SABEEMER MAGAZINE LAUNCH EDITION

Issue #1 Showcasing the passion for *BMW across South Africa
* NOT AFFILIATED TO BMWSA, BMW AG OR ANY OF IT’S DEALER NETWORKS
The Launch Issue

Subscriptions available at www.sabeemer.co.za

In the beginning….

Inside this issue:
- Featured Articles - Historic Tales - Readers Rides - Technical Tips

- BMW car meets.....and much much more!!

 General Servicing & Tuning, Conversions, Microchip &
Dyno Tuning

SHAUN SING’S WORKSHOP
THE ULTIMATE BE-EM CENTRE

We offer the following services:
 Servicing, brakes, cooling system and safety checks
 Fault finding and diagnosing
 Tuning from Mild to Wild and engine builds
 Any Coding and programming on DMEs and DDEs
 Repairing of keys and central locking systems
 Full Recons on Gearboxes and Transfer Case Boxes. Coding of mechatronic control unit.
 Starting of Non-Runners and accident damage cars
 Genuine parts used or suitable generic made by original manufacturer.
 We constantly buy or create software to help with diagnosing and fault finding. Custom engine builds and
track preparation.
 Pre-purchase inspections for customers.
 Fully Insured Facility.
 We import performance software/parts for the latest models
 We specialise in diesels (repairing injectors and main diesel pumps).
 Starting of non-runners (auction and accident damaged cars)
 We specialise in the electronics of all BMWs

 CompTuteelr:bo+x2(D7M1E1an6d1D4DE)2r5ep7a9irs+an2d7co1d1ing614 4782 Cell: +27 82 786 1032
 ATrdandsfreer csasse:M1o3toLrsaonn gX3SAntrdeXe5t Judiths Paarl Johannesburg 2094 South Africa

 Repair of wiring on airbag and restraint systems

 Repairs done on Keys and Central lockwinwg swys.tteumn, septeecicfihc m.coode.zlsa

 Aircon Compressors replacement part for E87 and E90

Introduction

SABeemer was started by myself in 2012.
It was born with the idea of bringing local individuals, clubs and crews
from our South African Rainbow Nation together, for the purpose of
sharing our parallel passion for the BMW marque of automobile.

I am not a journalist of any sort, but I do believe that true passion has
the ability to bring people together more than words ever can.

BMW – The Bavarian motor-car company that has captured hearts
around the world with its brilliant cars that have been set up purely
with ‘drivers’-delight’ in mind.
A well-balanced, rear-wheel driven sensation of a car that is a
collection of comfort, speed and handling in one attractive package.

I will admit, my first car-brand that I fancied while growing up in the
early 80s in Cape Town was not BMW. It was, believe it or not, Ford.
I had witnessed Cortina XR6s’, Sierra Animal V8s, and Capri Peranas
entertain crowds on the streets easily with slithering back-ends, noise
and smoking rear tyres. I was easily impressed, but I wasn’t in the Ford
stable for long.

My passion for BMW started with this poster picture from a late 80s
Car magazine. An E30 being raced around a race track.
It looked fast, and it looked fantastic!

Another deciding factor that pushed me in towards the BMW stable at that early age, was my Pic from Car Magazine Sep 1988
close cousin Abdu who is a bit older than me, and is still until this day, as crazy about the BMW
brand as I am.
In later years the passion was cemented by experiencing the new models at the time (E3 3.0S,
E12s, E32 7series’, E24 635csi’s, not forgetting the popular E30s, especially my all time favourite
– the E30 333i.) All these were owned by close relatives in the later 80s, and ever since then, I
have been BMBefok! :)

It is highlights and experiences such as these that we build this SABeemer brand on. Growing
up with cars that become a part of one’s history. Creating memories with every journey, and
cars becoming a part of the family.

Whilst we on the topic of family, I would really like to thank my family for all their support with
this venture over the years. I have been blessed with a large, caring family and it would be
unfair not to mention them here.

A big thanks goes to my siblings Shameen, Shafiq, AbdulRehmaan, & Ayesha and their respect-
ed partners for always assisting and hosting me with pleasure and kindness when i’m up in
Johannesburg.
Thanks and blessings to my wonderful mother and her partner for all their constant prayers and
support. And I wouldn’t be complete without mentioning my late dad whose heart-felt prayers
can still be felt by us today. If I could give anyone sound advice - especially the younger gen-
eration it would be to respect, to care for and treasure your parents.

There are so many other individuals that deserve thanks:
My friends and family in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
My Cape Town friends group that had to endure me not attending many planned events and
gatherings due to me working on this project.
My self-proclaimed brother Naiem Ebrahim for allowing me to wake him up early on Sunday
mornings to assist with events and photo-shoots.
My good friend and SABeemer’s number one supporter from Kimberley – Metesh Naran.
Also Shameel ‘Shamzo’ from Durban for always showing me the grace and hospitality of the
wonderful Durban people. Thanks to Kamal in Johannesburg for always filling me into his busy
schedule.
A special thank you goes to my assistant Rholda for giving me the space to work on this project
and make this dream a reality, and a huge thanks to my long-term friend and colleague Yusuf
for always believing in me and pushing me in a motivational way.
A very special thanks also goes to Andre and his wife for their unwavering assistance in making
this venture a reality.

And a big, big Thank You to all our fans and followers for the wonderful years and being a part
of good memories

My son Isa though, he does not
like BMW. He rather prefers the
American V8 Muscle cars. He
does admit to liking one BMW
very much and that is the amaz-
ing i8. He is now 7 years old.
But this just proves that BMW is
continuing with their appeal to
younger hearts. Future cars for a
future generation.

Foreward

This magazine is filled with some of the highlights that we have done over the last few years.
The cover pic is a photo I took when I attended the BMW Car Club of Gauteng’s Annual Concors D’Elegance which was held at the Nelson
Mandela Square in Sandton City.
With our Madiba, the great Nelson Mandela’s statue in a dancing state overlooking all the beautiful classic Beemers, it captures the true spirit
of our wonderful Rainbow Nation. One resolution bringing together different colour and all races. A spirit of enjoyment, just like Madiba always
wanted.
Inside you will find a brilliant piece written about the 530MLE which is essentially a Motorsport version of the E12 5-series. The 530mle was exclusive
to South Africa, and has a great story in the history of BMW in South Africa. The article was written by Klaus Wiehl who until recently owned the
roadgoing version in this article. The race-car is owned by Charles Arton and is up till this day raced in the Classic Car series at Killarney Race
Circuit in Cape Town.
We look at highlighted past events which took place in Jhb, Cape Town and KZN with our BMW DAY GP 2013 & 2015, and the BMWFest Cape
Town which happens annually at The Killarney Motor Racing Complex from 2010 till 2015, as well as the KZNBMW Run which took place in
January 2016.
We also have another highlight which showcases 3 immaculate 2002s in Johannesburg. Arranged and Written by Johann Venter it is a wonder-
ful insight into the car that put BMW on the map after the 2nd World War in a time when BMW was in a struggle to survive.
Last year Auric Auto BMW Dealer invited us to a Breakfast Run with their clients to
the Franschhoek Motor Museum.
It was a day of much delight and beauty.
Upon learning that the M3 label would now be reserved for the 4 door version
of the ///M derivative of the most popular 3 series model, die-hard M fans were
up in arms about the 2 door versions now being called the M4. So we paid a
little tribute to best car in the entire BMW range, which probably has one of the
most popular cult following around the world. – The 2 door M3.
We also showcase the Cape Tunnel Run 2015, and our Kimberley division, head-
ed by Metesh and his crew, did some good initiatives to the poor and needy in
their region. We thank everyone responsible and involved
As South Africans, we cannot ignore the iconic E30 325iS, and we have a fan-
tastically clean example in Henna Red showcased in here as well.
Here’s to our launch issue. Enjoy!

