April - GGC BMW CCA

Chapter 

Contacts 

GGC, BMW CCA 

Golden Gate Chapter, BMW CCA, Inc. is a nonprofit 

California corporation, it is a chapter of the BMW Car 

Club of America, and is not connected with Bayerische 

Motoren Werke AG or BMW of North America. Die 

Flüsternde Bombe is a publication of the Golden 

Gate Chapter, all ideas, opinions and suggestions 

expressed in regard to technical or other matters are 

solely those of the authors, and no authentication, 

endorsement or guarantee is expressed or implied. 

Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA, Inc. assumes no 

liability for any of the information contained herein. 

No factory approval is implied unless so indicated. 

Modification of your BMW within the warranty period 

may void the warranty, and some modifications may 

violate federal or state laws or regulations. All contents 

remain the property of the chapter, but BMW CCA 

and BMW ACA chapters may quote or copy from the 

publication, provided full credit is given to the author 

and the Golden Gate Chapter, unless otherwise noted 

or specifically prohibited. 

Chapter Mailing Address: 

Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA 

909 Marina Village Parkway, PMB #189 

BMW CCA 

The BMW Car Club of America, lnc. is a not-for-profit 

national association of over 70,000 members, dedicated 

to the enjoyment of driving BMWs. Membership 

provides access to driving and social events, maintenance 

and technical information, parts discounts and 

more. Dues are $35 per year, with an associate member 

added for $5 more. Members receive the monthly 

Roundel magazine and a newsletter from their local 

chapter, or from a chapter of their choice. The Golden 

Gate Chapter is one of the largest chapter in the BMW 

CCA with over 4,900 members. 

For a new membership or to renew an existing one, 

please call toll free 1.800.878.9292 or visit www. 

bmwcca.org. Visa and Mastercard accepted. 

BMW CCA mailing address: 

640 South Main St., Suite 201 

Greenville, SC 29601 

Phone: 864-250-0022 

Fax: 864-250-0038 

Email: bmwcclub@aol.com 

Member Updates 

Membership address corrections are 

only accepted at the national office. 

Changes must be made in writing via 

email, fax, or USPS. 

Board Members 

President 

Mike Mills 

510-537-8960 

president@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Vice President 

Juan Bruce 

vicepresident@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Secretary 

Peter Guagenti 

secretary@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Treasurer 

Tamara Hull 

treasurer@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Membership Chair 

Bob Lenarcik 

831-336-2377 ext 401 

MembershipChair@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Event Staff 

Chief Driving Instructors 

Billy Maher 

707-546-5572 

Bruce Nesbit 

415-461-1811 

nesbito@comcast.net 

Chief Operations Steward 

Steve Johnson 

ChiefSteward@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Track School Project Manager 

Bruce Nesbit 

415-461-1811 (9am-8pm) 

TrackSchools@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Driving Events Coordinator 

Open 

DrivingEventsCoordinator@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Chief Scrutineer 

Ramon Le Francois 

408-956-1662 

Car Control Clinic Coordinator 

Sherman Koo and Jim Mercado 

CarControl@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Autocross Coordinators 

Jonathan Bensen 

Mike Hsu 

Rich Vijeh 

autocross@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Autocross Car Classifications 

Scott Miller 

autocrossclassify@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

925-997-4751 

Rally Coordinator 

Ken Whitson 

831-625-5133 

Technical Session Coordinator 

Brant Miller 

TechnicalSessionCoordinator@ggc-bmw-cca. 

org 

BMW Festorics Coordinators 

Kelly Kirkland 

Lisa Ferrari 

info@festorics.org 

If you are interested in putting together 

an event for the chapter, have 

an idea for an event you’d like to help 

put on, or would like to volunteer at 

an event, please contact the appropriate 

coordinator. 

Newsletter Team 

Editor-in-Chief 


650-322-9393 

bombe@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Assistant Editor 

Lisa Ferrari 

lisavferrari@yahoo.com 

Copy Editor 

Patrick R. Demorais 

Advertising Manager 

Dale Schuett 

925-462-2497 

advertising@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Ad Billing Manager 

Cathy Mills 

camills@earthlink.net 

Classified Advertising 

Dale Schuett 

classifieds@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Printing 

Commerce Printing 

(Please don’t call for 

membership questions.) 

Requests for replacement or extra copies of 

the Bombe should be directed to the 


Communications 

Communications Manager 

Bob Lenarcik 

CommunicationsManager@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Website Team 

Webmaster 

Brian Ghidinelli 

webmaster@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Area Representatives 

North Bay 

Tamara Hull 

415-472-6787 

San Francisco 

Mary Lu Christy 

415-731-6153 

East Bay 

Cliff Greenberg 

510-886-5432 

Peninsula 


650-322-9393 

South Bay 

Jeff Mulvihill Jr. 

831-634-0908 

Monterey Bay Area 

Ken Whitson 

831-625-5133 

San Luis Obispo Area 

Rob Torres Jr. 

805-541-2002 

BMW CCA Pacific Region V.P. 

Eddy Funahashi 

559-583-6768 (d) 

559-582-2731 (h) 

Eddy_Funahashi@bmwcca.org

Your input is encouraged! 

Submissions deadline is the 1st of 

the month prior to publication. 

features 

Autocross for Newbies 

By Sco Miller .............................13 

Concept M5 

BMW Press ..................................14 

2004 AlCan Winter Rally 

BMW Press ..................................18 

Where Have All the Members Gone? 

By Bob Lenarcik ............................20 

C o m m e r c i a l A d v e r t i s i n g : 

This publication is read monthly by over 4,900 

BMW enthusiasts in Northern California. Deadline 

for new ad artwork is the fifth day of each 

month prior to publication. Please submit artwork 

to newsletter editor. 

A D R A T E S : 

Grayscale Ads: full pg: $220 

half pg: $120 

quarter pg:$85 

bus. card: $55 

Inside fr/bk cover: full pg: $300 

half pg: $160 

Color Ads: full pg: $320 

half pg: $170 

back cover: $500 

Contact the Advertising Manager for further details. 

(advertising@ggc-bmw-cca.org) Please 

note, this publication is sent Bulk Rate USPS. 

departments 

President’s Page ..................................3 

Calendar of Events .............................4 

Announcements .................................5 

Minutes ................................................7 

News From National .........................8 

Bimmerphile .....................................11 

Slower Traffic Keep Right ...............23 

New Members ..................................24 

Classified Ads ...................................26 

CCA Discounts .............................. IBC 

BMW Dealerships ......................... IBC 

Volume 33, No. #3 

April, 2004 

Classified Advertising Submissions: 

Classified Ads are free to all current BMW 

CCA members. However, ads MUST be 

submitted in writing–EMAIL IS MUCH PRE- 

FERRED–and must include membership number. 

(classifieds@ggc-bmw-cca.org) For repeat 

issues, ads must be resubmitted each month. A 

photo will be printed for $5/month. Publication 

deadline for copy is the first of the month. 

Commercial Classified Advertising: 

Commercial classifieds ads are $0.50 per 

line-inch with payment due with insertion order. 

Make checks payable to: Golden Gate Chapter, 

BMW CCA. 

On the cover 

Don’t Snow Me Down. 

Team Roundel’s Satch Carlson 

makes a blistering blast through 

an AlCan 2004 ice race in the new 

BMW X3. 

Photo: Henry Joy 

Publishing 

Die Flüsternde Bombe is produced monthly 

(except for combined issues Nov/Dec and Jan/ 

Feb.) Article/photo submission deadline is the 

first day of each month for publication in the 

following months’ issue. 

1

April 2004

Inside Your Chapter 

Can you believe it? It’s April already—tax month!— 

one third of the year has already gone. The chapter board 

has been making great progress on the initiatives we’ve 

set for the year, and we continue to learn each day. Over 

the coming months you will begin to see the results of 

our progress. Keep watching for the Bombe and reading 

the board meeting minutes for details. 

Speaking of tax time, at the time of writing this, we 

are still reconciling the financial statement so we can accurately 

state our condition. The preliminary numbers 

appear to reflect the economy; we did not do well last 

year. Like many businesses, our chapter had a negative 

cash flow. Event expenses either stayed even or increased 

while participation decreased, which created a deficit. If 

the participation for the March Infineon Raceway driving 

school is indicative of the rest of the year, 2004 should be a 

much beer year for the chapter. We are also taking a hard 

look at the expense side to insure that we have not become 

complacent. Expect to see a financial statement here in the 

Bombe in the coming months. 

