inside - golden gate chapter bmw cca · 2017. 7. 11. · march 2013 inside: dyno day car-control...
TRANSCRIPT
March 2013
Inside:Dyno DayCar-Control ClinicTop Driver ShootoutMountains Driving Tour
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STREET, TRACK, RACE
2 Die Flüsternde Bombe | March 2013 www.ggcbmwcca.org
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BOARD MEMBERS GGC Board [email protected] Donna Seeley [email protected] Vice President Kelly Collins [email protected] Jared Petrie [email protected] Tamara Hull [email protected] Chair Eric Ries [408 641-8937] [email protected] Roger Ball, Canyon Chan
EVENT STAFF Chief Driving Instructors Peter Vinsel , Billy Maher [707 546-5572] [email protected] Steward Jeff Stowe Track School Project Manager Kelly Collins [email protected] Events Coordinator Tammi Hull [email protected] Scrutineer Ramon Le Francois [408 956-1662] Car-Control Clinic Coordinators Canyon Chan, Grant Low, Mark Magee, and Paula Williamson [email protected] Coordinator Rodger Ball and Jeff Roberts [email protected] Timing & Scoring Brian Cheung [email protected] Session Coordinator Ryan Rich [email protected] Events Coordinator Eric Ries [email protected] Tours Organizer Mike Zampiceni [email protected] Events Coordinator Joe Fant [email protected]
BOMBE TEAM Editor-in-Chief Kelly Kirkland [email protected] Manager Percy Chow [925 323-4844] [email protected] Contributors Jonathan Bush, Percy Chow Printing Commerce Printing [Requests for replacement or extra copies of the GGC newsletter should be directed to the membership chair at [email protected].]
COMMUNICATIONS TEAM Communications Manager Kelly Collins [email protected] Kris Linquist [email protected] Design Percy Chow www.percydesign.com
AREA REPRESENTATIVES North Bay Paula Williamson [707 695-3998] [email protected] Francisco Ian Dunn [253 797-0273] [email protected] Bay Athena Brekke [email protected] Jeff Cowan [650 283-4938], Ken Glidewell [email protected] Bay Ryan Rich [408 641-0780] [email protected] Bay Area Jeff Roberts [email protected] Luis Obispo Area OPEN POSITION [email protected]
BMW CCA PACIFIC REGION VP Nick Owen [619 456-7654] [email protected]
Network ORG URLGGC www.ggcbmwcca.org
e-Blast http://tiny.cc/ggcbmwcca_subscribe
GGC www.facebook.com/ggcbmwcca
BMW CCA www.facebook.com/bmwcca
GGC http://twitter.com/ggcbmwccaAutocross http://twitter.com/ggcbmwccaautoxBMW CCA http://twitter.com/bmwcca
BMW CCA www.bmwcca.org
O’Fest www.bmwccaOfest.org
Golden Gate Chapter Contacts Volume 42, No. 2 March 2013
1969–2013: Celebrating 44 years of BMW enthusiasm in the Golden Gate region.
“The Whispering Bomb”The Official Magazine of the
Golden Gate Chapter, BMW CCA
ON THE COVER
What’s Inside
Your autocross winner—and still champion!—Praniel Prasad rips off another lightning-quick run in the 2012 Top Driver Shootout.
Photo by Ratko Jagodic
Across The Board...............................................5
Calendar of Events ............................................6
Heads Up! Some items to be aware of .............10
Confessions of a Car-Control-Clinic Veteran .............................12
Top Driver Shootout .......................................15
Dyno Day .......................................................18
California Afternoon Delight (BMW Style) ....20
September Chapter Board Meeting Minutes ...22
October Chapter Board Meeting Minutes .......23
Meanwhile, Back at the Wrench ......................25
BMW CCA Benefits: discounts and dealers .....26
Welcome, New Members!................................27
Ad index and fine print ..................................28
Mark Mervich Ryan Rich
4 Die Flüsternde Bombe | March 2013 www.ggcbmwcca.org
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Across The Board
Member feedback is important, as well. I’m interested in your thoughts for what you’d like to see at the C&Cs. If you have suggestions for something fun to have for one of the C&Cs or for another social event, please drop me an email ([email protected]).
About a year ago, I assumed the responsibilities of the chapter social-events coordinator—and look what happened: Now I’m the membership chair, too!
(Thank you for your vote!) I see these two positions as synchronistic, in slightly differ-ent ways, they both involve encouraging people to join us in this little social party we call the BMW CCA.
I see this as a year of renewal for the chapter as a whole—a way to get excited all over again, and tap into the boundless enthusiasm of our broader membership. First, I plan to get even more social events showing up on the calendar. One very suc-cessful idea last year came from tapping into an idea that has worked in many car-centric communities—monthly Cars ’n’ Coffee gatherings. I’m sure you’ve read about our 2012 get-togethers in the Bombe. While the idea started slowly, with only a few cars turning up for the first couple of events, it quickly gained momentum. We now average about 30 cars per Cars ’n’ Coffee event!
That momentum is something I plan on using for 2013—and I want to make a good thing even better. To give our C&Cs a bit of a makeover, let’s focus on its primary purpose: to be a social gathering for our awesome array of members. At each event, I’m amazed and encouraged to meet at least a couple of longtime members who had never before come to a Club event—of any kind. Cars ’n’ Coffee makes it easy for our mem-bers to come out, meet each other, help each other, and become more involved in the Club.
To make the C&C events even more compelling, I have a couple of ideas. First, I want to have at least one Dent-Re-moval Day, where a professional dent-puller is on hand to help remove those nasty door dings from our beloved Bimmers and Minis. I’d also like to work with a few of the local shops to bring out some of their project cars to show off. I’ll do my best to coordinate these events far enough in advance to give people time to plan to attend.
Part of the difficulty of providing calendar events for all of our chapter members is the vast area we encompass. We might be called the Golden Gate Chapter, but our boundaries reach as far north as the Oregon border, as far south as Solvang—that’s about 2/3 the length of the state—and east to Fairfax. You can understand why many of our events are just a bit too far away for some members! However, we have members who have vol-
unteered to be area representatives in many parts of our region, in order to reach out to the vast real estate of GGC. You can identify your closest area rep in the contact list on the table-of-contents page of this issue.
With my new dual chapter role, I’m not going to have as much time to focus on organizing social events of my own, so I’ve set goals for our area reps to be more active in their regions in 2013. Each area rep has been asked to host at least one C&C type event, or some other kind of free, open event where anyone can attend, with no specific time commitment. Even a simple get-together like this can help you find out more about the Club—and your fellow members.
Our chapter is one of the largest by area, and I want to make sure we are taking care of every member, regardless of location. But we’ve lost our San Luis Obispo region representative, Den-nis Harrold, who has retired after five years of doing an incred-ible job generating a strong sense of camaraderie for the BMW community of the Central Coast. Without Dennis at the helm, this area will miss the great monthly driving tours he created. I hope somebody steps up to fill his driving shoes!
But you don’t have to be a tour director to be an area repre-sentative. Organizing an area event can be as simple as setting up a casual drop-in gathering at a local pub or restaurant. Peo-ple getting together is really most of what this Club is all about, so we’d love to see one person, or even two—many hands make light work!— step up to represent the region and continue the robust momentum that Dennis created.
Meanwhile, keep your eyes on the calendar for updates, and be sure to “like” our Facebook page (facebook.com/ggcbmwc-ca). I’ll be making sure that all our events are posted there, so you can see who is coming to our events—and let everyone know you’re coming, too! n
Eric Ries Membership Chair
6 Die Flüsternde Bombe | March 2013 www.ggcbmwcca.org
Calendar of Events
Social Mar 9, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Org: GG ChptCost: $0 Registration: No
Cars ‘n’ Coffee: South BayPlease join your fellow BMW CCA members for some quality Cars-’n’- Coffee time! Take in a leisurely morn-ing with a warm beverage and some great conversations about BMWs—or whatever ever else happens to come
up! This event is held at the Starbucks on Homestead and Lawrence Expressway—the Super Kyo-Po plaza—in Santa Clara.
Contact: Eric Ries, [email protected] Location: Starbucks, 3551 Homestead Road, Santa ClaraURL: ggcbmwcca.orgFuture dates: April 13, May- 1, June 8, August 17, September 21, October 5, November 9, December 14
Social Mar 16, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Org: GG ChptCost: $0 Registration: No
Cars ’n’ Coffee - Monterey AreaHow about a Cars-’n’- Coffee morn-ing on the Monterey Peninsula? This event will be held at the Starbucks at Canyon Del Rey Blvd and the Monte-rey-Salinas Highway (Route 68).
Contact: Jeff Roberts, [email protected]
Location: Starbucks, 441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Del Rey OaksURL: ggcbmwcca.org
Social Mar 19, 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.Org: GG ChptCost: $0 Registration: No
Board MeetingJoin us at Round Table Pizza in the Laurelwood Shopping Plaza in San Mateo for our monthly meeting. All members are welcome!
