On the Road - Classic Cars & BBQ Photo by Sandy McConnell Inside January 2010 This Issue
2009 CharityReview Flap About Run Flats Classic Cars & BBQ Review
January 20101 Tejas Trax Tejas Chapter Officers President Vice President Secretary/Treasurer
Glenn McConnell Herb Looney Sandy McConnell Austin San Antonio Austin [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Membership Driving Events Events Coordinator Chapter Mail
Gina Silvestri Linda Cavazos Kathy Eltringham P.O. Box 17216 Austin Austin Rowlett Austin, Tx 78760 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Project Coordinators, Chapter Email and Newsletter
Austin Area San Antonio Area Kerrville Area San Marcos Area
Vacant Vacant John Swann Jack Laumer Kerrville San Marcos [email protected] [email protected]
Corpus Christi Area Chapter Email Tejas Trax Newsletter Editor
Donna Bogan [email protected] Glenn McConnell Corpus Christi Austin [email protected] [email protected]
BMW CCA Vice Pres. South South Central Tech Membership Central Zone Tips Rep Information
Mark Doran Terry Sayther $40 per year 1777 South Harrison St Austin, Tx 1-800-878-9292 Denver, CO 80210 512-442-1361 VISA or MasterCard 303-758-4200 (8am-5pm Central Time) www.bmwcca.org
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DISCLAIMER: TEJAS CHAPTER is a local association of BMW owners. TEJAS CHAPTER (hereafter, the Club is a non-profit (74-2732211) Texas corporation (#10340292-01), and is associated with the BMW Car Club of America as a local chapter. The Club is not connected in any way with BMWAG or BMWNA. Tejas Trax is the publication of the Club and is mailed to all members in good standing, as well as to all current advertising patrons. All of its contents remain property of the Club, but BMW CCA & BMW ACA Chapters may quote from the publications, provided proper credit is given. The ideas, suggestions, and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and no authentications, endorsement or guarantee is expressed or implied by TEJAS CHAPTER. TEJAS CHAPTER assumes no liability for any of the information presented. None of the information presented bears the status "Factory Approved" unless so indicated. Modifications within the warranty period may void the warranty! January 2010 2 Tejas Trax those that have contributed the most From to the chapter by presenting the 2009 The Incentive Points Challenge awards. President This year we will also be announcing the results of the 2010-2011 Chapter Officer elections (see page 25). The Happy New Year 2010...... 2008-2009 board of officers has been It is hard to believe that we are a real joy to be a part of and they have beginning another new year. For me, done an outstanding job. In particular, 2009 was probably my most enjoyable I would like to thank Kathy Tejas Chapter year, with many great Eltringham for the extraordinary role friends made and some of the best that she played as our Events events we have had in the 26+ years Coordinator for the last two years. that I have been associated with the Unfortunately, due to conditions chapter. beyond her control, she is unable to Since the association seems to get continue in that position. Thank you, better every year, I am really looking Kathy!! forward to what is in store for 2010. No matter how the election turns This year, we are starting it off out, you can have every confidence right, as we always do, with the Post- that the new board, will be dedicated Holiday party (see page 5). This event to making the Tejas Chapter one that is usually the best attended event of you can be proud to be a part of and the year and is a great opportunity for will strive to make the next two years members to bring out the whole family even better than the last two. for a evening of fun, food, frivolity, So, why not start your new year and friendships. It is a chance for out with a great evening and join us socializing on a level that we don’t for the Post-Holiday Party in San normally get at our monthly events and Marcos on Saturday, January 23rd? the white elephant gift exchange We would love to see you there to always brings out a side of people that begin the Tejas Chapter year on a roll! is not usually revealed :) Until next time .... In addition, we will be rewarding Glenn McConnell
Welcome New Members
Austin Helotes Leander Mark Borskey Dan Mandelstein Janette Inman Shannon Billik Phillip Cook Don Sartain Larry Targosh Daniel Elizalde Drew Sartain Round Rock Jimbo Gulley Victor Trac Brian Cook San Antonio Ulf Habermann Christopher Tsay Hunter Dodson Marcella Banks Michael Lambert Connie Stried Robert Flores
McAllen Cedar Park Lago Vista Marble Falls Jordan Sinclair Carl Nybro Gilbert Hawkins Art Smith
January 2010 3 Tejas Trax "Experience Our Passion"
7011 McNeil Dr 343 - 3500
THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE 10% Discount on Parts & Service for BMW CCA members
January 2010 4 Tejas Trax Tejas Chapter Post-Holiday Party 2010 Saturday January 23, 2010 6:00pm - 11:00pm
Place: Texas Reds Steakhouse, 120 W Grove Street, San Marcos. This is a comfortable Texas-style steakhouse featuring charbroiled beef steaks, roasted prime rib, buffalo burgers, chicken, lobster, shrimp, lamb, quail, and pork. This award-winning steakhouse, with a fun and friendly atmosphere, is housed in a beautifully restored historic cotton gin that will interest history buffs and novices alike. Menu: choice of charbroiled rib-eye, charbroiled cajun shrimp or charbroiled chicken breasts (fajita or teriyaki), served with crisp green salad, baked potato, fresh baked bread, non-alcoholic beverages, and your choice of desserts. Cost: $25.00 per person (includes tax and gratuity) Cash bar available. What: An evening of fun, white elephant gift exchange* (free-for-all), door prizes, Incentive Points Challenge Awards and great food. *Bring a new or used (good/working condition) BMW or auto-related white elephant gift for exchange!! Who: Tejas Chapter members, spouses, friends, and family. Why: Traditional Tejas Chapter start to a new year. To get together after the holiday rush is over, exchange holiday stories and plans for the new year, have some good food, and have a great time!!!
