February has been a truly memorable month for BMW Drivers Club Melbourne, filled with fantastic events, great company, and the kind of shared experiences that remind us why this club is so special. The enthusiasm, friendship, and passion shown by our members continues to make every gathering something to look forward to.
Events Highlights
A wonderful turnout of enthusiastic drivers enjoyed a run through our beautiful countryside. It was fantastic to see so many smiling faces, and even better to finish the day with a relaxed dinner together.
Our members once again presented an impressive collection of beautifully prepared cars. Thank you to everyone who displayed their pride and joy—this event never disappoints, and your efforts make it shine every year.
A group of our racing fans travelled to Bathurst to enjoy the comfort of our 12‑hour suite and a weekend of world class GT3 and GT4 racing. Congratulations to the BMW WRT team for securing a well earned 3rd place podium. The racing was exceptional from start to finish.
A fun, relaxed day supporting a great cause. Our members brought along some stunning cars, enjoyed the atmosphere, and helped make the event a success.
Although not an official DCM event, many of our members attended and proudly represented the club. The photos looked fantastic—thank you to all who went along.
A perfect evening drive with great roads, great cars, and even better company. We finished with a lovely meal shared among friends—everything our club stands for.
A group of members attended to see me receive a Service Award. Unfortunately, I was unwell and unable to attend, and I sincerely thank Jo for kindly accepting the award on my behalf.
A strong group of our racing members travelled to One Raceway for the first round of the 2026 series. The racing was competitive, the camaraderie was strong, and it was wonderful to see friendships renewed as a new season begins.
Upcoming Events
Dates to Remember
There are some truly fantastic events ahead—please register early so you don’t miss out.
A Personal Note
Many of you have reached out with kind words, messages, and support during my recent health challenges. Your compassion means more than I can express. I have now completed my treatment, but recovery will continue over the next few months. The doctors have reminded me that healing takes time, and I need to listen to my body.
Jo has been by my side every step of the way, and I know many of you have also been thinking of her. She has been incredible, but understandably exhausted, so we both need a little time and privacy to rest and regain our strength. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period.
My heartfelt thanks go to our wonderful Welfare Team. Their quiet, constant support has meant the world to us. Experiencing their care firsthand has reminded me just how special this club family truly is.
Club Update
Membership continues to grow steadily each month, which is something we can all be proud of. This club is built on friendship, passion, and generosity, and it is wonderful to see new members joining and embracing that spirit.
I’ll leave this report here and hope to see many of you out and about soon. If Jo and I are not able to attend an event, please know that we are thinking of you all and deeply appreciate your kindness, patience, and support.
Warm regards,
Graeme Bell | President
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.
PO Box 81, Tyabb VIC 3913 Incorporated in Victoria #A0102695G BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc is a member of: BMW Clubs Australia and the BMW Clubs International Council Motorsport Australia Affiliated Motorsport Club
Some notes from the BMW Clubs Australia AGM 2026
BMW Clubs Australia, the umbrella group for all the BMW clubs in Australia, has a total membership now of 6770, car membership has almost doubled since 2018 having been growing very slowly until then.
BMW Clubs International Council, of which BMW Clubs Australia, along with the other umbrella groups around the world,i s a member, have, in total, just over 250,000 club members.
Australia and Canada are the only umbrella organisations to receive direct support from their local BMW Group office.
As at 31 January 2026 there are just over 416,000 BMWs registered in Australia
70% of BMW sales in Australia are now X model.
Most BMW plants are still running at maximum capacity.
The Neue Klasse range will all be offered as ICE, PHEV or BEV, but not all options for all models in Australia. Hydrogen is also a possibility.
To meet the New Vehicle Emission Standards BMW sales will need to be 50% Battery Electric Vehicle by 2029.
The Neue Klasse platform development cost €10 billion.
In 2025 globally BMW brand sold 2,165,768 vehicles, down 1.4%. The Group sales were up 0.5% as MINI rose 17.7%.