Contact: Donna Seeley, [email protected] Location: Round Table Pizza, 1304 West Hillsdale Blvd, San MateoURL: ggcbmwcca.org
Technical Mar 30, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Org: GG ChptCost: $0 Registration: No
Tech Session–Detail DayTired of taking your cars to be detailed at a local car wash? Looking for a refresher course on how to keep your car looking new? Our Detail Day is for you! Meguiars will be hosting a tech session Detail Day for us, where
you can learn how to properly maintain your car using Meguiar’s products. You must register in order to attend this event.
Contact: Ryan Rich, [email protected] Location: Protect-It, 699 Quinn Ave, San JoseURL: ggcbmwcca.org
Driving Apr 6, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Org: GG ChptCost: $130 Registration: Yes
Car-Control ClinicThis event is sold out, but you can still register to be on the wait list.
Car-control skills are learned tech-niques that are fundamental to high-performance driving—and they enhance your ability to be a safer driver
in everyday situations. Learn the basics of performance-car control by participating in slalom, skid-pad, and emergency-avoidance exercises with a personal instructor. Imagine knowing what to do when your car begins to slide, or being in control during that panic stop! Even if you think you know what you are doing, come out and explore the limits of your car in a controlled setting. Great for teenagers and beginning drivers! For more information, see the CCC Overview.
Contact: CCC Team, [email protected] Location: Candlestick Park, 490 Jamestown Avenue, San FranciscoURL: ggcbmwcca.org
Driving Apr 7, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Org: GG ChptCost: $65 (+$5 lunch) Registration: Yes
AutocrossJoin us at Candlestick Park Airport for a fun-run practice autocross event. This event will be held in conjunction with our Car-Control Clinic on Sat-urday, April 6, so you can learn new car-control skills on Saturday and put
them to the test on Sunday! Autocross events are low-to-medium-speed auto-racing events, often run in parking lots and on airport runways. Generally, a course will be defined using traffic cones; drivers—one at a time—negotiate a route laid out with the cones or pylons, testing their skills against the clock. Time penalties are charged for disturbing cones, with a penalty of 1 second per cone. Generally, each driver takes six or seven runs at an event, and prizes are based on the fastest time. It’s fun! Want to read more? Check out our Autocross Primer or visit www.bmwautocross.com. Note: GGC does allow non-BMWs to participate in our autocross events, but all participants must be BMW CCA members.
Contact: Jeff Roberts, [email protected] Location: Candlestick Park, 491 Jamestown Avenue, San FranciscoURL: ggcbmwcca.orgFuture dates: (all at Marina Municipal Airport) Apr–7, Apr 20, May 25, Jun 15, Jul 13, Aug 10, Sep 14, Oct 12
www.ggcbmwcca.org March 2013 | Die Flüsternde Bombe 7
Calendar of Events
Technical Apr 13, 11:00 a.m.Org: GG ChptCost: $0 Registration: No
Basic MaintenanceWant to learn more about your car and its basic maintenance? Come join the Golden Gate Chapter at Zentrum Motors for a free tech session on basic car maintenance. The talented tech-nicians at Zentrum Motors will cover
the following topics: checking fluid levels, checking tire pressures, describing what the lights on your instrument cluster mean, and other basic car-maintenance knowledge. At the end of the tech ses-sion, there will also be a question-and-answer session.
Contact: Ryan Rich, [email protected] Location: Zentrum Motors, 1225 7th Street, OaklandURL: ggcbmwcca.org
Social Apr 18, 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.Org: GG ChptCost: $0 Registration: No
New Member Meet-’n’-GreetJoin us for a new-member Meet-and-Greet at Scott’s Seafood in Palo Alto, where we will gather for light appetiz-ers, refreshments, and great conversa-tions about all things GGC and BMW. The event is open to all members, but
it’s an especially great opportunity for new members to meet others in their local area. It’s a great ice-breaker; if you have never attended a GGC event, jump in for your first one! More details coming soon.
Contact: Jeff Cowan, [email protected] Location: Scott’s Seafood, Town & Country Village, Palo AltoURL: ggcbmwcca.org
Driving May 4, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.Org: GG ChptCost: $160 Registration: Yes
Advanced Car-Control ClinicOur advanced car-control clinic (CCC) program builds upon the street-safety skills taught in the regu-lar CCC, and introduces high-perfor-mance driving skills and techniques. This program is targeted at anyone
interested in high-performance driving, including novice HPDE and autocross participants, as well as intermediate participants interested in refining their performance-driving skills.
The program’s exercises entail advanced skills and topics, like cor-nering theory, driving lines, advanced braking techniques (such as trail-braking), dynamic weight transfer, and heel-and-toe shifting. The day’s schedule for the advanced CCC is somewhat different than the regular CCC program, with registration and tech inspec-tion starting earlier to provide more driving time.
A student/driver meeting is held first thing in the morning, fol-lowed by driving drills in dynamic weight transfer and basic turns. In the afternoon, students rotate among a number of small driving circuits to apply the skills learned in the morning to more com-plicated turns, as well as turn combinations. During the driving exercises, students will be split into two groups, half driving the exercise while the other half will manage flags and reset cones, as we do at an autocross. Registration opens March 2. Event cost is $160.
Requirements: Previous attendance at a regular CCC or other high-performance driving event is a pre-requisite. Helmets ARE required for the advanced CCC (a limited number of club loaner helmets may be available). Sorry, only cars are allowed, no SUVs or high-center-of-gravity vehicles.
Contact: CCC Team, [email protected] Location: Candlestick Park, 490 Jamestown Ave, San FranciscoURL: ggcbmwcca.org
Social May 10–12, Org: SV ChptCost: TBA Registration: Yes
BMW Corral at ALMSJoin your fellow BMW Club mem-bers to park at the tent between Turn Four and Turn Five to watch the ALMS races! A BMW Team RLL tech session will be held just for our Club.
Contact: Pat deWitt, Location: Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway, , MontereyURL: svbmwcca.org
Social May 18, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Org: Bay Area 2Cost: $0/$20 Registration: No
Bay Area 02 Swap & ShowThe event will be held at Brisbane Marina (Sierra Point Parkway, just South of Candlestick Park). No pre-registration required; $20 to show your car or swap parts; walk-ins are free!
Contact: Larry Ayers, [email protected] Location: Brisbane Marina, 400 Sierra Point Pkwy, BrisbaneURL: bayarea02.com
8 Die Flüsternde Bombe | March 2013 www.ggcbmwcca.org
Social Aug 16, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.Org: BMW CCACost: TBA Registration: Yes
Legends Of The Autobahn ConcoursJoin the Central California Chapter’s concours of the German marques. Socialize with fellow members as you enjoy viewing the displayed and judged cars of Germany: BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche.
Contact: Jacqueline Bechek, [email protected] Location: Pasadera Country Club, 100 Pasadera Drive, MontereyURL: LegendsOfTheAutobahn.org
Social Aug 17–18, Org: BMW CCACost: TBA Registration: Yes
BMW Festorics at Laguna SecaThe legendary BMW CCA Festorics at the Monterey historic-car races—now called the Rolex Monterey Motor-sports Reunion—is an annual event celebrating the mystique of BMW and our appreciation for the marque. The
Festorics features a two-day parking corral with hospitality tents over-looking Laguna Seca’s Turn Five during the vintage races.
Contact: Jacqueline Bechek, [email protected] Location: Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway, , MontereyURL: Festorics.org
Mixed Aug 19–24, 8:00 a.m.Org: BMW CCACost: Varies Registration: Yes
BMW CCA OktoberfestJoin your fellow national club mem-bers for our celebration of Oktoberfest 2013! We will enjoy driving Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, as well as experi-ence several social events such as Con-cours, wine tours, and Casino Night.
Contact: Jacqueline Bechek, [email protected] Location: Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway, , MontereyURL: bmwccaofest.org
Social Sep 6–8, Org: SV ChptCost: TBA Registration: Yes
BMW Corral at the Sports Car FestivalTake advantage of the special BMW-only parking by our tent between Turn Four and Turn Five. The views of the race from the hospitality area are first-class. We’ll also have a guided paddock tour.
Contact: Pat deWitt, Location: Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway, , MontereyURL: svbmwcca.org
Social Oct 4–7, 8:00 a.m.Org: Left Coast 8-FestCost: TBA Registration: Yes
Left Coast 8-FestThe first Left Coast 8-Fest was held in September 2003, when 87 E31 8 Series cars were present from Canada and the United States. This year marks the tenth anniversary of that momentous event. Our celebration
is being held at the Benbow Inn in Garberville. If you own an 8 Series, please register with us-—and also make your reservations at the Humboldt River Inn (the Benbow Inn is sold out).
Contact: Steve Cohen, [email protected] Location: Benbow Inn, 445 Lake Benbow Drive, GarbervilleURL: 8-fest.org
Driving Nov 2, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Org: GG ChptCost: $65 (+$5 lunch) Registration: Yes
Top Driver ShootoutThe Top Driver Shootout is an invi-tation-only event for drivers who have attended at least three autocross events in our 2013 season. The event is limited to 60 participants; if we cannot fill the event with drivers who
have run three events, then we will invite others to participate. The Top Driver will be awarded the Fechner Cup.
