cannot
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nal company that operate three
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tting van at the Dun Cow for
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North West
Williams Stockport BMW
Forthcoming Events
News
Stratford-upon-Avon (See p.26)
10: BMW Car Club AGM, RAF Cosford, (See
BMW Specialist Listings:
17: National Festival, Gaydon (See p.22)
p.10)
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we
should have a worthwhile day. As I write this in the
We are always interested in hearing about suppliers
18: Sunday
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at the
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weeks away. As you read it, it will have taken
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first
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Email:
[email protected]
where I will endeavour to post a brief report.
details can be found below.
Father’s Day at Harewood House: I was unable to
how, Stokesley: With last
We are always interested in hearing about suppliers
from there.
let you
incanonaddthe
details
another,
less well known,
that we
to the
list whichof
is available
on the
Vötters Old-timer Museum in Kaprun, Austria is
ar. We had the biggest club
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supplier and feel you can recommend them to other
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the basement of a hotel. It is as though the owner just
from there.
let us know and we will make sure their
stop success,
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hashe ran out of space members
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on hard standing, so no muddy
long ago.
AUGUST
h a great success, Alex has
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For those
that live south of
Milnes
07850 740519
BMWs
andto the show.Jay
MW Festival, Gaydon: It’s not
Stokesley
and
just
want
to
meet
there
before 9.30am;
r
on
the
North
East
stand
at
the
Andy
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07833 681513
he BMW stand
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the cars are squeezed
so tightly you can’t
se call
the Club office
ask for
he
address
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rs cars
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pass
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the eye
go myself as I was away on holiday. I do have reports
June:
that this was a fairly quiet day as far
as North West
New Members:
members were concerned.
08: Cleveleys Classic Car Show. www.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new
News
hat organised
and motorbikes. It is a really crazy exhibition! That
cleveleysvehicleevents.ning.com
Detailing
in been
Shrewsbury
in touch and he has
NW based members who have recently joined the Club.
said,what
they
have quite
a lot of
interesting
cars this
hidden month? Well, I have
This event is for Charity
anddo has
raised
£5000
last got
So
happening
away in there. This museum is probably not worth
However, I can also report that Dave Brindle made
22: Totally Transport, Blackpool. www.
have
an application
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ll get together and have a good
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events
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August:
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to be onbythe
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make
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17
&park,
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National
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Gaydon:
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Forthcoming
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oo
to get
your car on
East
atofthetake
let
youNorth
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details
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03: Lytham Hall Classic Car event. www.
sure we have your details as soon as possible.
is the
the
“big
that can
up to
three
to
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Primrose
Hill, Bournmoor,
Specialist
Listings:
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in so tightly
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of
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drive
11: August: German Classics, Haigh Hall, Wigan:
:heWith
last
ust
offNorth
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he A1052
posted Houghtonwww.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk
Vötters
Museum
inbuilt
Kaprun,
Austria
is get intotouch.
62
BMW
Car
Club
Magazine
April
2014
this one day
show then please
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on the
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iggest
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motorbikes.
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07570 795232, or Alan on 07749 the basement of a hotel. It is as though
17 & 18:
BMW
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theNational
owner
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museum
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notusworth
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7776 015864.
are going
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and want
to displayisyour
car in
members
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make sure
their
Pub
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can’t
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he
ran
out
of
space
Magazine
going too far out of your way for, but if you are ever in
the trek over to Yorkshire to participate in the Concours
BMW_April14_4 www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk
2.indd 2
20/03/2014 13: 3
details
are
included.
g,
so no meets
muddyare always
longheld
ago.on the first Wednesday Zell am See or Kaprun you must pay it a visit.
competition and I guess it is hardly a surprise that he
Monthly
he landlords best (if you get the
Regions
lythamhall.co.uk
17: Classic Car show at Dalemain House. www.
wigtonmc.co.uk or www.dalemain.com
24: Ormskirk MotorFest. www.
ormskirkmotorfest.com
If you are aware of any other interesting car
Scottish
I cannot believe that we are nearly in April
already. Tommy Buist, our events coordinator
and I are busy getting the shows and events
organised for the start of the show season - plus
keeping on top of arranging the monthly events.
Anyone who has been involved with this kind of
thing will know the time it takes to organise an
event. We need to think of everything including
arranging the booking, preparing a route and
arranging a hotel if required! As you can
imagine this takes up a fair bit of time!
We are fortunate in the Scottish Region
that the committee all take a turn at organising
the monthly events which is a great help to
Tommy and I. I always think how would we ever
manage without the internet? This is where the
forum comes in handy as we can gather the list
of attendees, which is really important for the
planning and communicate quickly with Members
if required. So if you have not been on an event
with us please check out the Club Forum where you
will find all the history of our events documented
with photos.
On the subject of events, John Adams
organised the March drive and dine which included
a run through the Trossachs, stopping off for lunch
at the Achray House Hotel.
related events around the region that you would
like to be included here then please email the
details to [email protected]
Isabelle Phillips 07803 612220
[email protected]
visit is April 12. I need confirmed numbers for this
visit so please contact me if you are interested.
On April 27 we are attending the North East
Region’s event at Beamish. I am still taking names
for this and I have details of the hotel we will be
staying in. I am looking forward to a good turnout
for this event as I missed out on it last year.
The 2014 Scottish Regional Concours event
will be held at Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries &
Galloway on June 1. This is a fantastic venue and
I can now confirm that entrance to the site will be
£4 per adult/£3 per child from 10am. We will hold
the Concours in front of the castle with judging
from 11.30 (this time will be dependent on the
number of cars on the day). I need to let them
know expected numbers therefore it is really
important that I know how many cars to expect
so please add your name on the forum or drop
me an email if you are attending. There is a lot to
do onsite with a cafe, play area and garden. You
can also access the castle for an additional £7
per person. See their website for more info and
as always I will post all the details on the forum.
www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk
I have made a slight amendment to the events
list to accommodate the Scottish Championship
Car Racing event at Knoockhill featuring Legends,
Minis, Sports & Saloons, Formula Fords and
Classics on May 4. So please note that we will be
doing the Tentsmuir run in July instead.
The date has been confirmed for the Bridge
of Allan show on the 18th May. Tommy is now
collecting names for this one as well as the Moffat
and Glamis shows.
So as you can see its all go in the Scottish
Region will lots being planned so keep up to date
by checking out the forum or Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/
groups/13576080191/
Note - Please do not forget to check the Car
Club Forum regularly for any last minute changes
and updates to any of our events or just to keep
up to date of what’s going on in the region or
drop me an email with any questions.
We look forward to meeting you whether new to
the Club or longstanding to any of our events in
2014, everyone is always welcome.
Scottish Region Events list 2014
The weather wasn’t perfect, it never is
in March in Scotland, but it doesn’t put us off
and a great day was had by all. We welcomed
a couple of new members, Jim with his M3
convertible, Gavin with his Z4, and John with
his 3 Series; who all enjoyed their first meet and
hopefully will be back!
April is going to be busy. We have the monthly
event on April 6 and Gary Morgan is planning our
drive and dine to Oban. More details can be found
on the forum.
Last month I said I was in the process of
arranging a visit to Mackie Automatic Transmission
Ltd in Glasgow where we have been invited for a
tour of the business. So the confirmed date for this
Date
6 April
12 April
4 May
1 June
6 July
3 August
7 September
5 October
2 November
7 December
Monthly Event
Monthly Drive & Dine
Visit to Mackie Engineering
Monthly Drive & picnic
AGM
Xmas Monthly Meet
Venue
Oban
Glasgow
Knockhill
Concours - Drumlanrig Castle
Tentsmuir, Tayport Drive and Dine
Ayrshire
Glenshee
Lamermuir
Eastern BMW, Edinburgh
TBC
Event
North East Visits Beamish
Classic Car Show
Classic Car Show
Classic Car Show
Scottish Extravaganza
National Festival
Venue
Beamish
Strathaven
Bridge of Allan
Moffat
Glamis
Gaydon
Shows 2014
Date
27 April
May
18 May
29 June
12/13 July
16 /17 August
South East
I would like to thank everyone who attended this
year’s AGM.and for their continued support. As
you will notice we now have a new chairman,
Anthony Howells, I wish him all the best and I’m
sure he will do a good job. I will be staying on the
committee as vice chair to help out when needed.
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
3
Anthony Howells
[email protected]
South East Region Board 2014:
Chairman
Vice Chair
Deputy Chair
Co-Coordinator
Anthony Howells
Marie Nolan
Robert Born
David Cooke
Events Organiser
Events Organiser
Trips Organiser
Concours Admin
Kevin wanstall
Selwyn Frostick
Graeme Filmore
Pauline Wells
63
20/03/2014 13: 3
Regions
Introduction by
Anthony Howells
For those who don’t know
me I’d like to introduce
myself as the new chair of
the South East Region. My
name is Anthony Howells
and I work in Beckenham
as a project manager for
a Mental Health Trust.
In my spare time I enjoy
salsa and my other
passion of course is cars. I currently run a black
BMW Z3 which is my pride and joy and you will
see at many upcoming events. Previously I used
to attend forum meets, but when these stopped I
thought I’d join the Club. I’ve been a Member since
2009 and joined the committee in 2010, becoming
deputy chair in 2012, taking on the position as
South East chair in 2014. I’ve enjoyed every minute
of my time within the Club and working with our
great committee organising events.
I’d like to take the opportunity of thanking
Marie Nolan, our out-going chair, for all the hard
work she has put in, in bringing the Region to
where it is currently is. I’d also like to thank the
committee for its help in supporting the shows and
ensuring everyone has good time.
We have a lot of events coming up this year
and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone,
both current and new members. If you are a new
member and/or have not attended an event before,
please come along and you will be made welcome.
I would like to thank everyone for volunteering
to help out and welcome all onto the committee
and look forward to seeing you all at shows in 2014
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 event soon. 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 marie.nolan@btinternet.
com the details needed and I will upload to SE
section on club site.
Forthcoming Events
April:
18-20: Isle of Wight.
