BMW M Motorsport and the Nürburgring 24 Hours (GER) are celebrating a joint anniversary this year. 2020 marks 50 years since both the inaugural staging of the endurance classic and the first overall victory for BMW in the ‘Green Hell’. As no major anniversary event is possible in the current situation, BMW M Motorsport is recognising its Nordschleife history with a BMW M2 CS Racing media car, featuring a special livery. It will bear the names of all those drivers who were involved in BMW’s 19 overall victories.
History and the future meet in the media car for the 50th anniversary of the Nürburgring 24 Hours. The design evokes memories of every past BMW victory. The blue and white livery pays homage to the first winning car in 1970 and is complemented by present-day BMW M Motorsport design elements on the bonnet. The BMW M2 CS Racing is one of the BMW M Customer Racing cars that are set to become synonymous with the future of BMW’s activities on the Nordschleife, together with the BMW M4 GT3, which is currently in its test phase, and the BMW M4 GT4. At the wheel of the BMW M2 CS Racing media car will be BMW works driver Dirk Adorf (GER) and fellow racing driver Tom Coronel (NED). They will share the cockpit with journalists Christian Gebhardt (GER) and Niki Schelle (GER).
“The fact that we are celebrating the anniversary of both the 24-hour race and the first BMW victory, and that the 19 overall wins are listed on our Media Car, shows that BMW is the brand that has shaped this event more than any other over the decades,” said Adorf. “I am happy and proud that we will compete in the BMW M2 CS Racing with a high-quality quartet, which has all the skills required to make it through the race distance in good shape. We would all much prefer for the race to be held in front of our fans, but unfortunately that is not possible this year. Hopefully, this means there will be even greater media interest, which we will take into account with our BMW M2 CS Racing media car.”
Stuck has claimed BMW victories across different eras.The design of the media car tells the story of the 19 overall victories for BMW, from the first success at the inaugural event in 1970 to the latest win in 2010. Legendary racing driver Hans-Joachim Stuck (GER) has played a major role in this story. He has won the 24-hour race three times with BMW. He won the inaugural race in 1970 alongside Clemens Schickentanz (GER) in the BMW 2002 TI. In 1998, he was part of the crew that claimed the first overall victory on the Nordschleife by a diesel car, with the BMW 320d. In 2004, he was joined on the top step of the podium by Dirk Müller, Jörg Müller (both GER) and Pedro Lamy (POR) after their success in the BMW M3 GTR.
“I think it is fantastic that I have been able to experience several different eras of the 24-hour race together with BMW over the course of my career – from my first win in the BMW 2002 TI to a car like the BMW M3 GTR, which was state-of-the-art at the time,” said Stuck. “We were pioneers with the BMW 2002 TI. That was pure driving, without any form of driver aid. For me personally, this was my first big win and an important milestone in my career, which I rank very highly. When BMW told me in 1998 that they wanted to win the 24-hour race with a diesel, I said ‘Are you joking?’ However, the fuel consumption actually meant we were able to defeat the opposition. We were not the fastest, but we had to make far fewer pit stops. The most fun I had was in 2004 with the BMW M3 GTR. Driving that car on the Nordschleife – with its speed, all the technical driver aids and its reliability – was sensational. In my opinion, that was the best car I have ever driven at this circuit.”
Farfus: Back for another crack, ten years after winning in the BMW M3 GT2. One of the drivers in BMW’s most recent victory, with the BMW M3 GT2 in 2010, was Augusto Farfus (BRA). Ten years later, the BMW works driver races in the BMW M6 GT3, as he looks to claim a 20th overall win for BMW. “I am very happy to have been involved in the victory with the BMW M3 GT2,” said Farfus. “Ten years later, it is about time we added another win to the list. Back then, the BMW M3 GT2 was the newest car in the field, and the car with the fewest test kilometres under its belt. Nowadays, our BMW M6 GT3 has done more kilometres of testing on the Nordschleife than all the other GT3 cars. The car and BMW Team Schnitzer have been through every conceivable situation and are really well prepared. We will do everything we can to claim the 20th victory for BMW.”