Contact: Jeff Roberts, [email protected] Location: Marina Municipal Airport, 733 Neeson Rd, MarinaURL: ggcbmwcca.org
Driving Nov 9–10, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Org: GG ChptCost: TBA Registration: Yes
Thunderhill Driving SchoolThe focus of our high-performance driving schools is on safety and edu-cation; every student is assigned an instructor until they are signed off at the event. Our dedicated team of experienced instructors will help
you learn at a comfortable and enjoyable pace. Your vehicle must undergo a technical inspection by a qualified mechanic within 30 days of the event. Self-techs are not allowed, and tech-inspection forms other than GGC’s will not be accepted. Bring the completed, stamped, and signed GGC Tech Inspection Form with you to reg-istration.
Contact: Kelly Collins, [email protected] Location: Thunderhill Raceway Park, 5250 State Highway 162, WillowsURL: ggcbmwcca.org
www.ggcbmwcca.org March 2013 | Die Flüsternde Bombe 9
Car-Control Clinic
What you get:• Personalized attention from
experienced GGC instructors• Instruction geared to your level• Short “chalk talk” followed by
hands-on exercises• Skid pad, slalom, and
braking exercises• Learn proper use of steering
wheel, brakes, and throttle.• Approved pre-requisite for
on-track high-performance driving school
The UltimateDriving Skills
Experiment with your car’s handling! Break your old bad habits! Have some fun, while you pick up some useful driving skills! The GGC Car-Control Clinic is the perfect answer, whether you’re starting out as a teen driver, or just want to hone your talents. Remember, the Car-Control Clinic is a prerequisite for GGC track schools, too! But it’s also terrific fun—and useful!—in its own right.
April 6, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.Candlestick Park, San Francisco
Things to know:• Must be a member of BMW CCA • Must have a valid driver’s license
(no learner’s permits)• Notarized Minor Release Waiver
required if you are under 18 (see the GGC website, clinic overview)
• Two students can share one car (each must register separately).
• Convertibles allowed• Be open-minded and willing to
have fun!
• Registration is online only: go to www.ggcBMWcca.org/Calendar• Registration is first come, first served; opens 6-8 weeks prior to the clinic• Only $130 per student—lunch included! ($178 for non-members, includes
one-year membership to BMW CCA)
Photos: Christina Breton
Sold out!Register to
get on the wait list.
10 Die Flüsternde Bombe | March 2013 www.ggcbmwcca.org
Heads Up!: some items to be aware of
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Import Connection
ÔGit Yer e-Newsletter Here!If you are one of the growing number of people who read
your news and magazines online, you may be interested in the new electronic-delivery option available for the Bombe. For those of you who haven’t already elected for this option in your membership profile, and would like to, the following instruc-tions should help you.
Log into the Club website at www.bmwcca.org in order to change your delivery selection to electronic. Once you’re logged in, you should see blue hyperlinks at the top of the webpage (if not, go to the Home page. Click on the “Manage Account” (top middle of page) link. The subsequent page will have links in the left-side column, choose “Email Preferences & Demo-graphics,” that brings you to a page where you’ll see that the top option is to choose delivery method for your chapter newslet-ter. There are several other preferences you can add there, so it’s worth perusing the page, as well as other pages accessed from the left-side column.
Currently Roundel is still mail-only, but it’s such a beautiful magazine, you obviously want to leave it on your coffee table to impress your friends with your good taste in cars.
ÔSLO Area Rep Needed!We need someone to step up to be the area representative
for the San Luis Obispo region of our chapter. Dennis Harrold has done a great job of generating an active group in the south-ern-most region of our chapter for the last five years. However, he’s moving on to other things in his life—and this budding BMW community is in need of new representative!
One of the largest chapters in the BMW CCA, the Golden Gate Chapter has most of its 4,200 members spread out over a 4,000 square-mile area. The position of area representative was created in order to provide local contacts and connections for our members. Each area representative helps develop a sense of community and foster camaraderie for the chapter members in their region.
What is involved with this position? The area rep assists members with questions, organizes social events for the area—at least one every six months—and provides feedback to the Board regarding member concerns or ideas. It’s a great way to meet new people who have your same interest in BMWs—and in enjoying life.
If you are the least bit curious about this position and think it may be just the thing to tap into your bubbling creative juices, please contact Eric Ries at [email protected] to learn more!
ÔGGC Facebook Page/TwitterThanks to everyone who “likes” the Golden Gate Chapter
BMW CCA on Facebook! At this point, there are 1,575 of you—and the numbers keep growing! Our Facebook page can help you to stay up to date on the latest chapter happenings: news, social events, and driving events.
Not on board yet, but want to be? Find us at tinyurl.com/GGC-BMW-CCA-fan.
You can also follow us on Twitter @ggcbmwcca. We’ll tweet the latest info from our various events and keep you posted on all things GGC!
ÔChapter MerchandiseIt’s time to stock up on eco-friendly hoodies, shirts, and
caps with the GGC logo to show everyone your chapter pride! Our two stores also have chapter stickers, mugs, mouse pads, license-plate frames, and bags. Don’t forget to pick up the latest edition of the Cars Of GGC calendar, too! Visit our merchan-dise and apparel stores at www.cafepress.com/ggcbmwcca and www.ces.landsend.com/BMWCCA-GoldenGate. n
www.ggcbmwcca.org March 2013 | Die Flüsternde Bombe 11
Car-Control Clinic
What’s Different:• Additional required reading
(distributed prior to event)• Instruction geared toward
performance driving• More technical exercises• Expanded schedule to give you
more driving time• Helmet required: Snell M2010 or
SA2010 (M2005/SA2005 okay) limited loaners available.
• Wear comfortable shoes for shagging cones.
The AdvancedDriving Skills
Go beyond the regular car-control clinic! This advanced school is targeted at anyone who is interested in perfor-mance driving, including novice HPDE and autocross partic-ipants, as well as intermediate participants looking to refine their performance-driving skills. Learn the more in-depth topics of cornering theory, driving lines, advanced-braking techniques (like trail-braking), dynamic weight transfer, and heel-and-toe shifting.
May 4, 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.Candlestick Park, San Francisco
Things to know:• Prior attendance at a regular CCC
or other high-performance-driving event is required.
• Must be a member of BMW CCA • Must have a valid driver’s license
(no learner’s permits)• Notarized Minor Release Waiver
required if you are under 18 (see the GGC website, clinic overview)
• Two students can share one car (each must register separately).
• Convertibles allowed. No SUV/high-center-of-gravity cars allowed
• Registration is first come, first served and online only: www.ggcBMWcca.org/Calendar
• Approved pre-requisite for on-track high-performance-driving school• Only $160 per student ($208 for non-club members; includes one-year
membership in the BMW Car Club of America)
Registration is open
!
Photo: Ratko Jagodic
Photo: Don LouvPhoto: Christina BretonPhoto: Don Louv Photo: Don Louv
ADV-CCC-MAY4-2013.indd 1 3/5/13 1:09 PM
12 Die Flüsternde Bombe | March 2013 www.ggcbmwcca.org
Confessions of a Car-Control-Clinic VeteranBy Ken Stehr
T o be honest, my wife, Linda, and I had some apprehension about attending this event. We’re new BMW CCA mem-bers, and new to the BMW brand of vehicles, at least in terms of ownership. But the published car-control-clinic description sounded innocuous enough to our 60-something sensibilities, and the opportunity for a weekend trip to the Monterey area was appealing. Having just taken delivery of a 2012 335i, the chance to learn something about its
handling characteristics in a controlled environment sealed the deal for us. We signed up as drivers sharing one car.
In retrospect, there was really noth-ing that could have prepared us for the experience we were about to have. The day started with an early-morning meet-ing at the Marina Airport for the student check-in and technical inspections of the student cars. There was quite an eclectic array of rides in the paddock: Porsches, Ford Mustangs, Audis, Hondas, and, of course, a wide variety of Bimmers. It was reassuring to chat with the drivers of the cars parked next to us; most had never done anything like this before, either.
After a presentation welcoming the students to the clinic, we were given a description of the events for the day—the instructors euphemistically refer to these as “exercises.” We would later find out that these were real-ly attempts to simulate being launched into low-earth orbit. There were discussions and demonstrations of proper driver’s-seat adjustment and
hand position on the steering wheel, as well as details on weight transfer in a vehicle during various maneuvers like braking, acceleration, and turning—and how these affect traction. They could just as easily have used the aeronautical terms of thrust, pitch, roll, and yaw, but that would have been tipped us off to what was coming.
The ensemble of students ranged diversely in age; we were divided into three groups and assigned a starting exer-cise to begin the rotation. These exercis-
es consisted of two-hour shifts at each station: braking/collision avoidance, slalom, and skid pad.
Our group got to start with the sla-lom. Several students piled into a few of the four-door vehicles for a demon-stration ride through the course with an instructor at the wheel. This provided a chance to see the course and hear some basic instruction on how to drive it. Then it was time for students to take to their own cars—each accompanied by an instructor—and experience the course
for themselves.
