BMW CAR CLUB (GB)
SOUTH EAST REGION
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2009 New BMW Z4 at Wateringbury
The Wateringbury, nr Maidstone Pub meeting
BROAD OAK BMW, Canterbury attend meeting with NEW BMW Z4
27th June 2009
New BMW Z4 attends The Wateringbury
Words and Photographs
By Melvyn Pettit
The South East Region section in the clubs forum was very active, as news was posted that Jeff Howe (Parts Manager) from Broad Oak BMW; Canterbury would be bringing along one of the dealerships new BMW Z4 demonstrators.
So with forty-five SE members booked to attend The Wateringbury, Chef & Brewer pub, Wateringbury, nr Maidstone on June 27th. Marie Nolan, who organises the meetings, normally held on the last Saturday in the Month telephoned the manager “I am so sorry that it’s late, but the numbers are now 45 for tonight” she said. “No problem” was his reply “plus I’ll arrange for BMW parking area in the car park”, so all was set.
Around 6.30pm, I arrive and soon followed by Jeff and his wife in the BMW Z4. Out of the present model range sDrive 23i, sDrive 30i and sDrive 35i and the three standard colours, Alpine White, Crimson Red and Jet Black, this model was the sDrive 23i in Jet Black. The six-cylinder 2.5 litre (204bhp) propels the Z4 from 0 to 62mph in just 6.6secs. The latest Zed soon joined by the original Zed, as Barry Gordge had brought along his BMW Z1. Quickly the car park was filling up with all models of the BMW Marque. From Selwyn’s 02, Brain’s Alpina, John’s Z3, Marie’s Z4, many 3 series, modified M3 touring. 5 series, which included Clive’s new ride, and “trophy” hunter Dave with his 840ci, who proudly displayed trophies won at Wessex Concours the previous weekend.
Stories told of the thunder and hailstorms that members had to drive through to get to venue. With the rain holding off, members were shown the BMW Z4, Jeff demonstrated the Retractable Aluminium Hard-Top. Which went up so quick it was a blur (see photograph), and in the time it takes to lift the South East Region banner for a picture! This is truly a roadster for all seasons. The bonnet was up and heads in; Marie had the keys so she was happy, only until she had to give them back. SE members were in out getting the feel. Next to the BMW Z4 was Barry demonstrating the “opening” of the doors on his BMW Z1, as some members would not believe the doors could drop down in such a small area, another flat battery in the making.
Time to order meal and drinks, in between courses members went outside to carry on the BMW talk, bonnets open and lots of finger pointing, being called in when next course was on the table. After the puddings, it once more in to the BMW goody box that Jeff has brought along. The BMW Sauber F1 Team Bears soon went. But the most successful item snapped up were the BMW Sauber F1 Team “BMW Power” hand fans, very neat how the lettering lights up and moves, and great for this hot weather.
So another fun evening out with BMWCC members. Thanks to: Marie Nolan for organising event, Jeff Howe (Broad Oak , Canterbury)for letting members poor over the New Z4 and bringing along BMW items. To all the SE members who came along. The Wateringbury manager, for the BMW parking area and food.
Don’t forget if you want BMW parts or a New or Used BMW, give the very BMW Car Club friendly BMW Dealership, Broad Oak Canterbury a call on 01227 828888 or drop a note to Jeff Howe at jeff.howe@kentbmw.co.uk
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