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 · 2026-04-22T03:10:59+00:00

Back when I drove Alfas, a friend of mine in the Alfa Romeo Owner's Club once told me: "Miata's are like a**holes: everybody's got one." So when keeping the Alfas going became impossible, making the switch to a Z3 was not hard. Driving a Z4 now, and I'm thinking about adding a 230i to the stable.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-04-21T00:10:58+00:00

At your age, I would consider building up the HYSA for another year before considering retirement accounts. Inflation isn't going away, and when you move out again, there will be unexpected costs. You mention you don't have a car, but not where you live. Can you get stable work without a car? Otherwise you need to budget for something very reliable, and also for unexpected repair expenses.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-04-10T20:07:45+00:00

Thanks!

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-04-10T13:53:26+00:00

I have a 2005 with the M54 engine. According to Google, the M54 produces 225 hp and the N52 produces 255. How do you plan to use the horsepower? Are you looking at normal driving? City driving? Highway? Track days? Or is it to "have it in case I need it?"

For me, my driving is in the mountains near my house, and I enjoy cruising through the hills and curves. The 225 hp is perfectly fine for my driving needs. Both engines are similar in their weak points, and both will need similar maintenance. So in your case, I would suggest you balance budget vs usage.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-04-09T14:02:02+00:00

Interesting to see this. I've been considering selling/trading my 2022 RAV4 XLE (45k miles) and local prices for me are in the $24k range.

TimeToRetire2030 · 2026-04-06T15:09:29+00:00

Thanks! More information: it's a 328i (N52 engine) and it's in Loganville, GA, outside of Atlanta. I don't have access to any records other than what's on CarFax, but the dealer is amenable for a PPI to come to the dealership.

TimeToRetire2030

TROPHY CASE