For any enquiries , features or events

Contact : 071 334 1152
[email protected]

Contents

E12 530MLE 03

BMW DAY GP (THE GLEN 2013) 11

BMW DAY GP2 (THE GLEN 2015) 17

Feature Article 3 x 2002 25

KZN BMW RUN 2016 34

Auric Auto Breakfast treat 39
45
Tribute to the M3 at Sandton Auto

Cape Tunnel Run 2015 55

Kimberley Initiatives 61

Kimberley Charity Drive 63
67
Andre’s E30 325Is - ‘Legend in Red’

Club Focus - BM Squad 71

BMW Festivals

- Cape Town 2010-2015 78

Technical Tips 84

015 2911099 / 015 2911690 014 592 0209 / 014 5921237

POLOKWANE RUSTENBURG

REPLACEMENT PARTS SUITABLE TO REPLACEMENT PARTS SUITABLE TO
FIT BMW FIT BMW

NON FRANCHISED NON FRANCHISED

[email protected] [email protected]

QUALITY AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PARTS SUITABLE TO FIT BMW & MiNi VEHICLES
SERVICE KITS * BRAKING SYSTEMS * SUSPENSION COMPONENTS * COOLING SYSTEMS
*ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL COMPONENTS

USED & RECYCLED SPARE PARTS FOR BMW & MiNi VEHICLES
*ENGINES * GEARBOXES * DIFFS * BODY PARTS * COMPUTER BOXES (DME)

* INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PARTS & SPARES

Bok Straat 51 EMI AUTO PARTS IS A NON FRANCHISED SPARE PARTS SUPPLIER OF QUALITY NON GENUINE REPLACEMENT 34 Cnr Oliver Tambo & Loop Street
Polokwane PARTS SUITABLE TO FIT BMW & MiNi VEHCILES. EMI AUTO PARTS IS NOT AFFILIATED TO BMWSA / BMW-AG Rustenburg
0700 OR ANY OF ITS DEALER NETWORKS. ALL NAMES, PART NUMBERS & PICTURES ARE USED SOLELY FOR REFER- 0300
Tel: (015) 2911099 ENCE PURPOSES ONLY & DO NOT IMPLY THAT EMI AUTO PARTS ARE SELLERS OF ORIGINAL BMW PARTS Tel: (014) 592 0209
(015) 2911690
Fax: 086 613 7045 WWW.EMIAUTOPARTS.CO.ZA (014) 592 1237
E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 086 661 6818
E-mail: [email protected]

Celebrating the Legend of a

Track Icon Written by: Klaus Wiehl
Photos by : M R Photography


In The Beginning…

South Africa has always been a hotbed for big-engined cars with a distinctive sporting nature. With sunny skies and wide open roads,

many have enjoyed the freedom to exploit their cars to their full potential. The BMW marque enjoys a large following here, the roots
which stem back to the early Seventies, when BMW S.A. was but a fledgling company producing adapted Glas saloons, vehicles from
a company which BMW had purchased in 1967. In 1971 local assembly began on the large E3 2500 and 2800 saloons, with the 3.0S and
3.0L following shortly thereafter. However, sales were slow, and BMW began to think seriously about the viability of their South African op-
erations After much deliberation, the decision was made to continue, and in March 1974 the new E12 5 Series was launched in S.A. ( E12
production had already commenced in Germany in 1972. ). The first CKD ( Completely Knocked Down ) car to roll off the local assembly
line was a 520 Manual, and by 1975 the range had been expanded to include the 525 and 528. BMW’s gamble to persevere had paid
off; sales were on the rise as South Africans took to the 5 Series with great enthusiasm. Late 1975 saw the launch of the 518 at an elabo-
rate affair held in Swaziland.

1976 BMW 530MLE (MOTORSPORT LIMITED EDITION)

Although much admired as the “economy” 5 Series, it was another car on show which caught the press’s attention, an experimental 528
Manual, a variation of a car which had previously only been offered in Automatic form. All agreed this was some car, but BMW S.A.
Marketing Manager Ron Meatchem’s rationale was that the 528 was primarily a luxury vehicle, and demand for a Manual version would be
insignificant. However, if such a car were to be offered, it would have to be of a more sporting nature as there was an unfulfilled demand for
“exotica” due to import restrictions.

This aroused the interest of the racing fraternity, who saw this as the opportunity to establish BMW as a motor sport force to be reckoned with
in S.A.. At the time a lone CSL was being rather unsuccessfully campaigned on local racetracks, except when international entries arrived
for special racing events. Negotiations were entered into with BMW Motor Sport in Germany for a modified production racer. The go-ahead
was given almost immediately. Under the famous direction of Jochen Neerpasch, with technical supervision by Peter Stark, a concept car,
based on the 525, was produced. This car found its’ way to the brothers Schnitzer in Freilassing, who ultimately were responsible for much of
the development work. BMW Motor Sport must have placed much importance on Schnitzer’s input as the car was flown by Sabena Airlines
to the tuning company. Once all parties were pleased, two track cars were prepared, one in Germany and the other in S.A.. These cars
would compete in “The Star Modified Production Series” competition, then the most prestigious saloon car racing series in the country.

Early trials hinted of the success to come, with the late Formula 1 driver Gunnar Nilsson lapping Kyalami in 1 min 39 sec, despite a misfiring
engine. However, there was one more hurdle to overcome before these two racers could be unleashed on S.A.’s racetracks.

In order to gain race approval, 100 identical road-going versions of what had by now become unofficially known as the 530 Motor Sport
Limited Edition had to be sold to bona fide members of the public. BMW produced proof of these sales just in time for the Republic Day
Trophy race.

