Well what can I say? Just the most fun you can have without breaking any laws!
I borrowed a race car from Bell Motorsport for a BMW Driver’s Club Melbourne track day at Winton. While I had been to Winton before, it wasn’t in a race prepared BMW E30.
I was able to tow it up in convoy with the Bell Motorsport team and drop it off with them to the track.
A good dinner together at the Royal in Benalla and a sleep like a kid on Christmas Eve and Saturday arrived. Groups were organised and before I knew it, I’m on the track in Jess Bell’s E30 race car and having a ball.
If you’re thinking about doing this then I highly recommend it. You can thank me later.
You’re Welcome.
Darryl O'Neill | Member #52 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Having taken part and loving a couple of the earlier track day events this year, I can attest that the latest BMWDCM event (Round 5) at Winton on was also a success.
It was combined with Round 6 of the NSW Club's ‘Supersprint’, which basically was a Vic v NSW BMW clubs showdown.
NSW took the title, but only by a small margin. 1000 odd points, to Vic’s well over 900. Jo and Graeme were very graceful in presenting the trophy to our friends from across the border. But the challenge is on again for next year and I can’t wait.
I normally take part in my X5 or 5’er, but have now gone all out and bought an E30 Race Car through Bell Motorsport. My new, older, toy is an absolute bundle of fun and excitement.
No Driver Assists (what so ever), no electronics, no comforts, no tricks, and plenty of noises and clutters from somewhere under the car. But, a whole lot of fun!!!
Like a professional, I had the car loaded onto trailer the night before.
The day consisted of; taking off at 04:45 for an approximate 08:00 arrival, unloading, preparing, scrutineering, checking out all these other beautiful cars, driving round and round the circuit, presentations and speeches, loading/packing up, and getting back home around 20:00. Absolutely knackered. Yet, I’d do it all again, tomorrow.
Most importantly, it wasn’t just about ‘car stuff’ and driving egos (mostly mine haha), but meeting and speaking with a great bunch of like-minded guys and gals.
It’s amazing whom you meet, share life experiences with, discuss hobbies, professions, families, health, and let all sorts of things off your chest.
MOTORSPORT - it seems, is what the doctor ordered.
Just let go, switch off, and have non-judgemental fun!
Walter Buehler | Member #38 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
The plant’s own battery facility now produces the new fourth-generation batteries. These are intended for the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW X5 and the future BMW X3, also produced in Spartanburg.
“We have invested around ten million US dollars in a new battery assembly line and expanded the area to more than 8,000 square metres. This means we could double the number of batteries produced if needed to meet market demand,” explains Michael Nikolaides, Senior Vice President Engines and Electrified Drivetrains, BMW Group.
The new assembly line will be able to produce different types of fourth-generation batteries to serve the growing range of electrified vehicles locally. These batteries are based on a new technology concept that further enhances their performance.
More than 120 people will be employed in battery production at Plant Spartanburg by the end of the year, having completed a comprehensive training programme to acquire the technological know-how needed for battery production.
“We have produced batteries on site at Plant Spartanburg since 2015 – making the BMW Group a pioneer for electromobility in the US,” says Knudt Flor, President and CEO, BMW Manufacturing, Co., LLC. In the past four years, the plant’s battery assembly team has produced a total of more than 45,000 batteries.
Further investment in production of BMW X5 and BMW X3 plug-in hybrids Between 2015 and 2018, BMW Group Plant Spartanburg built the first series produced plug-in hybrid vehicle, the BMW X5 xDrive40e (combined fuel consumption: 3,3 l/100km; combined power consumption: 15,3 kWh/100km ; combined CO2-emission: 77 g/km), for the core BMW brand. The start of production for the new BMW X5 xDrive45e (combined fuel consumption: 2,0-1,7 l/100km*; combined power consumption: 23,5-20,3 kWh/100km*; combined CO2-emission: 47-39 g/km*) will be in August 2019; production of the BMW X3 xDrive30e (combined fuel consumption: from 2,4 l/100 km*; combined power consumption: from 22,7 kWh/100 km*; combined CO2-emission: from 56 g/km*; provisional figures) will get underway in December.
