MONTH IN REVIEW
October was an exciting month for us, beginning with our first AGM at the German Club Tivoli. We had a great turnout of members to celebrate Oktoberfest and re-elect our current committee.
Next on the calendar was Motorclassica where we had a fantastic variety of cars, both old and new. As always, there was so much to see, do and eat! If you missed Motorclassica this year, make sure you put it in your calendar for next year!
On the same weekend but a few hundred kilometres away, BMWDCM had two teams attend the AROCA Winton 12 Hour. We had 9 club members competing and over 20 helpers for the weekend with one team finishing second and the other finishing 18th. Well done to all those who attended, it's a fantastic outcome!
The following weekend was the final round of the Garagistic E30 Racing Championship at Winton. Many of our members race in the E30 series and it was fantastic to see one of our members, Alex Jory finish the championship in second place after a very hard year of racing!
Our final event of the month was the Sandown Historics where we had over 50 cars on display over the weekend, despite the bad weather. One member, Kevin, also received a trophy for best on display! Well done Kevin.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: 417 MEMBERS
Welcome to all 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.
IMPORTANT MOTORSPORT NOTICE
There are some safety changes being introduced in 2020 that all existing and prospective competitors to club sprints should be aware of.
As all of our sprints and hill climbs are run under a CAMS permit and are classed as "Speed" events, the new regulations will affect some drivers that currently don't use Frontal Head Restraints, commonly known as HANS devices.
If you enter a Speed Event (a sprint or hill climb, etc) and your car either has a CAMS logbook or you run with a full harness and race seat, you must wear a Frontal Head Restraint and associated helmet.
If you drive a road registered car that only has standard seatbelts you will not have to wear a Frontal Head Restraint and associated helmet, you can use a helmet complying with AS 1698, as you can now.
So, for all events we run or take part in, you will need a proper motorsport helmet and FHR from Jan 1 2020 unless you drive a standard car with standard lap/sash seatbelt.
Click here to read the full update.
THE MONTH AHEAD
Here's our plans for November:
Sunday 17 November Castlemaine - Maldon Steam Train Drive Starting: McDonalds Wallan North Enjoy a drive along the back roads to the Victorian Goldfields, a trip in First Class on a heritage steam train and some time in the first 'notable town' in Victoria - Maldon.
Saturday 23 - Sunday 24 November Geelong Revival Geelong Two days of BMW displays, this year in prime position close to the pits and all the action! Saturday we are celebrating the 8 Series with an 8 Fest Display and Sunday we are celebrating the E30. Bring any car, any day, or both!
Friday 29 November - Sunday 2 December Multi Club Weekend Drive Join us for another fabulous weekend with our NSW and Canberra neighbours. The weekend will be based in beautiful Merimbula with plenty of scenic, sweeping drives. Click the event link for the full itinerary.
EVENTS AHEAD
Keep an eye on our calendar for events coming up, we’re always adding something new.
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MEMBER SERVICES
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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: Shannons Insurance, Traction Tyres and Zagame Autobody.
Dear Members,
There are some safety changes being introduced in 2020 that all existing or prospective competitors should be aware of.
As all of our sprints and hill climbs are run under CAMS Permits and are classed as "Speed" events, the new regulations will affect some drivers that currently don’t use Frontal Head Restraints (FHR), commonly known as HANS devices.
From 1 January 2020, it will become compulsory for all competitors in Speed events, such as club sprints, to wear a FHR in most circumstances.
The revised Schedule D can be found here.
The actual wording of the rule is as follows:
Frontal Head Restraints: The following changes to Schedule D of the CAMS Manual of Motor Sport have been issued in the Manual and in the February Edition of Speed Read (at page 42) as a recommendation for 2019, and will be compulsory as from 1/1/20: It is highly recommend that an FHR compliant with Standard A and a Helmet compliant with Standard A is worn when competing in:
a) Each 1st Category automobile, except for a Superkart or a 5th Category automobile which is exempt from the use of a FHR;
b) Each automobile the subject of a CAMS Log Book which applies a RACE, RALLY/ROAD, OFF ROAD or 5th CATEGORY classification whereby that automobile when used in an event applicable to its Log Book classification requires the mandatory use of a FHR.
NOTE: The use of a FHR is not required for a Road Registered automobile for a SPEED Event whereby the necessary equipment for the correct use of a FHR is not fitted to the automobile (i.e. 5/6 point safety harness).
The gist of it is, if you enter a Speed Event (a sprint or hill climb, etc) and your car either has a CAMS logbook or you run with a full harness and race seat, you must wear a FHR and associated helmet.
If you drive a road registered car that only has standard seatbelts you will not have to wear a FHR and associated helmet, you can use a helmet complying with AS 1698, as you can now.
So, for all events we run or take part in, you will need a motorsport helmet and FHR from 1 January 2020, unless you drive a standard car with standard lap/sash seatbelt.
Some may think it a little excessive, but what price do you put on your life in the event of an accident on a track? There have been a couple of big incidents on tracks in the last 12 months that show what can happen, and the results can be catastrophic if we don’t have the correct safety gear.
So, my advice is, keep an eye on the Christmas sales and the like at places like Revolution Racegear, the CAMS website and make sure you have an approved motorsport helmet and FHR ready to go for the first event next year, as you will not be able to compete if you don’t have them at an event.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.