BMW’s 19 overall victories at a glance: 1970: Hans-Joachim Stuck, Clemens Schickentanz, BMW 2002 TI Koepchen 1971: Ferfried Prinz von Hohenzollern, Gerold Pankl, BMW 2002 Alpina1972: Helmut Kelleners, Gerold Pankl, BMW 2800 CS Alpina 1973: Niki Lauda, Hans-Peter Joisten, BMW 3.0 CSL Alpina 1984: Axel Felder, Franz-Josef Bröhling, Peter Oberndorfer, BMW 635 CSi 1985: Axel Felder, Jürgen Hamelmann, Robert Walterscheid-Müller, BMW 635 CSi 1986: Markus Oestreich, Otto Rensing, Winfried Vogt, BMW 325i 1989: Emanuele Pirro, Roberto Ravaglia, Fabien Giroix, BMW M3 1990: Altfrid Heger, Joachim Winkelhock, Frank Schmickler, BMW M3 1991: Kris Nissen, Joachim Winkelhock, Armin Hahne, BMW M3 1992: Johnny Cecotto, Christian Danner, Jean-Michel Martin, Marc Duez, BMW M3 1994: Karl-Heinz Wlazik, Frank Katthöfer, Fred Rosterg, BMW M3 1995: Roberto Ravaglia, Marc Duez, Alexander Burgstaller, BMW 320i 1996: Johannes Scheid, Sabine Reck, Hans Widmann, BMW M3 1997: Johannes Scheid, Sabine Reck, Hans-Jürgen Tiemann, Peter Zakowski, BMW M3 1998: Marc Duez, Andreas Bovensiepen, Christian Menzel, Hans-Joachim Stuck, BMW 320d 2004: Pedro Lamy, Dirk Müller, Jörg Müller, Hans-Joachim Stuck, BMW M3 GTR 2005: Boris Said, Duncan Huisman, Andy Priaulx, Pedro Lamy, BMW M3 GTR 2010: Jörg Müller, Augusto Farfus, Uwe Alzen, Pedro Lamy, BMW M3 GT2
BMW PRESS
The Ford Falcon was powered by eight cylinders and had a lead of 17 seconds. Paddy Hopkirk had stowed a can of caviar in the toolbox of his Mini Cooper S and he had just mastered the “Night of the Long Knives” in a rumbustious drive. In 1964, the Monte Carlo Rally was still a genuine adventure for all the competing racing drivers and the spectacle was broadcast live on television. This was the era when automobile manufacturers all over the world discovered rally sport as the perfect stage for presenting their models. And consequently, vehicles from different weight and performance classes competed against each other with a handicap formula providing appropriate compensation when allocating points. When Hopkirk, now 87 years old, talks about his tour-de-force driving the classic Mini with start number 37, the fascination of classic motor sport immediately comes alive.
Today, Hopkirk can still get excited about the driving characteristics of the classic Mini. “The Mini was a very advanced motor car. Its front-wheel drive and the transversely mounted engine at the front presented significant advantages, just like the fact that the car was small given that the roads had lots of bends and were narrow,” explained the rally driver from Northern Ireland as he recalled his greatest triumph. When we met up at the foot of the Col de Turini, he slid in nimbly behind the steering wheel of a classic Mini. This time, the little car was styled in a livery of British Racing Green, there was no snow on the carriageway, and time was available to enjoy the magnificent landscape and the view of Monte Carlo nestling in the valley. But Hopkirk still finds the ideal line from the start and steers the classic Mini out of the bend with a broad smile and forceful pedal-to-metal acceleration. Driving fun comes back immediately, along with the memories of the event 56 years ago.
Incidentally, the caviar originated from Minsk. In the winter of 1964, Hopkirk and his English co-pilot Harry Liddon started out from Minsk in the Monte Carlo Rally, which at that time commenced as a star rally from nine different European cities. The six Mini works cars and the other vehicles in the starter field only met up in Rheims, France. At that time, Patrick or “Paddy” Hopkirk was already able to look back on an impressive career in which he had won hillclimb races and come out victorious five times in the Circuit of Ireland. Hopkirk had also attracted attention in the Tulip Rally staged in the Netherlands, the Austrian Alpine Rally and the Safari Rally. In 1962, he crossed the finishing line driving a Sunbeam Rapier in third place in the overall placings of the Monte Carlo Rally. And because he had such a taste for adventure and had never driven on Soviet roads, Hopkirk registered voluntarily to start the race in Minsk in 1964.