Door Prizes generously provided by chapter sponsors
RSVP by filling out the RSVP form on the website at http://www.tejaschapter.org
January 2010 5 Tejas Trax January 2010 6 Tejas Trax The Flap about Run Flats and US Royal Tire Company offered run By D.L. Yule flats using an inter lining to carry the cars weight should the tire decompress. For- Maybe it’s just me, but when we tunately or unfortunately these never were researching the options that were really caught on. available before we purchased our first BMW, I thought that having run flat tires And Then There Was One (aka zero pressure tires) was brilliant. Two kinds of zero-pressure tires In one phase of my life I spent several systems exist in the market today, how- years in the tire and industrial rubber ever only one is still currently in pro- products manufacturing industry and I duction. Both types require the usual was especially keen on the run flat idea amount of air to provide day-to-day per- given all of the leading edge engineer- formance. ing and design work that’s gone into this Self-supporting tires (SSTs) are the product line over the past couple of de- original and most common run-flat type cades. I remember thinking – finally, and are the kind found on a variety of someone gets it. Funny thing though, BMW models today. Heavily reinforced eighteen months of pure joy later and all sidewalls support the vehicle after air I read or hear about are gripes and com- makes its exit. This sort of run-flat is plaints about run flat tires. That they designed to fit on normal wheels with have a harsh ride; that they don’t handle no modifications. as well as non run flats; that they’re Michelin’s PAX auxiliary support overly expensive; and that finding a re- run-flat system (now gone the way of the placement should you need one in Dodo bird), is different but more like the Mobeetie Texas, to say the least, is elu- US Royal design than the SST variety. sive. Pretty depressing. PAX sidewalls, while still stiffer than So I started thinking, out of all of normal tires, are not as rigid as SSTs. this, what’s fiction, what’s fact, and re- Instead Michelin designed a unique ally how much of this is just good old wheel that positions a semi-rigid “sup- opinion (not that anyone I know who port ring” inside the tire to hold the car owns a BMW has an opinion). Based up when the air goes bye-bye. A non- on discussions that I’ve had with our standard bead design is necessary where Tejas chapter members and commentary wheel and tire meet. This reminds me of that I’ve read, there’s really no obvious a 1982 Ford Escort GT that I once owned consensus. So let’s take a closer look at that came with the Michelin TRX met- this subject… ric wheel and tire system. This combo (and the car in general) was such an Everything Old is New Again abysmal failure I was forced to put this First patented in 1892, current run- king of the lemons on waivers. Caveat flat tire designs were introduced in 1978 emptor! and offered as an option in the 1990s, mainly for two-seat sports cars with little Do You Take American Express? room for spare tires and jacks. Sounds There is no debating the fact that pretty familiar right? But zero pressure run-flats cost more to replace. Compared tires are not a new idea. In 1958 Chrysler continued on page 8 January 2010 7 Tejas Trax Run Flats handle as well as standard high perfor- continued from page 7 mance tires. The empirical data does provide some fairly strong validation to standard tires, simply expect to pay that ride quality and handling are im- more. At the time of this writing, pacted in some applications. My take is Internet prices from The Tire Rack for a that both are potentially more related to staggered set of Bridgestone Potenza run suspension design than the tires them- flats for our 335i was about eleven hun- selves, although tread, sidewall and bead dred dollars, sans any mounting or bal- design can have a major impact on a cars ancing. Roughly a third more than a stan- handling and ride. Current production dard set of performance tires. But this is BMW’s equipped with standard run flats to be expected as there are significantly have been specifically engineered with fewer run flats in production. Once this tire application in mind and should manufacturing levels increase these ride and handle exceptionally well, prices should come down. Now when which has been my experience. Of folks start carping about price, and course standardization is another point please don’t get me wrong on this, price of contention. Why are they not optional is important - but what I find extremely instead of standard equipment? Being amusing are those who purchase a BMW one who’s all about having choice, this (which even at their least expensive are is a bit off putting. However, with the still a highly engineered piece of high current design line up, there is little performance driving machinery) are al- choice since there is simply no room for ways deer-in-the-headlights stunned at a spare. And of course there is the weight the cost of ownership. This would in- consideration. As we cram more and clude the shoes, run flat or otherwise. more doodads into our vehicles, bloat is What are they thinking? Hey, if you want undoubtedly a major concern for the cheap go buy a Kia. Bimmer design team.
