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BMW Car Club of America E31 Chapter – The Voice of E31 Owners
November 2023 President’s Update- by Henry Christoff
Hello, E31 enthusiasts!
Sad news to start November, Burkard Bovensiepen, the founder of the Alpina vehicle manufacturer and tuning specialist, has passed away at age 87. Bovensiepen’s first automotive innovation was the carburetor intake system for the 4 cylinder BMW 1500 in 1963. From there, as they say, the rest is history.
In 2002, Bovensiepen’s sons, Andreas and Florian, took the Alpina management reins, while their father focused on the Alpina wine business. Here is the link: https://www.alpinawein.de/
Alpina did two E31 models: the B12 5.0 (1990-1994) and the B12 5.7 (from 1992) Below, a blue Alpina B12 5.7 (photos courtesy of Peter Gleeson)
UPDATE SUNROOF REPAIR PARTS:
A recent check with BMW I learned that 1800 pieces of each lift gate arm (LH 54121940965; RH 54121940966) are showing on order in the BMW ETK (parts catalog/website). Estimated delivery is the end of November.
Based on the quantity ordered and worldwide demand, I would believe that this is the last and final order of these parts from the supplier to BMW. Presently, there seem to be plenty of the left side and right side guide/trolley with cable inventory in Germany.
Guide/Trolley with Cable – LH 54121940975; RH 54121940976
Lift Gate Arm- LH 54121940965; RH 54121940966
Check out this video on E31 sunroof repair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VlCLhvY0A8
Step by Step Guide: https://bmwrepairguide.com/bmw-e31-sunroof-repair-1990-1999-8-series-trolley-and-gate/
Frankie’s E31 Sunroof tutorial: http://www.frankies-bmw.com/8series/diy/sunroof_rebuild/bmw_8series_sunroof.php
Fall Videos
Enjoy these tidbits on days you can’t go outside and enjoy your 8!
https://www.classicandsportscar.com/features/buyers-guide-bmw-8-series-e31
https://www.motortrend.com/vehicle-genres/bmw-8-series-history-models-differences/
REMINDER
The FREE E31 hat pin promotion expires December 31
NEW E31 Chapter members and those who RENEW their membership will receive a free E31 hat pin.
It’s our way of showing appreciation of your continued E31 Chapter support!
SoCal Vintage Event Coverage
I’ve just returned from Southern California and the SoCal Vintage BMW Meet in Van Nuys, California. Friday
night before the event, I met up with some SoCalEights folks for dinner at Nick’s in Manhattan Beach.
Thanks to SoCalEights honchos Fern Mora and Gregg Mullery for making that happen. On Saturday there
were ten E31s were on the show field. It was great to put faces to names of people I had not met before and
to talk E31s. There were plenty of other fantastic vintage BMWs to check out as well. One of the show
features was the BMW CCA BMW 2002 raffle car on display – fully refreshed 1973 model 2002, with 5 speed
gearbox, sunroof an d air conditioning! Mark your calendars for next year’s event- the first Saturday in
November for the SoCal Vintage BMW Meet! We’ll have a full report and photos in the next E31News.
Final words
Thank you, Tony Tremols, for renewing your E31 Chapter membership! Look for the E31 Hat Pin in the mail. Because of a planned December vacation and spending holiday time with family, there will not be a December President’s Update. Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving and safe, enjoyable holiday season!