He started off successfully, and along the country roads in France a duel quickly developed between Hopkirk driving the Mini Cooper S and Swedish driver Bo Ljungfeldt in the Ford Falcon. The showdown came on the Col de Turini and this was destined to presage the ultimate outcome for the race. On the day before, there had been a big snowfall and this significantly slowed down powerful and heavy vehicles steered by competing drivers. However, this wasn’t the case for the little challenger. According to Hopkirk: “The Mini performed particularly well going downhill, and the tests had all been uphill and down dale so that we were able make good anything we lost going uphill when we were driving downhill.”
Everything else was dealt with by the handicap formula. Ljungfeldt made up 17 seconds during the “Night of the Long Knives” and gained a lead of half a minute in the final circuit race on the Monte Carlo Grand Prix track, but this was not enough to displace Paddy Hopkirk from his position as number one in the overall placings. At the finishing line, it took some time before all the times had been compared and all the points had been totted up. However, ultimately the first overall victory achieved by the classic Mini in the Monte Carlo Rally was established.
The surprising coup won acclaim worldwide, and feverish celebrations followed in the United Kingdom. The classic MINI became a motor-sport legend and Paddy Hopkirk shot to fame as the United Kingdom’s most illustrious rally driver overnight. After the winner’s podium ceremony, driver and vehicle were repatriated to the United Kingdom where they starred in the immensely popular TV show of the time, “Sunday Night at the London Palladium”. Fans, celebrities and even the British Government sent telegrams to convey their congratulations. Hopkirk’s most treasured memorabilia include an autograph card from the Beatles with the message: “Now you are one of us, Paddy!”
The MINI Cooper S continued to dominate the Monte Carlo Rally in subsequent years. Hopkirk’s Finnish teammates Timo Mäkinen and Rauno Aaltonen, who had taken places four and seven in 1964, succeeded in driving the Mini Cooper S to second and third place in the overall standings in 1965 and 1967 respectively. Rally fans named the trio “The Three Musketeers”. In 2010, they were all welcomed as the first members of the Finnish “Rally Hall of Fame”.
In 1967, Hopkirk took sixth place in the overall standings and in the following year he crossed the finishing line of the “Monte” in fifth place. However, it was inevitable that the golden era of this diminutive adventurous runabout was coming to an end, particularly since the competition had been busily working on developments. Hopkirk changed to other models and won a number of races including the Acropolis Rally. In 1968, Paddy Hopkirk highlighted his reputation as a fair sportsman and gentleman in the London-Sydney Marathon when he and his co-pilot Tony Nash stopped their Austin, which was in the lead, in order to rescue a team from their burning car that had been involved in a serious accident.
At the beginning of the 1970s, Paddy Hopkirk retired from professional rallying and built up a career importing automobiles to his homeland of Northern Ireland and the sale of accessory products sold under the brand named after him. He was also involved in the relaunch of the MINI brand as a consultant to the BMW Group. The veteran rally driver still engages in a wealth of honorary activities to this day. During his active driving career, Hopkirk supported a large number of road safety campaigns and he is still involved today as an ambassador for the charity organisation IAM RoadSmart. His commitments also include working on the Board of Management of the British Racing Drivers’ Club and supporting WheelPower, an association dedicated to promoting wheelchair sport. In 2016, Paddy Hopkirk received the award of Member of the Order of the British Empire from Princess Anne.
At BMW Group Plant Munich, everything is in place for production of the fully electric BMW i4 to begin. After six weeks of intensive conversion work, series production of vehicles has resumed, with around 5,000 associates returning to the line. “We have completed the comprehensive restructuring and conversion of the plant successfully, on schedule and without complications,” said Plant Director Robert Engelhorn. At the BMW Group’s home plant, a new era is about to begin: “Our plant can now manufacture the fully electric BMW i4 on the same line as diesel-, petrol- and hybrid-powered vehicles,” Engelhorn added.
“Outstanding planning and preparation, and perfect collaboration between the many in-house and external partners meant we were able to ready BMW Group Plant Munich for the mobility concepts of the future in the space of just six weeks,” Engelhorn reported. The entire development and conversion of the plant came at an investment of around €200 million. Approx. €700 million had already been invested between 2015 and 2018 to install a new, resource-efficient paintshop and extend the bodyshop for production of the BMW 3 Series.
In recent weeks, a particular challenge facing the team was the confined space within the production halls, which made conversion and installation work difficult. Previous systems had to be removed with very little space to spare, and new ones installed and launched. Before conversion work began, plans were made with the help of digital tools that simulated the line sections, system designs and production processes by virtual reality. “This allowed us to make the best possible use of the limited space available in our plant, and to see exactly which processes needed adjusting,” Engelhorn explained. Much of the expertise for the upgrade came from production workers themselves, who used VR goggles to obtain a clear picture of what their stage of work would look like, and offered valuable feedback on ergonomics and process optimisation.
