photo by elvis maduro › newsletters › dzjan-feb2003.pdf · technical advisors mike schiffer -...

Photo by Elvis Maduro

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Die Zugspitze January • November 2003 • Volume 29 Issue No. 1

DieZugspitze is published by and for the members of theBMW CCA New York Chapter Inc. (“The Club”). All of itscontents shall remain the property of the club. The Clubassumes no liability for any information contained herein orprovided by its member/volunteer consultants. None of saidinformation bears the status of factory approval unless soindicated. Modifications within the warranty period may voidyour warranty. The Club is not connected in any manner withBMW AG or BMW NA. “Unless otherwise stated, mainte-nance and modification procedures herein are not “FactoryApproved” and their use may void your BMW warranty.Ideas and opinions are those of the writers and no authenti-cation or approval is implied by editors or publishers, whoassume no liability for information contained herein.

Servicing BMW and Other European CarsOlder Car Service & Restoration

Race Car Services

114 Pearl Street

Mt. Vernon, New York 10550

(914) 668-1300

Address Change?All changes to member addresses must be sent

to the National Office:Roundel BMW CCA, Inc.

640 South Main Street, Suite 201Greenville, SC 29601

ph: 864.250.0022/fax: 864.250.0038

NY Chapter OfficersPresident

Steven Fischthal 212.770.7175e-mail: [email protected]

Vice President and MembershipAnthony Howell 718.318.2344e-mail: [email protected]

TreasurerRoseann Burke 718.318.2344e-mail:[email protected]

SecretaryMatthew Brode-mail: [email protected]

Member-at-LargeAndre Noele-mail: [email protected]

DieZugspitze Editor/Merchandise Mgr.Philip E. Clark 917.579.3530e-mail: [email protected]

DieZugspitze Co-EditorRachel Corey 212.673.8307e-mail: [email protected]

WebmasterCharles Karnati 718.422.0414e-mail: [email protected]

AdvertisingSten Hallocke-mail: [email protected]

Concour Committee Co-ChairsRoseann Burke 718.318.2344e-mail: [email protected] Fischthal 212.770.7175e-mail: [email protected] Geraci 631.758.6123e-mail: [email protected]

Technical AdvisorsMike Schiffer - Euromeccanica

Office 914.668.1300

Chapter Hotline 516.792.2002

Can't Wait for Your Next Issue ?

THEN DON'T !

Log on to www.nybmwcca.organd download Die Zugspitzebefore it hits your mailbox !

BMW CCANY Chapter

ContactInformation

P.O. Box 920576Arverne, NY 11692

516-792-2002email: [email protected]

M 9-6 / T-F 9-5 / S 10-1

Email: [email protected]

May-June 1999• Volume 25 Issue No. 3

Die Zugspitze January • November 2003 • Volume 29 Issue No. 1Page 5

Page 3

New York Chapter“No Black Tie” DinnerJanuary 11th, 20037:00pm-11:00pm

Cocktail Hour begins at 7pm sharp - Jackets Required

• Holiday Party• President's Dinner• Autocross Series Awards Dinner

$20.00 per person

Marriott Hotel of Uniondale101 James Doolittle Boulevard, Uniondale, NY516-794-3800

If you are attending, please RSVP the chapter hotline 516.792.2002 or

send e-mail to: [email protected] no later January 5th, 2003

Please note:

RSVP's will not be acknowledged without payment. Confirmation will be

provided once payment is received.

Payments will not be accepted at the door and no admittance withoutpaid reciept or RSVP confirmation number.

Send payments toBMW CCA NY ChapterPO Box 920576 Arverne, NY 11692Additional information call the Chapter Hotline or send e-mail to:

[email protected]

Too much of the spirits?...NY BMWCCA members are entitled to a discounton rooms and suites and suites the Uniondale Marriott on Jan. 11th, 2003.Inquire with the front desk or with any BMW CCA board member

.

