After our April meeting at Eastern Tyres in Canterbury, I was quite impressed.  I was needing new tyres so I made a booking to get four brand new Continental UltraContact UC6's fitted to my Mazda 3. The 20% club discount we get there came in very handy and I got them for $125 each, as well as a $60 wheel alignment, which is normally $80.

It only took them an hour to fit the tyres, which passed very quickly while I watched Lego Master on their TV in the waiting room. Joe didn't attend to me, as he usually attends to the BM Tech side of the business, but Jimmy was very good to me. After explaining that I need tyres for normal driving, drive days and a bit of driver training, Jimmy helped me select the best tyres for my car, although I did specify I wanted Continental tyres!

I also got a $50 cash back e-voucher on my tyres, which you are entitled to if you purchase four 16" tyres. But if you buy four 17" tyres you get $100 e-voucher to use on anything of your choosing at Eastern Tyres, which is a BestDrive incentive. I would highly recommend them, Jimmy was excellent and provided great service.

Thanks Jimmy and Joe. 

Tim Oh | Member #538
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

Bespoke M all-wheel-drive system for the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan and BMW M4 Competition Coupé takes dynamics, agility and precision up another notch. Launch of the additional model variants gets underway in July 2021.

More performance, more driven wheels, more inimitable M feeling. Just a few months after the new BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé went on sale, BMW M GmbH is adding another two variants to the model line-up by offering the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system for the high-performance sports cars in the premium midsize segment for the first time. Precisely channelling the engine’s power to all four wheels brings supreme dynamic prowess to the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive (fuel consumption combined: 10.1 – 10.0 l/100 km [28.0 – 28.2 mpg imp] in the WLTP cycle; CO2 emissions combined: 231 – 228 g/km in WLTP) and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive (fuel consumption combined: 10.1 – 10.0 l/100 km [28.0 – 28.2 mpg imp] in WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 230 – 227 g/km in WLTP).

The power from the 375 kW/510 hp straight-six engine fitted in the new models is directed via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The M-specific all-wheel-drive system then divides it between the front and rear wheels as required to enhance agility, directional stability, traction and track-focused dynamics at all times. This allows the driver to experience an intoxicating interpretation of the hallmark M performance characteristics reflected, among other things, in even quicker acceleration. The launch of the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive will get underway in July 2021.

M xDrive and Active M Differential for superior handling dynamics.

The M xDrive system’s specially tuned power transmission control already provides a smile-inducing alternative to classical rear-wheel drive for a host of high-performance models from BMW M GmbH. Teaming up with the all-wheel-drive system is the Active M Differential, which also ensures fully variable distribution of drive torque between the rear wheels as the situation demands. This helps to transfer the drive torque to the road without any loss of power, especially when the car is being pushed hard or has less grip on one side. The M xDrive system and the Active M Differential – complete with its integrated M-specific traction control – link up with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to ensure precisely judged interaction for the driving situation at hand. The clear aim here is to produce a supremely dynamic driving experience blending the customary M feeling with noticeably enhanced traction and directional stability.

The M xDrive system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case for smoothly adjustable, fully variable distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels. The multi-plate clutch’s oil supply has been optimised to keep the variable power splitting mechanism performing effectively even under hard driving on the track. The task of transmitting power to the front and rear differentials is handled by driveshafts engineered specifically for the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive. The output shafts that relay the drive torque to the wheels are likewise bespoke items. The all-wheel-drive system has a rear-biased setup in classic M style. Normally, the drive power is channelled entirely rearwards, with the front wheels only being brought into play when the rears cannot feed any more power to the road.

The transfer case features a bespoke control unit and integrated wheel slip limitation. This enables it to compensate for any differences in rotational speed between the front and rear wheels exceptionally quickly without having to involve the central DSC management. This results in enhanced all-wheel-drive performance whose principal effect is to further intensify the sense of unshakable poise for which M models are renowned in highly dynamic driving situations, such as powering through corners in a controlled drift.

