[atchipmunk]

Just curious what other people's experiences are. Personally, I always thought they were cool looking little classic cars with a lot of character. Then, one day several years ago ('97 or '98) I rode with a friend in his E36 318ti on the way to the BMWCCA's PTG tour. A whole bunch of cars had met up early in the morning at Tyson's Corner for the drive over to PTG...mostly E36's (325's M3's, etc).

So we all headed out, bound for Winchester, VA. Nedless to say, the drive was a little spirited and fun...nothing too crazy though on the highways. Once we got to the backroads closer to Winchester it got even more interesting...

There was this one point where we all hit a light and were waiting to turn right. I noticed at the intersection there was a clean little 02 waiting to go in the same direction as our pack. The light turns green and we made our right...nodding at the 02 owner as we drove by. Once onto our road, the pace seemed to quickem because we were already close to PTG. Slowly, we watched as the M3's and other E36's disappeared over the hills...out gunning my friend's little 318ti. Then, outta nowhere, the 2002 from the intersection catches up to us, passes us, looks over and gives a nod and wave while passing, and goes blazing over the hills to catch up with the rest of the cars....leaving us just motoring along all by out lonesome. I was just like, "Damn, I gotta have one of those someday."
And so began my love for 02's...
Unfortunately, he didn't stop at PTG (was hoping he would so I could check out his car) but little does he know how much of a lasting impression he left on me.
So, what are everyone else's experiences?