“The BMW X5 and BMW X3 are currently among the top-selling BMW models in the US. We expect their plug-in hybrid variants to be just as popular with customers,” adds Flor.
Since the start of the year, the BMW Group has invested a further ten million US dollars in production of plug-in hybrid models. An additional 225 vehicle assembly workers received training in the production of electrified vehicles, adding to the Plant’s already skilled staff.
International production network for batteries The BMW Group currently has three battery facilities: at the Competence Centre for E-drive Production at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Germany, at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the US and at Plant Powertrain of its joint venture, BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA). The BMW Group also produces batteries for local car production in cooperation with a partner in Thailand. The BMW Group’s battery research and pilot plant are located in Munich.
BMW PRESS
Co-written by Simeon Taylor and his daughter, Elsie Taylor (aged 9)
We started our Christmas adventure by having a lovely breakfast at the Steakhouse HQ, warm inside, cold and stormy outside. Then we started to drive out of the town it was very peaceful; the rain, the occasional car coming through, the beautiful scenery and Christmas vibe.
Simeon: Kinda peaceful, but heading out there was a lot of traffic spreading the convoy far and wide.
We kept going like that for while then we stopped in Darnum for a quick break, it was FREEZING and went on our way.
Simeon: At the stop I was checking out this cool e30 3 series one family had come in - it had V8 shoehorned into it. Sounded great.
On the way it was very bumpy or as my dad likes to say "exciting".
Simeon: It was also a very beautiful area to drive through, with giant tree canopies and mountainscapes. Our younger 4yr old daughter declared at least three times that this is where she wanted to move to.
We finally got to the Tool Shed pub in Noojee and we all went in. Some, like my Dad, wandered into the wrong building but found us eventually.
Simeon: The sun was out, we were all chatting about a good drive, just following the people in front of us.
Most of us had received our first course, when we were greeted by a black out. The lights stuttered then went out and the emergency lights came on.
Simeon: It lasted a few minutes, and they got back-up power on pretty soon. That only failed once when they had to refill the diesel.
Then all the kids were called to the front and given a little stocking stuffed with delicious candy. 'Attention please,' called out Jo, who was dressed as a snowman. 'We would like to thank Peter for organising this lovely trip'. And with that Peter was presented with a round of applause and his very own badge for drive co-ordinator. Next they had the presentation for best Christmas outfit. It went to Mal, he was wearing a bush hat and covered in Xmas bonbons!
After that there was lots of prizes in the raffle, we didn't win any. Then we all finished eating and went home.
Simeon: Rain was back by then, still lovely driving through this beautiful area.
Simeon and Elsie Taylor | Member #168 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Since 2018, the BMW Group has been using various AI applications in series production. One focus is automated image recognition: In these processes, artificial intelligence evaluates component images in ongoing production and compares them in milliseconds to hundreds of other images of the same sequence. This way, the AI application determines deviations from the standard in real time and checks, for instance, whether all required parts have been mounted and whether they are mounted in the right place.
The innovative technology is fast, reliable and, most importantly, easy to use. Christian Patron, Head of Innovation, Digitalization and Data Analytics at BMW Group Production: “Artificial intelligence offers great potential. It helps us maintain our high quality standards and at the same time relieves our people of repetitive tasks.”
At the BMW Group, flexible, cost-effective, AI-based applications are gradually replacing permanently installed camera portals. The implementation is rather simple. A mobile standard camera is all that is needed to take the relevant pictures in production. The AI solution can be set up quickly too: Employees take pictures of the component from different angles and mark potential deviations on the images. This way, they create an image database in order to build a so-called neural network, which can later evaluate the images without human intervention. Employees do not have to write code; the algorithm does that virtually on its own. At the training stage, which may mean overnight, a high-performance server calculates the neural network from around 100 images, and the network immediately starts optimizing. After a test run and possibly some adjustments, the reliability reaches 100%. The learning process is completed and the neural network can now determine on its own whether or not a component meets the specifications.