154 • 02 41 AVENUE

\

Page 5Page 3

Page 3

Please join us and your fellow

BMW Car Club members when we

celebrate a spectacular year of

events and accomplishments


Fisch-TalesSteven Fischthal -Chapter Presidentemail: [email protected]

I would like to wish all our members a mosthappy and fulfilling New Year. I hope you enjoyed amost wonderful holiday season.

I would like you to know that your board hasbeen working overtime these last two months to put to-gether a program of events for the coming year. I ammost happy to announce that we are definitely going tohave a two-day driving school at Watkins Glen. Theschool is being run jointly with the Patroon Chapter andwill be scheduled in June. Keep your eyes open for moreinfo. This is going to be one great driving school and thespots are sure to fill rapidly. Get your applications inASAP, to assure a spot at this event. If you have neverbeen to a driving school, this is the place where you willfind out just what your BMW and you are capable ofachieving. As of this time we are still hard at work tryingto set up another driving school event, later in the year.We would like to hold this event at Lime Rock Park. With-out a doubt, our extremely popular Autocross Series willbe returning in full force. Gee, I hope you got a new setof R compound tires for Xmas. For the more conserva-tive club members, please rest assured that we will againhave our club rally, technical sessions, concourd’elegance, parties, AAA driving program, Summerfest,Beach Party, and the BMW sponsored morning at theNY Auto Show. We would like to introduce an official NYstate “NY BMW CCA” license plate. We have a new lineof extremely attractive club merchandise on sale.

This past month in December, several of yourboard members and I tested out a new indoor kartingfacility, “Strike” in New Hyde Park. We had a great time.This place rocks and definitely provides the opportunityto keep your driving skills honed during the winter. OnJanuary 26th we are having our first open invitationalkart race. You are all invited to join us for some Januarytrack time. If you haven’t karted before this is going tobe an eye opening experience. Look for more informa-tion in the newsletter and online. Just a final reminder, Iwould love to meet as many of our members as possibleat our ”No Black Tie” Dinner at the Marriot on January11th.

National has not been sleeping either. We haveover 71,000 members in our club. National is now sell-ing some pretty good looking club merchandise and hasa new roadside emergency program available.

Oktoberfest 2003 wil be held in Austin, Texas.Go to their website for more information. I would like toinvite all members who wish to participate at the boardlevel to join us at our next meeting. We have a lot ofwork to do and would appreciate another member will-ing to help the club. If you would like an invite, pleasecontact either myself, or Tony Howell, VP. The meet-ing is held in the evening on the second Wednesday ofthe month. Keep your eyes open for our newly re-de-signed NY Chapter website. Most important pleasesend in your nominations for the new board members,you'd like to see ! - Steve

It's that time of year !Send in your nominations

Requests forNY Chapter Board

ElectionNominations

It is time to nominate theboard members of the

New York Chapter of theBMW Car Club of AmericaThe following positions are

eligible for nominations:

President

Vice-President

Treasurer

Secretary

Please submit written nominationsno later than January 31st:

BMW CCA NY ChapterElections

PO Box 920576Arverne, NY 11692



Page 10

Before the year was out, I was already trying out a resolu-tion to take myself less seriously. I have been really fortu-nate this year, especially in terms of my writing. March sawmy first published feature in a national magazine, the Roun-del, June brought my second in BMW Magazine, I beganthis column for the New York chapter as well as contribut-ing to the Delaware Valley chapter newsletter. So whenthe Wall Street Journal reporter contacted me about a “funnyarticle about car warranties” I figured it was a good thing. Iknow I go to great lengths to fact check the accurate andsalient information I try to present to readers with humor,and I made the mistake of thinking that a journalistic au-thority like the Wall Street Journal would do the same. Ihad just read how the WSJ had slashed it’s senior writingstaff and moved 60% of it’s staff to New Jersey, so it didn’ttotally surprise me that the young woman writing the articleknew nothing about cars or warranties, and didn’t own acar. Obviously the WSJ is trying to save money, like therest of us in hard times. I assumed that she would do whatI do when writing about subjects I know nothing about- re-search. Her position that excessive warranty claims weredamaging auto manufacturers seemed off-base, I was look-ing for her to produce in the article some empirical data tosupport her conclusion while I provided some comic reliefin the 8 phone calls and half dozen e-mails we exchangedat her request.

