Magazine of the National Capital Chapter BMW Car Club of America May/June 2018

May | June 2018

Magazine of the National Capital Chapter BMW Car Club of America

Cover: BMW’s brand-new purpose-built M8 GTE during the 2018 IMSA Sebring 12-Hour Race. Read the article on page 18. Photo: Steve Tenney

VOLUME 48 | NUMBER 3 6 The 2018 NCC Holiday Party and Annual Meeting: Spending an Evening with Bill Auberlen and Mike Renner BY PEARL ALIGA JONES 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 6 12 February DIY at Craftsman Auto Care BY MARC CADEN 3 THE STEERING COLUMN 15 Super Uncle: 530xi Sport Line 12 BY ANNA MARIPUU 4 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 18 IMSA Sebring 12-Hour Weekend BY STEVE TENNEY

4 COMING EVENTS 18 24 The 2018 BMW 430i M-Sport with 6-speed Manual: What’s Not to Love? BY JAMES CHEW

18 TRADITIONS 30 2018 Mini Countryman Cooper S E ALL4 Mini to the Max 24 BY JAMES CHEW 35 NEW MEMBERS 32 Straight from the Students’ Mouths BY JACLYN HECK

36 ADVERTISERS INDEX 32 National Capital Chapter President’s Message BMW Car Club of America Chapter Officers (Please call 7:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) President Here comes the heat! Spring always brings a full calendar of club events. Paul Seto ...... [email protected] 301.908.1928 Both May and June are stacked with HUGE things to do. We continue our Vice President annual NCC Spring Extravaganza on Saturday, May 5th with our first Cars & James Laws ...... vice-president @nccbmwcca.org 240.424.5380 Treasurer Coffee of the year at BMW of Sterling, followed by the 35th annual Deutsche Richard Kempf ...... [email protected] 703.455.8210 Marque Concours d’Elegance on Sunday at Nottoway Park in Fairfax. No Secretary question this weekend will require everyone to clean, wax, and polish their Gina Hector ...... [email protected] 202.570.4462 Membership Chair cars for others to enjoy. James Laws ...... [email protected] 240.424.5380 While the first weekend of May will be outstanding, it’s Saturday, May Social Chair 12th that deserves top billing. After an eight-year hiatus, we are reviving Paul Seto ...... [email protected] 301.908.1928 Driving School Coordinator Chapterfest which is a celebration of all things NCC. It will be held at Summit Matt Oleksiak ...... [email protected] Point Raceway. All club programs will be showcasing what we do best. Concours Chair John McWilliams ...... concours [email protected] Our first HPDE of the year will be running on Summit Main, autocross on DIY Chair the Washington circuit, and a Car Control Clinic on the Jefferson track. Phillip Cummings ...... diy [email protected] In addition, we’ll have a car show, tech session, a tour out to Summit Point, Webmaster Steven Schlossman ...... [email protected] and an end-of-day BBQ dinner to bring everyone together. But the kicker, Autocross Committee as announced at our 2018 Annual Meeting in February, is that Mike Renner Phil Yates ...... [email protected] and the BMW Performance Center will run hot laps for members throughout Baltimore Activities Billy Dixon ...... [email protected] 410.802.0188 the day in the brand new F90 M5! Can’t wait for that! PR & Community Engagement Now that we’ve gotten you through half of May, we do not slow down. Kelsy Hill ...... [email protected] There are a few more tours (including a Pie Run), a couple of autocross events, der Bayerische Staff Co-Editors ///M Club Day in Spartanburg, another HPDE in June (great for beginners), Walter Jones ...... [email protected] and our annual golf outing! Anna Maripuu ...... [email protected] I know this is a lot going on in two months, but fear not! Our website Production/Layout Raine Mantysalo ...... [email protected] calendar and Facebook page has each event listed for you to register, not to Chief Marketing Officer mention our bi-weekly email blasts. But there’s one more thing! Please save Orlando Taylor ...... [email protected] 917.653.8783 those vacation days for our national Oktoberfest event from July 9-15 and this Director of Marketing Abby Gonzalez ...... [email protected] 703.789.4113 year is combined with Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. More details are out - Contributing Writers lined on another page, but this will be heaven for any BMW enthusiast. Marc Caden, James Chew, Jaclyn Heck, Pearl Aliga Jones, We have an action-packed calendar for O’Fest/PVGP and it’s only a few hours Anna Maripuu, Steve Tenney Club Address away. I’m thoroughly expecting an incredible turnout from NCC in Pittsburgh, NCC BMW CCA, P.O. Box 685, Arlington, VA 22216 so come join the fun! National Membership Toll-Free Number 800.878.9292 der Bayerische is the official publication of the National Capital Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America, Inc., and is not in any way connected with the Please make sure we have your correct email address. Bayerische Motoren Werke AG or BMW of North America, Inc. It is provided by and for the Club membership only. The Club assumes no liability for any of the It can be checked and updated at the www.bmwcca.org website. information, opinions or suggestions contained herein. No factory approval is implied unless specifically stated. Modifications within the warranty period of a vehicle may void the warranty. All articles to be considered for publishing must be received by the 21st of odd-numbered months (January, March, …) and are subject to editing. Please send all submissions to the dB editors at [email protected]. Send all photos and all links to photos to the Production Manager at [email protected]. For placement of commercial advertisements contact the Advertising Manager at J&F Motors Ltd. [email protected]. Contents may not be reproduced without permission in writing except by the BMW CCA and its Chapters. Service Phone 703-671-7757 © 2018 NCC BMW CCA Machine Shop 703-671-8507 Fax 703-671-0361 E-mail: [email protected] Our hours are We specialize in BMW 7:30AM to 6PM automotive service, Monday through repairs and parts. Friday. We also do general service and repairs on Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.

4064 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington, VA 22206-2307

2 der Bayerische TheSteering Column

Let us start with the weather. I am about ready around can box me in. happens at our chili outings. to change from winter tires to summer tires. As Paul Seto warmed up the crowd, he This issue of der Bayerische highlights But as of this writing, it looks like another week pointed out that we had over 120 events this many of our events. Read it and see what you or two. As the old saying goes, “The weather is past year, and on the horizon, it looks better might like to try. They are full and except for what the weather is.” Deal with it. But enough this year. racing, very low-impact. about the weather. There are events to engage everyone, Something we do not emphasize enough At our Annual Holiday Party, we hosted a from driving fast to racing to socializing. is the gratitude we owe our sponsors. They are special guest, Bill Auberlen, who is the top A particularly important event this year will be listed on the NCC website. If you need BMW BMW race-car driver. One of the questions the Chapterfest. Most all of our programs will parts, frequent these vendors. from the audience was: How do you drive in participate. The end-point is a BBQ at Summit Just as the magazine was going to press, normal traffic? Bill’s reply was, “I drive really Point. This is a celebration of all things BMW the weather perked up, and it is definitely numb until somebody wants to race.” That is through the eyes of the NCC. time for tires and other changes for spring and what I try to do. Fortunately, my car can get me At this event, the food will be provided summer. out of tight spots faster than the drivers rather than having members do the work which - Walter

Help Wanted

The National Capital Chapter is seeking help are the basic requirements for the activities. This creative person will work of preparing the chapter's 2017 tax sub - volunteers to assist with the following position. directly with the NCC Board and mission. As a 501(C)(7) non-profit positions: If you have a few hours monthly Program Chairs to create various events organization, the chapter is required to 1) Membership committee - these that you are able to dedicate to improv - that enhance the overall membership file an annual Form 990 with the IRS. volunteers create activities related to ing the membership experience for your experience, increase club retention, and The volunteer would prepare the tax attracting, involving and retaining fellow, please contact James Laws most importantly, members enjoy. return, which will be signed and submit - chapter members. Previous experience [email protected] If interested, please contact Paul Seto ted by the chapter. Our filing deadline is in motivating member participation in 2) Social Activities Director- [email protected] May 15th. Contact Richard B. Kempf enthusiast organizations is a plus, but a responsible for the planning, promotion, 3) NCC is looking for a volunteer ("Rick"), Treasurer NCC Chapter, BMW positive attitude and a willingness to and implementation of all Social (preferably a CPA) to take on the project CCA [email protected].

May I June 3 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

March 12 DIY at BMW of Sterling 1 NoVa Social - Founding Farmers, Tysons, VA 17 MoCo Social - Pizza CS, Rockville, MD 3 4th Annual NCC Cars & Chili Competition, MD Location TBD 20 Great Pie Run XXI 8 Columbia Social - BJ's Brewhouse, Columbia, MD June 14 Board Meeting/Social - Chuy's Tex-Mex, Rockville, MD 2 NCC Autocross Test & Tune #2 15 MoCo Social - Pizza CS, Rockville, MD 2 Maryland to Delaware 2.0 Tour 17 Novice School - AX Bowie Baysox Stadium, Bowie 7 NoVa Social - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Tysons, VA 24 DIY Z Car Focus at BMW of Sterling 9 2018 NCC Autocross Points Event #3 24 BMW CCA New Member Reception/Open House at BMW of Sterling 9 M Club Day - Tidewater Chapter (BMW Performance Center Greer, SC) 31 BMW CCA at New York International Auto Show, Javits Center, NY 13 Board Meeting/Social at Chuy's Tex-Mex, Rockville, MD April 14 Columbia Social - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Columbia, MD 5 Apr NoVa Social - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Tysons, VA 16 DIY at Chapman Auto Werks 7 Test and Tune #1 - AX at Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf 16 Maryland Monument Meander (Tour) 8 Odds and Ends Detailing Workshop, Sterling, VA 21 MoCo Social at Pizza CS, Rockville, MD 11 Board Meeting/Social - Chuy's Tex-Mex in Rockville, MD 22-24 NCC HPDE Summit Point, Jefferson Circuit 12 Columbia Social - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Columbia, MD 23 2018 NCC Golf Outing, Raspberry Falls Golf Club, Leesburg, VA 14 Points Event #1 - AX at Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf July 14 Ladies DIY at BMW of Annapolis 9-15 49th Annual BMW CCA Oktoberfest (Pittsburgh) 15 NCC Social Outing at Topgolf, Ashburn, VA 21 DIY at Benchmark Motors 19 MoCo Social - Pizza CS, Rockville, MD 4 AACA Museum Tour 21 Ladies DIY at BMW of Annapolis 5 2018 NCC Autocross Points Event #4 28 Spring Tour to West Virginia 11 DIY at Craftsman Auto Care May 18-19 IMSA Weekend at VIR 3 NoVa Social - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Tysons, VA 25 Euro Marque Golf Tournament, Raspberry Falls Golf Club, Leesburg, VA 5-6 ///M Club Day at BMW Performance Center (SC) August 5 DIY at BMW of Sterling 4 AACA Museum Tour 5 BMW CCA Cars & Coffee, BMW of Sterling 5 2018 NCC Autocross Points Event #4 6 Deutsche Marque Concours d'Elegance, Nottoway Park, Vienna, VA 11 DIY at Craftsman Auto Care 9 Board Meeting/Social - Chuy's Tex-Mex, Rockville, MD 18-19 IMSA Weekend at VIR 10 Columbia Social - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Columbia, MD 25 Euro Marque Golf Tournament, Raspberry Falls Golf Club, Leesburg, VA 11-13 NCC HPDE at Summit Point, Main Circuit 12 Chapterfest at Summit Point, WV: Includes the following three events: Tour to Summit Point, Highway Safety School, Autocross Points Event #2

