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BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

  • 5 Jan 2023 4:18 PM | Anonymous

    BMW Mixed Reality Slider: into the virtual world in five steps. +++ Advanced BMW Head-up-Display in NEUE KLASSE from 2025. +++ Full-colour E Ink technology enables up to 32 colours.

    The BMW Group is sharing its vision of the future digital experience, both inside and outside the vehicle, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023 in Las Vegas. BMW i Vision Dee is the futuristic mid-size sedan with a new and pared-down design language. The name “Dee” stands for Digital Emotional Experience – and that is precisely its aim: to create an even stronger bond between people and their cars going forward. Future digital functions will go far beyond the level of voice control and driver assistance systems we are familiar with today. The BMW Head-Up-Display extends across the full width of the windscreen, providing a glimpse of the next vehicle generation. From 2025 onwards, this innovation will be available in the models of the NEUE KLASSE. The BMW Group has also refined its use of colour-change technology. Having unveiled the BMW iX Flow Featuring E Ink, with the ability to change from black to white, at the last CES, BMW i Vision Dee can now curate its exterior in up to 32 colours.

    “With the BMW i Vision Dee, we are showcasing what is possible when hardware and software merge. In this way, we are able to exploit the full potential of digitalisation to transform the car into an intelligent companion. That is the future for automotive manufacturers – and, also, for BMW: the fusion of the virtual experience with genuine driving pleasure,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “At the same time, BMW i Vision Dee is another step on the road to the NEUE KLASSE. With this vision, we are looking far into the future and underlining the tremendous importance of digitalisation for our upcoming product generations.”

    With its intelligent, almost human capabilities, BMW i Vision Dee accompanies drivers not only through real-life situations on the roads, but also in their digital environment.

    “A BMW lives by its unparalleled digital performance. BMW i Vision Dee is about perfect integration of virtual and physical experiences,” said Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “Whoever excels at integrating the customer’s everyday digital worlds into the vehicle at all levels will succeed in mastering the future of car-building.”

    BMW Mixed Reality Slider: into the virtual world in five steps

    The BMW Mixed Reality Slider, in combination with the advanced Head-up Display, is the digital highlight and central operating control of BMW i Vision Dee. Using shy-tech sensors on the instrument panel, drivers can decide for themselves how much digital content they want to see on the advanced Head-Up Display. The five-step selection ranges from analogue, to driving-related information, to the contents of the communications system, to augmented-reality projection, right up to entry into virtual worlds. In parallel, dimmable windows can also be used to gradually fade out reality. Mixed reality can be experienced in BMW i Vision Dee in an immersive way that engages different senses without requiring any additional tools, creating a new dimension of driving pleasure for the user.

    Advanced BMW Head-Up-Display: in NEUE KLASSE from 2025

    The BMW Group is known in the automotive sector as a trailblazer for the Head-Up-Display and has systematically refined this technology over the past two decades. In BMW i Vision Dee, projection across the entire width of the windscreen allows information to be displayed on the largest possible surface – which only becomes recognisable as a display once it is activated. In this way, the BMW Group demonstrates the huge potential of projection technology and BMW i Vision Dee visualises how a advanced Head-Up-Display could also be utilised in the future for the display and operating concept. The standard-production version of the BMW Head-up-Display extending across the full width of the windscreen will be used in the models of the NEUE KLASSE from 2025 onwards.

    Welcome scenario with voice and phygital icons

    The digital experience already begins outside the vehicle, with a personalised welcome scenario that combines graphical elements, light and sound effects. Natural language serves as the simplest, most intuitive form of interaction, enabling perfect understanding between humans and their vehicles. The headlights and the closed BMW kidney grille also form a common phygital (fusion of physical and digital) icon on a uniform surface, allowing the vehicle to produce different facial expressions. This means BMW i Vision Dee can talk to people and, at the same time, express moods such as joy, astonishment or approval visually. BMW i Vision Dee can also project an image of the driver’s avatar onto the side window to further personalise the welcome scenario.

    World premiere for full-colour E Ink technology

    Following the spectacular debut of the BMW iX Flow Featuring E Ink at CES 2022, the BMW Group is now unveiling a full-colour version of the E Ink technology in BMW i Vision Dee that will be used as the outer skin of the vehicle for the first time worldwide.

    BMW i Vision Dee, rather than simply alternating between black and white, now showcases a multi-coloured, fully variable and individually configurable exterior. An ePaper film from the BMW Group’s cooperation partner, E Ink, is applied to the body to create this magical display of colour. Up to 32 colours can be displayed.

    The body surface of the BMW i Vision Dee is divided into 240 E Ink segments, each of which is controlled individually. This allows an almost infinite variety of patterns to be generated and varied within seconds. The laser cutting process used to trim the films and the electronic control design were developed in partnership with E Ink. The adaptation of this technology for curved surfaces and the programming of the animations, were developed by BMW Group’s in-house engineers – enabling a form enabling a form of customisation that is unique throughout the automotive sector worldwide.

    Reductive design – inside and out

    The design of BMW i Vision Dee has been deliberately pared down to focus attention on the digital experience and the DNA of the BMW brand. The exterior is defined by the classic three-box sedan design that forms the core of the BMW brand. Traditional design elements, like the BMW kidney grille, twin circular headlights and the Hofmeister kink, are reimagined, with phygital icons replacing analogue elements. This gives BMW i Vision Dee its own digital, but human, character.

    Inside, digitalisation goes hand in hand with reductive use of materials, operating controls and displays to ensure nothing distracts from the digital experience and the new feeling of enhanced driving pleasure. The unconventional design of the steering wheel, with its central vertical spoke, creates touchpoints that come to life when approached or touched and can be operated by moving the thumb. These phygital touchpoints control selection of the content projected onto the windscreen and, together with the Head-Up Display, thus support the principle of “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road”.

    “With BMW i Vision Dee, we are showing how the car can be seamlessly integrated into your digital life and become a trusty companion. The vehicle itself becomes your portal to the digital world – with the driver always in control,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “Implemented the right way, technology will create worthwhile experiences, make you a better driver and simply bring humans and machines closer together.”

    Another milestone on the road to the NEUE KLASSE

    The future of the BMW Group is electric, circular and digital. BMW i Vision Dee represents the digital aspect of this trio and will be another milestone on the road to the next vehicle generation, the NEUE KLASSE. The BMW Group will provide further insights and glimpses of the revolutionary vehicle concept of the NEUE KLASSE over the course of 2023.

    BMW PRESS

  • 1 Jan 2023 11:00 AM | Anonymous


     Month in review.

    Dear members,

    Happy New Year! We hope you are all keeping safe and well over the Christmas and New Year period.

    Before we dive into 2023, we look back on our last month 2022. We started December with our last round of the 2022 Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers Championship at Phillip Island.  We had quite a few members attend on a very hot Phillip Island day.  They were also joined by many of the E30 Racing members, using the day as a practice for their final round of the year. 