The Infineon driving school during the spectacular 

first weekend of March was nearly completely sold out, 

it was a great weekend with a lot of old and new faces. I 

had the opportunity to be quite involved in the preparations 

for this driving school, and was reminded of the 

magnitude of work that goes on behind the scenes. The 

volunteers who make events like this happen are truly 

dedicated individuals. While there are several volunteers 

who have dedicated years to these events, several are new 

to the tasks and are learning as they go. In order to ensure 

that the participants are processed through registration 

as quickly as possible, before the event the volunteers 

meet during the evening at homes, stuffing envelopes 

for the student drivers and instructors. Their process is 

a refinement of years of development by the many other 

volunteers who preceded them. It’s a process of continual 

refinement, all to the benefit of their fellow members. 

I had forgoen how much work organizing these events 

is: arranging for the track, corner workers, safety workers, 

insurance, lunches, dinners, water and ice, coordinating the 

truck and trailer arrangements, scheduling the instructors, 

reserving the accommodations, geing the car numbers, 

announcing the event, publishing the entry forms and associated 

materials, and still more! It was a wake up—these 

club events do not just happen. It takes many hours donated 

by a handful of members dedicated to creating a valuable 

experience for our multitude of members. This volunteerism 

and desire to make a beer experience for everyone is 

the core of our club. Thanks to those who are making these 

events happen! 

Here’s another reminder that our annual national 

celebration, Oktoberfest 2004, is happening in our backyard! 

In July, the host chapter Los Angeles, kicks off this 

granddaddy of all CCA events in Pasadena. Here, you’ll 

have an opportunity to spend quality time with club 

members from chapters all over the country and compare 

notes on just about everything BMW. The last time 

we had an O’fest in California was 1993, don’t miss out 

on your chance to experience why this event has become 

so popular. 

And don’t forget, on a monthly basis you can join us at 

a board meeting. It’s your opportunity to see what we do, 

as well as tell us what you would like from the chapter. 

We are trying to schedule the meetings around the Bay 

Area to make it easier for you to join us. If you can not 

make a meeting or have something that you really want, 

please send an email to anyone on the board. 

Keep checking the calendar on the web site (www. 

ggc-bmw-cca.org), as our printed calendar can be 

quickly outdated due to the publishing lead time. 

Until May, Cheers. 

President’s Page 

3

The most current calendar is at: www.ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Calendar of Events 

Dates Event Organization Location Name Contact Phone/Web Site 

Apr 10 Hamilton Drive Bay Area 02 TBA JP Collins jp@bayarea02.com www.bayarea02.com 

Thru Back Hills to Livermore 

Apr 16-18 Pacific Sharkfest Paso Robles, CA paul@pacificsharkfest.com www.pacificsharkfest.com 

Apr 17 Board Meeting GGC Chptr BMW of SF Mike Mills president@ggc-bmw-cca.org www.ggc-bmw-cca.org 

1:00 PM 

Apr 23 Pacific Region Instructor Training Buonwillow Buonwillow, CA 

Apr 24 Autocross GGC Chptr Marina Airport, Mike Hsu autocross@ggc-bmw-cca 415-209-2298 

Monterey CA 

www.ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Apr 24-25 Driving School Buonwillow San Diego Chptr Buonwillow, CA www.sdbmwcca.com 

May 13-16 Tech Fest 2004 National Chptr Reston, VA www.nccbmwcca.org/techfesteast 

May 15 4th Annual Bay Area 02 Palo Alto JP Collins jp@bayarea02.com www.bayarea02.com 

Bay Area 02 Swap & Show 

May 15-16 Driving School Sin City Chapter Las Vegas Speedway Teri Lachman ztbb@aol.com www. 

sincitybmwcarclub.com 

May 20 Autocross GGC Chptr Marina Airport, Mike Hsu autocross@ggc-bmw-cca.org 415-209-2298 

Monterey CA 


May 29-30 Driving School GGC Chptr Laguna Seca 

Cancelled 

Jun 6 Driving School Puget Sound Chptr Pacific Raceways Bill Spornitz bimbill@cs.com www.bmwpugetsound.com 

Jun 11 Driving School Central Cal Chptr Buonwillow Tom Bell tbell@mooregrider.com www.cccbmwcca.org 

Jun 20 Autocross GGC Chptr Marina Airport, Mike Hsu autocross@ggc-bmw-cca.org 415-209-2298 

Monterey CA 


Jun 25 Driving School Puget Sound Chptr Pacific Raceways Bill Spornitz bimbill@cs.com www. 

bmwpugetsound.com 

Jun 25-26 Driving School Inland Empire Chptr Spokance Raceway Sco Adare sadare@aol.com www.iebmw.org 

Jul 4-9 BMW CCA LA Chptr Pasadena, CA Delight Lucas djlucas@cox.net www.bmwcca.org/Oktoberfest2004 

Oktoberfest 

Jul 6-7 Driving School LA Chptr California Speedway Oktoberfest www.bmwclubla.org 

Aug 20-22 Monterey Historic GGC Chptr Monterey Team Festorics www.festorics.org 

Weekend - Festorics 

Aug 27-28 Driving School GGC Chptr Thunderhill Raceway Bruce Nesbit nesbito@comcast.net 415-461-1811 9am-8pm 

Aug 29 Driving School Puget Sound Chptr Pacific Raceways Bill Spornitz bimbill@cs.com www.bmwpugetsound.com 

Sept 11-12 Driving School Central Cal Chptr Buonwillow Tom Bell tbell@mooregrider.com www.cccbmwcca.org 

Sept 26 Autocross GGC Chptr Marina Airport, Mike Hsu autocross@ggc-bmw-cca.org 415-209-2298 

Monterey CA 


Oct 9-10 Driving School Roadrunner Chptr Phoenix International www.roadrunnerbmw.org 

Oct 17 Driving School Puget Sound Chptr Bremerton Raceway Bill Spornitz bimbill@cs.com www. 

bmwpugetsound.com 

(Novice) 

Oct 24 Autocross GGC Chptr Marina Airport, Mike Hsu autocross@ggc-bmw-cca.org 415-209-2298 

Monterey CA 


Oct 23-24 Driving School Inland Empire Chptr Spokane Raceway Sco Adare sadare@aol.com www.iebmw.org 

To add an event to the calendar, email your information to: 

communicationsmanager@ggc-bmw-cca.org 


Sharks Swarm Again 

On April 16-18, 2004, the big, beautiful BMW 6 Series 

coupes will once again swarm to Paso Robles, California 

for the third annual Pacific SharkFest! 

The E24 6 Series BMW was manufactured from 1976 

through 1989 and represents the ultimate autobahn 

cruiser of the ’70s and ’80s. The coupe’s grace and smooth 

flowing, elegant lines (reminiscent of a shark, hence the 

name) are still modern today. The big news for this year’s 

event is that special guests, BMW NA product marketing 

representative, Thomas Jefferson, and M Brand and 

Motorsport Manager, Hernando Carvajal, will be joining 

us in a BRAND NEW E63 6 Series coupe (or maybe an 

E64 convertible). They are looking forward to abandoning 

New Jersey for a casual and warm California weekend 

with a bunch of other enthusiasts. 

Last year there were over 60 examples of the big coupes 

on display at Paso Robles’ City Park for the Show and Shine 

Car Show, and if this year’s enthusiasm for the event is any 

indication, there will be even more cars in 2004. 

In addition to the camaraderie, tech talk, and wondrous 

array of cars to admire, there are over 50 wineries in the 

local area—most offering tours and free wine tasting. Tours 

will also be available to Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Nit 

Wit Ridge in Cambria, Mission San Antonio De Padua, or a 

leisurely drive around Lake Nacimiento. There are numerous 

opportunities for shopping and fine dining in Paso 

Robles and the surrounding area. 

This year’s festivities will help raise money for a local 

charity—the D.R.E.A.M. for Kids Foundation. This great 

organization was established in 2001 to serve San Luis 

Obispo County’s foster children and their families. 

For more information and coverage of previous 

gatherings, visit the Pacific SharkFest website at www. 

PacificSharkFest.com 

When: April 16-18, 2004 

Where: Paso Robles, CA 

Contact: Paul DiMauro 831-624-8218 

www.PacificSharkFest.com 

Bay Area ’02 Swap & Show 2004 

On a warm and sunny May 17th, 2003—a flawless Bay 

Area day—over 100 cars parked on the lawn for the third 

annual Bay Area ’02 Swap & Show. Looking around the 

field, it was hard to believe that there were as many cars 

as we had counted. But it was true, over a hundred 2002s 

were present. 

Bay Area 02 is pleased to announce the 4th annual Swap 

& Show on Saturday, May 15, 2004 at El Camino Park in 

Palo Alto, California across from the Stanford Shopping 

Center from 10am-2pm. The event is free to the public. 

Participants can buy, sell, or swap new and/or used 

car parts, special performance products, and hard to find 

items. There will be a Tech Session involving a discussion 

around repairs, products, and maintenance for the 2002. 

The show is open to the BMW 2002 and all variations 

in the ’02 series. We also invite owners of BMW models 

built between 1965-1976 including Neue Klasse, E9 (CS), 

E3 (Bavaria, 3.0S etc) to participate. We had a nice turn 

out of these models last year and welcome their return. 