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 CouncilCAMS Affiliated Motorsport Club
October was a very exciting month, starting with our first AGM, at the German Club Tivoli. It was a great turn out of members for our first annual elections, with the committee turning out in their German outfits, all looking very cool for a bit of Oktoberfest fun. Not sure if that scared everyone off from nominating for committee, but all positions were filled by those that were already incumbent, with no other nominations. We all appreciate your continued support and are very honoured to continue giving you the Club you all want. Food and service at the Tivoli club was outstanding and we are sure to be using this venue again for our AGM in the future.
Motorclassica, again brought out some wonderful BMW’s and our club had a fantastic variety of cars, both old and new. Lawrence ran a wonderful display, as usual, and we had a lot of interest from the public and passers-by. Thank you all for presenting your beautiful cars for all to see.
Further north, on the same weekend, was the AROCA Winton 12 hour. With 9 Club members driving and a host of over 20 helpers on board to support the two teams. If you have never been to this event and want to get involved in motorsport, this is one that will get you hooked very quickly, as it is a real team event. Team 1 with four drivers who are very new to the sport coming in 18th out of 36 teams and Team 2 with five drivers, with more experience, coming away second outright. This was an amazing result as we only do this event once a year and I was so proud of all the drivers and our whole team, who worked so hard to achieve these results. We must thank Bell Motorsport and Traction Tyres/Yokohama for their support of our teams in this event. For anyone wanting to go from Club Sprints to real racing, this event is with out a doubt the best event to do to prepare you for what lies beyond single car sprints. We also must thank the Alfa Club, who continue to run these events and also continue to ask us to come and join them.
The following weekend was the last round of the Garagistic E30 Racing Championship at Winton. A lot of our Members race their E30’s in this Championship and we will be forging much closer ties with the E30 Racing Club next year and beyond, as we continue to develop a continuing pathway for members to go from Club Sprints to racing. Congratulations to Founding Member Alex Jory, for finishing the 2019 E30 Championship in second place, after a very hard year of racing. Well done Alex!
Sandown Historics last weekend turned out to be an awesome weekend, with over 50 cars on display and even more members attending, despite the bad Melbourne weather on Saturday particularly, we still had an amazing display on both days. I must say this was one of the best turn outs we have ever had at this event, well done guys and gals. A very special thank you to those that came on Saturday, even though the forecast was for storms and hail as well as rain. Just shows how dedicated our members are to come and support their Club. Thank you! There were a few members out competing too, so it was great to be there to watch them out on track, as well as all the other action and displays to see.
Many of our members cars were awarded with best in class awards, which was a great result and made me very proud to see everyone there polishing and preening their cars even though it wasn’t the best of weather for it. Well done all.
Our Club is still growing, with membership now over 415 and I feel this is because of all our great turn outs at events and our friendly, welcoming members, who embraced all who come along and enquire about our club. The way you interact and treat prospective members is what makes us so strong and makes others want to be a part of our Club.
Coming up in November we have events such as Melbourne Cup SNS, Motors at the Mansion, November members meeting at Zagame Auto Body, Castlemaine – Maldon Steam Train Drive, Geelong Revival Weekend spectacular, Multi Club Weekend Away. Another very busy month ahead! As always, if you have an idea for an event, or go somewhere you think others would like, let us know. We are always open to suggestions and ideas for something new, or even something old we haven’t done for a while that you’d like to do again. All of the committee have their contact details on the web site and facebook group and are there for you to use anytime for any reason.
We have started on our 2020 calendar of events, both motorsport and social, so keep an eye on your emails or check the web site for coming events. We are working on some very, very exciting new events for 2020, so as soon as we have confirmation, we will let you know. But believe me, there are a couple of very special invitations we have received that everyone will want to get in on!
We now have our own bookings at Winton, Sandown, Broadford and Haunted Hills for our Drivers Championship, plus we are working on a trip to The Bend in South Australia, with the Drivers Club of SA., as well as a number of other events we are looking at trying to fit in to our championship calendar. In 2020 we will also be supporting the Alfa Club with running and entering some of their events, where we can, as we have in the past. As soon as we can confirm which events will make up our motorsport calendar, we will get it out to you all.
We have also had very positive discussions with a venue close to Melbourne, where we can run Motorkhana events and conduct low speed car control training next year. So again, keep an eye on the calendar for when we can schedule these days.
Looking like another very busy year in 2020 and I am sure you will love what we have in store for you.
Take care out there, see you at an event soon!
Although there is a lot of friendly rivalry between German car clubs we get on pretty well really. So it makes sense to have a combined German Auto Day. And the biggest German festival is Oktoberfest, so it makes sense to hold a German Auto Day in the Oktoberfest period.
You would have thought from the name that Oktoberfest takes place in October. But No! Just to prove that the Germans have a sense of humour it is predominantly in September. “Come to our Oktoberfest” “When in October is it?” “In September!” Hilarious.
Oktoberfest was originally a Bavarian celebration of the marriage of King Ludwig 1 in 1810 which got a bit out of hand and went on for a bit over two weeks. It still runs for two weeks but is now timed to end on or near German Unity Day (October 3 – marking the reunification of Germany) and celebrated in other parts of Germany and around the world.