Success On the Track

The Republic Day Trophy race on 5 June 1976 saw the beginning of a S.A. racing legend with the first of many victories for the 530s. With
these racers, BMW gave us the real thing; genuine large capacity production line cars with race-bred pedigrees. The racing engines
used produced an impressive 202 kw at 6750 r/min with 318 Nm peak torque at 5500 r/min, and a maximum fifth-gear speed of 235 km/h.
To keep this beast on the track, Bilstein gas dampers were supplied all round, anti-roll bars were fitted front and rear, and tandem brake
boosters with release valves prevented rear brake-lock. Four up rated ventilated disc brakes by Lockheed provided assured stopping
power. Two large exhaust pipes exited on the right side next to the driver’s door. Low profile Dunlop tyres were fitted to 406 mm Chaparral
wheels, 279 mm wide at the front and 305 mm wide at the rear, with 275/600 and 300/625 tyres fitted respectively. This powerful package
was neatly tucked into an aggressive-looking E12 body with flared wheel arches and the brightly decorated BMW Motor Sport colours.
Strangely, initially the interior largely remained as on the road cars, including the rear bench, carpet, and door panels. Only the addition of
a roll cage reminded the driver that this was indeed a serious race car.

Sponsorship was received from, amongst others, BIC, Salora Television, and Castrol. The two BMW’s were unchallenged, with Eddie Keizan
and Alain Lavoipierre, the initial two drivers, achieving all-conquering success. Track records were broken at regular intervals, and the
opposing Mazda and Ford Capri challenges were vanquished. To really stamp their authority on the competition, fifteen victories were
achieved from fifteen consecutive starts, with Keizan eventually moaning that his only competition was his teammate.
circles, and started a tradition that is still very much alive in this country.Keizan got what he asked for in 1978, when Mazda released their
Capella Rotary Coupe. Immensely powerful, and wickedly quick, the Capellas provided stiff opposition from their first race. As the season
wore on, the Capellas got ever closer to Keizan and Paddy Driver, eventually eclipsing the BMWs,

and effectively ending their factory-backed racing careers. However, BMWs’ goal had been achieved. Over a period of two and a half
seasons, and three consecutive championship titles, the 530s had firmly established the marque in South African motor sport circles, and
started a tradition that is still very much alive in this country.

1976 BMW 530MLE (MOTORSPORT LIMITED EDITION)

To BMW S.A.’s surprise, the 100 homologated road-going 530s were quickly snapped up
by an enthusiastic public, so quickly in fact that BMW S.A. decided to produce an addi-
tional amount to satisfy demand. Final production figures amounted to 218 cars, of which
the first two were the track cars. Interestingly, the first German-produced track car’s VIN
number is zero. In retrospect, the overwhelming demand was not so surprising. These cars
were strikingly different to anything BMW S.A. had previously offered. At an expensive R10
595 on the road, one got a massively capable vehicle for the time. In appearance alone,
the cars stood out from the crowd. The first 110 cars were all painted in Ice White ( The
second batch of 108 cars were also available in Platinum and Saphire Blue, with one car
in Aztec Green with a leather interior, and one car is also known to have had a factory
fitted sunroof. ), with a deep front spoiler, bootlid spoiler, and extended wheel arch spats (
Very early spats were colour coded, later ones left in their natural black colour. ), the two
spoilers being made of fibreglass. To further enhance the appearance, the BMW Motor
Sport colours emblazoned the waistline and the two spoilers.
To make them true lightweights, the body was fabricated using lighter guage steel, with
punched holes in most areas of the body, drilled bootlid hinges and, oddly, one of the
foot pedals was also drilled. In addition, the battery was moved to a crudely fabricated
cut out in the boot floor to create better weight distribution. Thinner glass was also used,
excluding the front and rear screens. The interior was covered in a rich navy blue velour,
with

1976 BMW 530MLE (MOTORSPORT LIMITED EDITION)

front bucket seats by Scheel. Interestingly, the rear bench had a foam base, instead of the conventional steel frame, no doubt another
attempt at weight reduction. A once-off wooden gear knob, never seen before or since on any other BMW, displayed the dogleg gear
insignia. A special 380mm diameter Motor Sport steering wheel produced by Italvolanti rounded out the sports-orientated cabin.

The 2985cc six cylinder overhead cam motor was a factory tweaked version of the same motor found in the 3.0L, producing a higher
147kw at 6000r/min and 277Nm of torque at 4300r/min. Fuel and air were delivered via two twin-choke Zenith down-draught carburet-
tors and a truly huge air filter system. Besides a special cam and competition flywheel, an engine oil cooling system was found neatly
tucked behind the front spoiler. This set-up enabled the car to pull cleanly from as little as 40km/h in fifth gear, and thus provided the
530s with a nice blend of bottom-end flexibility and eager top-end performance. Top speed was 208km/h with 0-100km/h coming up
in 9.3 seconds. Ho-hum by today’s standards, but very impressive back in 1976. The motor was mated to a Getrag 5-Speed close ratio
gearbox with first gear at a dogleg away from the driver.
The rear end was transformed with the addition of a Borg Warner limited slip diff, with Bilstein gas dampers and up rated springs all
round, as well as an up rated anti-roll bar up front and an additional anti-roll device at the rear. Four-piston brake calipers and ventilat-
ed discs provided the stopping power. This whole package rode on special BBS Mahle 7J alloys and 195/HR 14 inch tyres. Looking back,
one might wonder what was so special about the 530 in the BMW pantheon of great cars? After all, it enjoyed a relatively brief moment
in BMW track history, and only in a small country at the foot of Africa. Well, for starters, it was the first production 5 Series breathed on
by the BMW M gurus that was officially available to the public. The brothers Schnitzers’ expertise in its development give it further cre-
dence.
It was the only 5 Series produced that contained all the BMW M cosmetics as standard, including all of the mechanicals developed up
to that time.
The track successes achieved by the two racers have never been equaled by any other 5 Series. In fact, British author Jeremy Walton, in
his book “Unbeatable BMW”, describes these cars as the closest to works 5 Series there have ever been.

