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.