Z1 News Articles

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Its that time of year where my MOT, TAX and Insurance are all due for renewal, at the same time, simultaneously, plus a service *groan*. But which is it, Dealer, Independent or DIY? Usually not a difficult choice, a Dealer service is always the preferred option, but finances dictate I must widen the scope and consider more cost effective options. DIY is of course the most economical, if you know what you’re doing, but my resolve won’t outlast the biting cold, so that rules that out. The gap between Independent and Dealer pricing is definitely getting smaller, I was recently quoted a figure not far off BMW’s quote, rather than Independent getting more expensive, it seems BMW pricing structure has been reduced to claw back some lost ground, which works in our favour.

Like many of you, its frightening taking my car to a place that has no history or experience working on Z1s. Dealer or not, you do not want anyone practicising on our cars. First stop is Zroadster, there is a ‘recommended dealer’ thread on the subject about glory and scary experiences. But a quick scan revealed no documented experiences within the London dealer network. Next up the Car Club website, there is a handy list of national Dealers, including a few within the M25, with additional notes on any member discounts. After a few comparable phone calls, I got quoted a figure just under the Independent’s price, a fine result. Whilst on the website, I began thinking what other useful information I can use in my financially dire situation, and found my Insurance company listed as an affiliate, it never occurred to me to check last year. If I’m honest I never had the time to peruse the site or forum until now, there is some useful info and interesting articles, don’t be put off by the previous lack of Z1 content, you may claw back your membership fee in discounts.

As a keen amateur photographer (or Lensman), there is also a photo section and competitions which I will be encouraging you all to participate in, I have also submitted a number of your cars to be displayed on the website’s image gallery, with your permission of course. If you don’t see your car, email a copy of your best shot.  A recent search of the forum pages revealed just 1 solitary article about the incarnation of the Z1 (it is an interesting read), which might explain the lack of interest by Z1 owners. A concerted effort is being made to put right that wrong, I have created a profile and added some Z1 specific content to publicise the forum’s existence, so do check again, the content and contributors will increase over the coming months.

After the success of 2012, murmurings have started, (by me I must add), on what we are going to do this year in terms of our annual event. As much as I enjoyed the Fest, I would like to incorporate a little driving into the weekend as per previous years, suggestions are a repeat of the 2009 Cotswold’s tour, or further afield to accommodate the more northern based owners who found it difficult to get to Oxfordshire, such as the Peak district, some would like to do the ZedFest again, 1 clever chap suggested we do both. Grand idea.

Take a look at your diaries, the Classic is taking place on the last weekend of July. We could tour on the Saturday, overnight stay at a hotel, then the Classic event on Sunday, you can attend 1 or both or have 2 separate outings this year. Nothing is fixed in stone yet, so if you have a suggestion or would like to be kept informed, do get in touch or keep an eye on the club forum and Zroadster pages. And lastly, I have received the new style Car Club and Z Register stickers to dish out, drop me an email with your name, address and membership number and I will promptly send them out, on a first come first served basis of course.

Big Chill, an Alien in popular children’s series Ben 10 whose cold breath can encase his enemies in ice, an annual alternative music and comedy festival held in the grounds of Eastnor Castle Hertfordshire, or the Russian Icy wind that has plagued the UK for what seems like an eternity, which would you prefer? It’s relentless isn’t it? And what do we have to look forward to when it’s over, springtime rain and April showers. I don’t usually mind the cold, except it has an adverse effect on all things Z1, and it’s been very quiet of late, too quiet. The memories of last year Zed Fest fading fast, it feels like a decade has since passed, I was beginning to think the Big Chill would never end. You may recall the battery Isolator switch discussed in October’s SS issue, I am extremely pleased to say it is working very well, although a little lethargic at times on startup, the battery stood up to everything Mr Chill had to throw at it.

Whilst we are on the subject, a mention must go out to those with the same charge retention issues, such as April Gray, your feedback lets us know we are providing content you find useful and the install is not as complicated as it seems.