The bodyshop at Plant Munich is a shining example of smart, efficient integration, as the majority of production processes for the BMW i4 can be carried out on existing bodyshop systems. Additional systems were required merely for the floor assembly and rear section of the BMW i4, as the electric drive and high-voltage battery mean these are quite different from conventional architectures. The approx. 550-kilogram battery pack will be fitted to the body by a new, fully automated battery assembly system, which uses camera systems to check automatically if the battery pack is positioned correctly on the line. The battery pack is also transported to the line and bolted to the body fully automatically.
A new electric overhead conveyor has also been installed for BMW i4 production, along with stronger conveyors in the vehicle finish area. “This has been the most comprehensive overhaul of assembly in the history of Plant Munich,” Robert Engelhorn pointed out.
As the number of driver assistance systems, safety equipment and connectivity features steadily increases, function-testing of the various in-car innovations and technologies during production is becoming more and more complex. To meet the ever tougher quality requirements, Plant Munich is making greater use of digitally connected production and testing systems. Complex logistics and production processes are also supported by myriad digitalisation solutions and interconnected smart systems.
During the conversion of Plant Munich over recent weeks, the focus was very much on integrating the BMW i4 into existing production systems. But systems and processes were also prepared for series production of the BMW M3, which will be manufactured on the same line as well. Established back in 1922, the BMW Group’s home plant is now set to deliver a wide-ranging product portfolio that includes not only the BMW i4 but also the combustion- and hybrid-powered BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Touring, and the new BMW M3.
The tremendous flexibility of the plant and the extraordinary skills of the team are impressive.
Today, four years later, REVER represents the world's largest online community for motorcyclists and has passed the milestone of 1,000,000 users with its mobile planning, tracking and sharing app for motorcycle enthusiasts around the world. More than 1.2 million journeys and a total distance of almost 200 million kilometres have been tracked. This involved around 50,000 BMW motorcycles, which completed almost 18 per cent of the tracked rides.
With the rapidly increasing number of users, the REVER App is constantly being optimized, new functions are being added and more and more content is being generated. In short: Riding a motorcycle is becoming more and more of a networked experience.
In addition to the BMW Motorrad Connectivity App, the REVER App also offers riders of older models and groups with different motorcycles a digitally enhanced riding experience.
With the REVER App, motorcyclists can stay in touch and turn riding into a group experience. Users can create or join communities to participate in tours or determine the location of their friends on the map. In addition, REVER also offers innovative features such as "animated 3D flyover and exploration" that give motorcyclists an animated 3D overview of the rides they are following.
Premium memberships on REVER include additional features such as exclusive access to Butler Maps’ road recommendations, custom safety alerts and more. Recently, REVER has also opened up to car drivers who like to experience twisty routes.
Event date: 1 September 2020
The September meeting agenda item was ‘Preparing for a Motorsport Event’, something we would all probably love to be doing right now but can’t due to the COVID-19 situation here in Victoria.
Nevertheless, it is important for all club motorsport participants to be aware of what is required to get our cars onto race tracks, when we are able to. So this meeting was a good opportunity to get to know what will be required, and how to avoid omissions and possible disappointment in getting our cars on track.
Jo presented a comprehensive presentation that defined the event entry process, the actual vehicle and driver requirements, and how the club level track days actually run.
Like everything in modern life, there is a need to complete a number of forms and processes to obtain entry into a BMWDCM track event. The Supplementary Regulations set out the timing, rules, classification of vehicles and which officials will be running the event. It is very important that this document is read and understood by all attendees. In our case, this document is usually attached to the e-mail notification from BMWDCM that advertises the particular event. That e-mail will also provide a link to register your entry for the event. This entry form document requires accurate, up to date information about both the car being entered and the details of the driver/s. It is important to understand that a lot of the information being sort in these documents is to satisfy the demands of external organisations who have input into the running of our events – e.g. Motorsport Australia (who are the controlling body for all motor sport events), the State government (Covid-19 control and contact tracing) and the venue managers who have compliance reporting of their own to deal with.
The paperwork also requires competitors to acknowledge and sign indemnity forms, and currently a COVID-19 contact and tracing form which must include details of all persons attending the event with you – not just the competitors and officials.