1976 BMW 530MLE (MOTORSPORT LIMITED EDITION)

As a comparison, the track cars lapped Kyalami in roughly 1min 36sec at an average speed of 220km/h, with the then Formula 1 machines
achieving 1min 17sec at around 260km/h. It is certain that it was BMW’s first serious foray into a sporting 5 Series, which ultimately culminated
in the birth of the M535i four years later. Prior to these machines, only a handful of semi-modified cars were produced for important customers.
And E12 racers only hit the tracks in other parts of the world, including Germany, in 1977. It is also certain that the road versions were a direct
development of the track cars, making them unique in 5 Series lore. Remember, the track and road cars shared the body and many of the
mechanical oddities so unfamiliar to any other E12. Eddie Keizan, the driver so instrumental in the car’s track success, claimed that, 12-inch wide
wheels and racing slicks apart, the racing car was almost identical to the road version. He also described the cars as the best racers he had
ever driven, citing in particular the handling capabilities. High praise from a driver who had a modicum of Formula 1 experience under his belt.
Towards the end of 1976 the now famous 530MLE cosmetics found their way as optional extras on the equally rare German-only 533i, and later
still, again as extras, on the legendary E12 M535i. Although a natural progression of the BMW Motor Sport exterior theme of the time, as also
found on the 2002 Turbo and 3.0CSL, its official 5 Series origin lies in the 530MLE.As a result of the 530’s success, BMW S.A. produced a further
range of cars carrying the 530 badge, until the later arrival of the M535i. These cars were primarily sporting luxury saloons having the standard 3
litre M30 motor, and have little in common with the original homologation special.
Never again would BMW produce a production 5 Series for the public that had its origins so close to the track, making the 530MLE the blueprint
for all later 5 Series Motor Sport products.Today, the 530 is experiencing a resurgence of interest. For a long time forgotten, even among racing
enthusiasts, it has now become a hot collectable. Even outside S.A., there appears to be considerable interest. One car was bought for R 25 000
in 2005 and exported to Europe. Over the years this car has had various owners and fallen into serious disrepair, but sold this year to a collector
for R 200 000, and plans are for a complete restoration. Another car has locally also recently been totally restored. The two track cars were sold
off to privateers in 1979 and continued their racing careers. The locally-produced vehicle was destroyed in an accident in 1983, and the original
German-produced car survives to this day in a semi-restored state.

There is obviously no certainty as to how many of the 218 cars produced have survived. However, due to their nature to disintegrate
into rust heaps, and go backwards into the scenery at the hands of less experienced drivers, there can surely only be a few still around.
Currently, this writer knows of nine cars still in existence, of which four are still running, one on the track, and three on the road. There are
no doubt a few more. These cars are all that remain of a very exciting and important period in BMW racing history. While every effort
has been made to render as accurate as possible details regarding the history of these cars, inaccuracies may have occurred. Please
note the term “530MLE”, which is used here, is the name which these cars are most often referred to by enthusiasts over the past three
decades. However, they have also been described as Motor Sport 530, 530 Motor Sport, 530 Limited Edition, and simply 530 by local
publications. BMW S.A. itself only ever referred to the cars as 530, but did state they were of a limited production. There was not even a
special owner’s hand book, the standard E12 book merely being used. The use of the “M” emblem for Motor Sport-derived cars was first
officially used by BMW with the M1, although the S.A.-only 530 was a product of the BMW M division, using the prior version of their Motor
Sport logo. Tracking down the information has been an arduous process, with most of it being obtained from period publications and
persons involved with the cars at the time. Any advice, recommendations, suggestions, or new information, is always welcome.” K.Wiehl

The road-going version of the 530mle that you see here was until recently owned by the writer, Klaus Wiehl for 22 years. He is also the
individual driving his car in the pics.

The replica of the Racing version is owned by Charles Arton who uses the car to race in the Classic Car series at Killarney raceway in
Cape Town

BMW DAY GP 2013BMWDAYGP
24 February 2013

With SABeemer just under a year in existence, it was finally time to have an event in Johannesburg.

Jo’burg is better known as the “hub” of the African continent, and it being the largest and most resourceful city in South
Africa, we had to present the popular ‘Mass BMW Hook-up’ in the City of Gold.
When the news of the event broke, it was highly anticipated. Johannesburg had never experienced such an event thus far.
The idea was to open the invitation to any BMW vehicle to join in the Park-Off. General Public would participate by simply
parking their Beemers next to others.
Owners who wanted to show their cars off a bit more, could enter in the Show & Shine competition. These cars in the Show &
Shine competition would be judged by 4 chosen judges and the winners of different classes would be handed certificates
and spot prizes.
The Glen Shopping Centre, based in Oakdene, 10km South of Joburg City, represented by Mr Dean Myburgh was very ac-
commodating allowing us to host this event on his premises. The roof top parking space is what attracted the idea of loading
GP’s hottest Beemers together.
It is gratifying to know that there are corporations and establishments rendering their hospitality to us “ car-crazy” fanatics to
express and enjoy our social passions at their venues.

BMW DAY GP-24 February 2013

Joining me on this venture was NAS Concept Crew based in Lenasia which is directed by the Seedat brothers, Naeem and Zaheer. They
have amongst their team of 12 guys - some of the neatest E30 325iS’, E36 M3’s, and a few gorgeous E46 M3’s. They were our ‘Officials’ of
BMW DAY GP.

A simple, happy-go- lucky bunch of guys that are passionate about all things that go over 200km/h. They were serious and enthusiastic to
express their passion for the BMW brand by volunteering for Official duties. And what an delightful execution by them!!

BMW DAY GP-24 February 2013

The day was amazing.
Guys and girls really honoured the invitation to either show their car off, join in a convoy from suburbs all over the
Jhb region, or simply come and see what was on display. And as a bonus get up they could get up close with
BMWs that they have never seen before.
There were participants from out of town who drove to Jhb especially for this event. (Kimberley, Rustenburg, Nigel
that we know of)
Our MC, Vic Pardal from Mzansi Rides & Jozi Spinmasters did a fantastic job in presenting and entertaining the
crowds.
Exhibitors that were displaying their products and services were: Hi-Tech Mag Repairs, Promotec Vehicle Software,
Formula Friction Brakes, Durashine, The Detailing Studio, 333Auto. Tune Tech couldn’t make it on the day as an exhib-
itor but brought their just recently finished project E92 M3 Track Monster, to display Auto Glen BMW Dealership didn’t
have any representatives available for the day but supplied a few gift packets for us to hand out. SouthSide Crew,
Jozi Spinmasters, and BMWfanatics were clubs being represented. In the end, the car count was just over 400 BMWs
in that one location from 10am till 5pm.

BMW DAY GP-24 February 2013

pic by HoodrideSA

BMW DAY GP-24 February 2013

It was a real celebration of Sheer Driving Pleasure and MPower for the fans.
Other contributions & pics
NAS Concepts - Zaheer
HoodRideSA - Mahesh Kalain
XclusiveMods - Faeez Hassen
Proper Perfektion - Fareed
Soweto Express Newspaper - Mehnaaz Gafoor

FOR MORE PICS GO TO WWW.SABEEMER.CO.ZA

SSS

Fabrics

Suppliers of :
QUALITY UPHOLSTERY FABRIC
MOTOR CAR TRIMMING
OUTDOOR FABRIC
GENUINE LEATHER
VINYLS
RELATED HARDWARE
& ACCESSORIES

Contact : 021 851 1060 / 082 305 7257
[email protected]

SABEEMER DAY GP

part2

“Passion speaks louder than words”

It’s been 2 years since we last had a ‘Mass BMW Park-off’ event in BMW DAY GP 2 / 22 FEBRUARY 2015
the Gauteng region. The venue for this years’ instalment was once
again The Glen Shopping Centre, south of the Johannesburg CBD.
With the amazing turn-out we experienced in 2013, we were again
looking forward to a packed series of Beemers on the roof-top of
The Glen in 2015. The keen participation of various Clubs, Busi-
nesses, Dealerships and individuals all relating to the BMW brand
created an atmosphere of fantastic togetherness which ensured
that any passionate fan would enjoy the outing together with
fellow friends and family. A sunny and a sweltering 30+ deg Celsius
temperature couldn’t keep a total of over 500 different Beemers
away over the course of the day, and the cars certainly contested
the heat with their looks and style.