Even moving objects are reliably identified largely independent of factors such as lighting in the production area or the exact camera position. This opens up a wide range of potential applications along the entire automotive process chain, including logistics. In many cases, the AI technology relieves employees of repetitive, monotonous tasks such as checking whether the warning triangle is in the right place in the trunk or whether the windscreen wiper cap has been put on.
Artificial intelligence can also perform more demanding inspection tasks. In the final inspection area at the BMW Group’s Dingolfing plant, an AI application compares the vehicle order data with a live image of the model designation of the newly produced car. Model designations and other identification plates such as “xDrive” for four-wheel drive vehicles as well as all generally approved combinations are stored in the image database. If the live image and order data don’t correspond, for example if a designation is missing, the final inspection team receives a notification.
Christian Patron: “We rely entirely on the experience and expertise of our employees in these efforts. They can judge best at which production steps an AI application may improve quality and efficiency. We deliberately keep the setup and implementation of such applications simple. Their operation requires no advanced IT proficiency.”
AI eliminates pseudo-defects At the press shop, flat sheet metal parts are turned into high-precision components for the car body. Dust particles or oil residues that remain on the components after forming can easily be confused with very fine cracks, which occur in rare cases during the process. Previous camera-based quality control systems at the BMW Group’s plant in Dingolfing, Germany, occasionally also marked these pseudo-defects: deviations from the target, even though there was no actual fault. With the new AI application, these pseudo-defects no longer occur because the neural network can access around 100 real images per feature – i.e. around 100 images of the perfect component, 100 images with dust particles, another 100 images with oil droplets on the component, etc. This is particularly relevant in the case of the visually close calls that have previously led to pseudo-defects.
The BMW Group’s Steyr plant and the BMW Group Data Analytics Team are also successfully working on eliminating pseudo-defects. Presumed irregularities in torque measurement in the engine cold test later often turn out to be insignificant. Before introducing the AI solution, however, such results led to complex manual inspections and further test runs, up to and including hot tests with fuel. The analysis software was trained based on many recorded test runs and thus learned to distinguish between actual and presumed errors.
AI ‘in control’: Integrating artificial intelligence with facility and robot control systems. The first smart AI control application at the BMW Group celebrated its premiere at the BMW Group’s Steyr plant. This application speeds up logistics processes by preventing unnecessary transports of empties on conveyor belts. To this end, the containers pass through a camera station. Using stored image data marked by employees, the AI application recognizes whether the container needs to be lashed onto a pallet or whether – in the case of large, stable boxes – no additional securing is required. If no lashing is required, the AI application directs a container by the shortest route to the removal station for the forklift truck. Containers that must be additionally secured, on the other hand, are guided directly to the conveyor section with the lashing system and only then to the removal station located behind. Previously, all containers had to be transported to the removal station for large containers. From there, the containers that required additional securing had to be forwarded – and would only reach the lashing facility and finally the correct removal station after taking this detour.
Besides the application in Steyr, AI is behind numerous other logistics innovations at the BMW Group. It also supports virtual layout planning, which creates high-resolution 3D scans of buildings and factories. Artificial intelligence ultimately contributes to the recognition of individual objects in the 3D scan, such as containers, building structures or machines. This allows engineers to remove individual objects from the 3D scan in the 3D planning software and to modify these individually, which makes it easier to simulate and understand adaptations on the shop floor.
There is already a distinct trend toward using AI applications at the BMW Group’s plants. The increasing integration of smart data analytics, state-of-the-art measurement technology and AI opens up new opportunities in production management. At the body shop, for instance, images from the final inspection may show that weld metal has sprayed out at the same welding point in several car bodies. Using AI, the control loop can thus be closed and system control or maintenance cycles be adjusted even faster and more efficiently. At the paint shops, AI and analytics applications offer the potential to detect sources of error at such an early stage that errors can hardly occur any more: If no dust attaches to the car body before painting in the first place, none has to be polished off later.