Don’t harsh my ride dude! Bald is Beautiful Other arguments against run flats So what about tread wear? While include poor tread life, that they can I’m not an engineer, from my perspec- have a harsh ride and that they do not tive there is nothing inherent in a run flat
January 2010 8 Tejas Trax tires design that would cause it to wear If it Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It – any differently than any other tire built That’s Unless I’m Stranded in the with the same compound. Since a tire’s Hood compound is the actual building block Poor grammar aside, much of the that makes a tire a tire, it’s nearly the anti run flat bias comes in the form of most important factor in a tire’s service “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, which life. Air pressure is numero uno. Com- at its core truly demonstrates how re- pound (as it’s referred to in the rubber sistant to change we humans are. We biz) is usually a mix of carbon black all suffer from it. But to be fair, it’s a (long or short chain carbon molecules) logical point of view. What is wrong mixed with neoprene (synthetic rubber) with simple, right? Tire goes flat, get and natural gum rubber (natural rubber out jack, lift car, remove said tire, re- derived from the rubber tree) sulfur and place said tire with spare, lower car, other chemicals which are then calen- stow jack, drive car. But If you’ve ever dered (mashed together between two been stuck in the middle of nowhere huge heated steel rollers). Every tire has due to a flat tire, you already know a specific recipe for its compound. Those how frustrating and depending on the recipes range from very hard to very soft. location (you almost never get a flat The hardness of which is determined by outside of the Dairy Queen or its durometer (the hardness of a mate- Church), dangerous it can be. If rial – in this case rubber). The wear rat- you’ve ever changed a flat tire in the ing that you see on the sidewall of any rain, after dark, or on the shoulder of tire is essentially a very broad (and I do a busy highway, well you get the pic- mean broad) indicator of a tires wear ture. So while the spare and jack ability which is directly related to its method may be simpler, the run flat durometer. A tire of any construction solution is certainly more convenient. with the same wear rating should typi- And in a pinch a much safer alterna- cally wear at the same rate depending tive since you’re able to continue on how you drive and how your cars sus- down the road hopefully to a safer lo- pension is set up (alignment, caster and cation or to your final destination. camber angles are very critical factors in how evenly a tire wears) so my opin- It’s Not Over Until it’s Over Done ion is that there are far too many vari- My guess is that as car design and ables to really determine why curtain engineering continues to advance that tires wear a certain way. As an example, many concepts will undoubtedly come I have 26k miles on my original set of with no spare and will more readily run flats and I’ve probably got another rely on self supporting tires. Another 10k miles left on them. I’ve heard many certainty is that this debate pro and club members complain that they’ve con will continue. And just wait; there gotten say 15 thousand out of their first is a whole new idea that a car’s wheel set and they were completely worn out. should be integrated into the tire it- So why is that? Yes Glenn, I know that I self. Anyone heard of the Tweel? drive like I’m heading to the old folks Until next time… home, so maybe that’s it.
