BMW Group Classic is expanding its communication activities with an innovative newsletter packed with the latest information from the history of the vehicles and the brand. Under the title of “OUR BRANDS. OUR STORIES.”, journalists and friends of BMW Group Classic can start to find out right now about news and interesting information from regular bulletins about the world of classic vehicles from BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad. The spectrum of topics covered in the news bulletins posted online ranges from special anniversaries, through current activities at the BMW Museum to alerts on the latest press releases and exciting stories from more than 100 years of the company’s history and the varied and lively classic vehicle scene. The newsletter can be subscribed at the BMW Group Classic website.
Newcomers to the vehicle collection of the BMW Group are presented along with service offerings from BMW Group Classic and additions to the product range of the BMW Group Classic Parts Shop. Furthermore, the recipients of the BMW Group Classic Newsletter gain an overview of the multitude of exhibitions, meets and rallies in the global scene for historic cars and modern classics. These are events that act as a magnet for fans and collectors of historic vehicles to celebrate their shared passion and swap ideas, experiences and stories.
The new newsletter complements the comprehensive spectrum of information provided by BMW Group Classic on online platforms and in social media focused around communication media with direct access to a specific target group. Apart from publications for journalists under the category of Tradition in the BMW Group Press Club (www.press.bmwgroup.com/deutschland), the latest news from vehicle history is also presented on various further channels. All activities centred on the history of the company are presented on www.bmwgroup-classic.com – ranging from an overview of the development of the brands and motor sport through activities of the BMW and MINI clubs to the comprehensive service packages available in the workshop, parts shop, the BMW Museum and the Historic Archive.
One element of the web presence is also the Classic#heart blog with interesting and entertaining contributions packed with stories, facts and episodes from the world of classic vehicles. BMW Group Classic maintains contact and communication with the worldwide community of historic vehicles and modern classics through its profile on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BMW.Classic/) and on Instagram. As well as www.instagram.com/bmwclassic/, the presence on www.instagram.com/official_miniclassic/ also mirrors enthusiasm for classic vehicles with current and historic vehicles. And BMW Group Classic regularly provides new clips about models, events and personalities on the dedicated Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/user/BMWGroupClassic for fans of moving pictures – film clips that have been produced with loving care to give stunning insights into the world of classic cars.
BMW PRESS
Ten cars attended the pre-Mothers’ Day drive on 11 May. Three 3-Series, two 2-Series and one 5-Series were joined by a couple of Minis (one a rather maxi-Mini!) a Toyota MR2 and a Subaru SUV. Andrew Brown entered into the spirit of the event by bringing his mum!
From the assembly point at McDonalds Whittlesea, Peter Williams led the group on a scenic route that incorporated some lengthy twisty bits. Traffic was light, perhaps influenced by the cool conditions (around 10 degrees) and the threat of rain. In the event we only had a tiny bit of drizzle and those who stayed home fearing a downpour missed a most enjoyable drive.
We travelled first to Seymour where we regrouped for a comfort stop by the Vietnam veterans walk. Someone wondered whether the Huey helicopter on a pole had been placed there by another helicopter. Graeme sent his drone up to investigate, or maybe to perch on top?
From there the route took us through Yarck, where Jo dropped several unsubtle hints for a stop to sample the baked goods on offer.
Unmoved, Pete led the group on to Yea and eventually, stomachs growling, to Toolangi, home of C J Dennis. Here we were welcomed by a small group that had skipped the drive but who joined us for a fine pub lunch in this historic location, accompanied by a warm fire and a lovely view.
Overall an excellent outing - thanks to Jo and Peter for organising.
David Francis | Member #243BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
I'm a drive critic AND IT WAS THE BEST DRIVE EVER (I'm not actually a drive critic).
The drive was fun! We met and parted in exiting places. We met up at Mcdonalds Whittlesea and parted at Toolongi Tavern. The tavern had ducks at the back!