But the joke does not seem to have made it outside Germany and most Oktoberfest events outside Germany (were a normal sense of humour prevails) are held in October.
As is the case with the Sydney German Auto Day, although it does not really claim to be an Oktoberfest event.
Shaaron and I had scheduled a return trip to our home of 32 years, Canberra, to see friends and attend a theatre performance we thought we would miss in Melbourne but in the event wouldn’t have but it was too late to book by then (don’t ask – too complicated) and I noticed that the NSW club had their annual Show and Shine at the Sydney German Auto Day on the Sunday at the end of our trip.
Well, Sydney is not much of a detour on the way home from Canberra. I know of three places which all truthfully claim to be halfway between Sydney and Melbourne – it just depends on the route.
So we tugged the 700 on a trailer up to Canberra. We left it in the safe hands of an ACT club member who just happens to run a car hotel (thanks Nick) so we could use my E90 320d to get about, and then picked it back up on Saturday afternoon to overnight in Sydney.
There are a few things about towing a trailer you may not think of until you try it. Such as parking at a motel. And not having to reverse back out of the car park! Where we stayed claimed to be bus and RV (recreational vehicle) friendly and had assured me by phone trailer parking would be reserved. Well, not really. At check in the guy pointed to one of the many CCTV screens covering the car park and pointed to 3 narrow right angle parking spaces “You can use these”. No way! Barely wide enough to parallel park the car by reversing and almost impossible to drive the car into forwards yet alone the trailer. Fortunately there was a completely empty rank of about 10 spaces which I could drive car and trailer into and out of and carry on around the building and out the other side (something I had checked was possible using satellite view on Google Maps).
The show itself was at the very scenic and expansive Gough Whitlam Park in Earlwood, just across the road from Tempe and close to the airport. It’s a very nice location with plenty of space.
Which is just as well as the show is big. There were over 100 BMWs there and easily 250 Mercedes. Canterbury BMW had their own display space which included the gorgeous M8 pre release car which was drool worthy in every respect apart from the trendy matte (sorry Frozen) finish which is not for me.
We were according a prime spot right at the entrance to the BMW area opposite a neat row of exquisite ‘02s. The range of cars was very good, from the 700 up to an i3 but there were more of the newer cars than I expected. There were 2 very nice JPS E30s that I spent some time taking to the owners of and a small collection of German micro cars (including Heinkel and NSU Prinz) which also provided grounds for an interesting chat.
We also caught up with a number of our friends in the NSW club and made a few new acquaintances.
The main purpose for making the trip was, as with all the shows I take the 700 to, is to let people see a car which is pretty rare (only 5 in Australia that I know of and only 2 ever go out and the other one not very often) and to tell the story of its role in saving BMW.
Thankfully, it seems to attract a lot of attention, many of whom had no knowledge of the car or the history. And this was the case in Sydney too, so job done.
A great event and an enjoyable day which was well worth the effort to go to.
On a slightly nerdy note, the trailer I used to get to Adelaide has a closed in front, all the better for protecting the car being carried. I was pretty pleased to get 10.1 l/100 km for the entire trip. The trailer I took to Canberra does not have a close in front, the route has many more significant grades, yet the overall trip consumption was 8.3 l/100 km. Still very good for a combo unit and a graphic example of the role of aerodynamic drag.
Lawrence Glynn | Member #3 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
City traffic is really its forte but sometimes the MINI simply has to get out and about. Enjoying some fresh air, shaking off the everyday blues – a day’s excursion or a weekend trip generally does the trick. In northern Germany, the MINI is usually drawn to the coast, a region where “moin” is generally the right greeting whatever the time of day. There’s almost always a refreshing breeze, and large numbers of wind turbines are making a significant contribution to the energy turnaround. In this landscape, the first all-electric model from the British premium brand is naturally enough a particularly good fit. And thanks to the latest battery-cell technology, there’s no impediment to taking the new MINI Cooper SE (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined electricity consumption: 16.8 – 14.8 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) on the short trip from the Hanseatic city of Hamburg to the island of Sylt in the North Sea.
In fact, with its range of between 235 and 270 kilometres, the new MINI Cooper SE is absolutely ideal for getting out of town, and enjoying local zero-emission driving fun through the surrounding countryside. Powered by its 135 kW/184 hp electric motor, the car only reaches its limit on fast-moving motorway stages at 150 km/h – an artificial limit established for reasons of efficiency. The energy required for this is provided by a high-voltage battery designed specifically for this model and with the latest cell technology delivering gross energy content of 32.6 kilowatt hours. It is made up of twelve modules arranged in a T-shaped configuration deep in the floor of the new MINI Cooper SE. The volume of the luggage compartment of between 211 and 731 litres is consequently just as big as in the conventionally powered MINI 3-door automobile.
The trip to Sylt, or “to the island”, as it is known by local people from Hamburg, can commence with fully charged battery and comfortably stowed weekend luggage. A journey of just under 200 kilometres takes you from the Hamburg city limits to the holiday island located at the top left-hand side of a map of Germany, although the all-electric MINI will not have to do the last leg of the journey under its own steam. In Niebüll, it is loaded onto the Sylt Shuttle run by German Rail. The train rattles to its destination on the single-track causeway along the Hindenburg Dam. The mud flats can be seen stretching for kilometres on end to the right and left, while the remaining kilowatt hours stored in the battery of the new MINI cooper SE can be saved for an introductory foray across the island.