Runs through the course were done at ever-increasing speeds, with constant coach-ing from the instructor. Half-way though this exercise, I was totally amazed at what these BMWs and I could do togeth-er. I was smiling ear-to-ear so hard that it hurt. I was having the time of my life. WOW! DOUBLE WOW!
www.ggcbmwcca.org March 2013 | Die Flüsternde Bombe 13
I won’t go into detail on my impres-sions of the other exercises; suffice it to say that they were all thrilling, and built my confidence in my car and its abilities. The end of the day was topped off with a group debriefing and some other good-ies—you’ll have to attend for yourself to find out about those! Everyone had a
great time, and we all landed safely. Each instructor was fabulous. They are com-petent, knowledgeable, patient, and a lot of fun to be around. The event was effi-ciently organized, so there was very little down time. You owe it to yourself to take advantage of this wonderful service that the chapter provides; you will not regret
a moment of this valuable and entertain-ing training.
As a final note, the next day my wife confided that initially she had been a little overwhelmed by the complexity and per-formance of our new 335i. But now she has complete confidence in herself and the car. Me, too. Mission accomplished! n
14 Die Flüsternde Bombe | March 2013 www.ggcbmwcca.org
What began 19 years ago as a love of cars for owner Greg Meier has grown into a plush showroom of over 50 luxury cars from BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, and Lexus. Greg personally hand picks the cars he sells to assure the best quality pre-owned car value for you. When you walk into the showroom, you will most likely be met by Greg himself!
WHAT KIND OF CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED EXPERIENCE SHOULD I EXPECT FROM DIABLO MOTORS?Diablo Motors currently holds the distinction of being an Honor Roll Member of the Better Business Bureau (18 years in a row), is the only Diamond Certified car dealer in the entire Bay Area (8 years in a row), and holds a five-star rating on Yelp. These are no small feats for any business, let alone used cars!
When asked how in the world Greg can keep up that level of service, he replies, "It's pretty simple really. I sell my cars in the way that I would like to buy them…honest and straightforward, without the shell game. I want a friendly, professional, and hassle-free experience. We do that here. As a customer, I would want to be assured that my car will keep on running after I buy it - so at Diablo Motors, we perform a 200-point inspection, a CarFax vehicle history report, and include a FREE 90-day warranty. If the customer prefers more coverage, we have some great extended warranty partners also. And we do all of this at a discount… about the same as KBB ‘Private Party” pricing”
DOES DIABLO MOTORS OFFER FINANCING? WHO DOES THE DMV PAPERWORK?"We deal directly with banks and credit unions to offer you the best finance rates, currently as low as 1.99%. We can also work with your existing bank/credit institution if you prefer. And we do some in-house loans too. As far as DMV paperwork, we handle all of that. We will make this your easiest car purchase ever."
AND WHAT ABOUT MAINTENANCE & REPAIR? "We also operate a full service department right here on site, fully insured and licensed by the Bureau Of Automotive Repair. We can do everything from routine maintenance like oil changes and inspections, all the way up to complete engine or transmission replacement. So if you loved how you were treated while buying one of our cars, that same caring, professional, and courteous attitude goes into our service."
WHAT IF I DON'T SEE THE CAR I WANT ON THE WEBSITE OR LOT?"I attend the dealer-only lease return auctions every week. So if a customer has a certain type of car in mind, just let me know what that is, and I can get it for you at no extra charge. I’m there anyway! We can save you thousands on a nice clean certified car, and without all the running around. We've picked up everything from Civics to Range Rovers, but our specialty is BMW.”
Diablo Motors is located right on San Ramon Valley Boulevard, near In-N-Out Burger and Costco.
2067 San Ramon Valley Blvd. San Ramon, CA 94583
(925) 830-8747
The Ultimate Un-Dealer
Diablo Motors
www.diablomotors.com
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MAR13-DIABLO-FULLPAGE-COLOR.pdf 1 2/16/13 10:14 AM
www.ggcbmwcca.org March 2013 | Die Flüsternde Bombe 15
What began 19 years ago as a love of cars for owner Greg Meier has grown into a plush showroom of over 50 luxury cars from BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, and Lexus. Greg personally hand picks the cars he sells to assure the best quality pre-owned car value for you. When you walk into the showroom, you will most likely be met by Greg himself!
WHAT KIND OF CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED EXPERIENCE SHOULD I EXPECT FROM DIABLO MOTORS?Diablo Motors currently holds the distinction of being an Honor Roll Member of the Better Business Bureau (18 years in a row), is the only Diamond Certified car dealer in the entire Bay Area (8 years in a row), and holds a five-star rating on Yelp. These are no small feats for any business, let alone used cars!
When asked how in the world Greg can keep up that level of service, he replies, "It's pretty simple really. I sell my cars in the way that I would like to buy them…honest and straightforward, without the shell game. I want a friendly, professional, and hassle-free experience. We do that here. As a customer, I would want to be assured that my car will keep on running after I buy it - so at Diablo Motors, we perform a 200-point inspection, a CarFax vehicle history report, and include a FREE 90-day warranty. If the customer prefers more coverage, we have some great extended warranty partners also. And we do all of this at a discount… about the same as KBB ‘Private Party” pricing”
DOES DIABLO MOTORS OFFER FINANCING? WHO DOES THE DMV PAPERWORK?"We deal directly with banks and credit unions to offer you the best finance rates, currently as low as 1.99%. We can also work with your existing bank/credit institution if you prefer. And we do some in-house loans too. As far as DMV paperwork, we handle all of that. We will make this your easiest car purchase ever."
AND WHAT ABOUT MAINTENANCE & REPAIR? "We also operate a full service department right here on site, fully insured and licensed by the Bureau Of Automotive Repair. We can do everything from routine maintenance like oil changes and inspections, all the way up to complete engine or transmission replacement. So if you loved how you were treated while buying one of our cars, that same caring, professional, and courteous attitude goes into our service."
WHAT IF I DON'T SEE THE CAR I WANT ON THE WEBSITE OR LOT?"I attend the dealer-only lease return auctions every week. So if a customer has a certain type of car in mind, just let me know what that is, and I can get it for you at no extra charge. I’m there anyway! We can save you thousands on a nice clean certified car, and without all the running around. We've picked up everything from Civics to Range Rovers, but our specialty is BMW.”
Diablo Motors is located right on San Ramon Valley Boulevard, near In-N-Out Burger and Costco.
2067 San Ramon Valley Blvd. San Ramon, CA 94583
(925) 830-8747
The Ultimate Un-Dealer
Diablo Motors
www.diablomotors.com
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
MAR13-DIABLO-FULLPAGE-COLOR.pdf 1 2/16/13 10:14 AM
Top Driver Shootout 2012By Jack Yu
Photos by Ratko Jagodic, Mark Mervich, and Jeff Roberts
I t was an unusually warm and sunny November morning at the Marina airport as a steady flow of Bimmers—mostly of the 1 Series, 3 Series, or Z-car variety—rolled into the paddock for our autocross season finale, the 2012 Top Driver Shootout (TDS). Other familiar non-Bimmers showed up, too, but many of those drivers chose to share a roundeled car with a fellow autocrosser so that they could officially compete for the trophy.
One by one, each driver registered at the big white trailer wrapped in familiar M colors, and then blindly reached into a soft yellow helmet bag full of ping-pong balls marked 1, 2, or 3 to random-ly select a run group. “Don’t pick three, you do NOT want three!” everyone in the trailer warned. Indeed, six of last year’s top finishers had already picked Run Group Three—and just three driv-ers from each run group would advance to the final round.
Our reigning champion, Praniel Prasad, drew Group Two, while other veterans filled Group One.
After everyone had registered and eat-en all the free donuts, autocross director Jeff Roberts began the drivers’ meeting. He explained the TDS-specific rules, one of which requires everyone to drive alone, as opposed to regular-season events in which it’s encouraged to have coaches in your car.
We then walked the morning course, trying to figure out what the challeng-ing course would present in our four attempts. The morning course started with a fast straight and a sweeping left turn into a optional-direction five-cone slalom, followed by alternating tight turns ahead of short straights.
As it turned out, those straights real-ly tempted my car’s 333 horses. Unfor-tunately, I wiped out a few cones early, and struggled with poor apexes, result-ing in a few fishtail moments. My slight over-driving landed me roughly in the middle of my morning run group, but I was hopeful I would do better in the afternoon. When the tire smoke settled and the morning runs were finished, the usual suspects were in the lead, along with several newcomers in the top nine. The fastest adjusted times were in the low 42-second range; I wasn’t even close!
As I read the results, my stomach growled. The smell of tasty barbeque and pie filled the air. A special treat for TDS invitees is the catered barbeque lunch: pulled pork, chicken, portabella mush-rooms, corn on the cob, salad, baked beans, rolls, and olallieberry pie for des-ert—delicious! We grabbed our plates and joined the crowd at long tables to lament about what we’d done wrong, or humbly accepted kudos for being in the top nine—for the moment.
During this break, Roberts announced the regular-season class win-ners and handed out trophies, modern acrylic-block awards etched with the GGC logo. Then he graciously acknowl-edged all the regular volunteers who help design the courses, set up the cones, drive the trailer, set up the timers, reg-ister drivers, take pictures, coach begin-ners, pack up the cones and equipment, and do all the other things that keep the autocross program running smoothly.