Paperwork done, we then need to prepare our cars and ensure we have a current licence to compete. The Supplementary Regulations will tell you what is required by way of vehicle needs – e.g tyres, race wear, helmet, car markings etc and BMWDCM also issue us with a scrutineering checklist which details all the necessary items to check on your car before the event. It is also prudent to check the currency of your competition licence. If you don’t have one, it can be arranged either through the club, or directly to Motorsport Australia.
Jo then described how the day will run – starting with check-in through to getting into pre-grid and then onto the track. The key here is for everyone to pay attention to session groupings and being punctual around session times. Track flagging was explained and also how the officials manage the day.
Jo then covered off the role of track officials and how to get involved in this very important aspect of motor sport – both at club level and beyond into higher level events.
It was an informative and timely meeting agenda, as we all hope to be able to get on track in the not too distant future. We have successfully run motorsport events during COVID-19 restrictions before (not during stage 4) so we will see how things pan out.
For those members who have not previously participated in club motorsport events, I urge you to consider it. They are timed lap events only – they are not serious door to door racing seen in higher level competition. The track days are intended as a fun event where we can test our car’s capabilities (and our own) a bit and just enjoy driving at speed on real race tracks. The track days are inclusive, really well organised and managed and provide us with an opportunity to fine tune our driving skills in an alcohol free environment with likeminded people. I thoroughly recommend it. There will be plenty of people present who will be interested in you and your car, and will be happy to offer advice and assistance if you want it.
Jim Tucker | Member #26 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
It was great to see a different type of event like this being considered by BMWDCM especially during lockdown, it was a good topic to cover while we are all remote, and will hopefully make future events go a little smoother once we are back in action. Event preparation and procedure is an area where new drivers/racers always have a lot of questions and sometimes don't know where to ask, I know I found it quite daunting on my first few events and really appreciated where extra guidance and support was provided by the Bell Motorsport team.
Even now more seasoned drivers also likely cut a few corners in proper preparation, and a refresher to make sure we are following best practices is beneficial to us all. I look forward to more events like this, and to even hear more from some of the experienced drivers or support staff about what works well for them and where they have seen sucess or had positive experiences.
Alex Jory | Member #8 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
MONTH IN REVIEW
Hi members
Welcome to spring! We can't believe winter is already behind us.
August for us started with our virtual members meeting in Shannons Auctions Room where we were given a tour of the beautiful cars that were going up for auction, including 5 BMWs which caught the attention of many.
____________________
Our next meeting for the month was our virtual meeting with Jay Leno's Garage, which was very informative. There was something to learn for all of us, even those who thought we knew how to clean our car! If you're looking to stock up on your car cleaning products in time for summer, be sure to use our member discount code 'BMWDCM' for 15% off your online purchase.
In August we also added some new merchandise products to our online store, including some triple layer reusable cotton face masks.
We're hopeful that restrictions in Melbourne will begin to ease soon and we're looking for drive route suggestions! If you have a favourite drive that you'd love to share, or a drive that you've always wanted to do, please get in touch because we'd love to hear from you!
Our AGM is coming up in October and we are now calling for nominations for all positions on the committee. If you're interested in nominating for a position on our committee, or wish to nominate someone else, please view the following forms:
AGM Call for Nominations
Nomination Form
If you require assistance from Jo Mawson or Graeme Bell during this time, please do not phone the Bell Motorsport phone number (03 5979 1599). Please instead phone Jo on 0412 661 900.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: 492 MEMBERS
Welcome to our new members, 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.
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.
August Virtual Members Meeting | Shannons Auction Showroom
Virtual event with Jay Leno's Garage
BMW around the globe.
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
Urban Armour Australian made hand sanitiser Urban Armour are offering members a great deal ona range of hand sanitisers and hand sanitiser stations, you can see what they have on offer here. Don't forget to mention you're a member of BMWDCM to see what they can do for you!
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
Proudly supported by: All Residential/All Commercial Creative Custom Cars Melbourne BMW Mornington BMW Shannons Insurance Southern BM Traction Tyres Waverley BMW Zagame Autobody
Dear Members,
Welcome to Spring! A time for renewal and the hope of all things to start to open up again, like the blooms in our garden. Also welcome to the new members that have joined recently, helping to keep the club grow all the time. Membership is currently at an amazing 492!