May:
11: Basingstoke Festival of Transport
24-26: Enfield Pageant of Motoring
June:
08: Bromley Pageant of Motoring
14: Harris Hospice Car Show and Fun Day
21-22: Coopers Tunbridge Wells Motorsport
themed weekend
28: Abridge Motor Fest
July:
05: Biggin Hill Car Show and Fun Day (TBC)
TBC: Concours, Bentley Wildfowl and Motor
Museum
Thames
August:
See p.28.
(01970 267989). We will also need numbers for our
regional display area. See p.22.
September:
15: Players Show North Weald
October:
TBC: Charwells House & Sunday Lunch (TBC)
We have some extra events coming up next year
so please keep on checking the forum.
Pub Meetings:
Dorking area: Normally second Saturday in
Month, 12th April. Time 7.00pm for 7.30 meal.
The Owl, Dorking Road, Kingsfold, West Sussex,
RH12 3SA. Tel: 01306-628499. 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: We meet the last Saturday
in the month 26th April. Time 7.00pm at The Ship
Inn, 14 The Street, Cobham, Gravesend, Kent. Tel
01474 814326. If you plan to attend please leave
a post on the SE forum. Email Anthony.howells@
hotmail.com so we have an idea of numbers.
Surrey/Hants area: Last Tuesday in Month.
29th April. Time 8.00pm. The Jolly Farmer, Binsted
Road, Blacknest, Alton GU34 4QD. Tel:01420
22244. Club contact Nicola Ward Tel: 01428
713001. Full details and directions in South East
Region Forum and website.
Chair position available, please contact the
Club office for more information
Mid Wales
North Wales
South Wales
Hi guys, Not much to report this month I’m afraid?
I would like to start by thanking all those who
have given me their payments for the Gaydon
“National Festival” weekend, including overnight
accommodation, entry tickets and plaques! I have
taken care of all the bookings now, so that one is
“done and dusted” out of the way!
Just a reminder too, that Phil Marker (Z4M) has
kindly offered to organise an “Easter Run” for us on
Easter Monday! The route will be Chepstow, Forest of
Dean, Monmouth, Abergavenny then home. There is a
show at Coleford town centre, so a stop there for chips
and a pint etc! The route will be given out on a flyer at
our meets in April on Wed 2nd and 16th, so if you can
make it PLEASE let me know either way. Should be a
good day out, as spring has finally arrived!
Also don’t forget, that you don’t need to wait
64
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
4
Peter Sherratt 07718 042888
[email protected]
to be texted, if you see an event in the list below
that you wish to attend, please let me know yeah!!
It would seem that I am struggling to get response
to events this year, so if there is anybody else who
would like to take up the challenge, of organising
our visits to these events instead of me, then could
you please make yourself heard!
As I have mentioned before, it could be time to
change the venue for our twice monthly pub meets.
So if any of you have any ideas for a new location,
then please let me know. But obviously taking into
consideration keeping it central close to the M4
corridor, a suitable large car park and good grub
would be a bonus too! We have had a suggestion
for the Copper Penny at Baglan Retail Park, so we
will have to check it out sometime in the near future,
once the weather improves!
Forthcoming Events
13: Autospray Southern Concours, Montacute House.
21: Philip Marker’s Easter Run
May:
3-4: BMW Car Club Welsh Weekend
(Aberystwyth)
10: BMW Car Club AGM (RAF Cosford Air
Museum, Telford)
June:
15: BMs On The Lawn (Western Super Mare)
July:
TBC: Festival Fields Classic Car Show (Llanelli)
This year to be held as a “one-off” at Pembrey
Country Park
20/03/2014 13: 4
Regions
Classic. See p.24
August:
See p.28.
Gaydon. (Bromsgrove/Gaydon -1 Night Stay).
Please book your tickets in advance (01970
267989). See p.22.
September:
TBC: Deutschland Dragon Run (Around The
Welsh Triangle)
November:
TBC: Welsh Region AGM
December:
12: Christmas Bash
If anybody 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. Also as I said earlier, if
somebody else wishes to organise a visit to an
event, please let me know. 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
Wessex
Tim Maltby 07885 252448
[email protected]
Forthcoming Events:
April
13: Autospray Southern Concours
21: Spring Classic Vehicle Show, Wyke Down,
Andover
Sunday March 9th and spring arrived! You may
recall earlier in the year what a torrid New
Year’s day greeted the car meet at Phoenix
Green. Norman Burnham spotted a car meet
up the road at the former White Lion at Hartley
Wintney, where the owner is a classic Jaguar
buff and hosts a meet every other Sunday. A
picture tells a better story …
May
11: Basingstoke Festival of Transport
July
20: Sherborne Classics at the Castle, Dorset.
We haven’t been here as a Region, but would
welcome your comments .Is it worth us
organising a Club presence this year?
– CHECK FOR 4 COLOR BLACK – SEPS PREVIEW ON – WATCH .doc PDFS etc
x
wcarclubgb.co.uk
ms of articles and
say nothing has been
empted a few on June
n on gaining ‘’Highly
A C2. We had our
mouth Area that took
y 3rd which produced a
summer evening.
ng: Wednesday 7th
Hounds, Wimbourne,
& A31. Contact John
ival, Gaydon: Have
ted in joining us on
cours or a bit of fun
? On Sunday have you
egional Wessex display?
so that we can set up
challenges! Contact
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.
August:
See p.28.
(01970 267989). We will also need numbers for
our regional display area. See p.22.
Is there anything that you feel you would
like to attend? How about a Drive & Dine? Let
us know.
REGIONAL NEWS
Pub Meets
Tuesdays; 20th August, 17th September and 15th
October: 19.30 onwards The Fox, North Waltham,
Basingstoke RG25 2BE. Contact Simon Alcorn 07973
299024
Western
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
News
Forthcoming
Events:
April:
Here
we are, passed the halfway mark of 2013. I do
02: Regional
Meet. 7.30pm
onwards
the
hope
you are enjoying
the Car Club
eventsatdespite
the
weather.Inn,
ThisShepherds
month is of Way,
courseStour
National
Woolpack
Georges,
Festival
at Gaydon on
17/18th
Weston-S-Mare,
BS22
7XEAugust. I look forward
to
a number
of you there,
either on the
13:meeting
Autospray
Southern
Concours,
Western Region stand or somewhere around the show.
Montacute House. Last year saw around
Remember it’s over two days, with the Concours on
130 cars on
show with
taking
in
Saturday.
Margaret
and I about
will be35
a lot
freer part
this year
– no Show and Shine to deal with. Last year, we had
a Regional picnic at lunchtime 1.00–2.00. It would
be good to do the same this year, so just come to the
As per the Retro does
Region’s area with your lunch. It’s a good time to meet
round and displaying
up and have a chat as most of you will be visiting the
Contact Tim Maltby
stands during the day.
BMW_April14_4other
2.indd
Forthcoming Events
SEPTEMBER
01: Prescott Hill Climb, Gotherington, Nr
Cheltenham
This is a round of the British and Midland
Championships and a very popular event last year. It’s
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
please
let meThis
know
if you
like to attend
– £12turn
Concours.
year
wewould
are expecting
a larger
per
the gate).
outperson
with a(£15
fewontrade
stands marked as coming, so
far we have bodywork, mechanical and a Valeting
Pub Meets
product supplier earmarked to come along.
Our very friendly and entertaining pub meets continue
The Concours will be judged as the ‘Pride of
on the first Wednesday of each month as usual. I
Ownership’
category
making
a more
eventful
would love to see
some new
faces,it plus
all my
usual
event offorcourse.
competitors.
An Weds
entry 7th
feeAugust
of £5.00
friends
Next Meet:
– per
car will be
on the
gate
visitors
will
Woolpack
Inn,taken
Shepherds
Way,
St and
Georges,
Weston–
Super-Mare,
BS22 7XE.
01934
521670
or and grounds.
also get reduced
entry
to the
house
www.woolpack.butcombe.com
Set in the beautiful grounds of Montacute House
and gardens (National Trust site) giving other
attractions apart from cars for people to visit, a
coffee shop is also on site.
May
Nigel Smith
[email protected]
June:
15: BMs on the Lawn, Weston-Super-Mare
seafront lawns.
July
August:
See p.28.
(01970 267989). See p.22.
65
20/03/2014 13: 4
BMW_April14_4
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20/03/2014 13: 4
Registers
REGISTERS
Registers
ALPINA
Simon Alcorn 07973 299024
[email protected]
CLASSIC
John Castle
[email protected]
By chance at the Club Board meeting on 1
March a number of copies of “Roundel”,
the club magazine of the BMW Car Club of
America, were on hand to give an idea of what
other English language clubs provide for their
members. The car articles are much the same
as ours but Roundel tends to have more pages
written by a panel of members dealing with
different topics (and a far better classifieds
section of cars and parts for sale). Near the
end of their October 2013 issue was an article
headed “Running on Empty” in which the author
lamented the demise of BMW Mobile Tradition,
started in 1994, which had been staffed by
classic enthusiasts who knew their cars and
provided knowledgeable support to classic
BMW owners world wide. Sadly Christian Eich,
who had created Mobile Tradition, was killed
with his family in the Concorde Flight 4509 crash
in Paris in 2000 and the division began to loose
its old ethos and momentum. The name was
changed to BMW Classic and the focus changed
to maintaining the fabulous collection of old
cars held by the company and in undertaking
restorations for wealthy customers rather than
maintaining the parts catalogues for the really
specialist bits we classic owners need. The
going rate for a 3.0CSL restoration, for example,
is about £130,000 but a viscous fan coupling for
an E9, costing say £40, is “No Longer Available”.
I have to say that I have noticed the change and
an ex-BMW Classics, Park Lane, manager told
me that he too found the modern BMW Classic
organisation disinterested and unhelpful.
I can understand that running an organisation
for old cars has its problems. The list keeps
growing yet the pool of cars which need to be
supported gets smaller. But it would help if
Classic were to talk to their customers and for
BMW Munich to realise that classic car owners
are their only PR resource where the “resource
owners” actually pay their own costs to be able to
“advertise”. The massive publicity we provide we
actually pay for. I can never go to a petrol station
in my CSL without someone saying something nice
about it or saying they do not see “many like those
around now-a–days”.
