Wheels

Wheels

BMW DIY advice, and the occasional critique of the company

May 102011
 
Selling a Car Private Party

I’m currently selling my 2001 530i private party, and I recently bought a 2002 M5 the same way. When it comes to cars, if convenience is paramount to you and you don’t mind spending more when purchasing or losing money on a trade-in, stop reading this post now. But if you can devote just a […]

Apr 262011
 
Fog Light Bulb Replacement on the E39 M5

This past weekend I swapped out the fog light bulbs in my new (to me) E39 M5. I had hoped my first post after purchase would be detailing how I adjusted the PSS9 suspension. But I don’t have all the answers I need, so that will have to wait. The stock fog light bulbs on […]

Apr 122011
 
Chris Buys a M5

Last week I bought an amazing car, a 2002 BMW M5. I had been thinking about picking one up for about six months, and keeping my eye on the used M5 market. But I was in no hurry — it had to be the right one and until I found it, my 2001 530 was […]

Mar 222011
 

My post last Friday questioning whether there is a future for BMW enthusiasts struck a nerve. To date the article has been viewed over 500 times, and there have been numerous comments made in online forums. Here’s a sampling of what I’m hearing from fellow enthusiasts. Many agreed with me, but some thought I was […]

Mar 182011
 
Bad Times Ahead for BMW Enthusiasts

I’ve been a subscriber to Bimmer Magazine for a long time. I really like their coverage of all things BMW. In the most recent issue I read an article that in my opinion spelled out bad times coming for BMW enthusiasts in the U.S. First I should define what I mean by enthusiast. It doesn’t […]

Jan 182011
 
Upkeep on the 2001 BMW 530

This Saturday I got some simple upkeep done on my 2001 BMW 530. The oil filter needed changing, and I needed to fix the corner of the passenger side headlight assembly, which somehow got pushed slightly out of position. The oil filter change is very straight-forward, but of course you need the right tools. In […]

Jan 052011
 
How To Buy a New Car -- Gabriele Gets a Highlander

Here’s a rare Wheels post that doesn’t talk BMWs. This past weekend my wife Gabriele and I purchased a brand new 2011 Toyota Highlander. Readers of this blog will know I’m no believer in buying new cars. My view is let someone else take the new car depreciation hit. But as I explain below, the […]

Dec 242010
 
2010 Holiday Thanks for My Work, Wine and Wheels

I have so much to be thankful for this year, including items in the three categories of this blog. So on Christmas Eve, here are some Work, Wine and Wheels highlights from 2010. In the work realm, 2010 was a great year. A lot of what Strategic Communications Group accomplishes for clients doesn’t become public […]

Dec 142010
 
Thoughts on the Upcoming BMW 1 Series M Coupe

BMW M — that’s a term that means a lot to auto enthusiasts. It’s a term that connotes a car that is the epitome of its class, the absolute sporting pinnacle of that particular style of car. Ever since BMW put the twin turbo, 300HP N54 engine in it’s 1 Series car, there was speculation […]

Nov 192010
 
Why I go to an Indie Mechanic

One of the first things you should do if you own a BMW out of warranty is find a good independent mechanic. On this blog I talk about the DIY things I’ve accomplished, but the big stuff needs a professional. Gary Martin at Martin Motorsports is an enthusiast who I can trust to maintain my […]

Nov 092010
 
BMW Needs Less Complexity, More Transparency

A couple of recent events have reinforced for me the complexity that comes with BMW ownership. Much of this seems unnecessary, and BMW often does a poor job of communicating problems to owners. Last week an old friend of mine asked for some advice. He drives a 2007 E93 328 convertible, and had a daytime […]

Oct 132010
 
Part Two -- Interview with Mike Miller

Here’s the second part of my interview with Mike Miller, writer for Roundel and Bimmer Magazine. Part one was published Monday. Thanks again Mike for agreeing to take these questions, and thanks also to the forum participants for helping me come up with the questions. Don’t agree with something you read below? Drop a comment, […]