In Australia BMW brand sales were up 1.9%, taking 24.9% of the segment. MINI sales increased by 37.7%. BMW sold 5,137 BEV coming 4th overall for BEV.
Over 20% of BMWs sold in Australia are made in China.
Globally “M” cars (includes M Performance) make up 3.3% of sales, 23.3% in Australia. The best selling ”M” car worldwide is the X3 M50.
Highlight of the meeting was a preview of the Neue Klasse iX3 -the first product from the all new styling and technical platform, the first complete refresh since the original Neue Klasse (1.0 now I guess) in 1960. Neue Klasse means "new class".
The iX3 will be available in Australia later this year. Seen here alongside the i Vision Dee colour changing concept car.
Background : The Shelford Duce Race is an annual fund raiser for the Shelford Progress Association, the Shelford Primary School and cricket club at which one can "buy" a duck and get a prize if it wins.
A different twist on a raffle.
Contrary to the advertised inclement weather, most of the rain waited until later in the day. But, during the morning, a quick dust storm followed by a light shower left every car coated in a similar layer of matching grime.
There was a strong turnout of onlookers admiring our eight club cars on display—many thanks to everyone who showed up. Our flags were placed at each end of our display which added to the “mystique of the marque.”
The show includes an opportunity for all to display their magnificent cars, to enjoy some light entertainment, browse all the stalls and indulge in the many food options available.
Organizers were happy to see more visitors than expected this year, given the gloomy forecast.
The number of vendors also increased (including the Federal Member for Roads and
Infrastructure with her own stall). It was a wonderful family day for people of all ages, complete with plenty of activities for kids. appearances from Ambulance Victoria and the SES, a roving circus performer and several musicians.
At 3pm 1,500 rubber duckies were let loose in the Leigh River, with spectators cheering on their purchased ducks to the finish line and hoping to take home a prize for coming in the first ten to cross the line.
Terry Lane #965
By way of exaplantaion, the Bathurst 12 Hour is a race for GT3 cars run over 12 hours. GT3 cars are a tightly regulated racing category based on production cars (mainly Grand Touring in nature) but with many alterations allowed. The category uses a "Balance of Performance" (BoP) process to handicap the cars so that, in theory and all going well, their performance is identical on a idealised circuit. But, on any actual circuit some cars will perforem better than others sa each has different strengths and weaknesses.
The bottom line is that the teams can do little to alter the cars during a season, so every, say, BMW M4 GT3, should be the same as any other. But, in endurance racing, stategy is key. Starting at this event last year BMW's factory backed team, WRT, employed a clever strategy to use a little less fuel and thus a bigget gap between pit stops giving them greater opportunity to make a re-fueling stop under a safety car (giving up less track distance and time). And it worked returning them a 1-2 finish.
But that was last year, and everyone is wiser this year!
Day one at the Bathurst 12 hour was a blast. Super comfortable in our corporate suite with plenty of action. Also it was great to see plenty of schoolchildren!
Pirelli fit 12 sets of tyres per car, $1,840,000 worth over the event. Plus GST! Some teams leave the fitting to the last minute. WRT - W Racing Team have all their tyres fitted already.
The second day was equally excelent in our comfortable and well serviced suite above the pits. We had the privilege of some time with WRT BMW M4 car #32 drivers Jordan Pepper and Kelvin van der Linde who shared with us their love of the Mount Panorama circuit (top 3 of their tracks worldwide) and their perspectives of driving the track ( a lot more challenging than a simulator would suggest). Strategy is all important they advised, so not being top of the time sheets after qualifying and the Pole Battle (7th for #46 and 12th for #32) probably won't worry them too much.
The afternoon was rounded off by a guided garage tour through WRT - W Racing Team garage, marvelling at the banks of screens for data, not just on their car but what they can get on the competitors to optimise the strategy. The team were not fussed by the grid positions but, prophetically, were concerned about first corner issues.
The Ken Done recreation art car #32 looks amazing.
