But there are all sorts of little secrets to these cars beyond a review. NABDOG (North American BMW Diesel Owners Group, on Facebook) has 3 independent mechanics between Michigan, Colorado, and Georgia that make a living just servicing members cars. We have guys 3D printing aftermarket air intakes and coolant plugs, and another guy who had connector caps injection molded. We have a big FAQ with all the information on what sort of oil TBNs and detergents are good for the engine. We have a list of common failures, like the fact that on the E70 the plastic rain trays at the bottom of the windshield have a poor design and will drip water down directly onto injector six if they crack, rusting it onto the head and potentially ruining the engine, or a tutorial on how to clean the sunroof drains. e90post/etc has some of this, but it’s not as good. NABDOG has a personality with its own memes and such, it genuinely feels like a community relative to a forum.

Probably the most useful part of NABDOG is that I can think of a question while I’m out in my garage, snap a picture and make a post, and have a handful of answers before I shut my hood. The real-time aspect of Facebook groups is underrated.

The other group that comes to mind is dedicated to disc golf in my city. People will post, “hey, I’m going solo to X course at 4:30, anyones welcome” and people will connect that way and become friends. I don’t think there’s a real replacement for these.