Ole Chris Jenkins got hit bad....
 Well,
not literally of course. But the loon has written me no less than 10 times
with pictures, stories, musings, horror, and anything else he could think
of surrounding his now running Bavaria, which is either a 72 or 73. Unfortunately,
I lost the lovely details and remembrances concerning his newfound Teutonic
obsession, and am feeling a bit guilty about asking him to send it all over
again. Perhaps he will read this and feel motivated. [See
Chris'
text]
The lad did send a handful of pictures of his pride but most turned out rather
blurry and artistically challenged. You could tell the will was there,
but the results and equipment just didn't bear fruit. I was, however, able
to throw together a few of the better representations of Chris' E3. Indeed,
this was not always easy to do; I had pictures of his radio, wheels, half
an engine, weber carbs, and even an amusing shot of ole Chris hanging out
the window at 75mph - I  was
quite impressed with this until I noticed the car was next to his Dad's garage
and unless
he employed the Steven Wright house-in-median-of-highway merge at speed,
than I doubt the truth of the high speed élan move. Still, I have
included it out of admiration. I almost deducted a few points for the cap
on backwards but then decided it would be the only way the thing could stay
on at speed....
As for his Bavaria, it does look like a nice machine. As I remember, it was
his Dad's and hadn't run in years and years, but was almost rust free. It
surely does not hurt that it is located in California (actually
Illinois - I just looked at plate...so it should be rusting like a fiend!)
where rust seems to be long lost East coast memory. If only I was this lucky.
Chris has also installed a nice set of Webers to replace the stock Zeniths.
In addition, Chris has upgraded the wheels with some more modern BMW alloys;
it's not too often you see this pattern on a Bav.
Chris said the interior is almost perfect and he upgraded the sound to modern
audio ware. Not sure what he has done about speakers. Most owners are very
leery about cutting into their E3s but Chris might have  bitten
the bullet and gone for some SUPER BASS. Hell, I'm sure he will let me know
in the near future.
To let you know how gun-ho and rather insane ole Chris is, he actually suggested
making a dedicated BMW E3 page that was twice as informative as the SSR and
more entertaining than The Defense Mechanism..... Lord. You have to be insane
to attempt such a feat. I let out a dramatic sigh of resignation as I could
feel his new found enthusiasm somewhere in the back of my own brain, a distant
memory from days long gone when I had first acquired my 72. It's what started
this page. Alas, all that is left is a sorrowful glance over in the direction
of my rustcart, wondering if it will ever be the same.
Lord, I might just have to call Chris up for some damn enthusiasm. Be sure
to drop him a mail; I know he would love to hear from other Bav owners.
Chris Jenkins' twin webers to replace the worn,
hard to tune, Zeniths. While they don't actually offer a power increase,
they do increase the smoothness and ease of maintenance greatly. The air
cleaners add a lot as well
Drop ole Chris a mail:
Chris A. Jenkins
chris@fce.cc
EDITORS
POSTSCRIPT:
Indeed, it didn't take ole Chris long to respond. Of course, he found it highly
amusing that I thought he was in California, especially since he was sitting
in the middle of Illinois of all places! I do love Chicago.... Along with
that bit of info, Chris tossed together his own version concerning the car;
it's certainly more accurate than mine; hell, I cant seem to get the State
right - From Chris' own keyboard ( well written too):
If anyone ever has thought about just letting their car sit, call me
and I will talk you out of it.
At age 20, I decided to restore my father's 1972 Bavaria to daily driver
condition. The car had sat in our garage for 17 years, unmoved. The only
fluids drained were 2 changes of the oil to prevent acidic decay. When I
started, I had to beat the calipers off with a sledge hammer. For about
3 months, I spent all of my time and money making this beautiful car run.
Since I had never driven it, I developed a bit of a hate and resentment
for the car and for myself for undertaking this god awful project. But the
second I drove the car I fell back in love with it. This car reminds me
of what driving should feel like. And yes, KH, I had an Accord before it.
Upgrades include Weber carbs, electronic optical ignition system, new stainless
brake lines, new calipers, rotors, master cylinder, and rear pressure regulator,
conversion to a J.C. whitney 1949 CFM electric fan in front of radiator
(keeps it ice cold), a new high flow fuel pump, and every belt, hose, clamp,
and check valve under the hood.
Recently put Konis in the front and Bilsteins in the rear. Luxury additions
include Momo steering wheel and dead pedal, Sony 200 watt CD player with
10 disc changer, 2 6 3/4 Infinity Kappa 3 way speakers in front, and 2 Infinity
Kappa 6/9's in back, 400 watt amplifier and JL Audio subwoofer, 16 inch
wheels, sheepskins, and an alarm.
Car was repainted in @82 and paint didn't see light of day for 18 years.
Other than a few chips, paint is flawless- you could shave off the hood
after a waxing. This car has not lost any power with age. Run's 130 all
day, just like the ads said. The car pulls strong from the line, and losses
no power in the high gears. I love the way this car looks , and I love to
drive it. Every time I get behind the wheel, or pass some idiot in a Civic
SI I am reminded that after all the hassle and ALL the money, I would do
it over again in a heartbeat. This is a great car, and there is no reason
for it to be worth as little as it is now. I am approached about the car
every day and hear "nice car" every time I get gas or get drive through.
Future plans: This summer- 5 speed transmission, lowering springs,
stress bars, and someday, new LSD.
Chris
A. Jenkins
chris@fce.cc
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