Event date: 5 May 2020
I live in Foster, South Gippsland and find it difficult to attend meetings because of the tyranny of distance. Thus the Zoom meeting was a real highlight for me, engaging with other members and feeling truly a part of the Club.
The guest speaker was Alan from Creative Custom Cars. He was amazing! Having the ability to view a lot of his projects was very special.
When the pandemic has passed I wonder if it would be possible to put the physical meetings on Zoom, as well. I feel this would encourage more participation in the meetings.
Thanks for the efforts everyone puts in to make the Club a real goer.
David Brook | Member #357 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
You can view the recording of the meeting here.
The pleasure of driving can be experienced not only with BMW vehicles, but also with new products from the BMW Lifestyle collections. Every spring, innovative new products are added to the collections. The focus of all BMW collection items is on striking design and first-class, durable quality.
BMW COLLECTION. Simplicity that is full of ideas.
The core of the collections is the classic BMW COLLECTION. The design concept is modern, functional and urban – always based on the well-known BMW vehicle design. Minimalist, timeless products provide more freedom in everyday life thanks to smart functions.
The range is supplemented by lifestyle articles such as the BMW Logo T-shirt for women with a large BMW logo for fans of the brand. Strong, harmonious colours underline a modern, self-confident style. In addition to subtly elegant shades such as sand and midnight navy, the trend colour orange ensures an expressive look.
The highlights of the collection include the BMW Soft Down Jacket for men and women and the BMW Chronograph with BMW kidney design. BMW is also introducing innovations in lifestyle accessories. In addition to the popular BMW Thermal Mug for hot drinks, the BMW Lunch Cup Thermal for muesli etc. as well as for hot meals is perfect for everyday work and leisure.
The BMW COLLECTION is complemented by accessories and lifestyle products created in cooperation with first-class premium brands. Among other things, the long-standing cooperation MONTBLANC FOR BMW uses BMW design for exquisite writing instruments, luggage and the finest leather goods (Made in Italy). This year, the products of this cooperation feature the embossed MONTBLANC FOR BMW pattern and royal blue jacquard lining.
New products of the cooperation include the Montblanc for BMW Backpack, which is made of Italian leather with an embossed pocket. The generous compartments inside offer enough space for various utensils as well as a laptop.
The new Montblanc for BMW Liquod Pouch made of PVC with details made of Italian leather is also a smart addition to the existing luggage of the MONTBLANC FOR BMW cooperation.
Other products from cooperations are the Kartell for BMW RIDEON (available in EU) and the high-quality Horizn Studios for BMW Boadcase and Trolley.
The design of the BMW M COLLECTION reflects the strong combination of high-performance technologies and experienced craftsmanship, which is also a decisive factor in the design of the BMW M vehicle models. A strong colour scheme, modern and high-quality materials, innovative textile features and the BMW M branding characterise the collection. The red is based on the Toronto red vehicle colour and underlines the sporty designs of the BMW M COLLECTION. The colour of the golden BMW M brake calliper in combination with classic black creates a dynamic and high-quality look.
The highlights of the new collection include the reversible BMW M Jacket for women, the BMW M Sweatjacket for men with an intelligent ‘watch window’ and the BMW M Boardcase in gold.
The BMW M MOTORSPORT COLLECTION features a modern, sporty design based on the legendary look of BMW motorsport. The unmistakable BMW M stripes in combination with black and white prominently present the new BMW M motorsport brand identity. The self-confident branding in combination with colour blocking and cool, graphic elements gives the collection its modern, avant-garde character.
New highlight products in 2020 complete the collection with the BMW M Motorsport Puma Leadcat Shoes, a sporty slip-on shoe for both men and women for the gym, at the swimming pool or simply at home.
The BMW M Motorsport Watch, a three-hand watch with silicone strap in the distinctive BMW M motorsport design, rounds off the look for all motorsports fans.
The BMW BIKES are always developed in cooperation with Designworks and interpret the pleasure of driving in cycling in a very special way.
