The Newsletter of the Tidewater Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America March • April 2015 dasdas KummetKummet From Ragtop to Rollcage

Calendar of Events

MARCH 28th Quarterly New Member Meet & Greet & Eat “NMMGE” – Southside Dinner 7:30PM – Bier Garden, 438 High Street, Portsmouth, VA RSVP’s by Friday March 27th. Contact Chris Triplett at 757-620-6623 or [email protected] Drive – 6:00PM – Rendezvous location – TBD. Contact Marc Garcia at [email protected] APRIL 19th Spring Kickoff Drive and Lunch –Around Southern Va. Beach 10:30AM rendezvous at Shopping Center Parking Lot, 2472 Nimmo Parkway, VA Beach. Lunch- Yanni’s Casual Greek Restaurant, 2101 McComas Way, Virginia Beach. RSVP by April 18th to Chris Triplett 757-620-6623 or [email protected]

Calendar of events details on pg 1 Inside This Issue OFFICERS & KEY PEOPLE President’s Perspective Ragtop to Rolltop President 3 10 Jeff Triplett (757) 620-4171 [email protected] 4 Calendar of Events 12 Annual Banquet Vice President Editor’s Desk Classic in the Making OPEN 5 14 [email protected] Valentine Wine & Dine Secretary 8 Darin Kwasniewski (757) 484-2656 [email protected] Treasurer Tiffiny Crossley (615) 967-7774 [email protected]

Activities Committee OPEN Marc Garcia (757) 803-5658 Chris Triplett (757) 620-6623 Jaeson Dandalides [email protected]

Membership Chairperson Chris Triplett (757) 620-6623 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP Member-At-Large Tidewater Chapter: 762 as of January 2015 Bob Eveleigh (757) 491-0955 National: 70,426 as of January 2015 [email protected] ADDRESS CHANGES Webmeister Address changes can be made on the BMWCCA National website (www. Judy Semo (757) 456-9923 bmwcca.org) by hitting ‘Login’ and following instructions on site. From [email protected] there, click on the ‘Manage Account’ link on the top of the page; then click on Newsletter Editor the ‘Change Addresses’ link. Mark Jumper (224) 213-0417 [email protected] Or write to: ROUNDEL BMW CCA Driving School Events Chairman 640 South Main Street - Suite 201 Chief Instructor Greenville, SC 29601 Bob Brochu (757) 430-8124 [email protected] All changes done through the National office will update both your National Tech Session Chairman and Tidewater Chapter address information. If you are a member of our Yahoo OPEN Group, [email protected], please also remember to update your [email protected] profile.

BMW Classics Chairman NEWSLETTER and PHOTO CONTRIBUTIONS: Steve Waddell (757) 539-1305 Your articles and photos are very welcomed by us. To be included in an issue [email protected] the materials must be received by the 10th of the month preceding the date Peninsula Rep of next issue. To spice up the newsletter we always need photos of chapter Jim Waldeck (757) 229-0836 events. We may also use them on the chapter website. Send your contribu- [email protected] tions to [email protected]. Thanks! Williamsburg Rep Brad Purvis (757) 869-1459 Visit our Chapter web pages at: [email protected] www.tidewaterbmwcca.org Outer Banks N.C. Rep on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/ Jack Robey (252) 480-3356 groups/140702964729/ [email protected] To subscribe to our email lists: http://www.tidewaterbmwcca.org/lists/ Foodbank Chairperson FINE PRINT NOTICE: Das Kummet is published bimonthly and remains the property of the Tidewa- Chris Triplett (757) 620-6623 ter Chapter BMW CCA, P.O. Box 62145, Virginia Beach, VA 23462-2145. All information is for mem- [email protected] bers and advertisers only. Ideas, suggestions, writings, and opinions are those of the contributing authors without authentication by or liability to the BMW CCA, the Editors, or Officers of the Tide- Merchandise water BMW CCA chapter. No information in das Kummet bears the status of “Factory Approved” OPEN unless so stated and implies no endorsement or guarantees expressed. The Tidewater Chapter of [email protected] the BMW CCA is completely independent of and in no way connected with BMW NA or BMW AG. The contents of this publication remains the property of the chapter. All BMW CCA chapters, with permission, may quote or copy from the publication provided full credit is given to the author and the Tidewater Chapter unless noted as “Copyrighted” and is not used for commercial purposes.