BMWfanatics, which is the countrys’ most popular internet-based
forum for any BMW owner (or even if you just want to chat with a
cool bunch of guys) arranged a meet-up point and convoy to the
event. Yaseen Arbee (BMWfanatics events co-ordinator) wasted
no time in arranging the meet-up and convoy from the time he
first learned about this event a few months ago. It was probably
one of the biggest one-brand one-lined convoy with a total of
89 cars travelling together on Gautengs roads. Other clubs which
arranged convoys to the event were CarCandyInc, Slutla Crew
as well as Craig and his team all the way from Port Shepstone KZN
driving up with 5 mint 325iS’.

The BMWCarClub of Gauteng also attended and had a good set-
up displaying some cool proper track prepped cars. Sponsors and
exhibitors on the day were, TuneTech (BM Mechanical Specialists),
SpeedWay (Car Care products), Zambesi Auto BMW M Dealer,
Alberante BMW Dealer, MZ Customs, German Wheel Shop (suppli-
ers of Quality rims and tyres), Crazy Detailer who also sponsored a
fantastic Meguires Car Care kit, as well as Funky Creations T-shirts.

cont....BMW DAY GP 2 / 22 FEBRUARY 2015

Other supporting clubs were NAS concepts, & Southside Crew
Behind the mic we had the illustrious Vic Pardal, a true gem in our car-loving culture.
For the kids we had some pedal-carts
The show included a show n shine competition and the winners were as follows :
BEST FACTORY STOCK STANDARD
1st Place – Khalid Baba (1992 E30 325i with only 59600kms)
2nd Place – Tevin Naidu (2015 M4 1300km)
3rd Place – Sa’eed Valjie (2014 M135i 23000km)
Khalids car is such an example that if you want to see and experience what an E30 that
came off the showroom floor in 1990 looked like, it would probably give you a 99% idea.
It is a very prime and unmolested example.
BEST OLD (PRE 1985)
1st Place – Raeez Abrahams (1971 2002 83000miles)
2nd Place – Dilip Jivan & Jyoti Badal (1980 635csi 229000km)
3rd Place – Roscoe (1983 E28 525e 300000km)
Raeez’s 2002 was just awesome. My favourite of all the cars that attended (I wasn’t a
judge btw so my vote didn’t count here). This car was apparently in a sad state and was
brought back to life by Raeez over a 2 year period.

BMW DAY GP 2 / 22 FEBRUARY 2015

BEST E30
1st Place – Faisel Karim (1990 Alpina B3 2.7 273000km)
2nd Place – Vaughn Stemmet (1990 325i )
3rd Place – Sharred Nabesur (1992 E30 245000km)
The winning E30 Alpina was apparently built by master technician Shaun Sing when he worked at Stuart Brom-
field BMW Dealer (The authorised Alpina agent in South Africa)

BEST 325iS / 333i
1st Place - Mark Richards (1990 325iS White, 143000km)
2nd Place – Multi Car Sales (1992 Polaris Silver 325iS 60000km)
3rd Place – Mohammed Hoosen (1990 Glacier Blue 325iS 150000km)
A very tight class with all 3 in very very good condition. Thankfully these gems-of-a-motor-piece are still being
preserved. Mark and his buddys drove the 325iS all the way from Mpumalanga and back for this event showing
that the car is still a car and not just a garage queen.

BEST M (earliest till 2001)
1st Place – Nishar Karim (1994 E36 M3 2D 40000km)
2nd Place – Dhiresh Dewnaryan (1998 E36 M3 4D 132000km)
3rd Place – Bret Joubert (1998 E36 M3 4D 55000km)
Again a tight class but Nishar’s well-maintained Red E36 2door was driven from Mpumalanga and is kept clean
by themselves over week-ends.

BEST M (2002 till newest)
1st Place – Waheed (2014 M4 2000km)
2nd Place – Vaash Govender (2010 E93 M3 55000km)
3rd Place – Zahid (2005 M3)
Admittedly this class needed to be broken up again to separate the newer ‘TurboM cars into a separate cate-
gory for fair competition.

BEST RARE CAR
1st Place – Faisel Karim (1990 E30 Alpina 273000km)
2nd Place – Ziyaad Saloojee (1978 E12 186000km)
3rd Place - Dawid Scott (1981 E21 316i 280000km)
My personal best category of the day, as I always appreciate seeing fine examples of rare classics not usually
seen on our roads, and all of these 3 looked like typical daily drives, yet were such rare beauties.

BEST TEAM, CLUB or CREW
Slutla Crew
A fine selection of E30s –all cabriolets neatly maintained by a group of down to earth guys who are passionate
about participating in any event.

cont....BMW DAY GP 2 / 22 FEBRUARY 2015

BEST CONVOY
BMWfanatics crew
Certainly one of the biggest convoys Gauteng has seen

BEST FEMALE RIDE
1st Place – Khulsum Lalla (E93 M3 Convertible)
2nd Place – Farzana Chaumoo (2012 1series convertible)
3rd Place – Androniki Pouris (2014 125i)
Unfortuantely we cannot ask that owners papers are produced to confirm that these rides are lady-owned, but
we take the publics’ word and honesty that cars bought and maintained by males weren’t merely entered into
on the females’ name. We’d obviously prefer fair game.

BESTMODIFIED
1st Place – Dwayne Galloway (E46 M3 Supercharged)
2nd Place – Illias LETHAL-1 GP (92 Silver E30 2.9 stroker)
3rd Place – Chris dos Santos (E46 M3 Supercharged)
Dwayne’s car was a previous Rob Green creation with apparently R2m of mods in the car. It is currently for sale.