The high-quality 3T for BMW Gravelbikes in two elegant colours from the cooperation with the Italian brand 3T are new for BMW BIKES. These aerodynamically designed bikes are impressive thanks to their first-class technical features and state-of-the-art racing components. The 3T FOR BMW Gravelbikes are available in EU and US.
BMW KIDS COLLECTION. Great BMW driving fun for the little ones.
The dream of owning a BMW is now becoming even more real for the smallest BMW fans with the BMW KIDS COLLECTION. The popular BMW BABYRACER III is getting an electric boost. The new BMW M8 GTE Rideon and the BMW i8 Rideon ensure active driving pleasure. Genuine BMW engine sounds, lighting effects and opening doors transform children’s rooms and gardens into a racetrack. With the integrated MP3 interface for playing music and audio files, the little ones don’t have to miss out.
The BMW Lifestyle collections are now available at selected BMW dealerships.
BMW PRESS
MONTH IN REVIEW
Welcome to our second month of isolation. Today also marks the second anniversary of our launch night!
There is an air of optimism and hope for a gradual release from restrictions in the coming weeks and months now and the committee has been working hard behind the scenes getting things ready for a return to physical events instead of the virtual and remote things we have been doing the last month or so.
We did hold our first virtual members meeting in April, which appeared to be successful with a number of members attending. It was certainly nice to see some familar faces!
If you require assistance from Jo or Graeme during this time, please no longer phone the Bell Motorsport phone number (03 5979 1599) and instead phone Jo on 0412 661 900.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: 455 MEMBERS
Welcome to our new members, we look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event!
Don't forget to catch up with this month's update from our President, Graeme Bell here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Our May Members Meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, 5 May at 7.30pm, with a virtual tour of club sponsor, Creative Custom Cars.
Unfortunately we can't give too many details on other upcoming events right now. Be sure to keep an eye on our calendar for when we can resume events.
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA LICENCE UPDATE
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Motorsport Australia Board has approved changes to the expiration of certain licence types.
In addition, all licence holders will also be given the opportunity to utilise a buy one, get one free Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships General Admission ticket for the round of their choice in 2020 or 2021.
To see what this means for your licence, click here.
CLUB PERMIT RENEWALS
VicRoads are still processing renewals at their offices, however wait times are now much longer than normal and you must adhere to social distancing measures. Please instead consider posting your renewal to VicRoads. You can pay by cheque or VicRoads have advised that you can use this credit card form.
If you are yet to receive a signature from us for your renewal, we request that you post them to us for the time being.
To be as fast and efficient as possible we recommend to sign your renewal, attach your payment and post it to us with a stamped envelope addressed to VicRoads inside. We will then sign on behalf of the club and post it straight to VicRoads for you.
We would like to remind you that you do have three months after the expiry date to pay your renewal, but you can’t drive it once it expires, just like normal registration.
If you have any questions about your renewal please call or email us. If you are not comfortable providing your credit card details or don’t have a cheque book, give us a call and we will see what we can do to help you.
For more details on club permits, including where you can send your renewal for signing, please visit our Club Permits page on the website.
NEWS & BLOG
idrive magazine
MEMBER SERVICES
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 our second month of isolation. It's great to see everyone is doing the right thing and helping to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. There is an air of optimism and hope for a gradual release from restrictions in the coming weeks and months now and the committee has been working hard behind the scenes getting things ready for a return to physical events instead of the virtual and remote things we have been doing the last month or so.
We have also welcomed 12 new members this month - we look forward to welcoming you properly at an event soon!
For now, though, we are still working in isolation. After the success of our April virtual members meeting, our May Members Meeting will be another virtual one, with club sponsor, Alan How at Creative Custom Cars. Alan will give us a live video tour of the Creative Custom Cars workshop to show us the interesting projects they have in at the moment. Creative Custom Cars do some fantastic work restoring cars, so it will be good to check out what they are working on at the moment.