The world is constantly changing, whether we like it or not. I have to be brutally honest here.. I am at the age where the thought of owning or driving an electric vehicle, frankly, left me cold.
Like many of similar vintage to me, when we think we know best, we simply have to be presented with a few brutal facts to make us finally stop and think.
Never has this been brought so drastically to the fore, than it did at our latest BMW Drivers Club meeting, held in Dandenong at a modern industrial facility, building electric commercial vehicles.
We were invited by fellow club member Warren Fairweather, who, along with other members of his family, own and operate SEA Electric Trucks. This relatively new company kindly opened their doors to show us what they believe to be the way forward for the trucking and transport industry.
We were greeted with a massive spread of food, tea and coffee, the quality and quantity of which would put some catering businesses to shame.
Proceedings began with a talk by newly appointed Regional Director (Australia and New Zealand), Mr. Mark Cameron. Mark has had a long career in the truck and transport industry, and obviously knows that trade well. Some of the figures Mark quoted in his speech frankly shocked me, and for the first time ever made me question the world’s carbon emissions, and what MUST be done to reduce it. Even in the last couple of days, every time I see a diesel engine truck on the road, I think of what it and other trucks driving around are pumping into the atmosphere, all of them at frightening levels.
Enter SEA Electric. A company that is obviously forward thinking, and excited about what they are doing. At this moment in time, they have the ability to provide companies with fully electric vehicles from 4 to 24 tonne GVM. Which is really only the start, with constant and rapid improvements in battery technology and performance. The sky truly is the limit.
Production numbers are also about to increase, with plans to have a second facility in regional Victoria within the next 2 years.
We were then invited to walk through their large, pristine facility, and were able to view all variants of the vehicles into which they are implanting electric “Hearts”- Mini Buses, Delivery Vans, Garbage Trucks, 6 Wheelers, and even a couple of cars, the Brand of which you would never have imagined could or would have become “electrified”. I wont drop any names but some of the logos on vehicles being prepared were of some very high profile, and what I would describe as visionary and “forward thinking” organisations.
It’s a well worn saying, but we really could have eaten our meal off the factory floor, such was the pristine condition of the entire premises.
So, what was the big thing I got out of this night? The answer will be similar to most others that attended, that we must start to think more of the environment than ever before. Maybe not for ourselves, but for our children, and our children’s children.
I offer a vote of thanks, to Warren and Tony Fairweather, (not forgetting Mrs. Fairweather, too) Mark Cameron, and all the staff at SEA Electric, for opening our eyes.
The future for road transport it’s bright, it’s clean, it’s sustainable. And most certainly, it’s Electric..
Steve Garth | Member #40 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
The new BMW X6 blends the agile and versatile driving properties of a Sports Activity Vehicle with the head-turning looks of a coupe. The third-generation X6 employs a clean, exclusive design language to underscore its confident and commanding appearance. And advanced powertrain and chassis technology teams up with a wealth of innovations to deliver a uniquely sporting yet also luxurious driving experience. Like its predecessor, the new BMW X6 will be produced in the US at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. The market launch will begin in November 2019.
Dynamically stretched proportions exude sporting prowess. The new BMW X6 has grown by 26 millimetres in exterior length over the outgoing model (to 4,935 mm) and by 15 mm in width (to 2,004 mm). It now stands 6 mm lower (at 1,696 mm) and combines dynamically stretched proportions with exceptional visual muscularity. The car’s wheelbase has increased by 42 mm to 2,975 millimetres.
The large, single-frame BMW kidney grille is the most striking feature of the front end, the outer edges of the kidney grille now approaching the headlights at a clearly defined angle. The new BMW X6 is available for the first time as an option with an illuminated BMW kidney grille, which adds an exclusive flourish to the exterior design. The illumination is activated by opening or closing the car, but the driver can switch it on and off manually too. This lighting function for the kidney grille is also available while driving.