Indescribably superb day for the main race at the Bathurst 12 Hour, watching with all the comforts of a corporate suite and very enjoyable and enthusiastic company and the magical atmosphere of a pre-dawn start.
Car #32 made an opportunistic lunge into a gap about 1.01 car's width heading into the first corner and got tagged on the outside right front corner. Some time later a pit stop was required to repair this (see image above) which sent them tumbling down the timing screens.
Such is the nature of endurance racing that much later on, after a safety car period. #32 was at the front of the pack in P1. Sadly it was punted off (at corner 1 again) and finishing 12th.
Car #46 had been there or thereabouts all day and finished 3rd after being out of luck with pit stops and safety cars.
It was a fantastic weekend with great racing and even better company.
Nice cruise today with fellow club members on the pre-Torquay car show cruise , some nice twisty roads , test out the Tune and suspension, great weather for a top down cruise, smelling the eucalyptus driving through the Forrest roads, love being back out n about thanks to all who made the day enjoyable.
The Torquay car show was just the tonic I needed, with my recent bad run of health conditions, heart attacks, knee replacements, mental health. To sit and chat about life with genuine people was uplifting, as was getting the 46 out of the garage 2 days in a row. The turn out from bmwdcm was fantastic.
Terry Braddock # 830
Excellent day at the Torquay Motor Show. We had a great turnout including some non-BMWs for added variety. Lots of interest and interactions. I was particularly heartened by the interest from youngsters who have a passion for motor vehicles. Brilliant to have meaningful chats with them and to see a "press gallery" of youngsters at the entry/exit taking photos and giving encouraging waves. Many thanks to our wonderful members for helping with set up and pack down, interacting with the public and each other, and making it a tremendous day.
Lawrence GLynn #3
As we begin a new year, I want to thank all our members for their continued enthusiasm, support, and commitment to our club. January has been a busy month, filled with both wonderful events and a few challenges along the way.
Unfortunately, our Twilight Drive scheduled for 16 January had to be cancelled due to the bushfires affecting the region. The safety of our members and rescue teams always comes first, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding.
We were also delighted to have a great turnout at the AOMC Festival of Motoring at Cruden Farm on 18 January. The event was very well attended and enjoyed by all who participated. Thank you to Lawrence and the rest of the attendees for making this such a fantastic event.
We were pleased to see such strong attendance at the Australia Day Eve Drive to Marysville on 25 January. Feedback from those who participated has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s fantastic to see our community starting the year with such energy and connection.
Jo and I were unable to attend the January events due to my ongoing cancer treatment. For those who have reached out to ask how I am going, it has been a tough few weeks and the treatment is certainly taking its toll. We are taking things one day at a time. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has respected our privacy and offered quiet support—it means more than you know.
I also need to share that, sadly, the F1 AGP Display will not be going ahead for our club this year. The AGPC have taken a different direction for 2026, and we were not selected. While disappointing, we remain proud of the strong presence our club has built over the years, and we will continue to pursue opportunities that showcase our members and their cars.
February is shaping up to be an exciting month with a full calendar of events, including:
I am honoured to be receiving an award at the Motorsport Australia ceremony, and it is wonderful to see that we have nearly sold out our ticket allocation for the night. Your support is truly appreciated.
Our merchandise continues to sell well through our online store, and membership is growing steadily each month, something we are extremely proud of. The strength of our club comes from its people, and it is heartening to see our community expanding with passionate, engaged members.
We would like to welcome on board Julie Ahern as our new Dealer Liaison who will be helping Jo out who normally covers this roll. Any other sponsors who would like a visit from Julie please email her on dealerliaison@bmwdcm.com.au and I am sure she will be happy to drop in when she is in your area.
Also we have Killian Treacy on board as one of our welfare team who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our members happy and cared for. Welcome Killian.
Thank you all for your ongoing support, kindness, and understanding. I look forward to seeing many of you at our February events and to another successful year for BMW Drivers Club Melbourne.