Of course, not much has happened this month, with the restrictions in place, but we have tried to keep you informed and connected and continue to do all we can to help members out with anything they need and entertained with some of the Facebook activities. We're always looking for more things to share with members so if you have something interesting to show us, let us know.
We have been talking to Winton, Sandown, Broadford and Motorsport Australia about likely timing of a return to motorsport activities and we are hopeful that our 14 June booking at Sandown will proceed as planned. Both Sandown and Motorsport Australia are keen to get club level track events happening again and if restrictions ease enough to allow us to run the event, we will do everything we can to run the day for you. Keep an eye on your emails and the website and Facebook group for news about that as the date approaches.
Same goes for all the other events we have planned or will be rescheduling. We will put up the events that suit whatever restrictions remain and hopefully we can get back to some normality as soon as possible. I don’t know about you, but I am looking forward to just getting out in the countryside for a drive as much as I am looking forward to getting back to a track.
There has been a lot of talk about the new COVIDSafe app released by the Federal Government. We do recommend that you download it and follow its directions to track who you come into contact with. It does not track where you go or when, it just tracks and saves who you come into contact with via bluetooth and enables health officials to contact them, or you, in the event someone in your circle contracts the virus. It may become a condition of coming to events that you have the app installed, so please do your research, see there is nothing to fear from having it and get on board. It will help us all get back to normal quicker than if we don’t use it.
For now, though, make sure you look after yourselves and your families, practice good hygiene and of course physical distancing. Keep an eye on the Government websites and news about what we have to do. Of course, if any of you are feeling like you need someone to talk to or are feeling alone, please pick up the phone and give us a call. We are here for all of you, our BMW family.
Together, we are getting through this and we will be seeing you soon!
Take care.
Graeme Bell | President BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.
P.O. Box 81, TYABB, VICTORIA. 3913 Incorporated in Victoria #A0102695GBMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc is a member of: BMW Clubs Australia and the BMW Clubs International CouncilMotorsport Australia Affiliated Motorsport Club
Good morning members,
It was a very different ANZAC Day this year, I hope you all took a moment to reflect on those that gave so much so that we can enjoy the life we do. Jo and I were up at dawn to watch the sunrise from our driveway and say thanks to those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Lest We Forget.
We are now into our second month of restrictions on events and it is very good to see Australians are doing their bit to stem the spread of the pandemic that has changed the world as we know it. It's very encouraging to hear talk of easing the limitations on what we can do and hopefully in the coming weeks and months we can start getting back to some form of normality. It will be a long slow road back, but it's nice to receive some good news.
This past week I have been talking to the tracks and Motorsport Australia about bookings we still have at Sandown, Winton and Broadford in June and July. With the talk now turning to emerging from shut down and a slow return to normal activities, we will be preparing for these events to proceed. If we are allowed to gather and run track events, we will be ready to go ahead. All of our bookings are still available to us should restrictions ease and allow us to run them. Both Winton and Sandown are keen to help us return to the track as soon as we are able to. So keep an eye on your emails and keep the dates in your calendar.
Through the rest of April and into May we will keep updating events as we are able to. Hopefully, we will be able to start running some drive events and other meetings soon too. It will all depend on what we can do under the Government restrictions and what we feel is safe to do.
This weekend we were going to go to Bright to try and inject some funds back into communities affected by the Bushfires. As soon as restrictions ease and we are safe to travel again, we will reschedule the weekend away. They still need our help and we are keen to get up there and help as soon as we can.
Keep well everyone, soon enough we will be able to get out and drive our cars again. There is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. For now, stay home, stay safe and get your car ready to go!
Roberto Ravaglia (ITA), Johnny Cecotto (VEN), Steve Soper (GBR), Eric van de Poele (BEL), Harald Grohs (GER) were some of the biggest names in touring car racing in the 80s. They sat behind the wheel of the legendary BMW M3 E30 in the golden age of the DTM, picking up countless wins and titles with the car and securing the drivers their permanent spots in the BMW Motorsport history. It is, however, definitely the car that deserves pole position in the ancestral portrait gallery. Even now, just the sight of the design of the BMW M3 E30 and the unrivalled sound of its engine is enough to make the heart of every BMW Motorsport fan leap, be it at a BMW Group Classic event, or when the car is in action as a race taxi in the DTM support programme.