    ____________________

    6 December was our final twilight drive for the year. We kicked off our evening at Mornington BMW, getting up close and personal of the new 7 Series and the iX. 40 cars then went on another fantastic drive by Peter Williams, finishing up at the Sorrento Back Beach for the sunset. 

    ____________________

    On 10-11 December several of our racing members attended the final round of the E30 Racing Garagistic BMW Drivers Cup down at Phillip Island. The weekend was a mix of sprint sessions, passenger sessions and racing. It was great to also see some of our members competing in the sprints.

    Congratulations to Alex Jory for winning the E30 Racing championship again in 2022. It was also great to see Royce Lyne join the E30 Racing field, and do really well. He'll definitely be one to watch out for in 2023. 

    ____________________

    On the same weekend, we also held our Christmas Show and Shine at Cruden Farm on 11 December. We were joined by nearly 100 members, some amazing cars, Santa and his elves, who so kindly gave our lolly bags to all of the big and little kids. We also managed to raise approximately $1,000 for the Royal Children's Hospital through egg and bacon roll sales. 

    Thanks very much to all those who volunteered throughout the day, this was a huge event. We can't do these big events without your help!

    ____________________

    Our final official club event of the year was one last live hook up with BMW Classic in Munich on 16 December. We really enjoy seeing what's on show at BMW Classic, as it's always changing.

    ____________________

    There was then one final unofficial club event for the year, with Bell Motorsport hosting a Christmas BBQ at the Club offices on 17 December. It was really great to have so many members and friends popping in throughout the day.

    ____________________

    MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

    Welcome to our new members Terry Lane, Luke Tomyn, Roman Miller, Vei Kwok Phoon, Michael Alexis, Adam Krauel, Stefan Vucetic, Phil Clayton, Graeme Wagland, Ray Haddad, Tynan Corbett and Ian Jack. We look forward to seeing you at an event soon!

    ____________________

    Don't forget to catch up with this month's update from our President, Graeme Bell here.

    The month ahead.

    Here's what we've got planned for January:

    15 January 
    2023 Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers Championship | Round 1The first round of our 2023 championship will kick off at Phillip Island with AROCA. Ensure you register as soon as possible to avoid the disappointment of missing out.

    26 January 
    Australia Day Drive
    We'll start at lunch time at Hogans Hotel bistro and then head off on a scenic drive via Malmsbury, finishing at Panton Hill Hotel for dinner.

    27 January
     
    BCCM Team Live from Munich
    Featuring 100 Years of BMW Motorrad Special

    29 January
    Festival of Motoring
    The Festival of Motoring at Cruden Farm is open to all historic, veteran, vintage and classic vehicles over 25 years old. Even if you don't want to put your car on display, there's always some amazing vehicles to see!

    Looking beyond January, there are some events that you should register for as soon as possible to avoid missing out:

    2 - 6 February 
    Bathurst 12 Hour
    Our annual trip to the Bathurst 12 Hour - a weekend of some of the best motor racing you will see in Australia.

    15 - 22 March 
    BMW Clubs Australia Nationals - Gold Coast
    A perfect opportunity to come together with BMW Club members from around the country.

    Be sure to keep an eye on our calendar to stay up to date with our events.

    If you're attending a social drive or weekend away, we recommend checking out our event tips to help you get the best out of the event.

    ____________________

    EVENT PHOTOS

    If you attend any of our events and take high resolution photos that you would like to share with other members and for use on our website and in our newsletter and magazine, please send a link to your photos to photos@bmwdcm.com.au so we can add them to our photo gallery.

    News & Blog.

    AOMC/Greenfleet Carbon Offset Scheme

    BMW enthusiasts can now balance their love of their vehicles with helping to look after the planet for as little as $18 per year. BMWDCM is proud to have assisted the AOMC to develop a new partnership with Greenfleet, a leading not-for-profit environmental organisation that protects the climate by restoring native forests.

    You can read more about the initiative and how you can get involved here.

    BMWDCM'S Quarterly Membership Promotion.

    As a thank you to new and loyal members, BMWDCM is starting a quarterly promotion! When you renew your membership, refer a new member or join as a new member you will go into our draw for some amazing prizes.* 

    How does it work? 

    If you pay your renewal or sign up before 31 December 2022, you will automatically receive an entry. Or if you refer a new member (who signs up before 31 December 2022 and they nominate you on their application form), you will automatically receive an entry for that referral. It’s as simple as that. 

    Thank you to our sponsors who have generously provided the prizes this quarter.

    See here for full Ts&Cs. You can also watch the draw live on Zoom at 7.35pm (AEDT) on 9 January 2023.

    Working With Children Check.

    If you have a Working With Children Check and are volunteering with BMWDCM it is important that you nominate the club as an organisation you are working with.

    If you would like to volunteer with BMWDCM, you can do so for free by nominating BMW Drivers Club as the organisation you're volunteering with.

    Whether you've just signed up or already hold a WWCC, it is important that you provide us with your WWCC number if you are intending on volunteering with the club.  You can do so by logging into the BMWDCM website and updating your profile information. 

    Classifieds.

    Have you seen our classifieds page

    Want to sell something?  Looking for a specific item?  Email us today to list your car/parts/anything BMW related!

    idrive magazine.

    Everyone has their own BMW story - we'd love to share yours.

    Email us to feature in our very own idrive magazine.

    Club partners.

    Members are welcome to submit their business to be shared on the Club Partners page on our website and idrive magazine. 

    We believe in supporting those who support us.  If you would like your business listed email us with your details.

    ____________________

    As always - thanks for reading, we look forward to seeing you at an event soon!


    President | Graeme Bell 0407 186 296
    Vice President | 
    Jo Mawson 0412 661 900
    Secretary | 
    Lawrence Glynn 0414 563 290null 
    Treasurer |
     
    Shaaron Glynn


    Cover photo: Simon Withington


    Proudly supported by:

    All Commercial / All Residential Real Estate
    Berwick BMW
    BM Tech
    German Auto Haus
    Kalus Kenny Intelex
    Melbourne BMW
    Mornington BMW
    Shannons Insurance
    Shepparton BMW
    South Yarra BMW

    Southern BM
    Traction Tyres
    Waverley BMW

  • 31 Dec 2022 5:00 PM | Anonymous




    Dear members,  

    Now for my last message for 2022 and welcome in 2023.

    What an amazing year we have had, busy, but great being back to a full year of events again after the hardships we all experienced through Covid, but first let me finish with December and some of the great events that happened this month before we launch into 2023.

    4 December was the last round of our Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers Championship for 2022 at Phillip Island with AROCA and the weather was amazing! We had a fantastic turn out of BMWs, with quite a few E30 Racing competitors joining us to practice for the following weekend’s final round of the E30 Racing Championship.  It was great to see so many new faces and of course some old familiar ones on the day, enjoying the perfect conditions.  Thank you to all the members who joined us there, it is a great family group, and it is also wonderful when most set up around the club’s trailer and help each other when they have a few technical issues or just join in the banter re-living their fun on the track.