I spent a great deal of time teaching her about the issuesand sending her links to information on the Internet. Whenthe article came out it was neither funny nor accurate, shemangled everything I explained to her and never got aroundto producing anything resembling research on the topic.Apparently the square pegs of the facts do not fit in theround holes of her article. I have found, through classestaught by comedians and by my own experience as astandup comic that in order to be funny, a joke has to havea kernel of truth to it. Maybe if Jane Spencer owned a carshe would see warranty claims and dealer service as some-thing worth researching before denigrating car owners. Ithought of doing the research on the topic myself to see ifthere was any basis to validate her position, but it would beas much of a waste of time as correcting her spelling. Maybethe proofreaders at the WSJ got canned too. I happen tobe working on a research project on the cars made in theUS from 1907 to 1959. By sheer coincidence I am finding

the sales flyers for cars as far back as1907- touting “noiseless” cars (StoddardDayton), and reading the accounts of au-thorities who build and rebuild cars whoname their cars. Car noise is a real issuein the sales and service of cars, to the pointthat this week’s (it is November 23 as Iwrite this) Newsweek magazine reportsthat cars of the future will have extensivesound systems, wireless headphones sothat each passenger- and the driver- willbe listening to different music. Accordingto Newsweek, “car makers are racing toredecorate with all the comforts of homeon the road. Cup holders and a cassette

player just don’t cut it anymore.” So much for Jane’s su-percilious commentary about my complaint about noiseand drink holders and her derision of car owners who nametheir cars. I did not have my drink holders replaced twiceunder warranty as Jane states.

A dealer replaced a broken lid on mine and I did write aFAQ on how to replace your own cup holder/armrest whenI bought a leather-covered one to replace my OEM plasticversion. Jane ran fast and loose with the facts on all thewarranty work she ascribed to me, and still she made nosense and wasn’t funny. “I don’t mean to be arrogant aboutit, but what does a journalist know?” Poor Chris Bangle.The same “journalist” who begins his paragraph about the745i with “Why am I dishing dirt on this dreamboat” endsthe same paragraph with “’I don’t mean to be arrogantabout it, but what does a journalist know?’ BMW designerChris Bangle said to me.” Aside from my own thoughtsabout the new designs for BMW, it’s pretty clear that KeithNaughton used the power of his office and a forum hecontrols to heap retribution on Chris Bangle for having theaudacity to say what was obvious. It’s the same thing Ijust learned from my experience with the WSJ. KeithNaughton made a meal of Chris Bangle and the new 7series to make a name for himself- and succeeded. Be-cause of this one quote, Keith’s otherwise redundant ob-servations got quite a lot of attention, repeated onMSNBC’s web site for as long as that remains and all overthe Internet. Keith laments the 2 hours he says some deal-ers have to spend to teach people how to use iDrive. Didanyone ask BMW or the other car manufacturers if theywant help like this? Did anyone find out how spending 2hours with a customer who is spending $70,000.00 ben-efits or costs the dealers? Did anyone do a comparison ofhow this supposedly new attention to warranty items com-pares historically? Did anyone attempt to correlate the ef-fect on sales of stronger warranties? Whatever you thinkabout Chris Bangle’s designs, if you have seen your namein the paper misused and attached to nonsense, you haveto sympathize. Next the WSJ will let Jane test drive a 745i?.

Rachel [email protected]

New Year’s Resolutions- Read it and Weep


BMW CCA NY Chapteroffers an AAA DriversImprovement Program

March 22, 20039:00am-4:00pm

Save on your car insurance(10% insurance discount over 3 years on collision and liability)

Reduce up to 4 points off your license

Refresh your driving techniques and learn preventativetechniques for collision avoidance.

Excellent course for drivers of all ages.

