Let there be light...

My glove box was missing the rechargeable flashlight when I bought the Bimmer, not being one to stand having things incomplete, I replaced it immediately. Not sure if I'll ever use it, but it's nice to have just in case. Cost was less than $10 form Ebay.

No Smoking Please...

As I was driving around today I decided I didn't like where my Scanguage II was placed. In it's former location, it was actually blocking the Bimmer's computer display, making it useless to me. Wanting this functionality back, I proceeded to moved the Scanguage II to an alternate location - the ashtray. Being that I'm a non smoker (going on 3 years now), this was the perfect location, and just the right size. the display is almost the same illuminated red that the BMW comes equipped with, giving it a nice OEM feel.

Flappy Fabric

Something that's been bugging me since I bought the car has been the fabric peeling off the driver's side C-Pillar. It's always flapping around when the windows are down and is just plain unsightly. Today I had some spare time so bought some fabric adhesive and got to work. Needs a little touch up here and there, but it came out quite nicely.

New Rains

Well, this week brought the first rains my car has seen since it became mine, and I unfortunately found out that my windshield wipers were no good! I ordered Bosch Icon Wipers, amazing little things, makes the glass crystal clear. The downside is I can't re-use my wind spoiler for the wiper arm. The good folks at Turner Motorsport also shipped me an ///M carbon fibre guage cluster. It was a pain to install but the look is worth it!

Junk In The Trunk

I ordered some BMW OEM parts that just arrived.

I finally got that cargo net to stop the groceries flying around in the back.

The in-trunk toolbox was missing a few peices so I completed the set by ordering the Spark Plug Wrench and Spark Plug Wrench Pin.

I also ordered an AUX input jack for the factory system, no more radio adverts or cd flipping, and I can finally get Pandora back into the car.

Post-Installation Photo

Well I've finished installing the pedals, the shift knob, the euro centre console and the aFe filter. What a difference the pedals and knob make! The filter adds a throatier intake sound as well. Also in this photo is the Scanguage II above the steering wheel.

24 Hours at Spa-Francorchamps This Weekend

This coming weekend, Team BMW Motorsport will contest the third 24-hour race of the year in Spa-Francorchamps. 2010 marks the 63rd staging of the classic in the Ardennes. BMW will be racing in the GTN class with two BMW M3 GT2 cars. Jörg Müller, Pedro Lamy and Uwe Alzen will alternate at the wheel of car number 78. The second GT sports car (number 79) will be driven by Dirk Werner, Dirk Müller and Dirk Adorf.

Golf Tee Mod

Today I performed the fabled "Golf Tee Mod" on the Bimmer. Google it if you really want to know what it is, it's far too ghetto to explain on here and remain respectable. But, wow!, what a difference it makes in the sound.

Turner Motorsport

First order from the good folks at Turner Motorsport (Thanks Doug) has arrived today. I received a few items which I believe to be in good taste and will enhance the performance, feel, and look of the Bimmer. The order includes a complete TMS pedal set, BMW ///M Anatomic Shift Knob, aFe Performance Pro5R drop-in air filter, and the centre console from a European e46 which deletes my cup holders. I will also be debadging the car. Again, emphasis here is to enhance the joy I get from driving this machine; comfort is key. Post-installation photos to follow.

Problems....

The car has had its first set back... it wont start! I took it to the good folks at Long Beach Autohaus for an inspection and repair, it was the starter. They also replaced the front control arm bushings, serpentine belt, and gave it an oil change. Good quality work and an affordable price, not to mention the diagnosis, repairs and maintenance was all completed in less than 24 hours. Now my Bimmer drives smooth and great! Thanks LB Autohaus, especially Laura and Mackenzie.

The Canvas

This is my recently purchased stock 2003 BMW 330Ci equipped with the Sport Package, Black Leather, Wood-Trimmed Interior, Adaptive Bi-Xenon Lighting, 17" Wheels, and a 5-speed Manual Transmission.

The specifications are as follows:

Engine - 3.0L Inline 6 Cylinder
Horsepower - 225 @ 5900 RPM
Torque - 214 @ 3500 RPM

The plans for this machine are simple - Have fun! No stressing about 1/4 mile times, no horsepower number competitions, no desire for 4 15' subwoofers and 3 TV monitors. No, the key here is, as BMW puts it, "Joy" I just want this car to give me joy when I press the pedal, to give me joy when I need room for groceries, to give me joy when I take it to the track. I plan to add convenience options, power, comfort, handling and storage space to this car.