InsideInside: Winter Party 2008 A BMW Fan At Macau GP Choosing Suspension Mods Photos Of A Day At...

Inside:Winter Party 2008A BMW Fan At Macau GPChoosing Suspension ModsPhotos Of A Day At Laguna Nothing On The Racing M3

Volume 37 Number 2March 2008

CPS_Addy Ad.indd 1 4/17/07 10:16:54 AM

1March 2008 Die Flüsternde Bombe

2 March 2008 3March 2008Die Flüsternde Bombe Die Flüsternde Bombe

On the cover

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Your input is encouraged! Magazine submissions deadline is the 1st of each month prior to publication.

Chapter Email List Disclosure:The Golden Gate Chapter has created an

email list from the National BMW CCA data-base to send out event announcements that don’t make it into print. We promise to respect your time and limit the frequency of these mes-sages to one or two a month.

This email list is sent to all Golden Gate chapter members who chose to provide an email address to the BMW CCA when they joined or renewed their membership. You have the option to add or remove your address from this list at any time. To add your email address visit http://lists.ggcbmwcca.org/mailman/listinfo/announce and follow the directions. To remove your address go to http://lists.ggcb-mwcca.org/mailman/options/announce, enter your email address and click on the unsub-scribe button. There is no password.

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1971-2008Golden Gate Chapter

Celebrating 37 years of BMW enthusiasm in the

Golden Gate region.

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BMW CCA members. To submit an ad, please visit Golden Gate chapter’s website: www.ggcb-mwcca.org. This magazine no longer accepts classified ads for print.

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(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 Assignments Editor at: [email protected].

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“ The Wh i spe r i ng Bomb”The Official Magazine of the Golden Gate Chapter, BMW CCA

Volume 37, No. 2 March, 2008 Die Flüsternde Bombe

Across The Board ......................................5Calendar Of Events ...................................6Announcements ........................................7Announcements ........................................9News From National ..............................10New Members .........................................20Golden Gate Chapter Financials 2007 ..........21Meanwhile, Back At The Wrench... .......23CCA Discounts ........................................25Factory Authorized BMW Dealers ......25Chapter Information ..............................26

Teen Street Survival School........11

Winter Party 2008 By Jeff Cowan Photos by Justin Collins ..............12

A BMW Fan In Macau By Bernard Wu Photos by Mary Chang ...............14

January At Laguna Seca Photos by Sean D. .......................17

The Right Street Suspension By Erik Lind ...............................18

HPDS at Laguna Seca .................28

BMW is back to the U.S. race tracks with their new racing M3 to be campaigned by Rahal-Letter-man in ALMS. (Photoshop liber-ties taken with the press image.)

Photo: BMW Press


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By Bob Goebel, Vice President

You’ve Joined A Car Club… Now What?

Everyone who joins a club joins that club for a reason. There are many reasons for joining the Golden Gate Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America. One thing

I know, we all share an appreciation for fine cars or driving at some level, and our life journey brought us to this club for a reason. For me, the journey went like this:

I grew up around cars. Road and Track was our coffee-table magazine. My dad always had a sports car of some type: a Porsche 356, a Porsche 912, a 1956 Ferrari Europa GT, and, at one time, he and his best friend, Sam, both had 1962 Jaguar XKEs. Dad’s was silver, Sam’s was gold. I can still hear the chorus of those two throaty engines as they drove down our street… and long after they disappeared from sight. Simply put, my addiction to cars traces back to my dad.

In 1992, I attended my first autocross, where my brother let me drive his Datsun 510. I was hooked! This was going to be my new sport. (I owned a 1971 Volkswagen van at the time—not really a competitive autocross vehicle.) That year, as a gift for Father’s Day, I received a Skip Barber driving school at Sears Point. It was basically a car-control clinic with an autocross thrown in for fun at the end of the day. The cars used by the school were BMW E36 325i’s—marking my first experience with BMWs. Hooked, Part Two.

I was so impressed with the way the BMW handled at the school that I went right out and purchased a 1985 E30 325e. I also joined the Golden Gate Chapter for the specific purpose of autocrossing. That’s what I wanted to do.

First, I attended one of the chapter’s safety schools—now called a car-control clinic—and then went on that year to win my class in my first autocross season with the GGC. A little later, I was asked to become a car-control clinic instructor. Hooked, Part Three!

Fast-forward fifteen years: I’m now the lead car-control-clin-ic coordinator, I work with the Tire Rack Street Survival teen-driving program, and I’m still instructing at car-control clinics. The newest road on my journey with the GGC has led to serving on the board as your vice president.

As a new board member, it’s exciting for me to see just how active our 2008 chapter calendar is. We have so many fine events for our members to come out and enjoy every month! As I write this column, we’ve just finished our first of two Laguna Seca driving schools for 2008. It’s still early in the year, and the calendar is already full with tours, picnics, a summer barbeque, autocrosses, car-control-clinics (five of ‘em!), and high-performance-driving schools at Infineon (Sears Point), Mazda Raceway (Laguna Seca), and Thunderhill Park. One event I’m particularly proud of is our fourth annual Tire Rack Street Survival teen driving school on May 31 at Monster Park (Candlestick). (See ad on page 11.)

That school will be back-to-back with our June 1 autocross and we are working on a plan that would allow a few of the teens to participate in the autocross event as well. We’ve also scheduled three more of our popular CCCs to be back-to-back with autocrosses (CCC followed the next day by autocross). This will give you a chance to practice your newly acquired skills and start making them habits. Our first back-to-back event is this month, March 29 and 30 at Monster Park.

Maybe you’re not into the driving events, but would like to see more social events. Take a look at the 2008 GGC calendar. If you don’t see an event that you would like to participate in, drop us a note and send your ideas our way. If you would like

to plan an event, we’re more than happy to help you, too. Just contact us at [email protected]; this is your club, we’re here to ensure you get the most out of it.

You never know where your journey with the Golden Gate Chapter might take you. The opportunities to have fun, make new friends, learn new skills, and to be involved are here. Your experience with the Club is whatever you want it to be.

You’ve joined a car club… what would you like to do?

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To add an event to the calendar, email your information to: [email protected]

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Dates Event /Location ContactMarch

Mar 8-9 Infineon Driving School GG Chpt Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA Billy Maher & Peter Vinsel www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 15 Board Meeting GG Chpt Gau Poang Restaurant, San Mateo Jeff Cowan www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 16 Driving School Puget Sound Pacific Raceways, Kent, WA Eric Bitte www.bmwpugetsound.com [email protected] 21-22 Club Race LA Chpt California Speedway, Fontana, CA Patrick Avakian www.bmwccaclubracing.com [email protected] Mar 22 Spring Flowers Tour GG Chpt Santa Cruz Mountains David Crum www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 24-25 Driving School Inland Empire Spokane Raceway Park, Spokane, WA Scott Adare www.iebmw.org [email protected] 29 Car Control Clinic GG Chpt Monster Park, San Francisco Bob Goebel & Grant Low www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 30 Autocross GG Chpt Monster Park, San Francisco Kris Linquist & Matt Visser www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected]

AprilApr 5-6 Driving School Sin City Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV Tim Gruber www.vegasdrivingschool.com [email protected] 8 Board Meeting GG Chpt Gau Poang Restaurant, San Mateo Jeff Cowan www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 11 Driving School Puget Sound Pacific Raceways, Kent, WA Eric Bitte www.bmwpugetsound.com [email protected] 11-13 Club Race GG Chpt Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey Mike Mills www.bmwccaclubracing.com [email protected] 12 Pinnacles Tour, Hike & Picnic GG Chpt Pinnacles National Monument, Paicines David Crum www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 19 Autocross GG Chpt Marina Municipal Airport, Marina Kris Linquist & Matt Visser www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected]

MayMay 1 Driving School Puget Sound Pacific Raceways, Kent, WA Eric Bitte www.bmwpugetsound.com [email protected] 3 Sierra Foothills Wine-Tasting Tour GG Chpt Sonora, CA Nina Torres www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 3-4 Driving School Roadrunner Chpt Phoenix International Raceway, Phoenix, AZ Rick Touton www.roadrunnerbmw.org [email protected] 10 Board Meeting GG Chpt Gau Poang Restaurant, San Mateo Jeff Cowan www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 24 Sonoma Coast Tour GG Chpt Sonoma David Crum www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 30 Driving School Central Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA Peter Kwan www.ccbmwcca.org May 31 Street Survival School GG Chpt Monster Park, San Francisco Bob Goebel www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 31 Driving School LA Chpt Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA Delight Lucas www.bmwclubla.org [email protected] 31-Jun 1 Club Race LA Chpt Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA Patrick Avakian www.bmwccaclubracing.com [email protected]

JuneJun 1 Autocross GG Chpt Monster Park, San Francisco Kris Linquist & Matt Visser www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 4 Laguna Seca Driving School GG Chpt Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey Billy Maher/Peter Vinsel www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 6-8 5er Fest 2008 Sierra Chpt Reno, NV 5er Fest www.5erfest.net [email protected] 10 Board Meeting GG Chpt Gau Poang Restaurant, San Mateo Jeff Cowan www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 21-22 Club Racing School DCI/NASA Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA Jun 21 Autocross School GG Chpt Marina Municipal Airport, Marina Kris Linquist & Matt Visser www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 22 Autocross GG Chpt Marina Municipal Airport, Marina Kris Linquist & Matt Visser www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 23-24 Driving School Inland Empire Spokane Raceway Park, Spokane, WA Scott Adare www.iebmw.org [email protected] 27-29 Driving School Sierra Chpt Reno-Fernley Raceway, Fernley, NV www.sierrabmwcarclub.org Jun 28 GGC Summer Drive & Picnic GG Chpt Los Altos Hills, CA Mike Zampiceni www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected]

JulyJul 11 Driving School Puget Sound Pacific Raceways, Kent, WA Eric Bitte www.bmwpugetsound.com [email protected] 12 Calistoga & Clear Lake Tour GG Chpt Upper Napa Valley to Clear Lake David Crum www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 12 Board Meeting GG Chpt Gau Poang Restaurant, San Mateo Jeff Cowan www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 19-20 Driving School SanDiego Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA www.sdbmwcca.com Jul 19-20 Club Race SanDiego Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA Matthew Kogan www.bmwccaclubracing.com [email protected] 19 Car Control Clinic GG Chpt Marina Municipal Airport, Marina Bob Goebel & Grant Low www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 20 Autocross GG Chpt Marina Municipal Airport, Marina Kris Linquist & Matt Visser www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected]

