Checking in / Checking out

[BennyM]

Hey, guys. I've not been on this forum for almost a year.

I'm not sure if any of the old-school members are still around, but in case anyone was curious, I sold my E34 525i 5-speed in July after purchasing an E46 325xi 5-speed Touring.

At 210,000miles, the E34 was still running strong, and needed less mechanical work than the E46. But, I felt it was time to move on to something less rusty, more modern, and something that could hold more work equipment. So, after a lot of research, I settled on the E46 wagon. It's a whole extra level of complexity above the E34, but also feels more solid, more capable. I will definitely miss the smooth ride of the E34, the spacious engine bay, the timeless styling, and that NASA-like OBC. The M50 engine also sounds a lot better than it's newer iterations for some reason.

For the last 12 years, this forum has been my go-to place for E34 knowledge. When I purchased my first E34 (a '92 525i 5-speed), I was a high school senior, and was intimidated by even simple stuff like checking the oil or replacing the air filter. Now, I'm repairing transfer case seals, differential bushings, double-VANOS, suspension, even the dreaded heater core.... It's definitely still a learning experience, but it simply wouldn't be possible at all without the support and knowledge of this community. You guys made owning a nice car possible for me.

This forum is a gem of the internet, albeit a niche one. People like Bimmer Nut Ed, Bill R., Tiger, Shogun, Tim Eh?, MicahO, Quentin, Ferrett, 632 Regal, Winfred, and so SO many others over the years....thank you for your contributions over the years and for making this place so special. I will miss this forum as much as my E34s, well, almost as much

To the newer members here: congrats on buying a fantastic car. Remember to search first, practice preventative maintenance, and respect the forum veterans because they know what they are talking about.

Take care guys!
-BenyM from Minneapolis
'92 525i '95 525i '04 325xiT

[mattyb]

hey Benny its good see you back, no need to "check out" bro! the site needs folk and somehow we all have something to contribute no matter what it is, absolutely no doubt you have some unique knowledge on the e34 that will help someone one day just as we have all been helped in the past. the worst thing I ever did was not drop in for so long just cause I didn't have an e34 for a while, albeit the addiction was there. don't lose touch with the BNUT family and your E34 brothers, im sure there will be another some day.

[genphreak]

Hey Benny,

Great post, thanks for sharing. Wow, pics too- awesome!

It's good to see a member take the time to make a quick history and post on 'all the good times' and say so long, 'thanks for all the fish'.

Things progress in all our lives, and though your lovely e46 is taking you on a new path (and quite evolved in comparison to an e34), you never know what will happen. And we'll still be here.

PS. How do you find the 4WD system on the road? Does it allow you to drive much harder through corners?