Approved six hour course by New York State of Motor Vehicles

Location: Automobile Club of New York229 7th Street - Lower Level (bet. Franklin/Stewart)Garden City, New York 11530

(Limited Seating availability)

NY Chapter Members $15.00/Non Chapter Members $25.00Additional Information 516-792-2002 or

Sherwin Deshong at [email protected] • Anthony Howell at [email protected]

Make checks payable to BMW CCA NY ChapterPO Box 920576 Arverne, NY 11692

PayPal Accepted : [email protected] (Add $3.50)

Name: ________________________________________Address:_______________________________________City/State/Zip:___________________________________Email Address:__________________________________Contact Telephone:_______________________________BMW CCA #_____________________________________Enclosed Payment Amount: $___________



10thAnnual

BMW CCANY ChapterBeach Party

at theNEW

Euromeccanica114 Pearl Street

Mt. Vernon, NY

Feb 15, 200311:00am-3:00pm

Servicing BMW and Other European CarsOlder Car Service & Restoration

Race Car Services

114 Pearl Street

Mt. Vernon, New York 10550

(914) 668-1300

Bring a chair

Lunch will be served

Door Prizes providedby BMW NA

Directions:

• THROGS NECKEXWY/I-695 Nbecomes I-95 N.• Merge ontoBAYCHESTER AVE viaexit number 12- on theleft.• BAYCHESTER AVEbecomes E 241ST ST.Turn RIGHT onto WHITEPLAINS RD.•WHITE PLAINS RDbecomes W 1ST ST.• Turn LEFT ontoSOUTH ST. • Turn LEFT ontoPEARL ST.


Do you like F1 Racing ?Would you like to drive one?.

Stop dreaming! 'Cuz it ain't gonna happen !Here is the next best thing !

Indoor Kart Racing

Join the New York Chapter BMW CCAat the new indoor entertainment center

Strike - Long Island1350 Union Tpke New Hyde Park, New York

(Directions: Grand Central Pkwy/N.State - Lakeville Road South, make left onto Union Tpke)

516.354.1222www.strikelongisland.com

Sunday Jan. 26th, 2003 @ 2pmLarge screen TV's to watch the Super Bowl

Great restaurant and Sushi Bar

27 W. Forest Avenue, Englewood, N.J. 07631Fax: 201-816-7337 Email: [email protected] 201- 816- 0911

We’re About Serious Car Care

Experience the difference that our NO-COMPROMISEpolicy provides. We specialize in customized services from routine maintenance to all types of engine, brake, transmissionand suspension work for your German car.

10% OFF all servicesto Club Members

As always, we offer a

FREE 75-point safety and

track inspection

It’s the little

things we fix that count!

BMW• Porsche• Mercedes • Audi •VW

Classifieds • Classifieds • Classifieds• 1997 540i-Auto w/6-Disk CDHeated steering wheel, integratedphone. Silver w/black leather. 81kmiles. $23,000. [email protected], 631-287-3076 or 201-871-8302Contact Stephen Bradley -12/8/2002

• 1998 M3 ConvertibleAuto, Prem. Pkg., 6-Disk CD, 37kmiles, white with gray lthr., w/hardtopand Blizzaks on Mille Miglia Spiderrims. Radar diffuser. Original owner.Coming off-lease. [email protected], 631-287-3076 or201-871-8302 Contact StephenBradley ([email protected]).Posted on 12/8/2002

1997 BMW M3 CoupeEstoril Blue/Grey, 30K miles,heatedsport seats, all original, greatconcition,non-smoker always ga-raged.$26,500 obo.917-860-6622Contact David Cutler([email protected]).Posted on 12/2/2002

• 5 Series (E39) Accessories (alloriginal BMW parts)FOR SALE:Sheepskin Seat Vests (2), NOAH CarCover(for Touring model only), TireStorage Tray, Rubber floor mats (4),Auxillary Power Adaptor (also fitsE38,and E46 models)Contact Steve Fischthal([email protected]).Posted on 12/1/2002

