I sold the science project today. To "Sergey" -who while a holder of a German passport, is more Russian than German me thinks. I couldn't help but think of the scene from the Italian Job.
Seriously, I felt some genuine sadness driving the car up to the Zollamt to get the tax paperwork done-so that all the legal proprieties could be observed. He had given me a good price-considering the fact the car needs a new gas tank and serious(and I do mean serious) suspension and wheel bearing work. But the engine started up right away and it drove me smoothly to get the deed done.
Well sort of-as I drove through the Zollamt parking lot-I could hear the whining of the wheels as I turned them-probably only a matter of time before a control rod snapped right off.
But the car had actually been a real trooper-all things considered. It had always started and ran-and got me to and from work even when the snow was heavy. But there was also no way it was going to make it through inspection-without more time and effort and most importantly, money, than I could expend.
So I felt like a pet owner who is taking his old, sick, dog up to the vet for that final ride-that depth of sadness was upon me. Like the sick old dog-the car was on its last legs, but still it was faithful. I wish I had the skills, the garage space, and the time and the money to undertake restoring it-these 750's were actually beautiful cars once.
But as Mr. Eastwood said, " A man has to know his limitations". This effort was not in my job jar. So I am assuming the car or its parts will end up somewhere on the Steppes…….
But once it probably looked like this:
Disclaimer note:
I really should not wax so nostaligic about the car-the 750 series had one of the worst records for a luxury car and for BMW. The cars have a very bad reputation and are a blot on the BMW record. They require way too much maintenance and are very hard to maintain.
The BMW 750iL is like a woman in so many respects, she loves attention, she never tells you exactly what's bothering her (she makes you guess instead), she is always willing to spend your money, but when you give her what she needs, she can make you a VERY happy man. This car is an elite car for an elite few; it isn't anybody that can own a car like this. It is a car for the car enthusiast, financially, it's like owning a Lamborghini if you are not a car guy who loves to work on his own car. Labor is intensive and parts aren't cheap. I am a car fanatic, I love driving, I love cleaning, and I love wrenching. I have a 1989 750iL, I work on it (for fun, not because I have to) every weekend, these cars need to be paid attention to, their not always easy to figure out, and the investment you make has to be more than financial. Take some time to learn how some of its systems work, the Bentley manual is awesome. Taking this car to a mechanic other than one who either loves this car or is a perfectionist would be like expecting another man to put up with your wife while you enjoy the benefits. It sounds great, but rarely works out in real life. These are truly wonderful cars if you have the love, time, and patience.
I love women like women. Cars not so much. Yet, I hope it finds a good home somewhere. Rest well-trusty steed!