AugustAug 9-10 Thunderhill Driving School GG Chpt Thunderhill Raceway Park, Willows, CA Billy Maher/Peter Vinsel www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 9-10 Club Racing School GG Chpt Thunderhill Raceway Park, Willows, CA www.bmwccaclubracing.comAug 12 Board Meeting GG Chpt Gau Poang Restaurant, San Mateo Jeff Cowan www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 15 Ultimate Clean Car Contest - Concorso Italiano CC Chpt Black Horse Golf Course, Monterey, CA www.ccbmwcca.org Aug 15-17 BMW Festorics GG Chpt Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA David Crum www.ggcbmwcca.org festorics.orgAug 23 Autocross GG Chpt Marina Municipal Airport, Marina Kris Linquist & Matt Visser www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected]

SeptemberSep 13 Mt. Hamilton & Mt. Diablo Tour GG Chpt Mt. Hamilton & Mt. Diablo David Crum www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 13 Board Meeting GG Chpt Gau Poang Restaurant, San Mateo Jeff Cowan www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 20 Car Control Clinic GG Chpt Marina Municipal Airport, Marina Bob Goebel & Grant Low www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 20-21 Club Race GG Chpt Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA Mike Mills www.bmwclubracing.com [email protected] 25 Driving School Puget Sound Pacific Raceways, Kent, WA Eric Bitte www.bmwpugetsound.com [email protected]‘Sep 27-28 Driving School LA Chpt California Speedway, Fontana, CA Delight Lucas www.bmwclubla.org [email protected] 21 Autocross GG Chpt Marina Municipal Airport, Marina Kris Linquist & Matt Visser www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 23-28 BMW CCA Oktoberfest 2008 BMW CCA Watkins Glen, NY Linda Axelson www.bmwcca.org [email protected] 864 250-0022

OctoberOct 3-4 Driving School Roadrunner/Sonora Phoenix International Raceway, Phoenix, AZ Rick Touton www.roadrunnerbmw.org [email protected] 11-12 Club Racing School DCI/NASA Willow Springs Int’l Raceway, Rosamond, CA www.drivingconcepts.comOct 13-14 Driving School Inland Empire Spokane Raceway Park, Spokane, WA Scott Adare www.iebmw.org [email protected] 14 Board Meeting GG Chpt Gau Poang Restaurant, San Mateo Jeff Cowan www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 18 Car Control Clinic GG Chpt Marina Municipal Airport, Marina Bob Goebel & Grant Low www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 19 Autocross GG Chpt Marina Municipal Airport, Marina Kris Linquist & Matt Visser www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 19 Campbell Oktoberfest German Car Show Vintage VW Campbell, CA Mike Zampiceni www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 25-26 Club Race GG Chpt Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA Mike Mills www.bmwclubracing.com [email protected]

NovemberNov 1-2 Infineon Driving School GG Chpt Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA Billy Maher & Peter Vinsel www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 8-9 Club Race LA Chpt Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA Patrick Avakian www.bmwccaclubracing.com [email protected] Nov 9 Top Driver Shootout GG Chpt Marina Municipal Airport, Marina Kris Linquist & Matt Visser www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected] 15 Board Meeting GG Chpt Gau Poang Restaurant, San Mateo Jeff Cowan www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected]

DecemberDec 9 Board Meeting GG Chpt Gau Poang Restaurant, San Mateo Jeff Cowan www.ggcbmwcca.org [email protected]

Bold-faced events are Regional or National CCA events

March Board MeetingPlease join us for our board meeting on Saturday, March

15, at Gau Poang Restaurant in San Mateo. All members are welcome. Meeting begins at 11:30 a.m.; a private room is re-served under GGC BMW Car Club.

When: March 15, 11:30 a.m.Where: Gau Poang, 1208 S El Camino Real, San MateoContact: Jeff Cowan, [email protected]

Formula 1 Video Party So you say you don't have beaucoup bucks or extra time to

saunter off to foreign lands to watch a Formula 1 race? Well, we have a very practical solution for you! Do the next best thing and join us for a video showing of the season opener, the Aus-tralian Grand Prix, March 13-16. (www.grandprix.com.au)

Charlie Davis, a parts-department employee at BMW of San Francisco, has graciously offered to host a video party. The dealership is going to TiVo the race (11:30 p.m. on the 15th) and then replay it for us on large-screen TVs at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday the 16th. They've even offered us a buffet breakfast starting at 9:00 a.m.! There will most likely also be two F1-meet-up groups in attendance.

Please RSVP to your social events coordinator, Mike Zampi-ceni, by March 13. If this event is successful, the dealership may continue to offer these F1 video parties on an ongoing basis.

When: March 16, 9:00 a.m.Where: BMW of San Francisco, 1675 Howard St.,

San Francisco, 415 863-9000, www.bmwsf.com RSVP & Contact: Mike Zampiceni,

[email protected], 408 734-1565

Spring Flowers TourJoin us on the first driving tour of 2008 as we take in

the sights of Spring in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Check www.ggcbmwcca.org for more details.

When: March 22Where: Santa Cruz MountainsContact: David Crum, [email protected]

North Bay Meet & GreetCOWABUNGA! The North Bay members are getting

together in Greenbrae at Wipe Out, the surfer-theme bar and grill. Come on out and have some appetizers on the surfboard-topped tables. While we chat and watch surfing movies on the flat screens, we'll suggest some ideas for possible group outings in the North Bay area—your ideas are welcome, too!

Appetizers will be provided with no-host beverages from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All members are welcome. We'll have the room in the back of the restaurant on the right. There's plenty of parking and it's very casual—you can buy flip-flops and T-shirts at the restaurant. Full menu is available at www.wipeoutbarandgrill.com.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to North Bay rep Amanda Topper by email or phone.

When: March 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m.Where: Wipeout Bar & Grill, 302 Bon Air Shopping Center,

GreenbraeContact/RSVP: Amanda Topper, 415 279-0740,

[email protected]

Continued on next page


A Monster, Back-To-BackWhat a way to knock the rust off of your driving skills after

the long winter season! The GGC car-control clinic and auto-cross teams are getting together for two days of driving fun at the same easy-to-access location, Monster Park. Register now for the CCC on March 29 and the autocross on March 30.

As either a new or returning student to the CCC, this gives you the rare opportunity to be able to practice your CCC training the very next day at the always-entertaining GGC autocross. There’s no better way to see just how effective your new skills are.

When: March 28-29Where: Monster Park (Candlestick), San FranciscoC C C C o n t a c t : B o b G o e b e l a n d G r a n t L o w,

[email protected] Contact: Kris Linquist and Matt Visser,

[email protected] Info/Registration: www.ggcbmwcca.org

April Board MeetingPlease join us Tuesday night, April 8, at Gau Poang Restau-

rant in San Mateo board meeting. All members are welcome.Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.; a private room is reserved

under GGC BMW Car Club.When: April 8, 6:30 p.m.Where: Gau Poang, 1208 S El Camino Real, San MateoContact: Jeff Cowan, [email protected]

Club Race - Laguna SecaCome cheer on your chapter Club racers in wheel-to-wheel

road racing at Laguna Seca during the April 11-13 BMW CCA Club Race weekend.

This is “gentlemanly” racing where contact or damage of any kind results in penalties. Some would argue it takes more skill to compete in this format. Come out to beautiful Laguna Seca and judge for yourself!

BMW CCA Club Racing was started in 1995 to provide a competition venue for Club racers to drive their BMW race cars in a fun, fair, and safe environment. BMW CCA Club Racing is a self-sustaining program of the BMW Car Club of America and emphasizes driver skill, car preparation, good sportsmanship, camaraderie, and equipment preservation. During the past ten years, BMW CCA Club Racing has licensed more than 1,000 racers, and a typical season includes 35 to 40 races nationwide. For more information on BMW CCA Club Racing, please visit: www.bmwccaclubracing.com.

When: April 11-13Where: Mazda Raceway Laguna SecaContact: Mike Mills, [email protected]

Pinnacles Tour, Hike, And PicnicA scenic drive south to Pinnacles National Monument for a two-

hour hike (including the caves), followed by a potluck picnic.This tour heads south from San Jose to Pinnacles National

Monument via Hollister and Highway 25. The drive south will be early in the day, leaving plenty of time for a two-hour hike (including the caves), followed by a potluck picnic.

The intrepid will follow a route back north via King City

and the Monterey Peninsula. Others will simply reverse the morning's route back to San Jose.

Participants (by car) will be asked to bring their favorite picnic item to the potluck for all to share. Food items will be assigned so that we don't all bring dessert!

It's now time to start signing up. Pick from one of the fol-lowing categories and send an email stating what food you will be bringing and how many people will be in your car to [email protected]. As the categories are filled, they will be removed from this list.

Composed salads (potato salad, coleslaw, etc)• Hot main dishes (fried chicken, ham, fillet of tofu, etc.)• Green salads (iceberg or micro-greens, depending on •your culinary leanings) Fruit / Cheese plate (as it says)• Drinks (the lazy category: sodas, juice, lemonade, iced •tea, etc.) Dessert (dazzle us with your baking skills!)•

If you would like to participate in the tour, contact David Crum. The route map will only be distributed to those who have RSVPed.

Once you've signed up for the drive with David, head on over to http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/ggc-tours/ where you can chat with fellow "tour-ists" or get the latest news about the tour.

When: April 12Where: Paicines, CARSVP & Contact: David Crum, [email protected]

Sierra Foothills Wine-Tasting TourEnjoy Spring in the Sierra Foothills for a repeat of our 2007

tour of Calaveras County, winding to some great wine-tasting opportunities. You can read all about the fun we had on our 2007 tour in the September issue of our chapter magazine, Die Flüsternde Bombe, which can be found as a PDF at our website under Communications.

More details coming soon. Watch the website for addi-tional information.