We got in early with our Australia Day drive this year by having it the day before! This freed our members up for other activities on the Day and avoided some of the traffic, giving us a fairly clear run along some of the fabulous roads Peter Williams had selected for us.
With ample time between meet and departure times there was plenty of opportunity for groups fto form and chat before we split into two groups, one leisurely and the other, well, not so leisurely.
Scenic, as always and with a great balance of twists and turns, rise and falls but fast or easy as you choose. Fortunately our route was not affected by bush fires past or present but, attractive as the landscape is, the bush fire potential was painfully obvious and smoke did obscure some of the views in the distance.
The other major component of a successful drive, great company, was definitely enjoyed, at the half way stop at Warburton and especially after the drive sitting around having a coffee or a drink before dinner, and during dinner as well.
It was great to have time to have extended conversations and make a few new friends, particularly for those on their first drive with us who were extended an inclusive welcome by our wonderful members.
Some of us stayed overnight and enjoyed a bit more of Marysville on the Monday.
Altogether a brilliant weekend.
Lawrence Glynn #3
Well, where do we begin? Every club member has a first outing, and ours with BMW Drivers Club Melbourne certainly didn’t disappoint!
Tony and I joined the club because the trip calendar caught our eye immediately — plenty of social days and drives, which is exactly our kind of thing. So when the Australia Day eve drive to Marysville popped up, we figured there was no better time to dive in.
We made our way to the BP Service Centre in Officer on a glorious Sunday afternoon. It was a busy spot, but finding the club group was hardly a challenge — just look for the conspicuous cluster of BMWs gleaming in the carpark and you’ve found your people! With no familiar faces to greet us, we did what any BMW enthusiast does and started chatting with whoever was nearby. It didn’t take long at all — everyone was incredibly friendly, with a wonderful mix of cars and a great variety of reasons for being club members. That alone told us we’d made the right call joining.
The turnout was impressive, with nearly 30 cars expected on the day. Right on time, Lawrence stepped up and delivered a clear and thorough briefing, running through the schedule and what to expect. Given the big numbers, we split into two groups and settled happily into the second. With Lawrence’s reassurance that the Tourboss would get us there, we focused on the important business — the drive itself.
Once we escaped the service centre and hit the quiet country roads, the day really came alive. The weather was absolutely perfect for having the top down on the E36, and those roads delivered just the right blend of sweeping curves and open stretches to put a smile on your face while keeping everything well within the rules. We made our way to Warburton for a halfway stop — an iced coffee, a good stretch of the legs, and some conversations with fellow members before pushing on for the final leg to Marysville.
And what a final leg it was. That stretch of road is a genuine treat, and we rolled into Marysville without encountering any meaningful traffic — practically unheard of! We’d planned to have a quick drink before exploring the town, but the restaurant’s shady deck, relaxed atmosphere, and frankly excellent company from our fellow club members made leaving completely impossible. No regrets whatsoever.
Over dinner we swapped stories, shared some laughs, and got to know quite a few members. The drive home was spent happily recapping the day and attempting to remember everyone’s names — a task we almost certainly failed at, so sincere apologies in advance if we blank on yours at the next event!
We couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the club. The perfect distance, beautiful scenery, and a genuinely welcoming group of people made for a memorable day out.
We’re already looking forward to the next one.
Cheers,
Michele & Tony Rodriguez #1469
We are very pleased to welcome Julie Ahern into the Committee Support role of Dealer Liaison.
Julie is a highly experienced marketing and advertising professional who has spent many years running her own successful marketing agency. With a strong background in marketing strategy, promotions and client management, Julie prides herself on outstanding customer service skills.
A proud BMW X1 owner, Julie is excited to combine her passion for the BMW brand with her professional strengths as she steps into the Dealer Liaison role. She is genuinely looking forward to building relationships and ensuring that every dealer enjoys and exceptional experience.
