21 years later, my BMW and I are inseparable
Frobisher Lwanga says he wants to keep his car in good condition and also pass it down to his son. PHOTO BY ALEX ESAGALA
Frobisher Lwanga, a comedian with Fun Factory, is passionate about his BMW 525i series 1983 model. “My father gave me the car in 1998 and we have been inseparable since then,” he says. His father was a careful car handler and on receiving the vehicle, Lwanga found no issue at all. “I only had to add fuel and drive,” he says.
He, however, advises anyone who is about to buy a car to do some research before making the final decision. He adds that when he was given the car, he read a number of articles about the brand and particular model so that he was sure of how it works.
Like his father, Lwanga maintains his car in top notch state and as such, does not allow many people to drive it. This is the reason he only does full service once a year at a cost of Shs200,000.
For spare parts, Lwanga says he usually orders from some Bavarian websites and occasionally from Ebay.
However, when the part is needed urgently, he buys it from Impala Auto Spares in Nairobi, Kenya.
Functionality
Lwanga says with the right service, fuel and proper maintenance, the car works well. He adds that although many people fear that its fuel consumption is too high, his car’s consumption is quite good.
“For example, to go to Mpigi, I fuel with only Shs50,000,” Nonetheless, one has to factor in the fuel prices that are lately on a constant rise.
Resale value
“I have never thought of reselling it but since it is one of a kind, I am sure I can get a get some decent money from it. I would like to pass on the tradition of handing over cars (father to son) like my father did since my son is always playing in it.
Lwanga has not added any accessories to the car as most car fanatics would since he loves the old feel of the car. “I only changed the headlights, fitted angel eyes and also dressed the car seats with black cloth since the windows have a slight tint.
Memories
These are several but one that really stands out is when I was taking a drive with my son and needed to replace one of the wheels.
When I tried to remove the tyre, there was a special spanner on all four tyres yet I did not have the nut to unscrew it.
Although we were out of town, I had to call my mechanic for help and it took hours of waiting before he arrived.
Another was when I was on my way to the garage because the car was consuming a lot of fuel.
It suddenly stopped near Kira Road Police Station, I got a lot of hooting and stares from people who knew who I was.
A friend, even passed by and later sent me a message saying if I was in trouble, then I should just bribe the police officers so that they let me go.