• FS: 1994 325i 5 Spd Black on Black150K very good condition. Click herefor more info: http://home.mindspring.com/~superben/index.html 917-9222218Contact Mr. Tam([email protected]).Posted on 11/24/2002

• MUST SELL BMW 328i, 1999,Exellent Condition, Metallic Green, 5speed, Certified (100K warranty),Rear Airbags, Fold down seats,Moon roof, Park Distance Control,Heated Front Seats, Harmon Kardonsound, 50K miles, $21000.Mile Djuric ([email protected]).Posted on 11/22/2002

• E36 Wheels & TiresOriginal wheels off of my 1994 325is.The wheels are in very good condi-tion. One has some curb rash. Theyare 15" x 7" rims fitted with DunlopD60 A2 H rated tires with one quarterinch depth of tread left. I'll take$125.00 for all.I am located in suffolkcounty. [email protected] Christos Vasakiris([email protected]).Posted on 11/21/2002

•SNOW TIRES--Pirelli 225/60/15 w/steel wheels from E36FS: E36 225/60/15 Pirelli 210 Snowtires/rims NYC , NJ area 4 15" steelwheels (5 X 120) and Four Pirelli 210directional Performance snow tiresmounted 225/60/15 for sale. The tirewas $124 each alone at tirerack lastseason, therefore total was morethan $600/set new . Will let them gofor $300obo. See pics below. [email protected] http://home.mindspring.com/~superben/BMW/Dscn4758.jpgContact Mr. Tam([email protected]).Posted on 11/18/2002• Garage space available - EastMeadow NY 631-289-1629

$150/mo email: [email protected]

AUTOCROSSNOTICE

EffectiveJanuary 1, 2003

BMW CCA NY ChapterAutocross Series

fees areincreasing !

Due to BMW CCAregulation changes, the fees for

the Autocross Series will increaseas follows:

BMW CCA Members$25.00

Non-BMW CCAMembers$35.00

You can register tobecome a BMW CCA

member to avoid the increasedfees.

Apply on-line at :www.bmwcca.org

All classifieds can be placed on our website (free to members)

www.nybmwcca.org or mailed to:

NY BMW CCA Classifieds:

PO Box 607 Westbury, NY 11590

New York Chapter

BMW CCA Fresh Gear *

Short Sleeve Tee - $12Sizes - L-XL-XXL*

Steel GreyChapter Logo - Front

Fleece Jackets - $49Sizes - S-M-L-XL-XXL*Navy•Black•Red•GreyChapter Logo - Front

Long Sleeve Tee - $16Sizes - L-XL-XXL*

Steel GreyChapter Logo - Front

Poncho - $10One Size Fits AllAny color as long

as it is NavyChapter Logo - Rear

Name:__________________________________________Checks • MoneyOrders __________________________________________________Address: __________________________City/State/Zip:______________________Tel No:_____________________Email:____________________Enter Color/Qty: Poncho________Fleece_________________Long Sleeve Tee____________ Short Sleeve Tee________Titanium Key Ring_________ Cap_________Total $________

H O L I D AY S P E C I A L !Free Shipping on all Orders

Expires Dec. 20th, 2002Mail To: NY BMW CCA PO Box 607 Westbury, NY 11590

• Logo Titanium Key Ring - "Classy" - $16• Logo F1 BMW Williams Style Racing Cap - $14• Logo Writing Instruments (Pens) - $ 8

Got questions?e-mail: [email protected]

voice: 516-792-2002

Shipping $3.50per item

* Certain Sizesand Colors

May RequireSpecial Ordering

Please contact us!

Add $3.50 Paypal Fee


BMW CCA NY ChapterPO Box 920576Arverne, NY 11692

Pre-Sorted

First Class

U.S. Postage

PAID

Westbury,

New York

Permit No. 10

SMALL CAR, INC.Factory Recognized Collision Repair Facility

154-02 41st Avenue Flushing, NY 11354Office 718 • 445 • 0070 Fax 718 • 463 • 4926

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