Naturally, enough electricity is also available on Sylt. And contrary to a lot of other things, power is no more expensive than on the mainland. The most valuable commodity here is time. Every minute on Germany’s northernmost island deserves to be savoured. And the best way to enjoy that time is to embark on an excursion among the wonderful world of dunes. There are no electric sockets for miles and miles but the energy generated by the waves and the wind is a very real presence.
Anybody who wants to get to know Sylt needs to experience both sides of the island. There is the dune landscape with kilometre after kilometre of sandy beaches stretching from Hörnum in the south to the “Elbow” spit beyond List in the north. Then there is the side of the island bordering the mud flats with their lush green meadows, the fashionable Hanseatic town of Keitum and picturesque harbours like Munkmarsch. The busy streets of the island’s capital of Westerland, the stylish bars and traditional restaurants in Kampen, and the untouched natural world on the Morsum cliff are best explored on foot, while the MINI Cooper SE is connected to the power grid to have its batteries charged for the return journey. Three and a half hours connected to a wall box are sufficient for a full charge – but nobody wants to be in a hurry on Sylt. A conventional household electricity socket is also sufficient. And if you happen to be in a tearing hurry, the battery of the new MINI Cooper SE can be recharged to 80 percent at a quick-charging station with power of up to 50 kW in just 35 minutes.
Most visitors can never get enough of the fresh air on the North Sea. A diversion is therefore selected for the trip back home. From List, a ferry takes visitors back to the mainland. It makes a stop on the Danish island of Rømø. Insider information: A charging station has been installed on board the “Sylt Express” and this allows the MINI Cooper SE to recharge its high voltage battery with electricity right “to the brim”. The crossing lasts 40 minutes and is quite long enough. The additional charge of electricity is included in the price of the crossing.
Recharged with new vigour, the MINI Cooper SE rolls along the causeway that connects Rømø with the mainland and then travels south across the border between Denmark and Germany. The all-electric car is particularly economical in its GREEN+ drive mode. Additional range can be gained with the accelerator response optimised for efficiency and deactivated heating or air-conditioning. Just before the Dithmarscher Geest motorway parking layby, a wonderfully long right-hand bend on a slight ascent encourages a rather higher speed. Ultimately, the vehicle’s low centre of gravity means that the MINI Cooper SE hugs the road. Otherwise, it cruises along and on the descent from the bridge over the canal between the North Sea and the Baltic, the batteries can even undergo modest recuperation.
The car then continues its journey to the centre of Hamburg. A multicoloured sea of light along the Reeperbahn entertainment mile gives the impression that electricity is limitless. Conversely, it’s about time the MINI Cooper SE was recharged. Fortunately, the Hanseatic city has a relatively good supply of charging stations and it’s easy to find a parking space with a charging point, with a bit of luck near the harbour. You never know, maybe the driver would like to breathe in a bit more bracing sea air.
BMW PRESS
After a cold and wet start to the day it was great to be part of our club display at this years 2019 Historic Sandown event. Meeting up beforehand with the club gave enough time to say hello and admire each other's BMWs, excellent turn out of cars and friendly people!
We then moved onto the grounds to a great spot trackside, perfect to see and hear all the action on the main straight and show off our pride and joy.
As the rain cleared on and off the track the action really revved up, the sounds, sights and smell's didn't disappoint! Everything from roaring V8's, Open wheelers, Touring cars, Sports sedans, Mighty Mini's, Turbo's and Rotary's and more!
A very friendly atmosphere all round with access to all sorts of interesting and exotic cars and the people involved with them made for many great chats around the pits and open area's throughout the day.
To see and hear many of these 'old racers' in action and being part of our club display made for an intoxicating day, I would highly recommend checking out this event or any other BMWDCM events for that matter....and to top it off my BMW took out a class trophy for best on display!
A big thankyou to Graeme Bell for his hard work in challenging weather, and for organising our club display and making BMWDCM presence known!
Kevin Glen | Member #223 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
The Sandown historics event was a lot of fun.
We had a great view of the races at the BMW display area and especially of the pits, this was all visible from the leathers of my own car. We could see and listen to all of the old race cars that entered the track before the race which was great.
A lot of cars were on display at the event, and most importantly a great range of BMW’s from old to new. I loved spending time with other BMW enthusiasts and seeing all the people come together for a common passion. I got to know some more of our members and got some great tips and information about my E36, which was really helpful and fun to learn.
I am excited for the next Sprint day, when I can get my car on to the track and unleash some pure BMW horsepower.
Thanks for the invite to put my car on display, I was very proud, and we had a great day.
Tom Fry | Member #349 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
If you have ever watched the Tour de France on TV (or in France!) and seen the stream of cyclists making their way along streets lined with cheering folk with banners and signs making a jolly spectacle, then you have a bit of an idea what the Bay to Birdwood is like.
In place of cyclists there were 1748 classic cars built between 1956 and 1986. Unlike the Tour de France the event is not timed or competitive in any way. But otherwise, the atmosphere is very much the same. A lot of fun.