The improvements in traction, handling stability, agility and dynamism brought about by the combination of M xDrive and Active M Differential also translate into superior sprinting ability. The BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive both need just 3.5 seconds to reach the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark from standstill, making them 0.4 seconds quicker here than their rear-wheel-drive equivalents.

The dynamic transmission of power to the road in the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive takes place via standard M light-alloy wheels measuring 19 inches in diameter at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear. The forged wheels in twin-spoke design with a Jet Black finish are fitted with tyres measuring 275/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear. Specially designed track tyres with the same dimensions are also available as an option.

Major technical modifications optimise performance characteristics.

The all-wheel-drive technology in the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive is complemented by a double-joint spring strut front axle redesigned for these models and featuring specially adapted front axle geometry and an individually tuned steering ratio. These extensive bespoke modifications for the all-wheel-drive system ensure that both the existing pure rear-wheel-drive variants and their new M xDrive siblings stand out with their engineered-without-compromise, signature M steering characteristics. The all-wheel-drive models additionally benefit from a specially adapted version of the engine oil supply system designed to handle extremely dynamic performance.

Three M xDrive modes enable a customised M feeling.

M xDrive also allows the driver to tailor the all-wheel-drive system’s characteristics and performance to the driving situation and their individual preferences. The desired setting can be selected directly from the Setup menu of the M-specific operating system, where there is a choice of three different power transmission modes. In the default 4WD setting, the all-wheel-drive system offers maximum traction and precisely controllable handling while maintaining a distinctly rear-biased power split at all times. Activating 4WD Sport mode directs an even greater proportion of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, even in extremely dynamic driving situations, resulting in sharper agility. The linear build-up of lateral forces so characteristic of M models now also makes it possible to execute controlled drifts. Drivers can also switch off the DSC system altogether and engage 2WD mode, where drive power is relayed solely to the rear wheels. If the optional M Traction Control is fitted, traction can be finely adjusted through ten stages in this setting in the same way as on the rear-wheel-drive models. This form of power transmission without any intervention from the chassis control systems to stabilise the vehicle allows seasoned drivers to enjoy a driving experience of remarkable purity and hone their skills with the help of the optional M Drift Analyser.

Drivers can set and store their preferred M xDrive mode as part of the two individual M1 and M2 configurations, together with the settings for engine characteristics, damper response, steering characteristics, braking system and other parameters. Either configuration can then be called up instantly at any time by pressing one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel.

Individual M feeling: six models each with their own character.

By adding two all-wheel-drive model variants to the range, BMW M GmbH now offers an unrivalled variety of high-performance midsize models. The BMW M3 Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 10.2 – 9.9 l/100 km [27.7 – 28.5 mpg imp] in the WLTP cycle; CO2 emissions combined: 231 – 226 g/km in WLTP) and BMW M4 Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 10.2 – 9.9 l/100 km [27.7 – 28.5 mpg imp] in WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 231 – 226 g/km in WLTP) offer a unique selling point over their rivals in their combination of rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox. Drive power in the BMW M3 Competition Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 9.8 – 9.6 l/100 km [28.8 – 29.4 mpg imp] in WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 224 – 219 g/km in WLTP) and BMW M4 Competition Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 9.8 – 9.6 l/100 km [28.8 – 29.4 mpg imp] in WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 224 – 219 g/km in WLTP) is likewise directed to the rear wheels, here via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.

This quartet is now joined by the newly arrived BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive. This means the latest model generation already spans six vehicles with distinct characters, each providing their own individual recipe for a sublime high-performance sports car offering unrestricted everyday usability. And customers will soon find even greater scope for matching M’s distinctive approach to high-performance driving with their personal style when the new edition of the BMW M4 Convertible joins the model range later this year.

BMW PRESS

Event date: 17 April 2021

The Mates With 8s group organised another run on Saturday 17^th April.

