It’s one of my favorite icebreaker questions — what would you do if you won the lottery? It can be a great way to judge what people feel is important in one of your early conversations.  Answers might range from paying off student loans and mortgages to buying yachts and private jets as a way to escape or live out their rockstar dreams.   

While my chances of winning the Powerball might be a lot higher if I played on a regular basis, it’s still fun to dream. Here is a quick list of the luxury BMWs that I would add to my collection if I drew those lucky numbers. 

1. 2000 BMW X5 Le Mans Concept ($1 Million)

Unlike a lot of the examples I’ve collected over the years, this gorgeous BMW is actually an SUV instead of a sedan, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting.  This model was a one-off design that took the engine from a McLaren F1 and stuck it under the hood of an SUV.  There is only one in existence, and it’s the only X5 on the planet with a 12-cylinder engine under the hood.  It’s got a top speed of 186 miles per hour, thanks to the 700 HP engine.  It might not be the best daily driver but it is definitely one that I’ve had my eye on for a long time. Getting my hands on this would be the achievement of a lifetime.

2. 2020 BMW 8-Series Convertible ($112,895)

Okay, maybe this isn’t the most expensive option on the list, but hear me out.  It looks like the regular 8-Series coupe, but it comes with a convertible soft top. Who doesn’t love a convertible? The top can fold or unfold automatically in less than 15 seconds, and you can raise or lower the roof while you’re driving, at speeds up to 31 miles per hour.  It’s simple enough to play Powerball, and if I win, I’m definitely splurging on a convertible. 

3. 2018 BMW M760i ($180,000)

If speed is the name of the game, this is one BMW that you’ll want to put on your list. It gets awful gas mileage, but the 6.6L V12 engine will have you accelerating from 0-60 in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 155mph. In this model, BMW opted for the carbon core that gives you all the strength of steel with a fraction of the weight.  Plus it’s got seat massagers. If I’ve won the lottery, I deserve seat massagers.  

4. 2010 BMW Manhart Racing V10 ($370,000)

You might be wondering why I’d be willing to spend nearly $400k on an 11-year-old car, but give me a moment to explain.  You can’t find many of these at auction anymore, but when they do hit the block they’re worth every penny.  This sedan comes equipped with a 542 hp V10 that can hit 60mph in 3.9 seconds. It’s really made for the track, with a top speed of 208 mph but it’s a must-have for my collection if I ever come into a large amount of money. Plus it is an older car which means that if something breaks, I’m not as hesitant to get under the hood and fix it myself.

5. 2012 BMW Zagato Coupe ($500,000)

Not all of the options on my list are there for practical reasons.  Some of them are just gorgeous examples of how beautiful automotive engineering can be — and the Zagato Coupe falls into that category. It’s got sleek lines, serious power, and the unique ‘double bubble’ roof that serves to both improve the car’s aerodynamics and act as an additional crash barrier for the driver and passengers.  Like a lot of my other Powerball picks, this coupe was a one-off team-up between BMW and Zagato but I can still dream about adding it to my collection.

6. BMW M8 Prototype E31 ($1 million or more?)

Now we’re starting to get into the realm of impossibility.  The M8 E31 Prototype is something of a Flying Dutchman among BMW fans. You can find pictures and a few video clips that show off this gorgeous car, but the prototype itself has vanished into the annals of BMW history.  There is exactly one prototype of this car, which was scrapped because of high production costs.  No one outside of BMW knows where that prototype might be, and they aren’t selling — at least not currently. 

7. BMW Nazca M12 & C2 (Priceless)

This is more wishful thinking than anything.  Designer Giorgetto Giugario designed two BMW’s back in 1991 — the Nazca M12 and C2.  They were gorgeous, but for some reason, they never went into full production. Right now, there is only a handful of C2s — and only one M12 on, though it currently isn’t for sale.  The C2s have sold for over $1 million, but the M12’s value is estimated at over $3 million.  Adding that to my collection would make it priceless, at least in my opinion. 