COMING EVENTS

May NoVa Social - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, May Columbia Social @ BJ's Restaurant & M Club Day (Tidewater Chapter) @ the BMW Tysons, VA Brewhouse, Columbia, MD Performance Center Greer, SC) Thursday, May 3, 2018 Thursday, May 10, 2018 Saturday, June 9, 2018

///M Club Day @ BMW Performance Center (SC) Chapterfest at Summit Point, WV Board Meeting/Social @ Chuy's Tex-Mex, Saturday, May 5-6, 2018 Friday, May 11, 2018 through Sunday May 13, 2018 Rockville, MD Wednesday, June 13, 2018 DIY @ BMW of Sterling MoCo Social @ Pizza CS, Rockville, MD Saturday, May, 2018 Thursday, May 17, 2018 Columbia Social @ BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Columbia, MD BMW CCA Cars & Coffee, BMW of Sterling Great Pie Run XXI Thursday, June 14, 2018 21710 Auto World Circle, Sterling, VA 20166 Saturday, May 20, 2018 Saturday, May 5, 2018 Maryland Monument Meander (Tour) If you have not been to one, join us, it is a special event. Saturday, June 16, 2018 The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) program allows the club members to work on their own cars under the supervision of expert Maryland to Delaware 2.0 Tour DIY @ Chapman Auto Werks mechanics and technicians provided by the DIY Sponsor. Saturday, June 2, 2018 Saturday, June 16, 2018 Come join the NCC as we host our first Cars & Coffee of 2018 at BMW of Sterling at 9am. This is our NCC Spring Autocross Test & Tune #2 MoCo Social@ Pizza CS, Rockville, MD Kickoff weekend as we open the year with various events. Saturday, June 2, 2018 Thursday, June 21, 2018 across the DMV. Regency Furniture Stadium, BMW of Sterling will be providing free coffee in 11765 St Linus Dr., Waldorf, MD 20602 HPDE Summit Point, Jefferson Circuit their Cafe and also special BMW CCA pricing on any parts/ Friday, June 22 through Sunday, June 24, 2018 accessories you may need. NoVa Social @ BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Tysons, VA Drive Multiple Jefferson Circuit Configurations during the Deutsche Marque Concours d'Elegance, Nottoway Thursday, June 7, 2018 weekend. Park, Vienna, VA Sunday, May 6, 2018 Autocross Points Event #3 NCC Golf Outing @ Raspberry Falls Golf Club in Celebrating 35 Years! Saturday, June 9, 2018 Leesburg, VA Bowie Baysox (Prince Georges Stadium), 4101 Crain Saturday, June 23, 2018 Board Meeting/Social @ Chuy's Tex-Mex, Highway, Bowie, MD 20716 Rockville, MD We will hold our 11th Annual NCC Golf Outing on Saturday, Wednesday, May 9, 2018 June 23rd at 12pm. Competitive and social rounds.

4 der Bayerische COMING EVENTS 35th Annual Deutsche Marque Concours d’Elegance

Sunday, May 6, 2018 (Rain Date: Sunday, May 20, 2018) Nottoway Park, 9601 Courthouse Rd, Vienna, VA 22181

WEEKLY CARS & COFFEE EVENTS

1. Bethesda, MD 3. Great Falls, VA Saturdays, 8-10 am, Corner Bakery Cafe, Saturdays 6-9am, Katie's Cars & Coffee 10327 Westlake Drive, Bethesda, MD Westfield Shopping Mall 760 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA see: http://www.carsncoffeebethesda.com see: www.katiescarsandcoffee.com

2. Burtonsville, MD 4. Potomac, MD Sundays, 7:30-10 am, "Church of the Holy Doughnut," Dunkin Donuts Sundays 10-12, 10220 River Road, Potomac, MD Route 29 & 198, Burtonsville, MD; see: Facebook page see: www.potomaccaferacers.com

Top Ten List to Join NCC at Oktoberfest/Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix in July!

Attention NCC members! With Oktoberfest and Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix only a short drive away, our chapter will have a huge presence throughout the week. With an action-packed schedule of different BMW events happening everyday, Pittsburgh makes an incredible location for our annual club celebration (the Steel City has really transformed into a very hip city over the past decade). And if you’ve never been to O’Fest and/or PVGP, this is your opportunity to go! Nationally we’re expecting well over 1000 CCA members from across the US, so hopefully you will join us. So, whether you’re staying the entire time or only a few days, we will have a few caravans heading up at different times throughout the week, so stay tuned for more details. Paul

10. It’s a really FUN 4 hour drive through the mountains 9. It’s our annual week-long club celebration of all things BMW 8. It’s the 50th anniversary of the 2002 7. BMW is the ‘Marque of the Year’ at PVGP 6. Because you can’t miss the Gilligan's Island Themed Shell River Boat Cruise 5. BMW Performance Center will be giving hot laps around Schenley Park 4. We are planning a world-record breaking parade lap of BMWs on the PVGP race track 3. Take a charity ride in the Z4 GTLM race car or 3.0 CSL Batmobile 2. Because vintage racing matters 1. You’ll be among the thousand BMW enthusiasts from around the U.S. whom we call family!

May I June 5 THE 2018 NCC HOLIDAY PA Spending an Evening with Bill

By Pearl Aliga Jones Photos from various sources Prologue It has been brought to my attention that der Bayerische’s readership has expanded. It now includes some residents of Japan, Philippines, and Indonesia, as well as a BMW-driving American family in Nigeria. Some may not be familiar with the acronyms utilized in this article, hence the necessity of spelling them out. This narrative is written in excruciating (but hope - fully exhilarating), lap-by-lap detail for a reason – to let chapter members and friends who could not join us enjoy the delightful evening as we did. So buckle up and enjoy the…ride! J

(Above) Mike Renner and Bill Auberlen. (Right) Part of the lively throng.

he 2018 National Capital It is in keeping with “mixed-use classically decorated Normandie bocce venue rolled into one! I had Chapter Holiday Party and development” that is all the rage in Farm Restaurant in Potomac, MD, initial misgivings about how a party Annual Meeting was held on revitalizing urban America by foster - offering French-American cuisine, with spoken presentations could T Saturday, February 10, at ing a pedestrian-friendly blending of to the reminiscently colonial Mt. peacefully co-exist with the noise Pinstripes in North Bethesda, MD. residential, commercial, recreational, Vernon Inn Restaurant in Mt. Vernon, emanating from rumbling bowling With venues alternating between cultural, and entertainment functions. VA, serving traditional American fare, balls, crashing bowling pins, and Virginia and Maryland, this year Through the years, our chapter’s and restaurants and hotel ballrooms striking bocce balls. found us in a contemporary land - organizing committee has situated in between. This was also the first in The holiday party is the best- scape, a repurposed retail-corridor our holiday parties in locales a mixed-use microcosm, Pinstripes attended of our chapter events, year on Rockville Pike called Pike & Rose. with various food themes – from the being a bistro, a bowling alley, and a after year, drawing keen interest

6 der Bayerische RTY AND ANNUAL MEETING Auberlen and Mike Renner

across the region. So popular it is declared. We excitedly joined 175 event. It was also cold and raining, included crispy calamari, avocado that some of us cut vacations short in like-minded chapter members and not exactly conducive to a car show. hummus, garlic hummus, cold cuts, order to attend. My husband Walter friends for this fascinating evening. The entertaining program more than brie and other select cheeses, and and I had a San Francisco-Napa Unlike holiday parties past, made up for this omission. salsa, complemented with an array vacation booked, but when the date of where our Bimmers were lined up The evening began with a cock - of cucumber and zucchini rounds, this event and the identity of another next to one another for an impromptu tail reception as our highlighted celery sticks, pita chips and wedges, special guest were revealed, it was car show, the charming neighbor - guest, the affable race-car driver grapes, and dates on a bed of broad- a no-brainer. “My BMW idol, Bill hood of Pike & Rose, with its small extraordinaire Bill Auberlen, auto - leaf kale. Dinner followed, with Auberlen, is a featured guest! We’re parking lots and surrounding graphed posters and welcomed sumptuous offerings of mixed-green coming back East earlier!” Walter garages, did not allow for this adjunct photo ops. Delicious hors d’oeuvres salad, Caesar salad, maple-glazed

May I June 7 THE 2018 NCC HOLIDAY PARTY AND ANNUAL MEETING

(From Left) Doug Verner and our newly inducted chapter officers; Bill Auberlen autographing posters. salmon, chicken marsala, lasagna, evening’s raffle prizes. Our stylish one of our special guests, the afore - one” reminded me of the slogan of and baked ziti. Gina picked a snazzy laptop bag, of mentioned Mike Renner. Mike is a the BMW 2 Series: Rebel Without A It became obvious that dinner course! dear and loyal friend of the NCC. Pause.) One cannot unhear a Joe served family style was better than Next, Paul Seto, our chapter He always graces our holiday parties, Bonamassa song and its pulsating buffet this time; it maximized our time president, announced that there were bringing good tidings in the form of guitar licks, and I am certain no one listening to our speakers without over 120 club events this past year updates, videos, and the raffle’s grand can unsee an entertaining ad; it was buffet lines and other distractions. and gave us a brief overview of what prize. This year he brought along a akin to a Super Bowl ad, after all. The program was opened by to expect in 2018. He was most excit - stunning video titled “Why Don’t At the end of the video, Mike and then James Laws, our chapter vice ed about the forthcoming “resurrec - You?” that commanded, er, comman - Doug exhorted us, “So why don’t president and membership chair. tion of a special and huge event” deered everyone’s attention away you…come drive with us at the He welcomed the lively throng, now called Chapterfest, on May 12, at the from our dinner plates. The video BMW Performance Driving School?” cozy and oblivious to the dipping Summit Point Raceway in WV. The started with spectacular guitar riffs of Impressive ad, Mike. temperature and persistent raindrops previous iteration was nine years ago. none other than Joe Bonamassa Mike then introduced Bill shrouding the outdoors. He explained that “it is a celebration (Grammy-nominated blues-rock Auberlen. Next, Doug Verner, chair of our of all things that the National Capital guitar icon). The sound track of his Sparkling but definitely accurate chapter’s BMW Performance ///M Chapter does so well – HPDE (High song “This Train” accompanied the phrases (and praises) come to mind school events, conducted the swear - Performance Driver Education), stunning visuals of Bimmers in action easily to anyone describing the guy: ing-in of incoming chapter officers: Autocross, Highway Safety School, a at the ///M school as well as several legendary and one of the world’s best Paul Seto, president; James Laws, car show, a Tour de Summit BMW CCA (Car Club of America) racers; exceptionally talented driver vice-president; Richard Kempf, treas - Point …and BBQ!” A special feature employees and club members includ - with an unparalleled passion; consis - urer; and Gina Hector, secretary. will have Mike Renner (a professional ing our very own Doug Verner. tent winner with an unrivaled career; Outstanding chapter members driver for BMW, Instructor and Imagine slick BMWs flashing on preeminent BMW-brand ambassador; were feted. Special recognition went Corporate Sales at the BMW the screen exuberantly doing what personable guy with a welcoming to Chuck Pompei and Phil Yates, co- Performance Center in Spartanburg, Ultimate Driving Machines are smile; dashing gentleman with a chairs of the Autocross Program; SC) providing hot laps that day. designed to do. Now also imagine buoyant demeanor; and more. Phil Cummings, chair of DIY (Do-It- No self-respecting Bimmer lover/ the vivid lyrics of “This Train”: This Bill has a 21-year racing career Yourself) – the Program of the Year; chapter member will want to miss this train don’t stop for no one; this train with 400 starts with the BMW and Gina Hector, Volunteer of the memorable weekend, so make your got a mind of its own; this train don’t marque. He recently garnered his Year. An interesting twist to award- reservations now. wait for no one; this train stays on the 151st victory with the brand (a giving played out this year, much to As we continued to savor the track; this train like a hurricane….” whopping and impressive 38% of everyone’s delight – the awardees got dinner courses, the much-awaited And now replace the word “train” with his starts!) at the 2017 Petit Le Mans to choose their prizes from the beau - highlights of the program com - “Bimmer.” Unbridled excitement, in October, driving the No. 25 BMW tiful array of swag on display for the menced. Doug Verner introduced yes? (“This train don’t stop for no M6 GTLM.