When: May 3Where: Sonora, CAContact: Nina Torres, [email protected]

Teen Street Survival SchoolMonster Park will be the site of our third annual Tire Rack

Street Survival School—the wildly successful program for mak-ing teens safer, more effective drivers on the road.

The goals of the Street Survival program are to teach stu-dents some of the basics of car control, to enhance their enjoy-ment of driving, and to improve their competence as drivers.

During the event, students will maneuver their cars through exercises laid out using orange traffic safety cones in a closed parking lot. They will experience each exercise element several times, in order to learn from their mistakes and to improve their skills. A trained driving coach will accompany each driver to provide real-time feedback while performing maneuvers. There is no stopwatch, nor head-to-head competition with other cars—the students are here to improve their skills, not to compare themselves with someone else.

The exercise elements are laid out in advance by the event chairman and are designed to be fun, safe, challenging, and educa-

tional. Each element will teach the students a specific skill or group of skills. Sign up your teenager early (must have a valid driver’s license), this school fills up very quickly! (See ad on page 11.)

When: May 31, 8:00 a.m.Where: Monster Park, San FranciscoContact: Bob Goebel, [email protected]

A Second Laguna Seca School!GGC returns to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the second

one-day high-performance driving school. Registration opens soon. Watch the website for more details.

When: June 4, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Where: Madza Raceway Laguna Seca, MontereyContact: Mark Dadgar and Kelly Collins,

[email protected]

5er Fest Rolls To Reno When a handful of enthusiastic BMW 5 Series owners de-

cided to get together in Fort Worth, Texas, in August of 2002, they didn't know what they were starting—5er Fest. The idea behind the get-together was for this small group of 5 Series owners to meet and look at each other's cars. Friends taking the time to gather in a city park, talk about what it takes to keep one of these cars on the road, and prod each other about why they do.

The first event yielded 50 BMW E12 and E28 Fives. Planned functions included a show and shine, tech sessions, an autocross, and awards ceremony. Fort Worth's Trinity Park on the river was the setting for this event, which was to become the future for 5er Fest as an annual event.

Now, with six annual 5er Fest events gone by, owners are looking forward to the seventh event: 2008 in Reno, Nevada. Once again, we'll all drive hundreds and maybe even thousands of miles to gather and talk with our Fiver brethren, ogling what each has done—or not done—to their wonderful ‘70's and ‘80's BMW 5 Series.

More details about the 2008 event will be available soon. Check the event website for announcements, and subscribe to the 5er Fest mailing list to receive the latest news!

When: June 6-8Where: Reno, NevadaHost Hotel: John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino ResortGeneral Information: [email protected], www.5erfest.net

Autocross SchoolAn autocross school will be held on June 21 in combination

with the autocross the following day. Come out to learn and develop new skills and put them to the test at the next day's autocross. This school will teach advanced techniques and is intended for people with a minimum of three prior autocross events (GGC, SCCA, PCA, etc). If you do not qualify, consider attending one of our car-control clinics.

The autocross school will be an all-day course teaching ad-vanced autocross techniques. Students will be taken through a technically challenging course by experienced instructors who will provide in-car feedback. Some class time will be taken between sessions to teach concepts and discuss car setup.

Attendance will be limited so that all students get plenty of "seat time." Cost is yet to be determined.

We strongly encourage students to also attend the autocross

event the following day. Instructors will be available at the autocross event to work with students.

Watch the website for registration details.When: June 21, 8:00 a.m.Where: Marina Municipal Airport, Marina, CAContacts: Matt Visser & Kris Linquist,

[email protected]

Wine Country Motorsports Helmet Discount

Wine Country Motorsports at Sears Point has extended their BMW CCA 10% discount on all helmets they carry (except for Arai), plus a free helmet bag. Wine Country will happily ship for you if you know brand and size. If you are not replacing an exist-ing helmet, it is highly recommended that you visit their store in person. Fit is critical for safety when it comes to helmets!

Wine Country is NOT checking for BMW CCA member IDs, so the honor system applies here. Let's make sure we don't abuse their generosity. We need to support Wine Country like they are supporting us! We’d like to give a BIG THANKS for their support! Next time you’re at Sears Point, please stop in and thank them yourself! When calling or visiting, please ask for the "BMW Club 10% discount and free helmet bag."

Wine Country Motorsports, 28001 Arnold Dr Sonoma, CA, 707 935-7223, www.winecountrymotorsports.com

2008 Nurburgring Driving School

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The BMW CCA Nürburgring driving school gives members a chance to experience the hallowed track where the world’s best cars are perfected for production. Over its thirteen-mile length, the North Loop of the Nürburgring includes just about every type of turn known to man—over 170 in total. The so-called “Green Hell” climbs and plunges through about 1,000 feet of elevation change, and fits in a two-mile-long straight-away for good measure. There’s nothing like it!

For 2008, the school will be held August 3-6. A pre-school tour is a tradition, with visits in recent years to attractions such as BMW factories, museums, the Mobile Tradition collection, and Alpina. This year’s itinerary is still in the planning stage, but typically it starts in Munich the week before the event. Details will be announced in April.

Sign ups for this year’s event begin after 10:00 a.m. on March 26. Call the BMW CCA national office at 864 250-0022 and have your credit card ready for the $500 deposit. Check out www.magma.ca/~Phemisg/BMWNurburgringSchool.doc, or contact George Phemister at 613 746-0027, [email protected].


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FROM: Peggy Helmke, National OfficeDATE: January 24, 2008MEMBERSHIP STATS as of 1/18/2008

Full Associate TotalCurrent Membership 66,141 9,682 75,823Last Month's Membership 66,454 9,730 76,184Monthly Net Gain (Loss) -313 -48 -361Monthly % Change -0.47% -0.49% -0.47%Last Year's Membership 65,987 9,857 75,844Annual Net Gain (Loss) 154 -175 -21Annual % Change 0.23% -1.78% -0.03%2006's Membership 65,800 9,316 75,116Net Gain (Loss) for 2 years 341 366 707% Change for 2 years 0.52% 3.93% 0.94%New Members 948Renewals 48.40%Roundels Mailed 65,284

BMW CCA HAS A NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR! The

process is complete. After an exhaustive search and interview process, the BMW CCA Board of Directors extended an employ-ment offer to Frank Patek, II. Frank has accepted the offer. He will be moving to Greenville, South Carolina the last week in January and will be in position at the national office starting February 4, 2008.

Frank is an experienced executive director at the na-tional level, having held that position for the past nine years with the noted Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. In all, he has worked in the not-for-profit association field for more than fourteen years. Frank originally hails from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, and his education background includes a law degree from Duquesne University.

As he acclimates to the po-sition and becomes current on Club policies, procedures, and issues, Frank will be taking steps to get to know chapter and program officers and volunteers. You can look forward to hearing from him soon.

The search process began last year when BMW CCA re-tained a search firm that specialized in not-for-profit association executives. The search firm received more applications for the BMW CCA position than any other search they conducted in 2007. They screened the applications and conducted telephone interviews to reduce the number of candidates. This was fol-lowed by selected in-person interviews, background checks, and reference checking. In November 2007, the BMW CCA executive-director-search committee was presented with four fi-nalist candidates. The search committee interviewed those four over a two-day period, and then made their recommendation to the full board of directors. Finally, during their recent meeting on January 19, 2008 in Greenville, the full board interviewed Mr. Patek in person, and then voted to approve his hiring. The National Office staff is excited about our new executive director and is looking forward to great things to come.

BMW CCA WEBSITE BMWCCA 2.0, the Club’s new web-site, is still experiencing some teething pains. Small glitches, most of which involve website integration with the Club's iMIS database, have required additional code to be written. This affects final testing, submission of classified ads, and the sub-sequent launch. Keep checking www.bmwcca.org for news.

OKTOBERFEST 2008 IN HISTORIC WATKINS GLEN, NY, SEPTEMBER 23 – SEPTEMBER 27, 2008: Planning con-tinues at a rapid pace for Oktoberfest 2008, and it looks like this is going to be a memorable event.

There is already a buzz about the event around the country. It's a gorgeous location, and September in New York's Finger Lakes Region is a great time to be there. The area is famous for its wineries and we'll take advantage of that. Watkins Glen was the site of the first post-World War II road racing in the U.S. You can still drive (at legal speeds) the original six-plus mile road course through the village and up around the surround-ing hills and countryside.

The driving schools and Club Races are on the same track that was home to the United States Grand Prix for many years,

and still hosts the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, Rolex Grand Am endur-ance race, Speed World Challenge, and more. Whether you participate in the driving events, show your car, compete in the Club Races, get to-gether with your BMW CCA friends (and make new ones), explore Watkins Glen State Park, take a wine tour, or just enjoy the Finger Lakes region, we have what you need for a terrific trip. The evening receptions and din-ners will have all the fun of a tradi-tional Oktoberfest, but with some new twists. You don't want to miss it!

To keep informed, we have an Ofest ‘08 mailing list that you can subscribe to—an announcement-only list. To subscribe to this list, send a message to: [email protected] with the word “subscribe” in the subject line. Or keep up to date by checking the dedicated website that’s designed to be the complete Oktoberfest reference and guide. www.bmwccaofest.org

BMW CCA’s new executive director Frank Patek took the helm at the national office at the start of February.

Want to Make Your Teen a Safer, Smarter Driver?Give themStreet Survival™ skills!

Street Survival™ School Program Guide

The goals of the Street Survival program are to teach students some of the basics of car control, to enhance their enjoyment of driving, and to improve their competence as drivers. We want the students to understand how their actions govern a car's responses, and thereby become safer, more effec-tive drivers on the road.

During the event, students will maneuver their cars through exercises laid out using orange traffic safety cones in a closed parking lot. They will experience each exercise element several times in order to learn from their mistakes and to improve their skills. A trained driving coach will accompany each driver to provide real-time feed-back as performing maneuvers. There is no stop-watch nor head-to-head competition with other cars. The students are here to improve their skills, not to compare themselves with someone else.

The exercise elements are laid out in advance by the event organizer and are designed to be fun, safe, challenging, and educational. Each element will teach the students a specific skill or group of skills.