BEST EXHAUST NOISE

1st Place – Mpho (1981 E21 323i)
This little guy going up against V8 M3s and E46 330’s was too awesome, showing that the classic straight six M20s
still rule when it comes to a Beemer exhaust tone

BEST SHOW CAR
1st Place – Wayne (2015 335i)
2nd Place – Anesh (E92 2007 325i Coupe)
3rd Place – Vaash Govender (2010 E93 M3)
Best Dealer goes to Zambesi Auto M Division

Our judges for the day were :
Peter Karvelas - an active member of the BMWfanatics forum as well as a long standing member of the
E30clubSA forum. Peter Karvelas is also a member of the Ferrari Club and has extensive knowledge on BMW ve-
hicles. He also works on BMW cars from his home and is good at restoring vehicles to their original spec.
The 2nd judge was Rizo from JHB Parties and the 3rd judge James Schlebusch - a salesman from Zambesi Auto
BMW M Dealer. James unfortunately had to leave early due to a family emergency.

the traffic queue getting into The Glen Shopping Centre on the day

cont.....BMW DAY GP 2 / 22 FEBRUARY 2015

The judging was all about originality and staying within the heritage of a BMW vehicle - if wheels were changed, was it original OEM wheels?,
if steerings were changed was it original OEM BMW related stuff ? and so on and so on. If a guy modifies his car to an extent that he cannot
enjoy the car to BMWs motto of Sheer Driving Pleasure then he loses points. Changing items that disallow the BMW to run to its full potential will
be trumped by an original daily driven car with all the details taken care of. The car must obviously be as clean as materially possible. Original
paintwork counts, original interior materials count, original backboards, boot carpets engine components etc etc. All of the bits that make a
BMW stay a BMW despite age and mileage.

If I had it my way, I would give everyone that joined us on the day a
heart-welcoming prize. So to everyone that pitched, and got sun-burned,
and struggled for parking, and drove from far, and were patient went we
ran over scheduled time and made efforts for this event, we thank you.
It’s the passion for BMW that brought us together….
The day that Passion spoke louder than words.
Thanks to Dhiresh, Asif, and Diki for the pics.



Written by Johann Venter

A 2002 ThreesomePhotos by Oliver Hirtenfelder & Mahomed Ozayr Abdulla

Written by Johann Venter
Photos by Oliver Hirtenfelder & Mahomed Ozayr Abdulla



I t’s the 8th July and we are in the heart of
winter and yet there are no fur coats or thick
windbreakers or bomber jackets in sight, in-
stead a clear blue African sky, winter………….
what winter I hear you say.

We’re standing outside the world-famous
2010 Soccer World Cup stadium known as
the Calabash (hollowed-out plant used as a
drinking utensil) where the opening and clos-
ing ceremonies and several matches were
held during the 2010 World Cup. The guys are
reminiscing about which team had the most
vivacious supporters during the World Cup;
there is a compelling argument for both the
Dutch and Argentineans. But that is not what
we are here for today - standing in front of us
are three showroom- fresh 2002s in bright ‘60s
colours.

The idea to do this feature manifested at last
year’s BMW Car Club Concours, while chat-
ting to Yusuf Dinath. I suggested we do a fea-
ture on his Inca orange 2002. I had met Yusuf
at Angela’s Picnic, (a very casual classic car
gathering held on the first Sunday of April ev-
ery year). I was admiring a Polaris silver square
tail-light 2002 tii in right-hand drive. Only 1233
were ever produced and it happens to be
my favourite BMW. I asked Yusuf if he was the
owner and he replied “it used to be my car
but I sold it

” I thought to myself what an idiot!
But he redeemed himself somewhat by showing me his
latest Inca orange 2002. I later found out that the new
owner was Nick Coetzee’s brother in-law - I did a write-up
on Nick’s 2002 tii Alpina A4 replica.

On the day Yusuf and I hatched the plan to do the feature,
he introduces me to his nephew Nazir Sibda aka Kapi, a
true BMW enthusiast and fellow 2002 owner. Earlier this year
at a BMW Car Club race day I met Bilaal Mia while shel-
tering from a vicious hailstorm - as the wind drives the rain
against my face it does not distract me from the attention
I am showering on a Golf yellow 2002. Bilaal happens to
be the owner and we start to chat and I soon find out that
Yusuf is his uncle and that Kapi is his cousin and business
partner, I feel like I’ve just solved a 2002 mystery. The plan to
feature Yusuf’s 2002 now evolves into a threesome.

We all meet at Mzansi Auto Finishers, a car cleaning and detailing outfit owned by Kapi and Bilaal. I elect to travel to the Calabash in
Yusuf’s 1971 Inca orange 2002. After all he is the main instigation for us doing this feature so it seems most fitting. Getting into a 2002 never
fails to excite me - all my senses are heightened. First thing I notice is that the seatbelt is not on the B-pillar; instead I need to reach over my
left shoulder behind the seat slightly to reach the buckle. Once buckled up we pull away - pull away is smooth and so is the gear change.
The Twin-Weber carbs that have been fitted make the motor feel more responsive and puts a spring in the step of this 2002, with exhaust
note to boot. The ride is compliant, tight but not harsh, it soaks up the bumps and the undulations well and the brakes are sharp for a car
of this age. It is a real testament to German engineering and even though it is over forty years old it is completely functional and feels very
well put together. Yusuf however has had a great deal to do with the pristine condition the car is in.Yusuf discovered the car in the Nelson
Mandela Square parking lot, “I left my business card on the windscreen and a few weeks later saw it again, so I left another card”. He con-
tinues: “eventually the owner left his business card on the dash and to my surprise the door was unlocked so I took the card and contacted
the owner.”

Although Yusuf did not carry out a complete restoration he completely overhauled the running gear on the car, which included: new
engine mounts, gearbox mounts and linkages, gear shift bushes, tie-rod-ends, centre-drag-link, ball joints, and a prop-shaft coupling.
If that was not enough, the complete under-carriage was given a fresh coat of paint and a new stainless steel exhaust was fitted.
In terms of the engine the cylinder head was redone, an electronic ignition installed and twin side-draught Weber 40 carbs fitted, a
vast improvement on the original single Solex carb. On the exterior some of the chrome was replaced while the remaining bits were
cleaned and polished, parts of the front bumper were re-chromed and a new grill fitted. The cabin was treated to period-correct
carpets, and the seats were recovered in the original basket-weave vinyl: “I fabricated the centre console myself, recovered the boot
board and had to find a special steering-boss so I could mount the walnut sports steering wheel, plus source new badges and stickers
where necessary,” he smiles with a glint of satisfaction in his eye.