Jeff Roberts
16 Die Flüsternde Bombe | March 2013 www.ggcbmwcca.org
FOR FULL RESULTS AND END-OF -SEASON STANDINGS, GO TO: www.ggcbmwcca.org/driving-events/autocross/autocross-results
It’s always a huge team effort through-out the year!
We walked off lunch by touring the afternoon course. It was basical-ly the reverse of the morning course, with the exception of an angled finish in place of the morning’s straight. This adjusted sec-tion proved to be a fast, sweeping, seat-of-the-pants finish for those who were brave enough to mash the throttle at the end of the slalom. Luckily, I improved from my fastest morning time by half a second by hitting the late apexes and testing my tire limits in the end section. About half the field posted faster times during the afternoon, while half were slower, mak-ing the nine finalists difficult to predict until the very last run.
Once all the calculations were done, Roberts announced the top nine finish-ers: six E36 M3 drivers (Brian Cheung, Praniel Prasad, Paul Berton, An Nguy-en, and the Tsang brothers, Mack and Justin), two Mini Cooper drivers (Ste-
ven Purta and Eric Lam), and a lone E46 M3 driver (James Keane). This diverse group represented four different points classes, B through AAA, while the C and Gonzo classes just barely missed the cut.
For the final round to decide the winner, our course designer, Dave Sparks, added a loop-back section that turned the lot into a super-sized course.
The nine chosen ones mulled over the decision to go left or right in the loop-back, then they lined up for the pre-grid, chevron style. Each would have three runs to make a bid for the championship. I decided to join my fellow workers
at Cone Station One near the finish timer so I could get a close-up of the fast-and-furious finish—a wise deci-sion! All nine finalists went wide-open after
the turn-in point. We saw air beneath an inside tire of the Minis, as well as a few M3s! Tires screamed constantly, but no one spun, testament to the skill level of this group.
The loop-back choices varied until the final runs, when most drivers decid-ed that going left was slightly faster than going right. Course times ranged
Mark MervichJeff Roberts
Ratko Jagodic
Jeff Roberts
Mark Mervich
www.ggcbmwcca.org March 2013 | Die Flüsternde Bombe 17
Top Driver Shootout FormatThroughout the March-to-October autocross
season, everyone competes in a single class determined by a car’s base points plus any modifications. For example, my 2003 M3 starts with 54 base points. Because I have coil-over suspension, sway bars, and ten-inch-wide wheels, all of which add points, I run in Class AAA, for cars with 70 to 79 total points.
Every class has trophy winners during the season, but in the Top Driver Shootout, it’s one big competition, and all raw times are adjusted based on total car points. Thus a lower-points car may post a slower raw time than a higher-points car, but could win after the times are adjusted. This adjustment creates a fair, but competitive, final event; drivers in any class can win the coveted Fechner Cup, have their name engraved on the trophy, and receive the Number One Driver designation, which is reserved for the TDS winner.
Since the introduction of the final-round format for the Top Driver Shootout in 2010, it has quickly become a favorite aspect of the Golden Gate Chapter autocross program—and it came about because of a fluke of the weather. During our 2010 TDS, spotty rain showers gave an unfair advantage to those who didn’t have to drive in the rain, so the coordinators cleaned the slate and advanced the top three drivers from each run group—nine drivers in all—into a “loop-back” final round. This run combined both morning and afternoon courses into one exciting, double-length course.
The loop-back is the area where a driver chooses left or right, and eventually loops around to run the course in reverse. This extended course is particularly exhilarating to run—or so say the lucky few who earn the chance to run it!—Jack Yu
DATES FOR 2013 AUTOCROSS:Apr 7Apr 20May 25
Jun 15,Jul 13Aug 10
Sep 14Oct 12Nov 2
between 80 and 87 sec-onds. Since these cars ranged from 46 to 79 classification points, no one knew who won until the official adjusted times were calculated—though I had my suspicions.
In the end, past his-tory predicted future performance, as former champion Praniel Prasad won comfortably—by a little over a second!—while Mack Tsang and An Nguyen finished sec-
ond and third respectively. Last year, the margin of victory was less than a tenth of a second, and the top four times were within two tenths of a second.
The crowd cheered as back-to-back champion Prasad hoisted the Fechner Cup. His name will be engraved again, next to the one for 2011, and he will get to keep the cup and his Number One designation for another year. Will he “three-peat” in 2013? n
Jeff Roberts
Mark Mervich Ratko Jagodic
18 Die Flüsternde Bombe | March 2013 www.ggcbmwcca.org
Dyno DayBy Ryan Rich
Photos by Ryan Rich and Jeff Roberts
I t was a day rich with bragging rights at Dietsch Werks in January for our sold-out group of twenty BMW owners. This was such a popular event that it was waitlisted. After all, it’s not often that you get proof of what horsepower your car is putting down.
Dietsch Werks recently installed an in-ground SuperFlow Technologies Group all-wheel-drive chassis dyna-mometer, and offered us the opportuni-ty to hold a tech session at the spinning rollers of the machine. For $85, each car got three runs on the dyno, a vid-eo of their runs, and a barbecue lunch! The dyno ran from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with only a short break for lunch—a great opportunity for everyone to socialize, share stories, and welcome a few members to their first GGC event.
The twenty cars that took turns on the dyno included several M3s, an X5 M, a Z8, and a BMW ActiveE—quite a range! And with all that M horsepow-er around, which car do you think drew the most anticipation? The car without an engine, the electric-motor car, the 1 Series ActiveE.
After the ActiveE was strapped down on the dyno, a large group gathered to watch, curious about what the instant-torque car would measure. During the hookup to the computer, the car protest-ed with several warning lights and cau-tion messages. After several quiet runs, the ActiveE managed to post 145.8 wheel horsepower (WHP) and an effective
torque figure of 490.4 (WTQ), which was more torque than could be found in any of the other cars! Since BMW’s tech-nical specifications for the ActiveE claim 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, there were some concerns as to whether or not the dyno was producing accurate figures (see sidebar.)
As the day wound down, the sun fell behind the buildings, and the tempera-ture dropped, and only a small group was left to watch the last car on the dyno. We huddled behind the curvaceous lines of the lusty Z8. Every one of its dyno runs produced a gust of warm air that I dubbed “the breath of God.” That breath put smiles on the surrounding faces. As Jeff Roberts put it, “It was an experience I’ll never forget. The sound, the heat, the smell, and the air pressure was like stand-ing behind a jet taking off. Unreal!” That Z8 dyno run made for a perfect ending to our day.
Once the 400-horsepower Z8 grace-fully stepped off the dyno, it was time to go—at least for this session. There is the possibility of another Dyno Day this year, so keep your eyes on the calendar, and be ready to sign up. Let’s see what kind of power your BMW has! n
Jeff Roberts
www.ggcbmwcca.org March 2013 | Die Flüsternde Bombe 19
Electronauts Discuss The ResultsAccording to BMW’s tech sheet, the ActiveE’s synchronous motor develops full torque from a standstill, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under nine seconds. (Some magazines report 8.5 seconds.) That’s an instantaneous 184 pound-feet of torque with up to 170 horsepower.
So Murray Stokley (www.siliconvalley-activee.blogspot.com), the owner of the ActiveE at our dyno event, questioned the surprisingly high numbers that the dyno spit out. In a forum posting, he wondered if the sensors might not have successfully synced with any ECUs via the OBD2 port. Later, he hypothesized, “At-the-wheels torque is greater because of the reduction gears in the transmission, which is their function. The motor itself is rated at 184 pound-feet of torque, so it’s got to be the reduction gearing that’s amplifying the torque to the wheels, right?”
In response to that post, Tom Moloughney (www.activeemobility.blogspot.com), another actively blogging Electronaut, said, “That would explain it. From the Wikipedia discussion on gear ratios: A gear train can be analyzed using the principle of virtual work to show that its torque ratio, which is the ratio of its output torque to its input torque, is equal to the gear ratio, or speed ratio, of the gear train.”
Moloughney continued, “This means that the input torque (Ta) applied to the input gear (Ga) and the output torque (Tb) on the output gear (Gb) are related by the ratio R = Tb/Ta, where R is the gear ratio of the gear train. In this case, we know Tb and Ta is 490/184, so the presumed gear ratio between the motor and the driving wheels is 2.66:1.”
Still unanswered is the question that drives old-school gearheads crazy: How can it be that any device can make its maximum torque when it isn’t moving?—KK
Jeff Roberts
Jeff Roberts
Ryan Rich
Ryan Rich
Ryan Rich
Jeff Roberts Jeff Roberts
(c) BMW AG
20 Die Flüsternde Bombe | March 2013 www.ggcbmwcca.org
California Afternoon Delight (BMW Style)
Wintering in Northern California is so tough, with roads like these!
By Skip Saunders
Photos by Michael Takahashi
O ut of curiosity, and the need to exercise my E36 M3, I looked into the goings-on in the local BMW CCA organi-zation. The Golden Gate Chapter has a very informative website, and I discovered that there was a driving tour set for the very next day—the Mountains, Munchies, and Munich Machines Tour that would explore the Santa Cruz Mountains. The jump-off spot was but a couple of miles from my house, so needless to say, off I went!