8 der Bayerische THE 2018 NCC HOLIDAY PARTY AND ANNUAL MEETING

(From Left) Bill Auberlen with Perlita Jones, author of this article; Bill Auberlen sharing racing stories; Some of the plentiful hors d'oeuvres.

And what became of that triumphant But first we were treated to nostalgia. It was delightful to catch a follow in his Dad’s footsteps. Gerd M6? According to Caleb Jones, another dazzling video. Here’s the glimpse of “JOY” also known as (also called Gary) won Sebring in ‘85, writing for The Drive magazine on background: After his latest victory, “Never Say Never,” the E92 M3 and Bill won it in ’96, ‘97, and ’98. Oct. 9, 2017, “It was announced Bill was interviewed by Sportscar365 GT2 that Tom Plucinsky (Dept. Following in his old man’s footsteps earlier in the year that the M6 race car and when asked how he felt upon Head, Product and Technology with enormous success, indeed! used by BMW Team RLL (Rahal achieving this magnificent feat, he Communications with BMW North Bill’s stars have been aligned Letterman Lanigan) will be replaced replied, “It feels great, as you can America) and Mike Renner resurrect - since the beginning. Well, perhaps next year by the all-new M8 GTE. imagine. I’ve been with so many ed and transformed into one heck of a an occasional misalignment here and However, to honor Bill Auberlen, the amazing people from BMW. The race car. The amazing video-tribute there, but things seem to work out for team will be leaving his winning car smartest, the best, the fastest. To do ended with a hearty “Congratulations, the better in the end. To wit: One of in its original livery, continuing on his 400 races and on the anniversary of Bill! We’ll do it again when you hit Bill’s fondest memories of his young legacy for years to come.” my 400th, to win, there’s nothing 400 wins!” The grateful man of the racing career happened in New Bill’s reaction was heartfelt. better.” hour said he found the video touching Orleans when then-owner of IMSA, He said, “The really cool part is, they How apropos, therefore, that a and that it was difficult to keep his Charlie Slater, told him during a race, already told me, since this is the video-tribute for him, a masterpiece emotions in check. “I’ll step out; you drive my Porsche!” biggest win it’s won, they’re leaving it of Mike Renner’s, was titled “Nobody (A little sidebar here: How in the What led to this special, unexpected in that livery. It’s got my name all over Does It Better.” It honored Bill’s world did “Nobody Does It Better,” offer? Bill recalled, “This happened the thing! That will be cool; it will live 400 starts and 151 victories, cement - dubbed the swooning and insistently because I crashed my car in practice, in museums and maybe I’ll get to ing his place in the annals of BMW sexy 007 tune, lose to “You Light Up and I was second in the champi - drive it again.” Certainly, a distinct racing as the winningest and most My Life” by one-hit-wonder Debby onship. Charlie Slater stepped out of honor befitting a champion! successful driver in BMW’s history, Boone for the 1977 Academy Award his car to let me continue going for At the party, it was a sight to winning six races in the 2017 for Best Original Song?? Just the championship.” Presto Chango! behold: two BMW greats, with Mike IMSA (International Motor Sports wondering.) Bill’s stars realigned, and he wound introducing topics and asking Association) WeatherTech Sportscar Bill inherited his racing genes up qualifying on the pole and actually questions, and Bill answering them. series alone. He has won in an M3, from his father, Gerd Auberlen, who is won the race! He shared that it was an With both seated around a bistro table Z4, and M6. A collage of his racing originally from Stuttgart, Germany, incredible moment for him to have in a talk-show format that conformed photos, cars he has raced, and victo - raced cars, and was friends with an met somebody so generous and kind. to their genial personalities, they rious moments with his teammates owner of a Porsche repair shop. He was deeply grateful for the oppor - ensured an informal conversation current and past adorned the screen At 14, Bill started working on cars; at tunity to drive Charlie’s car, which with casual ease instead of a formal while Carly Simon’s distinctive 16, he was building motors; and at was on the Alex Job Racing team. “power-point” presentation, ending singing of the 70’s anthem from 17, he raced for his Dad in Daytona. Obviously, Charlie Slater’s confidence with a question-and-answer segment the movie, The Spy Who Loved He has been racing ever since. Since was well placed. with the audience. Me, enveloped the room with his youth, all he has wanted is to Bill’s talents and skills did not

May I June 9 THE 2018 NCC HOLIDAY PARTY AND ANNUAL MEETING

(Form Left) Geoffrey Young, winner of the grand prize, flanked by Mike Renner and Bill Auberlin; the man of the hour watching the video-tribute created by Mike. escape the attention and interest of athletic dynamics and razor-sharp away. However, he continued, “A In other words, the new BMW BMW, which gave him the chance to aesthetics. He added, “Every time you crash makes you conservative; M8 GTEs were outstanding (well, what drive for the marque. BMW asked drive a BMW race car, they have their conservative and racing don’t go else would you expect from Ultimate him, “How much would it take?” Bill own souls and do things slightly together.” But he revealed that when Driving Machines?), but the BOP said he was blown away, thinking, different from one another. The one it comes to crashes, “I’ve raced since overdid the performance penalty. “Hold on a sec! You can get paid to thing they all have in common is I was 17 years old, and have been It gave two Porsches, two Corvettes, race a car?? There is nothing better they win !” knocked out 15 times.” and two Ford GTs an unfair advantage, in the world when you can get paid He likened racing the Z4 to He always bounces back, more in that they shared the top six starting to do what you love!” performing brain surgery. And what determined than ever while acknowl - positions. Brownell further wrote, The watershed moment did attributes are required of a brain edging that no racer is immune from “Those BMWs got the absolute worst come 21 years ago when Bill was on surgeon? Exactly what Bill possess - setbacks. of it, and BOP had done them wrong.” a holiday for the BMW Motorsport es: an alert mind, sharp eyes, skilled Speaking of another setback of But Bill has taken such hic - Banquet in Kitzbuhel (east of and steady hands, laser focus, inner sorts, Bill touched on the subject of cups…and the sometimes-disjoined Innsbruck), Austria. There were also tranquility, unshakable composure, BOP (Balance of Performance) after stars in stride. ski races in progress, Kitzbuhel being and full product-knowledge. And as being asked. It is a hot-button issue, Besides his innate abilities and a small Alpine, medieval town of a racer, he has one more: nimble with some racers calling BOP the focused determination, how has Bill international renown as a luxurious and dexterous feet! worst three letters in motorsports built his storied career? Consistency, ski resort. He got a call from Porsche And what are his other strengths lexicon, although its expressed raison for one. It has been the hallmark of his asking him to drive a GT1. He did, as a race-car driver? “Mechanical d’etre is it is IMSA’s way to create an longevity. As Paul Seto opined, “The then went skiing. Shortly thereafter, a awareness,” he said. “I feel like I even playing field. Bill was just fresh one thing about Bill that’s most seriously alarmed BMW official was know a car inside out. I can pinpoint off 24 Hours of Daytona (Jan. 27-28) amazing is that he’s been so consis - asking him for an emergency meeting, once something goes wrong, and I where, he lamented, “BOP killed us.” tent throughout the years. For a race- saying, “We heard you test-drove a can definitely help the engineers.” As the sportswriter Bradley Brownell car driver, this means winning, as you Porsche. You’re supposed to sign Another strength? Mike Renner of Jalopnik explains, “BOP is effec - essentially have to ‘earn’ your way a contract with us!” A tug of war interposed, “If you want it, Bill can tively the means by which the series onto the team each year.” ensued between Porsche and BMW, drive a car fast. He CAN make a car officials try to level the field on lap His consistency also has been with Bill and his Dad giving it a long, fast! Few are that talented.” Bill’s time; adding ballast, adjusting pit- instrumental in propelling him into an hard thought. In the end, he took response revealed what I believe is his stop refueling times, and fitting enviable distinction: Bill is the second BMW and has been happy ever since. mantra: “If you go slow, you don’t various diameter engine air all-time victor in North American Bill has raced the M3 GTR the have a job,” to which Mike added, restrictors. In a pro class like IMSA’s endurance sportscar racing, with 58 most. He is intimately familiar with “You cannot hide talent.” GT Le Mans , the point of BOP is to wins so far. Two more and he will be the different personalities of BMWs Any weaknesses? He said there make the race about things like tied with the recently retired Scott whose DNA, as we all know, includes is probably one but cannot give it strategy, driver capability, and luck.” Pruett; three more and he will be at the