As the name of the event infers, it starts at a Bay, Holdfast Bay to be precise but you may recognise the general area better as Glenelg a little south-west of Adelaide, and finishes at Birdwood in the Adelaide Hills where the National Motor Museum is. The drive route includes some closed roads, some café strips, some interesting climbs and a surprisingly large number of spectators.
And hats off to the organisers. This is a seriously big event which runs like clockwork.
There are four entry classes, Concours, Preservation, Special Interest and General. Concours and Preservation are judged, the rest are not. I elected to put the 700 in the Preservation class, not because I thought it might win but because that got us into one of the first groups away and one of the best parking spots when we reached the Museum.
I’ve done this before and learnt (with my E21 JPS two years ago)!
The Special Interest group is for models selected by the organisers because they have significant anniversaries. This year this included over 120 Minis celebrating 60 years of Mini and about 15 Haflingers (amazing 4x4s a mere 3.5 m long with a 643cc air cooled flat twin which can traverse just about any terrain you can think of – if they get stick 4 guys can just pick them up!).
The start point is at Barrat Reserve at West Beach, and each entry class has a designated area but the order within each area is simply arrival order. With 1748 cars to marshal attempting anything else would be madness. Each car has an entry number and class letter to be placed on the left headlamp or left side of the screen so the marshals know where to send you. Simple and effective.
Gates open at 6am, first cars away at 8:30am with any late comers directed around the reserve so as to not clash with outgoing traffic. A pair of commentators keep up with the flow of cars as best they can, not every car gets a mention. We were on the road at about 8:40 but the last of the starters would still be there at 10. That’s an average of 20 cars a minute so not as slow as it sounds.
Waved and cheered on by the crowds we set off on the hour or so drive in amongst a group of Minis and Haflingers with an SA Club member Alvin in his Isetta further up the road but not yet in sight. A string of traffic lights broke the groups up but we quickly reformed once past the city.
Some of the spectators clearly make quite a thing out of, there were BBQs, a huge open fire in a large drum with a spit over the top cooking what looked like a very large pig, deck chairs, people sitting on tailgates, flags, support groups for particular marques, some cars worthy of being in the cavalcade, children, the lot. And all happy.
Absolutely brilliant atmosphere. We were smiling the whole way and giving the Mins a run for their money up the hills.
We got within sight of the Isetta at one point but a red light slowed us done and after that we did not see it again until it reached the Museum – he’d stopped for fuel half way because he ran out on his last outing meant no longer trusted his fuel consumption calculations. I had offered to tow him if the hills proved too much – which was a possibility as, without wishing to be rude, he almost doubled the weight of the car simply by stepping in!
Once at the Museum we parked up in the reserved area, right by the Museum buildings, put our chairs under the eaves meaning we had shaded seating all day within easy reach of the food vans etc and the main displays. The judges came and did their thing. No prize for us but Alvin won Concours so we could share the joy.
I have no idea how many people there were there, but it was a huge and happy crowd and about half of those I spoke to had not driven a car up. So, maybe 2000+ as some cars elect to not stop at the Museum. And some people never get out of the general class car parks – there is so much to see.
Entry to the Museum is free and, as the exhibits rotate regularly, I enjoyed looking around inside as well as out.
It is a long trip to Adelaide but it is well worth the effort. And, yes, we did take the 700 on a trailer, housing it and the trailer overnight in the workshops of a fellow 700 owner (Thanks Mario).
Usually the Bay to Birdwood alternates between pre 1956 vehicles and 1956 – 1986. However, next year will be the 40th anniversary of the event and the plan is for there to be 800 antique, veteran and vintage vehicles, 800 1956 – 1980 vehicles, 100 1980 – 1990 vehicles and 50 special interest vehicles. Entries are expected open in mid January – so it’s well worth a thought.
The new BMW 3 Series range has taken on a more sporting flavour than ever before, as the presence of two top-class athletes at the sharp end of the line-up clearly illustrates. From November 2019, the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 7.4 – 7.0 l/100 km [38.2 – 40.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 168 – 160 g/km) will be joined in the range by the BMW M340i xDrive Touring (fuel consumption combined: 7.6 – 7.2 l/100 km [37.2 – 39.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 172 – 163 g/km). Powertrain and chassis technology developed with race track expertise from BMW M GmbH, distinctive design cues, exclusive standard specification and a cockpit created for the enjoyment of driving pleasure at its most intense treat those on board to a performance experience head and shoulders above anything else in the midsize premium segment. From November 2019, the Sedan and Touring models will also be available in BMW M340i First Edition guise. Limited to 340 units in each case, the First Edition will include particularly enticing design and equipment features. The new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and BMW M340i xDrive Touring represent a highly concentrated distillation of the sporting essence that enshrines the 3 Series as the definitive BMW and has set it apart from the competition for over 40 years. The original BMW 3 Series made its mark at launch in 1975 with its strikingly agile handling qualities. And the Touring model – which took to the stage for the first time with the arrival of the second-generation “3” – combined its trailblazing versatility with signature BMW dynamics. Powerful engines (most notably of the six-cylinder in-line variety), consistently upgraded chassis technology and the all-wheel-drive system first introduced on the 3 Series have been serving up a matchless driving experience ever since. In the model’s latest incarnation, BMW M adds extra depth to the dynamic potency at hand. A 275 kW/374 hp straight-six unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology, an M Sport differential, M Sport suspension including variable sport steering and M Sport brakes, plus bespoke M exterior features with optimised aerodynamic properties form a flawlessly composed overall package designed to maximise performance. The new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan powers from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds, the new BMW M340i xDrive Touring in 4.5 seconds. This makes both models half a second quicker than the range-topping variants of the outgoing 3 Series.
