GO BEHIND THE SCENES WITH BMW
At BMW of Silver Spring, we love putting people behind the wheel of new BMW models every day, but for some diehard fans, simply owning one isn’t enough. What do you do if your BMW is more than just a mode of transportation? What can you do if it’s a passion? For these special few, BMW offers in-depth experiences to discover the history of the brand, and for some, that includes one-of-a-kind hands-on experiences and thrilling track time.
BMW Plant Spartanburg and Zentrum Museum
In upstate South Carolina, the sprawling campus of the BMW manufacturing plant (pictured above) has become a staple of the community in nearby Spartanburg. Not only can visitors tour the cutting-edge factory floor to see how BMW builds up to 1,400 Ultimate Driving Machines per day, but they can also visit the BMW Zentrum Museum (pictured top). On the outside, the museum looks like a state-of-the-art building from the future. On the inside, visitors can take a self-guided tour through the history of BMW innovation from its humble beginnings in aviation and motorsports to its future as a leading innovator in the green car revolution.
BMW Group Plant Spartanburg’s campus offers more than just the production of world-class automobiles. The expansive BMW Performance Center hosts several experiences for those that love the thrill of the drive. Visitors can take part in a 2-hour session on multiple closed courses featuring flat tracks and off-road trails. The experience includes the chance to rotate through several BMW models from SUVs, like the X3 or X5, to sports sedans for a hair-raising hot lap, all done under the guidance of a professional instructor. The BMW Performance center also offers packages for large groups, as well as all-day private instruction for individuals.
On the left coast, the BMW Performance Center West in Thermal, California (pictured above) offers drivers the chance to push their limits behind the wheel of multiple performance-tuned BMW M models. Participants will follow the lead of an instructor’s car during a warm-up lap to learn the proper feel of the course. Then, like a pace car releasing a peloton of racers, the instructor car breaks off and the drivers are free to put the hammer down for six full-throttle laps.
For more formal group events, the BMW Performance Centers also offer catered and curated half-day packages, ideal for business groups and family gatherings. The half-day program includes a top-notch chef-prepared lunch, three exhilarating driving sessions in multiple BMW models, a professionally guided hot lap around the track, and a final private reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks in a gorgeous dining facility.
BMW Car Club of America Oktoberfest
For decades, the brand has created a cult following that has evolved into a family. The BMW Car Club of America (BMWCCA) consists of members from multiple generations of BMW ownership. Club members enjoy a great community of like-minded drivers, as well as discounts on merchandise and access to both the East- and West-coast locations of the BMW Performance Center mentioned above. The BMWCCA also organizes regional and national events throughout the year, like the annual Oktoberfest. Now in its 49th year, the BMWCCA Oktoberfest features several days of live entertainment and incredible food and beverages; but most importantly, it’s a chance to see multiple generations of glorious BMW models come together all in one place.
You invest a lot in your vehicle, so it should be more than just a mere machine in your life. These in-depth experiences from BMW can show you the way to expanding your automotive interests into a full-throttle passion. To find out more about these experiences, click on the links above or contact us online.
Image Credit: BMW