January 2010 9 Tejas Trax 2009 Charity Review since Kathy had to ask them at the last by Allan Gazza minute due to Walmart not being supportive of reservations made last year. Tejas Members, All the employees were very helpful, and I want to say Thank You to Kathy and the manager went out of her way to make Wayne Eltringham for organizing the sure the wrapping process offered Charity event for the children at Guadalupe everyone the supplies needed to make this Community Center and all the members as efficient and productive as possible. that gave donations and their time to make They also had juice and cookies for the this event a success. children. This is one of those events that the I feel the members of Tejas Chapter Tejas Chapter gives back to the community made a difference in these childrens lives, and children in so many ways. I wish in more ways than just the presents. Thank everyone from our club would have the You everyone. opportunity to be present at this event as it is always one that is memorable. Not Editor’s Note: Thanks to approximately only do the children get to pick out great 30 of our 850 members, we were able to gifts for their families, but the interaction raise $3,455 for the Charity event. This with the members of the BMW club is allowed us to sponsor 32 kids and pay for something they will not forget. the transportation costs. Thanks to Members share insight into how to get everyone who contributed!! the most for your money, spend accordingly, and the importance of the holiday season with the children involved. Some of these children are shy at first, but quickly warm up to spending the time with the members and the shopping experience. Super Target was very accommodating to the BMW Club and children. It is amazing the customer experience they provided to this event
January 2010 10 Tejas Trax Charity Event - December 5, 2009
Many thanks to Wayne & Kathy Eltringham - Many more great photos are available on the chapter website
January 2010 11 Tejas Trax A very happy group after Christmas shopping at Target!
January 2010 12 Tejas Trax Classic Cars & BBQ Review museum, it would have been great. By Allan Gazza What an idea if we had only known this in our younger days. If you were one of the lucky ones There were quite a few cars in this to join us for the Classic Cars and museum that I wish I could have in my BBQ event, you know the fun we had own garage. Mike had arranged with during this event planned by Mike the owner to get a look in their back Sevel. We met at Dick’s Classic Cars room where some of the final restoration takes place. Among some of the classic cars was a New Bentley that was owned by the owner’s wife.
in San Marcos, where we were brought back in time with an amazing display of restored vintage cars. Many of the club members were thinking if they It was mentioned that she had the car in the shop to get waxed, and did not want to take it out due to the inclement weather. Wow, that is real appreciation for that car, which is sometimes hard to find as sometimes people think of cars as transportation only. This was a very nice display of cars and only a portion of what is on display. He had mentioned they also own the Central had kept their cars from their younger Texas Museum of Automotive History days of driving, and restored them to in Rosanky Texas that we visited last look like many of these cars in this year on the Shakespeare event drive. They also provided us with coffee and donuts and a meeting room which was a great place for our drivers meeting. After leaving Mike took us through some of the back roads around San Marcos/New Braunfels to AutoMania which is located on IH35 in New Braunfels. I am sure that Mike was hoping all the low water crossings continued on page 16 January 2010 13 Tejas Trax Classic Ca November Many thanks
Many more great photos are av
January 2010 14 Tejas Trax rs & BBQ r 21, 2009 to Mike Sevel vailable on the chapter website
January 2010 1515 Tejas Trax Classic Cars and BBQ Review but an experience to see some really neat continued from page 13 classic and muscle cars. This place made me think what my 1968 AMC Javelin, would be passable after the recent 1964 ½ Mustang Coupe, and 1969 rains. But knowing Mike and his Mercury Cougar would be worth today, thoroughness in planning, he would if I still had them. have a back-up route to follow.
Our final destination was Coopers Though AutoMania specializes in BBQ for lunch. They had come out to selling, consigning, and restoration of the parking lot to greet us, and even said classic cars, the experience of seeing and we could park all the BMW’s in the viewing their collection of cars was a motorcycle parking for additional space. great experience. The owners were very They had the Banquet room for us, and welcoming to their facility and offered were well prepared to serve the group a tour through their area where they right away. The amount of food they complete the restorations of the vehicles. served for the price was a great deal. For many years I had driven by this The brisket, chicken and sausage, I facility and never stopped, thinking of believe, are some of the best I have it as only a car sales lot. tasted. They also gave away a few door This was not just a cars sales lot, prizes, which included a $25 gift certificate that Sri Kamma won. After lunch was done, some headed home, while others followed Mike Sevel for an afternoon of Christmas shopping. I would like to say Thank You Mike for this event and the last minute planning you did to make this event one that everyone enjoyed and had a great time.