    6 December was our final twilight drive for the year, leaving from Mornington BMW and it was great to start the evening with some up close and personal viewings of the new 7 series and the new iX.  The staff are always very obliging at Mornington BMW, so be sure to pop in if you need some advice or wanting to purchase a new car.  Following Peter’s fantastic drive instructions, we headed along the beach road on what was just a beautiful evening with over 40 cars in procession.  We tried something different this time and split the groups to make it easier to keep everyone together.  This worked well and we will do this again with larger groups.  We finished the drive at Sorento Back Beach, which I must admit, I have never been to before. Living on the Peninsula, I am guessing there are still lots of undiscovered spots for us to explore in time to watch the sun set.  Thank you again to Peter Williams for all his fantastic drive instructions and to Jo who works very closely with Peter to book all the venues we go to on these drives.

    10-11 December was E30 Racing’s last event for the year at Phillip Island.  This event was a sprint and race meeting with some sprint sessions amongst the race sessions, allowing some of our new aspiring racing drivers to get out as well and have a spin around the track, whilst seeing a race meeting happen around them.  It will be a great field next year with at least five more competitors that we know of, joining the field and possibly a few of the old competitors coming back on the track next year too.  Congratulations to Alex Jory for winning the E30 Championship again this year, it is always great to see his orange BMW leading the field.  He will have some tough competition with young Royce Lyne in his yellow E30 in 2023, as he was putting in some really quick times out there in his first appearance.  Well done, Royce.

    Unfortunately, I could not attend both days as we had our Club’s Christmas Show and Shine on 11 December at Cruden farm, where nearly 100 members and their amazing cars attended what will be an annual event at this venue.  Cars started rolling in from 8.30am, with volunteers arriving earlier to help us set up.  Thank you to all who volunteered either at the start or at the pack up, this makes life so much easier for us all.

    With the show and shine cars all in their areas, the judging started while others enjoyed egg and bacon rolls donated by Bell Motorsport and cooked by Matt Kenny and crew, which helped us raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital.  The staff from Cruden Farm were very busy making coffee while all members were able to enjoy some time catching up with old and new friends in the beautiful gardens.  Thank you also to the ladies who sold the raffle tickets for some great prizes, I think most families went home with a prize! We are very lucky to have Celebrations Cellars Clarinda donate some amazing prizes so our members could go away with something on the day.

    We were also very lucky to have Santa and his Elf turn up just before lunch to have photos taken while the Elf handed out lolly bags to all the old and young kids.

    We also had Club sponsor, Sonax Australia, there with some last-minute Christmas bargains.  I would also like to thank Peta and Stephan for donating a fantastic detailing pack as a raffle prize too.  Stephan took some time out to also buff up our little Isetta on display, it really shone after his hard work.

    With the breakfast and raffle sales we managed to raise close to $1,000, which is just brilliant.  Thank you all who donated generously and those again who cooked and sold raffle tickets.

    16 December was our last live hook up with Munich for the year. All who join these events always enjoy what is on show and the information we received from Munich.  Thank you to the staff at BMW Classic for putting on these events and also thank you for allowing us to log in at a great time for us on the opposite side of the world.

    On 17 December Jo and I put on a BBQ at the new Bell Motorsport storage facility which doubles as the new BMWDCM Club office.  Unfortunately, Jo was taken away to hospital by ambulance around 12pm with severe back pain and she didn’t get to enjoy a day which was her making.  She insisted I stay behind to welcome you all and ensure you all knew she was in good hands.  We had club members and customers alike turn up to just chill and enjoy the day.  This also will be an annual event, so please look out on our Facebook page for your invitation.  Thank you to all who helped Jo while she was in dreadful pain, especially Jo Holliday and Tim Oh, this was very scary and also allowed me to not stress as much about how much pain she was in.  Thank you to those who stayed till the end and helped pack everything away.  You are all like family to us and we really appreciate everything you all do.

    Just a quick update on Jo, she discharged herself that night so she could help me cook Christmas lunch for her family then we took her back in to hospital in more pain on Sunday night for her to be told total bed rest for at least a week, those who know Jo realise how bad it must be for her to actually listen to these instructions and do it.  Lots of test were done so we will see the specialist in the new year.  You will also see a slower Jo in the new year, doctors orders!

    Looking to 2023 - January events will start pretty much straight away, as we are only having a couple of weeks off to recuperate after the busy year that was 2022.

    As I type this, sitting in our caravan down the beach, I can see Jo still doing club stuff, organising the coming year, but at least we can sit back and relax whilst doing so, looking out at the beautiful view. 

    Our first event will be 15 January with the first round of our Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers Championship kicking off at Phillip Island.  I'm not sure if there are still spots left, but make sure you get your entries in asap if there are. 

    Thank you to Andrew and all the crew at Traction Tyres/Yokohama for again coming on board to sponsor our Drivers Championship in 2023. If you need any track or performance tyres, or indeed any tyres or advice at all, give Andrew or Shane a call. They are always happy to help, and continue to support our club and members in any way they can.

    26 January is our Australia Day drive starting with at lunch from Hogans Hotel in Wallan and finishing at Panton Hills with dinner. 

    27 January is our first live hook up for 2023 with BMW Classic in Munich.

    The AOMC Festival of Motoring at Cruden Farm on 29 January looks like this will be a huge event, so something to look out for.

    We do have another event planned for January, which isn't yet up on the website, as we are just waiting for confirmation that the venue is ok. As we've previously mentioned, we will be running a Simulator Challenge for 2023 and Shannons Insurance have come on board as the sponsors for this event. We will run 6 nights over the year, hopefully starting at the end of January and then each second month at Shannons during our club members meetings.  The winner of each event will get free entry to the next round. Thank you Shannons for sponsoring this championship. I think these nights will be lot of fun. Watch your email once dates are confirmed, as we will only have 20 spots and the last one sold out within a day. Members not competing are more than welcome to attend.

    I did mention this special message in my Christmas email, please look out for each other over the festive season, it is very important to make sure we all stay in contact with our friends and loved ones.  Some of our members are on their own over this period and it is nice to know other members have invited them into their home to enjoy the Christmas love.

    This is one of the things I especially love about our club is that we are not just a club of car enthusiasts, but we all care for one another, as we are one big happy family.  Thank you.

    We have been invited to display our cars at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix again in 2023, with an even larger display next year than any club has ever had. With our cars and the E30 Racing cars side by side again, we will have the largest single make display at the event, by far! Expressions of interest have just closed for the display, but if you have something very special, we may be able to get you in still. Let us know if you do. It will be an amazing display of BMW’s history, ranging from the Isetta and 700 through to the latest cars available, with two special cars joining us from BMW Melbourne.