With winter behind us now and our second wave of lockdowns slowly dragging by, we have possibly had the hardest month for us all. Stage 4 restrictions have been hard for all of us (who have been subject to them), especially when we are such a social bunch and love getting out and about together.
I truly hope that you have all been able to get through this past month without too much hardship. Each day brings us closer to getting back out there and seeing friends and family again. With the numbers dropping every day, hopefully only a couple of weeks to go before restrictions begin to ease.
August 3 was our members meeting in Shannons Auctions Room and for those who zoomed in had a fantastic evening, with a tour of some beautiful cars and even 5 BMWs on the floor for us to marvel over.
On August 18 we had a virtual meeting with Evan Gale from Jay Leno’s Garage Products, which was very informative. I thought I knew a lot about cleaning cars but there is so much more, and their range is fabulous. Remember, if you are wanting to go on to their website, use our special discount code ‘BMWDCM’ and you will received 15% off your online order and within 2-3 days your stock will be delivered straight to your door.
We have also been working on some new merchandise products to help us through the COVID pandemic. We received our first batch of triple layer washable cotton face masks, which sold out in 4 hours! I didn’t expect that, so our second batch is now in stock and we should also have our neck warmer/masks within the next few days. Have a look in our online store and get your orders in early to avoid missing out. Whilst you are there, we have some handy, club engraved pocket tools in 4 different colors. They're the perfect gift for Father’s Day for the dad that has everything. They're also reduced to $10 for Father’s Day.
September is looking like an exciting month for our virtual events, with our members meeting on 1 September being "How to prepare your car for a motorsport event". Jo and I have put together an informative presentation, which you will also be able to refer to later down the track (as we will put it on the website for future reference).
Tuesday 15 September is a member only exclusive tour of BMW Classic Munich. I have been lucky enough to go through this facility several times and this is not available to the general public, so this is an event not to miss. We will be shown through by our friend Eva Priller from BMW Clubs and Community Management in Munich (what a job!). What a place to work every day with so many beautiful and rare cars to look after and all the history of BMW at your fingertips.
PLEASE NOTE: This event will start at 7.30pm sharp. Please make sure you are logged in by 7.20pm or earlier, so as to not delay this event. We are very lucky to be given this exclusive tour, so we want to show our appreciation by all being on time for Eva to be able to start the tour. It is the middle of a normal working day in Munich and Eva is taking time out of her day to show us around, so please be logged on and ready to start on time. It would be great if as many of you as possible were wearing Club or BMW gear to show our love for BMW and the Club.
We're hopeful that restrictions will begin to ease soon which means we will be able to start doing drive events again. We'd love to hear from you if you have any suggestions or would like to plan your own drive route for us all to join.
We have some great events ready to go, but there is always something that someone comes and says ‘how about a run to such and such’ that even we haven’t thought of. Same goes for any other events or ideas you might have; we are always open to ideas for something new and fun. Just wait and see what we have sitting in the wings ready to go. Hopefully in a couple of weeks we will be able to start looking at doing something when we come out of Stage 4.
There is also our Members Car of the Month, which you can enter as many times as you wish. We’d all love to see what we have hidden away, even if it’s not a BMW. We have a bit of a collection of ‘other’ cars and toys, so I am sure you do too. We’d love to see what you’ve got.
It is also coming to that time of year for our Annual General Meeting, which at this stage will be conducted virtually. However we will conduct it face to face in October if we are allowed to. We are calling for nominations for all positions on the committee, if you're interested in nominating for a position on our commtitee or wish to nominate someone else, please view the following forms:
AGM Call For Nominations Nomination Form
Again, I hope you are all weathering stage 4 restrictions and always remember, we are here if you ever need a chat. I’ll talk cars or anything all day long and am always happy to chat to anyone if it makes them feel a bit less isolated or alone.
Stay safe and keep an eye on the website to see what things we have coming up. Also check out our Facebook group and page, there is lots of interesting items pop up on them both.
See you somewhere soon.
Graeme Bell | President BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.
P.O. Box 81, TYABB, VICTORIA. 3913Incorporated 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
A strong character needs a strong name. “Blechmann” is a name as strong as metal. It is also the nickname of Bernhard Naumann, a renowned customizer from Austria. Together with BMW Motorrad he presents his latest creation: The Blechmann R 18.