Car Registration Fee 

Car Show Only 

Pre-registration $16.00 per car 

Day of Show $20.00 per car 

Swap Meet (includes a space to show your car) 

Pre-registration $30.00 

Day of Show $40.00 

Vendor Registration Fee 

Pre-registration $90.00 

Day of Show $120.00 

Vendor and Car Show Space is limited, and early 

registration is encouraged. The deadline for pre-registration 

is April 23, 2004 either by postmark or online 

registration. 

A special commemorative T-shirt is included with 

all paid registrations. Registration time is 9-10am on 

Saturday, May 15. 

Sponsorship is welcome. Contact JP Collins or go to 

our Web site for details. The deadline for sponsorship 

is April 30, 2004. 

When: May 15, 2004 

Where: El Camino Park, Palo Alto 

Contact: JP Collins, jp@bayarea02.com 

Pre-registration: www.bayarea02.com 

or 415-775-4126. 

Chapter Area Representatives 

If you are interested in developing some new friends 

and want to become more actively involved in the CCA, 

here’s your chance. The Golden Gate Chapter has most 

of its members spread out over a 4,000 square mile area, 

so the position of Area Representative was created to 

provide local contacts for members. We are interested 

in involving our Area Representatives in our quest to 

increase member participation in chapter events 

The Area Representatives’ responsibilities would be: 

1.Aend a chapter board meeting at least once a 

quarter. 

2.Keep up to date with chapter meeting minutes and 

current events. 

3.Assist members with questions regarding club operations, 

rules, events, etc. by making themselves available 

via email or telephone. Responses to messages shall be no 

more than 48 hours except in cases where travel takes the 

representative away from the Bay Area. 

4.Organize social events for their area at a minimum 

of once every six months (twice a calendar-year). Some 

examples: Formula 1 Race watching parties at a local 

establishment; weekend breakfast or lunch arranged at a 

restaurant; weekend driving tours. These events should 

be designed to help members meet each other and new 

members to establish contacts within the chapter. 

5.Personally welcome new members in their region 

to the chapter by email or phone contact. The Membership 

Chair will provide a list. 

6.Provide feedback to the board regarding member 

concerns or ideas. 

If you are interested in becoming one of our several 

Area Representatives, please contact Bob Lenarcik 

(membershipchair@ggc-bmw-cca.org or 831-336-2377 x401) 

Announcements 

5


Golden Gate Chapter - BMW CCA Board Meeting Minutes 

By Peter Guagenti 

Secretary, GGC BMW CCA 

BMW CCA Golden Gate Chapter 

Notes from Monthly Board Meeting 

February 14, 2004 

Meeting Location: BMW of San Francisco, 1675 Howard St. 

San Francisco 

Board in Aendance: Mike Mills, Juan Bruce, Bob Lenarcik, 

Tammi Hull, Peter Guagenti 

Topics Covered: 

I.Pacific SharkFest – Paul DiMauro 

a.Paul provided background on the history of the 

SharkFest and event plans for this year. There are 135 

registrants to date. 

b.BMW NA will be joining the event for ’04, and will be 

bringing the new Six. 

c.The SharkFest is now associated with the Dream 

Foundation—a charity serving foster children. 

d.SharkFest is requesting the GGC to provide: Advertising 

in the Bombe. Insurance coverage for the event - coverage 

is required for the following event activities: Friday 

Night Wine Tasting & Dinner; Saturday Show & Shine 

in downtown Paso Robles, Dinner at winery; Sunday 

Breakfast @ Paso Robles Inn, Drive up PCH. Borrow BMW 

paraphernalia, although GGC does not have any flags or 

signage. Flags can be obtained from our RVP. Help locating 

a concours judge for show & shine - GGC agreed to help. 

Tammi to contact Concours judges and facilitate with Paul 

DiMauro. Paul DiMauro to fill out insurance form, Tammi 

will arrange insurance coverage for the event. Paul DiMauro 

to download waiver forms and have participants sign up in 

order to protect the club. 

II.Discussion of Membership Database 

a.Goals: Have a clear picture of who our members 

are. Understand both the behaviors and desires of the 

membership. Drive more active involvement with members. 

b.What it will take to achieve this: 

i.Single database of member information. Create a single 

resource and shut down all other resources. Learn behaviors 

and desires. 

1.Merge member data with actual sign-ups from events 

2.Create a mandate for any GGC sanctioned events to 

have sign-ups to track event usage 

a.Develop a general survey to be blanketed to members 

b.Develop event registration specific surveys to develop 

deeper insight 

ii.Drive more involvement 

1.Develop standard reporting and report-out schedule 

based on data 

2.Institutionalize our use of member information in 

how we run the chapter 

iii.Next steps (to be completed in 1-2 months): 

1.Create a data architecture 

2.Create application requirements 

3.Source a developer 

III.Follow-up on creating regional membership — National 

Board ruled that regional memberships are illegal according 

to the national by-laws. Our concept of wanting a “trial 

membership” created to give prospective members a chance 

to try out the club is still valid—we will bring it back in front 

of the executive commiee. 

IV.Follow-up on Mini owners — Mike has reached out 

to Norcal Mini Owner Club—no response at all. We will 

continue to follow-up. Mike will logon to Mini forums 

and try to drum up interest. If the GGC does not hear 

back from Mini owners, we will make direct contact with 

Mini owners. Follow-up on trying to involve younger 

enthusiasts—no action as of yet, more to follow. 

Board meetings are open to all members. Meetings 

are every month unless otherwise noted. 

Contact president@ggc-bmw-cca.org for details. 

V.Area Reps Discussion — We need to develop a job 

description for the area rep role and make sure the existing 

area reps can handle the revised role. Need to make it easier 

to contact area reps—provide e-mail addresses in all of our 

materials. 

VI.Driving Events Coordinator position — Mike Mills 

contacted Tom Escover and Mark Dadgar regarding 

the positions. Mike to continue following-up. Once a 

Driving Events Coordinator is selected, a meeting is to be 

scheduled with the total Driving Events Commiee. Mike 

also negotiated low-cost vinyl contract for Driving Schools 

with Gogogear. 

VII.Rally Program - We have connected with The Rallye Club 

(TRC)—they are excited to have us involved and we will 

encourage cross-over. Board is interested in seeing a GGCspecific 

TSD rally created (akin to the POC events TRC hosts). 

VIII.Members at Large — No decision yet on the three 

member at large positions. The board will ask the new DEC 

to become a member at large, providing him a board vote 

and requiring him to aend all board meetings. 

IX.Job Descriptions 

a.Board to complete Job Descriptions for each chapter role 

b.Will flesh out tasks for each role once approved 

c.Need to discuss some sort of larger technology role 

within the chapter 

X.BMW CCA Congress May 22nd & 23rd — Mike requests 

that chapter vice president, membership chair, and secretary 

aend. GGC to present some of the new programs we are 

puing into place as a best practice from which other clubs 

may learn. Board discussed need for overarching technology 

role—general discussion around technology needs & tools 

for next meeting’s agenda (web hosting, secure file storage, 

chapter address book, etc) 

XI.Chapter mailbox — Mail had accumulated and then 

basically stopped for past 6 months. Mail has been rerouted 

to individuals within the club—this needs to be corrected 

back to the central mail drop. Our rented mail box is paid 

up through June, as is mail forwarding. Need a more costeffective 

solution. 

XII.Insurance 

a.Insurance for the truck and trailer for one year is being 

raised to $2,799. Need to find a more cost effective solution 

b.There are no correct drivers on the account as of right 

now. Need to find out who is certified to drive the trailer 

and make sure they are on the insurance 

XIII.Treasury Update 

a.The chapter lost approximately $47,000 on driving 

schools in 2003 

b.Approximately $13,000 was spent in 2003 to cover 2004 

events 

c.National Club racing owes us approximately $3,000 

which we are pursuing 

d.Cash flow is poor—we have approximately $10,600 in 

our regular account and approximately $11,000 in a separate 

account 

Continued on page 17 

Minutes 

7

News From National 

FROM: Wynne Smith, Executive 

Director 

TO: BMW CCA National and 

Service Officers, 

Chapter Presidents, Newsleer 

Editors 

DATE: February 23, 2004 

MEMBERSHIP STATS Full Associate Total 

Current Membership 66,997 8,349 75,346 

Last Month’s Membership 66,997 8,329 75,326 

Monthly Net Gain (Loss) 0 20 20 

Monthly % Change 0.00% 0.24% 0.03% 

Last Year’s Membership 64,340 7619 71,959 

Annual Net Gain (Loss) 2,657 730 3,387 

Annual % Change 4.13% 9.58%‘ 4.72% 

New Members, 02/04 1,062 

Renewals, 02/04 56.6% 

Roundels Mailed 67,500 

ELECTION RESULTS We are very pleased to report 

the following election results: 

President - Sco Blazey 

1,767 votes 

Executive V.P. - Mark Jon Calabrese 1,763 votes 

North Atlantic R.V.P. - Reid Douglas 392 votes 

South Central R.V.P. - Fred Iacino 

253 votes 

North Central Regional V.P. – Geoff Tolsdorf of St. Louis 

- stepping in aer Sco Blazey’s election to President. 