    Some other special dates to mark in your diaries for next year:

    • 2-6 February – Bathurst 12 Hour.  There are still spots available and possibly Daniel Ricciardo will be there driving the Red Bull F1 car around the Mountain… I can’t wait to see that!
    • 19 February - Enchanted Maze family day out. There will be a private picnic area reserved for us. 
    • 15-20 March - BMW Clubs Australia Nationals on the Gold Coast. A bi-yearly event to catch up with all our friends from the interstate BMW Clubs.
    • Anzac Weekend Away – details TBC
    • 6 May - Our Fifth Birthday Celebration Formal Dinner! Yes formal, black tie for this one! Somewhere special in the city, to be announced very soon, once we tie up some loose ends, sponsored by our new Club Sponsors: Kalus Kenny Intelex, Lawyers. Welcome aboard KKI!
    • King’s Birthday Week Away – South Australia – Tailem Bend.  Dates and itinerary to be released soon but finishing up at Tailem Bend to support our members racing with the E30 Racing Series)
    • 10 December - Christmas Show and Shine at Cruden Farm

    Keep watching your emails as Jo is working on some great events for 2023 and they will be released soon.

    Jess has already started working on our fantastic magazine, idrive, for 2023 and we have some great articles for our fifth birthday edition.  I know Jo has asked a few of you to write some special feature articles, if you can please get them back to Jess, asap with high resolution photos this would make her life so much easier, when they arrive late Jess has to re do a lot of her work.  Not ideal. 

    If you have been at an event and have taken some great photos, please send them to photos@bmwdcm.com.au and we will put them up on our photo gallery.

    Importantly, please check your Club Plate Scheme renewals and make sure you are driving a registered car.  If you are caught without club membership or without a valid renewal, your car is both unregistered and uninsured.  The fine is over $900 and I think 5 demerit points.  It is your responsibility to have these documents up to date, don’t go calling us the day of expiration panicking that you need a signature.  Remember we are all volunteers and sometimes we do have a life outside the club. There are so many ways to get your renewal done, there really is no excuse. Email your renewal to cpsrenewals@bmwdcm.com.au is probably the quickest and easiest way, or bring it to an event.

    As mentioned in my previous emails, your hard-working committee are taking a break from club life until 9 January, we will be happy to assist you after then, or if it is urgent, send us an email and we will respond between swims or dozing on the banana lounge.

    That is all from me for this year. I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas with your loved ones, and I personally wish you all a safe and Happy New Year. Thank you all for being a part of this amazing club and for your continued support and friendship, you will never know how much it means to us to have you with us. 

    Drive safe over the holiday break and we all look forward to seeing you at an event in 2023.

    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

  • 22 Dec 2022 1:59 PM | Anonymous

    The BMW M works driver squad for the 2023 season is gaining a well-known 21st member. Valentino Rossi (ITA) and BMW M Motorsport have agreed a works commitment that goes beyond the race appearances with BMW M Team WRT announced last week.

    The BMW M works driver squad for the 2023 season is gaining a well-known 21st member. Valentino Rossi (ITA) and BMW M Motorsport have agreed a works commitment that goes beyond the race appearances with BMW M Team WRT announced last week. The nine-time motorcycle world champion, who called time on his long-standing, successful career on two wheels back in autumn 2021, is set to contest the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS and Bathurst 12 Hour in the BMW M4 GT3 next year – and will also be available for further race and test appearances in BMW M Motorsport racing cars.

    “Valentino Rossi needs no introduction. As one of the most successful motorcycle riders of all time, he has made history. His successes on the racetrack and his personality have quite rightly made him a living legend,” said Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport. “But Valentino has proved that he is also an excellent racer on four wheels. He has shown that car racing has become his second motorsport home, and he brings all his passion, skills and commitment to this new chapter of his career. It’s fantastic that Valentino will be joining our BMW M Motorsport family as a new works driver next year. We’re really looking forward to working together – welcome aboard Vale!”

    "I am very proud to become an official BMW M works driver and it is a great opportunity,” said Rossi. “Last year I started racing seriously in cars and I finished my first season with the WRT team with whom I got on very well and I am very happy that the WRT team chose BMW M Motorsport as a new partner. I have already had a chance to test the BMW M4 GT3 twice and the feeling with the car is very good. I think we could be competitive next season. Also, BMW M Motorsport has given me the opportunity to race with two very strong drivers next year, Maxime Martin and Augusto Farfus. I still have a lot to learn and improve, but I hope to be up to the task and fast enough to fight during the race weekends.”

    Rossi celebrated his first world championship title in the 125cc class in 1997. He followed this up with the title in the 250cc class two years later. He was promoted to the highest Grand Prix category at the time in 2000, the 500cc class, where he was crowned world champion in 2001. This category was superseded by the MotoGP the following year, and Rossi remained the measure of all things. By 2005 he had added a further four world championship titles to his collection, with titles number eight and nine following in 2008 and 2009. Rossi continued to do battle for the world championship crown regularly after that. ‘The Doctor’ has also long been committed to youth development with his VR46 Rider Academy – a ‘school‘ that helps young Italian riders with the goal to bring them to MotoGP.

    Rossi also took part in testing in various racing cars early on – including a Formula 1 Ferrari and Mercedes. There were also starts at the Monza rally (ITA) in 2009 as well as two races in the World Rally Championship, one in 2006 in New Zealand and one in 2009 in Wales. In 2019, Rossi competed in an endurance race in Abu Dhabi (UAE). After retiring from active motorcycle racing after the season finale in 2021, Rossi embarked on a new chapter of car racing. He contested the GT World Challenge Europe with Team WRT in the 2022 season.

    The new year will see him compete in that race series and in the endurance classic at Bathurst (AUS) alongside his BMW M works driver colleagues Maxime Martin (BEL) and Augusto Farfus (BRA). His status as works driver also gives him plenty of other options. In addition to his current fixed engagements, Rossi will be able to make further race and test appearances in various BMW M Motorsport racing cars. The 43-year-old will also have the opportunity to represent BMW M Motorsport. Details will be announced at a later date.

    BMW PRESS

  • 21 Dec 2022 3:02 PM | Anonymous

    To mark the 30th anniversary of the sporty open-top MINI four-seater, the MINI Convertible now appears in the Seaside Edition with exclusive design and equipment features, optionally in the body colours Caribbean Aqua and Nanuq White.

    Waves rolling gently onto the beach and the endless horizon in view – a day at the seaside offers refreshingly expansive perspectives and a feeling of freedom. In line with this, the MINI Convertible in the Seaside Edition celebrates 30 years of individual style and maximum fresh-air driving fun. To mark the anniversary of the open-top four-seater, MINI now presents the sporty classic with exclusive equipment and design features – optionally in a shimmering blue Caribbean Aqua paint finish or in the light Nanuq White bodycolor. The Seaside Edition of the MINI Convertible is available as the Cooper (combined fuel consumption: 6.4 – 5.9 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 145 – 135 g/km according to WLTP) and the Cooper S (combined fuel consumption: 6.9 – 6.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 157 – 148 g/km according to WLTP).