10 derB ayerische THE 2018 NCC HOLIDAY PARTY AND ANNUAL MEETING

(Fom Left) The bountiful swag; der Bayerische autographed by Bill Auberlen; Nathan Ware and Stephanie Collins with the autographed photo she won at the raffle. very top of the victory list all by him - is his favorite race track on water; chapter of the BMW Car Club of any. As far as we were concerned, self! Bill has his sights set on winning it does not have speed limits. America, all 5,300+ strong. Among they were the onslaught of robust the Le Mans race next. As for pole When a member of the audience other activities, we participate in ///M guitar riffs by Joe Bonamassa and the positions in all of North America, he asked how he controls the urge to race school events at the BMW electrifying roar of revving engines of stands first. (“Pole position” is the while on a regular, mundane drive, Performance Center and attend the Ultimate Driving Machines depicted position at the inside of the front row Bill replied, “I drive really numb until annual VIR (Virginia International in Mike Renner’s videos! at the start of a racing event. It is somebody wants to race.” Then, Raceway) races in droves, proof- typically given to the vehicle and watch out! His daily drivers are an positive that we avail ourselves of Epilogue driver with the best qualifying time in M6 and an i8. BMW CCA offerings and enjoy them. After Daytona, IMSA revised the the trials before the race.) There was more to the event’s But most important, we appreciate and BOP guidelines. Some restrictions While enjoying dessert of excitement. The raffle is always a fit - applaud BMW’s illustrious brand imposed on the BMW M8 GTE in its classic tiramisu and traditional carrot ting cap to the evening. To the gener - ambassadors, two of whom are Bill maiden race (so-called “baptism by cake, we were further regaled with ous donors of the bountiful and Auberlen and Mike Renner. Our pro - fire”) were relaxed. According to Bill’s stories of race-car drivers always-desirable prizes, our heartfelt found thanks to them. This was a Brian Morgan, writing for BimmerLife pranking one another, like applying thanks: BMW Performance Center, once-in-a-lifetime chance to have Bill on Feb. 17, 2018, “The BMW M8 grease on steering wheels and taking Radial Tire Co., BMW of Silver come and speak to us. His joining us GTE has been granted increased turbo a car apart and reassembling it inside Spring, Sterling, and Annapolis. this year is one for the ages. We hope boost levels at higher rev ranges a room. Yes, racers do need moments Geoffrey Young won the free ///M he will grace other special NCC events and an additional two liters of fuel of levity as a break from moments of School grand prize, while Paul Seto again soon. capacity in advance of the IMSA intensity. won the radial tires – four for the price WeatherTech SportsCar Champion- Speaking of unwinding from the of two. Other prizes were tickets to the To summarize what the evening meant ship Series’ test days at Sebring on daily rigors of racing five to six weeks MLB Nationals game, jackets, pieces to this chapter member: Feb. 20-23.” at a time, what does Bill do to let of luggage, headsets (BMW Beats), - 2 tickets to the party = $130 And how did Team RLL’s No. 25 loose? He goes boating and sailing, autographed and framed posters, - A new outfit, high-heeled ankle M8 GTE finish at Sebring on March “the perfect antidote to racing pres - BMW model cars, wristwatches, boots, and accessories = $295 17? A very impressive first podium sures,” according to him. He collects messenger bags, purses and back - - 2 airline date-change fees = $300 on its second race in the challenging and modifies boats to get them to go packs, Smartphone halter, leather - Meeting Bill Auberlen and being GTLM class! In Bill Auberlen’s words, fast,…faster…, and fastest! He calls care, umbrellas, laptop bags, duffel regaled with his racing stories = it was “running like a rocket,” and one of his boats “32 feet of pure bags, cuff links, headphones, coffee Priceless! Team RLL did a fantastic job. excitement!” He installed two 1,500- cups, and many more. No. 25 finished second (missing the hp motors that can make a boat glide What a lovely evening this was, As for the possibly distracting top step of the podium by just effortlessly on the lake at 180 to 190 and everyone had a splendid time. noise from the bowling balls, bowling a few seconds). Congratulations! It mph! Lake Elsinore in Riverside, CA We are the largest and most active pins, and bocce balls, we did not hear will only get better.

May I June 11 February DIY at Craftsman Auto Care

have always admired the BMW of DIY In fact, it is usually the very last coil at the regular Frank Kapitan. His 2005 X3 likely By Marc Caden bottom that breaks and most people drive Irepresents the last BMW SAV model to be around that way without ever realizing it. offered to the US market with a proper old- After removing a wheel, Mike’s suspi - school, manual transmission. The six-speed cion was confirmed and we could plainly see gearbox option was only available on X3’s that both of Frank’s rear coil springs were with the larger 3.0 liter engine and very few broken. Because the part of the coil spring people ordered them with three pedals. Frank that breaks is at the very bottom, it doesn’t is one of the fortunate ones who still can enjoy usually fall out and any change in ride height rowing the gears while getting the practicality is subtle. Back in the old days many shade of the ultimate driving SAV. tree mechanics would purposefully cut a coil Frank brought his X3 to the February Do- spring down to create homemade lowering It-Yourself event at Craftsman Auto Care to springs. scan some codes. As a courtesy, Shop I thought about Frank’s broken rear coils Foreman Mike Reynolds also offered to give for a few minutes and felt pretty sorry for him. Frank’s X3 a brief overview inspection. Mike Then I decided that I better go check out my has been working on BMWs for over forty E46 located just one bay over. I don’t need to years and knows just what to look for. He tell you what I found, right? You guessed it – examined it for the usual culprits – suspen - two broken rear coil springs! What are odds sion components, brakes, tires, and leaks. It (Top) Ross Tsiomenko drained the automatic transmis - of that? Apparently, a lot higher than I came as a bit of a surprise, however, when sion fluid on his 1999 750il. (Above) Craftsman Auto previously would have thought. And, like Mike asked to remove a rear wheel so he Care is conveniently located in Alexandria, Virginia. Frank, I had been driving around with them could check the coil springs. that way and had no idea whatsoever. Mike explained that it is common to see broken rear coil springs on these I went home and immediately ordered a new pair of rear coil springs X3 models and similar generation 3 Series. Water and road sediment can and upper/lower rubber perch mounts. The process to replace them build up and cause the lowest part of the coil spring to rust and weak en. couldn’t have been easier and it is the perfect task for an upcoming DIY

12 der Bayerische FEBRUARY DIY

event. You jack the car up, remove new set of springs and my car’s ride these issues. I had never seen any- ‘n’ tell” service that Matt Curry the rear wheels, and then remove the height certainly looks more balanced. one check rear coil springs as part of demonstrated for me on the one lower bolt holding the rear shock I mentioned this to several a routine inspection and Mike taught computer. While your vehicle is in in place. After that you can take the friends and they noted having me a valuable lesson. for service, the technician takes OEM scissor jack from your trunk broken rear coil springs on other Craftsman Auto Care is a family detailed pictures to support any and place it in between the control models of cars, including Audi and run shop located in Alexandria, recommendations made for the arm and body of the car. By opening Mercedes. So apparently this Virginia. The owner, Matt Curry, has service or repair of your car. The up the scissor jack in this position it problem isn’t limited to just BMWs. been successfully running some of pictures will typically contain high- creates enough space for you to What is the moral story? Go out and the best independent shops in our lighted arrows or circles to show remove and replace your coil spring. check your rear coil springs and area for decades. At Craftsman, he exactly what needs repair on your car. The following weekend I replaced make sure they aren’t broken. has assembled the same group of Depending on your preferred method both rear springs on my car in the Of course, the other moral to trusted technicians that he has of communication – the photographs driveway in a little over an hour. this story is the benefit of having a worked with for many years – like can be sent to you by a text message In case you are wondering, trusted shop like Craftsman Auto Mike, Ben, and Drew. or email. I do think the car rides better with the Care that knows how to inspect for Craftsman has a unique “show Many of us buy German cars

(Below from Left) Joseph Concaugh removes the DISA valve on his E46 to gain access to clean the throttle body and ICV; Jedd Vertman removes a wheel from his 2004 325xit to begin replacing his brakes and rotors; Mike Reynolds from Craftsman Auto Care helps Phillip Cummings replace the window regulator on his E39 540i.

May I June 13 FEBRUARY DIY because we appreciate the thoughtful engineering that underpins the vehicle. This type of owner is frequently a detail-oriented person who wants to better understand the inner workings of their car (yeah, I am pointing the finger at myself here). As a lawyer, I would say Craftsman’s “show ‘n’ tell” service uses their photographs as support - ing evidence. It all makes sense, sure you can trust what they tell you, but sometimes an accompanying picture is, as they say, “worth a thou - sand words.” Our DIY event started off just right when Phillip Cummings showed up with the jolt we all need - and brake pads on his 2004 325xit. finished the projects within the time Alexandria for hosting this event! ed in the form of fresh coffee and Mark Shaffer did an oil change on allotted. Many thanks to Matt Curry We hope to see you at a DIY event donuts the size of your head. Phil his supercharged 1995 325is. and Craftsman Auto Care in sometime this year. and Matt Curry gave us some brief Doug Verner also did an oil change safety instructions and each partici - on his 2008 M3. pant had two hours to finish their Even though longtime chapter planned tasks. member Brian Lovecchio moved Joseph Concaugh tried to to the Philadelphia area a couple of address a jumpy idle in his 2003 years ago, he still comes back for 330cic. He cleaned the E46’s throttle many of our DIY events. He body and idle control valve, and replaced the power steering hoses replaced the upper and lower intake and reservoir on his 2001 330ci. boots. Mike Painter brought his John Francis did an oil change and 2004 M3 to flush the brake fluid and replaced the coolant, differential coolant, and also replaced his rear fluid, and transmission fluid on his differential fluid. Ross Tsiomenko classic 1982 528e (the oldest car at (Middle from Left) The author's brought in his 1999 750il to replace the event). broken rear coil spring next to a the automatic transmission fluid. The DIY committee provided new replacement; after you remove Jedd Vertman replaced the rotors a nice pizza lunch and everyone the lower bolt holding the rear shock in place, you can use a (Below from Left) The DIY Committee supplied a nice breakfast of coffee and doughnuts; Matt Curry (on right) scissor jack to gain enough space welcomes participants to Craftsman Auto Care and gives some brief safety instructions. to remove the coil spring.

14 der Bayerische The widely-spaced corporate kidney grills and sharper profile lines running along the doors, make this vehicle look very handsome. Super Uncle: 530xi Sport Line

ho doesn’t enjoy the comfort of big, By Anna Maripuu It doubles as a snow plow when it’s snowing. luxurious cars. They make driving easier, For a “truck” it is stylish and fun to drive, has some Wthey just do. You can crank the music, sit real get up and go, and is a pretty fashionable back, and make the most of your awful commute grocery-getter. or long road trip. It’s no secret that driving in the I also like cars that can perform and have DC metro area is stressful. There are often long some significant horsepower. The antithesis and traffic queues, people are rude and unhelpful in polar opposite to the X3 is my 2013 135is aka traffic, you end up spending way too much time Woof Woof aka “the Chihuahua”. This vehicle is stuck in a “parking lot” on the highway as you inch not so easy to drive with its low-profile tires forward toward your destination. The roads are of that have you feeling every imperfection and bump varying quality and drivability, filled with potholes in the road is a growly little noise machine. and lined by shoulders you would hardly The unbelievable acceleration, 0-60 mph in 4.5 consider driving on even in an emergency. seconds, and nimble drive train will take you out It is for this reason that I like being able to of a jam quickly or just leave every other car on the turn to my trusty 2010 X3 aka Dumbo aka “the road in the dust if you so please. This is your tow-truck”. It was manufactured the last year the bachelor uncle who lives in a modern glass cube X3s were built in Austria, before production (Above)The M sport steering wheel with aluminum and has a different date every night. He drinks and moved to the South Carolina plant. This version paddle shifters not only handles great, but feels smokes and drives too fast and takes you on of BMW’s sport activity vehicle is the handy uncle great to touch. slightly dangerous adventures of which your you can turn to who would never let you down. parents would not approve. While not the most It’s dependable and sturdy. It can haul furniture from Ikea or garden comfortable ride in the world, this car is fun and adrenaline loaded, far from supplies from Home Depot. It maneuvers well in almost all road and pedestrian. In its simplicity, the interior is beautiful and Spartan, and it weather conditions. It takes speed bumps like they aren’t even there. drives like the wind.