Safety is our prime concern!

Space is limited. Register at: www.streetsurvival.org

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.: Registration and car safety/tech inspection.

9:00 – 9:45 a.m.: Classroom instruction, exercise and language/terms familiarization.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Hands-on car control instruction on a closed course.

12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.: Lunch

1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: More hands-on car control instruction on a closed course and graduation.

Event Schedule:

Check out the Street Survival video promo featuring the GGC instructor core at: www.streetsurvival.org

Previous GGC Street Survival™ School articles can be found in the September 2005, July 2006, and July 2007 issues of the Bombe, available in pdf format at the GGC website under the Communications link.

What: Street Survival™ is a safe teen driving and car-control program for licensed drivers 16 to 19-years old.

Sponsored by the Tire Rack in association with the BMW Car Club of America (BMW CCA) Foundation, a 501c(3) public chari-table foundation, in partnership with the BMW CCA Golden Gate Chapter.

You don’t have to be a member or own a BMW (no SUVs). However, all students must have a valid driver’s license. Sorry, no exceptions.

Candlestick (Monster) Park. Take any Mon-ster Park exit from Highway 101. Look for us in the parking lot.

Saturday, May 31, 2008. 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

$60 includes event fee, lunch, and a one-year membership to the BMW Car Club.

Online only: www.StreetSurvival.org For more info, contact: [email protected] 864 329-1919.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driv-ing (MADD), 36.4% of all teen accidents are alcohol-related. Street Survival’s mission is to reduce the other 63.6% of teen accidents caused by driver error.

Street Survival™ goes beyond drivers’ ed to teach teens to avoid accidents before they happen.

Street Survival™ is a unique hands-on driving experience that puts each student behind the wheel of his or her own car with a trained driving instructor one-on-one, all day.

The instruction takes place on a closed, wet-down parking lot, so teens can experi-ence emergency driving situations in a controlled environment. We teach skid control, ABS braking, accident avoidance, and emergency lane changes among many other good driving skills and habits.

When:Cost:

Register:

Why:Why:Why:

Who:

Where:

ing (MADD), 36.4% of all teen accidents are

to teach teens to avoid accidents before

driving experience that puts each student

wet-down parking lot, so teens can experi

12 March 2008 13March 2008Die Flüsternde Bombe Die Flüsternde Bombe12 March 2008 13March 2008Die Flüsternde Bombe Die Flüsternde Bombe

By Jeff Cowan

The San Jose Capital Club was the backdrop for our chapter’s annual winter party this year. The Capital Club is located on the top floor of the Knight Ridder building and provides stunning panoramic views of

the city and valley as far as the eye can see. As guests entered the club, Nina Torres and Mary Sandkohl,

our cheerful registration staff, greeted everyone as they entered the main lobby and gathering area. The clubroom’s unique layout was perfect for our members to gather and chat during our cocktail and passed-appetizer reception.

The library room adjacent to the lobby housed the ticket-recepta-cle baskets for the 25 raffle prizes donated by chapter sponsors and members. Guests were given three raffle tickets when they checked in, with an option to buy more. The mix of prizes included BMW-logo key chains and clothing, discount coupons from BMW service shops from all over the Bay Area, automotive-detailing products, golf passes, a GGC high-performance driving school entry, and—the most popular of all—a free set of DOT-legal competition tires from Toyo Tires (thanks to Satch Carlson for working that one out for us!).

As the evening progressed into dinner, the partygoers migrated to the elegant main dinning room. The three-course meal was out-standing, as was the service by the club staff.

Just as dessert was served, we invited our guest speaker to the podium. Dr. Jan Tribelowski from the BMW Technology Office in Palo Alto proceeded to enlighten us with a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of the incredible new BluePerformance diesel engines coming to the U.S. in the Fall of 2008. His presenta-tion showed that, in Europe, the BMW 318d is more efficient than the top three most popular hybrid cars in the market today. And with clever animation, Jan’s Powerpoint show illustrated how the fuel and air move through the components of the engine to be processed in the exhaust stream, resulting in a staggeringly low emissions output. The new BMW diesel engines are 99% more ef-ficient than the first diesels BMW brought to the U.S. back in 1983. These BluePerformance diesels will meet and exceed all 50-state emissions regulations!

The evening finished up with a little Chapter business as I took the podium in my new role as chapter president. Because the win-ter party is one of the largest social events outside of our annual Festorics in August, I polled the group on a couple of questions. We learned that the range of membership of our guests in attendance stretched from as recent as the last twelve months, to twenty-five years! For a handful of people, this was the first chapter event at-tended. We hope to see more of them at future events!

Then I went on to a round of thanks to the party organizers who are listed in the sidebar. Mark Dadgar followed by giving a very-special-thank-you speech to outgoing chapter president Mike Mills, who was unable to attend due to a delayed flight. Kris Linquist fol-lowed by announcing the 2007 season autocross winners. The final thanks of the night were given to our special volunteers for 2007, whom we presented with appreciation awards. (See sidebar.)

We ended the evening with a rousing and entertaining raffle prize giveaway—and danged if Peter Vinsel (new co-chief driving instructor) didn’t win those awesome Toyo Tires! (Those were mine, I tell you!)

Thank you to everyone who made the evening possible: to the volunteers who organized the party, to all the sponsors generously donating raffle prizes, and to all our members who attended. I hope you all had a great time and I look forward to seeing you at next year’s party… and other 2008 BMW CCA events!

Photos by Justin Collins

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Outstanding volunteers for 2007:Kelly Collins – driving-events support

David Crum – tours coordinatorBob Goebel – car-control clinic coordinator and

Street Survival School organizerChris Goelkel – track logistics

Kris Linquist – autocross coordinatorBruce Nesbit – co-chief driving instructor

Sven Schindler – Festorics websiteMatt Visser – autocross coordinator

Outstanding volunteers for 2007:

Bob Goebel – car-control clinic coordinator and

Bruce Nesbit – co-chief driving instructor

Special thanks to:Kelly Collins – event coordinatorJeff Cowan – event coordinator

Tammi Hull – accountingNina Torres and Mary Sandkohl – reg-

istration and decorationsMike Zampiceni – raffle prize coordinatorJulie Grantz – graphic design, Bombe ad

Outgoing board member recognition:Mike Mills - president

Jonathan Bensen - vice president

Jeff Cow

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Jeff Cow

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Jeff Cow

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13March 2008 Die Flüsternde Bombe


Only an hour away from Hong Kong by hydrofoil is the Macau Grand Prix, an annual race featuring the final races in the FIA World Touring Car Champi-onship (WTCC), the Formula 3 championship, the

Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, and the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. The Macau circuit, known for being the only street-racing venue in which both car and motorcycle races are held, is a challenging 3.8-mile course through the city streets and Guia-Hill hillside of Macau. Deemed one of the most demanding circuits in the world, the Formula 3 race at the Macau GP has been witness to many future Formula 1 drivers such as Gerhard Berger, Michael Schumacher, Mika Häkkinen, David Coulthard, Ralf Schumacher, Takuma Sato, Nico Rosberg, and Lewis Hamilton.

Dieter Quester was the first BMW factory driver to win at Macau in a Formula 2 BMW F270 in 1970. The next win for BMW came in the Touring Class in 1980 by Hans Stuck in a BMW 320i, thus starting a succession of victories for BMW touring cars—21 additional triumphs through 2006. Steve Soper—former race driver and special guest at BMW CCA’s 2007 Oktoberfest—was also a longtime Macau Grand Prix veteran; he competed in Macau for several years as a BMW-factory driver for Team Schnitzer (E30) M3, (E36) 318i, and a (E36) 320i, and still holds the Guia Race lap record made in 1997 in the 320i.

The Macau Grand Prix was the first event to introduce me to the world of motor racing. It ignited my deep passion for driving. As a child growing up in Hong Kong, I would be glued to the television watching the Macau Grand Prix each third weekend of November. My earliest exposure to concepts such as braking point, turn-in point, and apex came from watching such great racing legends as Ayrton Senna, Hans Stuck, and Emmanuel Pirro. So, when I got the opportunity to return to Hong Kong on my honeymoon to intro-

duce Mary Chang, my new bride, to my family in 2007, I made sure that it also coincided with the 54th Macau Grand Prix weekend.

Just as in 2005 and 2006, the BMW national teams were in pursuit of the world-championship crown for 2007, with the championship to be decided in Macau during the final round of the WTCC. Prior to the WTCC race in Macau, BMW was only leading the Manufacturers’ Championship by ten points with 237 points, followed closely by SEAT (227), Chevrolet (193), and then Alfa Romeo (111).

Being a proud BMW owner and BMW CCA member, I’m very eager to show my support for the team as I arrive for the race. All three BMW national teams—Germany, UK, and Italy-Spain—need to do well in Macau in order to repeat last year’s performance and win the 2007 Manufacturers’ Championship. As for the 2007 Drivers’ Cham-pionship, it’s as close as the Manufacturers’ Championship:Andy Priaulx (BMW Team UK driver and two-time WTCC Champion) is tied for the lead with Yvan Muller (SEAT Factory Team) at 81 points, followed by Augusto Farfus, Jr. (BMW Team Germany) at 71 points, James Thompson (N Technology Alfa Romeo team) at 69, and Jörg Müller (BMW Team Germany driver and last year’s championship runner-up) at 66.

Friday, November 16We arrive in Macau in the after-

noon via hydrofoil from Hong Kong, just in time for the race weekend. As we step outside the ferry terminal, I immediately notice how much Macau has changed since my last visit in 1995. Now officially part of China, Macau’s coast line has recently been expanded significantly through land reclamation projects to make room for infrastruc-

ture developments for the mega-gaming establishments. The former Portuguese colony is now populated with commercial buildings and new casinos such as Sands, Wynn, and Venetian, which all resemble their U.S. counterparts in Las Vegas.

Fortunately, none of these devel-opments have altered the famous Guia race circuit. Race drivers still need to tackle the blind and twisty turns on the hillside and the high-speed straights and turns along the coastline. To a certain extent, the circuit’s natural layout does resemble the Monaco cir-cuit in Monte Carlo—only with more blind corners and long straights.