With the new BMW R 18, BMW Motorrad presented the brand’s first series production bike for the cruiser segment in April 2020. Like no other BMW motorcycle before it, this model stands entirely in the tradition of historical BMW motorcycles – both technically and with regard to its design. It is based on illustrious models such as the BMW R 5 and shifts the focus back to the motorcycle essentials. Reason enough for Bernhard Naumann to change as little as possible on the frame and the technology and to use only the original mounting points for the creation of the Blechmann R 18.
The Blechmann R 18 in detail. When starting off with a new creation, Bernhard Naumann never uses sketches in advance. He gathers his inspiration while working on the bike itself. "I draw my design directly on the object using the final material. This allows me to directly respond to the requirements and to keep an eye on the proportions at all times", explains the designer. For the Belchmann R 18, he initially "put the cart before the horse" in order to be able to correctly assess the proportions for the front fairing. The sporty single-seater is based on the original supporting structure of the rear fender, seat and pillion. The rear light is from Kellermann. The fuel tank has been extensively modified: For one thing, it is narrower making it sportier and exposes the engine even more. On the other hand, it features knee cut-outs, which further support the athletic line. The original steering tube was used as the basis for the stub handlebar. Next, Blechmann customized the headlights. As with his last BMW custom bike "Giggerl", a conversion of the BMW R nineT, the headlights were to have a subtle kidney-shaped design this time. Analogous to the classic boxer engine, Blechmann placed a filament lamp prominently in the center. Here, too, the steering angle and the forward-tilted headlamp determine the basic layout of the custom bike. Bernhard Neumann perfected his personalization efforts with discreet black paint and classic white BMW Motorrad pin-stripes. In total, the team around Blechmann worked 450 hours on his version of the BMW R 18. Defining customizing. Blechmann does not perceive his work to be that of a classic customizer. "My work begins by removing parts of the original version until a white canvas remains. As the construction progresses, the design develops. I call this 'rapid-prototyping-Blechmann-style' ", says the customizer. This is what makes his workshop unique. Mostly, Blechmann works alone on his craftsmanship and designs. If necessary, he gets support from hand-picked professionals. "You can't do anything in this world on your own. I am more than glad to have a reliable personnel infrastructure".
World premiere on the Red Bull Ring: For the first time, the BMW M GmbH presented its two icons designed for the road and the racetrack side by side, the prototypes of the new BMW M4 Coupe (combined fuel consumption: 10.9 – 10.5 l/100 km*; combined CO2 emissions: 249 – 239 g/km*, provisional figures) and the new BMW M4 GT3. During the run-up to the MotoGP “BMW M Grand Prix of Styria”, the two vehicles were presented in a camouflage look designed specifically for this purpose, as their final design will not be revealed until a later date.
“I am very pleased we are able to present both the new BMW M4 Coupe and the new BMW M4 GT3 together here. As title sponsor of the ‘BMW M Grand Prix of Styria’ and long-term partner of MotoGP organiser Dorna Sports, I cannot think of a better place to hold this special premiere. The BMW M4 Coupe and its motorsport counterpart BMW M4 GT3 are the icons of the BMW M GmbH and prime examples of the technology transfer from motorsport to series production – and back again. From the outset, both vehicles were developed parallel to each other, so they both have the same genes,” says Markus Flasch, CEO of the BMW M GmbH, who himself completed the first laps on the Red Bull Ring in the BMW M4 Coupe.
Like the new BMW M3 Sedan and all other current high-performance automobiles from the BMW M GmbH, the new BMW M4 Coupe will be available in two performance versions: Apart from a variant with 353 kW/480 hp and a 6-speed manual transmission, a Competition model with 375 kW/510 hp and an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic will also be on offer in each case.
The core component shared by all BMW M4s is the newly developed straight six-cylinder engine featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology and a high-revving concept. From the outset, the high-performance-power plant was developed on the basis of performance characteristics taken directly from motorsport. Not only will the BMW M Customer Racing Teams, who will be deploying the BMW M4 GT3 in numerous GT series worldwide, benefit from this. It also raises the standard of driving pleasure for BMW M4 road-legal vehicles to a new level.
For Philipp Eng, the person driving the BMW M4 GT3, the ride around the Austrian circuit was a welcome foretaste of the year ahead: “I can’t wait to take the BMW M4 GT3 onto the starting grid,” says the Austrian who will be participating in the DTM with the ZF BMW M4 DTM. “The BMW M4 GT3 will already take part in its first race next year and will be able to prove how it performs under competitive conditions. I am sure that it has what it takes to continue the long-standing and successful tradition of BMW M vehicles.”