We met at the RMIT Bundoora campus carpark at 9am, leaving at 9.45am (we had to have time for a chat about cars) via HEAPS of road works on Plenty Rd and some pretty country, stopping for coffee at the Tallarook Nth Roadhouse.

Just 3km up the Hume is the Seymour exit but branching off to the left lead us through some amazing country to the west of Pyalong.

It just looks like God had had a hissy fit with millions of huge rocks left over from his construction work and he just threw them about willy(and nilly as well) all over the hills.

At lunch Theo remarked that he thought he’d seen all there was to see in Victoria but that he’d never seen country like that. It made for some interesting roads as well.

Lunch for 18 of us was at the Lancefield Hotel with very generous servings of great food. 16 of us left Bundoora but 18 arrived at Lancefield. Apparently there was a Farmers’ Market at Riddell’s Creek not far away.

After lunch some had to head back to the city and some decided that being near wineries was a better offer. I can’t really blame them as I’m partial to a drop of Red myself.

Those in the 4 cars which continued on found themselves on some really interesting roads with a short, sharp hillclimb out of the bottom of the Colliban Reservoir (no, we weren’t actually IN the reservoir) followed by a great section of good condition, windy and hilly country roads on the edge of the Wombat Forest. I need to point out that at no time did we exceed 100kph but at that speed it was interesting.

The final gathering place was Lake Daylesford where we just had to have another coffee stop to solve the problems of the world.

'till next time,

Trevor Ryan | Member #595
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

P.S. Eagle eyes might have spotted in the photos that there was an Aston Martin in the group. We were reluctant to have him join us but we relented after he said that he did own a BMW jacket.

Event date: 02 April 2021

The BMW Drivers Club Melbourne recently arranged a gathering at the Sandown race track to collect and raise money for The Royal Children's Good Friday Appeal.  The weather was wonderful and Sandown is an excellent facility to host an event of this nature.   It is so well located and offers endless acres of lawned parking. A special thank you to Sandown for offering this facility as their donation to the cause.

The BMWDCM invited other clubs to participate including the Mercedes Car Club and Saab Club, this event also attracted members of the public who just wanted to show off their cars and enjoy the day.

A total of over 80 cars were on display. The final dollar amount raised will come in a few weeks once the tins have been collected and counted. 

Participating in this event, alerted me to the selfless effort our club executive put in to make these events happen.  They work tirelessly and endlessly to allow  the members to participate in a wide choice of events catering for many tastes and needs. 

Well done to the organisers and on behalf of all the members of BMW Drivers Club Melbourne, please accept our heartfelt thanks for all you do.  I am proud to be part of this wonderful organisation.

Clive Massel | Member #15
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

The weather certainly smiled on us on Good Friday when we gathered on Red Hill at the Sandown race course. It was a beautiful warm autumn day, no clouds, just a light breeze, green grass to park upon and no dust; a perfect day to peruse the examples of our favourite marque presented by members and their guests. It was also great weather for top-down motoring and so cabrios were present in profusion, with their lids off.

The ambience was very relaxed. Members chatted to other owners about their cars and their restoration experiences. Some folk picnicked on the lush grass that had been well-watered from the recent rains.

We were joined by friends from the Mercedes Benz club. They also mounted a fine display of interesting machines. And we were pleased to welcome a few other classy examples of the car makers' art; among them a 'Lambo', a Corvette Stingray and a couple of Swedish prestige models. The only unfortunate absence was the lack of any BMW bikes on display. Perhaps next time?

A fair number of the cars were on club plates but quite a few were still too young to qualify. That doesn't mean they are not interesting. Auto-engineering development and progress is always inspiring to those who love automobiles.

And just when I think I know a modicum about the history of BMW models, a lineup like this brings me back to reality. Apart from the major model changes, upgrades and introductions there have been so many tweaks, facelifts, engine options and special offerings that it seems unlikely even the most ardent enthusiast would be able to identify all of those that have been produced by the company. Learning about these variations and seeing the actual cars is one of the pleasures of being a member of an owner-drivers club.

