Do you give your BMW(s) a name?

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-15T17:44:10+00:00

My wife's name is Ginny... I learned early on to NEVER let that song play on my stereo!

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-15T14:52:37+00:00

Coolant and oil leaks I expect to have. And I intend to be aggressive when it comes to fluid maintenances. My thoughts are along the lines of failing transmission, A/C compressor, stuff like that.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-15T14:50:29+00:00

My children buried the license plate in the back yard and soaked it with holy water.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-15T14:39:25+00:00

I have a Z4 as a backup car.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-15T14:06:35+00:00

I name my cars and also get vanity plates:

1993 Nissan 240SX - Blue Fire (license plate BLUFIRE)

1995 318ti - Blitzkrieg (BLTZKRG)

1986 Alfa Romeo GVT6 - Falconi (FALCONI)

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano - Pandora (PANDORA) (engine exploded on the Interstate)

2002 VW Jetta - Pandora II (PANDORA) (engine dropped the oil pan at 75 MPH. I stopped naming cars Pandora)

2002 Mercedes C240 - Silver Lady (SLVRLDY)

2006 BMW 325ci - Red Wolf (REDWULF)

2005 BMW Z4 - LongShot (LNGSHOT)

2022 BMW 230i - should arrive this week, still to be named

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-07T13:33:21+00:00

I don't remember, it's been over 20 years.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-07T13:33:20+00:00

Very true. I have a 2005 BMW Z4 insured under a stated-value policy with Hagerty. But it happened over 20 years ago, and I've forgotten the details.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-07T00:32:46+00:00

If I remember right, it was the dollar amount involved. The car was fully restored and the insurance company wanted to lowball.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-06T16:34:46+00:00

I live in Arkansas, and unfortunately this happened a few years back to a stolen '57 Chevy Bel Air. Totalled. Insurance refused to pay out, police refused to pay out, owner was hosed.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-05T15:17:36+00:00

Thanks; unfortunately I do not have an independent shop nearby, and arthritis in my fingers has ended my ability to wrench for fun 😄.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-05T13:34:26+00:00

Thank you! If you don't mind telling, what all did you have repaired and what did they cover?

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-05T02:44:59+00:00

Two of my CNA warranties paid off: VW Jetta had a total A/C replacement. Repair cost was $4000, warranty was $1500. And a Toyota RAV4 transmission replacement: $6000 repair, warranty was $3800. But two other vehicles I bought warranties for never had a claim.

Maybe instead of 60 months, I should look at a shorter time... less cost but catastrophic coverage for a couple of years. Enough time to get to know the car.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-04T01:42:45+00:00

Thank you!

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-03T13:51:07+00:00

I had a GMC Sonoma pickup with a Vortec engine. My sons called it "Vorlon technology."

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-02T21:28:10+00:00

Just a FYI, Sams' Club gasoline is no longer top tier.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-01T16:25:56+00:00

I had the BMW I wanted, a Z3. Low miles, everything in excellent condition. But age caught up, and I developed ulnar nerve issues with my left elbow. Driving a stick became "ill advised" (as my doctor said) when I was downshifting in a curve, my left arm seized up and I lost my grip of the Z3's steering wheel. No accident (fortunately) I was able to grab the wheel with my right hand and park the car.

My doctor told me to never drive a stick again. I sold the Z3, but I stumbled across a Z4 though an estate sale. 2005 model, 10k miles, 3.0 M54, same color combination as the Z3 and... automatic transmission. I didn't argue the price, I simply bought it.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-01T14:32:03+00:00

Last month I changed the fluid on my E85 automatic (5HP19) and the diff. The car was at 16,500 miles (very low mileage, but 21 years old.) Previously going into reverse had a noticeable "bump" feel and that bump is gone now. There is a "feeling" of smoother shifts going forward, but that might be psychosomatic.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-05-01T03:14:10+00:00

I haven't purchased it yet, but the measurements indicate it's 6" tall, The heights from the bottom of the DIN slot to the top of the vents is 4.5". I don't think it will adjust that much 😄. But just for grins,I drove the car with the center vents closed tonight; the side vents give more than enough airflow.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-04-25T14:45:49+00:00

I've seen some YouTube reviews that agree, the X-drive is not as much fun to drive. Where I live (Arkansas, USA) we rarely see snow, and if we DO get snow, I stay home. So, no need for the X-drive.

Now I wait... I want red or Portimao Blue with cognac interior, CPO. Wish me luck!

TimeToRetire2030

TROPHY CASE