First times...

Today, for the first time ever -- I bought something at a BMW dealer. No, not a car -- though that new M5 they have sitting in their showroom was very enticing (If I ever win the lottery). Had to buy some power steering fluid for the red buggy (so it doesn't go empty before i can get a leak fixed next week.)

Should I frame the receipt?

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So... how long have I been driving BMW's? Without paying any money to a BMW dealer?

Must be 10 years now.

Bought my first one (A used 1991 318is) at a Nissan dealer in NJ and had it serviced at the local independant BMW mechanic wherever I happened to live. Paid for. (It is currently sitting in my mother's barn waiting for an engine overhaul (It has 230K Miles on it) and rust repair when I have the spare cash. Someday.)

My current (2nd) BMW -- a 1994 530i (155K+ miles) (1 year left on the auto loan) - hasn't been to a dealer since before i bought it (from an auto wholesaler in CT) -- if you don't count parking at the local Knoxvegas dealer so I could participate in "Drive for A Cure" or today.

The local mechanic I take the buggy to... charges 2/3 the labor rates as the BMW dealer and uses BMW parts.

Okay... I HAVE purchased things from BMW -- at their US museum (Next to the plant that makes the Z4)... but that doesn't count.