Some of the examples that caught my eye this time were these:

• A very tidy late 1980s E-30 325i cabriolet. This example is a 5 speed manual, but most of those delivered to Australian customers came with the smaller 2L mill and were automatics. In my none-too-humble opinion the E-30 model convertible is still the prettiest example BMW has ever offered. Perhaps I'm a tad biased as I also drive one.
• The early 1980s BMW 325e E-30 Baur convertible. The coachbuilder, Baur, has a long association with BMW. Their 'roll cage' design was originally a BMW approved aftermarket option. It was offered by Baur for the E-21 3 Series but was covered under the factory warranty. Later, BMW built the E-30 convertible design in-house. Baur had developed it for them.
• An elegant 1982 BMW 318i E-21 2-door coupe. The E-21 models were in production for 8 years until 1983 and were the first of the 3 Series. They began with carburetted motors but the later editions were equipped with fuel injection.
• A fine 1970s BMW 2000CS series 4-cylinder manual coupe. These Karmann designed cars were produced for 4 years in the late 1960s. BMW called them part of their “New Class” range. They were intended as a cost-effective replacement for the Bertone-designed 3200CS and they leaned heavily on that design. That may have been the goal but these cars were never inexpensive. You either loved or hated the front end. Most folk were less than enthusiastic about it. The model was superseded by the BMW E-9 range.
• The 1981 BMW 323 E-21 John Player Special. It's always great to see a well kept example from Australian Touring Car Championship history, and from a time when cigarette company sponsorship was not confined to history. The JPS team raced from 1981 to 1987.

Kent Fuller | Member #191
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

Our Good Friday Appeal display was proudly supported by Sandown Raceway, Makulu Vehicle Storage and Shannons Insurance.

Event date: 28 March 2021

Early start Easter Sunday morning, joining up with friends driving a BMW M E36 and an Alfa Romeo Montreal we met in the Eagle Chair Lift car park at the top of Arthurs Seat in Dromana.

We headed South towards Flinders initially driving through filtered sunlight and then into heavy fog. The air was brisk and the cars sounded fantastic. Ten K’s from Flinders we came across a vintage car and respecting the car and driver we proceeded to follow him into Flinders.

Flinders was buzzing with participants and early spectators. The Flinders Lion Club had parking marshals on almost every corner. 

I headed into section B where the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne were setting up their display.  There were 12 BMW cars being displayed this year.

By 10am all 160 cars were in position scattered around the three parks in Cook Street and thousands of visitors milling around them.

With COVID, the 2020 Flinders car show was cancelled which resulted in this year being bigger and better than ever. There was an air of excitement in the township.

I was advised by the organisers the car exhibits were more unique and interesting than previous years.

For the second year running the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne won the best car club display. The committee and office holders need to be congratulated.

 To top off the day my friend in the Alfa Montreal won the car of the show prize.

Michael Northwood | Member #491
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

What is it?

The latest 3 Series Hybrid, basically adding an 83 kW electric motor and a battery to the 135 kW 320i. It can be driven in pure electric mode, pure (?) petrol mode, or both together for 215 kW which exceeds the power of a 330i – hence the 330e rather than 320e model name (there is a 320e in some markets).

What is it for?

The claimed pure electric range of 57 kms would allow most people to complete their journeys on most days without using petrol. Electric cars’ range is usually better around town than on the highway but I achieved 56 kms on a charge on each of 3 predominantly highway trips. Electric running costs about half that of petrol power and, even with 100% brown coal electricity, less pollution. Yet the performance at the top end is that of the thirstier 330i with the “wall of torque” character at the lower, lazier end, of a 320d. Always impressively quiet. What’s not to like?

OK, what is not to like?