January 2010 16 Tejas Trax BMW Concept ActiveE high level of practical relevance. The By BMW Press Club intelligent arrangement of the drive components makes it possible to provide • Concept study of a purely electrically four full-size seats and a luggage powered model based on the BMW 1 compartment volume of some 200 liters Series Coupé. The BMW Concept (7 cubic feet). ActiveE represents a consistent • On the way to achieving CO2-free continuation of the research and mobility, the BMW Group continues to development activities of the BMW develop electric drive as an additional Group relating to electromobility as part mainstay of BMW EfficientDynamics. of project i. A concept which realizes Electric drive provides an additional CO2-free mobility in BMW style is option for a lasting form of individual presented. mobility alongside the ongoing • The BMW Concept ActiveE is the optimization of all models with a pure BMW Group’s second vehicle after the combustion engine, the market launch of MINI E to be developed as part of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in serial project i. After the successful launch of production vehicles and the BMW the pilot project MINI E, the BMW Hydrogen 7 as evidence of the suitability Group announces the development of of hydrogen drive for everyday use. another field test of electric vehicles for private and selected fleet users. The aim Technology: is to test the use of electric drive for • The BMW Concept ActiveE is everyday purposes in a vehicle which powered by a new synchronous electric offers the driving pleasure which is motor specially developed for this characteristic of BMW automobiles. vehicle. Its maximum output is 125 kW/ • The specific features of the BMW 170 bhp, the maximum torque of 250 Nm Concept ActiveE include rear-wheel / 184 lb-ft is available from standing as drive as is characteristic of BMW, a is typical for electric motors and remains powerful drive system for dynamic available over an unusually broad load acceleration maneuvers and a high level range. of efficiency to enable the vehicle to be • For the first time, electrical energy is used for purposes which go beyond stored in a lithium-ion battery pack urban mobility. developed jointly by BMW and the co- • The vehicle concept also comprises operation partner SB LiMotive an extended range of functions with a especially for the BMW Concept ActiveE. A new stable temperature regulation function optimizes the battery pack’s performance. • Other characteristics of the drive technology used in the BMW Concept ActiveE are the weight-reduced construction and the package-optimized arrangement of all components. The electric motor is completely integrated continued on page 18 January 2010 17 Tejas Trax BMW Concept ActiveE km / 100 miles on a single charge, continued from page 17 depending on conditions (FTP72 cycle range is calculated to be 240 km / 150 in the rear axle, the power electronics is miles in simulation). positioned above the motor. Space is • Flexible charging technology used for energy storage which in vehicles enables the lithium-ion battery pack to powered by a combustion engine would be recharged by a conventional power be taken up by the conventional outlet at public charging stations or at drivetrain and fuel tank. With a weight a special wall box. On the European of some 1,800 kilograms / 3900 lbs grid, the battery pack can be fully (unladen weight according to DIN), a charged at a high-current power outlet low center of gravity and an axle load (50 ampere) in as little as 3 hours. In distribution which is typical of a BMW, North America, using a high-current the vehicle has everything it requires to (32 ampere continuous) residential provide the dynamic driving properties wall box, the charge time is about 4.5 and agile handling in the style of the hours. BMW 1 Series. • The drive components used in the • Predicted driving performance BMW Concept ActiveE have been figures: acceleration from zero to 60 km/ developed as part of project i. The h (37mph) in less than 4.5 seconds and objectives on which this is based are from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in less derived from the requirements for the than 9 seconds, maximum speed: approx. serial production development of a 145 km/h (90 mph, electronically Megacity Vehicle. limited). As with the MINI E, the real- • In the BMW Concept ActiveE, new world range is expected to be about 160 BMW ConnectedDrive services are
January 2010 18 Tejas Trax presented which have been designed circuits in Electric Blue on the hood, exclusively for use in an electric vehicle. doors, roof and trunk lid, as well as This includes specific remote functions the lettering “ActiveE”, “eDrive” and which enable the use of a mobile phone “EfficientDynamics” on the doors and to check the charge status of the battery, side panels. Specific light-alloy wheel search for public charging stations and wheels, the lack of an exhaust system activate the vehicle’s auxiliary heating and blue illuminated elements such as and air conditioning functions. the roof fin and charging connection highlight the special character of this Design: electrically powered concept vehicle. • The BMW Concept ActiveE is • The interior of the BMW Concept based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe. It ActiveE includes specific leather seats embodies a new interpretation of the with embossed graphic elements and agility which is characteristic of the 1 blue accentuated seams as well as Series. For the first time, CO2-free interior strips in Liquid White with mobility and the driving pleasure rear-lit three-dimensional graphics. characteristic of BMW are combined The instrument panel and the central for up to four vehicle occupants in an display have been enhanced to include electric vehicle concept. display items specific to electric drive. • There is a clearly recognizable The use of innovative remote differentiation from the serial functions as part of BMW production model of the BMW 1 ConnectedDrive is shown with the Series Coupe with the body finish in example of a smartphone connection Liquid White metallic, as well as which is fully linked into the vehicle graphic elements derived from printed infotainment system.