2 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org March • April 2015

- das Kummet President’s Perspective Our Chosen Charities For 2015: I have heard some people say spring is just around the corner. I am certainly optimistic that they are correct as we start to closeout another winter that has been colder and wetter than usual. Hampton Foodbank of Roads is not supposed to have snow, but depending on where Southeastern Virginia you live we’ve had between 10 – 14 inches over a few weeks and the kids were out of school for about 6 days. And while the shiny mechanical wonders of German engineering that we all cherish and love to drive do just fine in winter weather in capable hands, many You can support this effort by bringing drivers in our area don’t do so well when the roads get slick. So canned goods or money to any chapter event. However, money provides those of us that can do so keep our Bimmers, especially convertibles, more meals than canned goods. Chris tucked away until the climate is a little better. Triplett leads the committee. For more Even though the weather has been bad and it’s been cold the club information or to volunteer, please contact Chris Triplett, foodbank@ has continued to conduct events that you’ve come to expect. First we tidewaterbmwcca.org had our Annual Banquet at the Sheraton Waterside Hotel in a great room that overlooked the Elizabeth River. You will read about this in more detail elsewhere in the newsletter. Although the turnout was a Physicians for Peace little smaller than previous years I feel confident that everyone had a great time. Thanks to Chris Triplett for coordinating and Mary Kwasniewski for all of her help setting up the room and with the raffle/auction. You will also read about the Valentine “Wine and Dine” drive, well Physicians for Peace is an international non-profit headquartered in Norfolk, the wine came after the drive. But if you missed this one you missed VA dedicated to medical education in a real treat. Thanks to Joe Braeutigam for coordinating the great developing nations. With the support lunch location and his special gift to all the ladies that attended. of international medical educators, and Thanks also go out to Casey BMW for showcasing two cars that global citizens like you, the work of went along for the drive. PFP is made possible. To find out more please visit www.physiciansforpeace.org. On the personnel front, there are still open positions that we need filled to help us with club operations. One that we still desperately need is the Activities Chair which is key to the club’s ability to hold events that the membership wants to do. The main responsibility of this role is to coordinate and lead a committee of individuals to Featured Car indentify and schedule events throughout the year and on occasion OLD FEATURE RETURNS! be the lead on some of the drives. Obviously a passion for the brand and a desire to lead events is key. Please reach out to one of our It’s time to bring back an old friend. volunteers if this is something that may interest you. Each issue will offer a spot light for a featured car. If you are proud of your So back to my first point, winter is done so get those cars out of the BMW, if you LOVE your BABY then tell garage, put the tops down and have fun driving to your favorite our readers about it. E-mail the editor destination! a picture and stats on your prized possession and then watch for it to Until Next Time! be featured on the back cover of this Jeff Triplett publication.

Get your BMW its 15 minutes of fame as our Featured Car. Please send photos (300 dpi or better) and a short description to editor@ tidewaterbmwcca.org

March • April 2015 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org 3 das Kummet - Calendar of Events Calendar of Events continued from pg 1 Welcome New JUNE 7th Annual Picnic - Great Neck Park Members 2516 Shorehaven Drive, Virginia Beach, 23452 We would like to give a warm Tidewater welcome to Event will be catered. 11:00AM to 3:00PM, RSVP No our newest members. Remember our membership Later Than June 4th. is the lifeline of our Club and we invite you to join us at our upcoming events and Club meetings. We Rendezvous by 10:30AM at Shopping Center Parking Lot, look forward to your ideas and participation. You 2472 Nimmo Parkway, Contact Chris Triplett 757-620- can reach our membership chair at membership@ 6623 or [email protected] tidewaterbmwcca.org. We invite you to attend our board/activities meetings as well. Please see our calendar for dates and location of events and meetings.

Janet Bennett Kristin McCarty Alexander Byrne Roger Richman Vas Dharma Bob Sadler Fred Flowers Sheppard Smyley

Chapter Nametags You may have noticed that some of the Chapter officers and key members of committees have pre-printed name tags. Well, you too can have IMPORT CAR PARTS one! Yes, feel free to order one yourself … with the Major parts brands for BMW and other import cars. “approved” chapter logo only!