Jet lag begins to kick in—we left San Francisco only 48 hours ago!—so we head to the hotel on Coloane Island to rest. For dinner, we feast on authentic Portuguese food and Sangria at a famous local restaurant called Fernando’s on Black Sand Beach. Our Saturday is spent doing some local sight-seeing and Chinese food tasting.

Sunday, November 17: Race dayDon’t tell Mary, but this is the day I have been most anticipating

since the beginning of the trip. The combination of jet lag and my excitement about the race results in my waking up six times during the night, afraid of oversleeping and missing the morning events.

7:30 a.m.: The time to head to the event is finally here! We take the hotel shuttle bus and arrive at the circuit entrance thirty min-utes later.

8:30 a.m.: After a quick breakfast (Ma-canese style) of Por-tuguese egg tart, roast pork bun, and a cup

of Chinese tea, we immediately head to the paddock area for a visit. It’s already packed with race cars and mechanics busy pre-paring for their respective events. Various Formula 3 teams are preparing for their race in the afternoon. Several Porsche teams make their final preparations for the Porsche-Carrera-Cup-Asia race later in the morning. The World Touring Car teams (Alfa Romeo, BMW, Chevrolet, and SEAT) prepare for their morning warm-up sessions as well.

After making a quick tour of all the different garages, we hang out around the BMW Team Germany’s and BMW Team UK’s garages, which gives me the chance to inspect the carbon-fiber-armored Schnitzer (E90) 320si race cars in more detail. These are the most highly modified and beautiful E90 race cars I’ve ever seen: All body panels, doors, hood, and rear wing are made of carbon fiber; the fenders are flared just like the new E90 M3; and they bear stout factory roll cages, massive cross-drilled brake rotors with four-piston calipers, and four-way adjustable suspension with individual reservoir—all the bells and whistles I’d like to have on my BMW for the next track event! Despite only having a four-cylinder (P45) engine with a 2.0-liter displacement (to comply with FIA WTCC homologation rules), the car cranks out 275 horsepower.

9:00 a.m.: We bump into the Boss—Dr. Mario Theissen, head of BMW Motorsport. We introduced ourselves as BMW CCA Golden Gate Chapter members who have come to support BMW in the race. He’s quite friendly and spends some time chatting with us. How cool is this?!

9:15 a.m.: I do the “Peter-Windsor-starting-grid walk” for the Porsche-Carrera-Cup-Asia race, checking out the cars and drivers as they make their last-minute preparations prior to the start of the race. Then Mary and I watch the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia race (ten laps) from the rooftop of one of the buildings on the circuit. 2005 Carrera Cup Champion and Hong Kong driver Donald O’Young starts from pole and wins the race.

11:15 a.m.: Doing the Peter Windsor walk again, this time for the starting grid of the first leg of the WTCC race, I check out the BMW boys and their cars as they make their last-minute preparations for the race. Mary and I watch the nine laps of the WTCC race from near the race control tower.

It’s a disappointing start for the BMWs. They’re carrying maximum weight ballasts (60 kilograms per car) as a result of their prior race success and have a tough time getting a good position early in the race. The SEAT and Chevrolet boys dominate the first four places from the start. While in fourth place, Augusto Farfus

By Bernard WuPhotos by Mary Chang and Bernard Wu

A BMW Fan In Macau

Macau GP Press

Macau GP Press

The Macau circuit is known for being the only street-racing venue in which both car and motorcycle races are held... and for being one of the most demanding circuits in the world.

Meeting and chatting with both Andy Priaulx and Dr. Mario Theissen makes the trip complete..


Jr (BMW Team Germany) crashes after his BMW is bumped from behind by Gabriele Tarquini (SEAT) as they exit Lisboa Bend. Yvan Muller (SEAT), points co-leader, is in the second spot, but retires one lap before the finish due to mechanical failure. This moves Andy Priaulx (BMW Team UK) up to eighth place, where he eventually finishes. Alain Menu (Chevrolet) wins the race, with Gabriele Tarquini (SEAT) and Robert Huff (Chevrolet) finishing second and third, respectively.

Due to the WTCC’s reverse-grid format for the top eight finishers, Priaulx’ finish gives him the pole position for the start on the second leg in the nine-lap WTCC race.

12:45 p.m.: After lunch, Mary and I are anxious to see the outcome of the final WTCC race, and return to our rooftop perch to watch the race. Priaulx leads from the beginning from his pole posi-tion. The great Alex Zanardi (BMW Team Italy/Spain) crashes out of the race in lap three near Curva de Maria (Maria’s Bend). Jörg Müller (BMW Team Germany) has mechanical problems and finishes twen-tieth. Nicola Larini (Chevrolet) and James Thompson (Alfa Romeo) finish second and third, respectively. Priaulx dominates the lead spot the entire race, taking the win and a record third-straight world champion-ship! To add to the successful day for Pri-aulx, the combined results of the two races gives BMW their third-straight WTCC Manufacturers’ Championship with 255

points, followed by SEAT with 249 points, and Chevrolet with 218 points.

After celebrating the double BMW championship, we watch what could be the future of racing. The amazing 700-horse-power Toyota Supra HV-R hybrid SuperGT race car zips through the circuit impressing the crowd with its demonstration laps. Last July, it became the first hybrid to ever win a professional race when it took first place by nineteen laps in the 2007 Tokashi 24 Hour Race. It weighs 2,380 pounds and is quite different from road-going hybrids. Instead of batteries, it uses a quick-charging capacitor system and relies heavily on the four-wheel energy regeneration system, designed to ef-ficiently recover a greater amount of the car’s energy during rapid deceleration.

3:30 p.m: The Formula 3 race (fifteen laps), which attracts the best young driv-ers from Europe and Japan, begins. British driver Oliver Jarvis leads from the begin-ning to the end of the race. Watch out for this kid; he may move up to compete in Formula 1 sometime in the future.

5:00 p.m.: What a day! We’ve seen all the races, been lucky enough to be able to check out all the beautiful race cars up close in the paddock, and personally meet BMW’s team boss, Dr. Theissen, as well as Macau-GP and WTCC-champion Andy Priaulx! Both Mary and I are exhausted by the end of race day. It’s time to head back to our hotel.

8:30 p.m.: Very tired; immediately after dinner I go to bed with a BIG smile on my face. Has this trip to my racing Mecca been worth it? The sixteen-hour plane ride from San Francisco to Hong Kong, the ferry ride from Hong Kong to Macau, the packing and unpacking luggage, the jet lag—is a single day of racing worth all the hassle?

You bet! It’s been more than a dream come true for me to attend the grand prix of my childhood dreams—with my wonderful wife on our honeymoon, no less!

16 March 2008Die Flüsternde Bombe

Thanks to everyone who came out to Laguna Seca January 21. It was great to get a dry last session to end the day on a high note. ~Mark Dadgar, GGC driving events coordinator

Ditto on the "thanks." I had two great students and, as a bonus, had a hilariously fun ride with a fellow instruc-tor in the "Wental Wabbit." Grin. Even with the rain and cold, it beat being at work! ~Jim Bassett, GGC driving instructor

As usual, GGC BMW CCA put together another great track day. Thanks to all who participated in and organized the event. Driving in the rain made the day even more en-joyable. Thank you to my instructor Tony. I hope he enjoyed the day as much as I did. Big grin. ~Matt M., student

Nice job summing it up, Matt. Except, if I thank Tony instead of John Larson, John might get a little jealous. Wink. Good job, everyone! ~Jeff Connor, student

Agreed! I was a little bummed at the weather after the first session. HOWEVER, things came together nicely for session 2—even though it was raining, Kieran and I were having a BALL in the car.

The drier session 3 and dry session 4 were a nice capper. I only wish I could have had one or two more sessions! As always —great school, great instructor. Thanks guys! ~Zack Steinkamp, student

Thanks for putting on a great school. My only com-plaint is that it was only one day... I need to go back and build on what I learned. ~Walter Ford, student

Great learning experience due to the variety of condi-tions on track. Awesome work by the team to organize the event, and thanks to all the instructors. See you all at Sears Point! Big grin. ~John Seratt, student

January At Laguna SecaPhotos by Sean D.

Macau GP Press

These are the most highly modified and beautiful E90 race cars I’ve ever seen.

BMW Team driver Andy Praiulx leads the pack to capture his third World Touring Car Championship.


Factory shocks on nearly every BMW are great when they are brand new, but degrade rapidly and are generally toast by the aforementioned 70,000 miles. City driving, autocrossing, or spirited driving can wear the compo-

nents out even sooner. Most drivers who have had their cars since new don’t recognize the issues because the degradation happens over time. A noise, vibration, or bad tire wear will normally be the symptom that leads them to a shop.

So where do you start? It’s important to note that there are many components of the suspension that account for handling, feel, noise, and safety, and they should be viewed as a system. While shocks provide the most obvious and noticeable change in the characteristics of the vehicle, there are many other items that should be addressed prior to replacing the shocks. Here are some of the basics:

Rear Trailing Arm Bushings (RTABs): These bushings locate the rear trailing arms in E36 and E46 3 Series, and Z4s. Bad bush-ings eventually tear all the way through and can cause extensive sheet-metal damage (think $1,200-$1,500 to repair). Indicators are a car that “steers itself” when applying power in a corner, bad rear tire wear/cupping, and occasionally noise from the rear of the car. Replacing these bushings with factory E46 M3 bushings and a set of Delrin limiting shims will restore the planted feeling in the back of the car. The shims help to prevent deflection and prolong the life of your RTABs.

Rear Shock Mounts (RSMs): Mostly an issue on E30/E36/E46 3 Series and Z3/Z4 cars, the rear shock mounts notoriously fail and can lead to torn mounting points in the trunk. Symptoms include a wallowing rear suspension and knocking sounds from the rear of the car when going over small bumps and speed bumps. Rein-

forced, aftermarket mounts are available for about the same cost as stock, and will last forever. These are parts that get replaced when installing shocks.

