Hello Alaskaniers!

Hello fellow Alaskan Grenadiers,

Since I’ve seen a few of us around town, I wanted to jump in here and see if we can connect!

I drove my Trialmaster up to Anchorage in early May and am delighted to have it after years of anticipation.
The DMV told me that paperwork for another Grenadier was sent up with mine, and Elliott Bay said that in April they had seven orders for the state of Alaska thus far.

I’m interested to see who the others use for service in town. I’m about to stop by the BMW dealership as I have an engine light that at times comes on after refueling if the vehicle is topped off. Other than that the vehicle is amazing.

On a funny side note, I received a Jeep rubber duck yesterday so I’m guessing my Grenny is an honorary Jeep now?!

Hope everyone’s out there enjoying the fall colours. See you in (or out of) town!

Laura Lehtola

Hi Laura,

I just saw your message. We now have three on the road here in Anchorage, counting yours.

With regard to service, I think we have a much better option than the BMV dealer. https://culminationmotorsports.com/. See photo below.

The owner has had his hands on mine and they really know European higher end cars.

I am also in contact with the other owner and we hope to be able persuade EBA to send a guy up to do the software update on all 3 when it’s available as it can not yet be done remotely.

Have you had any of the door latch problems?

Pete Brown
907-748-7529.

Hi Pete,

Great to connect with you, and thanks for the service info! I’ll be in touch with that shop.
So far I’ve had no door latch issues, but at times my collison system is funky. What’s happening with the door latches?

Having an EBA guy come up would be fantastic. Let me know how I can help with that.

Feel free to pass my contact info to the third owner as well in case he is not here on the forum. Maybe we can all do a coffee meetup sometime.

Happy driving,

Laura Lehtola
360-229-0477

Oh… on the fueling issue, do not top off the tank. This is a known problem. Just let the auto shut off turn it off and make sure the cap is on securely. The problem usually does away after the car shuts off and is left for a while. I think this has been addressed on the forum several times.

I was in the new Elliott Bay Grenadier showroom in the Google building close to the Space Needle two days ago. Eric Washington and Mike Jones briefed me on the gentle tap with a small rubber mallet technique to jar the door button should yours get stuck.

It’s a good thing to know as winter will be here very soon. In fact it’s already here bin Crow Creek above Girdwood.

Alaska Grenadiers: New on the Front

FYI:

Eric Washington of EBA motors has arranged for us to be able to buy windshields through the Lyle Pearson Ineos dealership in Boise who can ship them up for local installation. Contact Thomas at 208-672-3491.


Also, I just had by 12K mile inspection done at Culmination Motor Sports in Anchorage. Mine was the first they have done so there was a bit of a learning curve gathering data (specs for fluids, torque, etc) but that is now done. The service itself is pretty simple, Check for normal vehicle wear like brake pads, boot cowls, , etc for wear and fill up, adjust, or replace as necessary. Then change the engine oil and filters, drain and change the diff oil, and top and replace the other fluids as necessary. Scrupulously document what has been done to preserve your warranty and for your own use later.

That’s excellent - I’ll get a hold of the Boise dealershipand get a windshield ordered. I considered adding ExoShield or similar windshield protection after getting the new one installed.
Assuming no big surprises in your 12K inspection?

jrjetjock said:

That’s excellent - I’ll get a hold of the Boise dealershipand get a windshield ordered. I considered adding ExoShield or similar windshield protection after getting the new one installed.
Assuming no big surprises in your 12K inspection?

Click to expand...

No surprises and no problems.

I did note that my rear diff oil was somewhat dark. I spoke to the new EBA service manager, Joe Dealino, who indicated that that's normal and that they recommend changing diff oil at 6K miles if subject to hard use. Our winters may qualify.

My mechanic also noted that there appeared to be a leak at the top of the power steering reservoir. This comes from a small vent hole at the top of the reservoir. Easily cleaned up with a shop rag. After checking on a few BMW boards for models using the same B58 engine, this also appears to be normal. Top of CHF 11S power steering fluid as required.