OT - bmw driving experience

[jdt10768]

anyone ever tried this?

http://bmwusfactory.com/ultimate-bmw-experience/

feedback?

[SteveJ]

I haven't done their program. What's the cost?

You'll be using their cars, that could be a plus or a minus depending on your situation. They will have a very polished and controlled event, probably complete with a wet skid pad.

For about $100, you can take your own car out to a BMWCCA Car Control Clinic and probably get as much out of it. Even if you show up at a CCA autocross, just let them know you are a first-timer and you'll have lots of people offering tips and training on the spot. Most chapters don't have the luxury of a wet skid pad, unless it rains, but you will get to test your limits in the dry.

[bobthomas]

I did it a few years ago. It was fun. I learned some stuff. Driving BMW's cars was good in my case because a put a e46 M3 into a gravel trip.

I've done numerous HPDEs with Tarheel Chapter BMWCCA & Tar Heel Sports Car Club. In my opinion the HPDEs a a better value but in those you are putting your own car at risk.

[Retrogroucher]

Steve's right.

I must have attended right after Bob b/c his e46 M3's driver side wheels were beyond curb rash from an "off" in the gravel trap-- it was more of a scabies/shingles/leprosy kind of scene :-)

I attended c/o the dealer, before word got out I was a bottom feeder. (I thought everyone was like me. At least my friends are...)

Anyhow, it included the driving shown, an interesting tour of the factory, and you can wander around and look at cool cars/bikes. They don't just turn you loose with their products. I went in 2002 and it certainly scratched an itch that's led to instructing at DE's, CCA race school, and ??

It was enjoyable for those with/without testosterone poisoning, ie, anyone with a minimal interest in cars would enjoy it.

HTH.

[jdt10768]

I think I will give it a shot. Have always wanted to do the full factory tour. Been to the Zentrum, but not into the plant. My imagination sees a bunch of Oompa Loompas building cars inside that massive building. Did they provide an everlasting gobstopper at tours end?

[Retrogroucher]

Yes, but if you don't give it back you can't keep your '02!

[jdt10768]

update: I attended the driving experience on Wed this week with a buddy. Plant tour was very interesting. They make all the X3s there in Spartanburg, along with the X5 and the X6. The plant is massive. 7000 people working 3 shifts. Extremely intricate supply system gets all parts in the right places at the right times. Every car that is being made is already PAID FOR by either a Dealer or a private owner who ordered it. Robots are cool.

Driving: We paired up and drove 5 different models on a short track that allowed us to reach almost 70 mph on straightaways. Cars: X6 M, 535d, 550, 750, 6 series convertible, and Z4 M. We each got a couple laps with each car. Buddy and I had permagrin and were laughing so hard our faces hurt. It was great. Older people in front of us slowed us down, so at times we had to slow to a crawl so we could thrash the cars hard for a minute. The diesel was a surprise: fast car and handled great. The X6 M had 550 hp, but was so big and bulky. Z4 was a great car. I would buy the diesel.

Then we drove the X5 offroad. I was impressed by its stiff chassis and resistance to rollover. I put it on two wheels (front left and right rear) and it teeter tottered, but did not flex - all doors would still open easily. Also has a feature that will control descent down a steep grade - you do not touch anything, and it rolls you down a steep ass grade under control.

Lastly, - hot lap with Instructor driving an M5. This was a hoot, and the instructors know what they are doing. Lots of burning rubber and controlled drifting, spinning, and power. Holy crap! They go through a set of tires daily, and those tires are prob 450$ apiece. Great fun. If you go, take a friend because you don't want to get stuck with someone who may get sick or complain about your "aggressive driving style"!