I am trying to find a route into the Munich setup but it is hard work and I do not hold out much
confidence that, up against the volume of current
BMW models and electric cars our pool of classics
will carry much weight. But it is worth trying.
As the floods recede and we get the odd
glorious sunny day, events at which the Club
intends to have a major “Classic” presence are
being organised.
Duxford Spring Car Show, 4 May. The Club
has been allocated an initial 200 spaces for this
popular “start of season” commercial event.
Because the Club is a participant there is a
separate entrance for BMW owners and tickets
are sold at the entrance. We need to help George
Champ of the East Anglia Region (eastanglia@
bmwcarclubgb.co.uk) and John Safe Central
Region ([email protected]) who have very
kindly volunteered to co-ordinate the gathering
by contacting one of them to say you will attend.
E3
February has been a busy month for technical
issues which are more suited to the
e-newsletter. It is clear that members use the
winter months to catch up on servicing or to
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
Motorsport at the Palace is a charity event
at Crystal Palace, 25-26 May at which the
Club is intending to have a display of five classics
each day. These five cars get free entry whilst for
the rest it is £10 at the gate. The highlight will
be the timed sprints around part of the old circuit
which several club members will be entering. Neil
Macdonald ([email protected]) and Tim
Fathers ([email protected]) are sorting
out the displays and some places are still available
for certain models to show the Classic Section at
its best. Even the catalogue for the event is worth
viewing, see www.motorsportatthepalace.co.uk
Silverstone Classic, 25-27 July. This is
one of the major commercial events at which the
Club supports BMW UK by having a fully managed
display adjacent to the BMW Hospitality Suite.
A Parade Lap, carried over due to a torrential
downpour last year (sounds familiar) will be
re-staged. Details are on p.24 of this issue with
booking codes as it is important to make your
booking before 31 May in order to get your Club
Display Pass to be able to park in the BMW display
area. If you would like to help marshal or officiate
on any of the three days of the event, Duncan
Parker ([email protected]) would
be delighted to hear from you.
Tony Wilkes with help from Nigel Gibb
[email protected]
One of the great benefits of a Register is that
its members are its eyes and ears when spares
and documents show up in odd corners of the
country which otherwise might be lost or thrown
away. Registers are clearing houses for snippets
of information so do feed anything which
you see which might be of interest to Tony or
Nigel. For example a blue 1974 2500 with full
service history and current MoT appeared first
for sale on eBay at £6000 and we then tracked
it for auction for £4,500 to £5,500 in the West
Country. It looked reasonable in the pictures but
like all E3s would need a close inspection before
parting with £4,500.
E9 CS
This is to ensure there is enough space because
most of the UK BMW Forums are also getting
members to attend and spaces for each model
could be at a premium. It is a great day out and
free entrance to the enormous Duxford collection
of aircraft is included in the ticket.
In researching the history of the E3, one of
the interesting items has been the participation
in 1973 of Dealer Team BMW, with three 3.0Sis
in the Avon Tour of Britain. The three cars were
prepared by Mathwall Engineering with different
sponsors and they were driven by Roger Bell,
Tony Lanfranchi, Donald MacLeod and other guest
drivers. The good news is that a replica of the Tony
Lanfranchi car, prepared by Alex Elliott, a great
supporter of our E3 and E9 Registers, was back on
the track at the Goodwood Revival 29/30 March
driven by Andy Priaulx and I hope to get some
pictures (from you?) for our next Register report.
Comments at the time these E3s were racing were
(also includes the 2000CS with Ian Juffs)
deal with problems which take their cars off the
road for several weeks and it is these sorts of
problems where a Register can help – there are
few problems with our 40 year old cars which
that Mathwall did not have to do much to the cars
to make them very competitive other than racing
safety additions such as roll cage, fire extinguisher
etc. This is further endorsement of the view that
the E3 in its time was a better handling car than
the E9 before the latter was fully developed in July
1973 with its aerodynamic package and extensive
engine and suspension modifications. The E3 really
does justify its reputation as a super classic saloon
to own and drive.
The Register is planning to be at the Crystal
Palace gathering in May (see above). We do need
support so please contact Tony if you are going so
you can link up.
John Castle, and Nick Hull
[email protected]
have not emerged before, yet there are usually
plenty of solutions. You only need to ask.
I have been advising a number of members who
have been considering buying one of the three
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20/03/2014 13: 4
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E9s which have appeared for sale recently. Two
CSAs emerged from periods of “storage” and
a CSi with a tuned engine was re-activated.
Advice based on photographs is always hit or
miss because the problems with the E9 are more
often than not below the skin even if the car
has a current MoT. One car had a quite severe
rust patch on the flat surface between the front
edge of the boot lid and the side pillar of the
windscreen (with the BMW roundel on it).
Now, by any stretch of the imagination, this is
an area of the car which should not rust although
a leaking rear corner of the rear windscreen could
allow water to track down to the area. Seeing
this on any E9 would put me on red alert for more
rust elsewhere which is still hidden under the skin
elsewhere. Another serious surface sign on one of
the other cars was a row of paint bubbles down
the front wing just behind the dummy grille and
in front of the door shut. This is the exact location
of the inner wheel well panel which is fitted to
prevent road muck lodging inside the wheel arch
space. Paint bubbles on the surface mean that the
wing is probably badly rusted on the inside and,
no doubt, the front strut structure will be rusted as
well. Think £6000 to £7000 to put it right. It is sad
to have to advise caution but all three cars were for
sale at prices which would have made restoration
a financially risky business.
During the month I came across a BMW
training pamphlet dealing with anti-locking
brake systems (ABS). BMW started developing
a system with ATE in 1968 and by 1974 felt
confident enough to try the system in competition
on a CSL driven by Hans Stuck in the Nürburgring
Six Hours. Whilst at the time other manufacturers
E12/E28
It has been a quiet month on the Sharknosed
front although I have completed working on
articles with two members, the first covering his
experience of owning an M535i, the second on
restoring a 520i, for publication in Straight Six so watch out for these articles in future issues.
What was so clearly evident from helping with
the articles was that both cars were (and are)
really affordable modern classics. Parts are
available from a plentiful supply of models
being dismantled or for new parts, from BMW
Classic. Both cars are mainstream, so that
Supported by Pat Tremain and Geoff Weeks.
[email protected]
they could be worked on by competent local
independent garages and both cars are perfectly
at home in modern traffic conditions with ample
four seats and roomy boot capacities. They are
safe cars too because BMW at the time was one
of the manufacturers subjecting their models
to extensive crash testing. I finished my report
last month and will repeat this month; “Sharks”
are seriously good useable classics. Good ones
are appreciating rapidly” and we want to hear
from Club members and non-members alike to
provide a focal point in the UK for right hand
02
Championship and the FIA Masters Historic
Sports car Championship will feature but with
a whole host of other support races including
Gentlemen Drivers Pre ‘66. There will be track
demonstrations from a variety of F1 cars, as well
as off track entertainment featuring live music.
Email me or call for a ticket and please only
ask if you can attend as you’ll be preventing
others. For those lucky enough to secure a ticket
I will send out arrival times, parking location
and track time with your tickets. It is probable
that our lap of the track will happen at the end
E21
Well it has been a hectic few months and there
have been a few changes with my E21. I had
hoped that the Group 2 replica would make it
to the NEC, as part of the BMW Car Club stand,
but a clumsy bit of parking by a neighbour meant
the rear arch and quarter bore the brunt. All
that hard work and now it needed replacement
panels for the repairs to be done - just to get
back to the point we had reached before. As a
result, it looked pretty unlikely that I could make
the deadlines I had set for doing some sprint
and hillclimb events in 2014. It was that which
prompted the decision to sell. A decision that
brought about its own problems including 24hrs
stranded in Dublin airport! I hope the Group 2
replica will eventually be completed by its new
owner but time will tell I guess?
BMW_April14_4
drive models. Just think, one like this could be
yours for summer outings.
Richard Stern 07770 443373
[email protected]
The Masters Historic Festival at Brands Hatch
24-25th May (Bank Holiday weekend). I have
a very limited amount of tickets for classic
BMW cars and drivers per club to attend. If
you wish to purchase additional tickets for any
passengers, please visit the new website: www.
brandshatchmastersfestival.com
The event this year will be celebrating the
50th anniversary of the first Grand Prix at Brands
Hatch which should make it a wonderfully
evocative weekend. As part of the action on
the GP circuit, the FIA Masters Historic F1
68
were starting to fit ABS for the rear wheels,
BMW wanted to have a four wheel system
from the outset. Not only was Stuck able to out
brake his rival Ford Capris into the corners but he
also found he could continue to brake through a
corner, which until then had been unthinkable.
Unfortunately the car was eliminated by an
accident followed by a mechanical failure and
because BMW withdrew from motor racing as a
company at the end of the year, the system was
not tried again in competition until 1975 in the
IMSA cars. Production versions of the system
were eventually fitted to the 7 series in 1978. So
the CSL was not only first competition car with
full aerodynamics but also with ABS.
If you can make the Crystal Palace event with
your E9 please contact Neil Macdonald or Tim
Fathers, as explained above.
2.indd
of the day
[email protected] or 07770 443373
(sensible times please).
Please keep up to date with event news via
Twitter @MastersHistoric or on Facebook
Mark Brown 07958 173098
[email protected]
With the advent of the internet, searching
out those elusive spare parts has got a whole
lot easier. Unfortunately, this also means there
are more people being scammed or not receiving
parts that they’ve paid for. Another problem
arises when people buy things unseen. To my
mind, if you’re going to buy a car or part, without
inspecting it first, you don’t really have the
right to then moan if it isn’t what you’d hoped. I
have reached a point now, where I won’t sell to
people who don’t come see what they’re buying.
My 316 build is now into its 18th month but
it finally feels like we are in the home straight.
Mechanically we have pretty much finished
and attention has now turned to completing the
bodywork. As with any BMW of the era, there
are always rust issues to contend with, but this
shell has been better than most. That said, when
we removed the windows, we found a couple of
holes in the corner of the windscreen surround.