As I chat to Yusuf on our way to the Calabash I find out that his passion for 2002s is actually an obsession. “I’ve wanted to own a 2002
since high school and managed to eventually get my first 2002 in 1985 for R5k. In those days there was no internet and parts were very
difficult to come by, as you know the 2002 was never manufactured in South Africa and the Rosslyn plant only opened in 1973 as the
production of the 2002 was coming to an end. So to improvise I used an imitation chrome beading that was sold on a roll, on my first
red 2002,” he grins “How far we have come.” But his 2002 story is far from over. Later he sold his initial red 2002 and bought a white
round tail-light tii which he completely restored over two years and sold to well-known 2002 enthusiast Clive Massel who eventually em-
igrated to Australia. His next find was purely by accident. “I was driving my normal route passing old Bob’s Scrap-yard when suddenly
something caught my 2002 radar, a dust cover had just been blown off a Polaris silver 2002 and on closer inspection I discovered it was
a square tail-light tii, “I just had to have it,” and even now I see the excitement in his face. These cars really have a hold over him. Yusuf
persisted as he did with the Inca Orange 2002 and eventually it paid off. He wore the owner down and he took ownership of what is
undoubtedly his favourite of all the 2002s he has had. He explains: “I only had to do a repair to one of the front seats and grease the
electronic sunroof rail and that was it.”

For the return journey I decide to sample Bilaal's tasty 1968 yellow 2002 which sits on Yokohama rubber (195/45/15 all round) with rather
fitting Equip 03 rims, 7x15-inch in the front and 8.5x15-inch at the rear.

There is about a 2km straight before the
road snakes onto the freeway and Bilaal
manages to time the throttle and the
lights perfectly leaving the others behind
to contend with unwanted stoppage
time. This Golf yellow 2002 has a deeper
exhaust note that comes with the extra
performance, and although the car is
lowered it is not skittish, instead rather well
planted and agile. As with all 2002s that
I’ve been in - there are certain distinguish-
ing traits that never fail to appear even if
they are less flattering like the wind noise
that one gets even if the windows are
completely shut, but this is a very small
price to pay for owning one of the truly
great Bavarian legends. As we dance our
way through peak hour traffic Bilaal finds
a gap and takes a sweeping right hander
planting the accelerator to the floor, we
hit 140km/h in no time, but the burst of
glory is short-lived as our off-ramp soon
appears.

Earlier in the day Bilaal relates the story
of how the Golf yellow 2002 came to be,
“Kapi saw an ad in the Auto Trader for a
2002 in Port Elizabeth. When he inquired
he was told about a guy named Swen
in Durban selling his. He got in touch
with Swen and he told Kapi that he had
recently moved to the coast and was
afraid the car would rust. We drove down
to Durban with the intention of driving the
car back to Jo’burg.” But it was not to be
as they discovered that the brakes were
shot so they trailered the car home. So
initially Kapi owned the car? “That’s right
until he found the orange one in 2009, but
plenty has been done over the last eleven
years,” he continues. Besides the brakes
not working what condition was the car in
when you got it home? “Not bad actually,
Swen had the motor rebuilt by Evolution
2 Motorsport who fitted twin side-draught
Dellorto 40 carbs,” sounds like a good
place to start. “It also came with an E12
five-speed gearbox with a limited slip-diff,
we replaced the clutch and the gearbox
mountings and linkages,” good old Swen
not a bad fella by the sounds of it.

“We wanted to keep the car as original as possible, so we reconditioned the brake booster, brake calipers and drums, steering box,
radiator, starter and alternator.” The stare in his eye tells of many hours, plenty of loot and effort invested into this 2002. But it does
not end there, “We replaced every bush on the running gear and initially fitted Gabriel shocks which were okay but the Bilsteins are
much more up to the job, coupled with the 35mm lowering kit from Jaymic that was fitted.” I take it there is more: “Yes, of course, we
stripped the sub-frame, removed the rust and powder-coated it, plus we had a custom stainless steel performance exhaust made by
TNT, we rebuilt and jetted the Dellorto carbs and fitted a Pierburg high pressure fuel-pump,” really sounds like one well put together
2002. As for the body, the bumpers have been electroplated, inside original carpeting has been relayed, but the biggest surprise of all
is that the VIN shows that this is in fact a 1600 ti, no one can blame Swen for the metamorphosis, and it just seems like the right thing to
have been done.

There is no denying that Colorado orange is the poster boy colour for the 2002s, and that is exactly what Kapi has - with the highly
desirable original Alpina 5.5x13-inch rims, running on a set of Michelins. As I get in Kapi immediately explains, “She misses while running
below 3000rpm and there is a hole in the rear silencer,” he explains. So Kapi tries to keep the motor on the boil, he accelerates hitting
80km/h through a right hander, the 2002 firms up feeling more planted and sure-footed. We’re in a built-up area and with the amount
of traffic on the road there is not much space to stretch its legs, so we head back to the shop, avoiding potholes and bumps on the
uneven road surface - I start to get that shaken not stirred feeling.

So I pose the question to Kapi why a 2002? “Well, BMWs have been in our family for many years but my biggest influence must be my
uncle Fazel, he owned a tii and that created the desire - that was not his only BMW though. He also owned amongst others a E30 M3
Cecotto edition, as you know the E30 M3s were never produced or sold in South Africa as they were left-hand drive only, which makes
it very desirable,” that’s right I know of only one other E30 M3 in SA that is owned by Jack Kaplan who also happens to be the owner of
the only 2002 Turbo on the African continent. So where did you find this fine orange example? “I saw the car on Corlett Drive in Illovo
in 2009 so I approached Sue Carvalho, the owner, the bodywork was straight and it was the right colour, Colorado orange. Sue had
owned this 1969 2002 for fifteen years, it had been imported from the UK.” You obviously were happy with the car as you still own it,
“The car has matching numbers, it is completely original, it still has the single Solex down-draught carb, a dog-leg, close-ratio, five-
speed ‘box and a limited-slip differential.” So what have you done to it? “I fitted a set of Bilstein shocks and springs, how do you think
we managed to hook that corner at the speed we were doing? The big head conversion has been done, the Alpina rims I got from
Clive Massel and I had the boot and bonnet re-sprayed and believe it or not the grill has been painted black, it is not a plastic grill.” I
see a theme developing here, shall we call it Alpina? “Exactly, I intend to get it to an A4 spec, but I want to enjoy the process and take
pleasure in each new part or component fitted and do it properly, next will be the original Alpina front shovel-spoiler, I also have the
three-spoke Alpina steering wheel and gear-knob, Alpina tappet cover as well as the air-box.

The more time you spend with this family the more you realise their passion/obsession for BMW 2002s, a true 2002 family affair. In closing
the trio tell me that their restorations would not have been possible without the expert advice and service received from Fay at Jaymic
and Alex from Walloth & Nesch.