The logo and text size have already been pre-set in order to ensure uniformity among the chapter membership. To get your name tag(s), contact the following vendor and let them know you are with the Tidewater BMW Club and are ordering a Club name tag:

Kay Cee Engraving 11246 Jefferson Ave., Newport News 757.599.3360 Close to Your Heart Since 1970 Phone: 804-580-TAGS (8247) 1300 East Little Creek Road 757.440.0004 P.O. Box 625 Heathsville, Virginia 22473-0625 606 First Colonial Rd., Virginia Beach 757.425.7100 Email: [email protected]; or [email protected] or on the web at www.BAP-GEON.COM

4 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org March • April 2015

- das Kummet Editor’s Desk Needed: Ultimate Drivers!

Since becoming Editor I’ve become far more aware But are we surprising those around us with our of representing both our Club and our Brand. We moves that are more aware, more assertive, more want to show people that we aim for excellence: not capable, more . . . loutish? Maybe sometimes we only in our cars and our social activities; not only just need to not strut our stuff so close to the edge, on the track; but on the ROAD with other people so “in your face.” around! And while we’re at it, are we showing precision I was struck by a humorous post on our Chapter driving to match our precision machines? I’m Facebook page (it’s humorous even when you’re the talking smoothness, anticipating traffic, stopping target), that science has now proven that Bimmer BEHIND the stop sign or the painted line, stopping drivers are, well . . . A-holes! We hope this is not a FULLY for that matter, signaling EVERY time and shoe that fits and we never want to wear it. signaling BEFORE you make the lane change or turn-off. Then there’s courtesy: letting people into It’s true that some people just have it in for us line with a friendly wave. as elitist snobs who buy that funny furrin’ stuff. Don’t try to confuse them with facts such as the Sorry, you got a preacher—but I’m preachin’ to me! AMERICAN workers at the BMW Spartanburg plant putting out more Bimmers per year than any other The point is this: we have some amazing Ultimate plant in the world. You’re just not buyin’ ’Markin Driving Machines; are they getting the ultimate as you’re s’posed to—shame on you! OK, we get drivers they deserve? Such drivers pay tribute, not it. This one’s tough to fight. Nothing you say will only to their cars; not only to the Autobahn dream; matter. So you just have to be nice—even on the but to their neighbors, who are more than willing to road when you’re trying to get around that monster critique them. SUV that can’t get through a corner or out of its own Oh, and one more point: ultimate driving includes way. parking! I think that part of BMW’s attraction for many of us As for me, I count it a joy and privilege to be in a is the whole mystique of precision German driving. Club of those drivers who care enough to take care That includes the Autobahn—the high dream of and work hard to become Ultimate, to match their many an enthusiast. Truth be told, I think that many great cars! U.S. roads across vast empty spaces are the envy of Europeans. But even at eighty per, more or less legal, still we dream of creeping higher . . . and MarkEd higher . . . and thinking about just LETTING IT GO to do what it was designed to do . . . and maybe the speed does creep higher to help the dream creep closer. No matter that our road beds are NOT designed for those speeds—ever see a diagram of an Autobahn cross-section compared to one of ours?—NOR are most of our drivers prepared for performance driving by training, experience, or preference. So the Autobahn stays a distant dream of the Promised Land. At least the dream is a lot more pleasant while driving a Bimmer!

“My Precious needs TWO parking spaces.” NOT!

March • April 2015 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org 5 das Kummet - Activities Committee Advertisements We are glad that you are supporting our events - THANK YOU! It is still VERY Non-commercial classified ads are free important to RSVP (as early as possible) of your participation to any upcoming to chapter members. Ads will run in activities. These numbers are needed to allow our hosting restaurants to be three published issues and then may prepared for us. Inaccurate totals make for unhappy restaurant managers and only be continued in subsequent issues cause them to be reluctant to allow our group to book in the future. only by contacting the Newsletter Editor. Ads submitted are limited to We are always on the lookout for members that would like to be a part of the 200 words per ad including name, Activities Committee. Currently, the Activities Chairman position is open. If address, phone number and email you are interested please contact Sam Wood for details. Meanwhile, read Das address if available. Items offered for Kummet and check our websites regularly. We, of course, welcome your ideas, sale must be the personal property of thoughts, and suggestions…as well as your ‘constructive’ criticisms! Please feel the submitting member or family and free to contact any one of the following committee members not of a business.