Bylaw addition - Article 10 - Subsidiary Organizations 

– passed 1,675 For 152 Against 

Bylaw addition - Article 14 - Dispute Resolution – 

passed 1,650 For 185 Against 

CHAPTER CONGRESS, May 21-23, 2003 at Keystone 

Resorts, Denver, CO Anyone aending who 

wishes to arrive a day or two early or remain a day or 

two aer the event is welcome to do so at the club’s guaranteed 

rate – you’ll be paying for your own room, but 

you’ll be geing a great deal. Keystone was originally 

the site of a railroad station in the 1880s that transported 

lead and silver to Denver and the Keystone Ranch Golf 

Course was an old cale ranch and leuce farm in the 

early 1900s. Learn more about local mining history and 

the history of Keystone Resort if you’re coming in early 

or staying late, by taking a historical bus tour. Presidents, 

Treasurers and the Chapter Membership Chairs of record 

will receive packets of information once a registration 

form has been received at National. BMW CCA will pay 

round trip airfare for the Chapter President, Treasurer 

and Membership Chair of record, from each chapter 

and hotel room costs (single or double) for two nights. 

National will pay meal costs for one individual per 

chapter. Aendees who drive to the conference will be 

reimbursed at a rate of $.375 per mile round trip, not to 

exceed the lowest 21 -day advance airfare, from the closest 

airport. National will provide luncheon on Saturday 

and dinner Saturday evening. (See enclosed information 

from the Operations Manual.) You may either use 

your own travel agent, or book the tickets online, or you 

may use the Club’s travel agency by calling 800 451-2982 

and leing them know you are booking tickets for this 

Congress. Tickets must be approved by National prior 

to booking to ensure that we are obtaining the lowest 

21-day advanced air fare. If another chapter member (or 

spouse of an aendee) is aending and wishes to aend 

the Saturday night banquet, please indicate that in the 

space below. Please include a check in the amount of $55 

each to cover the cost of the second (or any additional) 

meal(s). 

ZF PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS/ BMW CCA 

CHARITY MATCHING FUNDS We had a wonderful 

turnout this year and I typed the names of every chapter 

participating up and alphabetized them and then my 

hard-drive totally died. So while we wait for the computer-genie 

to show up, I am using the reception unit 

and I’m just going to be mean and ugly and tell you that 

as soon as I can access that list I will post it with sincere 

congratulations to the various Yahoo-digests, but I ain’t 

retyping it unless they tell me I lost that last 24-hours 

worth of work. It’s bad enough Calvin was unable to 

magically fix the hard drive—I mean, he’s 20 years old, 

for whom are we waiting? A 16-year old? Now Calvin 

has been pestering me to retype News so he can get your 

packets out. He’s really pushy, too. Keeps telling me to 

“hurry because [he] doesn’t want to get Harmon Fischer 

all riled up” by sending the packets out late. Is there no 

rest for the wicked? 

TECHFEST EAST Originally established in 1981, 

Gateway Tech has been an annual gathering hosted by 

the St. Louis BMW Club for those BMW enthusiasts who 

wanted to delve just a lile deeper into the technology 

behind their Ultimate Driving Machine®. Every year for 

more than 20 years, the faithful took over a St. Louis hotel 

and filled it with BMW cars, gadgets and gear-heads 

for three days, that included tech sessions, social gatherings, 

a showroom/vendor area, and a lot of good times. 

In 2003, the event went mobile, with a different chapter 

offering to host the event each year. The Los Angeles 

chapter was honored in 2003 with being the host chapter 

for the first event held outside of St. Louis, and now the 

National Capital Chapter welcomes you to the Mid-Atlantic 

region in 2004. You won’t want to miss this event. 

Registration forms available at:hp://www.nccbmwcca. 

org/techfesteast/pdfs/04Registration_Form.pdf and in the 

March issue of Roundel. 

OKTOBERFEST 2004 Don’t delay – All events are 

available on a first come-first served basis. Registration 

forms will be in your March issue of Roundel. You may 

now book your Hotel Reservations at any of our four 

fine facilities with the Pasadena CVB Housing Bureau 

by going to the Hotel Reservations link - www.pasadenacal.com/housing/bmw_cc.htm 

ANNUAL MEETING Of the Board of Directors 

– March 27-28, 2004 Greenville, SC All members welcome 

to aend. To observe, please contact the National 

Office – 864 250-0022. 



Bimmerphile Editor: Lisa Ferrari 

Formula BMW USA Announces A14-Race Schedule 

Under Champ Car Sanction…BMW NA announced that 

it has reached an agreement with Open Wheel Racing 

Series, owners of the Champ Car World Series, to sanction 

the inaugural Formula BMW USA Championship. 

With this agreement, Formula BMW USA’s 14-race, seven-weekend 

championship becomes the premier North 

American open-wheel foundation series with races at 

the most visible venues including the Canadian Grand 

Prix, the United States Grand Prix and four Champ Car 

events. Talented drivers from North, Central, and South 

America will line up in state-of-the-art Formula BMW 

FB2s to begin the next step in their racing careers. A 

step to what could eventually be a seat at the pinnacle 

of Motorsport—the Formula One World Championship. 

“We believe that Formula BMW USA is an important 

way for the next generation of Champ Car superstars to 

begin their open-wheel racing careers,” said Champ Car 

President Dick Eidswick. “The fact that these drivers and 

teams will be competing at some of our races gives them 

a great opportunity to showcase their talents to those 

team owners at the next level. Sometimes all it takes is 

for a driver to impress the right person and Formula 

BMW USA will give them that chance.” The season will 

open at Lime Rock Park, CT on May 31st. Formula BMW 

USA will then support the only two Formula One races 

in North America at the Canadian Grand Prix on June 

13th and the United States Grand Prix on June 20th. 

The final four races of the year will be in support of the 

Champ Car World Series at Cleveland on July 3rd, Road 

America on August 8th and Denver on August 15th. The 

series finale will take place at Mazda Raceway Laguna 

Seca on September 12th. BMW Press 

BMW master technicians win worldwide competition…Two 

BMW GB dealer master technicians have won 

the company’s international service technician competition 

held in Munich recently. A total of 6,298 technicians 

from dealers in 33 countries competed to gain a place at 

the finals. During the four-day competition, all technicians 

had to complete five practical tests detecting and 

repairing faults in a wide range of vehicle electronic 

systems, as well as a two-hour theory examination. Dennis 

Carey from BMW Scohall in Borehamwood and Michael 

Futers from BMW Castle, York, had already beaten 

320 entrants at the UK national competition. BMW GB 

technical training manager Mark Crandon said: “The 

number of courses and examinations our technicians are 

required to pass means it takes an average of five years 

to qualify as a master technician.” BMW GB has an impressive 

record in the awards, having achieved top three 

places in four of the competitions held since 1995. In this 

year’s competition Austria came second and China was 

third. just-auto.com editorial team 

Mini production worker ideas worth £10.5 million 

to BMW in two years…Ideas 

from employees at BMW 

Group’s Oxford Mini plant 

in England have saved £10.5 

million in the past two years. 

Every employee has a target of 

implementing three ideas a year 

to improve the business. The 

suggestions ranged from simple 

things such as saving unnecessary 

paper through to more 

complex engineering solutions to improve production 

processes like the development of a new overhead assister 

to enable equipment to be fed through the body shell 

as it moves through the paint shop. Each month, the 

production line is stopped for 90 minutes to allow teams 

to put forward new ideas and review plans to implement 

existing suggestions. just-auto.com editorial team 

Star Cars…Bay Area sports stars were asked the 

question “What would you drive if you could afford to 

drive anything you wanted to drive?” “I wish my horses 

ran as good as my car,” says Russell Baze, with his 2003 

BMW 330ci. Baze has ridden more winners than all but 

three jockeys in history, and is king of the Bay Area riders. 

One nice thing about cars—they rarely throw you. 

Snoopy Cat unseated Baze in November, puing him 

out for two months 

with a broken 

collarbone. Cars 

and horses have 

always gone together 

for Russell. 

He earned $250 

for his first car, a 

’68 Buick Skylark, 

by mucking 

stalls and galloping 

horses on his 

family ranch in 

Washington, then 

drove the Buick to the local racetrack. “Once I got that 

car, there was no holding me back.” In his car, like on 

a horse, Baze isn’t just along for the ride. “I got a stick 

[shi] because you can get a beer response,” he says. 