    Currently the world’s only premium convertible in the small car segment and with an impressively distinctive look in traditional brand style, the MINI Convertible embodies individual open-air driving pleasure. In the MINI Cooper S, a 2.0-litre, 131 kW/178 hp 4-cylinder power unit with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology enables acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The MINI Cooper also provides typical MINI go-kart feeling, featuring a 3-cylinder petrol engine with an output of 100 kW/136 hp. The black, electrically operated soft top takes things at a more leisurely pace: it can be opened or closed automatically up to 30 km/h.

    From February 2023, the limited Seaside Edition of the MINI Convertible will accentuate this stylish model’s hallmark features with an edition-specific design in the exterior and interior. Double decorative stripes in white run from the side doors to the rear of the vehicle, and the exclusive exterior design is rounded off with a unique graphic on the front apron, where a stylised 30 once again refers to the model’s anniversary.

    This contrasts elegantly with the maritime-inspired paint finish Caribbean Aqua, emphasising the sporty character of the open-top four-seater. In the Nanuq White finish, the consistently light-coloured bodywork has a particularly elegant appeal: here the MINI Convertible is reminiscent of spotted clouds against a deep-blue summer sky.

    The side scuttles with the edition’s discreet “Seaside” lettering pick up on the 30th model anniversary with graphically designed numerals in light and dark blue. The round birthday is also celebrated with exclusive “Seaside” lettering in sporty orange on the rear. Meanwhile the 18-inch alloy wheels in Pulse Spoke design are reminiscent of pulsating waves in the water. By contrast, the specific wheel caps stand still: here, the number of the anniversary appears once more. A weight behind them ensures a perfect appearance at all times.

    Even as you enter the vehicle, the trim strips on the vehicle doors in edition design with two white stripes and Seaside lettering convey the exclusive aura of the interior. The Carbon Black leather seats with comfortable knee rolls and armrests in the doors offer comfort as well as harmonising perfectly with the two exterior finishes Caribbean Aqua and Nanuq White when the soft top is open.

    The decorative trim strips on the front dashboards also appear in edition-specific design: both the printed pattern and the lettering bring the round anniversary to mind once again. This pattern also appears on the floor mats in the form of a graphic badge. The lower spoke of the sports leather steering wheel features the eponymous “Seaside” lettering of the new MINI Edition. The vehicle key featuring the edition-specific graphic wave pattern in iridescent blue tones picks up on both the open atmosphere and the pure elegance of the sea, enabling the owner to take a piece of this exclusive edition home with them. The integrated “Seaside” lettering underlines the model’s unique flair – definitely ruling out any potential key mix-ups.

    For the driver, the latest generation of the MINI operating system optimises quick and intuitive control of the vehicle functions, audio programme, communication, navigation and apps, while newly compiled equipment packages enable specific individual preferences to be fulfilled in terms of driver assistance and connectivity.

    BMW PRESS

  • 17 Dec 2022 6:32 PM | Anonymous

    BMW M Team WRT will undertake its first works-supported race outing with the BMW M4 GT3 at the Bathurst 12 Hour, the opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, in February 2023.

    BMW M Motorsport returns to Australia after an enforced three-year absence. BMW M Team WRT will undertake its first works-supported race outing with the BMW M4 GT3 at the Bathurst 12 Hour, the opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, in February 2023. This is followed by the GT World Challenge Europe which begins in April 2023. The two cars will be occupied by top-class drivers, including nine-time motorcycle world champion Valentino Rossi (ITA), who will share the #46 BMW M4 GT3 with BMW M works drivers Maxime Martin (BEL) and Augusto Farfus (BRA). Challenging for top results in the #32 car will be the two new BMW M works drivers Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts (both BEL), together with DTM champion Sheldon van der Linde (RSA).

    “It is fantastic to return to this legendary motorsport venue with BMW M Motorsport for the first time since 2020, and to see the BMW M4 GT3 in action for the first time at the Mount Panorama Circuit at Bathurst,” said Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport. “There is something magical about the event, and we hope to be able to convey that magic on the track. We feel the prospects of a strong debut from the BMW M4 GT3 and BMW M Team WRT are very good. The combination of a strong team and equally strong drivers means we can approach the 12 hours of racing with confidence and hope for good results. I am particularly pleased, on the driver side, to see some new faces in our cockpits, coupled with the proven class of Augusto Farfus and Sheldon van der Linde. The race in Bathurst forms the start of an intensive and, hopefully, successful season with BMW M Team WRT, which continues with the Kyalami 9 Hour in February and then in the GT World Challenge Europe.”

    “I am delighted to have such strong driver line-ups for our programmes in the GT World Challenge Europe and the Intercontinental GT Challenge. Thank you to BMW M Motorsport for this fantastic opportunity,” said WRT team principal and CEO Vincent Vosse. “I have been trying for a long time to work together with Maxime Martin in my team. It is awesome that this is now possible. I would also like to welcome Sheldon van der Linde back to the team having raced together a few years ago. He knows Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts well and I am sure they will form a strong team. Having Augusto Farfus, with all his know-how and experience, and Maxime alongside Valentino Rossi is also a fantastic combination. I can hardly wait for the 2023 season and to fight to bring trophies to Munich.”

    Vanthoor and Weerts will contest all the sprint races in the GT World Challenge Europe as a duo, and will be supported by van der Linde in the endurance races. “I am really pleased to continue my successful partnership with Charles in the GT World Challenge Europe. We have been very successful in the past three years, winning the title in the Sprint Cup,” said Vanthoor. “The opposition will be even tougher in all the races, but I am confident that we will also be successful with the BMW M4 GT3, together with WRT and BMW M Motorsport. The front-engine car will be a change and a challenge for me, but my impressions from the initial tests have been very positive. The BMW M4 GT3 has great potential.” Weerts said: “Our goal for the Sprint Cup is obviously to challenge for our fourth title in a row, even if I still need to adapt to the BMW M4 GT3 a little better. It is also fantastic to get to know new circuits and to race at Bathurst for the first time in my career.”

    Maxime Martin will contest the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup together with Valentino Rossi. Providing valuable support as the third driver in the Endurance Cup and in Bathurst will be Augusto Farfus. “I am looking forward to the new challenge on my return to BMW M Motorsport,” said Martin. “Working with BMW M Team WRT and Valentino Rossi will definitely be a fantastic experience. I am also delighted to share a car with my friend Augusto Farfus again, and hopefully to pick up some wins.” Rossi said: “I’m very happy to continue my collaboration with the WRT team in 2023. This will be an important season as we will have a new car. The tests with the BMW M4 GT3 have been very good so far. I can’t wait to go racing with it.”

    BMW PRESS

  • 13 Dec 2022 11:00 AM | Anonymous


    Month in review.