I arrived at the designated area nice and early on that September morning, only to find that there were already a doz-en BMWs there ready to go. Introducing myself as a member of the Connecticut Valley Chapter, I asked to participate. I was shown wonderful hospitality, signed the required release form, and was intro-duced around the group. Amazingly, at least three or four of the twelve partici-
pants were from Connecticut; they had moved to California for IT jobs.
Mike Zampiceni, the organizer, offered me the job of sweep car to the group. This position brings up the rear of the line, and stops to help anyone who has been disabled. “What could possibly go wrong?” I innocently thought, and eagerly accepted. Wow—first time out, and I have a job to do!
Zampiceni gathered us together and gave an excellent pre-tour briefing, going over what we could expect as far as road conditions, joggers, bikers, and bathroom breaks. He reflected that this tour would be somewhat leisurely, and speeds would be moderate. As we were in front of the mountains, all lined up and strapped into our Bimmers, we were supplied with a box of Cracker Jacks to
www.ggcbmwcca.org March 2013 | Die Flüsternde Bombe 21
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fulfill the “munchies” requirement. We were ready to go!
I was very confident of my abilities to discharge my duties as the sweep car. I had courage, I was responsible, I had a page-and-a-half of clear route instructions, and most of all, I had M power! However, it was only a matter of time before “you know who” would notice a dozen BMWs turning out of an intersection on a main road, each at 6,000 rpm, running through the gears. The first eleven participants made the turn, but I had to wait for sev-eral cars to pass before I could go. Officer Broward (a name I came to know very soon) waved to me before I left.
I waved back. Not good. He quickly caught up to me, since I was doing the speed limit—exactly—and pulled me over. “Are you with those other guys?” he asked.
“What other guys?” I replied.
He humorously requested, “License, registration, and insurance, please.”
Pause. “Oh, I see by your license that you’re from Connecticut—but in a car with a California registration. How can that be?” After I told him that Sue and I are part-time residents, but that I love California waaaaay more than Connecti-cut, he sent me on my way.
Now I realize what sweep-car duties can mean around here.
With a clear road ahead, and the knowledge that the group was going to stop for a half-hour potty break, I drove like the Hammers Of Hell and caught up. Several members seemed to know what had taken place, as I am sure they have previously served in the role of sweep.
Later, when we stopped for a breath-er, the Connecticut gang all got togeth-er for a picture to wish their brethren
a hello. After a great lunch in Soquel on the Pacific Coast, we all said our good-byes, and checked our oil pans for leaks before going our separate ways.
One great thing about being sweep: As the last car in line, you get to hear the Dinan-modified cars taking off from a stop and applying the gas. It’s a German opera. One M3 had a custom exhaust and sounded exactly like the ALMS racing Corvettes at Lime Rock! He’s probably not very popular in his neighborhood.
The tour was wonderful. The route was challenging, the roads were great, and the hospitality was terrific! n
22 Die Flüsternde Bombe | March 2013 www.ggcbmwcca.org
Chapter Board Meeting MinutesGolden Gate Chapter BMW CCA, Board Meeting MinutesSeptember 18, 2012By Jared Petrie
Board members in attendance: Donna Seeley, President; Kelly Collins, Vice President; Tamara Hull, Treasurer; Jared Petrie, Secretary; Ian Dunn, Membership Chair; Jeff Roberts, Member-At-Large;Board members not in attendance: Rodger Ball, Member-At-Large; Canyon Chan, Member-At-LargeGuests: Eric Ries, Social-Events Coordinator; Ryan Rich, Jack Yu, Mike Zampiceni, Driving Tours CoordinatorMeeting called to order at 7:13 p.m.Next meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m. October 16 at Gau Poang, San Mateo.Secretary’s report: PetrieAugust minutes approved via emailNo board-candidate statements received yetCurrent board members are requested to submit statementsDriving-events report: HullAutocross: Roberts
»Two more events left this season! »Upcoming events: September 22, October 21, and Top Driver
Shootout in NovemberCar-control clinic: Roberts
»October 20 event nearly sold outDriving schools: Collins
»Thunderhill school has room for more students »Friday will be instructor-training day »Poll results for date in January for Laguna Seca inconclusive
Club racing: HullThere are no Club races here before O’Fest 2013.Treasurer’s report: HullWe have slightly more money!Communications and Vice President’s report: CollinsNeed to finalize member options to receive the Bombe via electronic delivery.Membership report: Dunn4,250 members and associatesMembership-guide update
»Need more articles and advertisersDriving tours: ZampiceniTrain-tour articleSetting up a driving tour through the Santa Cruz mountains for late October.Social events: RiesOctober 14 House Family Winery tour is now Big Basin Vineyards tour; it will end in the tasting room.Sonoma Raceway is allowing the GGC to have a corral on the lawn at Turn Eleven for the WTCC September 21–23.President’s report: SeeleyO’Fest discussionsRyan Rich appointed to the technical-session-coordinator position—congratulations, Ryan!Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. n
www.ggcbmwcca.org March 2013 | Die Flüsternde Bombe 23
Chapter Board Meeting Minutes
German Auto Kraft
Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA, Board Meeting MinutesOctober 16, 2012By Jared Petrie
Board members in attendance: Donna Seeley, President; Kel-ly Collins, Vice President; Jared Petrie, Secretary; Canyon Chan, Member-At-Large;Board members not in attendance: Tamara Hull, Treasur-er; Rodger Ball, Member-At-Large; Ian Dunn, Membership Chair; Jeff Roberts, Member-At-Large;Guests: Eric Ries, Social Events Coordinator; Ryan Rich, Tech Sessions; Mike Mills, Dietrich Schultz, Dalyn SooHoo, Hernan Pelassini, Mike Zampiceni, Driving Tours Coordinator.Meeting called to order at 7:23 p.m.Next meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m. November 13 at Gau Poang, San Mateo.Secretary’s report: PetrieSeptember minutes approved via emailAll board-candidate statements receivedDriving-events report: SeeleyAutocross: Chan
»Over 70 registered for October 21 date; it’s the last regular event of the season.
»Top Driver Shootout (invitation only) set for November 3Car-control clinic: Chan
»October 20 in Marina sold out »Advanced-car-control-clinic program coming together: will
be more track-focused and teach more advanced-driv-ing techniques.
Driving schools: Collins »Thunderhill has 42 students signed up so far. »A+ program has seven students with track mates all day »Collins to send an e-blast reminder for Thunderhill
Treasurer’s report: MillsWe probably still have money!Communications and Vice President’s report: CollinsDiscussion on the Bombe and its futureMembership report: Ries4,300 members and associatesSocial events: RiesCars ’n’ Coffee still occurring every month, but losing popu-larity. Discussion on how to attract more people.Big Basin winery tour recapZampiceni discussion of upcoming Santa Cruz mountains tourZampiceni planning tours for next yearTechnical events: RichFour events on the horizon
»Zentrum Motors (Berkeley) proposing hosting teen tech session on easy how-to’s
»Tools of the Trade—a DIYer’s guide »Detail Day with Meguiar’s »Dyno Day at Club Auto Sport
President’s report: SeeleyO’Fest is coming up; light discussion of responsibilities.Meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m. n
24 Die Flüsternde Bombe | March 2013 www.ggcbmwcca.org
www.ggcbmwcca.org March 2013 | Die Flüsternde Bombe 25
Meanwhile, Back at the Wrench
Jonathan Bush
For My Next Trick…
There are good ideas and there are bad ideas—and then there are those ideas that are so bad they come full circle to become good ideas. The corollary is
also true: Really good ideas turn bad, if pushed beyond the bounds of good sense.“Great, Jonathan. Very profound,” you mutter.
Further, it’s okay to disagree with your friends, even those closest to you. Friends will give you all sorts of advice, ranging from marriage details to a career change, to having that one last drink before hitting on the wait-ress in the bar. They are your friends, after all, and they generally have your best interests at heart—or at least their best interests, which are usually peripherally connected to yours.
“Fabulous. What exactly are you on about now?”
I want to build an E23 7 Series (1977–1987) with an M73 5.4-liter V12 from an E38 7 Series (1995–2001). Roughly half of the people I’ve floated this plan by think it’s a bad idea, including a former employer and close friend—a guy whose opinion I hugely value, and who shall remain nameless, except to say that he is the sole proprietor of Bill Arnold BMW Repair. My oldest and best friend, Reed Hitchcock, thinks I’m smok-ing something funny, either in leaf or crystalline format.
The other people think it’s a great idea, but each is the type of person who would stuff a BMW 4.4-liter V8 into a Bavaria, or an M30 3.5-liter Big Six into an E30 3 Series over the course of a weekend, using nothing but hand tools and ambition. One of them has even offered to drive a clean, but sunburned, 1983 745i from Phoenix to Minnesota for nothing but the cost of a bus ticket home. That’s dedication, kids.
