BMW

My 318ic

My 318is

100 mph

Immobilized!

installing keyless alarm

backlight replacement

windshield seals

clean & shiny

hints

November 2001: After twelve and a half years of uninspired but reasonably reliable service, my 1989 VW Fox Sport (seen here on the desert sands during Burning Man 1997) has passed the point of no return. I was trying to get it smogged when the shop discovered serious additional deficiencies: the rear brakes (20 per cent), radiator (leaking), constant velocity boot cracked, muffler hangers broken, etc. It'll cost four times more to do these repairs than the car is worth. So we let it sit where it was, donated it to charity, and started to look around for replacement wheels.

Chatting with Sondra, a neighbor, after bringing birthday chocolates, I begged off with a car search as a reason. She replied "Oh, we're going to get rid of one of our cars. Here are the keys; pick the one you want. You can have it for the weekend."

And so it came to pass that our family spent the weekend motoring in a 1995 BMW 318is E36 Coupe. Wow, this car is a joy to drive! From the tick-tock of the turn signals (which I remember hearing on my grandfather's Mercedes when we lived in Germany) to the leather steering wheel cover to stiff frame and tight construction to the road-hugging wheels. Ay!

I've started this weblet to remember that which I learn about my car and to share with others. I'm having fun. This is the first time I've owned a car that I like driving and is fun to tinker with. Check out the links at left to see some of what's been going on here.

[Update, 20 February 2003 - We've added a 1997 BMW 318ic to the stable. So now we have more of these wonderful E36 M42 (body style, motor type) Bimmers to enjoy. Rose will keep the slushbox; I'll have the stick.]