If the optional BMW Laserlight with Adaptive LED headlights is specified, a BMW Laserlight spotlight with Selective Beam optimises the non-dazzling high beam function, whose range increases to around 500 metres. BMW Laserlight can be identified by the blue x-shaped elements inside the signature BMW twin headlights. The flanks of the new X6 are defined by familiar BMW proportions, a crisply drawn character line and the dynamic roofline. 19-inch light-alloy wheels are fitted as standard, with other wheel variants ranging in size from 20 to 22 inches available as an option. The BMW X6 M50i and BMW X6 M50d come with 21-inch light-alloy wheels as standard.
The new BMW X6 is available from launch in xLine and M Sport model variants as an alternative to standard specification. The two equipment lines each have their own distinctive design cues.
Interior: an exclusive ambience imbued with sporting flair. The interior of the new BMW X6 is geared squarely to delivering an exclusive and dynamic driving experience. Clear structures lend the cabin a modern and sporty appearance. The design of the cockpit, complete with the new arrangement and design of the control elements, represents a progressive re‑interpretation of the driver focus for which BMW is renowned. The new BMW X6 comes as standard with Vernasca leather upholstery.
The interior offers a high degree of variability, thanks to 40:20:40 split rear seat backrests that can be folded down to increase boot capacity from 580 to 1,530 litres. Highlight equipment features from the list of optional extras include multifunction seats with massage function for the driver and front passenger, four-zone automatic climate control, thermoelectric cup holders, glass applications for selected controls, the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, the Ambient Air interior fragrancing package and the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond+ 3D Surround Sound System.
Four powerful engines and an M duo from launch. The line-up of engines available for the new BMW X6 from launch includes two petrol units and a pair of diesel variants from the latest generation. The model line-up is spearheaded by a BMW M model with a newly developed 390 kW/530 hp V8 petrol engine. The BMW X6 M50i (fuel consumption combined: 10.7–10.4 l/100 km [26.4–27.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 243–237 g/km)* is joined in the range by the BMW X6 M50d (fuel consumption combined: 7.2–6.9 l/100 km [39.2‑40.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 190–181 g/km)* with 294 kW/400 hp six-cylinder in‑line diesel engine and a quartet of turbochargers. A straight-six petrol unit with output of 250 kW/340 hp sees action in the BMW X6 xDrive40i (fuel consumption combined: 8.6–8.0 l/100 km [32.8–35.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 197–181 g/km)*, and the BMW X6 xDrive30d (fuel consumption combined: 6.6–6.1 l/100 km [42.8–46.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 172–159 g/km)* employs a six-cylinder in-line diesel with 195 kW/265 hp. All variants of the new BMW X6 fulfil the requirements of the EU6d-TEMP emissions standard. The M Sport exhaust system fitted as standard on both M models is also available as an option for the other versions of the BMW X6 or as part of the M Sport package, and gives the car an unmistakable and emotionally rich aural presence.
All new BMW X6 models come as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while intelligent all-wheel drive maximises traction, agility and directional stability. The latest generation of the BMW xDrive system once again splits drive torque between the front and rear wheels variably and as the situation demands – only now with even greater precision and speed. In situations which do not require all-wheel drive, drive can be channelled entirely to the rear wheels in the interests of efficiency. The xDrive system also maintains a rear-wheel bias in particularly dynamic driving situations. The car’s sporting attributes are aided by the electronically controlled M differential lock at the rear axle available as part of M Sport specification or in conjunction with the optional xOffroad package.
Perfectly tuned chassis systems enhance sporting responses, comfort levels and off-road prowess. A double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle give the new BMW X6 the ideal suspension tools to deliver dynamism and ride comfort on the road, plus unshakable traction off the beaten track. Dynamic Damper Control is included as standard, the Adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering endows the car with exceptionally agile and dynamic driving qualities, and the new BMW X6 is also available with two-axle air suspension including automatic self-levelling. The car’s height can be altered at the touch of a button in the cockpit through a maximum 80 millimetres. An off-road package is available for all model variants with the exception of the BMW X6 M50i and BMW X6 M50d, allowing the driver to choose from four modes that optimise progress over snow, sand, gravel or rocks respectively. And at the press of a button, they can also activate the ideal settings for the vehicle’s ride height, the xDrive system, accelerator response, transmission control and the DSC system’s corrective inputs.
