I’ve written previously that most of the time, my BMW M2 Competition just sits parked outside of the home. I walk to work so it practically never gets driven during the weekdays. And because gas prices are so high these days, I limit fun driving on the weekends as well. What I’m saying is: I’m pouring money down the drain with licensing and insurance costs. The car is a mere sculpture, something (really) nice to look at.
But a car enthusiasts can’t go car-less, can he? Besides, the M2 Competition is such a potent little thug. All that power in a short, condensed package. I remain determined to keep it a very long time.
Though putting more miles on it would be nice. A few weeks back, a fellow enthusiast neighbor messaged me about borrowing the M2 for a few days. The five year ago me would have declined instantly: no one drives my car but me! The present me isn’t precious about any of it. At the risk of sounding nihilistic, none of this material stuff lasts forever, and neither do we. So might as well enjoy and use while it’s still here.
Two hours after affirming, I handed the key to said neighbor. I should have filled up the tank before doing so, but the gas station is only two (long) blocks away. Not enough distance to properly warm up the engine (I try to avoid short trips on a cold engine). Impressively, this 19-year-old I loaned the car to knows the code well: always return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas. At nearly five dollars to a gallon, this is not cheap to do. This gesture alone guarantees another borrowing opportunity, should he asks.
The kid also washed the M2, which I’ve neglected to do for the past months. This means I don’t have to wash it again for another few months, which is just lovely. 500 miles of driving in exchange for a full tank of gas and proper bath? Now that is a fair trade in my book.
The chaotic dance of spring and autumn.