Did Any of These Make Your Lottery List?

Did any of these BMW models make your list of Powerball picks?  It’s always fun to speculate about what we might do if we ever managed to secure that elusive grand prize.  I might actually go buy a ticket to increase my odds a little.  Good luck, if you play!

Sustainability is a buzzword that is on everyone’s mind, especially as we move closer to the 2030 deadline that would allow us to avert, if not reverse, a massive and devastating climate crisis.

It may seem like owning a luxury car is the antithesis of sustainability, but automotive manufacturers are among those leading the sustainability charge. How can BMW owners make a commitment to sustainability while still enjoying their favorite luxury automaker?

Buy a BMW

Buying a new car might sound like the opposite of sustainability, but hear us out. The company as a whole is already making great strides toward improving its own sustainability. BMW has a lot of plans in place to reduce its carbon footprint dramatically by the 2030 deadline. These include:

• Creating scientific CO2 savings plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 
• Building at least 7 million electric vehicles between now and then.
• Reducing the CO2 emissions needed for each vehicle by one-third over its lifecycle. 
• Cutting CO2 emissions at BMW facilities by 80%.
• Creating a sustainable supply chain. 
• Serving and supporting a circular economy

BMW isn’t the only automotive manufacturer to have such a plan in place. Most of the best-known companies are either workshopping a sustainability plan or have already announced one, with plans going into effect between 2025 and 2030. These are big steps and big changes, and it will take some time to bring them to fruition, but it’s already a step in the right direction for anyone who is concerned with the sustainability of their favorite daily driver. 

Recycle

Anyone who grew up in the 1990s was raised on the mantra of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Instead of forgetting it as a relic of a bygone era, we should be embracing it — especially the first and last points. Reducing your use and disposal of single-use plastics, especially when it comes to things like automotive fluids, can be a challenge. There are no bulk stores where you can go buy fresh oil in your own container like you can do with dry goods at Whole Foods. That is where the concept of recycling comes in. 

Motor oil containers themselves are recyclable, as long as they’re completely empty. The plastic can be reused to make new containers or even components for automotive manufacturing, depending on the needs at the time. The oil itself is also recyclable, though you won’t want to put that in your recycling bin. Check with local shops or even your local parts stores. Most, like AutoZone and Advance Discount Auto Parts, offer a service where they will take and recycle used motor oil free of charge. It’s a tool to keep people from dumping used oil onto the ground, but it also gives you somewhere to get rid of your used oil containers where you can be sure that they’ll be recycled. 

Go Electric 

BMW is one of many automotive manufacturers making the shift toward electric vehicles, and they’ve got big plans for the next decade. By the end of the 2020s, the company is planning to earn at least half of its sales from electric vehicles. Mini, another brand owned by BMW, is making the switch to full electric sometime in the early 2030s. 

Right now, the electric vehicle pickings are slim for BMW fans, but that is going to change. Currently, you’ve got an electric Mini, the i3 city car, or the iX3 SUV to choose from. The i4 and iX are next on the list, with the latter scheduled to go on sale by the end of 2021. Soon after that, we’re expecting to see electric versions of the 5 Series, the X1, and the 7 Series, as well as the Mini Countryman. Even Rolls-Royce is working on creating fully electric models that will shape the luxury and supercar landscape for years to come.

Drive Less

This might seem contrary for anyone who likes to spend time behind the wheel of their favorite BMW, but when it comes down to it, driving less is better for the environment. Driving isn’t always avoidable, especially during long daily commute times, but simple steps like carpooling or carefully creating a trip chain to help you achieve all your tasks without wasting gas running back and forth can help to reduce your overall carbon footprint. 

Even if you love driving your favorite BMW, if you don’t already have an electric model, try to leave it in the garage a couple of days a week. Take public transportation or bike to work. Even electric cars aren’t perfect, especially since most of the power grid still relies on burning fossil fuels. Keeping your BMW in the garage is an easy step toward overall sustainability, even if you only manage it once or twice a week.