    Dear members, 

    A late newsletter this month, so that we can take the opportunity to wish you all a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year break. We know that this time of year is not always great for everyone, so we do hope that whatever it is you get up to, you are able to make the most of it, enjoy it, and take a well deserved break (if you can). We can't wait to catch up with you all in 2023.

    Before we finish up for the year, let's take a look back at November. Many of our members started the month in Tasmania on our first bi-annual tour of Tasmania. With nearly 30 members in attendance, we had a great time touring around Tassie. 

    ____________________

    On 6 November we were invited to display our cars at the Sandown Historics.  It's always a great opportunity to see some great cars both on and off the track.

    ____________________

    11 November saw is at the German Tivoli Club for our first All German Fest – Oktoberfest car display. Despite the thunderstorms keeping many away, we still had quite a few members attend, with Jo Mawson also winning best dressed in the Oktoberfest competition!

    ____________________

    25-27 November was our first Challenge Bathurst, where we had 18 cars entered. It was really great to have a such a large mix of BMWs out on the track from M2s to E28s to E30s - we really had it all. It was also nice to see members from some of the other BMW Clubs around Australia, who we don't often get to see unless we are at the Nationals. 

    ____________________

    25 November was also our first back to Munich hook up meeting for a few months. We do really enjoy these events to find out first hand what's happening at BMW in Munich. If you haven't yet attended one, there are quite a few in our calendar for 2023 already that you can register for.

    ____________________

    Our last event for November was the Geelong area mid-week drive. We had a great turn out and it was really nice to catch up with our members after at dinner. Thank you to Peter Williams for taking over the lead of this drive in Lawrence’s absence.

    ____________________

    MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

    Welcome to our new memberKai Li, Zixuan Luo, Xuli Gu, Tony Vallone, Michael Skomina, Terence Crook, Jhdara Jones, Svetlana Yarosh, Kerry Kornhauser, Corry O'Shannassy and Nic Mulhall. We look forward to seeing you at an event soon!

    ____________________

    Don't forget to catch up with this month's update from our President, Graeme Bell here .

    The month ahead.

    We have one final event for December:

    Friday, 16 December
    BCCM live from Munich
    Our last event for the year - a catch up with BMW Munich for a wrap up of 2022.

    Looking ahead to January and beyond, there are some events that you should register for as soon as possible, to avoid missing out:

    15 January 2023
    2023 Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers Championship | Round 1
    The first round of our 2023 championship will kick off at Phillip Island with AROCA. Ensure you register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

    26 January 2023
    Australia Day Drive
    We'll start at lunch time at Hogans Hotel bistro and then head off on a scenic drive via Malmsbury, finishing at Panton Hill Hotel for dinner.

    2 - 6 February 2023
    Bathurst 12 Hour
    Our annual trip to the Bathurst 12 Hour - a weekend of some of the best motor racing you will see in Australia.

    15 - 22 March 2023
    BMW Clubs Australia Nationals - Gold Coast
    A perfect opportunity to come together with BMW Club members from around the country.

    29 March - 30 April 2023
    Australian F1 Grand Prix Display
    Please note that expressions of interest are now open and close on 31 December 2022. If you wish to display your car, you must complete an expression of interest so that you can be considered. All successful members will be notified as soon as possible after the cut off date.

    Be sure to keep an eye on our calendar to stay up to date with our events.

    If you're attending a social drive or weekend away, we recommend checking out our event tips to help you get the best out of the event.

    ____________________

    EVENT PHOTOS

    If you attend any of our events and take high resolution photos that you would like to share with other members and for use on our website and in our newsletter and magazine, please send a link to your photos to photos@bmwdcm.com.au so we can add them to our photo gallery.


    News & Blog.

    Our blog page on the website is constantly being updated with not just club news, but everything BMW from all around the world!  We welcome you to submit any articles of your own. 

    Club blog.

      BMW around the globe.

      Motorsport Australia.

      AOMC/Greenfleet Carbon Offset Scheme

      BMW enthusiasts can now balance their love of their vehicles with helping to look after the planet for as little as $18 per year. BMWDCM is proud to have assisted the AOMC to develop a new partnership with Greenfleet, a leading not-for-profit environmental organisation that protects the climate by restoring native forests.

      You can read more about the initiative and how you can get involved here. 


      Classifieds.

      Have you seen our classifieds page?

      Want to sell something?  Looking for a specific item?  Email us today to list your car/parts/anything BMW related!

      idrive magazine.

      Everyone has their own BMW story - we'd love to share yours.

      Email us to feature in our very own idrive magazine.

      Club partners.

      Members are welcome to submit their business to be shared on the Club Partners page on our website and idrive magazine. 

      We believe in supporting those who support us.  If you would like your business listed email us with your details.

      ____________________

      As always - thanks for reading, we look forward to seeing you at an event soon!


      President | Graeme Bell 0407 186 296
      Vice President | 
      Jo Mawson 0412 661 900
      Secretary | 
      Lawrence Glynn 0414 563 290 
      Treasurer |
       
      Shaaron Glynn


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    • 8 Dec 2022 10:40 AM | Anonymous

      The squad of works drivers at BMW M Motorsport for the 2023 season includes more prominent newcomers. Belgians Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts receive works driver contracts and join the BMW M Motorsport family. They will compete with BMW M Team WRT in the coming season, among other outings. The initial race programmes for the BMW M Motorsport teams and works drivers have also been confirmed.

      The squad of works drivers at BMW M Motorsport for the 2023 season includes more prominent newcomers. Belgians Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts receive works driver contracts and join the BMW M Motorsport family. They will compete with BMW M Team WRT in the coming season, among other outings. The initial race programmes for the BMW M Motorsport teams and works drivers have also been confirmed. They include appearances in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with the new BMW M Hybrid V8, as well as starts with the BMW M4 GT3 in GT World Challenge Europe, the Intercontinental GT Challenge and the Nürburgring 24 Hours (GER). More race programmes – including the DTM that is undergoing a major transformation at the moment – are being planned and will be announced at a later date.

      “After celebrating 50 years of BMW M and looking back on the glorious history of BMW M and BMW M Motorsport in 2022, we have an exciting season ahead of us in 2023 on the road to the future of motor racing,” said Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “Taking centre stage is the BMW M Hybrid V8, which will be the first hybrid race car from BMW M Motorsport to appear in the IMSA series. The car is the symbol of the transformation of BMW M towards electrification, meaning it also plays a crucial role beyond motorsport. I am looking forward to the races with BMW M Team RLL and the parallel test work being undertaken by BMW M Team WRT, which will start with the BMW M Hybrid V8 in the FIA World Endurance Championship from 2024. I will also have my fingers crossed for all the teams and drivers doing battle for victories and titles in 2023 with the BMW M4 GT3, the new BMW M4 GT4 and the BMW M2 CS Racing.”

      Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, said: “After a successful 2022, including title wins in the DTM, we are shifting up another gear next year. We have improved what was already a very strong squad of works drivers with René Rast, Maxime Martin, Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts. On the team side, we are continuing our collaborations, which have grown over many years, including with BMW M Team RLL, BMW M Team RMG and ROWE Racing. Of course, we also plan to continue with our DTM champion team Schubert Motorsport, although we weren’t able to fix anything yet due to the current DTM situation. We also welcome BMW M Team WRT as a new BMW M Motorsport team. We are facing some exciting sporting challenges in 2023 and the years to come, for which we need the best teams and drivers. After all, the goal is to add to the success story of the BMW brand in motor racing.”

      The 2023 works drivers.

      Vanthoor and Weerts are the latest members of the BMW M Motorsport family. 24-year-old Vanthoor can already look back on some impressive successes. He has won the Nürburgring 24 Hours twice (2019, 2022), was Sprint Cup Champion on three occasions in GT World Challenge Europe (2020, 2021, 2022) and was crowned overall champion in GT World Challenge Europe in 2021. Vanthoor has also tasted victory at the 24h Dubai (UAE), the 12h Bathurst (AUS) and took class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA).

      Weerts is 21 years old and has enjoyed success alongside Vanthoor in the past. This includes winning the title in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup in 2020, 2021 and 2022, as well as the overall title in the 2021 GT World Challenge Europe.

      The BMW M Motorsport squad for the 2023 season now comprises 20 works drivers, including newcomers René Rast (GER) and Maxime Martin (BEL), who were announced a while ago. Other drivers without a works driver contract will also start for BMW M Motorsport in races and tests in BMW M race cars.

      Debut season for the BMW M Hybrid V8 in North America.

      A new era dawns in 2023 when the new BMW M Hybrid V8 contests its debut season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in North America. BMW M Team RLL will field two new hybrid prototypes in the highest class - GTP. They will be driven by Connor De Phillippi (USA), Nick Yelloly (GBR), Philipp Eng (AUT) and Augusto Farfus (BRA). Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) and Marco Wittmann (GER) will bolster the IMSA squad in the BMW M Hybrid V8 at the endurance races at Daytona and Sebring (both USA). Colton Herta (USA) will also be involved at the season-opener, the 24 Hours of Daytona in January.

      BMW M Team WRT in IGTC and GTWC.

      BMW M Team WRT will run a double programme with the BMW M4 GT3 in 2023, both in GT World Challenge Europe and at races in the Intercontinental GT Challenge. The works programme for BMW M Team WRT begins with the 12h Bathurst on the first weekend of February. The exact driver line-ups for the team’s BMW M4 GT3 will be announced at a later date. Before travelling to Australia, the team will use the 24 Hours of Dubai in January to gain experience with the BMW M4 GT3 under race conditions, as part of a customer outing organised by the team itself. At the same time, BMW M Team WRT will also be preparing for the 2024 season, in which it will appear in the FIA World Endurance Championship with the BMW M Hybrid V8.

      ROWE Racing in GTWC Endurance and at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

      The 24-hour race on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife is one of the highlights of the race calendar every year. It has already been confirmed that 2020 winners ROWE Racing will again start the classic in the Eifel mountains with two BMW M4 GT3s for BMW M Motorsport. The team is also planned to continue to race in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup with two works-supported BMW M4 GT3s next season.

      BMW M Team RMG: 24h Nürburgring contender and development team.

      Parallel to the many race outings, BMW M Motorsport will also continue its development work with various BMW M race cars in 2023. BMW M Team RMG remains largely responsible for the test and development work. In addition to that, the Andernach-based team will again compete in its home race with the BMW M4 GT3, the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

      Race action and new roles for Bruno Spengler.

      BMW M works driver Bruno Spengler (CAN) will be behind the wheel of the BMW M4 GT3 in 2023 and contest multiple international races next season. He will also have a bigger role within the BMW family in other areas. Spengler will be BMW SIM Racing Ambassador and BMW Group Classic Ambassador from 2023.

      BMW PRESS

    • 1 Dec 2022 3:04 PM | Anonymous


      Event date: 25 - 27 November 2022

      Thursday

      An early start on Thursday for our convoy up to Bathurst for the Club’s first Challenge Bathurst.

      Perfect day for driving, very easy drive until you turn off the Hume, then it’s spot the pot hole and try not to fall in. Great to see the countryside drying up a bit and they’re out working on the roads, but still lots to fix.

      Fantastic travelling with a group, makes the journey so much easier and more fun.

      The Mountain is looking beautiful now it’s dried out since the Supercars weekend. Very different without the throngs of people there though, but just the same with the sound of race cars zooming around the hill.

      This will be a great experience for the club members, to be able to drive this track is something that anyone that loves driving aspires to. A real bucket list event. Can’t wait till the end of the first session to see the smiles on their faces and hear the stories.

      I remember the first time I raced here, it never leaves you, as a driver it is one of things you just have to do.

      Friday

      Friday at The Mountain.

      Was great getting up yesterday, means we can get set up and have the day today to look around, get the drivers and crews checked in, cars Scrutineered, then move into the pit lane garages once the ‘Sprint’ competitors had moved out.

      A pretty relaxing day and great just taking it easy for a change whilst getting everything ready for the weekend’s fun.

      By the end of the day all our lot have turned up, unloaded and have their cars tucked in the garages ready to go bright and early tomorrow.

      The day starts off with a briefing then a familiarization session.

      You can hear the excitement in some of their voices, tomorrow will be the realization of some people’s dreams, driving around the best track in Australia and one of the best in the World.

      Got to say thank you to the organizers for inviting DCM to bring a bunch of people to the Mountain and of course all the officials that make this happen. For the average person that would otherwise not have the opportunity to drive around this amazing place, this is the best way to do it!

      It is a great event and looking forward to the next two days of fun.

      Saturday

      Saturday at The Mountain.

      There are some things in life you just cannot explain to someone until they have actually done it. There aren’t words to express some experiences until you’ve done it yourself.

      Driving Bathurst at speed is one of those things.

      The looks on the faces and the excitement and exhilaration in their voices after their first familiarization laps just explains it all. Then that only intensifies after more sessions and time on track.

      Bathurst isn’t just another racetrack, it is the pinnacle of Motorsport in this country for a driver, and quite possibly one of the best tracks in the world.

      It is so hard to explain what it’s like to drive here, and as much as you try and as many in car videos or sim sessions you do, nothing compares to driving here. The only thing that tops doing an event like Challenge Bathurst is actually racing here!

      Today was just perfect, the weather, the track, the organization, the company… where else in the world would you want to be?

      We have an awesome bunch up here with us, some great fun on the track and then some great fun sitting around telling stories of the day and other days here or elsewhere.

      If you want to join us next year, when entries come out you need to be quick! Something not to be missed.

      As always, thanks to the teams of officials and organizers for giving of their time to run events like this for those that love to drive. We can’t enjoy what we do without an army of volunteers, so, like some of us that came all this way to help others enjoy their fun, you too can join in even if you’re not driving. It is still almost as much fun.