KZN BMW RUN 17 JANUARY 2016

It was time to hit the coastal shores of Durban for a 2nd Fun Run with fellow KZN Beemer fanatics. An exciting
first get-together in Sept 2014, made us look forward to this Run scheduled for 17 Jan 2016.
The N2 PetroPort (North) filling station was once again the initial meeting point before heading to Blue Lagoon
parking. Being a Capetonian, (and doing what Capetonians do best, i.e last minute arrangements)... i booked
an early flight out of Cape Town to Durban on the same Sunday as the event with the hope that no delays
from either side would cause me to be late for this get-together. Thankfully, all went smoothly.
On arrival at the PetroPort filling station about 10 minutes before the said time of 10am, we were greeted by
the site of excited enthusiasts wiping dirt off their cars while others were polishing paint work and mag wheels.
A stunning selection of E30 325iS (4) as well as a gleaming Henna Red E24 635csi drove 120km from Port Shep-
stone . Andrew Pillay and his wife Audith with the 'his and hers' E30 325i and F30 Motorsport respectively, made
the total number of cars from Port Shepstone 7.

The parking area soon started filling up some more
e30s, an E12, and a range of E36's, E90/2's, as well
as M4's all ready and eager to hit the road as part
of a huge convoy.
On route we collected Sumeet and his buddies at
his Wheel Emporium store in NorthCoast Rd.

Sumeet arranged a good selection of ///M cars
to join us on the run, as well as an E30 which was
fitted with an ‘AirLift’ air-bag suspension kit , the
latest craze on our car-modifying scene.

It was also good to meet Jadiel and some of the BMWfanatics
guys who joined us for the drive.
We rounded up at Blue Lagoon parking area where oth-
er Beemers were waiting on us, and an hour later drove in
convoy to Casuarina Beach, which is about 35km out of the
Durban CBD towards Balito

A genuinely fun and memorable day for all that took part, and a great thanks to Shamzo and each and every KZN
individual that made this day possible.

CONTACT US ON: +27 11 792 8352
MAIL US ON: [email protected]
VISIT US AT: 21 HAMMER AVE STRIJDOM
PARK RANDBURG GAUTENT

Tel : 021 593 6530
Alternative Number : 084 027 1514/074 746 0320
Email: [email protected]
Unit 6
16th Avenue
Kensington
Capetown
7405

To join our team of BMW enthusiasts
around South Africa

Send us an email at :
[email protected]

0713341152

For any enquiries in the For any enquiries in the For any enquiries in the
KZN region EASTERN CAPE region WESTERN CAPE region
Sameshan – 073-333-4999
Shamzo – 072-893-8786 Shiraz- 071-334-1152

For any enquiries in the For any enquiries in the For any enquiries in the
GAUTENG region.
NORTHERN CAPE, LIMPOPO
NORTH WEST Kamal 081-728 1805 MPUMALANGA region

& FREE STATE region. Mohammed – 082-446-7373

Metesh- 083-704-0417

For photo-shoots / features or events : contact [email protected]

Auric Auto Client Breakfast Treat

Auric Auto invited some of their clients on a BMW ‘breakfast-run’.

The day started at 8am with a simple but scrumptuous breakfast spread out on tables inside the Dealership Showroom.
Auric Auto, based in the buzzing metropolis of the Claremont CBD, is a major player in the Western Cape BMW Dealer
Network.

The dealership began in 2003, and within 2 years, sales
figures had increased by 100% with market share grow-
ing steadily each year.
Apart from numerous other success stories, their Premium
Selection Department has evolved into one of the top
performers in the BMW Dealernet.
Auric Auto was also voted MINI Dealer of the Year as
well as BMW Financial Services top Dealer for 2010.
The R30 Million state-of-the-art Facility offers clients 3
showroom floors housing BMW New Cars, BMW Premium
Selection Used Cars and MINI vehicles. In addition, the
facility sports a 30 vehicle-bay Workshop, a fully stocked
Parts Department, 100 on-site parking bays, highly
trained and motivated Staff, and a full in-house Finance
and Insurance service.
The Dealership itself boasts world class comfort and fin-
ishes, including 2 coffee bars situated in the MINI Lifestyle
Centre and Main Service Reception for the convenience
of our most valued customers.*

Clients were invited by Sales manager, Matthew James to gather at the dealership on a Sunday morning and after enjoying the
breakfast and receiving a gift-pack each, a convoy would travel along the picturesque route to the Fransschoek Motor Muse-
um.
At the museum refreshments were served, and a knowledgeable tour-guide showed and educate the visitors around the beau-
tiful facility.
It wasn’t meant to be an entire days’ event but it certainly was the weekend highlight for all that took part.
Keep a lookout for more of these Auric Auto gatherings in the future.
Their details are 215 Main Road Claremont 021-670 1100





17 JANUARY 2016

The parking area soon started filling up some more
e30s, an E12, and a range of E36's, E90/2's, as well
as M4's all ready and eager to hit the road as part
of a huge convoy.
On route we collected Sumeet and his buddies at
his Wheel Emporium store in NorthCoast Rd.
Sumeet arranged a good selection of ///M cars
to join us on the run, as well as an E30 which was
fitted with an ‘AirLift’ air-bag suspension kit , the
latest craze on our car-modifying scene.

true passion can never be explained....
it can only be expressed. wwww.sabeemer.co.za

A Tribute to the M3 Coupe

Feature Article from our www.sabeemer.co.za website Sept2013

Photo credit : Tyrone Noble Photography 082 570 3260

The number 3 has always been a lucky number for me. I was born on the 3rd, my first BMW was a 333i, and I had 3 wives….
no, I’m just kidding on that last bit. When coupling the number 3 to the BMW badge, it enlightens a fact that is hard to miss.
Even if you are not a BMW nut, you will admit that the 3-series BMW is a force. A force that is respected, and in some cases
respected so much that car-fans of other brands would secretly agree that it is one of the best line-up of vehicles ever
produced.
It all started with the E21, the first ever 3 series model. In Europe and the USA, it was a big hit, providing young and upcom-
ing executives a chance at owning a slice of elegance. This 3-series provided elegance in a compact form. The styling was
simple, yet it stood out pleasingly. The
6-cylinder variants were especially popular because of the boy-racers that live within all of us.,
The recipe of the 3-series is today just as it was with the original E21. It might not be the same compact/small size anymore,
a trend that is followed by all car-makers alike…whether this is because people are actually getting bigger and bigger all
time I am not sure…(but that is a personal analogy and another topic for discussion all together). The 3-series is still simple
yet visually appealing. It still provides class and drivable brilliance. And it is still a benchmark that many aspire to.
Now when attaching an ///M symbol next to the 3, it tells a different story, actually it adds a sense of magic to already
pleasant tale. It adds a road going Motorsport heritage to the elegance. And the result is refined force.

Here in this feature are 3 beautiful immaculate samples of
the M3 line-up, starting with the E36, the first M3 that was
brought to the South African market. This 1994 model be-
longs to Rowen Singh and it is in a breathtakingly beautiful
condition.

The pics (without taking anything away from the top-class
photography) do not do this car justice. It looks as if it
belongs on the Sandton BMW showroom floor.