The radio work was great. I did the calls in our car, one or two times I repeated calls from the lead, other times I commented about the scenery. I made driving noises - not on the radio. The scenery was MAGNIFICENT! The colours of where we were driving was very vibrant and fluorescent. The whole thing, drive and stops had wonderful views. We went to Sooubway (subway) to get COOKIES.
Anyway i think that it was very exiting and lots of people should join because of the beautiful sights and wildlife.
Elsie Taylor (age 10) | Daughter of Simeon Taylor, Member #168BMW Drivers Club Melbourne *Article is unedited.
Tuesday, 7 May we all met up at the Shannons facility for our monthly meeting and we had a fantastic turn out.
We like to hold just a general meeting for our members quarterly to come and sit and talk about what they want and what they have enjoyed so far with our club. This was a great meeting with some new members who really enjoyed the interaction between members and there was also one new member sign up on the night, which was brilliant. We had some very interesting slide shows from Munich and also a projection of club events for 2019/20.
Graeme Bell, our President, also gave a brilliant presentation of what had been discussed at the BMW Clubs Australia AGM which was very good. This was all well received and there were lots of questions and answers about events.
As always, we had our merchandise for sale on the night and we sold a lot on the night, so I am happy to say that our new range is going well, and members are happy to wear it.
Our June members meeting will be at South Yarra BMW so go on the Web page and register for this one as it will be a great night.
There are some great events coming up. If you have any questions about anything club related, please do not hesitate to give any of us a call.
On another note, by now you would all have received the new idrive magazine and I am sure you are as please of it as we all are. Feel free to email Jess with your thoughts and any articles you would like put on the webpage or in the next idrive edition.
Jo Mawson | Member #2BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Guests at the presentation included Pierre Casiraghi, vice president of “Yacht Club de Monaco”, Formula E Founder and CEO Alejandro Agag, and Dr. Robert Irlinger, Head of BMW i.
The new BMW i8 Roadster Safety Car (combined fuel consumption: 2.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.5 kWh/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 46 g/km)* is the latest addition to the fleet of BMW i Safety Cars. It is the first Safety Car in the world that can be used with an open cockpit. The most striking characteristics of the spectacular design are the rear wing and shortened front windscreen.
“BMW i and Formula E are synonymous with innovation, making them excellently suited to each other. This project is another very good example of the pioneering spirit at BMW i and in Formula E,” said Irlinger. “In implementing the BMW i8 Roadster Safety Car, the BMW i engineers, designers and communications crew have dared to explore new horizons and create an absolutely unique car. The development team behind the Safety Car is akin to a start-up. Our engineers got creative within their own ranks and assembled it on top of their regular jobs. In doing so, they have achieved something completely new. I am very grateful to the FIA and Formula E for showing such enthusiasm towards our innovation and for making it possible to use the BMW i8 Roadster as an official Safety Car.”
Agag said: “I’d like to thank the BMW i family and the Yacht Club de Monaco for hosting a great event to premiere this new addition to the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. The BMW i8 Roadster Safety Car has a striking design – something which differentiates it from anything we’ve seen before, and what better setting for its presentation than at the Monaco E-Prix. BMW has been a partner since the inaugural season, and their continued support as a vehicle partner and now as a team shows their commitment to electric mobility.”
Technical modifications for use at the racetrack. Regarding stiffness the BMW i8 Roadster is the perfect basis for a Safety Car. No major modifications were necessary but there still have been some changes for the racetrack version. The most striking modification to the BMW i8 Roadster Safety Car is the front windscreen, which is shorter than the production model. This gives the car a more dynamic appearance. The Safety Car’s centre of gravity is also 15 millimetres lower than the production car. The car has M Carbon Ceramic Brakes, an FIA-approved roll bar, a front splitter and a rear wing for additional downforce.