It’s 115 kg heavier, but as that is all low down (mostly under the rear seats and the bottom of the boot) I could not tell on the road. The boot is a mere 5 litres smaller. And the petrol tank is 40 litres not 59 litres, but still good for over 600 km, probably nearer 700 kms on the open road, both of which comfortably beat my 1981 E21 323i. It does cost about $15,000 more than a 320i (but has more equipment as standard) and about $7,000 more than a 330i (before taxes and on roads).

Does it work?

Yes, very well indeed. Unlike many electric cars it does not take off like a scalded cat when you as much as look at the accelerator. The drive away (or “tip in from stationary”) is smooth and torque-convertor-auto like. It will even creep like an auto. Except silent, which is always a bit odd the first time. Stop-Start is not a thing here. In electric mode it just stops moving and starts moving, silently and without delay. If the battery is “flat” there is enough kept in reserve to move off under electric power whilst the petrol engine gets going. It will recharge the battery when slowing down or going down hill so magically there always seems to be some battery on hand. The transition from electric to petrol is indiscernible unless one is watching the petrol consumption meter which suddenly springs to life. Give it the beans and the electric motor fills in the torque curve and pushes you down the road and keeps assisting the petrol engine until your licence is melting before your eyes. Turbo lag is not a thing here either.  Paddle shift gear changes are instant and the response is, well, electric!

What about all the tech?

It’s got loads of tech toys and they all work faultlessly. The laserlights are phenomenal, active cruise control (an acquired art) is brilliant, lane keep assist (keeps you in the centre of the lane which can give an annoying wriggle like action) can be turned off and stays off, lane departure control (which helps steer you back into a lane if you drift out) works brilliantly but can be turned off, and will auto turn off if you start driving spiritedly on twisty roads, but comes on each start. It defaults to Hybrid mode on start up (I think that’s good) but the selection buttons (for Xtraboost for example) are right by the stop/start button. “Hey BMW” commands worked for me but I did not try gesture control. I did not try adjusting the various camera views to get rid of the, to me, annoying warning marks which I felt only obscured my view of they very thing they were trying to stop me from hitting. But the cameras can be used as a 360 degree dash cam, which is clever. I did not try the “post crash iBrake” or the many crash avoidance features for obvious reasons.

Did you like it?

Very much. So much so, I bought one. Well, ordered it, at least. Could be here in July, computer chip shortages and other possible hold ups permitting.

So, whose car did you drive then?

Matthew Hede from Waverley BMW was kind, and trusting, enough to let me have their demo 330e M Sport model for the weekend. Waverley BMW are club sponsors and offer a 3 years new car service package at no cost to BMWDCM members. As well as lending me the car, Matthew carefully went through the options I had selected to make sure I was getting the best car and the best deal for my needs.

Lawrence Glynn | Member #3
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

MONTH IN REVIEW 

Dear members

Summer may be over but we are enjoying some beautiful autumn weather! 

March began with our members meeting at Berwick BMW where we had almost 100 members and guests attend.  It was also great to able to get up close and personal to the new M3 and M4.  Thanks very much to Berwick BMW for inviting us, we had a great night.

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On 7 March, we had round 2 of the Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers Championship at Rob Roy Hill Climb for the very first time.  The sun was shining and there were many happy drivers, most improving their times each run they did.

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The following day on 8 March, we held a come and try day for Race Chix Motorsport in conjunction with Shannons International Women's Day Festival at Broadford. It was amazing to see so many women on track and so many girls participating in the off track events.  We hope to see all those who attended on track again in the future!

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On 14 March we had a family day out to the Werribee Zoo!  We were greeted with a brilliant sunny day and were taken on a safari bus tour so everyone could get up close to the animals.

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16 March was our last mid-week sunset drive until our days become longer again.  This time we departed from Waverley BMW where we were treated to a nice spread of food before our trip up Mt Dandenong.  We had over 30 cars in attendance who all enjoyed the spectacular view of the Melbourne city lights.

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Our month ended with E30 Racing Round 2 at Winton over the weekend and a twilight drive for our members in Geelong on Sunday, where members finished their evening with dinner at Grill'd Geelong. Taking the long way to dinner can be quite enjoyable when you do it with great company. 