We also found another hole beneath the rear,
side window rubber. It seems as if the design of
the screen rubber means that it holds moisture
in these places. The resulting rust means water
finds its way into the glove box and that’s never
a good thing. So, with the rust ground out and
the holes welded up, we now have a totally
rust-free E21. We also welded up the holes left
from deleting trim and the passenger side wiper.
The only other bodywork has been dressing
the wheel arches to clear the wider tyres. The
wheels are staggered 8 and 9J x 15 with 205
and 215 rubber. There is also less negative
camber on the rear, thanks to the E21 diff and
20/03/2014 13: 4
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rear beam swap, so the arches have needed
a little persuasion not to rub. It’s only a subtle
modification but is obvious when combined with
a stock arch profile. Anyway, the plan is that
next week I will be lending a hand with prep
work and Mick will paint my car next weekend. I
simply cannot wait to see how the Laguna Seca
Blue looks on an E21!
Watching online, there have been a few
E21s come up for sale recently. There are few
323is’ out there, when combined to 316s though,
but prices are about as low as they’re likely to
be. I know some folk feel I should have left my
316 as a nice, stock, low mileage car instead of
modifying it as I have. In truth though, there are
enough nice 316s out there and in doing what
I have, I have ensured that mine will still be
around for a good few years. As a beige 316, it
was on that slippery slope to becoming an old
banger. It didn’t even have a 5-speed gearbox!
Had it been a 323i though, it would have been
well worth keeping it stock. A decent 316 can
be had for around £2k on average, but you’ll be
paying that for a 323 restoration project. If you
can find one that is?!
What is evident though is just how much
more interest there is in E21s nowadays. You
only have to look at the relevant magazines and
internet forums, to see there are some stunning
UK E21 out there now. Those of you who attend
shows will no doubt see some of these cars for
yourselves in the coming months. There is also
lots of E21s running the m52/2.8 conversion,
which makes an E21 a properly quick car. It used
to be the norm’ to do a 2.7 M20 conversion,
where you’d be lucky to see 190bhp. Today
though, a £200 engine from a 328i and inlet
swap will give over 220bhp! I can think of at
E23/32/7 Series
E24
Photo Shoots have been mentioned several
times in E24 Register reports following receipt
of very helpful guidelines from Classic & Sports
Car Magazine. The M Power article in March
C&SC will presumably be reviewed quite widely
in Straight Six but I have a few comments to
add. The article written by James Page, Deputy
Editor, is certainly a very competent introduction.
Although many of us will be familiar with some
of the content, the comparison between the
selected M car models makes very interesting
reading and ‘The Best of the Best’ from Alistair
Clements, Magazine Editor, adds to the overall
impressive picture.
The only technical grumble is that numbers
built quoted are international and overlook the
very small UK numbers. For the record, these
were E12 M535i - 408, E28 M5 - 177, E24
M635CSi - 477 (UK only), and E30 M3 Evo II - 51
(UK LHD), total E30 M3 - 290. The magazine has
a massive 250 pages covering an almost eclectic
variety of cars ranging from modest to grand but
the mostly top end advertising gives a rather
museum like feel and driving does not seem to
have much priority. The ads are almost entirely
without BMW except for some 507, Z8 and M1
rarities. The BMW M Power article contrasts
all this with a feeling of a crisp and modern
driving experience. James Page has a resonant
quotation about the E24 M6: “BMW viewed
Andrew Gilbert 01353 727173
[email protected]
John Rogers
[email protected]
with disdain the sort of individual who arrived in
a flurry of Guards Red”. Cool indeed.
Meetings:
A reminder that we are planning to meet on
Sunday 6th April at RAF Hendon from 11am.
As usual all Car Club members will be most
welcome. Please email me for map and
directions and do remember to arrive from the
A41 at Aerodrome Road. Huw Samuel proposed
that Register meetings should be organised in
his area accessible anywhere from the Midlands
to Cumbria. We have now heard from a few
owners but could you please email me to be
added to Huw’s list.
Specialist maintenance tools:
We have recently been contacted by Matthew
Rees who is 65% through an E24 restoration
E30
Motorsport at the Palace is a charity
event at Crystal Palace, 25-26 May at
which the Club is intending to have a display
of five classics each day. These five cars
get free entry whilst for the rest it is £10
at the gate. The highlight will be the timed
sprints around part of the old circuit which
several club members will be entering. Neil
Macdonald ([email protected]) and
Tim Fathers ([email protected]) are
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
least six cars that were converted over the past
year. The results just speak for themselves.
Anyone in London come May, I would
suggest a visit to Crystal Palace, for the
Motorsport at the Palace sprint over the Bank
Holiday weekend. I’ve entered for the past few
years and hope to be there in an E30 M3. The
eclectic mix of cars is one of the great things
about this event, along with just how close you
can get to the cars and the action. There can’t
be many pits where you can see Lancia 037,
Alfa GTV, Aston Martin DB5, BMW M3 and
single seaters? There is also a Classic Car Show
for when you get tired of watching the sprint. I
cannot wait and just hope we are blessed with
some good weather this year. Anyway, hopefully I’ll be reporting progress
on MIB next month? I know it’s not an E21 but
the M3 might have arrived by then also?
project. His company manufactures stainless
steel specialist tools and he is currently making
for Ron Inskip a set of tools for working on the
E24 front suspension.
Perhaps throughout the various Registers
there are requirements for such tools and Ron
has been asked to let us have a report. We are
expecting some images but, as a reminder, this
was Brucey’s special tool which he showed us at
Hendon last year. Given up guessing? He tells us
it is a boot (trunk) spring adjusting tool.
E10 Fuel: The newspapers confirm that
some E10 is to be on sale during this year but
presumably we will continue to be able to
access existing categories. There are some scary
reports online about the dire consequences of
E10. For some years I have enjoyed good results
from Tesco 99RON which includes E5. Neil McDonald
[email protected]
sorting out the displays and some places are
still available for certain models to show the
Classic Section at its best. Even the catalogue
for the event is worth viewing, see www.
motorsportatthepalace.co.uk
Silverstone Classic, 25-27 July. This
is one of the major commercial events at
which the Club supports BMW UK by having
a fully managed display adjacent to the BMW
Hospitality Suite. A Parade Lap, carried over
due to a torrential downpour last year (sounds
familiar) will be re-staged. Details are on
p.24 of this issue with booking codes as it is
important to make your booking before 31 May
in order to get your Club Display Pass to be
able to park in the BMW display area. If you
would like to help marshal or officiate on any
of the three days of the event, Duncan Parker
([email protected]) would be
delighted to hear from you.
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M POWER
Position Available. Please contact the Club Office
for more details – [email protected]
M4 DTM
The submission of the necessary papers for
the aerodynamic homologation of the 2014spec DTM cars to the Deutsche Motor Sport
Bund (DMSB) also marks the end of a busy,
and yet exciting, period for BMW Motorsport.
Development work on the BMW M4 DTM, which
will compete in the forthcoming DTM season,
has been in full swing in recent weeks and
months. As of March 1st, it is no longer possible
to make modifications to fundamental areas of
the car, heralding a new phase of preparations
for the start of the season in Hockenheim on
4th May. The forthcoming tests will primarily
focus on optimising detailed aspects of the total
package and understanding how to exhaust the
full potential of the BMW M4 DTM.
The new car will make public appearances
out on the track at the official ITR tests in
Budapest (31st March – 3rd April) and then at
the final test in Hockenheim (14th – 17th April).
Like last year, the official presentation of all
eight BMW M4 DTMs on 25th April in Munich’s
BMW Welt will provide BMW Motorsport fans
with a mouth-watering taste of what they can
look forward to in the new season.
“Even before the BMW M3 DTM completed
its final race last season, our development team
CONCOURS
was already hard at work on the 2014 car,” said
BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.
“Preparing a new car for the DTM is a big
challenge. In few other series is aerodynamics
so important. Even the slightest detail can make
the difference between success and failure. And
this attention to detail shown by our engineers
is apparent at first glance – from the elongated
bonnet with its steeply sloping front and
aerodynamically optimised wing mirrors, to the
contoured roofline that is a characteristic feature
of the BMW M4.”
Marquardt added: “For me, the BMW M4
DTM is an absolute highlight. Like its production
counterpart, it looks fantastic and it also made a
positive first impression at our tests. Unlike when
we were developing the BMW M3 DTM for our
return to the DTM in 2012, this time around we
were able to call upon the wealth of experience
gained over the last two seasons. Despite this,
we still have a long road ahead of us – the
opposition have continued to develop their cars
in the meantime. It is important to continue
gradually improving the new car and ensure we
can get the very best out of it, in order to be
able to compete on a par with our strong and
experienced rivals right from the outset with the
BMW M4 DTM. I am confident we will achieve
this. Every DTM fan can already look forward to
the first showdown in Hockenheim on 4th May:
only then will we know exactly how competitive
the BMW M4 DTM really is.”
supported by
As you may have seen last month, our National
Concours 2014 will be held on the Saturday
before the big, and all new, National Festival
festival at Gaydon. The venue will be the
Ettington Chase Hotel nr. Stratford, where we
shall also be holding our Annual Dinner in the
evening plus we have reserved a number of
double/twin/single rooms at preferential rates on
first come first served basis. Those not entering
our Concours are more than welcome to stroll
around the spectacle and also relax in the hotel
grounds and use their leisure facilities.
For our competitors, arrival will be from
8.30am with judging commencing around
10.30/11.00am (dependent upon numbers) and
should be concluded by 3.30-4.00pm. The score
cards will be checked and awards and prizes
presented in the Main Arena on the Sunday. Any
first timers considering entering, and indeed for
those experienced, do visit the Club’s website and
under Concours you will find our judging sheets
and guidelines.
For those who still cannot bring themselves
to compete at Concours, the Show and Shine
will return for 2014, albeit there will be limited
numbers available and only for those who have
MINI
BMW_April14_4
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BMW Motorsport engineers started to look
ahead to 2014 and began working on the
development of the new BMW M4 DTM well
before the start of the 2013 DTM season. The
first model made its first appearance in the wind
tunnel at the BMW Group’s Aero Lab on 22nd
April – 13 days before the opening race of the
2013 season in Hockenheim. In the summer
of 2013, while continuing with aerodynamic
testing, the experts in Munich turned their
attention to designing new suspension parts.