Chris Triplett – (757) 620-6623 Commercial ads are available to [email protected] members and non-members. Such ads must be accompanied by payment in Jason Dandalides - full. Rates shown below are per year [email protected] (approximately 6 issues). All ads must be submitted in a usable digital format Marc Garcia - (757) 803-5658 or as camera ready. “Das Kummet” [email protected] reserves the right to edit or reject any ad submitted. [email protected] …AND KEEP COMING TO THOSE EVENTS!! FULL PAGE …$135 per issue or $700 per yr.

HALF PAGE …$65 per issue or $350 per yr. Club TOOLBOX The following tools are available for members use. A deposit may be required and 1/4 PAGE $ $ will be refunded upon return of the tool in working condition. … 50 per issue or 225 per yr.

• Service Light Resetting Tools • 17mm Trans. Drain Socket BIZ CARD - VERY USEFUL • Brake Bleed System - VERY USEFUL …$20 per issue or $100 per yr. • Tie Rod Separator - Pickle Forks • Coil Spring Compressors • Remote Starter Switch • Peake-Code/Reset Tool - all • Clutch Alignment Tool models - can be connected under • Pilot Bearing Puller hood or dash • Fan Clutch Wrench & Bar • NEW!! SRS Air Bag Scanner • Electric Impact Wrench • Lockstrip Tool Call Bob Parsons at 587-7423 for your needs.

Club MERCHANDISE We have made arrangements through Lands End for club members to order a wide variety of chapter logo items. Access by going to: http://ces.landsend.com/Tidewater_BMWCCA Currently: The Merchandise Chair Position is open. Please contact Jeff Triplett at [email protected] for details. NAME TAGS: We have also arranged with KayCee Engraving for members to order name tags with the chapter logo. Contact Info: Kay Cee Engraving, PO Box 625, Heathsville, VA 22473-0625 or Call (804) 580-8247. Kayceetags.com & [email protected] BMW CCA Map Grille Badges $20 Chapter Logo Decals/License Plate Frames: FREE at club events Various BMW CCA Decals CALL!

Contact [email protected]

6 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org March • April 2015

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March • April 2015 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org 7 das Kummet - Valentine Drive, Dine and Wine Warms Hearts on a Cold Day

By Mark Jumper others to stop and deluge the poor place with bathroom-bound Bimmerphile bladders. It turned February 15 dawned a clear and cold Sunday . . . out to have only been an i3 driver change. And you VERY cold . . . would you believe 17 degrees? But thought electric cars had short endurance? Longer the Tidewater Chapter than you, buddy! crowd was on a mission of the heart; and since Off we went to Sal’s Italian when could cold weather Restaurant to experience a classic stop warm hearts on a five-course feast. Wow. First Valentine weekend? plate, third plate, who’s counting?- -especially when the wine comes Our mission? Tour the with it. Family-style serving gave peninsula, enjoy an everyone a chance to be choosy. Italian feast, and spend Speaking of service, it was superb some good time together. and personable—our lady server As we gathered near had even had a 5-series, once Williamsburg, we did upon a time. The table talk was wonder if some less Joe Braeutigam finds favor through flowers fun and covered many a topic— hardy souls would stay some even related to BMWs! abed; but one by one the Bimmers showed up in ever-encouraging numbers, Pres. Jeff gave some apropos remarks, Joe ranging from a classic 1980s-era E30 3-series to a Braeutigam invited everyone to a nearby racing trailblazing 2015 i01 (That’s the newfangled chassis shop, got a few takers, and soon we were scattered. code, son!) i3. But for those who came, this Valentine Drive, Dine, and Wine had taken our hearts. We already yearn The i3 came courtesy of Casey BMW in care of Joe for next year! Braeutigam, who started us right with a Valentine rose for every lady! (OK, Joe, we men DID wish that WE had thought of that!) The i3 would make a stop or two on our driving route to give folk some test- driving time.

We didn’t do much socializing while getting in line for the start and waiting to sign the de rigueur waiver, choosing heaters over chatter. But things warmed up a bit once all the later-comers had breathlessly zoomed up. We buckled up and Bimmered forth! Chapter Pres. Jeff Triplett and Casey BMW representative Joe Braeutigam address the diners Chapter president Jeff Triplett capably led us at a pleasantly brisk pace through some seriously scenic places that included everything from seashore to forest to quaint village. We didn’t know you could even FIND 90 minutes of driving in such a small area, but our super planners had done a super job.

