Carl Nelson

Carl Nelson has been involved with BMWs since BMWs have been involved with the US automobile market.  While obtaining his PHD in Geology, Carl used his mechanical skills to make money while pursuing his studies.  Initially he started with Volvo until he came across the BMW 1800ti, a car that defined the term ’sport sedan.’  Since the early 70s Carl has been the go-to information and technical knowledge bank for the BMW Car Club of America, Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Bimmer Magazine, the New York Times as well as others.  Whenever he’s not surrounded by rare parts and cars, Carl enjoys spending time with his family, competitive sailing, and working on his home’s garden which achieved 1st runner-up in the prestigious Clairemont Garden Tour.

Chris Keefer

Chris joined La Jolla Independent in 2001, trading in his suit and tie and immersing himself in the world of BMWs.  Initially his focus was on the 2002, to be followed by an obsession for the 3.0cs.  One of his favorite projects continues to be converting the 3.0cs to modern-day fuel injection while keeping the vintage look under the hood. His focus is targeted toward newer BMWs, keeping them reliable and well maintained for customers in the San Diego area.  He has taken this one step further by authoring a BMW Service Blog offering information and helpful tips to BMW owners.  If you can’t find Chris at the shop, chances are he’s with his wife and dog at their home or on the tennis court preparing for his next tournament.

Ben Amen

Ben came to La Jolla Independent in January of 2007 halfway through his career as an Aerospace Engineering student at UC San Diego.  After graduating, he continued to immerse himself in the world of BMW parts past and present while continuing his education in electronic diagnosis of the new-age computer controlled BMW’s found in today’s modern world.   Continuing to provide LJI’s clients with top-notch service and parts needs has become his passion not only in San Diego, but worldwide with customers on every continent on the planet.  In his spare time you can find Ben aboard various racing sailboats all over the west coast or behind the wheel of a vintage 2002 race car at tracks up and down California and Nevada.