The new components made their first on-track
outing in December 2013 – but still within the
BMW M3 DTM at that point. The final parts
for the chassis of the BMW M4 DTM were in
production by the turn of the year, allowing the
BMW teams to assemble the first models of the
new car in January and February. Three hundred
days after the first test in the wind tunnel, the
BMW M4 DTM took to the track for its track
debut in Monteblanco in Spain on 11th
February 2014.
The production version of the BMW M4
Coupé provided BMW Motorsport with a perfect
basis for developing the DTM racing car. Hardly
surprising, given the fact that the primary goal
of the BMW M GmbH engineers working on
the BMW M4 Coupé was to create a robust car
suitable for use on the racetrack. Among those to
make valuable contributions towards achieving
this goal were DTM drivers Bruno Spengler
and Timo Glock, who took part in tuning tests
at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. "I am proud
to have played my part in the fine-tuning," said
Spengler. "The chassis of the BMW M4 Coupé is
very sporty. The feedback from the front axle is
extremely direct, and the grip on the rear axle is
phenomenal. This car is the ideal basis for our car
in the DTM."
Steve Haslam
[email protected]
indeed prepared their cars for the show. We
reserve the right to refuse entry to any care not
considered suitably prepared - so be warned!
STOP PRESS – We have just been informed
that there will be a Concours at the forthcoming
Donington Prestige German Car Show on Sunday
27th April and we have been allocated up to
seven places. If you are interested in competing
then let me know ASAP to book your place. For
other enquiries about the show and the club
stand cars speak to Tony S – see Central news.
Finally, do see your Regional News pages for
your local Regional Concours events.
Ian Martin 01865 589550 or 07879 642593
[email protected]
Facebook: MINI Register UK
Twitter: @MINIRegisterUK
Flicker: MINI Register UK
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01865 589550 or 07879 642
593 (please leave a message or
send a text)
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MINI Events 2014
April
27: 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.
Check the North East Region Section for
full and up to date details!
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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
15-25: MINI Does the Ring! - Kelly Brabbin
and I 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) and
Kelly will be taking her R53 MINI Cooper S 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.
June
8: Mini Cooper Day - The annual Beaulieu
event has always been one of the significant
events on the MINI calendar, with a large
display of Coopers from each of the marques,
ranging from 1961 Coopers up to the latest New
MINI John Cooper Works.
Trade stands will be available for all those
elusive items with all your favourite traders. 22: The Mega MINI Meet – Lytham Hall,
Lytham St Annes, I’ve provisionally booked for
six MINIs and the organisers are also asking if
BMW’s would like to join us!
July
25-27: Silverstone Classic – The MINI
Register has been asked to make a big show of
MINIs this year as previous shows there was
only my JCW GP2 there, all Modern and classic
MINI/Mini welcome to attend regardless of
BMWCC membership, so if you can help me
with this it would be much appreciated as I been
tasked with looking after the MIN/Mini area!
To order your tickets call 0871 231 0849 or visit
www.silverstoneclassic.com and to benefit from
the fantastic car club display package and obtain
your infield vehicle pass, please quote your MINI
Register booking code: C14077
The earlier you book the bigger the discount!
So come on let’s make a big MINI show!
August
10: Mini In The Park - Santa Pod Raceway
“The UK’s Top Mini Show” for owners of Classic
Minis and Modern MINIS, plus Mini Clubs and
a Mini show for car fans of all ages. Mini In The
Park (‘mitp’ for short) is the only British Mini
show that features Mini Concours, Mini RunWhat-Ya-Brung (RWYB) racing, Mini Club car
displays, a Win-A-Mini competition, Mini Trade
Stands and Auto jumble, plus lots of great action
and entertainment, and a great Mini festival
atmosphere.
17: National Festival – Heritage Motor Centre,
Gaydon our very own club annual show for
BMW and MINI. For full details see the ad in
Straight Six.
September
28: The BIG MINI Show! – Penkridge Market,
Penkridge, a MINI show aimed at the modern
MINI enthusiast, the show promises to be jam
packed full of everything MINI and more, so if
you own a modern MINI this is the show you
need to visit this year! With the biggest names
in MINI specialists and traders who will be
exhibiting with the latest products and ideas
to make your Mini unique! The Big MINI Show
wouldn’t be complete without the UK’s Biggest
MINI Clubs showing off what they have to offer!
MINI Challenge 2014
April 26-27: Donington Park
May 10-11: Brands Hatch Indy – Mini Festival
June 21-22: Snetterton 300- British F3/GT
July 12: Oulton Park
August 2: Castle Combe
August 16-17: Silverstone GP
September 13-14: Brands Hatch GP – Dutch
Super Cars
1 SERIES
May:
24-26: Enfield Pageant and Collectors Bazaar.
This is an event open to all BMWs which I’ve
attended for the last eight years. In exchange for
showing your (clean) car off on the South East
Region stand, everyone in your car (driver and
passengers) get free entry. It’s a fantastic event
with a lot to do and see. If you are interested
please let me know your name and car details and
I will arrange your tickets. Please note: You will
need to be on site by 10am and will not be able to
leave until 4pm. For more information about the
event visit: www.whitewebbsmuseum.co.uk
25: BBMW Northern Romp. This event has been
held for a few years now and involves a day of
driving through the countryside in Cumbria while
stopping off every now and then to enjoy the sights
BMW_April14_4
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1
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!
So 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
01970 267989 or email: ian@miniregisteruk.
co.uk
Modern MINI Magazine – If you’re a MINI
Register member and not getting your copy
of Modern MINI please get in touch with club
office and let them know so they 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!
Danny Nolan
[email protected]
and scenery. Meeting at the George and Dragon,
Clifton, Cumbria; Members usually meet the night
before to catch up. There are rooms available from
£95 including a lovely breakfast in the morning. For
more details, please see the BabyBMW Forum or
email me and I’ll point you in the right direction.
July:
25-27: Silverstone Classic. Don’t let the
name fool you, while the cars on the track have
been around before the 1 Series was even in
the minds of BMW’s designers. The cars off
the track are both old and new. The Car Club is
planning to have its biggest stand yet and the
Club discount makes the event even sweeter. I’m
hoping we can get a good turnout at this event;
with the Club planning to make a big impact on
the event. See p.24 for more details on the event
and how to book your tickets.
August:
16: National Concours, Ettington Chase Hotel,
Stratford-upon-Avon. (See p.28)
Gaydon. (See p.22)
September:
28: BMW Show, Santa Pod Raceway. It’s
back for its 8th year and all BMWs are welcome;
race cars, show cars, modern, retros, classics,
new MINIs and BMW bikes. The whole event
is based around the drag strip which is open to
everyone to test their car and skill over a 1/4 mile
strip (£25 for unlimited runs). Tickets last year
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20/03/2014 13: 4
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were £12, with the 1 Series stand organised by my
good friend Nick Smith. Tickets will be organised
closer to the date, so keep your diary free.
Other events
There will be other events popping up; from
general meets to all day trips. For the latest
TRACK DAYS
We kicked off our 2014 season in grand style on
a fine spring like day at Snetterton on March 1st.
Congratulations to our Driver of the Day, Paul
Dadswell in a Z3M Coupe and runner up Warren
Haills in his E30 323i. Snetterton has quickly
established itself as one of our favourites and
we look set to open our season here year on
year.
Nick Wright 07714 805804
[email protected]
We have a new sponsor to add to our
list; this time it is the nice people at HornbyScalextric - which is not far from the circuit. We
were donated a fantastic digital Scalextric set
to raffle off to raise funds. The set was claimed
by serial raffle winner Chris Biglin with a £1
ticket bought on the day. We will have another
Scalextric set up for grabs at or next track day at
X REGISTER
The New X4
The new BMW X4 is based on the technical
blueprint of the BMW X3, but displays a sporting
character very much its own and takes dynamics
to another new level. That much is clear when
72
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2
Cadwell Park on May 6.
A full feature from Snetterton is on p.46
and all the photos from the day are on our Flickr
page: www.flickr.com/bmwccgb
If you are on Facebook why not join our
Track Day Register Group? Search for Trackday
Register and keep up to date with the latest
news and info.
Jonathan Harris
[email protected]
you view the new model head-on. The large air
intakes positioned on the outer edges of the
front end and the character lines in the front
apron allow the BMW X4 – with its signature
BMW twin headlights and front fog lamps (both
optionally with LED technology) – to maximise
its visual presence on the road.
The driver and front passenger sit 20
millimetres lower than in the BMW X3. In
conjunction with the two-seat look of the rear,
this accentuates the coupe character of the new
BMW in the classy and exclusive interior as
well. At the same time, the X4 offers generous
levels of space for up to five people and –
thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split rear seat
backrest – impressive versatility.
BMW X4, customers can choose from three
petrol engines and a trio of diesel units from the
Z REGISTER
I’m sure that those of us who take our cars off the
road over the worst of the winter weather will
be thinking about getting your car back out on to
the open road. So I thought that I would supply a
check sheet for you to read, so hopefully your car
is out on the road with no problems.
It might seem obvious, but just have a
look around your car to see if there is anything
noticeable like cracked light covers etc, but more
so have a look underneath your car and see if you
have any leaks from the coolant system, or any
oil leaks or even hydraulic fluid leaks from the
braking system. It is not uncommon for the rubber
seals to perish over the months in storage. Those
cars with a hydraulic clutch operate the pedal
to see if it operates as it should, check the level
and see if there are any leaks in the hydraulic
system. Depending what you find will depend on
what action you take next. Inside the engine bay
inspect all belts for cracks, and examine all the
coolant hoses looking for leaks or just the overall
general condition.