Just wonderful memories at a time in which no real-life motorsport is possible? Not at all, since thanks to BMW Group România and Racing League România, the BMW M3 E30 DTM is making an impressive comeback in sim racing at the moment. The extremely popular virtual race series is currently in its fifth season in Romania. It is supported by BMW Group România as Title Partner. They stream all the events live on the BMW Romania Facebook page, and the events are also shown on TV and attract tens of thousands viewers more each weekend.
“We don’t see ourselves as a sponsor in this project, but as a real partner with the goal of growing together and giving the championship a platform with high visibility and interaction,” said Andreea Ciglenean, Marketing Manager, BMW Group România. “When we entered into discussions with Racing League România, we had no idea that this season would be taking place at a time in which no real-life racing is possible. Now our project is a perfect example of how you can act safely and stay at home without having to miss out on racing altogether. That is an important aspect at the moment, and the BMW M3 E30 DTM is the perfect car for our race series.”
A total of 30 cars line up on the starting grid in each race, but these days more than 150 sim racers take part in qualifying for these events, including Romanian tennis ace Florin Mergea, former ATP doubles top-ten player and now a passionate sim racer. The platform for the Racing League România is the popular racing simulation Assetto Corsa.
“The Racing League România has been organising events for the sim racing community for over a decade now, but as real-life racing is no longer possible, virtual races are a hot topic in Romania,” said Alexandru Siclovan, promoter of Racing League România. “We are proud that we are able to provide a suitable media product that with its emotive commentary and interaction brings the best of both worlds together, a professional storyline like in real-life racing, and the breath of fresh air of a younger target audience into the mix.”
Every bit as legendary as the BMW M3 E30 DTM are the racetracks on which the Racing League România holds its virtual events. The last two race weekends took place on the virtual versions of the Norisring (GER) and the Nürburgring-Nordschleife (GER). The season got underway on 15th March and comprises ten stops, each with two 30-minute races. Other tracks on the race calendar include the Virginia International Raceway (USA), Circuit Spa-Francorchamps (BEL), Circuit Park Zandvoort (NED), Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit (RSA) and the Brands Hatch GP Circuit (GBR) for the season finale being held on 17th May.
There is still plenty of opportunity for real fans of the BMW M3 E30 DTM to reminisce and relive the emotions of the glorious history of the car during this difficult time. It is definitely worth watching the upcoming races of the Racing League România.
Unfortunately the Australian Grand Prix didn't happen this year. However, we had already set up a fantastic display in Automotive Avenue.
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne 2019 Australian Grand Prix Display in pictures by Paul Holliday Member #296
Event date: 7 April 2020
With COVID 19 lockdown we decided that we'd still like to be in contact with our members so we planned our first virtual members meeting to stay in touch with our members.
Surprisingly, we had a great response and after a few teething issues, as some of our members were having technical issues, it wasn't long before we all had our screens up and our meeting started.
We found that we had a lot of members who live further afield come online, which was great to be able to connect with them and for them to be able to chat with us and e-meet us and other members they hadn't met before.
After the formalities were over with, we discovered that some of our more tech savy members were changing their back grounds to look like they were flying in their Lear Jet to San Francisco, while others were on tropical islands sipping cocktails. This was a great bit of fun.
Considering this was our first virtual meeting, it went off really well and we had some great conversations and even had a new member join up from the meeting, which was brilliant.
We feel very passionate about staying incotact with our club through these tough times and this was a really great way of doing it. Very happy with our first meeting and look forward to including these types of meeting in our calendar, even after lockdown.