“It gets up and goes.” Does he drive like he rides? 

“I’m aware of everything that’s going on when I ride,” 

he says. “I’m kind of like that in traffic. And I might 

be a lile aggressive, too.” But even when he drove a 

Mustang, Baze never went to the whip. Sco Ostler/San 

Francisco Chronicle 

BMW plans to develop high-roof cars…BMW is 

developing two multipurpose vehicles with high roofs 

for the world market—but don’t call them minivans. 

Dubbed RFK-1 and RFK-2, the two vehicles have been 

under development for more than a year. Automotive 

News 

No firm plans to up U.S. production…BMW says 

that it has no current plans to expand its production 

in the United States, but insisted that hedging ensured 

its 2004 profits were not threatened by the weak dollar. 

“We have no plans at the moment,” said BMW finance 

chief Stefan Krause when asked if the company would 

seek to limit the impact of the weak dollar by increasing 

production on the other side of the Atlantic. BMW’s precise 

hedging levels depended on the volume of exports 

Continued on page 27 

11Bimmerphile 

BMW News Bytes


Autocross for Newbies 

Typical Day at a GGC Autocross 

By Sco Miller 

At a recent autocross organizers’ meeting, we found 

that many newer GGC members have never seen an 

autocross. So we’ll try to explain autocross in a simple, 

yet enticing manner. 

An autocross is a relatively low-speed automotive 

competition event where drivers try to be the fastest in 

their class through a defined course. Cars run one at 

a time at safe intervals, and a timing system is used to 

determine each driver’s time on course. 

The course is defined by orange cones which gladly 

risk their lives for the purpose. The layout is the creation 

of a diabolical autocrosser who tries to make the course 

easy to follow, yet difficult to drive quickly. Each driver 

is given a limited number of runs—recent GGC events 

have generously allowed six runs per driver—during 

which you try to find the fastest way around the course. 

There may be from two to four run groups, so 

each group of drivers takes a turn at various work 

assignments while another group drives. Jobs include 

flagging, timing, scoring, announcing, computer data 

entry, pre-grid manager, exit timing slips, standings 

board, and course workers. The course workers watch 

for downed cones or cars that drive off course. This 

puts them in the best vantage point for watching the 

lines taken by other drivers through some of the turns, 

while at the same time adding to their personal exercise 

regimen. 

The day starts early with the arrival of the GGC’s 

truck and trailer. We encourage about a dozen participants 

to arrive early to take part in the festivities. While 

one group sets up the course, a second group starts tech 

inspections, and another sets up equipment. When the 

trailer opens for registration, everyone signs the required 

insurance waiver form and receives run group and work 

assignments. Those who did not pre-register through 

the web site must fully register and pay at this time, it 

takes a couple more minutes than for those who preregistered. 

Also, failure to pre-register means that the 

provided lunch is not guaranteed. 

Tech inspectors check each car to be sure that it is in 

good condition for the event. Basically, a car will pass if 

everything is bolted together properly, is not spewing 

fluids all over the place, the seat belts, shocks, brakes 

and steering work, the baery is properly secured, and 

loose items have been removed from the passenger compartment 

and trunk. They’ll also check to be sure that 

your tires are DOT-approved, have visible tread and are 

not under-inflated. 

Once the course is fully set up, it is opened for a walk 

through. Taking a nice leisurely stroll around the course 

is a great way to analyze turn-in, apex and track-out 

points. This is the last time you’ll be on the course with an 

opportunity to stop and look back in the direction from 

which you came—well, on purpose anyway. See if you 

can figure out places to use your car’s characteristics to 

best advantage. Take note of the positions of the timing 

lights, so as to avoid hiing them later. 

Finally, it is your run group’s turn to drive. Line your 

car up on pre-grid. The pre-grid manager will tell you 

when to pull up to the starting line. Then watch the flagger 

for the green flag and GO! This is when you find out 

if you remember the course from your walk. 

Look well ahead. Don’t worry about the turn you’re 

in now, look for the next one and figure out the best 

way to connect the turns. Feel the car as the tires load 

up and unload. Could you have taken a turn faster? 

Try it on the next run. Is the car geing squirrelly on 

you? That’s a spot where you might want to back off a 

bit next time, or try a different line. Are you geing the 

most out of your car? 

No maer which class your car is in, having the right 

tire pressures is one key to proper set-up. If you’re on 

street tires, boost the pressures to at least five PSI over 

what you normally run on the street. You’ll quickly 

discover that the factory’s recommendation of higher 

pressures in the back, lower in front, results in a lot of 

understeer. This resists rotation during turns, or puing 

it another way, you tell the car to turn, but the car tries 

to keep going straight. Try puing more air in the front 

tires to make the handling more neutral. 

Autocross is a competitive event, but even if you’re 

not a competitive person, you should still give it a try. 

Besides the six competition classes (for BMWs and Minis 

with various levels of performance), GGC has the N 

Class – non-competitive BMWs. There is no pressure in 

this class, it is just for fun. Compete against yourself! Try 

to go faster with every run. Improve your car control 

skills. Pick another driver and have your own private 

competition against him or her. Try to finish in the top 

five in your class. Next event, shoot for the top three. 

Make it whatever you want, be as competitive or uncompetitive 

as you choose. Or bring a non-BMW and run in 

X Class. 

The best part of autocrossing with GGC is that you’ll 

spend the day with like-minded car enthusiasts who are 

all having as much fun as you are. This is a friendly and 

helpful bunch, and everyone is happy to share his or her 

knowledge and experiences with you so that you, too, 

can become hooked on the sport. So check the calendar 

and come on out to a GGC autocross! 

13

CONCEPT 

M5 

Great googly moogly! Seven gears,ten cylinders, and 500 horses! 

April 2004 

Precisely twenty years have already passed 

since the BMW M5 established a new segment, 

which has in the meantime also been discov 

ered by other car manufacturers. And that 

car—the original—is still by far the most successful player 

in the high performance sedan segment. Spread over three 

generations of production, more than 35,000 units were 

built— initially by hand at the BMW M plant in Munich, 

and later at the 5 Series assembly line in Dingolfing. These 

units were then sold worldwide. 

The secret of the BMW M5’s popularity has always 

been the successful synthesis of unobtrusive yet powerful 

appearance, combined with a high-performance power 

unit—a sports car featuring Formula One technology and at 

the same time a sedan offering premium comfort. 

In terms of driving dynamics, the BMW M5 had always 

set standards in its segment. It not only excelled due to its 

high performance, but due to the way in which M power 

was produced and developed. It appeared as if this firstrate 

car’s inexhaustible power reserves had created a totally 

new dimension in effortlessness. 

Due to the change of model within the 5 Series, the 

BMW M product portfolio is currently presented without a 

BMW M5, even though the demand for such a car has never 

diminished. For this reason, BMW M designers have begun 

designing a possible successor based on the new BMW 5 

Series. This car is a far-reaching concept on an appealing 

subject: the BMW Concept M5. Such a car could undoubtedly 

serve as a stimulus and offer solutions for a future 

series-production vehicle. 

Totally in keeping with the high demands of our clientele, 

whose main reasons for purchasing a car are performance, 

style and driving fun, the BMW M5 Concept makes 

its living out of contrasts: the principle of optimal performance 

wrapped in a discreet but, by comparison with the 5 

Series, distinctive body design. 

When seen alongside the new 5 Series, the exterior 

design of the BMW Concept M5 has its very own uniqueness. 

Modified front and rear air dams and side sills, a slightly lower 

body, side air vents, an exclusive wheel design as well as the 

four M-type tailpipes, visually accentuate the vehicle’s claim to 

being a sports car. 

The heart of every M automobile, and that includes the BMW 

Concept M5, must be its exclusive high-performance power unit 

with high-revving air intake technology, an engine which sets a 

benchmark in this field. With this engine, BMW M is presenting a 

masterpiece in power unit technology that undoubtedly has just 

what it takes: the figure “5” is predominant with a 5.0-litre capacity 

producing around 500 bhp (368 kW) and a maximum torque of 

at least 500 Nm (370 -lbs), these being the kind of figures BMW 

M considers worthy of a possible new M5. 

And the figure ten will also gain in significance, as, for 

the first time in BMW history, a series-production sedan is 

to be powered by a ten-cylinder internal combustion engine, 

the sound and power of which is closely related to the engine 

currently providing monstrous power to the BMW Williams 

Formula One racing car, without a doubt the most powerful car 

on the starting grid. 

The engine powering the BMW Concept M5 should be in 

a position to mobilize the enormous power reserves required 

to assist this unique sports sedan in achieving a remarkable 

driving performance. Engineers at BMW M envisage the car 

accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) over the classic 

distance in well under five seconds, the 200 km/h (125 mph) 

mark being reached in just thirteen seconds. 

