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| | Our Employees’ BMW Stories |
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Alek M.
E36 M3, 135i, E70 xDrive50i / E36 M3 S54, F15 xDrive50i, E20 320i
What made you interested in BMW?
Dated a girl in high school whose dad had an E39 M5. I can still remember talking her into letting me drive the car…. Nothing better than 400 horses from a torquey V8 as your first BMW experience. Hooked ever since.
What is your favorite thing about your BMW/a specific BMW you have owned/driven?
It's all about the feel. When I drive my BMW I feel like I am connected to the car over and above the average sports car. They always seem to be able to strike a balance between function, looks, and performance.
How/why would you recommend modifying a BMW to someone who has just bought their first?
I would absolutely recommend modifying your BMW. Start with handling (shocks, springs, sway bars, brakes) and cosmetics (tires/wheels, lighting) as you learn to drive the car well. Once you have mastered the car at its current power level start adding power upgrades (intake, exhaust, tune, supercharger, etc.) |
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Josh C.
Instagram handle: @jrcook320
’73 2002, ’81 320i turbo, ’99 e46 323i, ’01 X5 5 spd, ’01 540i 6 spd
What made you interested in BMW?
My dad is the original owner of a ’73 2002 and I grew up loving everything about that car from the styling to the smell of the vintage German interior, to the sound of the m10 engine. By my early adolescent years, it had fallen into disrepair, so I began learning to turn wrenches on it to get it roadworthy again. When I had saved up enough cash to buy my own first car in the late ’90s, there was a complete basket case e21 that happened to be for sale down the street. I knew nothing of other BMW’s at the time, only recognizing the design heritage from the 2002 that I loved so much, so I picked the car up for $650. Over the course of next 5 (or 10?) years, I dug in and started down the path of what would become an empty shell restoration with lots of modifications and upgrades including a custom fabricated turbo system.
What is your favorite thing about your BMW/a specific BMW you have owned/driven?
There are so many things I love it’s hard to narrow it down. At the most base level, I’d say it’s how the overall design and architecture contribute to a driver-oriented experience. The unique combination of sporty but classic and understated styling, build quality, manual transmission, and rear wheel drive layout are hard to find anywhere else. The iconic roundel, kidney grills, Hofmeister Kink, and the shark nose on the classics are a part of that.
On the 2002, I love the view of the unique outer hood flares and center rib from the driver’s seat. There are so many quirky features like the waffle pattern vinyl seats that fuse to your legs and the hand crank front quarter vent windows that it’s tough to not fall in love.
On my e21, I love the engaging analog feel of everything in a super light and responsive chassis. While it’s certainly not known for being the epitome of performance, with the proper suspension and engine upgrades few cars have felt more connected or exciting to drive (the 240hp turbo m10 helped on the excitement factor).
On my e39 540i, the torque and roar from the M62TU (with muffler delete and an intake) is intoxicating. When I’m behind the wheel, I always feel like “this is what a car should feel like”.
How/why would you recommend modifying a BMW to someone who has just bought their first?
This will really depend on how the new owner wants to use their car and where their interests lie. But, most BMW enthusiast (or soon-to-be enthusiasts) will benefit and appreciate suspension upgrades the most, followed by wheels (as they say, wheels make the car). H&R lowering springs and Bilstein dampers are a personal favorite of mine. For me personally, a manual transmission and LSD are critical for making the most of the RWD layout of a BMW. I can’t stress enough how much of a difference having a clutch type or helical differential transforms the car and makes going around corners so much more fun (and faster). When I found my 540i 6 spd for sale with a Quaife LSD already installed by the previous owner, I knew that was the car I had to have. | | READ BMW IS IN HIS BLOOD HERE |
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| Doug M.
Instagram handle: @dug_mar
1987 325e. 2003 E39 525i. 2006 E61 530xi. 1989 E30 M3, converted to 3.2 liter S52
What made you interested in BMW?
Working at German Auto in Canton, Connecticut during the summer of 1984. I was prepping cars for customers, inside and surrounded by BMWs all day.
What is your favorite thing about your BMW/a specific BMW you have owned/driven?
On the 325, it was an E30. One of the best chassis BMW ever made. Even with the eta engine, it was a blast to drive. The E39 was a great alternative to an SUV when my son was born. Perfect size but not too big, four doors and classic BMW styling. In my opinion the best 5 series BMW ever made. As for my E30 M3... What can I say that hasn't already been said?
How/why would you recommend modifying a BMW to someone who has just bought their first?
Depends on what they are doing with the car. For track events, a square set of lightweight wheels, sticky tires, good brake pads and fluid, stainless brake lines for a first step will make a world of difference. For a street car, a nice lowered suspension on quality components and set of nice wheels immediately sets your car apart from the rest. |
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Kevin F.
Instagram handle: @fizznizzy
1997 328is, 2008 135i
What made you interested in BMW?