Thrust Arms: All BMW 5, 6, and 7 Series cars suffer from weak thrust arm bushings. Depending on mileage and the condition of the outer ball joint, replacement of the whole arm may be prudent. We strongly recommend replacing the bushings with aftermarket units from Powerflex. These polyurethane bushings will last forever and completely transform the accuracy of the front end. While they may ride a tad bit more harshly, most folks have no complaints and can only comment on how much better the front feels. Symptoms of bad thrust arms include a shudder under braking (nope, it's not the rotors!) and a knocking sound from the front end at slow speeds.

General Components: Ball joints, control arms, wheel bearings, sway bar end links, rear camber arms, etc. should all be checked periodically for wear and play. Nasty potholes and track time will shorten the interval.

Okay, so now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about shocks. There are a few options out there for your Bimmer. You have stock, Koni, Bilstein, or Monroe etc, and some of the more sophis-ticated coilover setups. For the purposes of this article, we will not discuss coilovers as we are focused on street cars and restoring the ride and handling of your daily driver.

Stock: In a word, “NO.” Here’s why: They are pretty expensive, they don’t last all that long (which is why we are doing them any-way), and if you decide to install lowering springs, you are hosed. Installing lowering springs with stock shocks will certainly give you that lowered look you may desire, but at the price of drivability. Stock shocks are designed to be matched with stock springs. All that and they don’t work as well as the Konis or Bilsteins.

Koni: If you drive a lighter weight car like an E36/E46/Z3, Konis seem to work the best. They are not as harsh as Bilsteins over the small bumps we have here in the Bay Area. They come in Sports (which are rebound adjustable) and, for many models, the super-trick Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) shock. Both types will accommodate a lowering spring and they both carry a lifetime warranty. (FSDs come in a package with Eibach Springs.)

Bilstein: These are the old standard. Well built, monotube shocks that are almost indestructible. They work great on heavier cars like the 5 and 7 Series cars and work fine on the E30, E28, and 2002s, also. With a lifetime warranty, but no adjustability, Bilsteins come in OE, Sport, Touring, and Heavy Duty—depending on the application. Sports will accommodate lowering springs.

Monroe, etc.: These are lower-priced alternatives and may work as well or better than stock. But, c’mon… this is a BMW.

Once you get the work done, have a competent technician per-form the alignment. There is a huge difference between a car that is “in spec” and one that is properly aligned. A good technician can optimize tire wear, performance, and even oversteer characteristics with the factory adjustability.

Now that you have invested $1,000-plus in your BMW, what should you expect? Most folks drive their cars home and simply can’t believe how much better the car feels. Better handling, better ride quality, no more bottoming out over speed bumps. Everything is better. You owe it to yourself and your BMW to keep the suspen-sion in tip-top shape—go ahead, reward yourself!!

Erik Lind is co-founder of EDGE Motorworks in Dublin, California, and has been building and racing cars since before he was old enough to drive. His project M3 placed sixth at the 2004 Solo2 Nationals with co-driver, and GGC member, Richard Vijeh behind the wheel. You can see Erik and his orange-and-black SCCA X-prepared M3 screaming around the cones at the GGC autocrosses.

You love your Bimmer, and you know it’s one of the best-handling cars in the world, right? What if I told you that you might be riding around on worn-out suspension, and the car could—and should—feel better than it does? If your BMW has more than 70,000 miles on it and still has the stock shocks, that’s exactly the case.

By Erik LindChoosing The Right Street Suspension

Torn subframe bushings make the rear of the carwiggly and sometimes noisy.

Koni and Bilstein make for excellent choices when replacing old OEM shocks on your BMW.

A knocking noise will let you know there’s a tear in a E36/E46/Z3/4 rear shock mount.

A torn E36/46/Z4 rear trailing arm bushing can get expensive quickly!

20 March 2008 21March 2008Die Flüsternde Bombe Die Flüsternde Bombe 21March 2008

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Last First City Model Model Refered ByAllen Link San Rafael 325Ti 2004 Amezcua Carlos Salinas M 2007 Askew Stephen San Francisco Bandet Henry Atherton Behnke Josh Sunnyvale 335i 2008 Kelly CollinsBenedetti Phillip Pismo Beach 550i 2006 Bernardini Josh Larkspur 325Ti 2004 Bioux Emmanuel San Francisco 335i 2007 Brusaw Larry Fremont M5 2001 Busche Karl Dublin 325is 1989 Chamaki Gil Morgan Hill 745i 2002 Cull Pete Petaluma 760Li 2008 Doersch Paul Palo Alto M3 1999 Duggan James San Jose Duggins Derrick San Francisco 528e 1984 Ebrahimi Kevin Oakland 528i 2008 Ervin Jacob San Ramon 325i 2006 Evans Peter Oakland Z8 2001 Fu Steel San Francisco M3 1996 Gremp Randall Calistoga 2002 1974 Hammond Ryan San Jose 330i 2001 He Yizhou San Bruno 328i 2007 Gary KoHoff David Scotts Valley 330Xi 2003 Hynote Robert Napa 330Xi 2001 Inglis Michael Monte Sereno Alpina B7 2008 John Andrew San Francisco John KloostermanKane Maureen San Francisco Kim Doug Fremont M5 2001 Byong ParkKoch Darren Emeryville Z4 2006 Lara Jesus San Francisco M Rdstr 2006 Lavasani Minoo San Jose Lee Derek Oakland Libove Robert Half Moon Bay 740iL 2000

Lin Tony Milpitas M3 2001 Locke Dustin Capitola 325ic 1994 Maher Daniel Pleasant Hill 335i 2008 Martin Bryab San Jose RX8 2007 Maskiell Chris Pleasanton McLaughlin James Concord M3 1989 Miller Michael San Rafael X5 2007 Montalvo Cindy El Cerrito Z4 3.0 2004 Julie GrantzMorton Todd Bellevue, WA X5 2005 Muldoon Jeremy Clayton M3 1999 Mun Haejung Monterey Munsterteiger Barry Belmont M3 2004 Nugent Paul Campbell 525i 2002 Opuhac Dubravka Orinda 330Ci 2005 Dan AlbertOrdonneau Vincent San Francisco Z4 2003 Park John San Francisco 325i 1990 Pasadis Demosthenes Glen Ellen 328i 2008 Athan Pasa-disPasos Douglas Union City M3 1995 Patman Keith Lemoore M3 1995 Robb Thomas Avila Beach Rodriguez Alicia Rodeo 323i 2000 Ross Alan Lafayette M3 2006 Rowlett Bret Santa Rosa Semaan Jamil Fremont Shin Jinuk San Jose 330i 2001 Souder Craig Walnut Creek 328i 2007 Standring Jim Crescent City Tandaguen Jeff Suisun City M3 2005 Tom George Menlo Park Wise Thomas Novato Wongsonegoro Tjahjadi Santa Clara 330i 2006 Young Matt San Francisco 335Xi 2007 Zimmerman Jason San Francisco X3 2006

TRACK STAR

2139-D OLD MIDDLEFIELD WAYMOUNTAIN VIEW CA

RACING

Steve Casaletto

PERSONALIZEDQUALITY CARE FOR YOUR

STREET OR TRACK BMW

[email protected]

BMW FACTORY TRAINED MASTER TECHNICIAN

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Ordinary Income/Expense Income Autocross entry fees 35,065.00 Car control clinic entry fees cancellation fee 180.00 entry fees 21,050.00 refunds -1,010.00 Total Car control clinic entry fees 20,220.00 Club racing income racer fees 20,600.00 refunds -950.00 surcharges 1,660.00 Total Club racing income 21,310.00 Dinner & lunch fees dinner fees 3,258.00 dinner refunds -168.00 lunch fees 901.00 lunch refunds -34.00 Total Dinner & lunch fees 3,957.00 Driving schools cxl. fees 650.00 Driving schools entry fees entry fees 181,805.00 refunds -6,490.00 Total Driving schools entry fees 175,315.00 Holiday Party income dinners 7,740.00 Total Holiday Party income 7,740.00 Membership dues income 66,482.68 Newsletter advertising revenue 36,800.00 Newsletter reimb from National 1,304.86 Tour income 1,344.00 Total Income 370,188.54

Expense Autocross expenses awards 526.89 insurance 2,200.00 lodging 1,428.13 lunches 4,143.08 processing fees 2,267.90 refunds 225.00 site rental 13,690.00 supplies 1,898.43 truck fuel 807.85 Total Autocross expenses 27,187.28 Awards 260.48 Bank charges 3.00 Car control clinic expenses instructor expenses 867.00 insurance 1,100.00 lunches 2,830.04 processing fees 1,199.20 shirts 948.79 Site rental 8,114.00 supplies 280.83 truck fuel 82.73 Total Car control clinic expenses 15,422.59 Club racing expenses BBQ 537.85 event fees 11,500.00 processing fees 942.75 steward expenses 938.73 Total Club racing expenses 13,919.33 Conference expense 47.56 Donations 3.00 Driving schools ambulance 7,689.97 classroom rental 700.00 communications 1,800.00 control 300.00 corner workers 12,927.00 electrical 400.00 fire crew 10,150.00 food and beverages (lunches) 10,753.39 gas attendant 150.00 instructor & staff lodging 18,542.59 instructor shirts 2,625.00 insurance 5,600.00 luxury restroom 250.00 meeting expenses 1,214.98 numbers 2,869.98 processing fees 7,759.63 public address system 1,650.00 registration expenses 944.58 Saturday night dinners 14,733.65 security 2,210.00 supplies 756.79 towing 1,600.00 track rental 65,700.00 track supervisor 500.00 truck fuel 970.57 Total Driving schools 172,798.13 Habitat for Humanity 50.20 Holiday Party 10,437.64 Insurance expense D&O 667.96 Total Insurance expense 667.96 Meeting expenses 530.38 Member expenses 95.00 Membership chair expenses 12.85 Newsletter advertising commissions 5,845.05 editor services 20,000.00 mailing 2,094.70 postage 17,883.91 printing 47,053.00 processing fees 54.75 production expenses 180.00 Total Newsletter 93,111.41 P.O. Box rental & service 200.00 Taxes, licenses & fees 30.00 Tour expenses event costs 1,424.00 insurance 0.00 Total Tour expenses 1,424.00 Treasurer expenses postage 86.00 Total Treasurer expenses 86.00 Truck & trailer expenses DMV registration 447.00 fuel 20.00 Insurance, truck and trailer 2,263.00 lease 6,748.72 Storage - annual 3,663.34 Trailer repairs & supplies 239.90 Truck repairs & supplies 402.09 Total Truck & trailer expenses 13,784.05 Web hosting expense 29.85 Total Expense 350,100.71 Net Ordinary Income 20,087.83 Other Income/Expense Other Expense Festorics loss 3,246.72 Total Other Expense 3,246.72 Net Other Income -3,246.72Net Income 16,841.11