Innovative driver assistance systems offering new functions. An extensive selection of standard and optional driver assistance systems mark out the new BMW X6 as an exceptionally innovative Sports Activity Coupe. Fresh from the addition of myriad new functions, the systems do an extremely effective job in enhancing comfort and safety. Standard specification for the new BMW X6 includes Cruise Control with braking function and the Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, which also alerts the driver when a cyclist is detected. The Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function is available as an option. The Driving Assistant Professional can also be found on the options list for the new BMW X6. This complete package of safety- and comfort-enhancing tech includes both the steering and lane control assistant with Traffic jam assistant and lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection. The Evasion Assistant is another component of the Driving Assistant Professional, as are the rear collision warning, road priority warning and wrong-way driving warning systems, crossing traffic warning, Lane Change Warning and the Emergency Stop Assistant. The innovative reversing assistant, which helps the driver when exiting parking spaces and manoeuvring within a confined space, represents another step en route to automated driving.
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is on hand to help the driver. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional in the new BMW X6 combines a new display and operating concept with unbeatable connectivity. It includes a high-resolution instrument cluster and a Control Display, both with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches. The new BMW X6 comes with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, an intelligent digital character who responds to the prompt “Hey BMW”. One unique feature over other digital assistants is that drivers can choose their own name for him. The arrival of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant ensures there is always a genuine BMW professional on board. He is able to explain all sorts of different functions, provide up-to-date information and assist the driver. The range of functions and skills available will be constantly expanded as part of regular updates, which can be carried out seamlessly on a smartphone and in‑car via Remote Software Upgrade.
Click a photo above to enlarge it.
As part of the DTM weekend at the Norisring (GER), the legendary BMW M1 Procar series is making a comeback. Numerous iconic drivers such as Hans-Joachim Stuck (GER), Marc Surer (SUI), Harald Grohs (GER) and Jan Lammers (NED) will be involved.
Thrilling battles for position between Formula 1 drivers and international privateers in identical BMW M1 cars made every race in the series, launched 40 years ago, a spectacular event. On the Nuremberg street circuit, 14 of the 470 hp mid-engine sports cars built according to Group 4 regulations will revive the passion of the Procar series founded specifically for the racetrack debut of the BMW M1.
“I’m really looking forward to the revival of the BMW M1 Procar series,” said Stuck. “The combination of the six fastest Formula 1 drivers and cool privateers hasn’t been seen since. Then there is the unique sound of the BMW M1. That is unique to this day. I just want to enjoy the ride. It really doesn’t matter to me whether I finish second, third or fourth. I want to drive the car, hear it and experience it. I’ve won enough races in my life.”
To mark the occasion of the Procar Revival, BMW Group Classic has lined up numerous acclaimed drivers to return to the BMW M1 cockpit. In the 1980 Procar race at the Norisring Hans-Joachim Stuck won ahead of Jan Lammers and Marc Surer – all three legends will be reunited in Nuremberg this weekend. Also lining up will be Harald Grohs, who won the first ever race in the DTM 35 years ago at Zolder in Belgium, with a BMW 635 CSi.
MONTH IN REVIEW
June is over and we're at the halfway mark of 2019. Winter is in full swing and we're already dreaming of the warmer Spring days on the horizon (well, almost).
Our first event in June was our June Members Meeting hosted by South Yarra BMW. It was great to see some new faces and also hear from Chris Sager about the 2019 Geelong Revival.
We were then invited to a special BMW Australia presentation where we met Calvin Luk, the exterior designer of the X1, X3 and the new Z4. Those who attended had a fantastic day learning about how Calvin got to where he is now and the design process.
We then went on a weekend away over Queen's Birthday Weekend with Club MINI, starting at Essendon BMW on Saturday morning and finishing at Dunkeld on Monday. It was really fantastic to see all the different silo artwork, it's really amazing how they do it!