What do we have in store for 2013, first up is the Silverstone Classic on July 26^th, with another big Zed Fest planned, we are hoping to attract an even larger number of Z1s than that attended in 2012. With tickets currently on sale, unlike me I hope you took advantage of the discount that was on offer.

The annual pilgrimage to the BMWCC sponsored Heritage Motor Centre is taking place on August 18th, for members and non members alike, more commonly known as Gaydon in BMW circles, (always wondered why). If you have never been before I quote, “The building itself is a spectacular piece of architecture with an art deco design, and stands proudly in a beautifully landscaped setting of 65 acres, which rolls out into the Warwickshire countryside”, says it all.

One of the drawbacks of Z1 ownership, we rarely come across other owners, although that’s a good thing (“this town is too big for the two of us” kind of thing), we enjoy the notoriety of being the sole representative, it’s also great meeting or seeing other owners who are just as passionate as we are, which these events provide. Speaking of passion, thank you to new member Keith Reid for last months Z news on the subject of Mobility Kits, a useful guide for those planning a long distance trip or as a viable alternative to the space waster that is the Z1 spare wheel. Keith is not technically a new member, but born again, after falling out of love with the club and Straight Six in 2009 for its lack of Z1 interests. After lots of apologising, groveling and false promises of a Z1 only issue of Straight Six, he forgave us, we have been given a second chance to impress him and Mrs Reid, so far so good. We too are impressed, being one of a small number of choice Magazines with permission to drop through the letterbox at the house of Reid, we plan to keep it that way.

Great news coming in last, it looks like we are going to have a Z1 tour this year after all, initial interest didn’t look promising when it was mentioned at the start of the year, but it has gathered pace. We discussed dates that coincide with the Silverstone Zed Fest or Gaydon event, but these were not ideal as its going to be quite busy in the area, accommodation limited, some owners would prefer to spend the entire day. We are now considering a separate date dedicated to the tour, such as Saturday August 31^st destination The Cotswold’s, an initial enquiry into accommodation and the fabulous 18^th century Neo Gothic Ettington Mansion is currently underway, as the final stop for banquet and overnight stay. Many of you will remember The Ettington, having hosted our 2009 event, with members coming from all over Europe, as detail and plans unfold I will keep you all updated, or simply jump onto the forum for more information or queries. And lastly, a little on subscriptions, whilst membership numbers have improved, we have noticed a drop in retention. This has been attributed to the fact members are not aware when renewals are due, as most pay a one-off fee on joining. For example when my BMWCC membership lapsed, I only noticed when Straight Six failed to materialize. I called the club office to enquire, and found out that renewal slips are included in the magazine months beforehand, I thought it was marketing material and threw it away. To help facilitate this, can you please call the club office on 01225 709009 if you have not already done so, and advise the very helpful Lesley or Anne of your direct debit details, this will be kept on file and membership renewed automatically, to ensure Straight Six drops through your door uninterrupted and on time.

Z1 News - The Silverstone Classic Media Day

By Roger Briggs.

I was invited in late April to represent the Z1 owners on behalf of the BMWCC by our Straight Six magazine representative Jamal Blanc, to attend a media press day held at the Wing building within Silverstone Circuit.  Being retired does have some benefits, as time is no longer a restraint and the chance to visit Silverstone during the week seemed a better choice than gardening or decorating. Like most of you, the car prep work was left until the very last minute.

Monday 6th May – 2 days to go.

The car was washed, put on axle stands and the wheels removed for cleaning. One job always leads to another, and it seemed prudent to paint the hubs whilst at this stage. A small tin of Hammerite quick drying paint meant the wheels were soon bolted back on and stands removed.

Tuesday 7^th May – 1 day to go.

An early start with the clay bar to remove all the flies, sap and debris from the body, a liberal coating of Carnuba wax soon had the car looking presentable. A quick polish of the glass and an interior vacuum and we are ready to roll.