May I June 15 SUPER UNCLE: 530 xi SPORT LINE

(Above Left) The 10.2 inch touch - screen dominates attention in the cabin. (Above Right) Ambient lighting bathes the interior of the cabin making the interior look sleep and welcoming. (Left) The driver's instrument cluster and heads-up display are clear and easy to read, as well as stylish.

able in their loveliness. The door thresholds lit up with the words If these two uncles amalgamat - One of the reasons it feels so “Sport Line” in the same pleasing ed into one Super Uncle who has it quick is the extensive use of alu - orange color that is distinctive all, they just might become the next- minum – including in the trunk lid, to BMW instrument panels. And generation, cutting-edge 2018 530xi doors and suspension parts. This ever since it debuted in the X5. speaking of the instrument panel, sport line (there is also an M Sport makes the car sprightly and I love being able to change the BMW somehow manages to make version). I’m not a super fan of fussy some 123 pounds lighter than the interior accent lighting from blue to their panels more attractive with cars with too much infotainment last 5 Series. The redesigned orange to green. Two thumbs up (or every new vehicle. Less orange- system stuff going on and most suspension is largely made from all ten fingers) for the heated M dominated than older panels, the modern cars just can’t seem to per - aluminum, which helps to reduce steering wheel which BMW has instruments were easy to read. form. But this car simply blew me unsprung mass. managed to manufacture with the Over the past sixteen years, away with its sleek unfussiness and Let’s turn to the facts. The car most luxurious, soft leather. BMW IT engineers seem to have ability on the road. It seemed to be I drove was a handsome Imperial On the tech side, BMW seems spent quite bit of time perfecting the the perfect combination of what you Blue metallic that shimmered a to have come a long way with iDrive. Their hard work was evident want and need in a car. Large deep, fathomless shade of lapis its rear-view cameras and park in this car with the iDrive 6.0. It was enough to ferry you and your family lazuli. The interior upholstery was a distance control features. Parking easy to scroll through the options for and friends around in style and com - luxurious cognac Dakota leather this rather large car was a cinch navigation, radio, and car settings. fort as an SAV would, yet peppy and with contrast stitching and piping. when using these assists. One can also use the touch screen, if enjoyable to drive, almost handling The interior trim was a dignified I would have liked the car even one prefers, or gesture controls with like a sports car. It’s hard to believe shiny burl walnut wood with an better had it had the 19-inch alloy the appropriate hand motion near the that there is as much power as there important looking anthracite head - wheels that are an option on the M center console. Perhaps it is just is in the B46 turbocharged 2.0-liter liner. There was ambient lighting sport version. The sport line is fit - that I am accustomed to iDrive by inline-four engine, but this car will along the dash and door interiors. ted with 18-inch double spoke alloy now so I have a sense of how the go from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. I’ve been a sucker for this feature wheels that were certainly accept - system works, but in my estimation,

16 der Bayerische SUPER UNCLE: 530 xi SPORT LINE each new iteration of iDrive seems to precise description. But I believe in be easier to use, more intuitive and the case of BMW it analyses driving more up to date. New to this version behavior such as steering input is wireless integration of Apple and throttle pressure and braking CarPlay. There is no comparison to patterns, and, if necessary, advises the level of fussing and figuring out the driver to rest. The advice to take that I usually must do when I a break is provided in the form of rent a Volvo XC90 or a Jaguar F graphic symbols shown on the Pace from Hertz. Control Display. What I found fun was the Yes, there are a lot of bells and gesture control feature. When you whistles, and I can only imagine want to turn up the volume you sim - how much all these integrated ply twirl your finger to the right in systems cost to fix if/when they go the air near the radio, or twirl it to the wrong. I wasn’t expecting to love left to turn the volume down. this car as much as I did. Although I felt like Harry Potter performing big, it handled nimbly. It allowed some kind of Alohomora spell, me to glide through the hellacious using my finger instead of a magic traffic of the DMV effortlessly. I felt wand. Since I love gadgets, I also (Above) Updated LED taillights and discreet chromed exhaust ports lend zero stress while at its controls. It enjoyed using the same swirly to the overall sophisticated look of the 530i. was almost laughably easy to drive. finger gesture to control the camera All in all, this car is comfortable, for a virtual 360-degree view of the a fig what the traffic is doing. steering angle of the wheels in fun, supremely quiet and quick. car. Somehow this simulates what it You could be stopped in bumper to relation to the steering wheel move - Pretty much everything in the cock - would look like if you were standing bumper traffic on the beltway or ment as a function of the speed. pit is intuitive and easy to operate. next to the car. It’s kind of a mind- inching along the parkway. Who At speeds up to approximately 37 Oh, and did I mention the amazing blowing totally out-of-body experi - cares? Are you stressed? Heck no. mph, in curves, the steering angle is 16-speaker Bowers and Wilkins ence and I don’t quite understand You rule the world. You can sit increased, i.e., steering becomes sound system (or the less expensive how it works, but it is a very cool. back, relax and enjoy the ride. more direct. The rear-axle steering but nearly as good Harmon Kardon You can also use a remote function Because you are more comfortable acts to increase maneuverability by setup)? Crank up the volume and that utilizes the surround cameras in your car than nine-nine percent of turning the rear wheels slightly in a sink back into the 20-way adjustable to allow you to see your car’s any other driver anywhere. So just direction opposite to the front cognac Dakota leather seat. If you surroundings from your mobile enjoy it and when the traffic eases, wheels. At higher speeds, the steer - happen to take a tight corner the phone. I, for one, would love the floor it and leave them all in the ing angle is increasingly reduced. dynamic seat bolsters will gently ability to “spy” on my car when it dust. The rear wheels are turned to the inflate to counteract the rising G- is parked! Truth be told, this car is not same angle as the front wheels. In forces to envelope you in cloudlike But here is what I absolutely a sports car but despite all its cushi - critical situations, Integral Active comfort. Super Uncle, I miss you loved most about this car. Driving it ness, it handles great. It barely Steering can specifically steer the already. made me feel like the King of the leans into the corners, and you front and rear wheels to stabilize the Road. Or the Pasha of the World. Or hardly feel any throttle lag as it gets vehicle before the driver intervenes, the Emperor of All Things. I don’t up to speed. At the end of the day it e.g., when braking where road con - (Below) The thresholds light up think I’ve every driven a car where is the ultimately comfortable high - ditions differ on the left and right with the words 'Sport Line' when the sea seems to part in front of you way cruiser. I even found myself sides of the vehicle.” the doors are opened. like you are Moses. As you come loving the way the steering felt. Let’s not forget the Active sailing along in this regal machine, Believing I was not a fan of electron - Protection System and Remote and I’m not talking about trudging ic steering, in this car, I really Services. Remote Services includes along here, you could be carrying couldn’t tell the difference. Steering Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Remote some significant speed, traffic felt precise, firm and snappy. Door Unlock and BMW Connected seems to magically move out of the The car also comes equipped app. Active Protection System way. Does it? No, of course not, but with something called Integral detects imminent accidents, then it certainly feels that way. Active Steering which steers all prepares by automatically pre- And since one is so incredibly four wheels. I’m going simply quote tensioning safety belts, closing comfortable in the driver’s seat with it the way I’ve read about it and windows and moonroof, and the steering wheel heater and seat the way BMW describes it. “Integral activating post-crash braking. This heaters on, gesturing away to the Active Steering is a combination of includes something called the satellite radio like a conductor lead - Active Steering and rear axle steer - Fatigue and Focus Alert feature. The ing an orchestra, one couldn’t give ing. Active Steering varies the research I did on this gleaned no

May I June 17 By Steve Tenney IMSA Sebring

otorsports in 2018 brings us some to the overly restricted Turbo boost ratios of the So again, to start this year at Daytona, BMW Team new and exciting developments to BoP. The BoP has been the topic to begin each of RLL knew that they were not going to compete for follow. We have BMW’s #Mission8 the last few seasons. The fact is, IMSA has a a win. Unlike last year where not much was said in Meffort to develop a new purpose-built December test, as well as the Roar Before the 24 in public, this year there were loud complaints and GTE or GT Le Mans car to race in the IMSA January where the BoP can be seen for how it even the suggestion that BMW might not continue championship in the USA and to compete in the limits the performance of the car and adjustments with the IMSA season. So changes were made for WEC (World Endurance Championship) in Europe can be made. In conversations with team mem - the February test at Sebring and then a second set and other parts of the world. Most notably BMW bers it was clear that the M8 was in trouble since of adjustments after the results of the test were plans to enter this car in the Le Mans 24 Hour race, the M6 was passing it on the banking at Daytona. reviewed. IMSA is supposed to have telemetry so perhaps the largest most famous race in the world. BMW continues to support the M6 GT3 race car that is intended to be a customer effort and will continue for the next few years. Turner Motorsports will run their familiar M6 in GTD in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA); teams through - out the world will compete in various series as a customer to BMW. The new M8 will be the basis for the new GTLM car that the factory will use as its competitive machine and take to Le Mans in 2018.

(Above) Part of the Sebring 12 Hour celebration, electric palm trees outside Turn 3 (Kristensen Corner). (Right) The new M8 GTE.