The technology of this newly-developed ten-cylinder engine 

should not be perceivable by single-dimensional power or 

sheer performance alone, but first and foremost by the method 

of achieving such performance. M power featured in the new 

BMW Concept M5 will once again rise to the occasion and 

become a perfect example of what is technically feasible and 

appropriate. 

This is evident not only in the extremely appealing design 

of a BMW high-performance engine. Needless to say, this specially 

developed BMW M engine incorporates typical features

The best power-to-weight ratio in its market segment. 

such as high-pressure VANOS, individual throle buerflies, 

engine electronics designed by our own engineers and based on 

knowledge gained from Formula One racing as well as traverse 

force-regulated oil supply. 

Moreover, the BMW Concept M5 stands out from others by 

having the most innovative drive concept in its class. Thanks 

to a superior gearbox solution, the driver can benefit from a 

completely new 7-speed SMG, a rapid manual gear-shi and, if 

required, comfortable cruising. This piece of technical mastery 

also has its origins in Formula One synergism. 

The designers of the BMW Concept M5 were, of course, 

eager to succeed against competition in building the lightest car, 

as BMW wishes to continue pursuing the concept of intelligent 

lightweight construction in order to achieve a high level of 

longitudinal and lateral dynamics. As seen on the new 5 and 6 

Series, BMW has already presented an innovative example of a 

lightweight front end construction. BMW M engineers aspired to 

achieve the best power-to-weight ratio in this market segment, 

thereby fully utilizing their abundant experience in suspension 

design. 

Based on the excellent all-aluminum suspension of the 

new BMW 5 Series, with the addition of some elements from 

the new BMW 7 Series, they have designed the BMW Concept 

M5 for maximum comfort when driving for longer periods on 

highways or in stop-and-go city traffic, as well as for puing 

on a good show when racing round the north loop of the 

Nürburgring. In addition to a specially tuned Dynamic 

Stability Control (DSC), a variable M-type limited-slip 

differential, which we are already familiar with from the 

BMW M3, ensures optimum driving behavior in all situations. 

The 9½ inch light-alloy rear wheels, manufactured 

especially for the BMW Concept M5, boast specially 

designed, extra wide 285/35-19 ZR tires. At the front there 

are 255/40-19 ZR tires on 8½ inch wheels, controlled by 

a newly designed Servotronic steering which is fied as 

standard. A reinforced braking system developed especially 

for the BMW Concept M5 enables the driver to fully 

control the engine’s exceptional performance. 

Needless to say, the BMW Concept M5 also offers scores 

of ideas for equipping the car with particularly exclusive 

and sporty options. Without going into detail right now, it 

can be said that the special solutions required to satisfy the 

demanding customer’s preferences in this particular market 

segment have been realized. 

When exactly the concept of a series-produced M5 will 

be realized cannot be confirmed at the present time. However, 

it can be assumed that a successor to the extremely 

popular BMW M5, based on the BMW Concept M5 now 

being exhibited, could possibly go on sale during the 

BMW Press 

The world’s first V10 highrevving 

engine in a sedan. 

The world’s first 7-speed SMG in a sedan. 

15


Minutes - Continued from page 7 

XIV.Driving Events 

a.Driving Schools 

i.There are 63 entries so far for the Sears Point school— 

break even is supposedly at 70. Board is requesting a full 

budget for the school from the organizers 

ii.There is a question about how insurance coverage 

works for non-members at these events 

b.Car Control Clinics – 

i.The last car control clinic was canceled, all of our money 

was refunded—new drivers aending track events will be 

handled in a different manner for the next couple of schools 

in order to keep costs down. 

ii.GGC is responsible for the Car Control Clinic at this 

year’s O’Fest. Steve Johnson originally was going to organize it, 

but passed the responsibility off to Bruce Nesbi. 

iii.Waiting for more information from Bruce. Autocross 

Program - Jonathon Benson reports that events will start in 

May 

c.Club Racing 

i.The board feels that National’s bypassing of the GGC 

for local club races is inappropriate—we will be contacting 

the executive commiee to protest this practice on the 

grounds that if they are willing to pay to host events out 

here, they should then take over the other events our 

members are more actively involved in. 

ii. Steve Walsh was nominated to take over as Club 

Racing Coordinator—voted in unanimously. Larry Resnick 

to be formally thanked for his hard work in this position, 

and to be continually supported in his national role. 

XV.Action Items/Next Steps: 

1)SharkFest follow-ups; Tammi to contact Concours judges 

and facilitate with Paul DiMauro, Paul DiMauro to fill out 

insurance form and Tammi will arrange insurance coverage for 

the event, Paul DiMauro to download waiver forms and have 

participants sign up in order to protect the club. 

2)Juan, Bob, and Peter to follow-up on membership 

database; meet to create data architecture and application 

requirements. 

3)Mike to follow-up with Executive Commiee regarding 

trial memberships. 

4)Mike to continue pursuing Mini owners for involvement 

in the club. 

5)Peter to try to find cross-over numbers for Mini/BMW 

ownership. 

6)Bob to create a job description for Area Reps. 

7)Bob to work with Brian Ghidinelli to create e-mail aliases 

for area reps and add those e-mail address to all materials 

(Bombe, web site, etc). 

8)Mike to follow-up with DEC candidates, schedule 

driving events commiee meeting. 

9)Communications team to add The Rallye Club event 

calendar to our event calendars. Board to contact Ken 

Whitson to encourage a CCA branded rally with the TRC. 

10)Board members who have not completed Job 

Descriptions need to do so. 

11)Peter to contact David Splivalo and see if he received 

anything of value for the club at his new address. 

12)Peter to contact Vince and get a list of signed-off 

drivers, also request status on the equipment. 

13)Peter to solicit an insurance broker from the 

membership, seek out lower rates on the truck and trailer. 

14)Mike to contact national to request information about 

insurance coverage of non-members for driving schools. 

The March board meeting will be held at East Bay BMW at 

1pm on March 13th. 

17Minutes

B M W X 3 W i n s 

2 0 0 4 A l C a n W i n t e r R a l l y 

A 1-2 Finish in World’s Longest, Coldest Rally 

18 April 2004 

Photographs courtesy of Henry Joy 

X3 

Sports Activity Vehicles finished first 

and second in the 20 th anniversary 2004 

AlCan Winter Rally, the world’s longest 

and coldest rally. The winning team, 

captained by Automobile Magazine’s Ronald Arhens included 

driver Gary Webb and navigator Peter J. Schneider. The 

second place effort was lead by BMW CCA Roundel editor-inchief, 

Satch Carlson and included pilot Henry Joy and navigator 

Russ Kraushaar. Given the harshness of the conditions, 

the third BMW X3 team performed bravely and selflessly, led 

by Bimmer Magazine’s Mike Miller (also of Roundel -kk) and 

included driver Paul Duchene and navigator Katy Wood. The 

BMW X3s jumped out to an early lead on the first day and 

maintained that lead throughout the eight-day competition. 

This grueling contest covers some of the most 

treacherous roads in North America. The teams 

began in Seale, Washington on February 18 th , 

included a stop in Whitehorse, Yukon Territories, 

Canada and crossed the finish line nearly 5,000 

miles later in Anchorage, Alaska on February 

26 th . The contest consisted of traditional rally 

time-speed-distance tests, steep hill-climbs and 

descents as well as a number of ice-racing competitions. 

Through it all, the BMW X3s took everything 

the teams asked of them in stride. 

“Everybody in the BMW Brigade was impressed 

with the X3… the speed and handling of 

the vehicles, especially on the ice, was phenomenal—that’s 

what let us take the lead from Day 

One,” noted Roundel editor-in-chief Satch Carlson. 

“With a three-person crew, other things become important 

aer a few thousand miles. We had room for three people, 

plus all the Arctic gear we’d need for a week, plus photographic 

equipment, tools and safety equipment. In fact, the 

luxury was an ironic contrast to the stark Arctic environment 

around us; we were cocooned in warmth and safety in the 

middle of a vast, barren plain of ice.” 

The BMW X3 is ready for any passion, any weather, any 

corner, any pace. The AlCan Rally’s blend of cold and icy conditions, 

torturous roads and test of handling prowess proved 

perfect fodder for BMW’s newest Sports Activity Vehicle by 

Above: Despite this off 

track incident for Team 

Bimmer, the X3s fared 

well in the ice racing 

against the smaller 

Subarus. 

Right: Team Roundel, (l 

to r) , Henry Joy, Satch 

Carlson, and Russ 

Kraushaar, take time out 

for some tourist action 

at the Arctic Circle. 

(Look for the full AlCan 2004 story in the May issue of Roundel! Daily 

summaries can also be found at ”www.satch.us/AlCan” -kk) 

providing all four in abundance. The X3 offers BMW levels of 

performance and handling as well as outstanding traction thanks 

to its all-new xDrive all-wheel drive system. 