Modifications necessary for its role of Safety Car have also been made. The light bar is mounted above the rear wing, making it easily visible from all angles in any race situation. The BMW i8 Roadster Safety Car also has a communication antenna and a GPS antenna, an extensive communication system in the cockpit, and a rear-view camera.
Design follows the lead of its predecessor. Another spectacular aspect of the new Safety Car is its livery design. It evolves the high-contrast BMW logo-inspired alternating blue and white schematic from the BMW iFE.18 and BMW i8 Coupe Safety Car into a decidedly expressive form suitable to open air mobility and the dazzling Monaco street racing context. Blue and purple are the natural colours of raw electricity, while the orange and green accents are the same colours as the lights system on the Safety Car. As with the BMW iFE.18, violet “synapses” surge throughout the livery making explicit the “live” connective network embedded within the design.
The signature BMW Group Motorsport matt black anti-reflective cockpit extension has been updated to be inclusive of passengers, who will take their place in the passenger seat during taxi rides. The resulting “winged“ graphic also mirrors the iconic door opening kinematic of the BMW i8 Roadster.
The BMW i Fleet BMW i is “Official Vehicle Partner” of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship in Season 5. Spearheading the fleet are two Safety Cars: The BMW i8 Roadster Safety Car (combined fuel consumption: 2.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 46 g/km)*, which has been specially modified for use at the racetrack, and the BMW i8 Coupé Safety Car (combined fuel consumption: 1.8 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 42 g/km)*. The BMW i fleet also includes the BMW i3s (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined energy consumption: 14.3 kWh; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km)* as “Race Director Car” and the BMW 530e (combined fuel consumption: 2.2-2.1 l/100 km; combined energy consumption: 13.6-13.3 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 49-47 g/km)* in its role as “Medical Car”.
The feeling of an M car is unmistakable – and now it can be tailored even more closely to the individual. BMW M GmbH is unveiling a new display and control system for the configuration of the powertrain, chassis and driver assistance systems on its high-performance sports cars. As well as additional scope for adapting the vehicle settings both to the situation at hand and to personal preferences using the Setup button, drivers will also enjoy the services of the new M Mode (activated at the touch of a button). The Setup button can be used to adjust the vehicle settings, while M Mode allows the displays and driver assistance systems to be tuned to the driver’s requirements. This extra individualisation and even more intuitive operation will be included for the first time in the new BMW M8 Coupe and BMW M8 Competition Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 10.6 – 10.5 l/100 km [26.7 – 26.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 242 – 238 g/km; provisional figures), and the new BMW M8 Convertible and BMW M8 Competition Convertible (fuel consumption combined: 10.8 – 10.6 l/100 km [26.2 – 26.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 246 – 241 g/km; provisional figures). With the help of these new features, drivers of BMW’s high-performance models for the luxury segment can enjoy their exceptional range of abilities – from supreme long-distance comfort to alluring track dynamics – in even greater depth.
The control system developed for BMW M models traditionally enables their powertrain and chassis technology to be configured in a wide variety of ways according to personal tastes and needs. Indeed, the driver can activate various settings for the engine, suspension and steering independently of one another. In models specified with the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the distribution of power between the front and rear wheels can also be tweaked. And now the new BMW M8 Coupe and new BMW M8 Convertible offer the ability to configure the braking system as required, too.
New Setup button enables intuitive operation with direct access to all powertrain and chassis systems. The new Setup button on the centre console of the new BMW M8 Coupe and new BMW M8 Convertible enables direct access to all available setup options for five vehicle parameters. Pressing the button brings up a Setup menu in the Control Display, which offers an overview of the vehicle settings currently engaged. The driver can then activate their desired mode for the engine, suspension, steering, brakes and M xDrive – in a single step in each case – via the touchscreen or the iDrive Controller.
