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15000
members - 11/04 |
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12000
members - 03/04 |
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10000
members - 10/03 |
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9,000
members - 07/03 |
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7,000
members - 01/03 |
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5,000
members - 06/02 |
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3,000
members - 12/01 |
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B5 of the Month
– June 2003
Marc Stalé (maestro)
University Heights, OH
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My
previous car was reaching the point where I had to either run it
to the ground or get rid of it so I decided to shop for a new
car. My homework was pretty much done as I had already spent
most of January 1999 shopping for a new car for my sister. The
choice for me came down to a BMW E46 3series and a ’99 B5 V6.
Fate would have it that I had met the owner of the local
Volkswagen dealership just a few months earlier. To make a long
story short, he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.
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I
originally was looking for a Satin Silver with black leather but
due to the shortage and after waiting a few weeks, I decided on
a Black Magic with tan leather combo that I have since learned
to love. I had already acquired a pair of Clear corners and a
Kamei grille (one of the first ones this side of the pond) for
my brand new, fully loaded GLS V6 Tiptronic. And yes, even
though I was in living in Florida at the time, it came fully
equipped with the cold weather package!
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After
a few months of driving around and trying to decide on a set of
wheels, I took the plunge and opted for 17” Racing Hart Evo C2
wheels wrapped in Pirelli P7000 SuperSport rubber. Eibach
Springs came on at the same time and made an incredible
difference in the handling and the appearance. I finally had the
Autobahn touring car that I had dreamed about since leaving
Switzerland.
Shortly thereafter I discovered ClubB5 and at that time, there
were only about 60 members. We spent our days and nights trying
things out on our cars. You know, the days all about the
Minnesota and/or Colorado Airbox mod, rear taillight mod, etc.
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One of my
fondest ClubB5 memories was getting in contact with Terry
”Lausbub” Springer (Rest In Peace). We were trying to start
regular GTGs in South Florida to no avail. Terry and I decided
to get a custom exhaust made for our V6’s. The aftermarket had
little to offer back then except for a few cosmetic options and
a few OEM parts shared with the European model (or cross
platform models).
By the time I went to the 1552 Design show in the summer of
2000, my engine bay had gone through 4 different paint jobs –
none of which satisfied my taste. My car had undergone countless
hours of tweaking as I strove for the perfect blend of sport and
class.
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Upon
moving to Cleveland in the fall of 2000, the mod bug bit me
harder than ever. Enter the front upper stress bar, rear lower
stress bar, tinted tails, HID’s, and more. Cleveland winters
being what they are, I had plenty of time to plan my next move
and started the aptly named “Project 2002” which included
Vestatec fog lights, eyebrows, drilled/slotted rotors, painted
calipers, Votex front valence, and both a GIAC tip chip and
engine chip. Since then, I have installed a Brullen catback
exhaust, and added new 7.5x18” Flik Wasp wheels shod with
225/40 Falken Azenis ST115 rubber.
I had a specific look in mind that I have almost achieved
after 4 years. The few remaining things I would like to do
include a B5.5 window trim conversion and a PES supercharger
down the road. But four years and 45K miles later, I love my car
more than the day I bought it and I plan to run it as far as it
will go. I have found my B5 passion to be a very rewarding
experience and would recommend it to all.
Thank you so much for honoring my car as B5 of the Month. Many
thanks to all the members of ClubB5, especially BF, BoeserBlick,
Boris, Chas, Edster, Lausbub (RIP), mnelson, Spec, Stargazer,
Zoom, and many of the other old timers.
-Marc
For more information on Marc’s car, please see his profile in
the USA – Central forum.
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