January 2010 19 Tejas Trax The New BMW 5 Series front and rear and a coupé-like, graceful roofline, the new BMW 5 Sedan Series Sedan stands out clearly from by BMW Press Club the competition. Overall, the aesthetic looks of the The world debut of the new BMW car are clearly determined by perfectly 5 Series Sedan once again marks the balanced proportions. Design features epitome of aesthetic design and typical of the brand are to be found supreme driving pleasure in the upper both at the front with its BMW kidney midrange segment. Through its grille inclined slightly forward and on sporting and elegant looks, driving the strikingly chiselled engine dynamics typical of the brand, compartment lid, in the stylish and outstanding efficiency as well as elegant side view of the car, and on innovative comfort and safety the muscular rear end. features, the sixth generation of Within the interior modern BMW’s executive express function and a superior ambience convincingly reflects the supreme come together in perfect harmony, standard of the world’s most unmistakable style and clear successful manufacturer of premium orientation to the driver in the cockpit cars throughout the entire process of guaranteeing a truly unique driving development. and travelling experience.
Design: charismatic, elegant, Driving experience: supreme sporting. dynamics and outstanding comfort. With the longest wheelbase in the The most advanced drivetrain and segment, a long and sleek engine suspension technologies ensure compartment lid, short overhangs supreme sportiness and an even higher
January 2010 20 Tejas Trax BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection for maximum output of 300 kW/ 407 hp. The straight-six with BMW TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC in the BMW 535i delivers maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp, while the two straight-six power units featuring High Precision Injection and lean-burn standard of motoring comfort all in operation develop 190 kW/258 hp in one. the BMW 528i and, respectively, 150 At the same time optional kW/204 hp in the BMW 523i. Dynamic Driving Control enables the Straight-six diesels with the most driver to set the suspension advanced technology give the BMW individually to his personal 530d maximum output of 180 kW/245 requirements. The new BMW 5 Series hp and the BMW 525d an equally Sedan is available with Adaptive impressive 150 kW/204 hp. Fitted Drive encompassing Dynamic Damper with optional BMW BluePerformance Control and Dynamic Drive stability technology, the BMW 530d fulfils the control, as well as BMW’s Integral EU6 emission standard. And it almost Active Steering. goes without saying that all versions The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan making its debut with one eight- comply in full with the EU5 standard cylinder and three six-cylinder petrol in Europe. engines as well as two six-cylinder diesels. BMW EfficientDynamics: BMW 5 The range is rounded off by a Series increasing the lead. four-cylinder turbodiesel with an All versions of the new BMW 5 aluminium crankcase and common- Series Sedan are available as an option rail direct injection. Maximum output with BMW’s new eight-speed in this case of 135 kW/184 hp makes automatic transmission. The BMW the BMW 520d fitted as standard with 550i comes as standard with BMW’s Auto Start Stop the new efficiency automatic transmission optimised for benchmark in its segment. Average efficiency, just like EPS Electric fuel consumption in the EU5 test cycle Power Steering featured on all models. is just 5.0 litres/100 kilometres (equal BMW EfficientDynamics to 56.5 mpg imp), the CO2 emission technologies are naturally featured as rating is 132 g/km (provisional standard in appropriate combinations figures). on each model, with features such as The top-of-the-range BMW 550i Brake Energy Regeneration, a comes with an eight-cylinder boasting continued on page 22 January 2010 21 Tejas Trax The New BMW 5 Series Sedan Warning, Speed Limit Info, a Head- continued from page 21 Up Display, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, and a gearshift point indicator, active air back-up camera. flap control, and on-demand operation of ancillary units including a Joint development and production detachable a/c compressor. Intelligent together with the BMW 7 Series. lightweight construction, finally, is The world debut of the new BMW ensured by features such as the doors, 5 Series Sedan opens up the latest engine compartment lid, front side chapter in a truly impressive story of panels and suspension components success. In the course of five model made of aluminium. generations, overall sales of the BMW 5 Series already amount to more than Innovative driver assistance systems 5.5 million units. Now the new model with BMW ConnectedDrive. is based on a newly developed vehicle The driver assistance systems architecture also featured in the BMW offered for the first time in the context 7 Series luxury sedans. of BMW ConnectedDrive include a Joint production of the BMW 5 Parking Assistant, Surround View, Series Sedan and the BMW 7 Series collision warning with application of at BMW Plant Dingolfing, together the brakes in conjunction with Active with the extensive use of shared Cruise Control plus Stop & Go, and a components, ensures highly efficient new Speed Limit Device. Further production with a supreme standard of features also available are Lane quality following the most demanding Change Warning, Lane Departure benchmarks in the market.