From 2022 and following selected racing events in 2021, the BMW M4 GT3 will finally replace the BMW M6 GT3 as the top-of-the-range model in BMW’s customer sport offering. Since 2016, the BMW M6 GT3 has been part of the BMW M Motorsport vehicle portfolio, already winning the Spa-Franchorchamps 24 hours during its debut year, only to surpass this success with a double victory two years later.
However, before the new BMW M4 Coupe is actually released to the road and the racetrack without special camouflage design, final intensive tests still have to be performed. The official world premiere is planned for September 2020. But one thing is already certain: One of the MotoGP pilots battling for points and placements just a few days after the appearance of the BMW M4 Coupe on the Red Bull Ring, will have the pleasure of driving an icon of the BMW M GmbH. Because the winner of the “BMW M Grand Prix of Styria” being held from 21st to 23rd August will be honoured with an exclusive BMW M4 Coupe of the model generation 2021.
Event date: 18 August 2020
ZOOM, ZOOM – was not a Mazda thing Tuesday night 18 August.
I was the lucky winner of a generous gift voucher from Jay Lenos Garage Australia at the first spin of an electronic spinning wheel, laced with the names of those who connected.
The time was very well spent as I have spent years dodging the true deep cleaning of cars. For me it normally was a quick trip to the pressure washer place close by and air-drying of the car on the way to a drive gathering.
We were shown products made in the USA over a decade under auspices of Jay Leno. Then came a bewildering range of polishes, waxes, leather cleaners, leather conditioners, fabric cleaners, wheel cleaners, tyre cleaners (matt finish or high gloss), and odour eliminators for the interiors. Also shown were Plush Micro fibre cloths, glass cleaners and a special glass towel and a range of cleaning cloths.
Such a range to satisfy the most ardent cleaners but best of all Jay Lenos Garage is a supporter of our club and have put in place a club member discount of a standing 15% for online orders, using the 'BMWDCM' discount code. This is supported in these COVID-19 times, by using the internet and Startrack couriers. Order online at www.jaylenosgarage.com. Be sure to look carefully as there are many great special offers on the products. Pay online and in two to three days your order will be delivered to your address. Checkout not only the car care products but the car collection Jay has assembled.
I’ve probably been too lazy in the past and not appreciated the sense of achievement that some physical effort can provide. I’ll be jumping online to select products that have now come to my notice. My thanks to Evan for the presentation, enthusiasm and convincing conviction to the products. Happy cleaning – can’t go out, so you may as well clean eh!
Peter Kelly | Member #57 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
It was Tuesday night, the 18th halfway through August, still in stage 4 and unable to travel more than 5km from home. As human nature, our socialising ways are part of our way of life, If we can’t go out physically, what better way, than jump online in the comfort of our own homes and comfortable chairs, settle in and join our friends on ZOOM with our monthly BMWDCM members meeting.
This month, Evan from Jay Leno’s Garage Advance Vehicle Care, hosted to showcase the full products range in his personal garage that he uses on his own vehicles.
After giving a brief history on how the range come to Australia, including how other major car care products wanted Jay Leno to endorse their products, in turn Jay Leno had own products formulated to the quality he demanded for his own collection.
Evan then introduced each product in the care range and gave a description on what the product was created specifically for, including the cloth range, how to use the product and how much to use, throwing in some humour along the way. Also reminding our members of our 15% discount with our code ‘BMWDCM’ when ordering online.
While sitting there in my chair, sipping in a glass of red wine and a small cheese platter, some good questions were asked from the members about the products and based on current events the delivery times, Evan stated that after moving form a postal service that was previously reliable, they have changes to a courier that now has shown a quick turnaround to receive products within a few days from ordering.
Evan, being a classic car enthusiast himself, proudly showed of his well-kept with documented history early pale blue Cortina, while informing us of what had been replaced mechanically to keep it roadworthy.
Towards the end of the night, due to not being able to physically attend, replacing our physical barrel that we place our members cards in, our vice president, Jo, had all our names on a digital wheel. Spinning three times for three members to receive a $25 Voucher to use for Jay Leno products.
A good evening had by all that were online, once finished, no driving, but a very short walk to the bedroom and into PJ’s
Paul Holliday | Member #296 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
© 2024 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc. All Rights Reserved.
