To say that I have loved the brand since the beginning, really is true in my case.

When I was a kid, cars were the family transportation device with the wood paneled station wagon that smelled like wet soccer shoes and filled full of family and friends. Cars seemed unremarkable and uninspiring and nothing even worth thinking about other than a means to an end.

That changed in the early 80s when my father imported an immaculate 1979 BMW 635csi, the European version of the “M” 6 series, the legendary E24 shark. It was grey, sleek and jaw dropping gorgeous in ways I didn’t know cars could be, let alone.. “wait.. that is OUR car?!?!” With that grand revelation, I realized cars were just not utilitarian appliances but crafted works of automotive art, and my grand obsession with the brand was kicked off just like that. I eagerly joined the BMW CCA shortly after with an associate account through my father, and then my own as I hit adulthood, and After a break during college, I rejoined the BMW CCA and have remained a member since then.

The number of BMWs over the years have become a bit of a blur, with my first of the 1978 E21 320, that was poorly maintained and even more so once I got my hands on that poor long-suffering car. Since then, I have owned an E30 325, E36 325is, E46 330cic, E46 M3 convertible, E35 5 series, E53 X5, E36 M Roadster, F32 435, F87 M2 Competition and now the latest of the G87 M2. The love of brand has even been catching as beyond myself, other members of my family are now on their second BMWs as well, so the garage always has a full stable of BMWs.

Have you ever had a moment that changed your path completely?

Beyond just the brand, BMW has changed my life in a meaningful way. The E46 M3 convertible when I bought it used, quickly revealed that it was $5,000 under the typical price because it was in dire need of hydraulic repair on the top itself. The phone calls trying to figure out who could fix it rapidly turned into me trying to figure out how I was going to fix it. That quest started me down the road of being a reluctant wrench turner, to now almost 10 years later with a rapidly growing YouTube channel dedicated to BMW DIY projects with hundreds of videos and dozens of amazing brand partnerships. While the car side hustle struggles to break even, and frequently does not, it has been an amazing experience and way to be part of the brand itself working with dealerships like BMW Seattle directly, and dozens of industry leaders for aftermarket parts. Most importantly, it has created thousands of conversations with fellow enthusiasts, sharing information, the passion for BMW and contributing to an automotive culture that includes everyone.

As both a club member and the last few years, a board member, the brand and club has been part of my life for a surprisingly long time. The thing I appreciate the most is the “big tent” approach where everyone is welcome. From the well-loved 50+ year old model 2002, to the latest release with less than 500 miles on the odometer, it’s amazing to see it them all. This includes a plethora of events from low key tours, cars and coffee style meets, to hair on fire track days, there is room for everyone in the club.

So, if you wonder if the BMW CCA is for you, the answer is an enthusiast YES, because you can find something for everyone here, and everyone is welcome.

(Here’s more on Stefan’s alter ego, BMW DIY Guy: BMW DIY Guy Is Not an Influencer | BMW CCA PSR Website)