Jo Mawson | Member #2 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
The new BMW R 18: supreme cruiser with historical roots. With the new R 18, BMW Motorrad now enters the cruiser segment. Like no other BMW motorcycle before it, this model stands entirely in the tradition of historical BMW motorcycles – both technically and in terms of design style. It borrows from famous models such as the BMW R 5 both technologically and visually, shifting the focus back onto the motorcycle essentials: purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the epicentre of riding pleasure, combined with “good vibrations”. What is more, classic design is combined in the R 18 with clear-cut yet contemporary technology to create a fascinating overall concept – offering a riding experience that is as cultivated as it is emotional.
The most powerful BMW boxer engine of all time with abundant torque. The centrepiece the new BMW R 18 is a newly developed 2-cylinder boxer engine – the “Big Boxer”. Both its impressive appearance and its technology reflect a continuation of the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have offered an inspiring riding experience since BMW Motorrad began production in 1923. The most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever used in motorcycle series production has a displacement of 1 802 cc. The peak output is 67 kW (91 hp) at 4 750 rpm. From 2,000 to 4,000 rpm, over 150 Nm of torque is available at all times, and this elemental pulling power is combined with a full, resonant sound. Double-loop steel tube frame and rear swingarm with enclosed axle drive in rigid-frame look. The centrepiece of the suspension in the new R 18 is a double-loop steel tube frame. Its design perpetuates the longstanding BMW Motorrad tradition of this frame type. Outstanding manufacturing quality and a meticulous attention to detail is also evident in unapparent features such as the welded joints between the steel tubes and the cast or forged parts. Like the legendary BMW R 5, the rear swingarm – sporting a comparable design – surrounds the rear axle transmission in authentic style by means of bolted connections. Telescopic fork with fork sleeves, cantilever suspension strut, wire-spoked wheels and disc brakes. The suspension elements of the new BMW R 18 deliberately dispense with electronic adjustment options. Instead, a telescopic fork and a directly mounted central suspension strut with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload ensure superior wheel control and attractive suspension comfort. As in the legendary BMW R 5, the tubes of the telescopic fork are encased in fork sleeves. The fork tube diameter is 49 mm, while the suspension travel is 120 mm at the front and 90 mm at the rear. The new BMW R 18 braking system consists of a twin disc brake at the front and a single disc brake at the rear in conjunction with four-piston fixed callipers. Meanwhile the wire-spoked wheels ensure a supremely stylish appearance.
Harmonious ergonomics for optimum vehicle control. In keeping with the BMW Motorrad philosophy, the new BMW R 18 features a laid-back positioning of the footrests – so-called “mid-mounted footpegs”. This classic position behind the cylinders is not only typical of BMW, it also enables a relaxed and active riding position for optimum vehicle control. Three riding modes along with ASC and MSR for a high degree of riding pleasure and safety as standard. Reverse assist and Hillstart Control as ex factory options. The new R 18 also offers the three standard riding modes “Rain”, “Roll” and “Rock” – unusual in this segment – so as to be able to adapt to individual rider preferences. The standard trim also includes ASC (Automatic Stability Control, disengageable), which ensures a high level of riding safety. In addition, the new R 18 is equipped as standard with engine drag torque control (MSR). Among other options, a reverse assist makes manoeuvring convenient, while the Hill Start Control function facilitates uphill starts. The new R 18: iconic style newly showcased, featuring a rigid-frame look, modern technology and authentic materials. The R 18 masterfully transposes the iconic style of bygone times to the present day, retaining a purist design in numerous details that is mainly influenced by classics such as the BMW R 5. It is no coincidence that functional and stylistic elements such as the double-loop frame, the pear-drop tank, the open-running driveshaft and the pinstriped paintwork (ex factory option) are reminiscent of the legendary boxer dating back to 1936. The classic bodywork features of the R 18 are also made of metal – as befits an authentic classic. The suspension is likewise aptly reminiscent of the legendary R 5. Together with the double-sided swingarm and a cantilever suspension strut, the rigid-frame concept of the R 5 is perfectly transported into the modern age in visual terms. The R 18 First Edition: exclusive look in paint and chrome. The new R 18 will be offered worldwide as an exclusive R 18 First Edition right from launch, with a standard model reserved additionally for certain markets. It combines the R 18 look with exclusive equipment features in a classic black finish with white pinstriped paintwork. Other highlights include numerous chrome surfaces, a seat badge and a “First Edition” chrome clasp on the side covers. Conversion-friendly design as a prerequisite for straightforward customising and optimum individualisation. More so than virtually any other motorcycle, the new R 18 offers a highly conversion-friendly design – a focus even in the early design phases of the basic motorcycle layout. As a result it is equipped with an easily removable rear frame and a simple-to-dismantle painted part set. Carefully conceived attachment points for the hydraulic lines of the brake, clutch and cable harness likewise allow easy installation of higher or lower handlebars in conjunction with matching hydraulic lines and cable harnesses. In addition, the visible valve covers (cylinder head covers) and the belt cover (engine housing cover) are designed in such a way that they are located outside the oil chamber, making them very easy to change.