The engine characteristics can be adjusted by means of the EFFICIENT, SPORT and SPORT PLUS settings, while the COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT PLUS chassis options give access to the three profiles for the electronically controlled dampers. The driver can also choose between COMFORT and SPORT for both the M-specific electromechanical steering and the new braking system. When DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) is deactivated, the 4WD, 4WD SPORT and 2WD (for pure rear-wheel drive) settings for the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system also come into play. Two individually composed variants of this setup can be stored permanently with the driver’s preferred settings for the engine sound, gearshift characteristics, driving stability control and Auto Start Stop function. The overall vehicle configuration can then be called up instantly at any time by pressing one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel.
Premiere in the BMW M8: integrated braking system with precise pedal feel and M-specific configurability. The M-specific version of a new braking technology paves the way for the configuration of braking characteristics, a feature available for the first time in the new BMW M8. The new system brings together the brake activation, brake booster and braking control functions within a compact module. The integrated braking system reduces weight by around two kilograms and employs a vacuum-free brake booster to enhance the car’s overall efficiency. The brake pressure required is triggered by an electric actuator, which allows it to be generated more dynamically and also ensures significantly faster and more precise interventions from the driving stability control system.
The integrated braking system also does an excellent job of allowing vehicle deceleration to be geared precisely to the driver’s requirements and of generating sublime pedal feel in any situation. Braking feedback to the driver is unimpaired by wet road surfaces, significant lateral acceleration or high brake temperatures, and this ensures precise metering of braking power at all times. The version of the new braking system developed for BMW M models also presents the driver with two pedal feel settings.
COMFORT and SPORT modes alter the amount of pressure on the brake pedal required to slow the car. This allows the driver to choose between a comfort-oriented perception of the braking process and a particularly direct, instantaneous response to applications of the pedal. The new BMW M8 teams this innovative system with both the standard M compound brakes and optional M carbon-ceramic brakes.
Pure driving pleasure through innovation: the M Mode button. In addition to the new configuration options opened up by the Setup button, the new BMW M8 also allows the gearshift characteristics of the eight-speed Steptronic transmission to be adjusted using the Drivelogic button on the selector lever and the engine sound to be varied via a separate button on the centre console. M Dynamic Mode – which raises the intervention thresholds for the driving stability control and allows controlled drifts – and DSC Off mode can also be initiated at the touch of a button.
A fresh addition to the new flagship models from BMW M GmbH is the M Mode button on the centre console. This can be used to alter the responses of the driver assistance systems and the screens in the all-digital instrument cluster and Head-Up Display. M Mode allows the driver to activate ROAD and SPORT modes, while the new BMW M8 Competition Coupe and BMW M8 Competition Convertible also come with a TRACK setting. These options enhance the hallmark M driving experience according to the situation at hand. Changing the settings alters the information presented to the driver on the screens, while the safety-enhancing interventions by the driver assistance systems – such as active braking or steering inputs – are reduced to a bare minimum or deactivated altogether.
In the default ROAD setting, all the standard and optional driver assistance systems are fully activated. A simple press of the M Mode button engages the SPORT setting, in which the active driver assistance systems (in the configuration set by the driver) now only transmit alerts on speed limits and overtaking restrictions. This mode disables all interventions in the braking and steering systems, aside from those made by the Collision Warning with braking function and the Evasion Assistant.
In SPORT mode, the driver benefits from M View in both the instrument cluster and the Head-Up Display. Here, only relevant information for sporty driving – i.e. an M-specific engine speed dial and the shift lights (which indicate the ideal time to change gear), a digital speed display and the gear currently engaged – is displayed in the cockpit. Information on coolant temperature, charge pressure, tyre condition, and longitudinal and lateral acceleration can be viewed in the right- and left-hand areas of the instrument cluster. The Head-Up Display read-out is concentrated around the engine revs and shift lights, navigation instructions and distance warnings, the gear selected and the vehicle speed, plus the speed limits and overtaking restrictions detected by the Speed Limit Info system. Pressing the M Mode button again returns the driver to the default ROAD mode.
