Greetings! New to the group from SoCal

[7Senna8]

Hey everyone! I am new to the group (surprise!) , but not new to BMW 's. After a HS car accident, my father bought me a 1985 cosmosblau 318i in 1995. Not only was this my first BMW, it was my first manual car as well. It had 305k miles, rust spots, interior reeked of "horse hair" seat stuffing, locks constantly froze, stranded me a few times. In the winter I had to grab a bag of hot water to unlock the key tumbler, just so I could get in the car. Through it all I was still eternally grateful my father bought me the car; however I never knew how much so until years later. In the summer of 1997 I bought my first car: a 1991 Brave Blue Pearl Mazda RX7 with 31k miles. Needless to say I felt my issues were behind me with that old BMW gone! But even the visceral, yet clinical (predictable) nature of the RX7 couldn't satisfy this sensation that something was missing. In 2000 I stumbled upon a 1988 325is eurosport. It was purchased new in Germany and brought to the US by a serviceman (Air Force) in 1991. Red, 15" basket weave, Mtech 2 spoiler, eurosport side skirt and rear valence, I was in heaven. I added another BMW in 2004 (99 Dinan 328i sedan, Jet Black). This was my lineup for the better part of 12 years. I participated in countless car meets, E46fanatics since 2005, and met many friends along the way. Sadly, as Willie Nelson once sang (and my father loved recite before bedtime as kids), 'Turn out the lights... The party's over. They say that all good things, must end'. I sold the 1988 E30 325is in 2007 and the Dinan 328i in 2012. I deeply miss both cars, but some solace exists knowing they are with good homes. I bought an Audi A5 v6 manual and thought my BMW days were likely over.... Not a chance. I hark back to a time I was getting my 318i serviced, and immediately I fell in love with a Blue 318ti on the BMW lot. I cautiously begged my father to help me buy it, but that was a quick no. Lol. But I always kept that odd shaped 318ti in my mental rolodex. Which brings me to the present! Hopefully I can find that right 318ti that will satisfy my BMW desire, but one that brings a unique story to the table that I can help continue for years to come! My passion with cars runs deep with a desire to show them at their best, and allow them to drive and perform in perpetuity! My name is Brian, and thank you for reading!