Yes, I understand that there are many challenges with a proj-ect like this. While I think I have most of it worked out, there will still be details—the answers to which will not be known until the wrenches meet the bolts, as it were. The first, and probably most obvious, question is whether or not the V12 will physically fit in the E23 engine compartment. I’m con-fident that it will. Why not? This V12 is nothing more than two SOHC inline sixes fused together, and thus won’t be much longer than either one of them. The V12 is also narrower than a BMW V8 (a 60-degree vee versus 90), and there is at least one V8-powered E23 running around.
BMW built V8- and V12-powered prototypes in the late 1970s. Pictures can be found online. The V12 engine looks mas-sive compared to M70 five-liter that came later in the E32 7 Series.
The battery and its tray will need to be relocated to the trunk. No E23 has a traditional vacuum-assisted brake booster,
so there won’t be a fitment issue there. M73 exhaust manifolds are specific to the engine, and the driver-side pieces will have to be routed around the steering box. Again, it will help that the V12 is relatively narrow.
BMW V12 powerplants are let down largely by their over-ly-complicated engine-management systems, complete with multiple computers and motor-driven throttle bodies. The odds of getting this disaster salad to talk to an analog-era BMW chassis is slim. So why not just do away with it all and use a stand-alone system like MegaSquirt 3?
The basic V12 engine—the hardware, if you will—really isn’t that complicated. It doesn’t have VANOS. It doesn’t even have coil-on-plug ignition. You need a handful of sensors and something to control the ignition and idle, and that’s it. One challenge will be finding the suitable mechanical, cable-driven BMW throttle bodies to replace the electronic versions.
Of course, the V12 will need to route its power through a proper manual transmission. The only manual that easily bolts up is the BMW S6S 560G (Getrag Type D) six-speed from an E31 8 Series. They are not cheap, and they are not easily obtained. However, there exist several custom adapters made from a V12 automatic-transmission bellhousing, which allow the use of a good old-fashioned Getrag 265 five-speed. It uses a clutch slave cylinder from a Tremec T56 six-speed trans-mission, and a clutch adapted from the General Motors parts bin bolted to a re-drilled BMW V8 or V12 flywheel. While it won’t be easy to create this adapter, the only real alternative is to spend $3,500 or more on the bolt-up option.
With any major surgery such as this, there are always a million details to consider and work through: motor mounts; welding up the EGR ports on the exhaust manifolds, swap-ping in an M70 lower-front timing cover and pickup wheel so you can use a front-mounted crankshaft position sensor rather than the stock M73 flywheel sensors, determining which throt-tle bodies are going to fit—and then making them work with the E23 throttle cable—getting MegaSquirt 3 to talk to an ancient E23 gauge cluster, figuring out how to make the M73 power-steering pump run the E23’s hydro-accumulator pow-er-braking system. Then there’s the air-conditioning system….
I’m sure that by now at least some of you are wondering, why put all this effort into a big old pig like an E23? Why not just turbo an M30 to 400 horsepower and be done with it? What are you going to do with this creation after you’re done?
Easy. Everybody does the M30 thing. I’ve always liked the V12—and I’ll drive the hell out of it! n
26 Die Flüsternde Bombe | March 2013 www.ggcbmwcca.org
BMW CCA Benefits: discounts and dealers
One of the many member benefits of BMW CCA is a members-only discount at various participating services and dealers. Here you can find the businesses in our area who offer our members a dis-count. Please note that busi-nesses often require you to show your current BMW CCA membership card in order to receive the discount.
Please contact us with any deletions to the list due to a company being out of busi-ness. We ask that additions, changes, or deletions (no longer participating in dis-count program) are requested by the business owner directly. Updates should be directed to: [email protected].
The Golden Gate Chapter covers a vast area, and subse-quently has several BMW and Mini dealerships for you to choose from. This is the list of dealerships in our area, as well as the discounts they offer to Club members. Do remem-ber to show your member-ship card in order to receive the discount!
BMW CCA DISCOUNTS
LOCAL BMW DEALERS
Independent Service & Supply City Discount Phone URLBerkeley Motor Works Albany 10% Labor 510 528-1214 www.berkeleymotor.comGerman Auto Kraf t Belmont 20% Labor on maint/brake rep 650 595-2777 www.germanautokraf t.comBavarian Professionals Berkeley 10% Labor 510 524-6000 www.bavpros.comBTM Motorwerks Campbell 5% Parts/Labor 408 369-1911 www.btmmotorwerks.comDinan Engineering Campbell 10% Labor 408 866-0606 www.dinancars.comRennWerks Performance Campbell 10% Labor/5% Parts 408 370-7480 www.rennwerks.comAuto Analysts Castro Valley 10% Labor 510 582-0201 www.autoanalysts.comEdge Motorworks Dublin 10% Labor 925 479-0797 www.edgemotorworks.comAlekshop Fremont 10% Labor/free tech iInsp 925 609-4559 www.alekshop.comAuto Concierge Fremont 10% of f quoted full detail 925 852-1962 www.justwaxed.netDouble 02 Salvage Hayward 10% Used Parts 510 782-2002 www.002salvage.comSound Innovations Hayward 10% Parts 510 471-9062 www.soundinnovations.comBavarian Motorsport Milpitas 10% Parts 408 956-1662 www.bavarianmotorsport.netJam Engineering Monterey Various parts 831 372-1787 www.jameng.comDinan Engineering Morgan Hill 10% Labor 408 779-8584 www.dinancars.comCorporate Auto Works Mountain View 10% Parts/Labor 650 691-9477 www.corporateautoworks.comDinan Engineering Mountain View 10% Labor 650 962-9401 www.dinancars.comTrack Star Racing Mountain View 10% Parts/Labor 650 961-2350 www.trackstarracing.comPerformance Technic, Inc. Pleasanton 10-15% Parts 925 426-1361 www.performancetechnic.comSAS German Auto Pleasanton 10% Parts 925 846-4886 www.sasgermanauto.comPortola Valley Garage Portola Valley 10% Labor 650 851-7442 www.pvgarage.comValley Motorwerks Rancho Cordova 10% Parts/Labor 916 636-9526 www.vmwerks.comRossi’s Tire & Auto Service Salinas Various 831 424-0011 www.rossitire.comBimmers Independent San Carlos Various 650 591-2474 www.bimmersindependent.comGerman Motors Collision Ctr San Francisco $100 of f repairs over $1,000 415 551-2639 www.sfgermanmotors.comJohn Gardiner Automotive San Francisco 10% Labor 415 777-2697 www.jgauto.comPhaedrus San Francisco 10% Parts 415 567-8000 www.phaedrusmd.comVanguard Motors San Francisco 10% Labor 415 255-8450 www.vanguardmotors.comBorelli Motor Sports San Jose 10% Service/Labor 408 770-1220 www.borellimotorsports.comExtreme Performance San Jose 10% Parts/Labor 408 923-6404 www.xperformance.com2002 Haus San Luis Obispo 5% Parts 805 541-2002 www.2002haus.comHeynneman European San Rafael $50 of f service 415 499-1234 www.heynnemaneuropean.comWest Bay Bavarian San Rafael 10% Parts/Labor/Dinan work 415 457-0820 www.westbaybavarian.comDiablo Motors San Ramon 10% Parts/Labor 925 830-4269 www.diablomotors.comBavarian Enterprises Santa Clara Various Parts 408 737-6100 www.bavarian-enterprise.comGerman Auto Body Santa Clara $100 of f repairs over $1,000 408 727-3368 www. germanautobody.comCatalpa Street Garage Santa Cruz 10% Parts 831 464-2269 www.catalpastreetgarage.comNate Smith’s Optimal Auto Santa Cruz 10% Parts 831 476-1332 www.optimalauto.comGerman Auto Santa Maria 10% Parts 805 922-1262 www.germanautosm.netBavarian Tuning Santa Rosa 10% Parts/Labor 707 575-3757 www.bavarian-tuning.comGS Tuning Santa Rosa 10% Sales/Service 707 284-2680 www.gstuningbmw.comBMW Performance Driving School Spartanburg, SC 15% of f driving programs BMWusa.com www.bmwusa.com/performancecenterMilt ’s Service Garage Vallejo 10% Parts/Labor 707 643-7548 www.miltsservicegarage.comM Service Walnut Creek 10% Parts/Labor, up to $100 925 932-8744 www.mserviceinc.comevosport 10% Parts, $1000 svc=free dyno 888 520-9971 www.evosport.comPatelco Credit Union Special Of fer 415 442-6200 www.Patelco.org
Dealership Discounts City Discount Phone URLWeatherford BMW Berkeley Various 510 654-8280 www.weatherfordbmw.comBMW Concord Concord 10% Parts/15% Accessories 925 682-3577 www.bmwconcord.comMini of Concord Concord 10% Parts/15% Accessories 867 704-9479 www.miniofconcord.comBMW of Fremont Fremont 10% Parts/ Labor/15% Accessories 510 360-5900 www.bmwof fremont.comMini of Marin Marin 415 737-0500 www.miniofmarin.comBMW of Humboldt Bay McKinleyville 10% Parts 707 839-4269 www.bmwof humboldtbay.comBMW of Mountain View Mountain View 10% Parts 650 943-1000 www.bmwofmountainview.comEast Bay BMW Pleasanton 10% Parts 800 505-4801 www.eastbaybmw.comEast Bay Mini Pleasanton 866 549-5589 www.eastbaymini.comBMW of Roseville* Roseville 10% Parts 916 782-9434 www.bmwofroseville.comBMW of San Francisco San Francisco 10% Parts 415 863-9000 www.bmwsf.comMini of San Francisco San Francisco 20% Parts/labor, free inspection 877 209-9322 www.minisf.comCoast BMW San Luis Obispo 10% Parts 805 543-4423 www.coastbmw.comPeter Pan BMW San Mateo 10% Parts 650 349-9077 www.peterpanbmw.com