An extended press of the M Mode button engages TRACK mode, which is available in the Competition models and designed exclusively for use on race circuits. The decision to activate this mode must be confirmed using the iDrive Controller. In this setting, all the comfort and safety functions of the driver assistance systems are deactivated. In addition, the audio system and Control Display are both switched off in order to focus the driver’s attention even more intently on the road ahead. TRACK mode allows drivers of the new BMW M8 Competition Coupe and new BMW M8 Competition Convertible to experience an ultra-pure, racing-car-inspired distillation of M feeling. Added to which, the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display also include M View, although TRACK mode blanks out the road sign detection and distance information. Pressing the M Mode button again takes the car out of the TRACK setting and back into ROAD mode.
BMWDCM put on another great Sandown event in conjunction with AROCA.
Unfortunately there was a major Alfa crash and two other less serious that kept Graeme busy writing up CAMS reports. Always a good reminder to drive wisely. Jo seemed to have less pressure as Event Secretary!
Personally I was really appreciative for the Bell Motorsport team getting the lovely green machine ready for me at short notice and Jess letting me drive it.
Since Bell Motorsport is building an E30 race car for me it was a invaluable experience to try one out for the first time and I was not disappointed. If you are sick of speed cameras and nanny state road rules I recommend giving it a go.
A highlight for me at the track events is the camaraderie among the BMWDCM members and the shared enjoyment of this sporting experience.
For me, Walter was best on ground wrangling the massive X5 four wheel drive around the track quicker than anyone in our group of track cars. Maybe Graeme should give his X5 a go!
Another standout were the very quick lap times by Blake, with a smooth driving style I admire.
Rod Martin | Member #29BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
This event is a permanent fixture on the MotoGP community’s calendar. On the Saturday of the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez de la Frontera, BMW M GmbH traditionally unveils the BMW M Award winner’s car. In the 2019 season, this award for the fastest qualifier in MotoGP will be presented for the 17th time. The BMW M Award is a permanent feature of BMW M’s ‘Official Car of MotoGP’ commitment, which goes back as far as 1999. At the end of this season, the winner of the BMW M Award can look forward to another real highlight: an exclusive BMW X4 M Competition in Toronto Red Metallic.
The 510 hp BMW X4 M Competition (fuel consumption combined: 10.5 l/100 km [26.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 239 g/km) is one of the models with which BMW M GmbH has expanded its offering of high-performance cars in the sports activity vehicles and sports activity coupés sectors. It has distinctive motorsport genes and offers driving dynamics at the highest level.
“Each year we are excited to see which BMW M Award winner’s car BMW M GmbH will surprise us with at the start of the MotoGP European season here at Jerez de la Frontera. And I have to say that they have presented another real highlight once again this season with the BMW X4 M Competition,” said Pau Serracanta, Managing Director of the Commercial Department of Dorna Sports, at the unveiling. “We are very proud that in BMW M GmbH we have had a strong and reliable partner at our side for 20 years now. And it’s fantastic that BMW M GmbH honours the top performances of our riders with such a terrific award as the BMW M Award. I’m sure that this fantastic BMW X4 M Competition will give our riders that extra bit of motivation to give it their all in qualifying. After all, everyone wants to be presented with this high-performance car as the winner’s car at the end of the season.”
“We’re delighted that the BMW M Award has been such a coveted award in the MotoGP family for many years,” added Vladimir Bistrivoda, Head of MotoGP Collaboration at BMW M GmbH. “The BMW M Award is a significant part of our long-standing, successful partnership with MotoGP for us as well. For this reason, it is important to us that we present something special as a prize each year. For the 2019 season, we chose our new BMW X4 M Competition. It combines athleticism, performance, passion and adrenalin – attributes that it shares with the MotoGP and the performances with which its riders wow crowds at the racetrack. We wish all MotoGP riders the best of luck and are excited to see who will receive the BMW M Award at the final round in Valencia.”