After a long period of driving AWD Audis, I wanted something RWD. In the case of the E36, I was looking for something I could get into drifting with and also daily drive (at the time).
What is your favorite thing about your BMW/a specific BMW you have owned/driven?
Power to weight/size and power gained per dollar on the 135i is very satisfying. With downpipes, an intercooler, turbo inlets, and a tune. It's putting out 400 wtq and 370 whp.
How/why would you recommend modifying a BMW to someone who has just bought their first?
It's not exactly a modification, but always maintenance first. You can't enjoy your car if it's constantly broken due to modifying before taking care of regular maintenance stuff. These cars are fun from the factory and bringing them back to 'like new' condition makes a big difference. |
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Chris L.
2002 E46 330ci 5spd
What made you interested in BMW?
Working at Turner, I was all about imports before working here
What is your favorite thing about your BMW/a specific BMW you have owned/driven?
The responsiveness. Compared to all my other cars my BMW was by far the most responsive.
How/why would you recommend modifying a BMW to someone who has just bought their first?
How all depends on the BMW they have and what they are looking to get out of the car. I would always recommend taking care of the known issues first and then the fun stuff. Why, because no matter what BMW you have there are so many ways to make it better and tailormade to your driving style. Driving a car that you have put your personal touch on makes driving it so much more fun. |
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Sean K.
Instagram handle: @Seanmk6
E90 328i 2011
What made you interested in BMW?
Honestly working here. I owned a VW for a while but bought a BMW once it was stolen.
What is your favorite thing about your BMW/a specific BMW you have owned/driven?
RWD 6cyl, not much more to say. Fun to drive even if its not high horsepower.
How/why would you recommend modifying a BMW to someone who has just bought their first?
Modifying a/your car is fun and makes driving it every day more enjoyable. Its fun to see what each upgrade changes about the cars characteristics. I love when someone calls in and complains about something specific and I can recommend an upgrade to correct or fix the issue. Following up with them is like finding out your diagnosis was correct. |
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Matthew B.
1986 E28 528e AKA "Butch"
What made you interested in BMW?
When I got my E28 I had always been a VW guy. I had never really thought about BMWs as they seemed to me to be unobtainable. They seemed to be expensive and hard to work on. I got My e28 out of necessity. I didn't have a running car and a friend of a friend had this one for sale at the right price. I bought my car about 300 miles away from my house while visiting family. I drove it all the way home with almost no heat no radio and on cut springs in the middle of winter. That drive sealed the car for me. Even with cut springs it just cruised the road and was great to drive. After I got it home and fixed a lot of issues, that I then found to be easy to do and surprisingly inexpensive. The car was a dream to drive. I have driven my 528e all over the east coast and it just eats up miles with no care. I love nothing more than going for a nice long cruise with the windows down, sunroof open, and enjoying the road. This car made me realize the BMWs really are the ultimate driving machine.
What is your favorite thing about your BMW/a specific BMW you have owned/driven?
The feel they have on the road. BMWs have a great balance of comfort and handling. I have driving low base models up to M3 and M5s and they all just grip and are comfortable. I have never been in another car that feels as stable and more refined than a BMW. I love the little Luxury things BMW does to make their cars extra special. My car has the "On Board computer" which is nothing more than a high powered calculator but it does add a nice touch to the dash.
How/why would you recommend modifying a BMW to someone who has just bought their first?
Like with any car BMWs have a wide range of upgrades to make them better. Either handling, performance or visual upgrades. I am a big proponent of making a car yours. Individualizing a car is what makes them unique and fascinating to car guys. Doing a big turbo swap to make crazy power or a stanced ride is part of the fun of on these cars. Just like with BMW themselves as they offer the BMW individual parts making these our own and an embodiment of who you are makes them just that much better. |
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Ian S.
Instagram handle: @ianshea_turnermotorsport
03 E46 325i (M), 92 E36 318is (M), 03 E39 540i (M), 02 530i
What made you interested in BMW?
I’ve always had a passion for cars, but BMW’s have always excited me. As a young teenager, my older brother’s friend took me for a ride in his supercharged E46 M3 track car with a full Supersprint system, which was built by Turner. At that moment, I was hooked and was determined to be a part of the culture. I remember the moment well, it was like being a 3 year old and finding the perfect Hot Wheels car, or the first time you ride a bike without training wheels. You can’t describe it until you feel it and nothing can ever take its place.
What is your favorite thing about your BMW/a specific BMW you have owned/driven?
I love the way BMW’s handle. Unlike other cars, straight from the factory, you are connected with the road. The 50:50 weight distribution, the feeling that you are part of the car, and the feeling of the car turning around you.
How/why would you recommend modifying a BMW to someone who has just bought their first?
Concentrate on handling and braking upgrades first, followed by power upgrades. You’ll be a better and faster driver if you can corner flatter, brake later and get on the power sooner. Straight line high HP is nice, but low-end torque is where your BMW will flourish and lead to you having the best experience. |
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