January 2010 22 Tejas Trax Date Event Meet Location
Jaunuary 23, 2010 Post-Holiday Party at Texas Red's San Marcos see page 5 October 2010 Annual Utopia Weekend Kerrville
December 2010 Annual Charity Event TBD
Web Site Info
http://www.tejaschapter.org for the most up-to-date information about the TejasChapter.
Tejas Chapter Patches Display your Tejas Chapter membership with a high-quality embroidered patch. May be sewn or glued to anything from shirts to bags to notebooks. To get yours, send $5.00 for each patch to the Tejas Chapter mailbox or get one at the next chapter event.
Tejas Chapter Merchandise Are you interested in getting shirts with the Tejas Chapter logo? Do you need a good BMW related gift for somone? A Denim Shirt, Polo Shirt, or a T-Shirt perhaps? Long sleeve, short sleeve, or maybe sleeveless. Perhaps a tote bag or ball cap would be of interest to you. Chapter members Jose & Cathy Alejo of ALEJO USA, can make this happen for you. They have our Tejas Chapter logo and can apply it on almost anything they carry in their catalogs. Embroidered and screen print logos are available. Seen in the picture below, the Denim shirts have embroidered logos and the T-Shirts have color screen print logos. You may contact Jose or Cathy by calling (254) 527-4060.
You may also go online to www.alejousa.com. or email [email protected].
January 2010 23 Tejas Trax Tejas Chapter Incentive Points Challenge for 2009 To encourage participation, the successful Incentive Points Challenge began in 1998. The members or associate members who earn the highest number of points by the end of the year (up to 10th place) receive valuable prizes at the Post-Holiday Party in January 2010. The Rookie of the Year award is for the member that joined in the current year and earns Rookie Points based on Incentive Points earned divided by the time as a member during the year. Activity Points Return Survey Form (form available on request or at website) 50 Attend a meeting or event 30 Organize a monthly event, (social/technical etc.) 100 Assist with a monthly event (credited by organizer) 50 Each new member recruited (credited by CCA) 30 Original photo(s) published in the Trax (30 pts max/issue) 10 Original photo(s) published on the website (30 pts max/event) 10 Original Tech Tip published in the Trax 15 Original Article published in the Trax (500 words or more) 30 Original Article published in the Trax (less than 500 words) 15 Recruitment of a commercial ad for Trax 20% of ad cost
Note: 2009 Incentive Points are up-to-date, but to have some element of surprise during the Incentive Points Awards at the Post-Holiday Party in January, they will not be published on the website or in this issue of the Tejas Trax. The final 2009 Incentive Points will be published in the February issue of the Tejas Trax.
2009 Incentive January Points 23rd Challenge 2010 Awards see page 5
January 2010 24 Tejas Trax It's That Time of Year Again! Please take a moment to fill out the ballot below.