Peter Pan BMW Parts/SvcSan Mateo/ Burlingame
10% Parts 650 204-7600 www.peterpanbmw.com
Sonnen BMW San Rafael 10% Parts 415 482-2000 www.sonnenbmw.comStevens Creek BMW Santa Clara 10% Parts & Labor 408 249-9070 www.stevenscreekbmw.comMini of Stevens Creek Santa Clara 408 260-4900 www.miniofstevenscreek.comBMW of Santa Maria Santa Maria 10% Parts 805 614-0306 www.bmwsm.comHansel BMW Santa Rosa 10% Parts 707 545-6602 www.hanselbmwofsantarosa.comBMW of Monterey Seaside 10% Parts 831 899-5555 www.bmwmonterey.com
* Sacramento Valley Chapter region
www.ggcbmwcca.org March 2013 | Die Flüsternde Bombe 27
Welcome, New Members!First Last City Model Yr Referred By
Bob Ackerman Concord Steven Ackerman
Paymon Bahrami Albany
Ryan Barrett Aptos Patrick Kelley
Rolf Behrsing Berkeley
Abhijit Bhattacharya Redwood City
Dennis Bianchi San Francisco
Steven Bobzien Napa
Kyle Bowers Morgan Hill Gregory Steinke
Adam Brown Redwood City
Clif f Brunk San Francisco
Jef frey Bryant Arroyo Grande
Andy Cai San Ramon
David Carhart Foster City Christopher Carhart
Amelia Catalano San Francisco
Marvin Chan Palo Alto
Jordan Cheng Danville
Alex Choi Fremont
Greg Cicatelli San Ramon
Erin Clark Santa Clara
Tim Clark Capitola
James Conway Morgan Hill
Samya DasSarma Campbell
Renato deJesus Burlingame
David DeMartini Santa Cruz
Lori DeMatteis San Ramon
Wim Deweerd San Jose 1M 2011
Roumen Deyanov Fremont Michael S. Miller
Thomas Donnelly Carmel Chris Donnelly
Michael Donohue Danville
Brian Donovan San Francisco
Lisa Dornell Millbrae Donald Louv
Oliver Emerson San Rafael
Carlos Eduardo Estrella San Francisco
Mark Flynn Pleasanton
Jef frey Friedman Pleasanton
Gabriel Garcia San Francisco
David Ghio Sunnyvale
James Gische San Francisco
Pete Goldberg McKinleyville
Robert Grasby San Jose
Bryan Haas Petaluma
Gilbert Hakim Carmel Valley
Curt Hansen Novato
Nick Harris Los Gatos Tim Harris
Jonathan Helman San Jose Jef frey Helman
Daniel Hill Concord P. A. Deocares-Lengyel
Ray Ho Fremont Richard Jenkins
Herbert Houston Oakland Mark B. Daley
Gregg Kellenberger Clayton
Kent Kernahan Cupertino
Shawn Kessler San Francisco
William Kester Martinez
Rick King Berkeley
Chet Klingensmith San Rafael
Viktor Kogan San Francisco
Derek Koida Santa Clara
First Last City Model Yr Referred By
Brian Lee El Sobrante
Noel Legaspi Corte Madera John Kim
Keith Lerch San Francisco
Robert Leslie San Luis Obispo 650iC 2010 Dustin R Parham
Adrienne Liu Sunnyvale
John Loiacono Tiburon
Mark Loncar San Francisco
Jonathan Low Cupertino M5 2008 Lorsen Koo
Yevgeniy Masalitin Campbell 328i (E92) 2011
James McLoughlin Berkeley
Joe Melo Los Altos
Virgil Mihailovici San Jose Vibhav Sreekanti
Grayson Miller Aptos
Benjamin Morehead Pebble Beach
Stacey Moy Oakland
Justin Neel San Luis Obispo
Samuel Osborn San Francisco
Steve Pedone Sunnyvale Ken Glidewell
Tim Peters San Francisco
Kevin Przirandeh Saratoga
Steven Pucci Los Gatos
Rafael Quinto Petaluma 528i 2012
Jay Ricafort S. San Francisco
Geof frey Rosenblatt San Francisco
Erik Sam San Mateo
John Schwartz Moraga
Louis Shepherd Hayward
Neal Sherwood Atascadero David Oldham
Maninder Sidhu Cupertino 330i ZHP 2005 Quenton Smith
Erick Simms Richmond
Michael Siracusa San Francisco
Michael Smedegaard San MateoAlpina B8 4.6 Cabrio
1996
Steven Smith Saratoga
Matthew Soden Oakland
Mukund Sreenivasan Palo Alto Quenton Smith
Creed Stary Redwood City X1 2013 Robert C. Klaus
Mike Strande Kneeland
Insoo Suh San Francisco
Mike Sylvestri San Ramon
Greg Thurston San Francisco Clare T. O’Hoyne
Anna Tumatova Daly City
Michael Van Mol San Jose
Tamar Vanderlinden Ben Lomond
Christian Vega San Jose
Sumairjit Virk Fremont Kelly L. Collins
Larry Whelan Mountain View
Troy Yoshinaga Aptos
Bob Zabilski Pleasant Hill Jim Zabilski
Victor Zarazua Redwood City
28 Die Flüsternde Bombe | March 2013 www.ggcbmwcca.org
Golden Gate Chapter: ad index and fine print
Commercial Advertising
This publication is read monthly by over 4,300 BMW enthusiasts in Northern California. Deadline for new ad artwork is the fifth day of each month prior to publication. Please submit artwork to the Advertising Manager.
Commercial advertisers are responsible for supplying their own ad copy. All commercial advertising must be paid in advance. Contact the Advertising Manager for further details: [email protected]. Please note, this publication is sent Bulk Rate USPS.
Golden Gate Chapter, BMW CCA, Inc. is a nonprofit Califor-nia 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 guaran-tee 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 regu-lations. All contents remain the property of the chapter, but BMW CCA chapters may quote or copy from the publication, provided full credit is given to the author, photographer, and the Golden Gate Chapter, unless otherwise noted or specifically prohibited.
Chapter mailing address: Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA68 Mitchell Blvd, Suite 240San Rafael, CA 94903
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 is not limited to BMW owners and aims to provide access to driving and social events, main-tenance and technical information, parts discounts, and more. Dues are $48 per year, with an associate member added for $10 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 chapters in the BMW CCA with over 4,300 members.
For a new membership or to renew an existing one, please call toll free 800 878-9292 or visit www.bmwcca.org. Visa and Mastercard accepted.
BMW CCA mailing address:640 South Main St., Suite 201Greenville, SC 29601 Phone: 864 250-0022Fax: 864 250-0038www.bmwcca.org
Membership updates: Membership address corrections are only accepted at the BMW CCA website or national office.
Privacy: By joining the BMW Car Club of America (BMW CCA), you provided personal information that allows us to contact you. BMW CCA provides this information to the Golden Gate Chapter (GGC), BMW CCA for the following purposes:
ÔTo send the GGC magazine (Die Flüsternde Bombe) by U.S. Mail. ÔTo help us create content and
events most relevant to you. ÔTo alert you to updated information and
other new services from ggcbmwcca.org using an email announcement list.
GGC BMW CCA does not distribute personal information to any third parties. The information you provide to BMW CCA to be used by the GGC will not be used for any other purpose—we promise.
Publishing: Die Flüsternde Bombe is produced month-ly (except for combined issues Nov/Dec and Jan/Feb). Article/photo submission deadline is the first day of each month prior to publication. Submissions go to the editor at: [email protected].
Commit to: 1 issue 2-3 issues 4-7 issues 8-10 issues
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Index of AdvertisersApex Race Parts...........................................................................1Auto Analyst .............................................................................. 23Bavarian Autosport ...................................................................2Bavarian Professionals ......................................................... 24Bill Arnold Independent BMW Service ......................... 23Borelli Motor Sports .............................................................. 24Commerce Printing ............................................................. BC2Cool Carbon Performance ................................................... 21Corporate Auto Works .............................................................6Diablo Motors ........................................................................... 14Dinan Engineering............................................................... FC1Edg Motorworks .........................................................................4German Auto Kraft ................................................................. 23GGC Advanced Car-Control Clinic ................................... 11GGC Car-Control Clinic .............................................................9H&B, inc. .........................................................................................2Import Connection ................................................................. 10Milt’s Garage .................................................................................7Mservice, Inc. ............................................................................. 13North Bay Bavarian ................................................................ 22Valentine Research, Inc. .................................................... BC1Wolfgang’s Foreign Car Service ...........................................8
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