Customising parts and Roland Sands design collections “Machined” and “2-Tone Black” for the new R 18. The BMW Motorrad equipment range offers a maximum selection of individualisation options with which to adapt the R 18 to personal taste and preferences. The wide range of different parts available from the programme of Original BMW Motorrad Accessories allows individual customising that significantly alter the character of the R 18. For the market launch of the new R 18, two different design collections of milled aluminium parts are available, created in collaboration with Roland Sands Design: “Machined” and “2-Tone-Black”. Co-branding with famous brands: BMW and Mustang seats as well as BMW and Vance & Hines exhaust systems “Made in USA”. For the accessories and customising programme of the new R 18, BMW Motorrad is collaborating with Roland Sands Design and several well-known suppliers including US manufacturer Mustang Seat to offer different versions of high-quality hand-made seats. In addition the customising potential for the exhaust systems in cooperation with Vance & Hines is no less creative. The highlights of the new BMW R 18:
March started just like any other month, a full calendar, busy weeks and weekends ahead and business as usual.
For the first event of the month, Peter Williams organised another fantastic drive through the countryside, finishing at Fort Queenscliff, where we had lunch at 360Q, followed by a private tour.
Our next event was our March members meeting at Melbourne BMW. Melbourne BMW joined us as a sponsor of the club this year so it was great to hold a members meeting with them and allow our members to get to know the team. Melbourne BMW also showed a livestream of the launch of the BMW Concept i4. We were also treated to an unveiling of the new 2 Series Gran Coupe.
The following weekend we were off to Phillip Island for the Phillip Island Festival of Speed. Two fantastic days of racing, our car display and beautiful weather made for a great weekend. New club sponsors, Mornington BMW also gave us an M235i Gran Coupe and an M3 CS for the display.
Next up, was the F1 Grand Prix at Melbourne. We were due to share a display with E30 Racing and had over 20 cars on display from members. Wednesday and Thursday were business as usual, all cars arriving for setup on Wednesday and day 1 of the Grand Prix on Thursday. It was Friday when everything began to change, the Grand Prix was cancelled Friday morning due to a Formula 1 team member testing positive for Coronavirus. We quickly had to arrange the collection of all cars. We'll probably always now remember it as the Grand Prix that almost happened.
Our display at the almost-Grand Prix was the last event of the month and likely to be our last in-person event for a little while. We are currently in the process of arranging virtual meetings and other activities, make sure you keep an eye on our website and facebook page for updates.
It is important to note that if you require assistance from Jo or Graeme during this time, please no longer phone the Bell Motorsport phone number (03 5979 1599) and instead phone Jo on 0412 661 900.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: 446 MEMBERSWelcome to our new members, we look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event!
Unfortunately we can't give too many details on upcoming events right now. We are planning a virtual members meeting on 7 April and will be in touch with details as soon as they're available.
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