Visually inspect each tyre for cracks in the
sidewalls and check the tread depth and replace
as necessary. Hopefully you have had your battery
on charge, while your car has been in storage
as this keeps the battery in good condition, if
not it will be flat and need charging to allow you
to start the car. If you are happy to start the car
and it starts, let it warm up without revving the
info keep an eye on the Forum. Any questions or
ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
BMW EfficientDynamics engine family, whose
output ranges from 184bhp to 313bhp. All the
engines meet the EU6 exhaust gas standard. The
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology of the stateof-the-art engines offers a promise of superb
performance married with exceptionally low fuel
consumption. For example, the flagship petrol
unit in the BMW X4 xDrive35i boasts 34.0mpg
on a combined cycle. Developing an outstanding
306bhp and peak torque 295 lb-ft, the BMW
X4 xDrive35i requires just 5.5 seconds to sprint
from 0 to 62mph. And an equally impressive
performer in terms of power delivery and CO2
efficiency is the BMW X4 xDrive35d Its 3.0-litre
six-cylinder in-line engine generates 313bhp and
peak torque of 465 lb-ft. The BMW X4 xDrive35d
accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 5.2 seconds and
averages over 47mpg.
Alan Jones 07749 286736
[email protected]
engine, and again have a good look around your
car checking for any leaks or other problems.
This would also be a good time to check the
operation of all the lights, with the engine running
while you check the operation of the lights, you
shouldn’t drain the battery too much.
This is only a quick list for you to follow,
as depending how long your vehicle has stood
will determine the level of checks required,
to enable you to drive safely back on the road
again and enjoy your car. One final thing, don’t
for get to check that your insurance, road tax or
MoT hasn’t expired.
I’ve noticed that in Car Mechanics (February
issue) and Practical Classics (March issue)
there’s a buyer’s guide for the Z3. Both guides
give the Z3 a good write up, stating that the car
is an absolute bargain and really good value
for money at the present time, so hopefully the
prices may soon rise. They also state that the
bigger engine six-pots are the best model to buy
because of the extra power. It’s a pity that these
comments were not aired when the car was
launched, as there may have been a lot more
cars produced than there were.
One final thought don’t forget to order
your tickets for the Silverstone Classic on
the 25th- 27th of July, please visit www.
silverstoneclassic.com or call 08712310849,
and remember to use the booking code to
obtain your infield pass. The code for the Z3 is
C14081, but don’t forget this year any BMW can
attend using the infield pass code on p.25. This
discount package offer ends on the 31st May.
Thruxton Easter Revival, 19-20 April.
The special two-day event was established
12 months ago and harks back to the famous
Easter race meetings of the late Sixties and
Seventies when all the top drivers of the day
would compete at the superfast Hampshire
airfield circuit in front of huge holiday crowds.
Back then racing legends – including world
champions Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart and
Jochen Rindt – would wow the packed spectator
banks racing in iconic Formula 2, sports and
saloon cars. Many of those historic racing
machines will be back reliving that golden era.
The Easter Revival features an actionpacked programme including classic F2,
F5000, Formula Junior, 70s Road Sports plus
the opening rounds of the exciting new Super
Touring Car Championship with lots of great
nostalgic racing on both Saturday and Sunday
afternoons.
Keen to provide race fans with an evocative
display of period classic cars, the organisers
are offering free access for any car clubs eager
to be part of the show. A special parking area
is being created for classics within the circuit
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and up to six pairs of free tickets will be offered
to clubs registering in advance with Andrew
Franklin, General Manager at the Thruxton
Motor Sport Centre. His email address is:
Z1
Jamal Blanc
[email protected]
Knowledge, Transferred
The venue, hotel, distribution list, catering, flights,
guest speaker and tools, are all set, by the time
you read this the Technical Day should be good
to go. The first of potentially four meetings this
year, it feels like planning started in 2013, well
technically it did, as that’s when the idea was first
mooted, yet it’s still a few weeks away, to be held
in Harlow.
2008 was the very first UK Technical Day at
Sam’s hideaway, in an attempt to convert a few of
you into Z1 Gurus, we flew in the best, Z1 Oracle
Michael Kossyk from Hamburg, the main man
when it comes to troubleshooting those amazing
yet complicated sliding doors. He even develops
his own solutions for discontinued parts, which is
reassuring for us all.
As we face the harsh reality that the
capable skills required to maintain our cars are
on the wane, the need to become more selfreliant increases, we could all benefit from a Z1
survival course. Guy Markham of BMW Classic,
appreciates the difficult position we are in, he is
confident the classic service can bridge the gap
between owners and reliable repairer, source
‘almost’ any part and provide a door to door
service. With a park lane visit in the pipeline
with the South East Region, I hope to have that
conversation in more depth, so watch this space.
Although billed as a Technical Day, you do not
need to have a technical or mechanical background
per se, just be enthusiastic and bring enough
sandwiches for 15 hungry souls. As Michael keeps
reminding me “You have
to start somewhere, fixing
faults is as enjoyable as
cleaning the car”. I think
that’s what he said, judging
by his tone, it was said in
German
With varying levels of
experience, we have the likes
of Sam, Toni, Ivor, Richard
and Felix in attendance, who
are at the sharper end of the
knowledge spectrum, they
will be on hand to help the
shy take the fear out of panel
removal, headlights, seats,
under tray and identify the key components.
The aim is not to try and turn us into
overnight grease monkeys, but to give a view
of what goes on under the skin, understand the
terminology, go back to school and learn your
door catch from your latch, and your rollers from
your runners.
There is finally going to be a London Region,
open to all owners of the Ultimate Marque. Tim
Fathers will be our regional chairman, with his
experience and knowledge running monthly
meets in the Hertfordshire area, we have
someone who can hit the ground running. Split
into North, South, East and West London, we are
looking for enthusiastic Registers who don’t mind
spending a few hours per month on club matters,
being the point of contact for members, providing
Z3
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assistance and arranging a monthly meet. During
office hours, London is everything you’ve heard,
hustling and bustling with traffic and people and
parking is non-existent, so not the best place for
a meet. But once trading ceases for the day and
the city goes quiet, it’s the perfect time as the
lights and skyline are quite something. Coming
from the East and along the A13, Docklands,
Limehouse, Tower hill and embankment, taking
in our stunning landmarks along the way, The
O2, St Katherine’s Dock, Tower Bridge, St Pauls,
don’t forget to bring your camera, one of the few
opportunities to photograph your car outside one
of London’s world famous Heritage sites.
If you are based in the M25 or beyond and
would like to join us, please check the new Club
Directory for contact information or simply drop
me an email.
Mike Fishwick
[email protected]
Our daily driver, a VW Golf TDI, recently disgraced
itself with a major gearbox problem after a ‘mere’
195,000 miles, so the Z3 has been pressed into
handling all the usual chores, from shopping to
carrying lengths of wood and drain pipe, sacks of
cement, and almost every necessary job except
towing our trailer. This shows yet again that the
Z3 really is a practical proposition, rather than
the ‘Sunday Afternoon’ car which many people
suppose it to be. Of course, any excuse to drive the
Z3 on our traffic-free country roads is something to
be savoured.
One of the nice things about driving a Z3
in France is that the attitudes of others are so
different from those we experience in the UK, the
French being very complimentary, and finding it
hard to believe that the Red Zed is now almost
sixteen years old. This can sometimes work against
us though – at a Classic Car event our local club
was invited to we were almost thrown out, the
man in charge of parking being sure that it was a
new car!
On the road, the French either keep a
respectful distance or make a special effort to
overtake, in order to demonstrate the superiority of
BMW_April14_4
[email protected] Check out www.
thruxtonracing.co.uk
3
their old Renault or Peugeot, until they are blown
into the weeds. Even then they will catch up in
the next village, often then overtaking in the most
inadvisable places – do not try to race with the
locals!
At least the French are predictable and quite
competent, as they always keep a beady eye
open for any overtaking opportunity. With a visit
to the UK for the Club’s AGM on May 10, I find
that I become apprehensive about mixing with the
often aggressive drivers, who are more interested
in playing with their electronic toys than driving
properly. Many of them make the average French
drivers look like candidates for the Institute of
Advanced Motorists!
Before long the Z3 will be generally regarded
as a classic, aided in many ways by events such
as the Silverstone weekend, which bring BMW’s
small gem to the notice of those outside our circle.
With ‘Classic’ status looming for the Z3, it
is fortunate that our chosen car is devoid of the
various toys which today’s drivers seem to regard
as essential, such as built-in Sat Nav (ready to
become dated, failure-prone, and unsupportable)
with secondary functions such as telephone/radio/
heater/air conditioning/wiper controlled by a touch
screen – or worse still, voice-operated. Most
dealers answer to any problem will be to replace
electronic modules at the customer’s expense –
even if it does not cure the problem!
These ‘omissions’ mean that – thankfully – our
cars will be capable of being easily maintained,
and most of their electronic modules capable
of being repaired or even replaced by simple
alternatives.
‘Progress’ is usually a double-edged sword
– just look at the problems described in the
March issue of Straight Six which are involved
in fitting different springs to an E46, where the
front dampers are clamped into the hubs. While
this gives a small increase in suspension rigidity
and alignment accuracy, it is traded for a regular
problem involving sheared bolts, thanks to BMW’s
lack of anti-seize grease and a poor material
specification.
Wherever one looks at a Z3, one finds a level
of technology which his sufficient for the task in
hand, but without much overkill and its inherent
problems – after 14 years of ownership I am still
glad I bought mine!
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Recent
con. Central
locking. Twin2.5-litre,
airbags. 1989,135,000
Radio cassettemiles,
with 6-disc
CD changer.
tyres,
starter,
Manual
roof,Price
new radio/cd.
Cat 1Tel:
alarm.
Refurb
alloys,
tax andbrakes,
MoT. VGC.
Clubbelts.
Member
owned.
£3750 ovno
01923
251882
or
chrome
is excellent,
real headturner! I have old MoTs!!!! Please ring for further
07812 362774
Ref: 001/08/09F
details. (Watford, Herts) Price: £2595 ovno Tel: 01923 251882 or 07812 362774
Ref: 8628F
Z3. 2.0L 2000. Manual. Petrol. 79,000 miles. Limited edition colour MORA (purple).
Electric, heated cream leather seats piped to match car. Elec windows, elec
E30
325i
convertible.
2.5-litre,
1989,135,000
superb.
Recent
heated
wing
mirrors. Manual
hood.