About 70 minutes in, someone pulled in to McDonald’s. That was all we needed for several Is that the fourth course or the fifth course? Dig in!

8 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org March • April 2015

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March • April 2015 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org 9 das Kummet - From Ragtop to Rollcage By Ron Boustedt and that BMWs are made (at least back then) in Germany. Great lesson, and that seed bore its first Waayyyy back in the 1970s my family and I visited fruit in 2005. the Pomona, California fairgrounds for a fun-filled day at the drag strip. There were dragsters, funny Fast forward through Navy, adulthood, marriage, a cars, smoke, noise . . . I was in heaven. great career. It was 2005 and after using a pickup truck as a daily driver for over six years, I decided Aside from all the cool stuff on the track there were to go “car” shopping. Being the “responsible” two other things that would affect the rest of my life. guy that I am, I looked at as many different cars as The first was a challenge. My father challenged my I could: Audi, GM, Honda, you name it. The only brother and me to the establishment of a “Family mandatory requirements were that it had to be Drag Race Team.” The only thing we had to do sporty and a “little” practical (you know, four seats, was BOTH get straight A’s. I’m sorry to say that my stuff like that). The problem was that this carbon brother was never able to hold up his end of the black convertible E46 BMW M3 that I saw at Casey bargain (neither did I but it was his fault). Although BMW in Newport News would not leave my mind. we never won the I really did try to be “Family Drag Race objective, but that car Team” prize, the seed stole my heart. Yes I do my father planted on still have it, and yes I do that “average ”day has still love driving it, no it had a lasting effect on isn’t for sale. my life. So I had this really cool The second thing that BMW M3 with a sticker on happened is much the windshield that said less dramatic, but that between 1,200 and extremely appropriate 3,100 odometer miles to this publication. I shouldn’t go over 137 On that day at the MPH: it was car-lover track, in sunny The car that launched a thousand laps heaven! I also joined the southern California, I (but never made it to the track itself) BMW club and started appropriately wore an getting this really cool automotive-themed magazine, Roundel, that t-shirt that I had gotten talked about touring, somewhere. Yes, the racing, and these strange shirt I wore was a BMW things called Driving shirt. Now the funny Events, or DEs. I read side to this story is how average people with that while my brother street-legal BMWs are and I were standing able to go onto real race in the snack bar line tracks and drive realllly a gentleman saw my fast. Granted they aren’t shirt and asked if we drag strips (still stuck on knew what the letters my kid picture), but they “BMW” stood for. Uh are full-fledged road- . . . we didn’t know. In Ron leads the pack! racing tracks with left and fact I think I might have right turns (sorry, I never said something about got into NASCAR)! British Motors, or something dumb like that (hey, I was a kid). In any case the gentleman explained So I started digging and researching. I found that to us that it actually meant “Bavarian Motor Works,” there is a world-class race track only 3.5 hours from

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- das Kummet From Ragtop to Rollcage my house, Virginia International Raceway (VIR). I found that there are tons of organizers hosting these DEs (BMW Club, Porsche Club, National Auto Sport Association (NASA), Chin Motorsports, etc.). I found that all you need is a helmet and a safe car and you’re good to go. BUT I also found that rag tops are not welcome. Yes, my sleek new black supercar is not invited. Can you say bummed instead of Bimmer?

The whole go-race rig: Tow truck, trailer, and E36 M3!

was phenomenal. My instructor showed me how I could work up to braking later and later for each turn; then showed the consequences of an early turn-in. It was all truly amazing. The bug bit me for good.

