New addition to the fleet

[vinceg101]

I've got to do this for both the E39 and the Honda. I used an abandoned parking lot the last time just around the corner from my house; the blue tape was on the block walls for the longest time until they demolished the entire lot 4 months ago.
I'll use the hangar door this time.

[Karl Grau]

I've got to do this for both the E39 and the Honda.

That reminds me, I need to do the Honda too.

I didn't wait until it was completely dark but I think it went okay. Danny Stern probably wouldn't approve because I didn't have a full tank of gas and no weight in the driver's seat.

Shitty pic of driver's side.




Shitty pic of both lamps.

[waxonwaxoff]

Car is looking good, Charles!

I had a question regarding your Grom install. To use the factory wiring for the mic did you buy a BMW mic for up front, and then splice the respective wires in the trunk to a male stereo plug, and then plug it to the Grom's female stereo plug?

[Karl Grau]

To use the factory wiring for the mic did you buy a BMW mic for up front, and then splice the respective wires in the trunk to a male stereo plug, and then plug it to the Grom's female stereo plug?

Brady, I used the stock wiring and adapted the GROM microphone to the BMW grill thingy. In the rear, I adapted the grom wiring to a BMW plug I got from a junkyard. Everything can be returned to stock form easily.

[waxonwaxoff]

Thanks for the info, Charles. It looks like the X5 came with mics in it from the factory, so I'll look into trying to use them with the grom first, but probably will just end up using the grom mic.

[Karl Grau]

According to the ETK, the X5 uses the same stuff as the e39.
The BMW microphone is powered so it uses three wires, the GROM, only two. The plug I got from the junkyard plugs into the one in the trunk. You may have to dig around a bit to find it but I can get you a better pic and the wire color coding. To make it easy, the color coding changes from the trunk to the cabin.

[Karl Grau]

I ended up going with a cup holder from ‘Ultimate Cup Holders’. Not the best placement but I didn’t want something that could spill into anything electronic so that ruled out console mounted.

And get this…are you sitting down? It’s made in the USA!!??



While I was perusing the site, I saw they had umbrella holders which I thought would be perfect for my recently purchased El Niño umbrella.

And get this…are you sitting down? It’s made in Germany!!??



It’s made by the same company that supplied cassette and CD storage boxes to BMW back in the day.





It can be mounted in a bunch of different locations.



It just happens to be the perfect size for my M-Tech umbrella.

[tig]

You realize not even Seattleites own umbrellas?

What's next a vinyl landeau top?

[leadphut]

what's next, cucumber sandwiches?

[Karl Grau]

You realize not even Seattleites own umbrellas?

I bet they'd change their tune if they experineced an El Niño rain like we're having today.
I'm trapped in my truck because I have no umbrella.

What's next a vinyl landeau top?

The shop closed after the founder retired.

what's next, cucumber sandwiches?

Only if the crusts are removed. This isn't Seattle where apparently, anything goes.

[wkohler]

Lol. When I was in college, we often had the annoying BS sprinkling but not really rain, but more often than not, we had the "you get drenched" rain. I was given an umbrella by a neighbor and I never used it. I also wore shorts all the time. Sometimes a hoodie.

Did I mention how much I'm freaking LOVING this weather here?!

[Karl Grau]

The strangest thing happened this morning. About 5 minutes after calling in sick I made a complete recovery so I decided to use the lull between storms...





To install the umbrella holder. I used the Velcro so it sticks on just like the oil bag.




I also bought a 12 volt espresso machine to go with the cup holder. Apparently everyone in Seattle has these because they're always wet from being rained on and they need the warm-up I guess. BIG on coffee they are up there in Seattle.

[muleskinner]

Viva! Seattle Tacoma, viva viva Sea-Tac
Viva! Seattle Tacoma, viva viva Sea-Tac
Viva viva viva viva viva Sea-Tac
They've got the best computers and coffee and smack
Coming and going it has to be Boeing
The best form of defence is blow them up
In a regular cup
Have an espresso, You will? Oh I guess so
I feel my heart is gonna start to jump
'Cause it's wired to a pump

https://youtu.be/Go-wiS4JXWk

[John in VA]

I picked up this BMW bumbershoot, but haven't mounted it.

[Karl Grau]

That was a suggested location in my instructions but I thought it was a little obtrusive on Sandbeige. Plus, I don't think this whole 'rain' thing is going to last long.

[Karl Grau]

I put some of the free parts on today.








I've got mixed feelings about these. I guess I will have to wear my M-Tech socks whenever I drive it.

[tig]

When are you going to put a real transmission in that thing?

[m-racer]

I like it. Tidy. I have an ultimate cup holder and have used it in 4 different cars. Like it. On the umbrella thing, does it actually help to have an umbrella in your trunk?

[Mark 88/M5 Houston]

I like the steering wheel and the handbrake handle; door trim "M's" not so much.

[wkohler]

May as well go full-retard with the ///M stuff. Goes with the front bumper. Do you have an ///M license plate frame? Pretty sure that's necessary.

[leadphut]

[OcCoupe]

Charles, it's your car, do what makes you happy.

[Karl Grau]

When are you going to put a real transmission in that thing?

Shifting might cause me to spill the espresso.

On the umbrella thing, does it actually help to have an umbrella in your trunk?

No, it doesn't.

I like the steering wheel and the handbrake handle; door trim "M's" not so much.

I think they will grow on you, just give it some time.

Do you have an ///M license plate frame? Pretty sure that's necessary.

Now you're just being silly. Besides, you know the ///M frame is on the Honda.
I'm guessing you're not going to like what is in the second box of free parts.

[Karl Grau]

We had sustained gale force winds and rain over the weekend and a ladder blew 15' from the side of the house into the passenger door last night.
I obviously angered the M Gods.

[wkohler]

I don't know if that's worse than this :