BMW opening Classic Center - But not in US

[BillWilliams]

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100409/CARNEWS/100409829

[Swiftus]

Not Yet...

Ralf Vierlein said, "We are planning to set up a Classic Center in the USA with its own spare-parts supply for professional and private customers."

[tony2002]

This is a huge part of why I dig classic BMW's. My last car was a classic (not really) 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro, which is an amazing car, it's cool looking and a classic, and it's quattro, but there's no model or dealer support for a car of that age. My 71 has less NLA than the quattro, a car 20 years it's junior.

[mattmcginn]

Just a kid with a mig welder, body hammer, dusty garage and a head full of crazy dreams.

Last count in the middle of the week was 32 2002's here (all projects, big and small (service work) parts cars, etc)

Thanks for the story Bill.

[tiitouring02]

Here's the press release right from BMW. A classic center will be opening in the US at some point. My guess is somewhere in CA near the area where M-B Classic is.

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pcgl/pressDetail.html?outputChannelId=6&id=T0079236EN&left_menu_item=node__2387

[BillWilliams]

I agree with you Matt, you have the Classic Center now.

[02Nut]

Glad to see BMW's getting serious about the older cars (again). I wonder where they will set-up shop....

MB opened their Classic Center in Irvine, CA about 4 - 5 years ago and they regularly bring cars out to Cars & Coffee on Saturdays.

http://www.mercedes-benz-classic.com/content/classic/mpc/mpc_classic_website/en/mpc_home/mbc/home/classic/classic_center_usa.html

Although MB Classic services are NOT cheap - they appear to be a strong advocate for the owners of older Mercs.

[BillWilliams]

I wish BMW's step into a Classic Center would translate into parts availability and affordability for the rest of us.

[Scott Sislane]

I wish BMW's step into a Classic Center would translate into parts availability and affordability for the rest of us.

hmm, that would be interesting, all parts prices coming down... and all NLA parts going back into production.

[bluedevils]

You better have deep pockets...if they ever open a shop in US, $300/hr labor is not unimaginable based on BMW's current marketing practices, e.g., 10 bucks worth of parts made in India selling for 120 bucks at the dealers.

[tjones02]

Just a kid with a mig welder, body hammer, dusty garage and a head full of crazy dreams.

Last count in the middle of the week was 32 2002's here (all projects, big and small (service work) parts cars, etc)

Thanks for the story Bill.

Less bodywork done and only us two guys wrenchin' so far but I count 8 '02s at Sean Casey's today, seen as high as 15 at one time.

If the US branch happens to end up in Northern California..............