The Festival of Motoring at Cruden Farm delivered a memorable day of camaraderie, colour, and chrome, beginning well before engines ever reached the paddocks. Our morning kicked off with a swift rendeavour at the local Hungry Jacks, where caffeine flowed freely and Lawrence set the tone with a clear and enthusiastic briefing on our display plans for the day. With bellies full and expectations high, the group was ready to roll.
Departing in an orderly fashion, we made our way towards Cruden Farm, anticipation building with every kilometre. Entry was made via a long and winding track that felt like a ceremonial approach rather than a driveway. It was the perfect prelude to what awaited us. Upon arrival, vehicles were parked in precise formation, transforming our allocated space into a cohesive and eye-catching exhibit. Club flags were raised, individual vehicle posters positioned, and our BMWs proudly stood shoulder to shoulder, gleaming in the summer light.
Surrounding us was an extraordinary cross-section of motoring history and passion. From the unmistakable presence of Singer, Jensen Interceptor, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, and Bentley, to the character and charm of Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Volvo, Rover, and Austin Healey, the variety was immense. German engineering sat comfortably alongside Ford, Holden, Mercedes, Volkswagen, custom builds, vintage vehicles, and countless other marques, each telling its own story.
The Festival of Motoring once again proved why it holds a special place on the calendar, not just as a car show, but as a celebration of the people, friendships, and shared pride that make the automotive community thrive and support the Redkite Charity supporting families facing childhood cancer.
Michael Mimmo #515
As we close out another remarkable year at BMW Drivers Club Melbourne, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful spirit, generosity, and camaraderie that define our community.
We, personally, have had some challenges the last year and it is our friends and family in this community that keep stepping up to help when needed and offering the support we all need from time to time. For all of you that have called or messaged or dropped in to see how we are, you have no idea how great that feels. So thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. It reaffirms how wonderful our club is, and you are all a part of it.
December brought us one of the most enjoyable events of the year – our Christmas Show & Shine and family picnic on the 7th. We were treated to a fantastic turnout, with an impressive array of cars gleaming in the sunshine and creating a display that truly showcased the pride and passion of our members. Even more importantly, together we raised a much needed $1350 for Prostate Cancer Research, a cause close to many hearts.
The atmosphere on the day was simply brilliant. Nearly everyone walked away with a prize from this year’s raffle, and the smiles, laughter, and festive cheer made it a day to remember. My heartfelt thanks go to every volunteer who helped the event run so smoothly. Your time, effort, and willingness to pitch in are what make days like this possible.
As we head into the New Year, Jo and I want to wish each of you a very happy and safe New Year. We look forward to seeing you all soon, though it may be a little later than usual for us. My treatment for throat cancer begins on the 5th of January, so for the first few months of the year we may not be as present at events as we would like. We appreciate your understanding and support during this time, and we will be around whenever we can.
For those with CPS vehicles, please remember that while Jo and I may be less available in person, renewals will continue as normal. You can renew via email, download and complete (but do not sign!) the Club Endorsement Form and email to cpsrenewals@bmwdcm.com.au , or, if electronic is a challenge post the CPS renewal form as received from VicRoads along with a stamped self-addressed envelope to 11 Jean Place, Grovedale, VIC 3216 and we will ensure they are processed promptly.
A sincere thank you to our generous sponsors throughout 2025. Your support means the world to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2026 as we continue building a strong, vibrant, and inclusive club community.
Our online merchandise stocks are fully up to date, so if you’re looking for new items over the break, feel free to place an order through our online store. We’ll have your items posted out as quickly as possible.
As many of you enjoy some well‑earned downtime with family and friends, please take care on the roads and drive safely. For those who continue working through the holiday period, thank you for keeping the wheels turning – quite literally.
Thank you all for your friendship, your enthusiasm, and your unwavering support throughout the year. Being part of this club is a privilege, and Jo and I are grateful for each and every one of you.
Take care, enjoy the break, and we look forward to seeing you in 2026.
© 2025 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc. All Rights Reserved.