In the BMW X4 M Competition, the most powerful straight-six petrol engine ever seen in action in a BMW M car provides the muscle for stunning performance attributes. The newly developed high-revving unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology generates maximum output of 375 kW/510 hp from its 3.0-litre displacement, together with peak torque of 600 Nm (442 lb-ft). The new high-performance engine teams up with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and uses the new M xDrive all-wheel-drive system to channel its power to the road. The centrally controlled interaction between M xDrive and the Active M Differential at the rear axle allows the all-wheel-drive system to split the engine’s power between the four wheels as required to deliver optimal traction, agility and directional stability. The BMW X4 M Competition sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds.
The already sporty appearance of the car is underlined by the paintwork in Toronto Red Metallic, the full leather, Merino Adelaide Grey upholstery, as well as further fittings highlights such as M Sport Seats, the M Competition Package and the M Sport Exhaust System. An additional special feature is the BMW M Award winner’s car exclusively has the Carbon Exterior Package, which will be launched later this year.
The BMW M Award is one of the many BMW M activities as the ‘Official Car of MotoGP’. Since 2003, the MotoGP rider with the best results in qualifying has been rewarded with an exclusive, individually designed BMW M car at the end of the season. As with the scoring system for the race, the riders receive points for their positions in qualifying at each Grand Prix weekend. The rider who has picked up the most points at the end of the season wins the coveted BMW M Award.
The record holder is Marc Márquez, who has already claimed the BMW M Award six times in a row. Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner each have three wins to their name. Jorge Lorenzo has been honoured as the best qualifier twice to date while Sete Gibernau and Nicky Hayden have each won the award once.
BMW Motorsport has once again made DTM history. Marco Wittmann (GER) of BMW Team RMG took victory in the opening race of the 2019 season at the Hockenheimring (GER) on Saturday, and with it the first race of the new turbo era in the DTM. The two-time champion, at the wheel of the Schaeffler BMW M4 DTM, produced a flawless display in wet conditions, converting pole position into a prestigious race win. This was the 12th victory of Wittmann’s career and also marked the 82nd time that a BMW has been first across the DTM finish line. It also represented the perfect start to the 50th anniversary of BMW Turbo Power in motorsport. Timo Glock (GER) finished fourth in the JiVS BMW M4 DTM, narrowly missing out on another podium for BMW. He was spun by another car on the opening lap, but fought back strongly to climb through the field one place at a time. BMW newcomer Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) came home sixth in the Shell BMW M4 DTM to score points on his debut. He was followed over the line in seventh place by the BMW Bank M4 DTM of Bruno Spengler (CAN). Joel Eriksson (SWE) was 13th in the CATL BMW M4 DTM. A sensor issue in the engine periphery prevented Philipp Eng (AUT) from setting a lap time in qualifying, meaning he had to start the race from 17th. The Austrian eventually came home 14th.