Golden Gate Chapter Income & Expenses For January - December 2007

ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings Festorics bank account 306.83 Washington Mutual 65,227.31 Total Checking/Savings 65,534.14 Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable 37,329.00 Total Accounts Receivable 37,329.00 Other Current Assets Festorics A/R 1,783.00 Prepaid driving school expenses 1,733.80 Prepaid holiday party expenses 4,724.26 Prepaid tour expenses 300.00 Total Other Current Assets 8,541.06 Total Current Assets 111,404.20 Fixed Assets Communicators 1,500.00 Traffic light 1,694.91 Trailer 30,158.00 Total Fixed Assets 33,352.91 Other Assets Reserve for compressor replacem 1,000.00 Reserve for generator replaceme 1,500.00 Total Other Assets 2,500.00TOTAL ASSETS 147,257.11LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities Club race entry fee credits 1,300.00 Membership dues payable 240.00 Prepaid driving sch. fees, net 16,042.48 Prepaid Holiday Party income 650.00 Total Other Current Liabilities 18,232.48 Total Current Liabilities 18,232.48 Long Term Liabilities Liability - compressor replacem 1,000.00 Liability - generator replaceme 1,500.00 Total Long Term Liabilities 2,500.00 Total Liabilities 20,732.48 Equity *Retained Earnings 109,683.52 Net Income 16,841.11 Total Equity 126,524.63TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 147,257.11

Golden Gate Chapter Balance Sheet as of Dec 31, 07

Golden Gate Chapter Financials 2007


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Email your questions to: [email protected]

By Jonathan Bush

Notes On Otto The Snow Dog

In my last column, I introduced you to Otto, the 1991 E30 318is. He came to us via Craigslist as the second “real” car in the fleet. My initial feelings upon first meeting

him have proven correct: Otto is just a good car that wanted to come live with an enthusiast.

Otto starts in every kind of weather, regardless of tempera-ture, wind chill, or amount of time he has been sitting outside. This is amazing to me, and further evidence of his Good-Car status. I had forgotten a lot of the things that make the four-cylinder M42-powered E30s different than the six-cylinder M20-powered E30s. They are certainly louder, since they have almost no heavy sound-deadening material. I find myself adjusting the stereo volume more than in other cars (see below about hating the volume control). Of course, since an M42 weighs less than an M20, the steering is noticeably lighter, which is better for foul-weather control.

Otto also goes in every kind of weather. Everything you have ever read about the benefits of having aggressive snow tires on all four corners is true. (Studded Hakkapeliittas, anyone? ~kk) Even with an open differential and no additional weight in the trunk, Otto plows through snow and ice like a champion. The tires are a little taller and narrower than stock, which doesn’t hurt. He’s a little fishy off the line, but once hooked up he just moves along. I’m glad I didn’t install a 4.27 differential to replace the 4.10; it would have definitely produced more wheelspin in the sloppy unpleasantness.

Now, there are a few problems with this little gem. My usual line to anyone considering a used car purchase is “Get a pre-purchase inspection.” That, however, doesn’t mean I fol-low this advice. I’ve bought plenty of $500 cars that didn’t get an inspection. One, it would require around twenty percent of the purchase price. Two, for $500, if the car was a complete nightmare, it could be scrapped for parts without regret. Otto, however, was a good whack more than $500.

Another thing I like to tell people is, as long as the chassis is relatively straight and clean, the rest is replaceable. This is true on BMWs ranging from 2002s and Bavarias of the '70s, to E28s and E30s of the following decade. The dollar amounts change, and parts availability varies, but the theory is valid. Luckily, Otto wasn’t that bad.

Indeed, the post-purchase inspection revealed only a few obvious issues requiring some amount of attention. The driver’s-side outer CV boot was starting to tear. The transmis-sion was oozing out of the selector shaft seal. The engine belts weren’t terrible but also not fabulous. The rear exhaust section will be replaced in the spring, assuming the connection between the pipe and the rear muffler lasts that long.

Just after Thanksgiving, we had our first cold snap. Single-digit temperatures and a strong wind brought a few not-as-obvious drivability issues to light.

The thermostat was lazy, probably from age. Though the engine ran nice and cool (a couple of needle widths left of straight up on the gauge) in the mild fall months, come winter, the engine took forever to warm up. I realize a little M42 engine isn’t going to produce the heat of an M30 big six, but this was ridiculous. Replacing the thermostat and eroding aluminum housing, plus a flush with BMW antifreeze, helped immensely.

The idle-control valve was sticky, allowing Otto to alternately idle at 2,200 rpm or stall. A blast of Wurth HHS 2000, and the

valve is again moving freely. Most of the plumbing under and around the intake manifold—a well-known nightmare salad to most M42 owners—is in good shape and might be replaced over the summer if I’m feeling ambitious.

One morning, sometime after the first freeze, Otto threw up a check engine light. It went away after about a half-mile, never to return. My guess is that it was ignition-related, since the leaking valve-cover gasket had filled up the spark plug wells with oil. A new gasket set and plugs were installed. As a preventative measure, the plug wires—complete with 132,000 -mile-old Cosmoline—were swapped out, as well.

I’ve noticed that the colder the temperature, the longer the power steering pump groans on cold-start. The rack has been replaced (judging by the “ZF Remanufactured” sticker), but apparently the reservoir and oozing crimp clamps have not. The fluid isn’t the worst I’ve seen, but it doesn’t exactly taste like fresh ATF.

Other minor upgrades include Hella H1/H4 headlights. How people deal with US-spec sealed-beam headlights I will never know! (The Cibie CSR headlights are stunning replacement headlights, too. ~kk) I also pulled off the “is” lip spoiler for the winter, lest it get lost in a snowbank. I reattached the battery cover and the panels behind the headlights with the correct plastic hardware, because I’m a geek that way. I also have a fresher rear-defroster switch, since the printing on the current piece is wearing off.

Eventually I’ll replace the stereo (an aftermarket Pioneer unit). It works just fine, but I hate buttons for volume control. A knob you can twist without looking while wearing gloves is a better idea. It also glows a garish bright blue, which clashes with the classic red gauges and dashboard lights.

I enjoy the looks of approval Otto gets. People think I brought him with me from California. One of my co-workers, a BMW geek and 318ti driver, loves Otto and keeps making offers for him. Current short-term projects include the afore-mentioned power-steering flush, replacing the engine belts, and installing a Sirius satellite radio car kit. I have all the parts and the satellite kit waiting. There is a set of foglights on a parts car in Santa Rosa that supposedly has my name on them, but they haven’t shown up yet. (Hint Kent, hint Jake.)

Like everything else, it just requires a little time. That, and it would be nice if my garage was warmer than forty degrees.


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s BMW Concord 1945 Market Street Concord, CA 94520 925 682‑3577BMW of Humboldt Bay 1795 Central Ave. McKinleyville, CA 95519 707 839‑4BMW (4269)BMW of Monterey One Geary Plaza Seaside, CA 93955 831 899‑5555BMW of Mountain View 150 E. EI Camino Real Mountain View, CA 94040 650 943‑1000BMW of San Francisco 1675 Howard St San Francisco, CA 94103 415 863‑9000BMW of Santa Maria 2150 South College Drive Santa Maria, CA 93455 805 614‑0306Claridge’s BMW 4421 5 Auto Mall Circle Fremont, CA 94538 510 360‑5900Coast BMW 1484 Auto Park Way San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 805 543‑4423East Bay BMW 4355 Rosewood Drive Pleasanton, CA 94566 925 463‑2555Peter Pan BMW 2695 S. El Camino Real San Mateo, CA 94403 650 349‑9077Prestige BMW 2800 Corby Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95407 707 545‑6602Sonnen BMW 1599 E. Francisco Blvd San Rafael, CA 94901 415 482‑2000Stevens Creek BMW 3737 Stevens Creek Santa Clara, CA 95050 408 249‑9070Weatherford Motors 735 Ashby Avenue Berkeley, CA 94710 510 654‑8280

One of the many member benefits of BMW CCA is a members-only discount at various participating services and dealers. Below you

can find the businesses in our area who offer our members a discount. Please note that businesses often require you to show your current CCA membership card in order to receive the discount.

Please contact us with any deletions to the list due to a com-pany being out of business. We ask that additions, changes, or dele-tions (no longer participating in discount program) are requested by the business owner directly. Updates should be directed to: [email protected].