6 stack CDmiles,
player.Red,
Air drives
con. PAS.
Silver
side
Z4brakes,
M Roadster.
(Nov
finished
In
Imola
Red with
full
Champagne
tyres,
starter,
belts.2007)
Manual
roof,
new
radio/cd.
CatMOT
1 alarm.
Refurb Leather
alloys,
vents(originals
available).
FSH
(BMW
stamped)
Most
old
certificates.
New
and
just 4real
21K
on MOT
the clock.
Extras
Include
full
Champagne
Leather
chrome
is just
excellent,
headturner!
I have
old
Please
ring for further
rearinterior
tyres
fitted.
months
6 months
Tax.MoTs!!!!
2 lady owners.
Complete
toolkit
Heated
Seats,
Pro Sat-Nav,
Bi Xenon
auto
lighting,
wipers,
uprated
and Interior,
unopened
firstHerts)
aid
kit.Price:
Comes
with private
plate.
Featured
inauto
Dec
2012 362774
Straight
details.
(Watford,
£2595
ovno
Tel:
01923
251882
or 07812
sound
(ParkSadly
Distance
Control),
Monitoring
Six “Invasion
of thePDC
Lakes”
for sale
as I’veTyre
justPressure
purchased
a new 3System,
series
Ref:
8628Fsystem,
BMW
Z3. 1.9-ltr
Roadster
For
Sale.
2002 boot
(51)
Convertible.
miles.
Manual.
BMW.
£5,500
to
include
soft
topmultifunction
rain cover,
luggage
rack 83k
and
4 winter
tyres.
Bluetooth
phone
prep
and
steering
wheel.
New
battery
fitted
Silver.
leather
interior.
Electric
andcorrectly
windows.
PAS.
ABS.
Air
[email protected]
£5500hood
Tel: (VGC),
07702750239
Ref:
004/07F
OctRed
2012,
MoT’d
onPrice
29/10/13.
Washed
andseats
waxed
from
new.
Private
con. Central locking. Twin airbags. Radio cassette with 6-disc CD changer. 6 months
plate not included.
Jeff Heywood
will happily
the condition
E21 320/6.
Wantedverify
E21 enthusiast
Z3 Roadster
for sale.Ex-Chairman
1999 (T reg)
tax and
MoT.
VGC.
ClubonMember
owned.
Price
£3750
ovno
Tel: 01923
251882 orto
and
love lavished
thisBlue
vehicle
just320
email
give my
[email protected]
TLC I can no longer
2.8-ltr.
46,000
miles. Manual.
withif required,
07812
362774
Ref:
001/08/09F
£15,000
onoleather
Tel: 01772
324467supply.
Ref: 8927
£950 spent last August to get
black Price:
roof. Blue
on Black
interior.
through MOT. Presently on SORN.
Power hood. Power seats. Heated
Sapphire blue. 157,680 miles, Manual.
seats. Parking sensors. Sony radio disc
No reasonable offer refused. Call for
player. Boot rack. Very good condition
more details. Neil Goodson. Price: £650
for year. Price: £3500 Tel: 01242 261544
Tel: 07917404190 Ref: 001/06/07
Ref: 002/07/08
PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL DIGITAL IMAGES ARE SUPPLIED
AS HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGES.
YOUR CAMERA SHOULD BE SET TO ITS HIGHEST SETTING.
BMW Z3. 1.9-ltr Roadster For Sale. 2002 (51) Convertible. 83k miles. Manual.
Silver.
leather
interior.
Electric
hood
(VGC),
seatsedition
and windows.
PAS.
ABS.
Air77
Z3.
2.0LRed
2000.
Manual.
Petrol.
79,000
miles.
Limited
colour
MORA
(purple).
BMW
Car Club
Magazine
con.
Central
locking.
Twinleather
airbags.seats
Radiopiped
cassette
6-disc
changer.
6 months
Electric,
heated
cream
to with
match
car. CD
Elec
windows,
elec
tax
and wing
MoT. VGC.
ClubManual
Memberhood.
owned.
PriceCD£3750
ovno
251882side
or
heated
mirrors.
6 stack
player.
Air Tel:
con.01923
PAS. Silver
07812
362774 Ref:
001/08/09F
vents(originals
available).
FSH (BMW stamped) Most old MOT certificates. New
rear tyres just fitted. 4 months MOT 6 months Tax. 2 lady owners. Complete toolkit
1 /0 /201
and unopened first aid kit. Comes with private plate. Featured in Dec 2012 Straight
Six “Invasion
of the
Lakes”
Sadlymiles,
for sale
as I’ve
just blue,
purchased
a new condition,
3 series
BMW M535i
1986,
126,000
service
history,
exceptional
BMW.
£5,500
to include
soft topexhaust
rain cover,
luggage16in
rack and
4 winter
glass
sunroof,
stainless
andboot
manifold,
BMW
alloystyres.
with
[email protected]
Price £5500
Tel: 07702750239
Ref: 004/07F
Continental tyres, Alpine
CD multi-changer.
Price £4975,
Tel: 07532 017343
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
Spares & Plates
Cla
Cla
i ied
.indd
E21 320/6. Wanted E21 enthusiast to
Z3 Roadster for sale. 1999 (T reg)
give my 320 the TLC I can no longer
2.8-ltr. 46,000 miles. Manual. Blue with
supply. £950 spent last August to get
black roof. Blue on Black leather interior.
through MOT. Presently on SORN.
Power hood. Power seats. Heated
Sapphire blue. 157,680 miles, Manual.
seats. Parking sensors. Sony radio disc
No reasonable offer refused. Call for
player. Boot rack. Very good condition
Two sets of alloy wheels for sale: Set of 4 BMW cross-spoke 15” alloys (Style
2.0LPrice:
2000.£3500
Manual.
Limited
edition
MORAPrice:
(purple).
details.
Neilcolour
Goodson.
£650
forZ3.year.
Tel:Petrol.
0124279,000
261544miles.more
20) with centre bosses and new symbols. Refurbished - no marks on wheels.
Electric,
heated cream leather seats piped
match car. Ref:
Elec001/06/07
windows, elec
Tel:to07917404190
Ref:
002/07/08
Suitable for E28 or E34 models. All tyres by the same manufacturer, with 6mm
heated wing mirrors. Manual hood. 6 stack CD player. Air con. PAS. Silver side
BMW 6 SERIES
3.4 FSH
2dr (BMW
635CSi
tread depth. Dry stored for two years. Offers in excess of £285.00. Set of four
vents(originals
available).
stamped) Most old MOT certificates. New
COUPE.
WHITE,
DOCUMENTED
18” wheels, similar to BMW (Style 135M) but not original spec. in good condition,
rear
tyres just
fitted.FULL
4 months
MOT 6 months Tax. 2 lady owners. Complete toolkit
Please note: All trade adverts are charged at non-members rate. Feature adverts are not available
PLEASE
MAKE
SURE
ALL DIGITAL
IMAGES
ARE
SUPPLIED
slight
blemishes. Suitable for E46 model. All tyres by the same manufacturer.
SERVICE
new
and
unopenedRECORD,
first aid kit.Supplied
Comes with
private plate.
in Dec
2012 Straight 2.5
BMWFeatured
3 SERIES
CONVERTIBLE
HIGH
RESOLUTION
Tread
depth
5mm plus. Removedorfrom
foron
winter
season. Offers in excess of
North Oxford
Garage,
‘EWL
33Y’
issue to
[email protected]
placecar
advert
website
Sixby“Invasion
of theAS
Lakes”
Sadly
for
sale as 2dr.
I’ve IMAGES.
just
purchased
new this
3 series
Metallic Royal aBlue,
car has
YOUR
CAMERA
SHOULD
BEcover,
SET boot
TO luggage
ITS HIGHEST
£295.00.
Tel: 01625 260348
was £5,500
first
registered
tosoft
andtopserviced
BMW.
to include
rain
rack and 4SETTING.
winter tyres.
been in the same family from new until
[email protected]
by Pergamon PressPrice
and £5500
was Tel:
the 07702750239 Ref: 004/07F
August 2012 and then owned by a lady
personal
transport
of
Robert
and
Dr.
BMW 2002 Cabriolet for Restoration Project
BMW
Car Club
77
E21doctor
320/6.
Wanted
E21 Magazine
enthusiast
to
Z3 Roadster for sale. 1999 (T reg)
BMW
enthusiast
who traded
Elizabeth
Maxwell.
Following
her
or Spares. 1976 BMW 2002 Cabriolet for
give my 320 the TLC I can no longer
2.8-ltr. 46,000 miles. Manual. Blue with
the car in with us. Full cream interior
husband’s
BMW supply.
possible restoration project or spares. Includes
£950 spent last August to get
black
roof. Bluedisappearance,
on Black leatherthe
interior.
was re-registered
France, Heated
where it through
shell, engine, gear box, bonnet, square rear lights
and blue
hood.
Alloy wheels,
electric
MOT.
Presently
on SORN.
Power
hood. Powerin seats.
wasParking
used daily
by Dr.
Elizabeth.
Lots Sapphire
and numerous other spares. No V5. Any questions
blue.and157,680
Manual.
seats.
sensors.
Sony
radio disc
windows
mirrors,miles,
original
i ied
.indd
1 radio,
/0 /201
of history,
including
photos
outside No reasonable offer refused. Call for
please call Tony Clarkson on 01274 544005 or
player.
Boot rack.
Very good
condition
2 keys. The car has a comprehensive
during work hours on 01422 310411. Price: £1000 Tel: 01274 544005 Ref: 8920
chateau
is In261544
Superb more details. Neil Goodson. Price: £650
for the
year.Maxwell
Price: £3500
Tel: 01242
service history with a folder of
Condition.