We had quite a few members racing at Winton, especially one member, Anton Bergman, who didn't know he was racing until the day before!  You can read about his eventful weekend here. 

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MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: 567 MEMBERS

Welcome to our new members, Simon Latimer, Steve Roberts, Neil Phillips,Anthony Inguanti, Timothy Sung, Richard Altrieth, James Smith, Alisdair Reeves, Peter Sinclair, Sijy Prakasan, Claire Jackson, Tobia Zappia, Guy Nutting, Alex Oh, Neve McConalogue, Wayne Cooper, William Allan, Armon Dhingra and Barry Coates. We look forward to seeing you at an event soon!

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

THE MONTH AHEAD

Friday, 2 April
Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal Display
Join us in support of the Royal Children's Hospital on 2 April at Sandown Raceway.  We will be selling raffle tickets on the day to raise money, with some great prizes on offer from some of our club sponsors.

Sunday, 4 April
Flinders Motoring Heritage Day - DISPLAY ALLOCATION SOLD OUT
Unfortunately the display is already sold out but we'd love to see you if you have time to drop by and say hello!

Saturday, 10 April
April drive day leaving from Berwick BMW
We'll start our day with breakfast at Berwick BMW.  We'll then head off to Mirboo North via Poowoong for a comfort stop.  We have lunch booked for 1pm at the Grand Ridge Brewery. 

Tuesday, 13 April
April Members Meeting | Eastern Tyre Centre
Eastern Tyre Centre will be arranging for a guest speaker from Continential Tyres to come and speak to us about all things tyres.  We'll also have a brand new set of tyres up for grabs to any members who are present.

24 - 25 April
Anzac Day Weekend Away to Mansfield
On Anzac Weekend we will be heading up to Mansfield area, where we will enjoy some amazing driving roads, lunches at well known wineries and of course remember the fallen on Anzac Day at the Mansfield dawn service.

NEWS & BLOG 

MEMBER CAR OF THE MONTH

CLASSIFIEDS

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.

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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

Proudly supported by:

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Zagame Autobody

Dear Members,

Welcome to Autumn in Melbourne!

Summer may be over, but the beautiful Autumn weather is here, and we have been making the most of it and getting out and about as much as we can.

March started off with our members meeting at Berwick BMW with nearly 100 members and guests attending the night.  It was great to be able to get up close and personal to the new M3 and M4 and also mingle with some of Berwick BMWs customers. It was a fantastic evening and we thank Berwick BMW for inviting us along to help launch Melbourne’s newest dealership.

7 March was Round 2 of the Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers Championship, Round 1 of the Motorsport Australia Interclub Championship and our first Hill Climb at Rob Roy. It was a beautiful day it was with the sun shining and lots of fun was had by all who attended, with everyone improving their times with each run. This was the aim of the day and we all went home very happy.

In late February we were contacted by Race Chix Motorsport to run a womens come and try day as a part of the Shannons International Women’s Day Festival event at Broadford on 8 March.  As you can imagine with only two weeks’ notice, there was a lot of work to be done, but we pulled it off.  With 27 entrants (25 of which were women) and over 50% female officials on the day, it was a brilliant turnout and a fantastic effort from all of our members that gave of their time to help run the day.  

We were lucky to be at Broadford on the Sunday night and were invited to the event dinner to listen to Inspirational speaker Jacqui Cooper, 5-time Olympic Freestyle skier, give a truly inspiring talk about her life and just why not to ever give up on your dreams.  If she was selling ice, I think both Jo and I would have bought it on the night.  We are lucky to have Jacqui coming to our presentation dinner on 1 May, so don’t miss out on the chance to be inspired by this amazing woman. 