Exceptional power: six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology develops 275 kW/374 hp.
The six-cylinder in-line engine developed exclusively for the new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and BMW M340i xDrive Touring stands out with its instantaneous power delivery and appetite for revs, combined with the smoothness for which BMW engines are renowned and unrivalled levels of efficiency for its output class. The 3.0-litre power unit features an aluminium crankcase with a closed-deck construction and a likewise alloy cylinder head. Weight-minimised pistons and con rods and a crankshaft made from forged steel increase internal engine efficiency. Frictional losses are reduced through a process known as ‘form honing’ for the cylinder bores in the crankcase and by means of their wire-arc sprayed steel coating. The new straight-six generates 275 kW/374 hp, an increase of 35 kW/48 hp on the engine powering the previous range-topping models, while peak torque is up by 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) to 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). Its M TwinPower Turbo technology includes a twin-scroll turbocharger with indirect charge air cooling integrated into the intake system, latest-generation High Precision Injection direct petrol injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing for the intake and exhaust sides. Integrating the turbocharging system into the cast-steel manifold results in a remarkably compact design and, at the same time, means the exhaust flow only has to travel a short distance, allowing charge pressure to develop rapidly from low revs. The turbine’s responsiveness is further enhanced by a reduction in the mass moment of inertia of some 25 per cent. And a wide-opening, electrically controlled wastegate helps to keep emissions down. The maximum operating pressure of the direct injection system, with its cantilevered injectors, has been increased from 200 to 350 bar. This optimises fuel metering and minimises the engine’s emissions.
M Technic Package with optimised cooling system available as an option for the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan.
The highly efficient cooling system in the new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and BMW M340i xDrive Touring keeps the engine, transmission and brakes at their ideal operating temperature not only in everyday driving, but also when the cars are pushed to their sporting extremes. It comprises a high-temperature and a low-temperature circuit, plus indirect charge air cooling. A split-cooling valve makes it possible to temporarily shut off crankcase cooling, thereby optimising warm-up behaviour. Also available as an option for the new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan is the M Technic Package, which adds two remote coolant radiators to meet the particularly high demands placed on temperature management at the outer limits of sporty driving – especially in high ambient temperatures.
Standard M Sport exhaust system generates emotionally rich soundtrack.
The new six-cylinder in-line engine delivers its prodigious power to a highly distinctive backing track afforded even greater resonance by the standard M Sport exhaust system. The flap-controlled system hits a particularly rich and thrilling note when SPORT or SPORT+ mode is engaged using the Driving Experience Control switch. The sound accompanying the burgeoning swell of engine power creates a spine-tingling acoustic experience for the occupants of the new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and BMW M340i xDrive Touring. The dual-branch, twin-tailpipe exhaust system incorporates two petrol particulate filters, enabling the BMW M duo to satisfy the stipulations of the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard.
Eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, intelligent all-wheel drive and M Sport differential as standard.
The new straight-six power unit teams up as standard with the latest-generation eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, standout features of which include an optimised hydraulic control system, low converter slip, effective damping of rotational irregularities and extremely sporty gear shifts. The ratio spacing is perfectly attuned to the engine’s performance characteristics, and so lends itself to pulsating bursts of speed, while enhancing both driving comfort and efficiency. The selector lever and standard shift paddles on the steering wheel can both be used to assume manual control of the gear selection process. There is also a Launch Control function for accelerating off the line with maximum dynamic intent. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system in the new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and BMW M340i xDrive Touring enables fully variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear wheels using an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. BMW xDrive works in tandem with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system and reacts to changes in the driving situation with great precision and in a fraction of a second, maximising traction, agility and handling stability in all weather and road surface conditions, and when the cars’ sporting capabilities are put to the test. The system’s rear-biased setup helps to produce the driving experience expected of an M car, and is especially pronounced with the Driving Experience Control switch set to SPORT or SPORT+ mode. The strategic apportioning of even more power to the rear wheels increases agility when turning into corners, in particular. The new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and new BMW M340i xDrive Touring are also equipped with the M Sport differential as standard. The electronically controlled, fully variable locking function in the rear differential brings about an appreciable improvement in traction and cornering prowess and also boosts directional stability and agility. The locking effect generated by an electric motor limits speed equalisation between the inside and outside rear wheel when cornering, allowing the driver to power out of bends with extraordinary dynamic verve. Governed by the DSC system, the locking function for the rear differential also improves traction and power transmission when driving on road surfaces with differing levels of grip for the left and right rear wheels by preventing a wheel from spinning when it is struggling for purchase. Together with BMW xDrive all-wheel drive, this ensures power is channelled onto the road to maximum agility- and dynamism-enhancing effect.
M Sport suspension and variable sport steering.