Before you knew it my little E36 and I had attended 10 DEs that year for a total of 21 track days. In Ron makes tracks on his own 2008 we completed another 7 events (14 track days) while I brought up my skill level from Novice, Now by this time I decided: “I AM going to do this. through Intermediate, and on to Advanced driving My dad planted the seed, and I AM going to drive groups. Of course over those two years—with a lot a car fast on a real race track.” I was so committed of help from Sports and Imports in Chesapeake— (or maybe I should have “been” committed) that my E36 M3 evolved and matured with me.. I added I bought an E36 M3, AND a 28-foot enclosed car a bolt-in roll cage, race seats, and full harnesses. trailer to take it you-know-where, BEFORE my first I began lightening the car, then running slightly DE. more aggressive tires and brakes. I held off on engine upgrades unless they contributed to As a quick aside, for all those smart folks that buy reliability, like adding an Accusump and sturdier really cool cars that AREN’T convertibles, you don’t engine and transmission mounts. Can you say hard need to follow my step 2 of getting another car and core? a trailer, you can just bring a helmet and go to the track. But wait—there’s more! By the end of my second DE year both my car and I were ready for another In February of 2007 my E36 M3 and I attended our challenge: INSTRUCTING (the topic of Part 2) . . . first DE with NASA at VIR. First came the classroom. My head spun with terms like apex, turn-in, exit, threshold braking, friction circle, and on and on. Then to the track—yay! My very patient instructor bravely sat next to me as I “forgot for the third time” that I needed to be track left for the turn-in on Turn 1. Yes I did sleep soundly that first night, just like they said in class, because I was WORE OUT. Did I go fast? Yes, but there was so much more. The turning and braking ability of these “street cars”

March • April 2015 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org 11

das Kummet - Annual Banquet Report: “Dining at the Pier – Without Peer!”

By Mark Jumper Our Tidewater Chapter found its 44th-year dinner- fest on 25 January featuring locale, cuisine, and service superior to that seen for several years past. The Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel exceeded every expectation, starting with the beautiful river view through a dramatic two-story glass wall at the Riverwalk Junior Ballroom. Sixty or so Bimmerphiles (including family and friends) started with ample hors d’oeurves starring at least half-a- dozen cheese varieties. Bar service was friendly and helpful. For that matter service overall, from setup to serving, was over-the-top excellent. The dinner itself was superb and all agreed that THIS is Leadership and Service: These givers and helpers the place to return for next year! were all recognized—you see them listed here in the Das Kummet masthead. The needs include: But all that is just a pleasant setting for finding Vice President; Activities Chair - CRITICAL NEED; Bimmer friends old and new, Bimmer talk, club Activities Committee members; Tech Session news, and the ever-fun raffle rewards. Realizing Coordinator; and Merchandise Coordinator. Get that you’re safely among similarly afflicted Bimmer- ‘em while they’re hot—there’s lots of fun work to be heads is liberating—you done for the Cause! can actually talk about all things BMW without people Charity Summary: The looking at you as weird. Foodbank of Southeastern Yes, here at the annual Virginia was one of our two banquet, it all makes sense! chosen charities for 2014. It’s all lovely! You are GLAD We contributed 80 pounds of to have found such friends food and $566, thus providing 1,782 meals for those in Chapter President need. (Cash is king in this Jeff Triplett gave an case: 50 pounds of packaged encouraging Chapter food create 38 meals, while report. Here are some $50 provide 172 meals.) highlights: Our Regular Chapter Chapter Overview: We are the 7th oldest BMW Corporate Supporters include: Atlantic Autowerks, CCA chapter, dating from 1971. With 750 Chapter Auto Envy, Bap Geon Autoparts, Casey BMW, members we rank well in membership among the Checkered Flag BMW, DP Motorwerks, Nick’s other chapters. Our volunteer cadre experienced RaceWerks, SFR Enterprises, Sports & Imports, severe challenges in the last year due to death and Liberty Mutual, and Physicians For Peace. Thanks moves, but new volunteers have come aboard and for keeping us going! things are looking good for expanded activities including driving events! Raffle Prizes were contributed by Checkered Flag BMW, BMW CCA, Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, Activities Wrap-Up: We had quarterly new member Jim Craig, and Pops Diner. Many thanks for the fun! dinners, the annual banquet, the annual picnic, seven fun drives, a go-kart event, and a tech Octoberfest Preview: The 46th annual BMW CCA session. Octoberfest will be held 21-27 September at the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway,

Continued on pg 19

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- das Kummet March • April 2015 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org 13 das Kummet - Classic in the Making? That E39 Just Keeps Popping Up