Next, we went to Broadford for Round 4 of the Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers' Championship. This was the first time we have hired a track in our own right, and it was a great success. We had lots of members attend to help, as well as all those that came to drive. Our day was matched with perfect weather, meaning perfect driving conditions.
We then finished our month with St Johns First Aid Training where we had a full day of learning about CPR, Emergency Life Support and General First Aid. We look forward to running more of these in the future!
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: 402 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.
THE MONTH AHEAD
Here's our plans for July:
EVENTS AHEAD
Keep an eye on our calendar for events coming up, we’re always adding something new.
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Dear Members,
June was another very busy month, we started with the Monthly Member’s meeting at South Yarra BMW. Many thanks to Riley and the Staff for a lovely evening checking out all the new cars and sampling the treats they had for us. We also had Chris from Geelong Revival come along and tell us all about this year’s Geelong Revival and how the organisers are featuring our Club and BMW in a special area, both to celebrate BMW’s 40th anniversary in Australia, and also to celebrate our own achievements as a Club. It will be a great event to come along to and many thanks to Geelong Revival for offering us this very special opportunity.
We had a few members take their cars up to Winton for the Historics and put on a display and a lot of interest was shown in Lawrence’s little 700, as always, it is such an interesting car.
We had a very special invitation from BMW Group Australia, to come to Head Office in Mulgrave to meet and chat with the designer of the new BMW Z4, Calvin Luk. What a lovely young man. There were around 30 of our members, plus a few from BMW Car Club Victoria and the BMW Motorcycle Club who all had the chance to listen to Calvin tell his story of designing the new Z4 as well as how he came to work for BMW, very interesting. One of those events that can just pop up, so ensure you keep and eye on emails and the club calendar, you just never know when something special like this will happen.
On the Queen’s Birthday Weekend we went away touring the countryside, taking in the Murray Valley, Silo Art Trail and returning through the Grampians. What a fantastic event in every way. We had 40 people from DCM and Club MINI come along and enjoy some fantastic touring roads, lovely nights in nice motels and visited so many wonderful places along the route. Many thanks to Peter Williams for the drive route planning and Jo for her usual impeccable planning. Everyone had a ball and we got to see so many different aspects of our state. The group looked amazing on the road, if you look on the facebook page you will see some videos of us as well as lots of photos.
Next, we went to Broadford for Round 4 of the Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers' Championship. This was the first time we have hired a track in our own right, and it was a great success. We had lots of members come and help, as well as all those that attended and drove, and I must say a special thank you to them for coming and volunteering to help the club run such a good event. It was perfect weather as well and all had a great day out. There were quite a few people from other clubs there too and everyone had plenty of track time, with no incidents or hold ups to slow the day. Thanks again for coming and I look forward to our next track day at Winton on 20 July.
This month, we also ran a special event at the Shannons facility in Heatherton, where we held St John’s First Aid course for members to come along and learn about CPR, Emergency Life Support and General First Aid. This was an invaluable course, as the skills learned could come in handy at any time and could possible help someone save a life one day. I recommend everyone to do one of these courses if they can, you just never know what is around the corner. I personally have been the recipient of emergency first aid and when it counts these skills will save a life! The committee is thinking of running this as an annual event too, so if you are interested, let Jo or I know. This is actually a RTO Certificate Course, so as well as a few new skills you get a nationally recognised Certificate as well.
Amazingly, half the year is gone already, and July has some great events to look out for, our Members Meeting on Tuesday 2 July looks very interesting, visiting an electric truck company that manufactures and exports electric trucks. Christmas in July is always a very popular and fun event, this year with a drive and lunch in the hills at Noojee. I wonder if it will snow this year, regardless, it will be a fun event, with the usual silly jumper competition etc. Look out for other events on the calendar too, always something coming up, whether it’s one of our events or something we are invited to by one of the clubs we do events with.