#
A
Great
Investment
Tel: 07917404190 Ref: 001/06/07
Ref:
002/07/08
BMW 1987 E30 Bonnet, no damage or rust. Current paint finish - metallic blue.
invoices etc. Taxed 23/2/14. This is an
For
The
Discerning
Buyer.Drives
Open to offers - £50. Brake Discs for E28 -520i new, in makers packaging. £35.
imported vehicle. Price: £6495 Tel:
Exceptionaly
Well.,
Price:
£9,950
Transportation at purchaser’s expense for each item. Contact: 01625 260348 (BMW
Tel: 0114 2399994
CRCALL DIGITAL0114
Pleasemember)
note: All trade adverts are charged at non-members rate. Feature adverts are not available
2399994ARE
Ref: CRC
PLEASE
MAKE Ref:
SURE
IMAGES
SUPPLIED
Car Club
[email protected]
or place advert
on website
E36 issue
M3 toExhaust.
Genuine rear exhaust
section
for E36 M3. Almost new condition
withwww.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk
support brackets. Price £200, Tel: 01407 764365 or 07706 001436, Ref: 8930
74
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
Cla i ied
.indd
4
14: 1
14: 1
AS HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGES.
BMW 316 SE. 5 door, silver, 1994 M Reg, electric sunroof, 115000 miles, all service
YOUR CAMERA SHOULD BE SET TO ITS HIGHEST SETTING.
history, all MOTs, very nice car. Price £650 Tel: 07779 897033 Ref: 8939
BMW Car Club Magazine 77
13: 4
1 /0 /20120/03/2014
14: 1
We guarantee to price match or beat
any like for like quote*
Supporting Car Clubs For Over 30 Years
Free and Simple Agreed Value
All Modifications Accepted
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BMW Car club.indd 1
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
03/04/2013 21:00
75
20/03/2014 13: 4
Auto Car Detailing
Car detailing is an
extensive process of
thoroughly:
• Analysing
• Polishing
• Cleaning
• Waxing a vehicle
•
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•
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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
Mini Valet & Mini
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•
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Auto Car Detailing provides a range of distinct
car valeting, car detailing and professional paint
correction services to clients in most UK locations
ROYTHORNE
THE BMW SPECIALISTS
Roythorne
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.
www.autocardetailing.co.uk
07739 120 111
[email protected]
A comprehensive range of parts for trade & retail
• All servicing and repair work
undertaken
• Menu service pricing
(please ring for a quote)
• Autologic diagnostics
• MoT testing
• Air conditioning servicing,
repairs and re-gas
• Bodywork estimates and
SMART repairs undertaken
Roythorne & Son Ltd
01553 673000 / 672213
Nursery Lane, North Wootton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
A C Schnitzer ........................20
A-Plan Insurance .................29
Adrian Flux ...........................66
Airflow ..................................39
Allianz Retail (BMW Warranty
Insurance) .............................13
Any M ...................................40
Auto Car Detailing ...............76
Autobahn Servicing Ltd .......77
Autoenhance ........................23
Autospray VSS Ltd ...............81
BMW Car (UK) ..........OBC, IBC
BMW Park Lane ...................45
Brentacre Insurance Services
Limited ..................................31
British Motor Heritage.........54
BW Autorepairs ...................21
C A Technologies .................77
Chipex ...................................78
76
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
Christopher Ward.................15
Classic Heroes......................78
Classicline Insurance ...........75
Cotley Garage.......................78
Crowne Plaza .......................41
Darren Wood BMW Specialist
81
Dick Lovett ........................3, 65
Elms BMW Stanstead .........58
Erins Perfumes .....................40
Evans Hydratech ..................39
Footman James ...................49
Hamilton Classic ..................81
Hexagon of Highgate Ltd.....11
Hindsight ..............................78
Jaspers Green Motors.........78
John Drake ...........................19
Lake District Hotels..............17
Linwar Motors......................81
Michelin................................27
Norton Insurance .................80
Opie Oils ...............................80
PCS - Milton Keynes ............80
Pukar Designs.......................78
Redish Automotive ..............79
Royal Steering Wheels........31
Roythorne & Son ..................76
Snows BMW ........................65
Spit and Polish Alloy Wheel 81
Swissvax ..............................51
Sytner Sheffield ...................28
The Wheel Specialists ........77
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Williams Stockport BMW ..62
20/03/2014 13: 4
BMW and MERCEDES Specialist
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Unit 13, Belfont Trading Estate, Mucklow Hill, Halesowen B62 8DR
T: 0121 585 9146 | M: 07875 336 748
www.autobahnservicing.co.uk | E: [email protected]
01202 875 553
21 Haviland Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH21 7RZ
CA
LTD
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SUPPLYING PREMIUM QUALITY CUTTING EDGE BMW UPGRADES SINCE 1994
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• WE SHIP WORLDWIDE. MINIMUM 20%
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Eisenmann exhausts
Master Dealer
Official Technical Centre
Official Retailer
In Partnership with
15 - 20% discount on most exhausts for a limited period
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
77
20/03/2014 13: 4
S LES SE
C
Smarter
motorists
deserve
smarter
cars
ES
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.
C
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!
Engineering excellence has always een our priority at Classic eroes Whether it is a routine
annual service or a full scale restoration pro ect we give every car the same level of love and
attention as if it was our own
We also provide day to day practical advice on how to eep your BMW in turn ey wor ing order
Whether you need a full scale written report or ust some
help preparingmarques
a udget to cope
with
All leading
catered
the demands of the next few years motoring We are delighted to offer BMW car clu mem ers 4
forfrom– E9classic
&CSL’s
modern
plus
years of experience dealing with every modern classic BMW
CSL’s to E46
and
Proprietor
everything in etween
John Herman (T) 01787 238 375 or 07712 453 915
Classic eroes Classic motoring without classic car headaches
www classicheroes co u
info classicheroes co u
r company here call 01225 709 009
Lo
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.
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
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The
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Company
www.chipex.co.uk
Established 1995
INI
T
Tel 01250 872591
INDEPENDENT BMW SPECIALISTS
403
E
T
So
• 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
th ... 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
E
• 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
T
(R
it
Tel: 01780 749449
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hindsight.asp
world-wide shipping
All leading marques catered
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Proprietor
John Herman (T) 01787 238 375 or 07712 453 915
78
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
“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
20/03/2014 13:
pecialist
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y
t
i
l
a
u
q
Highr today’s
o
f
s
e
c
i
v
r
se
er!
BMW own
February 2014
Proud sponsors of:
M3cutters.co.uk
TotalMcars.com
BMWowner.com
BMW5.co.uk
Just a handful of the work we’ve carried out in February
Condition Based Servicing
Lots of Condition Based Servicing in February. Here’s just 4 examples;
E82 123d
E90 320d
E63 M6
E90 320i
E46 M3 Upgrades
This customer wanted improved handling, less body-roll, and exceptional stopping power.
So we installed Powerflex bushes, H&R Anti Roll bars, and AP Racing brakes to name a few.
E46 Subframe Panel Replace
Handling Improvements
This E46 required the entire subframe panel This M3 owner wanted to carry out some
(Rear Axle Carrier Panel) to be replaced as routine suspension maintenance and a few
it was so badly cracked and ripped.
sensible improvements at the same time.
RedishMotorsport
BMW_April14_4
2.indd
RedishMotorsport
www.RedishAutomotive.co.uk
Bristol, UK
01179 781 889
20/03/2014 13:
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.
BMW_April14_4
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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 SK6 2QB
our website or call us for 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
BMW_April14_4
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81
20/03/2014 13:
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!
Nikon D7000, ISO 200, f/8, 1/250sec
Jamal Blanc: My Z1 and the London skyline. Jamal is our Z1 Model Rep and East London Branch Rep of our London Region. If you would like to be kept up
to date with meetings in the London area, contact Tim Fathers ([email protected]) or for more Z1 info, Jamal ([email protected])
no data available
Harminder Dhillon: “This is my BMW 330d M-Sport fitted with most
of the options offered by BMW when new. It’s my very first BMW and
because I’m loving every moment of BMW ownership, it certainly won’t
be the last.”
82
BMW_April14_4
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iPhone 5, ISO 50, f/2.4, 1/742sec
Andrew Osgood: Andrew sent us this shot of his 7 Series. Taken from outside
the BMW Group’s Bracknell HQ, we’d love to see more 7 Series’ in Straight Six
20/03/2014 13:
Genuine
BmW Accessories
DAB Di ital Radio
NO DAB DIGITAL RADIO
TAKE NOTE.
EN OY DIGITAL RADIO STATIONS FOR
The Ultimate
Drivin machine
99.
witch on to BMW AB igital adio for a wide variety of radio stations and enhanced audio quality. f you listen to
BB
adio
ive or talk
T, for e ample, you will instantly appreciate the difference in clarity versus medium wave.
verything works through your e isting radio using a small aerial fitted discreetly to the inside of the windscreen and a wireless
remote control that is positioned at your fingertips for all AB radio command. All this for a one-off cost of ust
which
includes installation, a three year warranty and endless hours of foot-tapping rela ation.
To find your local dealer, the number to note is 0800 3 5 00
or simply visit www.bmw.co.uk.
uitable for BMW cars from
production onwards with
te t function please check availability with your ealer . To check coverage in your local area please visit www.ukdigitalradio.com coverage postcodesearch.
cludes hannel slands. alls to BMW ustomer nformation are free from BT landlines. all charges from other networks may vary, please check with your provider.
ability.
ability.
15:12:35
11 11:24
15:12:35
BMW_April14_Covers.indd
3
28518
DAB radio Ad 297x210-StraightSixMagazine.indd
1
20/03/2014 17:15
13:00
12/08/2013
ONCE OUR TECHNICIAN GOT INVOLVED
THE KERB NEVER STOOD A CHANCE.
YOU CAN DENY ALL KNOWLEDGE OF A KERBED WHEEL OR ANY OTHER
DAmAGE TO YOUR BmW, BY VISITING A BmW APPROVED BODYSHOP.
We’ve all had them: those heart-sinking moments when you feel the wheel scrape against the kerb.
Thankfully you can deny all knowledge of any damage with a visit to your BMW Approved Bodyshop.
Using innovative BMW repair techniques, they will return your car to its original condition and your
conscience will be clear again.
To find your local BmW Approved Bodyshop for a quote or more information,
visit www.bmw.co.uk/bodyshop or call 08000 834 395.
BmW Approved
Bodyshop
BMW_April14_Covers.indd 4
20/03/2014 13:00

30 Years of the E30

Transcription

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