      One day to go then the long drive home on Monday.

      Sunday

      Sunday night and the end of a fantastic weekend of doing what we all love, driving, at the pinnacle of Australian Motorsport.

      Everything was perfect, the weather was amazing, the track awesome, the event itself went off perfectly.

      Well done to the organisers and officials and thank you to Greg Evans for inviting DCM to run a group of BMW Club Members from all over Australia to experience the best track in the country. Hoping we will be invited back to run a bigger event next year.

      Most have packed up and headed off in different directions for home, our little convoy will head off in the morning back to Melbourne.

      It’s been an awesome weekend and if you get the opportunity to come and do this event, take it!

      Monday

      Everyone safely home from an amazing weekend up at Bathurst.

      Safe to say everyone had a ball, such a great event and such a great bunch to do it with.

      So many pics and videos to go through over the next few days.

      Just a few more tonight though.

      Thank you for coming, thank you to the officials and organisers that make it all possible.

      Graeme Bell | Member #1
      BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

    • 30 Nov 2022 5:00 PM | Anonymous




      Dear members,  

      We started November in the middle of an event and boy what a great event that was, with nearly 30 members travelling around Tasmania together.  This will be a bi-yearly event, so watch out for the next one in 2024.

      On 6 November we had a great display of cars at Sandown Historics. We were lucky with the weather and even luckier with the position we were in. There were plenty of great cars to see both on and off the track.

      11 November saw us at the German Tivoli Club for our first All German Fest – Oktoberfest car display. We had a great turn out despite the threat of thunderstorms, which did keep a few away, but those who did attend had a great time chatting to all the other car owners and then coming upstairs in the Tivoli club to join us all for some German food and catch up with some new members too.  it was fantastic to see so many members from our friends from Mercedes, Porsche and VW clubs. Jo won best dressed in the Oktoberfest competition, and I would like to thank everyone who took the time and effort to dress up, it makes these nights a bit more fun.

      25-27 November was our first Challenge Bathurst, where we had 18 cars entered. This was our total allocation for the event. We could definitely have filled more spots as this event sold out within the first few days! Wow what a fantastic event and it was great to have a great mix of BMWs out on the track from one member’s beautiful M2 which had some pretty cool looking decals on it to an SA member’s E28 complete with bowls hat on the parcel shelf. We had a great mix in between and a really friendly mix of competitors. These events are wonderful as members who normally don’t get to catch up until the nationals can come together and really bond over the things they love, BMW and speed, on the best track in the country. We were really lucky to have amazing weather and also some great volunteers who came up to help the team. Thank you to Sam and Angelo who are just really great people and always help when they are able to.

      25 November was also our first back to Munich hook up meeting for a few months. As with previous hook ups, we had a great turn out of members logging in and it was full of great information from Munich. We have all the next hook ups on our calendar already so feel free to register so not to miss out.

      Our last event for November was the Geelong area mid-week drive. We had a great turn out and it was really nice to catch up with our members after at dinner. Thank you to Peter Williams for taking over the lead of this drive in Lawrence’s absence.

      A new piece of news is the new Carbon Offset Program, developed with the AOMC that is now available to join. This is a great incentive to help offset the emissions from older cars and very cheap to be a part of to help the world move toward a carbon neutral future.

      December is full of events starting with Round 8 of our Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers Championship at Phillip Island. This event is always so popular, and I know it sold out within the first couple of days of entries opening. Spectators are welcome to come and support those who were lucky to get in.

      On 6 December we will all be meeting for a sausage sizzle at Mornington BMW then heading down to Sorento to watch to sun set after a drive along the beautiful coastline.  Don’t miss out on our last Twilight drive for 2022.

      Then on 11 December is our Christmas Picnic and Show and Shine at Cruden Farm. All are welcome make this your family picnic and bring the kids as Santa will be there for photos and possibly lolly bags. There is gold coin donation for egg and bacon rolls in the morning and online link to yummy grazing boxes which can be ordered when you register. We encourage you to bring out your “other cars’ too as there is a section in the Show and Shine for non-BMWs.

      Our last event for 2022 will be another hook up with Munich featuring a review of all that happened in 2022.

      Save the dates:

      Looking ahead to 2023, the motorsport calendar for is nearly complete so keep an eye open for that, we have only just received confirmation on the Supercars rounds so now we can set about confirming all our events.

      With regards to club plate renewals, can I please stress that it is up to the member to make sure you have your registration paperwork completed on time and back to VicRoads. We have had quite a few emails of late from members who have forgotten to complete their paperwork or let their renewals laps and then get cranky with us as they can’t get them signed when they want to. VicRoads send the renewals out around six weeks before they are due, so you have plenty of time to get them signed. Please remember all your committee are volunteers and some work full time and try to run a business. When you have your paperwork signed it is your responsibility to ensure it is completed, sometimes we may miss a spot due to life distractions. We apologise if this has happened but again remember we are volunteers and don’t get paid and some work many unpaid hours to make sure this club is running in tip top condition.

      As I have said in a few of my previous reports, if you have a club registered car, make sure your registration is paid, go out and inspect your cars now and check the dates. Jo has managed to help a few members who have had let their registrations laps but her friendship with VicRoads can only go so far. The fines for driving an unregistered club permit scheme vehicle is now over $900.

      We also offer the online system, which is working quite well and again, it is up to the individual to ensure the uploaded paperwork is correct before sending it into VicRoads.

      As you would have seen in the save the dates above, the BMW Clubs Australia Nationals will be held next year on the Gold Cast. We encourage you all to follow the link on the event and check it out. The Nationals is a fantastic event where we catch up with all our fellow club members from around Australia and this one will be another fantastic event.  Join us up there in 2023 for another fantastic Nationals.

      Our new membership incentive is doing well, and we have had a lot of new members sign up and we look forward to drawing our first winners in January 2023. This is not just for new members but for all renewals in each quarter. How it works is when you renew, your name goes into the running for some fantastic prizes. When a new member signs up their name goes into the running for the prizes. But best of all if you refer a member your name goes into the running as well, as long as the new member list you as the referring member. As they say on TV “you got to be in it to win it”.

      Jo has also been working tirelessly re-signing sponsors for 2023. If you own a business and would be interested in being part of our clubs sponsorship, please drop Jo an email on v.president@bmwdcm.com.au and she will be happy to forward you the relevant information and even drop out to have a chat.

      Jess has been out over the past weekend doing a photo shoot for the next idrive and it sounds like it will be a great cover, again. If you have not submitted any articles yet which you think might be worth reading in the next edition please forward them, with hi resolution photos to editor@bmwdcm.com.au.

      Well, this is all from me, I am hoping that December will give us some warmer weather as we have some great events coming up to enjoy in the sun. As always, thank you for being a part of our DCM family and I look forward to seeing you at an event somewhere soon.

      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



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