Reactions to the first DTM race of the 2019 season at Hockenheim. Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director): “That is absolutely awesome. Today we have made DTM history again with BMW Motorsport, taking the first win of the new turbo era. First the pole position, then victory in the opening race for Marco Wittmann – that reminds me a little of the Formula E season opener last year, when we also started with a win. I am so proud of the whole team in Munich – of the teams and the drivers. A huge compliment goes to Marco, who did a magnificent job today at the front of the field. We have a tough winter and a tough period of testing behind us. To perform as we have done here at Hockenheim, and to win the first race, is fantastic. The experience gained during 50 years of turbo in motorsport at BMW definitely paid dividends. We have built a very good engine and put together a strong package, with which we have won at the first attempt. There is still a long way to go in the 2019 season, but today we have every reason to celebrate.” Stefan Reinhold (BMW Team RMG Team Principal): “Our team did an incredible job today. Particularly Marco Wittmann, who was in perfect control of the car in qualifying and in the race. The guys on the pit wall, the other drivers, who made up positions, and the team that prepared the cars also did a superb job. Everyone gave it 110 percent. You have to take your hat off to them. Congratulations to BMW Motorsport, who have developed a powerful engine and a great overall package. That was a superb start to the new turbo era.” Marco Wittmann (#11 Schaeffler BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMG, Grid: 1st, Race: 1st, Drivers’ standings: 1st 28 points): “This win feels great. First the pole position, then the first victory of the new turbo era: what an awesome start to the season. The Schaeffler BMW M4 DTM was phenomenal in the wet. My mechanics and engineers have done a sensational job – as have BMW Motorsport, who have given me a car that was competitive from the first lap. It was an unbelievable start to the DTM year.” Timo Glock (#16 BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMR, Grid: 8th, Race: 4th, Drivers’ standings: 4th, 12 points): “I think we can be happy with the outcome of the result. It is a bit disappointing when you look at the pace we had yesterday and today. We were quick in the rain yesterday, and in today’s race. The only reason we weren’t as fast in qualifying was because we went out on the wrong set of tyres once. I had a very good start and was up there with the top five, but was then hit from behind. That dropped me well back down the field. We had good pace at the end, which allowed us to fight our way back into the top five. It showed what could have been. Congratulations to Marco and the whole team on the win.” Bruno Spengler (#7 BMW Bank M4 DTM, BMW Team RMG, Grid: 14th, Race: 7th, Drivers’ standings: 7th, 6 points): “The race was okay. I had a super start. Unfortunately, Timo was spun in front of me, which caused me to lose some time on the way out of turn two. Despite that, climbing from 14th to seventh is a good result and we scored some good points. Congratulations to Marco on his win. After all the hard work over the winter, the team more than deserves that. Seventh place is okay for me. If I had stopped a little later, I might have been able to do even better but that is alright. We are now turning our attention to tomorrow.” Bart Mampaey (BMW Team RBM Team Principal): “Firstly, congratulations to BMW. It is obviously fantastic to win the first race with the new turbo engine. Our rookie, Sheldon van der Linde, had a great debut, finishing sixth and scoring his first points. In the case of Philipp Eng, we were able, after a long time looking, to find the reason for our technical issues. That meant he was at least able to start the race. However, our strategy did not ultimately pay off for him or Joel Eriksson.” Sheldon van der Linde (#31 Shell BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RBM, Grid: 7th, Race: 6th, Drivers’ standings: 6th, 8 points): “The day could hardly have gone better for me. I could never have dreamed of scoring points as a rookie in my first DTM race. I have a fantastic team behind me. Everyone has been very helpful. The car was very good in the race. Congratulations to Marco and BMW on the win.” Philipp Eng (#25 ZF BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMR, Grid: no time, Race: 14th, Drivers’ standings: 15th, 0 points): “That was a tough day. I can only thank my guys, who were meticulous in their search for the issue on my car – and found it. I hope things run more smoothly tomorrow.” Joel Eriksson (#47 CATL BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RBM, Grid: 9th, Race: 13th, Drivers’ standings: 14th, 0 points): “That was not a good race for me. The start was good, but after that we struggled with the car. I could not really push. We have a bit of work ahead of us now to come back stronger tomorrow. Congratulations to Marco on his win.”
MONTH IN REVIEW
A quieter month for BMWDCM in April with the school holidays and the Easter/ANZAC break.
Our month started with our April Members Meeting at Traction Tyres where over 40 members learned all things tyres. Thank you Andrew for showing us around and for the informative tyre lesson! Read about Jim Tucker's night here.
We then held our first birthday and presentation dinner at the Vincent, Albert Park. We had a wonderful night with many raffle prizes, show & shine awards, motorsport awards and the launch of our new annual magazine - idrive. All members should have begun to receive their copies now, we hope you enjoy the read! In the meantime, read more about our night here.