By Mark Jumper outwardly, status symbols with mass-market appeal; at heart, driver-focused and dynamically We all know the classic BMWs. Start with the 1930s impeccable. The E39 is that ideology incarnate, and the totally iconic Mille Miglia-winning 328, not sleeker, meaner, and more capable than any sport only all-capable but organically beautiful. It was sedan prior.” a top-25 finalist for Car of the Century as voted in 1999 by a panel of journalists. Road & Track concludes, after shaking out the Chevy SS and the M5 together on Northern Move past World War II to the 1950s and you get the California coastal roads, that “The Chevy can’t 507 roadster on the high end, with the low end held take the M5’s crown, but not for a lack of thrills.” up by . . . (drum roll) . . . the survival special Isetta (They do in apology reference the Bimmer costing that helped keep BMW afloat. double while the world-class Corvette usually gets PRAISED for price in such comparisons.) In other The 1960s marked the company’s turning point with words, several generations of tech and engineering the “Neue Klasse” including the 2800 Sedan and improvements still can’t overcome the BMW’s Coupe leading to the 3.0 versions and the hot rod brilliant design and execution. Bavaria; while the 1602 coupe became the definitive classic 2002. It’s rare that a 4-door becomes collectible. But whether that happens or not, one thing is clear: the The 1970s saw the mid-engine M1 that remains a E39—especially the 540i and M5—is coming to landmark, along with the gorgeous 6-series. represent that mysterious conjunction of features The 1980s birthed the hearty E30 3-series, starting that spells, “CLASSIC.” BMW, we know, is no a life-cycle that continues today in both racing and stranger to the name. classic venues. Then came the 1990s—a fruitful time! We have the E46 3-series, the Z8 . . . and a 4-door? Yes, the E39, especially V-8, especially M5. Automobile magazine in 2010 called the E39 “Unquestionably the high-water mark for the 5-series.” BMW Car (of our English enthusiast cousins) featured in its March 2015 issue a cover story on “V8-enginged past masters” that included the E31 840Ci Sport, the E38 740i, and the E39 540i Sport.

But perhaps the most striking example of classic- Brand-new Chevrolet SS works to stay ahead of good ol’ in-the-making came with the March/April 2015 1990s-design M5. issue of Road & Track. This erstwhile high-concept car mag could think of no better way to introduce the new hot rod Chevrolet SS to its readers than to compare it to a car that first arrived in 1998—that’s seventeen years ago!—none other than the E39 M5. Sample quotes: “With the exception of the old navigation system, this M5 could go into production today, and it would blow everyone’s mind.” “Understand that the E39 M5, produced between 1998 and 2003, comes from a high-water period for BMW road cars. During that era, the Bavarians were turning out a specific flavor of automobile:

14 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org March • April 2015

- das Kummet March • April 2015 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org 15 das Kummet - Checkered Flag BMW

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16 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org March • April 2015

- das Kummet John Kopp Dan Tiedemann [email protected] 2445 Castleton Commerce Way [email protected] Virginia Beach, VA 23456

March • April 2015 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org 17 das Kummet - DRIVING EVENTS TEASER Are you READY to DRIVE? Stay tuned for possible GOOD NEWS!

 All Repairs & Service  Latest Factory Diagnostic Equipment  BMW & Mercedes Benz  Quick Turn-Around  Genuine & OEM Parts 3040 High St. (Corner of High & Airline), Portsmouth  A/C Service, Tires, Alignment 23707  Monday – Friday, 9AM to 6PM  The Only BOSCH Service Center 757-966-9528 Outside Norfolk & VA Beach.

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18 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org March • April 2015

- das Kummet Annual Banquet Report continued from pg 12 New Jersey. Take the curviest road you can find to find a great time! The evening closed with all members standing. New members were asked to sit down first; then we went by five year increments . . . with two still standing at the forty-year call! It’s obvious that our chapter has great heritage and great people that go into its great enthusiasm. Our Annual Banquet was a great time of fun and fellowship. Let’s go out and DO more Bimmer things in the coming year that will give us plenty to talk about at next year’s banquet!

March • April 2015 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org 19 das Kummet - BMW Car Club PRSRT STD of America US POSTAGE PAID Tidewater Chapter NORFOLK, VA PERMIT NO. 256

BEY EM VEY, Inc. Tidewater Chapter BMW Car Club of America P.O. Box 62145 Virginia Beach, VA 23462-2145

Inside this issue.... Calendar of Events • President’s Perspective • Editor’s Desk Valentine Wine & Dine • Ragtop to Rolltop • Annual Banquet Classic in the Making

FEATURED CAR: BMW M3 Pickup Activity Vehicle/Load Out Volume (PAVLOV) ready for mass production.*

April Fool!