The chassis technology developed for the new BMW 3 Series range has all the tools to deliver extremely sporty handling characteristics. With their minimised weight and maximised rigidity, the components of the double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle sharpen cornering dynamics and steering precision, as do the wide tracks and optimum wheel camber settings. The M Sport suspension included as standard on the new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and new BMW M340i xDrive Touring lowers their ride height by ten millimetres, and features M-specific elastokinematic properties and lift-related dampers. The damper control configuration making its debut in the new BMW 3 Series reduces body movement perceptibly when smoothing out vibrations caused by bumpy road surfaces and dynamic cornering. The result is sporty, authoritative handling. This setup adds extra hydraulic damping on rebound at the front axle and a compression-limiting system at the rear. It is continuously variable and adjusts the damper firmness progressively according to changing spring travel. Customers also have the option of Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. These dampers respond adaptively to road surface conditions and driving style in order to eliminate undesired body movement. To this end, the compression and rebound stages are both adjusted continuously and independently of one another. This enables finely metered spring and damping responses, supplying the driver with only relevant information about the road surface. Damping characteristics can be adjusted via the Driving Experience Control switch. SPORT and SPORT+ modes optimise the cars’ ability to provide dynamic handling, creating a noticeable contrast to the more comfort-oriented damper responses in COMFORT and ECO PRO modes. Variable sport steering is another element of the M Sport suspension and Adaptive M suspension packages. Combining Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance with a variable ratio that adjusts to changes in the steering angle, it helps to give the cars superb straightline poise while also lending itself to effortless low-speed turning and manoeuvring. The variable sport steering’s sharp, precise response enhances agility on turn-in, too. M Sport brakes and M light-alloy wheels with mixed-size tyres.
Outstanding stopping power is delivered by the likewise standard M Sport brakes, whose extremely sporty setup is headlined by short pedal travel and a distinct pressure point. This braking system features a particularly direct pedal ratio together with a special hydraulic configuration comprising four-piston fixed callipers and 348-millimetre discs at the front wheels and single-piston floating callipers with 345-millimetre discs at the rear. The blue-painted callipers bear the M logo. When specified with the optional M Technic Package, the new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan comes equipped with bespoke M Sport brakes, whose four-piston fixed callipers at the front wheels exert their stopping power on larger 374-millimetre discs. The new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and BMW M340i xDrive Touring ride as standard on bespoke 18-inch M light-alloy wheels shod with mixed-size tyres measuring 225/45 R 18 at the front and 255/40 R 18 at the rear. Likewise model-specific 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in three designs can be found on the options list along with 19-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels, again with mixed-size tyres. The high-performance tyres available as an option for the 19-inch M light-alloy wheels enable highly effective transmission of longitudinal and lateral forces.
M-specific design features with optimised aerodynamic properties, top-class standard specification.
The new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and new BMW M340i xDrive Touring waste no time in showcasing their superior performance qualities with a number of standalone, M-specific design features. The front apron, side skirts and rear end have all been crafted to optimise supply of cooling air and the cars’ aerodynamic properties. The bespoke design elements also include the mesh-design BMW kidney grille and trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes. The new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan also sports a body-coloured M rear spoiler. BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim and the Cerium Grey metallic finish for the exterior mirror caps, the air intake trim in the front bumper, the surface of the BMW kidney grille mesh and its surround, the tailpipes and the model badge all add to the exclusive look. M-specific design and equipment features inside both models help to focus the occupants’ attention on the dynamic driving experience laid on for them. Standard appointments include sports seats for the driver and front passenger upholstered in an M-specific combination of Sensatec and Alcantara with contrast quilting in Blue, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and shift paddles, a BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite, M pedals, M-specific floor mats and interior trim strips in Aluminium Tetragon with accent strips in Pearl-effect Chrome. ‘M340i’ lettering appears in the digital instrument cluster and also adorns the front door sill plates. As well as their bespoke powertrain and chassis technology and model-specific exterior and interior design features, the new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and BMW M340i xDrive Touring are also equipped as standard with three-zone automatic climate control (including separate control of the temperature and ventilation settings both for the driver and front passenger side and the rear passenger compartment), ambient lighting, extended storage and an automatically dimming rear-view mirror. Other items on the standard equipment roster for the high-performance siblings include Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear, BMW Live Cockpit Plus complete with navigation system and an 8.8-inch Control Display, and the Connected Package Plus including Real Time Traffic Information, Remote Services, Concierge Services and Apple CarPlay preparation. Taking pole position: the BMW M340i First Edition.
An exclusive special-edition version of the two range-topping models will also be offered from the launch of the new BMW M340i xDrive Touring in November 2019. The BMW M340i First Edition will be available in both Sedan and Touring guise and offered in selected markets – including Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, the Middle East, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. The limited run of 340 units of each model version will come with a selection of exceptionally attractive design and equipment features. The BMW Individual paint finish in Frozen Dark Grey metallic, BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim with extended features and 19-inch M light-alloy wheels mark the Edition models out clearly as the pinnacle of sportiness and exclusivity. Moving inside, BMW Individual Merino full leather trim in an exclusive Fjord Blue/Silverstone bi-colour variant, a leather-covered BMW Individual instrument panel and M seat belts create an inimitable cabin ambience. BMW Individual interior trim elements in High-gloss Aluminium weave and with “M340i First Edition 1/340” badging add the finishing touches.