Look Forward

As we move closer to that 2030 deadline, we’re going to start seeing more dramatic changes. BMW owners who are concerned about their impact on the planet can make a commitment to sustainability now, by driving less, opting for electric vehicles, and buying from a company like BMW that is already making changes to reduce its carbon footprint and leave a better world behind for the next generation. 

Thanksgiving is almost here and for many, it’s a chance to get together with family and friends and enjoy some good food. For others, it’s the perfect opportunity to crack open a cold one and watch their favorite football players. 

A BMW might seem a little out of place but it actually makes the perfect tailgate vehicle. If you fall in the latter group, here are some Thanksgiving tailgate ideas to help you plan the perfect event this holiday season.

Choose Your Cooking Tools

Step one when getting ready for the perfect Thanksgiving tailgate is figuring out how much cooking you’re going to want to do out of the trunk of your car — and how much time you’re going to have to cook. A deep-fried turkey is delicious, as long as you’re careful to fully thaw the bird before you lower it gently into the oil, but even a small 12-pound bird can take up to an hour to fully cook. 

If you don’t want to spend a ton of time frying or grilling but still want all that Thanksgiving turkey goodness, consider roasting and carving your bird the night before so all you need to do is reheat it before you eat. 

Prep As Much as Possible the Night Before

Tailgating is a great pastime, but it requires quite a bit of preparation to ensure that you have everything you need before you leave the house. Prep as much as possible the night before. This means cooking or preparing cold dishes, packing supplies that don’t need to be refrigerated into your vehicle, and having a game plan in place for how you’re going to dole out your meals once you arrive.

Many of the very popular side dishes — and even some main dishes — can be cooked the night before and refrigerated overnight. 

Spatchcock Your Bird

If you’ve got your heart set on cooking a whole turkey on the day of your tailgate party, there are some ways that you can reduce cooking time while still ensuring that you get a moist and flavorful bird. One of these ways is a process called spatchcocking. It sounds terrible, but all you’re really doing is cutting out the bird’s backbone and flattening it out before you cook it. 

Even in an oven, spatchcocking a bird can help it cook faster and more evenly, so you’ve got plenty of tasty meat to enjoy in a fraction of the time. 

Think Outside the Box

When most people start putting together a Thanksgiving feast, the menu looks pretty familiar: turkey, stuffing and/or dressing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and some sort of bread. Oh, and don’t forget the cranberry sauce, though whether you prefer it fresh or canned is between you and your God. While this makes for a great traditional meal, this isn’t the only menu option. 

Take the time to think outside the box. Maybe add a couple of seafood-based side dishes. Make some stuffing with lump lobster meat, or sear up some scallops. There are plenty of recipes out there for you to try. Don’t feel like you have to stick to the traditional Thanksgiving menu, especially if you’re tailgating.

Don’t Forget Your Supplies

While eating a turkey leg right off the bone is acceptable — and even expected — at renaissance fairs, it’s not the kind of behavior you usually see at tailgate parties. When you’re planning your party, make sure you’ve got everything you need. This should include condiments, plates, silverware, cups, and anything that you might normally walk into the kitchen to grab at home. 

Make sure if you’re bringing canned cranberry sauce that you also pack a can opener. Otherwise, you’ll spend your whole meal staring forlornly at the label, defeated by a simple tin can.

Hot and Cold Drinks are a Must

Crack open a beer if you like, but you will probably want a bit of variety when it comes to your thanksgiving tailgate drinks. Try to change things up with both hot and cold drinks. Apple cider or hot cocoa is perfect for what will probably be a very chilly tailgate party. Both are easy to toss into a crockpot or instant pot to heat up and serve. Coffee, instant or brewed, should also be on your menu.

You may want to bring cold drinks like beer or soda, but if the temperature drops, most people will probably prefer a hot drink to warm their hands and their bellies. 

Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Tailgate Meal

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a big meal at home. It can easily be a delicious meal anywhere that you set up your tailgate rig. Enjoy your Thanksgiving tailgate meal.