As of this weekend, I'm a new BMW owner for the first time (I've owned a bunch of cars over the years, but I had a 1993 Mazda Miata LE for 18-19 years as my sole car until this year).

Funny story, I went to the Capital Auto Auction to bid on another car. But one of the first cars up for auction was a 2000 BMW 528i with 200k miles. Several people bid on it, but when they closed the bidding it turns out the highest bidder got disqualified: they had announced beforehand that they had switched to a new electronic bidding system on the back end and that anyone bidding had to register (for free) first and get a bidding number. That guy didn't do that, so they went to the next highest bidder. Same problem. The auctioneer was pissed. Gave a long tirade, "I don't care if you've been coming here 22 years, we're doing it differently now, we've gone electric, and you have to register if you're going to bid..."

Turns out every bidder on the BMW had failed to register. They drove the car off, and announced it was unsold. So I raised my hand (with my sticker showing my bidding number that showed I had registered) and offered $350 for the car (which was the opening bid). The auctioneer's assistant saw and heard me, told the auctioneer, who announced it sold for $350 (while starring daggers at me). Then he reiterated that everyone had to register before bidding.

They had announced it needs an alternator (but it was running) as the only known problem (beyond some paint scratches, etc, and the interior is a bit worn and dirty). I won't be able to pick up the car until tomorrow. With 200k miles and at least needing a new alternator, I'm not sure what codes it might have or anything, and I'll need to pass emissions to get it registered in DC.

I hope to make the social on Thursday and the DIY day on Saturday, at least to meet some people and get some tips. BMW and Mazda engines seem quite different! I don't know if I'll get any service records or anything yet. I do have an OBD reader (but I haven't been able to check it yet).

Aside from the alternator and belts, and whatever the codes might tell me, what all should be done? Oil and oil filter. Fuel and air filters. Spark plugs. Check all of the lights and other visual inspection. Check other fluids. I read I should clean out carbon channels, but I have no idea how to do that yet. Down the road maybe O2 sensors? Brake pads, hoses, etc. too.

It's an automatic. Ugh. Maybe open to a trade. I've never owned one before. And I live on a little alley street on the Hill, the kind where is one doesn't fold in their sideview mirror the whole street is blocked. The Miata was easy to park! This one will be a comparative boat.

Can't wait to get the car, get started and meet everyone!