At our Driver Training & 2019 Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers' Championship Round 5 at Winton, we have invited BMW Car Club Victoria, BMW Drivers Club NSW and BMW Car Club Canberra to join us to continue the tradition of what used to be a fantastic weekend of inter club fun and on track (friendly) rivalry between the NSW and Victorian Clubs and we would love and make this another fantastic inter-club event on the calendar each year. We need our members to enter and compete for the inaugural BMW Club Champion of Winton that we are instigating, where each driver will compete for points toward their club winning a perpetual trophy for the event each year. Not sure how we will work this out just yet, but should be a bit of fun anyway… Of course, if you’d like to come and help us run the event, we are always welcoming of anyone that would like to help as an official for the day.
There are a couple of events coming up in following months that you should start thinking about too. Our first AGM will be in October, if anyone is thinking of standing for a position on the committee, keep an eye out for notices in the next few months. The Bathurst 12 Hour package we did for 2019 is open now. If you’d like to join us at the Mountain for one of the best motorsport events you will ever see, contact Jo for details on inclusions and prices. The December weekend away with NSW and Canberra Clubs will be up soon too, again, another fantastic event that will happen every year.
Membership is now at 402. We are very happy with the retention rate of members and the continued growth of our little club. Thank you to all of you that continue to support the club, and welcome to all the new members, I hope you enjoy everything the club has to offer.
I look forward to seeing you at an event soon. If you have an idea for an event, don’t hesitate to tell us, we are always open to new ideas and welcome member input to make the club what you want it to be.
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
The digital BMW ecosystem: early insights into myBMW. The BMW Group #NEXTGen event provided exclusive background information on what the future holds for the myBMW digital ecosystem. All BMW Group and NOW services, along with mobility services and products, will be pooled together under this name. Products and services will be split into My Car, My Life and My Journey categories, presenting customers with a single gateway into an all-encompassing portfolio of personal mobility-enhancing offerings. The BMW Group will reveal further details on myBMW at the IAA Cars 2019 motor show in Frankfurt on 12 – 22 September.
“Hey BMW, what’s your favourite colour?”. Chatting away with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Since March 2019 the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has been available in a large number of models fitted with BMW Operating System 7.0. Responding to the prompt “Hey BMW”, the intelligent, digital character helps the driver, learns their preferences, knows their favoured settings and is an expert on everything to do with the vehicle. Thanks to the regular Remote Software Upgrades supplied over the air for seamless installation directly into the vehicle, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant acquires new skills all the time, enhancing and expanding his capabilities. The next upgrade will make it possible to enjoy casual chats with him and engage in brief, entertaining exchanges.
Amazon Alexa in BMW and MINI models. Seamless integration of Amazon Alexa is now available for a host of BMW and MINI models, enabling customers to access many of the Alexa functions they already use at home while out and about in their car. They can ask Alexa questions, get weather forecasts and traffic information, catch up on sporting events, listen to tracks from Amazon Music or TuneIn, or check out audio books from Audible. Appointments and to-do lists or shopping lists can likewise be managed simply by speaking. Added to which, the Control Display in the BMW or MINI also provides visual feedback for the selected content. And Alexa even makes it possible for customers to operate compatible smart-home devices, such as lamps, thermostats and automatic garage doors, from their car.
The BMW Digital Key turns smartphones into car keys. The Digital Key dispenses with the need for a conventional car key. Employing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, it allows the new BMW 8 Series Coupe and other models in the BMW range to be locked and unlocked from a smartphone. Holding the smartphone up to the door handle opens the car. Once inside, the engine can be started as soon as the phone has been placed in the wireless charging or smartphone tray. Accessed via BMW Connected, the Digital Key can optionally be shared with up to five other people. The BMW Digital Key is currently available for all NFC-capable Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 8.0 and above.
Digital charging services for electric cars. The charging services from BMW put an end to the stress of searching for an available charging station. Customers can check the probable availability of a specific station along the selected route before they begin their journey. Once they are within 20 minutes’ drive of the intended charging station, they can also reserve a space directly from their car. And if that car happens to be a BMW plug-in hybrid, they will additionally earn valuable iMILES bonus points for any sections of electric driving recorded within the BMW eDrive Zones. These can then be exchanged for extra charging credit at all ChargeNow stations.
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