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| | Our Employees’ BMW Stories |
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Andrew F.
E90 325xi, E90 330i, E46 325xi, E36 M3, E36 328is, E36 325i
What made you interested in BMW?
I was into modifying Japanese cars and had to buy a daily driver, I came across an 06 325xi 6mt that checked all of the boxes I was looking for in a daily - naturally aspirated, all wheel drive, and manual transmission. After two years of driving this, I realized that my project cars were collecting dust because I preferred the driving experience of the E90 over anything else I had in the garage. From there, my affinity for BMW quickly grew into an addiction. Since then I have owned an E46 330xi, E36 328is, E90 330i, E36 M3, and an E36 325i. I love N52 powered E90s for their reliability and linear powerbands - they are perfectly balanced daily drivers. My affinity for E36s centers around their simplicity, ability to take abuse, and body style. Really, I love all BMWs and can't wait to pick up my next one. |
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Craig D.
Instagram handle: @das_vader
323i E30, 325is E30, 325ic E30, 328is E36, 528i E39
What made you interested in BMW?
In high school, a friend I had introduced to car enthusiasm picked up an 85 E30 that needed some serious work. I helped him tinker a bit before I went to college but always thought of the E30 as kind of a junk pile. I had never considered even owning a BMW until years later I made a friend who was a die-hard BMW fan. After driving his E36 M3, I was convinced I had to have a BMW of my own. We decided to start working on E30s due to their availability, affordability (at the time), and since we had both at least spent some time wrenching on them previously. One thing led to another and soon we had a garage full of E30s between the two of us as my interest rapidly transformed into an addiction. The friendship that grew around a common passion, the experience of restoring/building several of the same cars so differently, and the sheer joy I felt driving them after all that work became something that I consider to be an inseparable part of me forever. |
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Shane V.
Instagram handle: @shanathan
E36 M3
What made you interested in BMW?
My friends and I were always really into them and I aspired to own one someday. When I started working here I was surrounded by people who won't tell you to save money so when a car came up I was told to immediately buy it. Now I have an E36.
What is your favorite thing about your BMW/a specific BMW you have owned/driven?
My favorite thing about my BMW is the way it drives. Most cars feel kind of numb but in my car, you feel like you're part of the car. The steering, the clutch pedal and the sounds the car makes it is such an engaging driving experience.
How/why would you recommend modifying a BMW to someone who has just bought their first?
Depending on the year and what they wanted to do with it I would recommend making the car handle first and then add power! But wheels are always a solid first thing to do.
What was a modification you made to a BMW you regretted?
Running 70A poly trans mounts with stock engine mounts and a lightweight flywheel. The car shook like hell above 2500 rpm! Put the OEM trans mounts back in and it's been smooth sailing ever since. |
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Isaiah P.
Instagram handle: @e60_dinan5
E90 325i, E60 545i
What is your favorite thing about your BMW/a specific BMW you have owned/driven?
I have owned an E90 325i. Also, I've owned two E60 545i. I love how well the E90 is planted and how well it takes turns with ease. The E60 I love how more luxurious it is. When taken on long trips, it is very comfortable and feels more "Grown Up" than the 3 series. |
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Tim M.
Instagram handle: @tim__man
07 328xi E92, 07 335i E90
How/why would you recommend modifying a BMW to someone who has just bought their first?
Modding a BMW is a form of self-expression and if you are into cars this is usually the root of all customization. Luckily most BMW models are blessed with lots of aftermarket parts and bolt on customizations making this process easier than other makes. This allows even someone with a small budget to make changes to their vehicle.
My advice is, create a vision of how you want the car to look at the end. Start with the small stuff and keep adding on. Be open to new ideas, keep your design fluid and open to changes. Often times parts can be hard to get or take a while to produce, so try to be open to multiple paths that get you to your end goal.
Lastly, you will learn very quickly that modding cars can lead to frustration. Bolts don't always want to come out, parts won't always fit as intended, your car won't always run as you want it to. Be patient, put in the hours and set your expectations. Your project car will be a work in progress for most of its life, if not indefinitely. Even if it is not running at 100% or looking perfect, the most important part is to drive and enjoy your ultimate driving machine. |
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Chuck C.
09 E90 328xi
What made you interested in BMW?
The fact that it was a car company that was specifically passionate about building machines that were meant to be enjoyed, not just driven from A to B. Not just simple basic transportation with neat features. I was especially drawn to the fact that the company has a strong motorsport heritage, and with that, every BMW has a bit of racecar in it.
What is your favorite thing about your BMW/a specific BMW you have owned/driven?
Right out of the box, they all perform well and bring a smile to your face. Even the heaviest, lumbering 7 series has a surprisingly athletic demeanor.
How/why would you recommend modifying a BMW to someone who has just bought their first?
The first thing I would modify would be your springs and or dampers. Although they perform better than most, they are still built for comfort and longevity. A simple spring swap will tighten the ride and reduce roll without jarring your spleen, whereas a full coilover kit will make it make feel like it's on rails.
What was a modification you made to a BMW you regretted?
M/ grille inserts on my first E46. Hands down one of the lamest things I've done in my entire life. |
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Justin A.
Instagram handle: @justinarmbrust
E36 323is
What made you interested in BMW?
The aggressive styling that also looked clean and classy pulled me in. Not too over the top, not understated, just right. E36 in particular, a combination of slightly older styling with the beginning of newer tech that started to emerge in the late '80s and early '90s.
What is your favorite thing about your BMW/a specific BMW you have owned/driven?
Handling and the sound of an NA straight six.
How/why would you recommend modifying a BMW to someone who has just bought their first?
MAINTENANCE items first. Then performance springs/shocks, sportier brake pads, and exhaust upgrade.
What was a modification you made to a BMW you regretted?
Straight pipe. Too loud, too much drone. Added a resonator and racing muffler and it sounds perfect. |
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