There’s a little story highlight on Ana’s Instagram called “BMW life”, and once you get through it, you know this woman means business when it comes to cars. But it’s not the fact that she’s clearly a skilled mechanic that convinced us to message Ana, it was the fact that you can just feel the passion she puts into everything. From mountain bikes, car racing to the 2002tii restoration project there’s a clear indication that she does it out of love. That’s what it’s all about right?
We could not agree more with her opinion that the car scene tends to come off as elitist at times which puts people off. That is something we would all like to see changed. Whether you own a 2020 M4 or an old E36, it doesn’t matter. It’s the love for cars that should bring people together. We were more than glad to hear back from Ana, and there’s not really much more to say. Just like her Instagram page, her answers were detailed and incredibly interesting. Don’t miss out on her Instagram page and her 2002tii restoration thread!
1.Tell us about yourself!
My name is Ana and I am a BMW Master tech and High voltage specialist. I am originally from Colorado, but have been working for BMW at a dealer in Virginia for 11 years, and working on cars since I was 16.
2. How did you get into cars?
I was never really “into” cars growing up which is funny since cars became my career. I am from a pretty small town, we didn’t have a car scene or meet ups so I got interested in working on cars a roundabout way really. My dad was driving/restoring a 200tii while I was growing up and I always loved that car, but was never too interested in working on it at the time, I also used to ride dirt bikes with my dad too, so I got a summer job in high school at a KTM dealer down the street and they let me watch them work on things and eventually let me do some hands on work and kind of mentor me. When I realized I really enjoyed working on things, I decided I wanted to learn more about my car and ended up taking a shop class through my school. After that I decided I wanted to go to tech school with working for BMW as my goal, so I went to Universal Technical Institute and then the BMW step program.
3. What car (or cars) do you own and drive at the moment?
My Dad passed away in 2013, and I took on the completion/restoration of the 2002tii so that is my ongoing project. I also had an E90 as my daily, but since I race/ride bicycles it wasn’t that practical after I lowered it so I had to give in and get a more useful car which ended up being a 2017 Rav4 that is actually pretty nice.
4. What modifications did you do to your car, if any?
My 2002tii is pretty stock other than a 5 speed swap, I don’t plan on doing a lot of modifications other than maybe some nicer wheels in the future and install some Ireland Engineering springs I’ve had laying around for a few years. My e90 had H&R Sport suspension, custom coding, bike racks, pretty basic since it was my daily. If we want to get into my E30 I used to race, the list would go on and on 😀
5. Which is your favorite car manufacturer and why?
BMW would be first because I’ve always had an ongoing affair with them since my first E36 in high school. I’ve had probably 9 BMWs throughout my life, and they were all so fun. They have a good variety of models that appeal to almost anyone, and of course I work on them so it’s easier to to say I have a soft spot for the brand. The newer models don’t really appeal to me though, I’m more of a classics and staples person.
6. What are some other automotive brands you love?
I do love Toyota, just because my family had an awesome 1999 4runner that my Mom still drives and it has almost 300xxx miles on it, and it’s been the most reliable car we’ve ever owned. I also love Kooglewerks because it’s all handmade custom items produced for 2002s.
7. What are your future plans for the car you drive right now?
I really would love to get the 2002tii at least drivable by the end of next year, so I need to finish installing the door glass and regulators and a few other items. The drivetrain is complete, it’s mostly been just body stuff that is holding me up since I had to do a pretty extensive exterior paint/repair before reinstalling all the trims and I had to buy all new glass. (Check out my 2002faq thread to see everything about the project). It needs a full interior restoration, but since that is the most expensive thing to be done on it and doesn’t affect me being able to drive it, I will probably hold off on that for a little bit.
8. What is your dream car and how would you fill up your dream garage?
I’ve always had this secret crush on Mint Green 964s, I just love the body and the color. My dream garage would probably just have my 2002tii completed, all my bikes, the 964, and a white Z4 M coupe since I’ve also always loved those.
9. Tell us where people can find you?
Check out my Instagram @bimmer_b that has a mix of BMW and Bike content, also if you’re interested in 2002tii project progress and more pics, check out my thread on https://www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/topic/229666-finishing-my-dads-2002tii-legacy-project-story
10. What is your advice to young guys and girls just entering the car scene?
I would say for anybody getting into cars, just network with other people. It’s the best way to make friends, see what cool projects and ideas others have, and get insight into whatever aspect of the car scene you’re interested in. Maybe the other most important piece of advice would be to be supportive of other people getting into it too. The car scene can come off as elitist at times to new people and everyone should do their part to make it more accessible to everyone no matter what their interests are or level of knowledge is. And don’t forget to HAVE FUN!
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