We saw the debut of the M8 at Daytona and that it struggled for speed on the banking, but in the end both cars finished and that was a significant accomplishment. If you read the comments after the race, it was clear that from the top down every - one at BMW was pointing at what they described as a very unfair Balance of Performance (BoP) that the IMSA applied to the M8 GTE to start the season. Obviously, the drivers and teams know how fast their cars are and the BMW Team RLL team was quite clear that they didn’t have enough speed due

18 der Bayerische 12-Hour Weekend

they can tell if the team and driver are sandbagging are also seeing the debut of the M4 GT4 in the teams still participating. In the times of the E92 M3 and holding back to trick the BoP system. It’s hard Continental Sportscar Challenge, GS class, a sup - the race teams had to build and develop the car to prove that they do since they take some time to porting event to the WSC at Sebring. Numerous themselves. There was some help from BMW, but make the appropriate adjustments to the engine manufacturers from Chevrolet and Ford to Porsche generally the teams conducted the development of power map for the BMW. After the second BoP and BMW have adopted the Federation the cars. When the F82/83 M3/M4 platform came adjustment for Sebring it was with much interest Internationale De L’Automobile (FIA) GT4 classifi - along, the development costs were felt to be far too that we approached qualifying and the race. cation for sports car competition. The Continental high for the teams themselves to build their own In addition to the new M8 GTE in IMSA Tire Sportscar Challenge (CTSC) once saw suc - cars and conduct the development. There was Weathertech Sportscar Championship (WSC), we cess of the E92 M3 as it was competed by many even a plan for the teams to work together to

May I June 19 IMSA SEBRING 12 HOUR WEEKEND

Grahovec won the championship in 2016. Classic continued to field cars in the Pirelli series in 2017 but they have embraced the M4 GT4 both in the PWC and now in the CTSC. Bimmerworld has acquired cars, as has Turner Motorsports, so a couple of our traditional BMW teams may return with the new customer GT4 platform. This will become very interesting for us BMW enthusiasts. Practices were interesting with so many new cars to follow both in (Above) The M4 GT4 as driven by Toby Grohovec & Jason Clunie. (Below) The Bimmerworld M4 GT4. the Weathertech Series and the develop the car but that still didn’t come about. With the development of the FIA GT4 set of regulations and the adoption of the GT4 platform for the CTSC the acquisition of a facto - ry-developed racecar became a viable approach for the teams to take. Last August at VIR, James Clay (Bimmerworld) told us how different it would be to spend a large amount of money to purchase the car, but almost no development work. They would have to learn how to exploit the car, but any development would come from the factory and they would have factory support. James Clay also suggested that Bimmer- BMWs), for 2018 it would be very been an enthusiastic participant Continental Challenge. In the CTSC, world would be interested in the different and there will be another racing these new BMW customer where the M4 GT4 didn’t qualify well M4 GT4. championship to follow. US teams program racecars. They began at Daytona, but the Bimmerworld car Where the CTSC has been less have purchased a number of cars. racing the M235iR in the Pirelli with James Clay & Tyler Cooke interesting (to those of us following Classic BMW in Plano, Texas has World Challenge (PWC) where Toby driving finished an impressive 2nd (Below) Connor De Phillippi in the #25 M8 GTE, shown here in night practice.

20 der Bayerische IMSA SEBRING 12 HOUR WEEKEND

viding the car sufficiently more horsepower at higher engine speeds. The cars seemed in the mix through - out the practices starting at 6&7 in practice 1, in practice 2 4&5, then in night practice 2&6 followed by 1&2 in the last practice before qualifying. The first clue of the speed to come was Connor De Phillippi placing the #25 in 2nd in night practice. It looked like they were on the right track, but even the team was looking for the other teams to bounce back with more speed. In qualifying, Connor De Phillippi put the #25 M8 GTE on the pole with Jesse Krohn putting the #24 car in 3rd. Competition was coming from the Ferrari with the two Ford GTs not far behind. With the Corvettes and after qualifying 19th. Bimmerworld Clay/Cooke team being a very well (US) and Nick Catsburg (NED), #25: the Porsches at the back of the group. struggled with handling at Sebring, matched performing very closely. At Bill Auberlen (US), Alexander Sims There was only a second across all still qualifying as the highest placed Sebring, the Bimmerworld car (UK) and Connor De Phillippi (US). nine cars, so this was a very BMW, placing them in 7th. The looked like it was headed for a Bill Auberlen longtime celebrated competitive class. One would have Classic BMW M4 GT4 driven by podium finish, but they were given a driver for BMW will reduce his role to acknowledge that the BoP was Toby Grahovec & Jason Clunie qual - penalty for “avoidable contact” and this year driving the long-distance working. ified in 15th with the second Classic fell back to finish in 11th. The races and acting as a BMW NA In GTD, the class for the FIA M4 driven by Mike Vess & Jason Grahovec & Clunie #26 BMW came Brand Ambassador. Connor De GT3 cars, we also had Turner Hart unclassified. through with another podium for Phillippi is coming to BMW from Motorsports returning with their M6 For the 2-hour race the BMW in the CTSC finishing in 2nd. Porsche & Audi where he has spent GT3 lead by Markus Palttala (FIN) Bimmerworld and Grahovec Classic This was a great result for BMW and the last five years in Europe most with Don Yount (US) and Dillon M4s did well competing at the front. Classic BMW. recently co-driving a win in the MacHavern (US). We can always James Clay told me that the M4 GT4 Drivers for BMW Team RLL Nurburgring 24 and at Petit Le Mans. count on Will Turner to do his best to has good power and they are working during the long distance races at For the WSC, we will be watching the put a well-prepared car on the circuit. out the handling. Their results have Daytona and Sebring would be: #24: comparative performance of the M8 The race began under clear been very impressive with the Jesse Krohn (FIN), John Edwards GTE with a new BoP hopefully pro - skies under almost perfect weather (Above) The #25 in turn 1 as the sunsets on night practice. (Below) The Turner Motorsports M6 GTD car.

May I June 21 IMSA SEBRING 12 HOUR WEEKEND

affecting the BMW was a collision between the #24 car and the #66 Ford GT, which caused a water leak and required extensive repairs cost - ing the #24 nine laps that, could not be regained. The car would return and run well only to retire near the end. At about mid-race we saw a train of GTLM cars headed again by the #25 car driven by Connor De Phillippi followed by Toni Vilander in the #62 Ferrari, Nick Tandy in the #911 Porsche, Laurens Vanthoor in the #912 Porsche and Scott Dixon in the #67 Ford GT. There were also some of the other GTLM cars laps down, but in the mix with the lead lap GTLM group. This included John Edwards conditions. Connor De Phillippi lead and later Jesse Krohn in the #24 car the GTLM group as the race started. some eight laps down but doing Jesse Krohn was able to get by on very competitive lap times. the first lap and the order after the Watching in turn 5, I could see De first lap showed the two BMWs in Phillippi beginning to struggle with front of GTLM, but with Krohn in first tire grip until he finally got offline and De Phillippi in second. enough for Vilander to get by him This continued until the first and into the GTLM lead. It was yellow at 12 laps where De Phillippi interesting to watch De Phillippi pitted leaving Krohn in the lead working the steering trying to hold which he held until he pitted under onto the position, only to eventually green at 28 laps. It’s a long race, for lose grip and end up offline, nearly the first full stint, Krohn had held the off track in 5 and Vilander made the GTLM lead for BMW. It was a really pass. Toni Vilander is one of the top good start. The first major incident GT racers in the world. This caused De Phillippi to drop to second. (Top) The De Phillippi M8 GTE leading GTLM. (Above) De Phillippi leads GTLM with the Ferrari and Following this Nick Tandy also got Porsche just behind. (Below) Jesse Krohn pressurizing Alessandro Pier Giudi. by and then a pit stop by De Phillippi as well as Tandy, I can only assume to change tires. Eventually Vilander also pitted and Alessandro Pier Guidi took over the Ferrari. Jesse Krohn, even though 8 laps down, began pressuring Pier Guidi as he had similar problems with grip from the tires. In the heat of the day, at about half race distance, they all seemed to be having grip prob - lems with the greasy Sebring track. It made for interesting racing and spectating. Maybe it was the greasy nature of the track, but the two Porsche’s began to show some strength here and playing a strong part of the GTLM mix. Bill Auberlen took over the #25 car and began to

22 der Bayerische IMSA SEBRING 12 HOUR WEEKEND do good lap times in the sub 1:59 range. It was Bill who began to take up the chase of the two Porsches with the Ferrari and Vilander back in the lead. Auberlen pitted with about 1 hour and 55 minutes left in the race and Alexander Sims got in the #25 to take up the chase to the end. The course was under yellow until about 1 hour and 35 minutes remaining. Once the restart happened, you could see the spacing between the #911 and the #25 cars decrease as Sims went to work. I was watching the live timing and Sims laps were just below 2:00 and Tandy in the #911 were slightly above. The gap began to shrink. However, with the race coming to an end, Tandy (in the #911 Porsche) was able to create a (Above) Alexander Sims presses forward as the sun sets. gap between himself and Sims and It was great to watch and both driv - the top finishing positions due the we will see more of this speed & the race came to an end. Tandy and ers expressed later how much fun it early collision, Jesse Krohn record - competition and that BMW comes Porsche taking the GTLM class with was to compete with one another. ed the fastest GTLM lap of the out on top. Sims and the BMW in second. Even though the #24 M8 was out of race at 1:57.622. We can hope that

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May I June 23 The 2018 BMW 430i M-Sport with 6–speed Manual

What’s Not To Love?

By James Chew

24 der Bayerische 2018 BMW 430i M SPORT

aving not driven this particular navigating the corkscrew, along with road for some time, the that clause in the loan agreement Hupcoming curve came as a bit that I am not allowed to drive the of a surprise. Traveling at a rapid vehicle on a race track. (but safe for the conditions) pace, I While there is a certain had to slow down significantly to romance in manual shifting, the take the curve safely. My driving practical reality is that today’s driver instincts suddenly kicked in: would rather use their driving “work - load” to either find the perfect tune, - Apply the brakes with the properly chat on a phone, watch a video, positioned right foot. Braking experiment with the car’s telematics action continues throughout the features, eat, drink, or change remaining four steps clothes. The practical reality for the - Depress the clutch pedal with left auto manufacturers is that, despite foot their professed love for it, Americans - While still on the brakes, roll right in general don’t know how to drive a foot to the right and onto the throt - manual shifter, which results in tle pedal to "blip" the throttle to high warranty costs, and later match the engine’s rpms with the high maintenance costs, which ulti - expected wheel speed mately creates ill will toward the - Move the transmission shifter to manufacturers. shift simultaneusly into a lower Every time I drive a manual- gear transmission car, everything I both - Release the clutch pedal love AND hate about manual shifters - Quickly repeat if needed comes back. The bottom line is that the typical American roads and Smoothly accelerating out of typical American daily driving the curve to get back up to speed, conditions are not “manual-trans - I glanced over at my 88-year-old mission” friendly. Even the most father who was in the front passen - (Opposite page) It’s best to drive a BMW when you’re meeting with BMW! experienced of us has stalled a ger seat. He was enjoying the (Above) For all BMW enthusiasts, this should be a VERY comforting view. manual transmission car while scenery along the side of the road to (Below) Smooth, sleek, and tasteful, the 430i has a timeless side profile. avoiding an auto accident. Laguna Seca. Not in the least did he perfectly balanced rear-wheel-drive that it was a shame that Laguna Nonetheless, for one joyful notice my perfect “heel-and-toe” 430i with M-Sport package and a Seca did not operate like week the wonderful six-speed action. six-speed manual transmission is Nurburgring. Having the ability to manual shifter on our 2018 But the smile on my face com - about as close to heaven as a BMW pay a fee to drive the Laguna Seca 430i REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE M-Sport municated all of that for me at that enthusiast can get. track with that 430i would be pure package test vehicle helped us moment, it was good to be alive. To As we drove by the entrance of joy. But there was the matter of what realize the full driving potential of be stretching the driving legs of a the Laguna Seca raceway, I thought to do with my father while I was the “Ultimate Driving Machine.”

