Blumax

Like many have already related, I have a similar story of appreciation for Murray. Earlu during my search for a coupe, I found myself on the phone with Murray discussing the pro's/cons and prices of coupes he had on consignment. At some point I told Murray that I preferred the coupe in hunter green, at which point I got a memorable reply: "Young man, 2 pieces of advice: 1) buy the best possible car you can afford and 2) before you buy anything you may want to look into the fact that the coupe isn't made with a hunter green color". Then I heard I heard dial tone....!! A day or so later, I got an email with the BMW colors for the e9.

About a year later, I'm standing in Coupeking's shop chatting about my in progress restoration.....and in walks a guy to pick up parts for his e9. Turns out the guy has quite a lot to say about my restoration at which point he introduces himself as the one and only Murray Fowler....owner of BlueMax. Of course, we had a big laugh when I related his advice, punctuated with the dial tone and a subsequent mail.

I've had the pleasure of seeing and talking to Murray and his son during subsequent trips to Monterey. For those who haven't met or spoke to him, this spot is quintessential Murray:http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/video-tale-of-murray-fowler-and-his-bmw.html

He asks, do you want a life story or a car story? For those of us who have met him....you always expect to get both.

Best wishes to Murray and his family....

Chuck
 
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Hats off to my friend Murray

Chris, thanks for the heads up. Settling into Virginia life with my family and starting a new career, not to mention dealing with a wiring harness short in my e9, has consumed too much time and kept me away from the board too long.

There are no suitable words I can write here that capture my admiration and respect for Murray. He played an instrumental role in helping me decide to keep my coupe after first purchasing her about 4 years ago and going with the restoration and new engine. Since that time, I've immensely enjoyed the numerous 6:30 am Cars & Coffee conversations, spirited drives to Woodley Park where we would sit for hours in camping chairs talking about topics far outside the care and maintenance of our beloved coupes. It's clear he helped so many of us on the board to keep our cars running and looking good; I recall his post about using shiny aluminum air duct tape to increase the visibility of our meager E9 tail lamp bulbs.

His life thus far has been a true inspiration to me and, I think, many others. Being a war veteran, holding various careers, his mastery of countless BMWs and recent exploits in directing research and investment into wireless technologies are so notable, and the latter is such a cool contrast to his dual carb E9. And I can't forget a man who so easily gets around on his favorite cane but who also easily pilots his 5 speed BluMax in our caravans.

I'll never forget meeting Murray at his Costa Mesa house once and seeing him in front of his garage meticulously cleaning a set of recently acquired original Alpinas for resale. But my favorite Murray achievement was his BMW short film where the story behind BlueMax is so eloquently explained.

What an ambassador for our e9s, gentleman and good friend.

Chris, I hope you and the west coast gang are doing well and please give my personal regards to Murray next time you see him. I truly wish for a speedy recovery and more blue roads for him.

Wayne
 
I remember first discussing topics with Murray on the forums back when e9coupe used the roadfly system, close to 10 years ago. At first, I didn't know what to think, as on other forums the guy with that much knowledge is either making it up, or is the "sage on the hill" sort of figure. Murray is certainly the latter.

Although I have only talked with Murray through these forums, he is still a center for coupedom. Everyone knows Murray. You don't even have to say "Murray Folwer" because everyone knows exactly who you are talking about with just "Murray", something unheard of in this day and age.

I wish I could have met Murray in person to thank him for all his help over the years, but being on the other coast made that more than a bit difficult.

Here's to you, Murray, King of the Coupes!
 
for any long time BMW / BMWCCA people, from the time before there was a space between the W and the C. there was a 2002 sage known as Harmon Fischer who hailed from New Orleans. Murray reminds me a lot of Harmon, just more noble and down to earth. I used to TSD rally with Harmon and new him well. he is the person who really got me into BMW in the late 70's. these kind of people are rare in any organization ... and are truly legendary. it has been my priviledge to start to get to know Murray - i know we will all honor his coupe legacy for a long time to come.
 
Murray to the Max

Chris

Thank you for the post and I'll drop a note to Murray wishing him well. He is an icon in the SoCal BMW community and always a pleasure to talk to. We all hope he's around fro some time to come to share his extensive knowledge, but more just his pleasant banter. He's simply a good guy to sit and chat with. Time can be relentless, and I do hope we're granted more of it with him. Hope to see him and the BluMax at SoCal VIntage at Woodley in October, but certainly understandable if it's too much of a trio.

Thanks Chris for your efforts, its appreciated.

Jeff
 
Jeff,

I already registered, you and John put on an awesome event. We need to get Murray there and maybe we will beat our record of 22 coupes in 2010. How about it, who is going to attend? Get registered soon.

Chris
 
I am not sure I can attend the SoCal Vintage event because I am going to be out of town a lot in Oct. Exactly when is it and how do I Register?
 
Murray Update

Had a nice visit with Murray today, he won't be able to make it to the SoCalVintage event in October. His trip to Monterey took a lot out of him although the trip was one of the highlights of this past year. At the recommendation of Paul Cain, we have been doing Tuesday dinners with Murray. One of us brings dinner and another brings beer and wine and we regale Murray with stories since it is hard for him to converse for any lengthy periods. We have had Paul, Mike Pelly, Mike Burger, Tom Rakestraw, Jerry Dotson, John Lazenby and other friends of Murray's plus his son Dave.

He told me today he has not been sleeping well and they are bringing a hospital bed tomorrow which should help, along with a hospice nurse to check on him daily and give his wife Beatrice some relief. His son Dave is there daily along with nephew Jorge who is a nurse. He is truly touched by the outpouring of messages and support he has received from his friends here, thank you for keeping Murray in your thoughts and prayers. It has truly kept him going and helps him look forward to each new day.

Chris
 
thank you for the update Chris. i know all of us will keep a few happy thoughts for our friend Murray
 
Blue Roads for Murray

I just completed a very quick circuit from Canmore AB to Vancouver BC and back through Mt St Hellen's WA, Hood River OR, Sandpoint ID, Eureka MT and north back into Alberta. Bear in find I was in a hurry so really interesting backroads weren't an option this time.

I would like to nominate two sections of the trip as worthy of being one of Murray Fowler's Blue Roads.

First is the stretch of WA State 37 between Camas and Maryhill - through the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Gorgeous scenery and twisty sections of perfect blacktop.

Second and my real favourite of the trip is MT 37 from Libby MT to Eureka MT which follows the east shore of Lake Kokanusa fro the Libby Dam north to the border. Apparently there is an equally perfect west shore road as well. 70mph parkway with a good surface and NOBODY on it!!!!!!!

Hope Murray has driven them both in Bluemax

Share the roads,

Doug
 
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