14 March was our family day out at Werribee Zoo. We were very lucky to have a brilliant sunny day as the day before was very wet.   Lots of families attended and we had the Chongola privately booked for us so our members could just leave their belongings behind and explore at their leisure and then come back to either cook a BBQ or enjoy a picnic lunch.  We also booked a carriage on the Safari bus for all our members to be together and this did not disappoint, with some very close encounters with a very large Rhino and some very beautiful African animals. 

16 March was our last mid-week sunset drive for this summer.  This time we departed from Waverley BMW and as usual, Waverly put on a great spread for us before we headed of on a fantastic drive up to the scenic lookout at the top of Mt Dandenong with over 30 cars in procession, in 2 groups of 16.  The drive was amazing even though we did get a bit confused at one point, but we all made it up to the look out to see the spectacular Melbourne city lights.  It was so good to have learner drivers come out again, this makes me so proud that parents feel safe to bring their children on our drives with us. 

On 26-28 March quite a few of our club members attended E30 Racing Round 2 at Winton, either as drivers, crew or officials.  It was great to see my son Chris return to racing for the first time since he won the E30 Racing Championship in 2018 and fantastic to see Jess out racing again after rolling her car at Sandown in Round 1. I'm very proud of both of them, they both drove very well - Chris finishing second for the weekend and Jess in 8th. BMW Drivers Club Melbourne proudly sponsored the Blend Line live stream coverage of this event and it is not too late to still watch all the action on Blend Line. The E30 Racing Championship is a great next step into motorsport for those that want to go beyond Club track days and step into real racing. It is a great bunch of people to be involved with and we always enjoy the weekends away racing with them. For more information on Club Motorsport or E30 Racing give me a call or send me an email.

Also, on 28 March we had what would possibly be our last twilight drive for this part of the year, as we are running out of day light, which left from Ceres and ended at Grill’d in Geelong, were most attended the evening meal.  Another great drive was had by all and also another great charity was supported with tokens being given to The Smiths Family from the dinner funds.

April is going to be a jammed packed month with lots to do and see.

Easter starts on 2 April and we are holding our annual Good Friday Royal Children’s Hospital Coffee & Cars day.  We are hoping to raise some much-needed funds for this worthy charity.  If you cannot attend on the day, you will find the bank details for any donations you may which to give here, be sure to quote the reference number so it will go to our tally.   All cars and bikes are welcome, BMW and non-BMW, members and non-members, this is our big chance to give so they may live. This year we are holding it on the grass area of Sandown Raceway, known as Red Hill. I’d like to thank Melbourne Racing Club and Sandown for allowing us to have our event there at no cost, so the funds we raise can all go to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

On 4 April is the Flinders Heritage Car Display, and this event is now full but if you want to come down as a spectator you can still do this, and we would love to see you.  All funds raised by this event goes to local charities and the Lions Club do a brilliant job each year running this fantastic event. We will have a great display again this year and looking forward to seeing all the amazing cars that come out for this event.

10 April will be our drive day from Berwick BMW heading out to Mirboo North and lunch will be at the Grand Ridge Brewery after some very exciting driving roads, by our drive master Peter Williams.  

13 April will be our members meeting at Eastern Tyre Centre, with some fantastic raffle prizes and also a guest speaker on the night.  This event is nearly at capacity so don’t miss out.

17 April was on our calendar as a Winton Driver Training day but unfortunately due to circumstance beyond our control this day has now been cancelled.  We will be having Round 3 of our Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers Championship at Winton on April 18, so entries are out don’t miss out as this day books up quickly.

24/25 April is the Anzac weekend. We are doing a short weekend trip away to Mansfield and we will be attending the dawn service in Mansfield or one of the surrounding towns. We're looking forward to another weekend away with our club family, these are so much fun and to go to a dawn service somewhere different is always worth the effort, to remember those that gave so much so that we can enjoy the life we now lead.

1 May is our third birthday and presentation dinner which is going to be a great night and would love to see as many of you attending this great night to support all your fellow members who will be presented awards on the night.  This event is being held at the Park Hyatt and if you want to make it a weekend stay, be sure to quote the special discount code when booking your room at the Park Hyatt.