May I June 25 2018 BMW 430i M SPORT

The attractiveness of the exteri - iDrive were at the correct, instinctive or and interior caught me off guard. location. Don’t waste money on a The “Snapper Rocks Blue Metallic” heads-up display – interior and exterior with the Cognac Leather exterior vision is outstanding. The with dark brown highlights interior driver’s seat and the steering wheel is simply stunning. Looking more needed a little adjustment to feel like vehicles that are three to four “right.” And the locations and times as expensive, the color combi - height of those blessed three pedals nation showcases the 4 Series’ time - allowed for instinctive “heel-and- less design, performance, and beau - toe” driving. ty. The M-package, which adds the And every driving enthusiast very attractive M star-spoke wheels will want to DRIVE this car. The near and dark carbon exterior trim, added 50/50 weight distribution, respon - to the connoted performance. sive throttle, and outstanding han - Using the now familiar double- dling will always have you seeking (Above) The truck lid open high and wide to reveal a large, practical cargo pull to unlatch the hood, I was not the longest way to drive to a loca - area (yes, thats a BMW suitcase). surprised to see the large plastic tion. Driving the streets of San covers that dominated the engine a nice, wide, and long torque curve) managed to develop a trunk design Francisco was a joy – parallel park - bay. Someday, I’d like to ask a BMW this engine will make even the in which the lid opens high and out ing was a breeze. You and your engineer or BMW designer why they biggest “Me Drive Fast” lugnut won - of the way, revealing a large opening passengers won’t feel exhausted now feel the need to cover the entire dering if this is an M-vehicle. to a cavernous cargo area. The rear after long drives. Because of all of compartment with hard plastic. If it’s Assuming, of course, the lugnut seats also fold individually to our driving, we appreciated one of for aesthetics, they clearly failed. knows how to drive a manual shifter. accommodate those weekend “big the seldom-mentioned benefits from Frankly, I think most BMW enthusi - The 4 Series Coupe doors box warehouse” shopping trips. the 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo asts would rather see an engine and open wide, allowing the rear passen - While practicality is a major engine; its average fuel economy. the powertrain components when gers to enter and exit gracefully. reason why people buy German Even with spirited driving, we they opened the hood rather than Once inside, the rear passengers designed and engineered vehicles, averaged close to 30 miles per large hard-plastic covers. will find an inviting and comfortable the driving experience is why gallon during our 1000-mile Then again, I can’t think of any - seating environment. While people buy BMWs. And as expect - evaluation. one other than myself who regularly designed to accommodate up to ed, this is another area where the Following our evaluation opens the hood when fueling a three adults comfortably, we found 430i Coupe excels. period, two things struck me. First, vehicle. the maximum accommodations This is no exaggeration – you not once did I yearn for the 4 Series Underneath all that plastic is much better suited for two and a don’t sit in a 430i, you wear it. convertible. Second, the last time a the now tried and true 2.0-liter child. Seldom have I sat behind a wheel car left such a favorable TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder Trunk space and rear cargo of a sports car and felt driving impression was in the mid engine. Producing 248 horsepower accessibility have always been the as comfortable. All the drivers’ 1980s- with the Porsche 944. and 258 foot-pounds of torque (with Achilles heel of coupe design. BMW controls, climate controls, and When I was younger, I noticed

(Above from Left) This inviting view is NOT fund in most cars; the rear passenger area is easily accessed and can fit two “American-sized” adults.

26 der Bayerische 2018 BMW 430i M SPORT

“typical” BMW enthusiast would BMW driving events, thoughts of One More Thing: configure his or her vehicle. With the ownership never crossed my mind. “Essentials” package (keyless entry, Now, if I come across a 2, 3, or 4 Recently, I had the pleasure of park distance control, satellite radio, Series with the M-Sport package speaking with a fellow BMW CCA “Premium” package (heated font and manual transmission – that’s member about BMWs. After a while, seats, navigation) and “M-Sport” another story. he told me that he was seeking a package, our evaluation vehicle had a Despite a strong desire to “pre-electronic-steering” BMW. retail price of $52,695. This is one of return to Southern California, it When I asked if he’s ever driven a those types of vehicles that you appears that I’ll be in the mid- BMW with electronic steering, he (Above) So WHY is this called would rather purchase than lease. Atlantic region for the foreseeable said no. Having read all the “buff “heel-and-toe?” So, the sticker price is a future. So, I’ll need to augment my book” reviews on BMWs equipped rather reasonable starting point for 135i convertible, most likely with a in this manner left him with a bad that most experienced car enthusi - the final sales price negotiation. certified pre-owned X1. But if my impression. asts enjoyed driving the “ultimate” Maybe it’s called “growing up”. search locates a rear-wheel-drive For all of you who read my arti - performance versions of vehicles, but While I really enjoy driving the 4 Series with the M-Sport package cles, I first thank you. But let me tended to own the “approachable” BMW M-Series vehicles at the and a manual transmission, I’ll make one thing clear: my “reviews” versions. In my younger days when I BMW performance centers and at take it. are for entertainment - providing my was a dyed-in-the-wool Dodge driving impressions while I travel to enthusiast, I owned a Shelby GLHS, a interesting places and get to experi - Shelby Lancer, and a Dodge Durango ence interesting things. As far as I’m R/T. After buying more than a few concerned, the pioneering auto jour - sets of very expensive Goodyear nalists, who know both journalism Gatorback tires, replacing some very and the auto business, who created expensive, exclusive-to-that-model the “buff books” have long been parts, and paying at the pump while replaced by the millennial “me like enduring overly harsh rides, I saw the cars, me drive fast” hacks who are light. The final insult was that these readily influenced with trips, shrimp, exclusive, “ultimate” packages barely and chips. If you want to know how increased resale value. a certain car feels, drive one. Then Our 2018 430i Coupe M-Sport make your own decision. package test vehicle with six-speed (Above) There’s a proven TwinPower Turbo 2.0 4 underneath all that plastic! manual was equipped as how the (Below) If you don’t just want to get in and drive, you need to check your pulse.

(Top) and Above) Underneath the trunk floor panel are some handy storage areas. And the many BMW tools are easily found.

May I June 27 2018 Mini Countryman Cooper S E ALL4 Mini to the Max

By James Chew

28 der Bayerische 2018 MINI COUNTRYMAN COOPER S E ALL4

n 1994, BMW AG did something that left the Auto world scratching its retain these loyal buyers. So they looked through the Mini history books and collective head. BMW purchased the Rover Group from British Aerospace. found one of the first, larger Mini products – the Countryman. As with the IWhile the Rover Group had both Land Rover and Mini, both were considered 1960’s era Countryman, the first generation “modern” Countryman featured uncompetitive has-been brands. This per - barn-style rear doors. As you may recall from ception, coupled with a rather high price tag our “Jumbo Shrimp” article, we rather and the questionable business case, cost enjoyed that generation Countryman. the BMW CEO and the BMW President, The all-new Mini Countryman serves as both considered rising stars in the Auto much as a technology and engineering show - world, their jobs. case for BMW as it does the to retain Mini Based on real results of that acquisition, owner and to capture new Mini buyers. BMW AG may owe Mr. Pischetsrieder and The Mini Countryman shares the same Mr. Reitzle an apology and a word of thanks. “modular” chassis with the BMW X1. Drive Even though BMW sold Rover in 2000, the both the Mini Countryman and the X1 and resulting X5 started a sea change within you’ll immediately appreciate the design and BMW, creating the “SAV” market. These engineering used to create two distinct prod - popular and highly profitable SAVs, all made ucts from the same chassis. The successful in America, will soon account for more that development of two distinct products from 50% of BMW’s world-wide sales. this modular chassis architecture must have BMW kept the Mini during the 2000 been a shot in the arm to both the BMW and sale of Rover Group. Mini not only provided Mini product development teams. As dis - a much-needed innovation spark within the cussed in the Los Angeles Auto Show article, BMW product development, marketing, and the tsunami of new BMW and Mini products sales organizations, but has resulted in a is due to the confidence the BMW and Mini new, profitable modular powertrain platform design teams have in this new chassis archi - design that ensures that no matter the driver tecture. wheel configuration – rear, all, or front; or the Using this new chassis resulted in a type of engine – internal combustion; hybrid larger Countryman. Growing close to nine electric, or fully electric – the resulting prod - inches in length and three inches longer in ucts will drive like an Ultimate Driving the wheelbase, the new Countryman has Machine and be profitable. What may be a a more compliant ride than the previous gen - hollow victory for Mr. Pischetsrieder and Mr. eration, but still has the trademark Mini Reitzle, their bold purchase may ensure that (Opposite page) The “Green” Mini now comes in “Large.” “tossability.” BMW stays an independent company for the (Above) The driver’s area is a study in space-efficient design. Minis have always appealed to the rest of this century. young and the young-at-heart. Today’s And who can forget the “hip” way Mini created a new youth market when young and young-at-heart expect their vehicles to have the latest in it was launched? Launched at the same time as Toyota’s Scion brand, the technology. The Countryman S E ALL4 does not disappoint. Honda Element, and the Nissan Cube, the Mini brand is still going strong. On the other hand, Scion, the Element, and the Cube have all gone to the big car lot in the sky. The 2018 Mini Cooper Countryman S E ALL4 is a prime example of how Mini stays relevant and keeps its leadership in the premi - um small-vehicle market. Other than having the same type of ridiculously long, run-on name as ther BMW products, the Countryman S E ALL4 is all Mini. When it was launched, the market over - whelmingly approved of a German-engineered English compact car. BMW knew that it had to broaden the appeal of the Mini brand in order to build on this new-found brand equity and

(Right) There is NO mistaking this power - train for anything but a hybrid!

May I June 29 2018 MINI COUNTRYMAN COOPER S E ALL4

To satisfy the “Green” and distributes 100 percent of the the “green-at-heart,” the “E” is power to the front wheels. If the the plug-in hybrid model. The All4 system senses that front “green at heart” is because the wheels have no traction, it “all-electric-only” range is distributes 100 percent of the about 12 miles. But the total power to the rear wheels. fuel economy gains from this There is no mistaking the hybrid powertrain are impres - Countryman for anything but a sive. During our evaluation, Mini. The exterior design has we visited the gas station only the classic Mini-design cues. once. And that was to top Looking like a Mini Cooper on off the tank before returning steroids, the Countryman has the car! the classic Mini front and rear The Mini designers clever- design. Even though it’s long ly integrated the aesthetics enough to accommodate four from the hybrid plug-in into doors, the Countryman still has the exterior design. Rather the classic Mini profile. The than using the “stealthy” new Countryman no longer has design used by other plug-in the rear “barn doors” – they’ve hybrids, the left fender plug been replaced with a conven - door is instead an “e” badge. tional upward swinging rear (Above) It may be called “Mini”, but it is quite roomy! There’s a matching “e” badge hatch. on the right fender. The interior has all the The “ALL4” connotes all-wheel drive, but here’s where it get a little tricky. modern Mini design cues. A large circular dial dominates the dash. For the The gasoline engine powers the front wheels while an electric motor powers first generation “modern” Mini, the speedometer was located in that area. The the rear ones. The “ALL4” system normally distributes the power 50/50 to speedometer and other gauges have since been relocated to be in front of the both the front and rear wheels. Under certain conditions, the ALL4 system driver. But that large center dial now houses the “smart screen” to include the

(Above from Left) Roomy and airy, the driver’s and front passenger area is quite inviting; the rear passenger area is just as delightful.