Independent Service & Supply Discounts2002 Haus San Luis Obispo (805) 541-2002 5% Parts

Bavarian Enterprises Sunnyvale (408) 737-6100 Various Parts

Bavarian Motorsport Milpitas (408) 956-1662 10% Parts

Bavarian Professionals Berkeley (510) 524-6000 10% Labor

Bavarian Tuning Santa Rosa (707) 575-3757 10% Parts/Labor

Berkeley Motor Works El Cerrito (510) 528-1214 5% Parts/Svc

Bimmers BMW Service San Carlos (650) 591-2474 Various

Catalpa Street Garage Santa Cruz (831) 464-2269 10% Parts

Classic Euro-Asian Oroville (530) 534-6887 10% Parts

Conversion Techniques Oakland (510) 639-0911 Various

Dinan Engineering Mountain View (650) 962-9401 10% Labor

Dinan Engineering Morgan Hill (408) 779-8584 10% Labor

Double 02 Salvage Hayward (510) 782-2002 10% Used Parts

Edge Motorworks Dublin (925) 479-0797 10% Labor

evosport www.evosport.com (888) 520-9971 10% Parts, $1000svc=free dyno

Extreme Performance San Jose (408) 923-6404 10% Parts/Labor

German Auto Santa Maria (805) 922-1262 10% Parts

GS Tuning Santa Rosa (707) 284-2680 10% Sales/Service

Heynneman European San Rafael (415) 499-1234 $50 off Service

Jam Engineering Monterey (831) 372-1787 Various Parts

John Gardiner Automotive San Francisco (415) 777-2697 10% Labor

Nate Smith’s Optimal Auto Santa Cruz (831) 476-1332 10% Parts

Patelco Credit Union www.Patelco.org (415) 442-6200 Special Offer

Phaedrus San Francisco (415) 567-8000 10% Parts

Portola Valley Garage Portola Valley (650) 851-7442 10% Labor

RennWerks Campbell (408) 370-7480 20% Labor

Rossi’s Tire & Auto Service Salinas (831) 424-0011 Various

SAS German Auto Pleasanton (925) 846-4886 10% Parts

Schulba BMW Service Belmont (650) 592-7352 10% Parts orders

Sound Innovations Hayward (510) 471-9062 10% Parts

ToeOut Performance ToeOutPerformance.com (805) 270-0118 10% Parts

Valley Motorwerks Rancho Cordova (916) 636-9526 10% Parts/Labor

West Bay Bavarian San Rafael (415) 457-0820 10% Parts/Labor/Dinan work

Dealership DiscountsBMW of Fremont Fremont (510) 360-5900 10% Parts & Labor

BMW of Monterey Seaside (831) 899-5555 10% Parts

BMW of Mountain View Mountain View (650) 943-1000 10% Parts

BMW of San Francisco San Francisco (415) 863-9000 10% Parts

East Bay BMW Pleasanton (925) 463-2555 10% Parts

Peter Pan BMW San Mateo (650) 349-9077 10% Parts

Roseville BMW Roseville (916) 782-9434 10% Parts

Sonnen BMW San Rafael (415) 482-2000 10% Parts

Stevens Creek BMW Santa Clara (408) 249-9070 Various/20% Parts/Labor

Weatherford BMW Berkeley (510) 654-8280 Various


Golden Gate Chapter, BMW CCA, Inc. is a non-profit California 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 guarantee is expressed or implied. Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA, Inc. assumes no liability for any of the information contained herein. No fac-tory approval is implied unless so indicated. Modi-fication of your BMW within the warranty period may void the warranty, and some modifications may violate federal or state laws or regulations. All contents remain the property of the chapter, but BMW CCA and BMW ACA chapters may quote or copy from the publication, provided full credit is given to the author and the Golden Gate Chapter, unless otherwise noted or specifically prohibited.

Chapter Mailing Address: Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA909 Marina Village Parkway, PMB #189Alameda, CA 94501

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 own-ers and aimes to provide access to driving and social events, maintenance and technical informa-tion, parts discounts, and more. Dues are $40 per year, with an associate member added for $5 more. Members receive the monthly Roundel magazine and a newsletter from their local chap-ter, or from a chapter of their choice. The Golden Gate Chapter is one of the largest chapters in the BMW CCA with over 4,500 members.

For a new membership or to renew an existing one, please call toll free 1800 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

BMW CCA

GGC, BMW CCA

Membership address corrections are only accepted at the BMW CCA website or national office.

Member Updates

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 of the BMW Car Club of America (GGC BMW CCA) for the following purposes:

To send the GGC magazine (• Die Flüsternde Bombe) by U.S. Mail.To help us create content and events most • relevant to you. To 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.

Privacy Statement

Board MembersGGC BOaRD [email protected]

PRESIDEnT Jeff Cowan 650 322-4938 x2 [email protected]

VICE PRESIDEnT Bob Goebel [email protected]

SECRETaRy Chris Webber [email protected]

TREaSuRER Tamara Hull [email protected]

MEMBERShIP ChaIR Kyle Breton [email protected]

MEMBERS-aT-LaRGE Mark Dadgar [email protected] Kelly Collins [email protected]

Event StaffChIEF DRIVInG InSTRuCTORS Billy Maher 707 546-5572 Peter Vinsel [email protected]

ChIEF STEwaRD Peter Guagenti [email protected]

TRaCk SChOOL PROJECT ManaGER Kelly Collins/Mark Dadgar [email protected]

DRIVInG EVEnTS COORDInaTOR Mark Dadgar [email protected]

ChIEF SCRuTInEER Ramon Le Francois 408 956-1662

CaR COnTROL CLInIC COORDInaTOR Bob Goebel / Grant Low [email protected]

auTOCROSS COORDInaTOR Kris Linquist / Matt Visser [email protected]

auTOCROSS CaR CLaSSIFICaTIOnS Rodger Ball [email protected] 415 566-1239

TEChnICaL SESSIOn COORDInaTOR Grant Low [email protected]

CLuB RaCInG Mike Mills [email protected] www.bmwccaclubracing.com

BMw FESTORICS COORDInaTORS David Crum / Jeff Cowan [email protected]

SOCIaL EVEnTS DIRECTOR Mike Zampiceni [email protected]

ChaRITy EVEnTS COORDInaTOR Joe Fant [email protected]

Bombe TeamEDITOR-In-ChIEF Kelly Kirkland 650 400-9300 [email protected]

aSSIGnMEnTS EDITOR Robert Pavel 415 752-7720 [email protected]

aSSISTanT EDITOR/COPy EDITOR Patrick R. Demorais [email protected]

aDVERTISInG ManaGER Percy Chow 925 323-4844 Cell 925 215-3547 Office [email protected]

aD BILLInG ManaGER Tamara Hull [email protected]

REGuLaR COnTRIBuTORS Jonathan Bush, Jeff Cowan, Mark Dadgar, Kris Linquist, and Donovan R. Unks

PRInTInG Commerce Printing (Please don’t call with membership questions.)

Requests for replacement or extra copies of the GGC newsletter should be directed to the membership chair.

Communications TeamCOMMunICaTIOnS ManaGER Kelly Collins [email protected]

wEBMaSTER Brian Ghidinelli [email protected]

GRaPhIC DESIGn Percy Chow www.percydesign.com

area RepresentativesnORTh Bay Open [email protected]

San FRanCISCO Ken Glidewell 415 345-3128 [email protected]

EaST Bay Percy Chow 925 323-4844 [email protected]

PEnInSuLa Kyle Breton 650 380-7116 [email protected]

SOuTh Bay Kris Linquist 408 392-0890 [email protected]

MOnTEREy Bay aREa Ken Whitson 831 625-5133 [email protected]

San LuIS OBISPO aREa Dennis Harrold 805 931-0433 [email protected]

BMW CCA Pacific Region V.P.STEVE JOhnSOn 858 451-8906 [email protected]

Board Members Bombe Team

Chapter Information

28 March 2008Die Flüsternde Bombe28 March 2008Die Flüsternde Bombe

Laguna Seca GGC Driving SchoolWednesday, June 4, 2008

Important Event Details:

• Event fees were TBD at press time. Please watch the chapter web site for details. The chapter eBlast mailing list will be alerted when registration opens.

• Applications and payment due by 5/30/08

• Cancellations assessed a $50 fee before 5/21/08 (no refunds on BMW CCA membership fee)

• No refunds issued after 5/21/08

Track Location

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is located in Monterey on Highway 68, approximately half way between Highway 101 and Highway 1.

More Information and How To Register

Information about this school, including complete event documentation and registration information, is available on the Golden Gate Chapter web site at:

http://www.ggcbmwcca.org

We look forward to seeing you at Infineon Raceway!

WWW.GGCBMWCCA.ORG

Ready To Drive?Come join the Golden Gate Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America for a special one-day driving school as we return to world-famous Mazda Race-way Laguna Seca! One of the most famous racetracks in the world and a true challenge to drivers of all skills levels, La-guna Seca will send you home after a day of incredible thrills with a new set of skills you can use in your everyday driving to keep you safe and enjoy the Ultimate Driving Machine.

If you are an advanced (A or B group) student, you’ll enjoy our new, more liberal passing rules at this event!

Please visit the GGC web site for all of the information you’ll need to apply and pre-pare for this school.

Join us as we revisit one of our favorite race tracks. We look forward to seeing you at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca!

Peter Vinsel & Bi y Maher, Chief Driving Instructors

Laguna SecaGGC Driving SchoolWednesday, June 4, 2008

Important Event Details:

• Event fees were TBD at press time. Please watch the chapter web site for details. The chapter eBlast mailing list will be alerted when registration opens.

• Applications and payment due by 5/30/08

• Cancellations assessed a $50 fee before 5/21/08 (no refunds on BMW CCA membership fee)

• No refunds issued after 5/21/08

Track Location

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is located in Monterey on Highway 68, approximately half way between Highway 101 and Highway 1.

More Information and How To Register

Information about this school, including complete event documentation and registration information, is available on the Golden Gate Chapter web site at:

http://www.ggcbmwcca.org

We look forward to seeing you at Infineon Raceway!

WWW.GGCBMWCCA.ORG

Ready To Drive?Come join the Golden Gate Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America for a special one-day driving school as we return to world-famous Mazda Race-way Laguna Seca! One of the most famous racetracks in the world and a true challenge to drivers of all skills levels, La-guna Seca will send you home after a day of incredible thrills with a new set of skills you can use in your everyday driving to keep you safe and enjoy the Ultimate Driving Machine.


Please visit the GGC web site for all of the information you’ll need to apply and pre-pare for this school.

Join us as we revisit one of our favorite race tracks. We look forward to seeing you at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca!

Peter Vinsel & Bi y Maher, y Maher, Chief Driving Instructors


Please visit the GGC web site for all of

Golden Gate ChapterBMW Car Club of America909 Marina Village Parkway, #189Alameda, CA 94501www.ggcbmwcca.org

Presort Standard US Postage

PAID Sacramento, CA

Permit 185

HAVE YOU MOVED? Please send address changes directly to the BMW CCA National Office at:BMW CCA, Inc., 640 South Main St. , Ste. 201, Greenville, SC 29601, or to: [email protected], or go to: www.bmwcca.org to sign in to your account and update your membership record.

Want to join the club? Call 800 878-9292 or go to www.bmwcca.org and sign up for only $40.

POSTMASTER PLEASE NOTE: MATERIAL IS DATED, Thanks.

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