As you can see, we have a very busy calendar coming for you to enjoy, but if you have anything you’d think we would like to do or see or have a favourite drive you’d like to share, get in touch and let us know. We are always looking for ideas and even people to run events if you like to. Happy to help you get more involved in your club. Keep an eye on the emails and website for all the upcoming events.

As always, I am very proud to say our membership is still growing, and we are now at 567 and still growing daily.  Let’s see if we can get the club over 600 by our birthday! It truly amazes me that so many have come on board with us and share the passion for what we all do, enjoying our cars and our driving with an awesome bunch of friends. Thank you and welcome to you all.

 I look forward to seeing you somewhere at an event or on the road, until then take care and safe driving.

Graeme Bell | President
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.

P.O. 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

My Friday started off normal, working away with the goal of finishing early, having a pub lunch and a POETS day. I got a call from a friend who was doing Friday practice at Winton, Alex Jory, he asked me if I was free on the weekend to race in the E30s as another friend, Rod Martin, had to work and had pulled out of the weekends racing. 

Rod was happy for me to race his car if I was free, but I turned the offer down as it was my son's birthday party on Saturday morning.  The thought of racing grew more and more on me so I rang back and said I’d have to get permission from my son to get the all clear to go racing and miss his party. He said he knows I love racing and that will all of his friends around he wouldn’t notice I wasn’t there, so late Friday night I loaded up Rod's car and headed up to the house where team Bell Motorsport were staying.

I woke Saturday to the sound of drizzle, thinking it will make qualifying interesting and it did. It was the first time I’d driven Rod's car and it wasn’t handling as well as some of the E30 race cars that I’ve been lucky enough to drive but I'm always up for a challenge. I managed to qualify fifth and was within six tenths of second (Chris Bell smashed the field by 1.1 seconds!).

It rained just before race 1 which made things tricky for the field but the track was drying each lap and was almost completely dry by the end, I finished where I started.

Race 2 was early Sunday morning, I got a great start and made a couple of positions on the opening lap and got to third, which I held on to for the rest of the race.

Race 3 I lost a couple of spots on the opening lap and then had a epic battle with Brian Bourke for the whole race with him passing me just before the last lap.

I had a great weekend racing with a great bunch of guys and girls, I hope they do the two driver enduro races again later in the year so I can get another steer.

A huge thanks to Rod Martin for the car and Bell Motorsport for helping to get me strapped  in for each race.

Thank you also the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne for sponsoring the Blend Line coverage for the weekend.

Anton Bergman | Member #66
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

Name: Mark Topliss
What make is your vehicle? BMW
What model is your vehicle? Z4
What year is it? 2005
Does it have a nickname? Not sure, when I drive the car, Jenni always calls it 'slow down'!
What engine does it have? 3.0
What colour is it? Sapphire Black
When did you purchase it? 02/2020
Where did you buy it? Private sale
What attracted you to this particular vehicle? Spec and price
How have you modified it since purchasing it? Changed the wheels
Do you work on the car yourself?  If not, where do you get your work done?  Local independents.
Generally, what do you love about it? Compared to my Z3 it's a better all round package
If you had to pick one piece of the car that you just love to look at, hear or touch, what would it be and why? An all round nice looking Z4
Tell us about the best drive you've had in it. When I lived in Regional Victoria, the quiet side roads were a 'blast' and I possibly had the car at the legal max speed limit / limiter perhaps!
What about the worst drive? Why? Round the city, no tickets for 37 years, then caught doing 65 in a 60!
Any improvements/modifications/restorations planned? Re-upholster the seats
In two words, how would you describe it? A blast.
Is there anything else about your car that is of interest (i.e previous celebrity owner, raced, a show winner, limited number in Australia)? No

Thanks for sharing with us Mark!  If you'd like to share your car (or motorbike!) with us, click here to submit your car or bike for next month!