No sleep in this Sunday, we all wake up nice and early, giving our cars a once over to look their best before heading off and meeting around the corner of the Melbourne Exhibition Building. As a few of chatted, Lawrence Glynn arrives in his sleek JPS black and gold E21 3 Series Coupe.
As well organised as this club is, we are presented with a line up sequence and a statement for each car model to be placed on our windscreens once in place for display.
Once inside, parked under the trees in a line pointing our cars noses slightly towards other car marques, Lawrence present us with a club windscreen banners and euro style number plate covers, making us look more united as a well presented club.
As the later part of the morning set in, we all took the opportunity to explore other marques of cars involved in ‘Club Sandwich’ (External displays) as well as appreciating the classics on display inside the Exhibition buildings.
Throughout the day, there were always several club members not far from our line up, more than happy to discuss with admirers some history on each car (some of this information we learnt from each other that very morning in our casual discussions).
The sun was our friend throughout the day, with the smell of the food vans and coffee and Bathurst being broadcasted on the big-screen in a beer garden, the day was a pleasant day out for us all.
As the shadows slowly made their way east, the day was coming to an end. Lucky for us, we were the last to be placed on show, therefore, we were the first to leave. Shaking hands of known, and for the first-time-meeting other, members, we all said goodbye and headed our separate ways home.
Paul Holliday | Member #296 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Wow. Just wow. What a great weekend at Winton with the Bell Motorsport team for the Alfa 12 hour.
I could hardly sleep Wednesday night as Thursday was an early start to pick up a car trailer, load up the car and head up the Hume to Winton. Sorry to my neighbours for the 5am clunking and ratcheting the car into the trailer. Next time I’ll just drive the nearly race car to the track!
Car unloaded at Winton, a few quick laps and off to work Thursday arvo. Winton in their scheduling wisdom had a bike race on the track on the Friday before the 12 hour so Thursday was the test day. So now we share a race track with cyclists. Good grief.
Nominated times sorted, “Daz I reckon you’re quicker than that” says team manager Graeme Bell. “Nah, no way, it’s a 318i M10 with carpet and the pax seat still in. Even the radio and front speakers are still in, 2:02 is about right I reckon.”
This event is a regularity event where when you drive within 1 second of your nominated time but no faster, you get bonus laps. So I needed to hit 2:02.000 to 2:02.999 to get the bonus laps for our team.
Long story short, I hit it 16 times over the weekend but went faster 14 times (they deduct a lap) so gave the team a whole 2 laps bonus. I've got a bit to learn - at least it wasn’t negative though!
Out of 37 teams we finished 18th with Stuart Clarke, Walter Buehler and Rod Martin contributing brilliantly.
The exciting thing was to see our other team take out second. They were good, but we knew that anyway!
Of course, nothing happens without some amazing volunteers so thanks to Jo Mawson, Graeme Bell, Angelo & Sam Carideo, Jacqui Kertes, Simon de Lisle and Dan Forrest and Anton Bergman for the pit wall timing, food, drink and encouragement.
Hopefully I get to do this again and improve on 2019.
Darryl O'Neill | Member #52 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
There are countless tasks involved in keeping two cars racing around a track for 12 hours. Fuel, tyre pressures, drinks, safety equipment, paperwork, driver briefings, scrutineering checks, monitoring lap times, using pit boards to pass on the lap times to the drivers, accommodation, car trailers, and running repairs to the cars, to name but a few. Jo and Graeme are gurus in bringing all of these elements together, but it still requires many hands to make it happen. So when I signed up as a helper for the BMWDCM teams at the Winton 12 Hour, I had no idea what tasks would be involved, but it was sure to be action packed.
My first task was to help with the signing in the 250-odd drivers following Saturday morning’s driver briefing. Licences were checked, signatures were obtained and then the drivers were given the wristbands needed to go racing for the day.
The track was very wet from the night before, but likely to dry out through the day. This caused much chin-scratching in the pits trying to figure out what to nominate as the target time for each driver.
I would never have guessed that the race start would see a few of us on the starting grid to do a push-start, but that’s how the race started for Team #2. With the racing underway, obtaining the lap times from the official timing screen was critical. So that we didn’t go cross-eyed from staring at the scrolling numbers, a few of us took turns at either watching for our cars to cross the finish line, reading the times from the screen and announcing the times on CB radio so that Anton could work his magic with the lap times board. As the afternoon rolled on, we got into a rhythm of tracking the lap times, with much excitement in the pits whenever a lap time resulted in bonus points.
Day two saw us pick up where we left off, and with bonus points rolling in frequently it was a great atmosphere in the our garage. With two teams operating out of the same garage, the big challenge was to not lose focus on the car still on track whenever there was a flurry of activity in the pits, such as when one car entered the pits and passed the baton over to the next car.
In the afternoon, I was assigned to be one of the pit lane marshalls. The goal of this task is to avoid any pit crew members getting run over by cars travelling down pit lane, and I am pleased to report that this was successful. I barely saw any of the BMWDCM cars during this time, as the well-oiled machine was busy scoring points rather than squandering time in the pits. On the other hand, it was quite amusing to see several other teams making frantic pit stops to change drivers in the final 10 minutes of a 12 hour race!
With a podium finish for one of the teams, the awards ceremony was the icing on the cake. I am very proud to have played a part and had a great time throughout the weekend.
Simon De Lisle | Member #430 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
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