“Who but BMW would pluck vehicles of this type off the 

showroom floor, enter them into such a grueling contest… and 

win,” noted Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW (US) 

Holding Corp. “This remarkable accomplishment is a testament 

to the ruggedness and handling capabilities of the X3, 

not to mention the skill and determination of the teams.” 

This outstanding result would not have been possible 

without the generous support of the team sponsors, BMW 

Original Parts, BMW Financial Services, Snap-on Tools and 

Hella, Inc. – BMW NA Press

Where 

Have 

All the 

GGC Membership Count by State/Country 

Arizona 1 

California 4,698 

Colorado 3 

Delaware 1 

Florida 2 

Hawaii 1 

Idaho 1 

Illinois 1 

Louisiana 1 

Michigan 2 

Minnesota 2 

New Jersey 1 

New York 1 

Nevada 13 

Ohio 1 

Oregon 6 

Pennsylvania 1 

Texas 3 

Virginia 6 

Vermont 1 

Washington 5 

Wisconsin 1 

Canada 5 

England 3 

Germany 1 

Malaysia 1 

Netherlands 1 

US Military (FPO) 1 


Each month the 

National office 

sends an updated 

member list to each chapter. 

This list helps us in two 

ways. It gives us a mailing 

list for our chapter newsleers 

out to members, 

as well as gives us a gage 

on how our membership 

stats are looking. While the 

Golden Gate Chapter may 

not be the largest any more 

(that distinction belongs 

to the National Capital 

Chapter), we are probably 

the most geographically 

dispersed. Being a visual 

thinker, I decided to take 

the list and use Microso 

MapPoint to plot the location 

on a map so I could see 

for myself. 

It was rather difficult to 

see the entire map with any 

detail because we spread 

out so much that the map 

area is quite large. This 

page shows a close up 

of the Bay Area member 

locations. The list to the 

le lists member counts by 

state or country to give you 

an idea where everyone is. 

I will ask Brian Ghidinelli, 

our webmaster, to 

post more detailed maps 

on the web site once the 

new site is up and running 

so you can see just how 

many of your BMW-driving 

neighbors also happen 

to be CCA members. Look 

for it on the web! 

– Bob Lenarcik, 


21


Mr. Procrastinator 

By Twisted Rhodes 

I’m a chronic procrastinator—have been for 

years. There’s even a nasty rumor in my family that 

I was born late. Of course I’m in denial... although 

I have been meaning to write about this topic for 

months now. 

One of my excuses for not using procrastination 

as a subject for a column has been the nagging 

feeling that it would be more interesting if I could 

somehow relate it to BMWs. Recently, two events 

helped give me that tie-in. The first was the highperformance 

driving school in March at Infineon 

Raceway. Driving the M3 daily between work and 

home is a continual reminder of how well BMWs 

hold together, but pushing the car at Sears Point 

brought to light repair/upgrade issues— the kind 

of things Mr. Procrastinator loves to have a say in. 

The second event was my odometer turning 

over 110,000 miles, a point where upgrade-itis 

rationalization gets into gear. I’ve never owned a 

vehicle for this many miles. The previous record 

was my 1995 Toyota Tacoma, which I still own, 

with 89,000 miles on it. I bought it with the intent 

to have it until I drove it into the ground. With 

the M3, and now the X5, I’ve goen so spoiled 

by BMW handling that I avoid driving the truck. 

I kept telling my wife how much I want to sell it 

and use the money for down payment on a Mini 

Cooper S. She wanted me to keep it. Fine, it’s hers 

now, and I’m still looking for a way to find enough 

money for a decent down payment on the Mini. 

Our five-gallon change jar is about 2/3 full of 

change—that might buy me a wheel. 

Now see, I just engaged of one of my procrastination 

techniques for you—diverting aention 

away from actually working on something… like 

wandering from my subject. Now, back to procrastinating…oops, 

I meant the topic of procrastination. 

The two events made me realize that I have 

a somewhat schizophrenic relationship with my 

automobiles’ maintenance needs. Before I continue, 

I must make it clear that I am not a neglectful 

owner—I’m just not the concours type. Routine 

stuff like oil changes, Inspection I and II, tire replacement, 

wiper blades are done without hesitation. 

Replacement of anything critical that fails 

is done since “critical” typically implies “the car 

no-worky.” However, if the items aren’t routine or 

imperative in nature, Mr. Procrastinator takes over. 

Those of you who actually read this column 

might recall a few months back where I eschewed 

upgrades for the car when it’s more cost-effective 

to upgrade the driver (i.e. through a high-performance 

driving school.) While my M3 feels prey 

great even aer 110,000 miles, there’s no denying 

it’s an old car with aging parts. Herein lays a source 

of some internal conflict: I don’t see the point of 

upgrading just for the sake of upgrading, but if I’m 

going to plunk down serious cash on maintaining 

this elderly high-performance car, why not make 

it beer performing? (Is that conflict, hypocrisy, or 

rationalization?) Yet my past history with replacing 

parts may give you an idea how this procrastination 

thing sprinkled with upgrade-itis works: 

1. Suspension. Factory shocks were noticeably 

worn out around 40,000 miles. I replaced them 

at 80,000 miles with an H&R/Bilstein setup. 

2. Engine. The stock oil-pan gasket started to 

leak, so an M3 Lightweight oil pan was purchased 

for replacement. It was installed two years later. 

3. Radiator and hoses. Many people state that 

anything over 50,000 miles on the stock radiator 

is asking for trouble—I’ve been in trouble for over 

60,000 miles. It was recently replaced with an aluminum 

version that has 50% more capacity. 

The paern is prey clear. 

Now when Mr. Procrastinator takes a weekend 

spin around a race track, that’s when it becomes 

readily apparent that the parts that hadn’t proved 

sufficiently dysfunctional for daily driving have 

become roadblocks to fun on the track. Add into 

the equation the 110,000 miles on the odo, and my 

upgrade-itis rationalization kicks in—isn’t it beer 

to replace the OEM part with a performance-oriented 

upgrade? 

Aer a few hot laps under heavy braking at 

Infineon, the M3 started to exhibit signs of badly 

warped rotors. But I had a similar problem once 

before, and it turned out to be worn rear bushings 

on the front lower control arm. That time I didn’t 

get around to replacing the bushings until some 

time later when they had become so badly worn 

that light braking with cold rotors shook the wheel 

from my hand. That’s how the car felt at Infineon. 

A jack-up-the-car-and-push/pull-the-wheels-tosee-if-there-is-play 

check showed that my original 

lower control arm and wheel bearings were okay. 

So that wasn’t the culprit—although I know I’ll 

need to look into replacing these old original parts 

soon—but hey, these parts don’t have sexy upgrade 

possibilities, so they’re perfect candidates for procrastination! 

Hmm, those OEM brake calipers could be the 

cause of the vibration, they probably need a rebuild 

aer so many years and miles. Let’s see, a big-brake 

kit would be a prey cool performance upgrade. 

But first I have to find an upgrade for the broken 

dead pedal, which means I then have to replace 

the busted tilt lever on the passenger seat with a 

new seat, which will have to wait until I replace the 

worn out driver’s seat, but before I can do that.... 

TwistedRhodes@ggc-bmw-cca.org 

Slower Traffic Keep Right 

23

New Members 

Welcome! 

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Chang Ujin Castro Valley 525i 1994 

Datu A San Jose 

Davisson Bob San Anselmo M6 1985 

Dharma Dominic San Francisco M3 2001 

Duenas Frank Pisburg M5 2000 

Erikson Nancy Oakland 325Ci 2004 

Everhart Dennis Upper Lake 750iL 1998 

Filice Michael Saratoga 745i 2004 

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Fudold Lynda Sunnyvale 330Ci 2001 

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Hack Felix San Francisco 325iT 2004 

Haworth Lauren El Sobrante 330i 2004 

Heil Andrew Monterey M3 1988 

La Honta Keith Walnut Creek 330i 2001 

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Larson Cherie Lafayee 325Ci 2002 

Lieblein Johanna Montara 740i 1995 

Ma Steven San Jose 330Ci 2004 

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Last Name First Name City Model Year 

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Rodriguez Martin San Jose M3 2004 

Roland R. Monterey 745Li 2004 

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Schatzman John San Francisco 

Schultz Larry Cupertino 330Cic 2002 

Schuster Mike Redwood City 

Thomas Bob Alamo 

Whyte Malcolm San Anselmo 

Williams Craig Alameda 733i 1983 

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Returning Members 

Kelly Tim Fairfield 


Classified Ads 

Publication deadline 

for copy is the 

first of the month 

- see front of 

magazine for more 

information. 

