BMW Car Club of America – E31 Chapter February 2021
February 2021 President’s Update- by Henry Christoff
The February (monthly) Chapter reports from National show the E31 Chapter with 125 current members as of the end of January. In January, five folks renewed their memberships and we added one new member. Thank you for your supporting the E31 Chapter and your interest in the E31 international community!
Events calendar– A few events to list. Please check with the organizers for the latest updates about their events and whether they have been postponed or cancelled:
May 15th, Saturday – BC8s WrenchFest. Doors open at 9AM. Bring your own beverages and eats. Come to work on your E31, help someone with their E31 or just socialize. Covid-19 protocols in place. Bring a folding chair and your face mask. Location- Wuffer’s Garage & Spa Langley, British Columbia. For info- wuffer@telus.net
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix & International Car Show– July 24/25 Saturday & Sunday, Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA. If you have never been to this event, put this on your calendar ! For info: http://www.pvgp.org
As mentioned in previous updates, I am looking to our membership for your contributions to the E31 Chapter website Coming Events Calendar for 2021. Please send to me any events you think will be of interest, with as many details as you know- pres@bmwccae31.com Thanks!
The new “E31 Motor” shirts are now available on our swag website. These shirts are white, 100% cotton, with silkscreened full color E31 Chapter Logo printed on the front pocket area and the E31 Motor Listing silkscreened on the back of the shirt. Great looking and great quality! Shipping is $9.95 per order within the lower 48 states. Style # 9774S Short Sleeve: $14.95 Style 9774L Long Sleeve: $17.95 each. 2x sizes add $2.00 each. See the attached flyer with this email. Or follow this link: https://bmwccae31.qbstores.com/c/logo/sgid/150275/filters/0
E31 Chapter friend, Sreten at M539 Restorations, has purchased an E31 6 speed to bring back to life. This Calypso Red car was sitting in a garden, not running for 10 years. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdsT6DqR9i4&t=18s
NLA parts update – We have recently had an email from BMW Classic requesting some additional information regarding the headlamp adjuster kits for North American E31 models. Fortunately, E31 Chapter Newsletter Editor Roger Wray had the answers and some photographs of the repair kit originally offered by North American BMW dealers. BMW Classic is currently in discussions with the original supplier in Italy.
There is no further update on E31 850i/Ci power steering filters from BMW Classic. However, I have determined an alternative BMW part number that might be used and am waiting for BMW Classic to advise if the substitution would be an acceptable alternative. Dimensionally, both filters are the same, but the filter media may be different and not suitable for our cars. I’ll keep everyone in the loop on this.
Congratulations to E31 owner Michael Barrett and writer Roger Wray for the excellent article in the January Roundel- “Close Kin”– comparing Michael’s CSi to a Ferrari 500 Maranello. Great CSi photographs by Michael, and Ferrari photos by David Andersen.
I hope all of you saw the Southeast Sharkfest Posponed article in the November Roundel by another E31 Chapter friend, Kai Xing. Well written and plenty of photos. Kai, Nat Arnold and Eugene Sherbin are responsible for the Southeast Sharkfest each year. Started in 2003, Sharkfest was originally an E24 event. Today Southeast Sharkfest includes E24, E9 and E31- all considered “big Coupes” from the 1960’s through the 1990’s.
Last item- Randy Muecke, E31 CSi owner in Atlanta, emailed me recently. He has a fibreglass exact duplicate of an E31 Alpina hood with louvers and NACA duct. Offering for sale to E31 Chapter members before he puts it for sale on the E31 Forum. Reach out to Randy directly: srmuecke@gmail.com
Stay safe everyone! / Henry
Henry- pres@bmwccaE31.com
E31 Chapter Website: https://www.bmwccae31.com/ E31 Chapter Swag Store: https://nmwccae31.qbstores.com