Wednesday 8^th May - D-Day

The alarm clock rang at 6am I was on the road by 6.30. Weather dry but cloudy and after some sixty dry miles, approaching the southbound M1, the dreaded spots of rain appeared on the screen.  Within the space of a few miles, cloudburst conditions for some twenty miles. Many fellow Z1 owners are aware, that if it rains really heavy a few drops will manage to permeate into the car. Fortunately, a surplus of dusters within the car and a bit of Boy Scout knowledge soon protected the trouser from looking like an old man accident.  Arriving at the Silverstone Wing and directed to a small car park alongside a clean red Z3 putting me to shame, my highly polished Z1 a mere 2 hours ago, looked like it had not been washed in years. Barely time to greet ZRegister Chairman Ian Conuel and owner of the Z3, it was wash leathers and sponges. Half an hour later, balance had been restored.

Within minutes we were called to attend the media briefing, introduced initially by Louise Goodman. The format for the 2013 Classic was shown to the assembled audience by the organisers. With every year that passes the Classic becomes bigger in ticket sales, race entrants, car club displays etc. This year sees a special tribute to Silverstone race legend Jim Clark together with the history of Aston Martin and Lamborghini, plus a World Record attempt at parading 911 cars of Porsche 911’s, and of course another lap of BMW Z cars with the M Power cars for company. During the presentation, various drivers from the good old days took the stand including Tiff Needell, Tim Harvey and John Clelland recounting some of their race cars.

 After the presentation, the media and guests were allowed full access to all areas and complimentary fast laps in any of the cars circulating the track. The choice of cars was diverse with the latest Porsche’s, American muscle, touring cars, a Radical, classic MG and a beautiful race prepared 6 Series BMW, M3’s all lapping in the presence of a matt black Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera.  Standing in line, helmet ready and hoping for the 6 Series, lady luck struck and the Lamborghini pulled into the pits. The presentation lady said “would you mind going in the Lambo or would you rather wait for the BMW”? No brainer! The sheer excitement at being strapped into the Gallardo and within seconds being hurled down the pit lane onto the F1 circuit I won’t forget in a hurry. It dawned on me at this point, that the Lamborghini might just have a little more acceleration than my Z1, only a little. As a passenger it is difficult to view the apexes, whilst watching the rev counter hitting the red line, but at the first corner, the dustbin lid sized ceramic brakes seemed so much more powerful, whilst listening to the screaming 5.2 litre V10 and the glorious din from the quad pipes.

Considering that the Z1 is only around 80 kilos lighter than the Lamborghini, where did all that power go? No sooner had we started the lap when the pit lane beckoned in readiness for the next lucky passenger, another tick on my bucket list. Whilst waiting excitedly for another lap, a Porsche pulled into the pits, the driver sprang out, ran around to open the door for his female passenger, removing his helmet in the process, she was overwhelmed when that driver turned out to be David Coulthard.

A spot of lunch and a request to be back at our cars for a photo shoot behind a camera car on track, I was joined on track by a Z8 and the iconic M1. A fitting tribute for BMW and the Car Club, with many of the other cars circulating the track for the cameraman.  Back at the car park, I was just in time to see David Coulthard climbing into the winning Lotus 23 of Jim Clark to film scenes for a BBC documentary to be shown later in the year. That was about the time the media started to disappear and we all headed for home, thinking about the weather for 26/27/28 July 2013.

Roger Briggs.

BMWCC Member and Z1 Owner

 

Just read your article.  Very interesting, wicked read.  I'm after the same Yellow material for the seats.  Do you have any spare or can put me in touch with the dealership you bought it from.

 

Thanks

 

Tish

 

 

Thanks - Do you have the dealership contact details?  My local dealer is charging £115 + Vat per meter and you got yours a lot cheaper.  Also did you purchase 1 meter per seat or did the 1 meter cover both seats? 

 

Look forward to your reply

 

Tish

 

That would be much appreciated.  I'm using an Essex dealership.  The seats are okay just old.  I've give them a good valet but would like to get them back to looking new.  Just purchased the Z1 3 weeks ago.  Will send you some pics.  Where about in London are you?

 

Tish