Over Easter was the BMW Clubs Australia Nationals event, held by BMWCCV. We were graced with beautiful weather for the weekend and it was fantastic to catch up with so many interstate BMW Club members. MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: 384 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
We've got some great events planned for May:
EVENTS AHEAD
Keep an eye on our calendar for events coming up, we’re always adding something new.
Click on any of the following events for more information.
idrive magazine
With the first edition of idrive now arriving to all of our members, we are already thinking about the next one. We'd love you to send us your stories to help put the next one together!
Have an interesting story about you or how you came to own your BMW? How about a story about a restoration or a build of your car? It could be anything! Email us now because we'd love to read it and share it with our members.
Edition 1 correction: We incorrectly printed Essendon BMW’s phone number on the inside back page. Essendon BMW can be contacted on (03) 9086 7200.
NEWS | BLOG
The turbo pioneers return to their roots: The new BMW DTM engine, as compared to its 1969 forefather
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President | Graeme Bell 0407 186 296 Vice President | Jo Mawson 0412 661 900 Secretary | Lawrence Glynn 0414 563 290 Treasurer | Shaaron Glynn
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Dear Members,
What a month we have just had, with some great events, starting with our April Members meeting at Traction Tyres. This was a brilliant night and was very informative. Great to see new members attending and selling out of some of our merchandise on the night. Thank you, Andrew, we have had some fantastic feedback from this night and we will love to come back again.
I attended the Clubs Australia AGM on April 7th and 8th on behalf of the Club, presented our Club report for the last year and heard what other clubs are up to around the country. We also spent a day at BMW Australia to talk to BMW about what we can do for them and they for us. I am very happy to report that BMW Australia are very happy with our Club and the way we have taken off this past year. Very proud to get an official pat on the back for all of us and the Club we have built!
The AGM was followed by our Presentation Night/First Birthday Celebration. What a fabulous night, with the event being sold out and having so many representatives from dealerships and many of the Club’s sponsors. The night went off with a bang, with awards being presented to some very deserving members. We will look for a bigger venue next year, I think. I would like to especially thank Jess Bell for all her amazing and tireless work throughout the year, with setting up our web page and maintaining it constantly and also her strong attention to detail with everything she presents.
We also had our new annual magazine launch on the night, idrive. Again, WOW! This was a major success and everyone who has received it so far has been blown away by its quality and content. Thank you to all the members who have contributed to this magazine with wonderful articles, thank you to our sponsors and advertisers and finally a massive thank you to Jess Bell and Leigh Kelly for producing this very professional magazine. All our members should receive theirs shortly, if they already haven't.
The winner of the competition for naming the magazine is David Francis and unfortunately, he could not make it on the night to be the first to know! Congratulations David, we appreciate your input and can't wait to see the feature on your car in the next magazine.
I would like to thank all the committee, who worked hard to make this an enjoyable evening and I am sure by all the chatting and laughter, that everyone had a great night.
The BMW Clubs Australia Nationals followed over Easter and this was also a great success with the weather being very kind and the sun shinning all weekend.
It was great to see so many BMWDCM members at the Sandown sprints and Show N Shine, some of our members coming away with trophies! Well done!
Some of us also attended the Flinders Historic Motoring Festival on Easter Sunday, and I am very proud to say we won Best Club Display. Not bad, considering it wasn’t really an official club event, as we didn’t want to clash with or distract from members going to the Nationals, still, great effort and we will do a bigger event next year for sure.
If you're signed up for automatic renewals with us, you would have received an email from Lawrence Glynn explaining that we are having a few issues with PayPal at the moment with accepting automatic renewal payments. We are working through this to try to fix it and we thank you for your patience.
If you are having any issues renewing, please give Jo Mawson a call on 0412 661 900 and she will be happy to assist with processing your renewal.
Membership is increasing daily, which is overwhelming and very humbling, currently at 384 and this again is thanks to our fantastic events, our web presence and social media updates. Thank you all involved with the running of the club and thank you to the members, as without you all, there would be no club.
Looking forward to seeing you at an event soon.
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
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