Bill Howard, BMW CCA
March 5, 2007

Occasionally the busy weekend roads of the Russian River area cleared and afforded a chance to wring the car out, albeit briefly. (Bill Howard photos)
SANTA ROSA, CA - The search for information on maintaining BMW’s 8 Series super-coupe of the 1990s helped build regional owner groups, an active online community of more than 1,000, and in California, a weekend gathering and tour of wine country. At the eighth Annual Russian River Wine Barrel Tasting Tour (ARRWBTT), more than 100 owners and family members turned out to celebrate what many people believe is the best-looking BMW since the 507 of the 1950s.

As the 8 Series coupe nears its 20th anniversary in 2009, owners are stepping up their activities. The week before ARRWBTT (pronounced, usually, R-bit), it was the Southeast Gathering of 8’s in Mount Dora, FL. At both, there was considerable swapping of stories, maintenance tips, and driving experiences. When an 8 Series coupe is running, it can cover large distances in extreme comfort. ARRWBTT attendees came from as far away as British Columbia, Arizona, and Nevada, plus a strong contingent from Southern California.


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