To be counted, ballot must be received by January 20, 2010
Tejas Chapter, BMW CCA 2010-11 Officer Election Ballot
Name and membership number are required to validate ballot Name: Membership Number:
In the boxes below, indicate your choice Note: for each office. Candidates with an Area Project Coordinators are selected asterick (*) by their name are the by the elected board from volunteers. incumbent. Project coordinators serve as non-voting members of the Tejas President: Chapter board. Glenn McConnell* Vice President: Project Coordinators are selected for the following areas: Herb Looney* Austin Linda Cook Corpus Christi Kerrville Secretary/Treasurer: San Antonio Sandy McConnell* San Marcos Driving Events: If you are interested in being a Project Linda Cavazos* Coordinator in one of these areas, Events Chairman: please use the Comments block below to Allan Gazza indicate your desire. Membership Chairman: Comments: Mike Sevel Gina Silvestri*
Mail this ballot to the Tejas Chapter post office box or bring the ballot to the Post-Holiday Party or submit the online ballot available at the Tejas Chapter web site, under the Officers Section (http://www.tejaschapter.org)
January 2010 25 Tejas Trax Classified Ads Bearing/Pivot Pin/Clutch Bolts/ Shifter Guide Pin Suspension: H & R springs with Bilstein Gas Sport Shocks, all new spring perch rubbers, BMW Motorsport upper shock tower reinforcement plates (5mm), OEM lower xX-bracex, Racing Dynamics front/rear sway 2nd owner by BMWCCA Member bars & bushings, Racing Dynamics (#106598), 10/95 production date, upper shock tower brace, Active clear title, no accidents, owned Autoworks rear shock tower brace, since 9/2001 @ 133,260 miles, BMP alum/red urethane rear upper currently 210,200 miles, matching shock mounts, BMP adjustable rear engine/chassis numbers, stock 3.0 trailing arms, Ireland Engineering liter x 6 cylinder DOHC, super urethane rear control arm bushings, strong engine, no oil usage, engine recent OEM steel lower control oil/filter changes every 3,000 miles, arms w/bushings Exhaust: Super no track, no racing engine: Recent Sprint DTM stainless steel rear Fluidyne aluminum heavy duty muffler, new (4) exhaust flange radiator ($860), new coolant bolts/nuts & (2) new metal exhaust expansion tank w/new updated tank donut seals (at time of SS rear cap, new coolant tank level sensor, muffler install) Brakes: New hoses/clamps, new dual low temp Brembo cross drilled & slotted front radiator sensor (80-88 Degrees C), brake rotors/pads, stainless steel new upper/lower radiator hoses, brake lines, Tires/Wheels: After recent steel impeller water pump & market M3 CSL replicas 17x (fair profile gasket, recent aluminum condition) w/stainless steel valve thermostat housing & profile gasket, stems mounted on Yokohama ES recent low temp thermostat & 100 - 235/40/ZR17 performance profile gasket, new fan clutch, new tires, excellent condition (9 out of BMP brass coolant tank bleed 10) Best Offer!! Contact John screw/o-ring, new expansion tank Coates, Jr. at 985-285-0973 or send level sensor, recent alternator (80 email to [email protected]. More amp changed in 9/2005), new a/c details on this car on the Tejas drive belt & deflection roller, new Chapter website. alternator/water pump drive belt & deflection roller, recent complete 1991 318is valve cover gaskets/spark plug hole LOOKING FOR: 1991 318is in gaskets, BMP magnetic oil pan drain either silver or white. Will pay top plug, Recent New Sachs OEM $$ for the right one. Dennis.....860- Clutch/Pressure Plate/Throw-Out 598-8770 & [email protected]
January 2010 26 Tejas Trax Classified Ads
Steering Wheel Wheels/tires for Sale E46, BMW Euro Sports Steering 17"x8" wheel+tire package from Wheel with airbag (new), fits all 2000 540i Sport - $1150. Perfect E46 incl. M3, Steering wheel is new condition, no scratches or curb rash. and covered with black leather (2 These wheels came stock on my different leather - on the top and friend's 2000 540i Sport (e39). They below - plain leather and at the sides are an excellent performance and - perforated leather) and with 3- appearance upgrade for other color M-Stitching and never BMW's as shown on my 1989 535i installed in a car. It comes complete (e34) in the Members' Cars section. with a new 2-stage Airbag and new All 4 are the same size so can be black "SRS Airbag" bracket - no rotated (i.e.- not staggered). Include other parts needed. Mint Condition, 4 nice 235/45ZR-17 Kumho ECSTA you will get a unique steering wheel, SPT tires (2 new, 2 ~one year old). Made in Germany, Outside Also include proper lug bolts. Can Diameter is 370 mm, Please note: include hubcentric rings if you want the wheel fits only e46, not e36 or to use them on an e34.. Only reason other models. Contact Claudio I am selling them is I have now sold Sanchez at 512-627-3499 or send this car. . Contact Doug Norton at email to [email protected]. 512-413-1222 or send email to [email protected]
Classified ads FOR PERSONAL USE items are printed free for current members of BMW CCA. Ads will run for three issues, unless stopped earlier. Ads may be extended by a request in writing to the Tejas Chapter mailbox or by email. Members are limited to five (5) classified ads running at a time. The ad rate for non-member ads or member ads of a COMMERCIAL nature is $10.00 per issue. These ads will be accepted on a monthly basis and payment must be received before ad is printed. Classified ads submitted for publication in the Tejas Trax are also placed on the Tejas Chapter's website.
January 2010 27 Tejas Trax PAID Austin TX PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Permit #1434 Tejas Chapter Tejas BMW CCA, Inc. Box 17216 P.O. Austin, TX 78760
January 201028 Tejas Trax