30 der Bayerische 2018 MINI COUNTRYMAN COOPER S E ALL4

(Above) The “e-Badge” is prominently displayed on both front fenders. (Above) But the power plug is located only on the driver’s side fender.

(Above) Now THIS is a “kid-activity-friendly” cargo area! (Above) The rear seats fold down or the weekend “big box” warehouse store shopping runs. infotainment system, navigation systems, and screen for the rear camera. ably fit three friends and their luggage for an adventuresome road trip. With the practicality that we’ve come to expect from a Mini, the The 2018 Mini Countryman S E ALL4 is a technology wonder that Countryman’s seemingly small exterior cleverly hides the large, useful will retain the loyal Mini owner while attracting small families that are interior. This vehicle can be driven easily in any urban setting, while be just seeking a practical, fun to drive family vehicle that they won’t readily outgrow, as handy for the weekend suburban “big box” warehouse shopping trips. or the empty-nester couple that is looking Even with an automatic transmission, the Mini Countryman is a blast to to downsize. drive. The “Let’s Motor” attitude seems to be prevalent with Mini drivers and Hopefully, Mr. Pischetsrieder and Mr. the Countryman does not disappoint. A Mini Cooper driver would feel right Reitzle will look at the vehicle and feel proud. at home driving this new Countryman. Best of all, the driver could comfort -

May I June 31 AUTOCROSS NOVICE SCHOOL

Straight from the Students’ Mouths!

very year, NCC Autocross hosts By Jaclyn Heck | Photos by Jaclyn Heck A2: So far, this was my first, but I a Novice School at the begin - intend to join in for some of the Ening of the season for those new Summit Point HPDE events as time to the driving event. Experienced and money permit. and seasoned autocross drivers explain the rules, the ins and outs, Q3: What made you want to register and teach students how to read the for and take the NCC Autocross course, as well as provide ample seat Novice School? time to give everyone a hands-on A3: I wanted to learn to better approach to learning. handle my car in a safe environment This year, the committee decid - and was curious about whether I could ed that hearing directly from students be competitive. I thought coming out about their Novice School experience before a points event would be a would be the best way for you, the lower-key way to give it a try. reader, to better understand just what (Top) Blue beauty. A novice turns loose his beautiful blue BMW on the autocross is all about and what our Q4: Now that you have been through course after a day of learning. (Above) One with your car. Autocross events can offer! the school, do you think that you will gives even the best drivers the chance to learn the feel of their car and how Below are a handful of the participate in future NCC Autocross it handles. answers we received. Take a look events? and see that whether a long-time member or brand-spanking new, everyone A4: This fed an already budding addiction and after posting the best time on can have fun, learn new skills, and better understand their car in a controlled Saturday, it has become acute. Now I want to come out and play with the big environment! kids - in other words, I’m hooked!

Student: Mark Luesse Q5: Was Autocross what you thought it would be when you signed up? Q1: How long have you been a BMW CCA member? A5: Pretty much. I liked the participants I met and the volunteers were A1: I joined shortly after taking delivery of my 2018 M2 in October. awesome. All that was missing was warm weather!

Q2: What other club activities have you or do you normally participate in? Q6: What, if any, other thoughts, insight, or comments do you wish to

32 der Bayerische AUTOCROSS NOVICE SCHOOL

passenger for the last few years has becomes part of a community that is been an amazing experience. I have constantly encouraging each other gotten to ride in a lot of cool cars at to find a way to improve their speed that I would have never driving skills. Advice is always otherwise experienced - like a friendly, helpful, and can come in Ferrari 430, Noble, Lotus, M2, many forms. M3/4, and even a classic 2002. While I wasn't yet a driver, being a A6: At just 16 years old, I was the passenger helped teach me some of youngest participant at the the fundamentals of car control autocross school by a pretty large such as understeer, oversteer, and margin. Young drivers like me trail braking. It also helped me stand to gain the most from learn how to memorize an autocross because we can learn car autocross course and find the control skills at an early age and in (Above) Off to the races. With an instructor riding passenger, our fastest line. If you aren't ready to a safe environment. In autocross, novices learn to look ahead and properly read a course. autocross yet, come out and watch you drive on a wide-open parking an event and ask someone for a lot and about the only thing you can make about autocross or the the course there is no time to look ride along! hit is a traffic cone. Getting to learn school? at the dashboard so it sure seems the limits of my car in a safe envi - A6: The best part about the like you're going faster than the A4: Yes, I plan to drive the entire ronment makes me feel better schools was enough seat time to actual speed. I like the fact that season of autocross events. equipped to handle real life emer - really work on skills. The fact that it requires quick reactions and it gency situations that I could the morning allowed sessions on makes you look ahead to antici - A5: Everyone at an autocross event encounter on the open road. two separate tracks was great. pate. Unlike the track, there is no time between maneuvers to Student: Rick Lee get settled, it is all happening A1: I have been a BMW CCA mem - right now! ber for twenty years. As a matter of fact, I just received a ‘20-year’ pin A6: All the people that I met both about a month ago. from the club and the other partic - ipants were very friendly and A2: Over the years I have been to a anxious to help. It would have number of HPDE events, mostly at been nice if the weather was just a Summit Point with three different touch warmer but we all survived. cars. The day was handled very profes - sionally and it was a fun time. A3: I really enjoy driving, especial - ly in a BMW, but I had never seen Student: Andrew Caden (Above) Come one, come all. Old or new, longtime member or brand or attended an autocross. I know A1: I am only 16 years old and new, all members and cars are welcome as long as you have fun! several guys that do autocross and joined the BMW CCA through our it sounds like something that would family membership when I got my be fun. The novice event was per - driver's license. fect because we were all basically in the same boat so you don’t feel like A2: I have attended the Pittsburgh you’re the only person that doesn’t Vintage Grand Prix for the last few know how it all works or what to years and I have also attended the expect. Oak Tree Grand Prix ALMS race a few years ago. I have been attend - A4: I feel certain that I will do it ing autocross events as a passen - again. ger riding with my dad for the last four years. Now that I have a A5: Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to license, my dad and I intend to expect. In the emails that came share a car as co-drivers at describing the event they say it is a upcoming autocross events. low speed event. That may be true (Above) Speeding through the course. After drills and instruction, but, honestly I was so busy with A3: Being my dad's autocross novices are let loose on the course and pick up speed.

May I June 33 AUTOCROSS NOVICE SCHOOL

A5: Yes. It was a chance to play support staff and instructors I met with my very modified M235i! were friendly and helpful. I’m look - ing forward to the next autocross A6: I appreciate you guys volun - event! teering to hold the school and events. My wife and I are the Student: Adam Sharp Maryland Reps for the Z-Series A1: About five months. Sports Club of America (BMWCCA SIG) and fully understand what it A2: Social dinners. I plan to do the means to volunteer! DIYs too.

Student: Art Mitchell A3: I wanted to learn some high- A1: Under one year. performance driving skills and see what autocross was all about. (Above) Quick reflexes. Autocross teaches quick reaction time and how A2: This was my first event. to anticipate for maximum efficiency. A4: I absolutely will be doing more! I would encourage par ents to sign A3: While in the Army and sta - A3: I wanted to learn more about their young driver up for an tioned in Germany I ran an Italian driving and autocross in general A5: It was mostly what I expected. autocross - instructors are avail - version of the Mini Cooper in before trying it out. I thought I’d get less runs in. able to teach at every event. And, Sports Car Club of Stuttgart events. My instructor, Eric, was far better as my dad and I have found out, it Life kept me from picking it up A4: I plan to participate in everyone than I expected; he was excellent. is a fun parent/child event that can again. I did send my wife and I can make! be enjoyed together. daughter to one of your schools A6: I’d love it if instructors could four years ago. My wife drove her A5: It was better than expected. also educate on modifications for Student: Eugene Warren Z4M and my daughter drove her Despite being ‘slow speed racing,’ the car, especially after riding in it. A1: Seventeen years. Mini Cooper S. the driving skill and reflexes need - That would be helpful. Same with ed are fast. It was a total thrill. explaining the basic effects on A2: DIY, Chapter Fest, Annual A4: Yes, I believe I will. handling of inflating tires, adjusting Dinner, tours. A6: The event was great. All the sway bars, etc.

Upcoming Schedule

5/12 – Points Event #2 - Summit Point, Washington Circuit (Chapter-wide event) 6/2 – Test and Tune - Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf 6/9 – Points Event #3 - Bowie Baysox Stadium, Bowie 8/5 – Points Event #4 - Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf 9/9 – Points Event #5 - Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf 10/13 – Points Event #6 - Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf

(Below) Radiant in red. Novices are taught how to read an autocross (Below) I feel the need, the need for speed. Autocross allows course, and then get to put that knowledge into practice. drivers to have fun, drive fast, and do so in a controlled environment.

34 der Bayerische NEW MEMBERS

The National Capital Chapter of the ize what great benefits they are miss - our local chapter activities. Please do incorrectly, please use the address BMW CCA now has 5,063 members. ing, including parts discounts at them a favor and share this with them change form found under the “Join and We continue to be the largest chapter local BMW dealerships and select – after all, the more the merrier! Renew” menu item at www.bmwcca. in the U.S. independent service centers, the To our newest members listed below, org to correct it. And, for those whose Do you know someone who Roundel , the club’s award-winning you joined the club, now join the fun! memberships are about owns a BMW, but is missing out on national, monthly publication, the Check out our Web site at for the latest to expire, it's easy to the rewards of belonging to the BMW Membership Rewards Program event details. renew online at this CCA? They probably don’t even real - sponsored by BMW NA, and all of Note: If your name is spelled Web site as well.

Beth Anderson Ali Ghatri B. Olson

Gerard Anthony Steve Grumbach David Olson

Kenneth Argoncillo Vivek Hajela Marvin Porter

Jose Ayala David Harrison Sean Ruhland

Maurice Beecher Cedric Hope Steven Safirstein

Aspen Belvin Brenda Jeter Omer Salidzik

Stephen Brody Harvey Johnson Manuel Sanchez

John Cheng Jeffrey Latka Nancy Sander

Tahsin Choudhury Dorothy Lawrimore Zhun Shi

Jahi Davis Harry Lundy Adam Soller

Debbie Diamond Richard MacGregor Ralph Swartwood

Marvin Dixon JW Marriott Steven Tucker

Donald Downs Jason McCowan Guruprasad Vijayanagar

Derrick Edwards Martin McGinn Kaushik Vinjamuri

Andrew Esch Brian Melanson Wallace Vitez

Vincenzo Esposito Jannette Merritt-Phillips Yongliang Yang

Christopher Feng Sean Morrissey Karla Yeakle

Charles Fern Donald Neff Richard Young

Will Geckle Allen Ngo

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