CARS IS CARS 

1995 BMW M3 WBSBF9329SEH01341 Daytona 

Violet/Grey Leather, 64k miles. Dinan chip; new radiator 

and water pump; alarm; Pioneer 6-disc changer. Selling 

for my brother who has le the hemisphere. Pictures and 

answers available. $14,000 OBO. prd@employees.org. 

1994 BMW 540iA Black/Black Leather, Fully Dinan 

Equipped: Stage 3 supercharger and cams (439HP/ 

391lb), 3.64 rear diff, high stall torque converter, 

exhaust and Stage 3 suspension; Brembo four piston 

brakes; Xenon retrofit; M5 wheels and M5 rear spoiler; 

Euro clear corners; stoneguard “clear bra”; dual A/F ratio 

gauges; new tires (Pole Position S03s); plus extra Powerdyne 

supercharger unit!!! See pictures at www.competitionautowerks.com 

(in gallery). 103,500mi. $19,750 Doug 

dmakishi@pacbell.net (Danville) 

1976 2002 VIN 2370094 Verona /Black. Original 

owner. Purchased in Monterey, CA. Repainted July 

1995, 206,000 miles. 106,000 on rebuilt engine. Engine 

runs strong, but does burn oil. Needs lots of work, body, 

brake, and heater-fan. Has Tii struts/brake, ST springs, 

sport Bilsteins, Momo steering wheel, E30 BBS wheels, 

Alpine Stereo, and Clifford Alarm. This car is just waiting 

to be restored, not ready for the junkyard. $3,500/obo. 

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PARTS IS PARTS 

E36 Factory Hard Top, complete with storage stand 

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good Condition, very minor paint scratches. Buyer to 

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E12 20 spoke alloy wheels, four 14 X 6 with center 

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Call for more info and to arrange a free estimate. Andy 

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Continued from page 11 

and imports in and out of the U.S., he said, but repeated 

that the company aims to keep roughly two-thirds of 

profits insured against currency fluctuations. Analysts 

welcomed the comments as a reminder to investors that 

BMW—which last year saw the U.S. become its biggest 

single market—is well-placed to protect itself against 

the erosion of the value of overseas profits by the strong 

euro. Reuters 

BMW WilliamsF1 Team Ventures East… The BMW 

WilliamsF1 Team confirmed a major marketing 

and promotional partnership agreement with 

the Shanghai International Circuit (SIC) 

and the region’s leading television 

network, CCTV, ahead of the inaugural 

Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai 

on September 26th, 2004. The 

partnership agreement includes 

on-car branding benefits for SIC 

& CCTV which will be visible 

on the FW26 race cars from the 

start of the 2004 Formula One 

season. This highly visible presence 

for SIC/CCTV with one of 

the leading Formula One teams 

in the 2004 Championship will 

assist with the promotion of the first ever Grand Prix on 

Chinese soil. CCTV are the official domestic broadcasters 

of Formula One to a population of 1.4 billion, with CCTV 

audience penetration amounting to over 90% of households. 

BMW Press 

Sales slump in first two months aer Munich closure… 

BMW Group sales rose 4.2% year on year in February. 

A total of 77,790 cars were delivered to customers 

(2003: 74,660) but sales for the first two months of 2004, 

152,155 units, were slightly below last year (154,620/- 

1.6%). BMW said that this was largely because production 

at the Munich plant was interrupted for refurbishment 

and modernization from Christmas 2003 to the end 

of January 2004, affecting sales in January. BMW chairman 

Helmut Panke said last week at the Geneva motor 

show that the company is assuming that all brands will 

be seing new records for the year as a whole. just-auto. 

com editorial team 

2004 BMW 5 Series Reaps The Rewards... In its 

March, 2004 issue, Money Magazine once again selected 

the 5 Series as Best Luxury Car in their Annual Car 

Guide. Money’s Lawrence Ulrich reports, “Last year’s 

luxury winner, the BMW 5 Series, was a hairbreadth 

from perfection. But the all-new 2004 model still marks 

a step forward—styling included.” AAA also honored 

the 5 Series, for the third consecutive year, as the Auto 

Guide Award Winner in the $35,000 to $40,000 category 

in their annual AAA Auto Guide: 2004 New Cars and 

Trucks publication. American Woman Road & Travel announced 

their selection of the Five as “Most Dependable—Sedan 

of the Year” 

in their annual survey. 

Ed Robinson, BMW’s 

Executive Vice President 

of Operations, replies, 

“We are thrilled to have 

received these awards 

for our popular 5 Series 

Sedan. Annual sales 

of the 5 Series models 

reached nearly 47,000, an increase of fieen percent over 

the previous best year in 2002, and 2004 is already off to 

a good start.” BMW Press 

Consumer Reports reliability rankings… Releasing 

its annual April new car issue, Consumer Reports magazine 

said the most reliable 2003 model, based on more 

than 600,000 responses to the magazine’s annual reader 

survey, was the Lexus LS 300/430 series, with an average 

of four problems per 100 cars. The worst of all models 

for which the magazine had reliability 

data was BMW’s flagship 7 

Series, which begin at $70,000 and 

have been controversial for their 

electronic complexity. The 7 Series 

averaged 42 problems per 100 

vehicles. “The 7 Series is probably 

one of the worst in our charts to 

date,” said David Champion, who 

is in charge of the magazine’s auto 

testing. The average for all 2003 

vehicles was seventeen problems 

per 100, Champion said. BMW’s 

U.S. public relations office in 

New Jersey did not respond to a 

request for comment. Champion 

said that, while European automakers’ quality continues 

to improve overall, their electrical power-operated 

equipment oen is troublesome. Conceding that European 

cars tend to be luxury models with a great deal of 

such equipment, Champion added, “We’ve seen similar 

models from Infiniti and Lexus that don’t have these 

problems.” Newsday.com 

Cancel your M5 order… No more ifs, buts or maybes: 

the five-spoke alloys, exaggerated bumper vents 

and subtle ‘M’ on the rev counter unmask this prototype 

as BMW’s M6. Although officials have long hinted that 

the M division is working on a flagship Six, this is the 

first sighting of the coupe expected on sale in late 2005, 

powered by a high-revving naturally aspirated V10. Our 

sneak peak at the rev counter reveals a red line as high 

as 8200 rpm. The speedo runs to 330km/h—205mph—although 

the M6 will be reined in electronically to 155mph. 

With Vanos variable valve timing, peak power could 

touch 550bhp, depending on the capacity. Insiders talk 

of a displacement of 5.5 or 5.8 liters. The 0-62mph sprint 

will be swaed in a sub-5.0 second time. Amid the 

computer plumbing in the cabin lurks the latest SMG sequential 

manual gearbox, this time with seven speeds. It 

channels power to the back wheels via a rear diff, which 

requires its own oil cooler. The aluminum-intensive 

suspension has been lowered and stiffened. This development 

car has a largely standard 6 Series coupe body. 

Expect the finished M6 to have keeper side sills, quad 

tailpipes and a more prominent rear lip spoiler, plus that 

trademark M division vent on the flank. Cabriolet and 

stripped-out CSL 

versions may follow. 

Autospies.com 

Bimmerphile 

Continuation... 

27


CCA Discounts 

Factory Authorized BMW Dealers 

Allison BMW 

150 E. EI Camino Real 

Mountain View, CA 94040 

(650) 943-1000 

BMW Concord 

1945 Market Street 

Concord, CA 94520 

(925) 682-3577 

BMW of Fremont 

5720 Cushing Parkway 

Fremont, CA 94538 

(510) 360-5900 

BMW of San Francisco 

1675 Howard St 

San Francisco, CA 94103 

Sales: (800) USA-BMWs 

East Bay BMW 

4355 Rosewood Drive 

Pleasanton, CA 94566 

(925) 463-2555 

Home Motors 

1313 E. Main Street 

Santa Maria, CA 93455 

(805) 928-7744 

Mid City Motor World 

4800 N. Highway 101 

Eureka, CA 95501 

(707) 443-4871 

MY BMW 

One Geary Plaza 

Seaside, CA 93955 

(831) 899-5555 

Peter Pan BMW 

2695 S. El Camino Real 

San Mateo, CA 94403 

(650) 349-9077 

Prestige BMW 

2800 Corby Avenue 

Santa Rosa, CA 95407 

(707) 545-6602 

Coast BMW 

1484 Auto Park Way 

San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 

(805)543-4423 

Stevens Creek BMW 

3737 Stevens Creek 

Santa Clara, CA 95050 

(408) 249-9070 

Sonnen BMW 

1599 E. Francisco Blvd 

San Rafael, CA 94901 

(415) 482-2000 

Weatherford Motors 

735 Ashby Avenue 

Berkeley, CA 94710 

(510) 654-8280

Want to join the club? Call 800.878.9292 or go to www.bmwcca.org and sign up for only $35. 

Golden Gate Chapter 

BMW Car Club of America 

909 Marina Village Parkway, #189 

Alameda, CA 94501 


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