Ed and Cecilia (Cece) Arnold

Hometown:

Denison, Iowa

BMW’s owned:

1971 2002(1976-1979), 1975 2002 (1979-1983), 1983 733i (1990-1994)

Currently owned:

Non-running 1972 2002 with Nissan 3.0 Turbo motor and 5 speed transmission, with spare Nissan Motor and Transmission; also have original BMW motor and 4 speed manual transmission. Recently acquired a running 1971 2002.

We purchased our first BMW because Ed needed a car to drive to work and wanted something unique and sporty. A friend’s brother had introduced Ed to a BMW 1600, which the brother provided a few exhilarating drives around Iowa City. The 71 2002 was a nice little car to drive, but with 120,000 miles, blue smoke and rust it, was time to trade. We then bought the 75 2002 from Otto Buwalda Imports in Ames. It was a beautiful orange, that I soon would turn into Hawkeye Old Gold and Black (one of the bigger mistakes in my life). When the jacking points rusted through, we temporarily got out of the BMW business. A few years later Ed came across a 733i with only 73,000 miles. Although not quick off the line, it was a real cruiser. From 70 to 90 mph, it was relatively quick.

Two favorite stories:

We drove the 75 2002 to French Lick Indiana one summer, with our 8 year old daughter Ellen, safely buckled in the back seat. French lick, the birthplace of Larry Bird, is a relatively rural area with seemingly unending two lane blacktop roads with little or no traffic and many 15-25 MPH curves. As Ed was running through the gears and using his best heal/toe downshifting technique, our daughter was enjoying leaning first left, then right. When Ed slowed down, Ellen suddenly piped up “Faster Dad, I can take it”. A sports car fanatic in the making!

One Christmas we had driven to San Antonio in the 733i. On the return trip, we encountered rain, then ice, then snow somewhere near Dallas. We drove the next 350 miles in the worst of driving conditions. I was so impressed with the handling and traction of this heavy real wheel drive car as we passed at 35 MPH four wheel drive SUV’s and other vehicles that had found the median or ditches. Even when we exited the car after 19 hour drive, it just didn’t seem that bad. In retrospect, I suspect it was because that car was so stable and comfortable.

Favorite Club Event:

At this point, we would agree that the fall drive to Hanibal was our favorite event; mostly because of the social interaction and driving. We also enjoy the monthly socials.

Dream Car:

1971 2002 all painted with a updated 1989-90 318i engine and 5 speed manual tranny, with some updated suspension, brakes, and electronic upgrades. I intend to have this car be my daily driver. Another story: last month as we were driving it to Urbandale from Marshalltown (where I had just bought it), I stopped for a short break at the Caseys in Bondurant. As I got out of the car, a young girl about 14 commented, “What a neat car!” That made my day and completely erased any thoughts of buyer’s remorse.

Eric Wieland of Algona

Name: Eric Wieland

Hometown:

Algona, IA is my hometown and I currently live in West Des Moines.

BMWs owned:

I own a 2008 BMW 135i and it is my first BMW

What made you decide to purchase your first BMW?

I have wanted to purchase a BMW for many years and I finally ordered mine in 2007 through the BMW Military Sales program while I was deployed overseas. I was able to order what I wanted and saved a bunch of money. I believe it was one of the first 1 series in Iowa when it was delivered in late summer of 2008.

Do you have any BMW stories or memories?

The 2009 LDDS was the first driving school with BMWCCA and with my 135i. I ran the car completely stock down to the tires. My instructor and I were very impressed with power and braking and I have made very few modifications since then as I continue to improve my performance driving techniques.

What is your favorite BMW Club event and why?

I really enjoy BMWCCA driving schools especially at new tracks and with new chapters. I enjoy experiencing new tracks and meeting new people. There is never a shortage of great conversation about cars and performance driving.

Do you have a dream car?

I have always wanted an M5 for my daily driver. I would love to have something like a Radical for a track toy. I am looking for a $500 e30 to build into a race car for the 24 hour of lemons races.

Chris Kjellmark of Indianola, IA

Currently own a 2001 330i and a 2002 325ia touring sport wagon.

What made you decide to purchase your first BMW?

A co-worker had been buying them second hand for years. My wife (Kathy) wanted to get a Lincoln Town car and I talk her into a used 1991 BMW 525 ia and as they say “the rest is history”. She won’t drive anything else now.

Do you have any BMW stories or memories? (wrecks, flat tires, long trip to pick a car up, European delivery).

A good reason for keeping your copy Friends of BMW handy is in case you need references for service when you are out of town. Kathy and some girlfriends went on a road trip to South Dakota in the 525 and experienced some fuel pump issues. I was able to open up the friends of BMW and call someone I have never met and get referrals to some good mechanics close to the Badlands of South Dakota where she was staying. Luckily I didn’t have to use the information, but I really appreciated having someone in the area be that helpful to a stranger calling. Luckily a NAPA store worker suggested some Lucas fuel system treatment which helped clean up some bad gas and kept the fuel pump lubricated. A few months later the fuel pump finally gave up and I had to replace it.

All the rest of my stories have something to do with repairing vehicles. Like the time the wagons oil water separator clogged and forced oil up into the air filter box. Luckily it didn’t cause any engine damage. But of course it was winter, very cold and in an unheated garage. Moral of the story, when it is close to zero out and you go the car wash don’t leave the engine running to suck in all the water saturated air. Live and learn.

What is your favorite BMW Club event and why?

The LDDS driving school of course. The 2010 fall colors tour was great. Kathy and I really enjoyed northwestern Iowa and the folks who went. Beautiful scenery and great people always make for a memorable event.

Do you have a dream car?

I still have the 351 Cleveland four barrel engine from my 1971 Mercury Cougar on an engine stand in the garage (can you say ‘pack rat’). I want to rebuilt the engine and put it in a Factory Five Cobra Kit car. Short of that car a 69 Mach One Mustang would be nice! Too bad these are soooo expensive these days because everyone is collecting muscle cars now.