President’s Page Aug 2020

My name is Henry Christoff, and as of August 1, 2020, I am the new president of the E31 Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America.  Also new to the board, Kirsti Christoff is our new Chapter secretary and membership chair. The E31 Chapter is under “new management”!

I have been a member of the BMW Car Club of America since 1997, 23 years. E31 Chapter members may recognize my name as a member of this Chapter since its inception and as current secretary and membership chair the last two years.  Since purchasing my 1991 BMW 850i in July 2011, I have met many 8 Series owners and E31 Chapter members while attending various BMW events: BC Eights WrenchFests and events, the 10th Anniversary Left Coast 8-Fest, Legends of the Autobahn, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, Seattle / Puget Sound BMW CCA events and the 2019 SoCal Vintage BMW Meet in Van Nuys, California.

My first BMW was a used 1974 BMW 2002Tii purchased in the early ‘80’s; looking back, I should never have let that one go!  Since then, I have owned both a mid ‘80’s 735i and 535i, three E24 635 CSi’s and several E30 325’s. Parked in my garage today you will find the 1991 850i and a 2001 330Ci. In addition to these BMW’s, Kirsti, my wife, and I also own a 1974 MGB/GT, 2002 Mercedes CL600, 2006 Volvo V70 T5 Sportwagon, 2008 Honda S2000 and the most recent acquisition, a 2014 Fiat 500 Abarth with less than 6,000 kms on the clock – that’s less than 3,800 miles. 

 As president of the E31 Chapter, I look forward to offering my contribution and 8 Series enthusiasm to the 8 Series community.  As president, our Chapter board will establish and maintain good working relationships with the BMW CCA National Board on issues that affect E31 Chapter members. We will also work together with E31 groups worldwide with emphasis on strengthening the voice of classic 8 Series owners. The cars have brought us together, but it’s the owners and enthusiasts that enhance the experience of owning a BMW E31 8 Series.