By Gregg Mich
Some might say I am too engaged with BMW! Let me try to explain.
It all started 25 years ago when I was a young professional trying to figure out what I wanted to do in my career. But first, we had more pressing needs – we needed a second car because sharing one car between two different schedules got a bit old. So we went about our search for a fun but practical sedan. We test drove the many American and Japanese offerings at the time and heard all the sales pitches. After not finding that “just right” combination, we decided to check out the more expensive Germans and test drove the new 3 Series. It was over. As a new homeowner, it was more than what we hoped to spend but the bug bit hard. Since we did not have kids at the time, we figured YOLO so let’s make it work. We had to visit a family member stationed in Germany about that time so in addition to our justification of saving money by buying quality for the long-term, we convinced ourselves that we would be saving money on rental cars in Europe. Eureka! We could kill two birds with one stone- European Delivery here we come!
After our visit to the BMW Museum in Munich in the spring of 2000, we picked up our Titanium Silver 5 speed manual 323i. We had a glorious week of exploring Europe and scaring ourselves silly flying along the autobahn at 130mph. In the end, we both agreed that the Dolomite Mountains in northern Italy was simply spectacular and paired the best with our new curve-hugger. After saying good-bye for now to our e46 in Frankfurt, we flew home and waited 6 long weeks for our European friend to return to us. I justifiably say friend as we drove that car all over Europe and the States for 18 years and 150,000 miles. During that time, children had entered the scene and I still vividly remember the day we drove that BMW home from the hospital with our first son safely strapped in his infant car seat thinking I’m glad this car has all those safety features.
However, over time the 3 series proved too tight for two growing kids. I could not bring myself to selling our friend so we decided to again say good-bye for now and put that memory maker on blocks in our backyard until our boys are old enough to drive and learn the lost art of manual shifting. Fast forward 5 more years, and our number of drivers (and car insurance premiums) had increased drastically. Time to see our old friend again! After reinstalling the battery, taking out the mouse plugs in the tailpipe and repairing one chewed wire; I held my breath and turned the key. No joke – in less than 2 seconds she was alive once again! After getting new rubber on her, an emissions test and a trip to the MVD, we were off to making more memories.
Like all things, time takes its toll. Cosmetically, the headliner is in need of replacement, the front seat cushions could be refreshed and the paint wouldn’t hurt with a little buffing. I think those things are just on the outside and it’s the inside stuff that needs to be focused on first. So, I have installed new rotors/brakes, shocks, cooling system, pulleys, tie rod ends, VANOS rebuild along with too many to name other “stuff”. I am currently engaged in making her ready for the next 150,000 miles with a new clutch (and linkage), CCV system, oil pan gasket, rear subframe and differential bushings.
I know it doesn’t make financial sense to put this much time and money into an old car but she is much more than that to us. She is a time machine able to bring us back to the twisties of Italy and the first terrifying moments of becoming a parent. Old friends are priceless and I look forward to making more memories together!
