Warren and my first ‘outing’ with the BMW Drivers Club (combined with Club Mini) started with meeting everyone at Essendon BMW for pastries and coffee on the Saturday morning at 8.30am.
We had met Jo, Graeme, Shaaron & Lawrence at the Phillip Island Historic Cars in October and it was because of these four people (who were very friendly and told us all about the club) we decided to join. We were given a booklet of instructions written by Peter Williams and he was to be our lead car and the book of instructions he produced was a work of art!! The club are so lucky to have someone like him to organise these driving routes etc. We were also to find over the three days the organisation that Jo Mawson puts into the accommodation, lunches, dinners was impeccable.
We departed BMW en route to Malmsbury, about 88 k’s away it was comforting to have Peter as the lead car, Georgiana & Andrew as The Mini in The Middle, and Jo & Graeme as Tale end Charlie. We felt very secure that we knew we would be found if we got lost !!!! which we didn’t!!!! We stopped for our coffee/toilet break in Malmsbury, the weather was magnificent and the little town very picturesque and a very popular coffee shop/bakery there. We had more time to chat & meet the other drivers and admire their cars.
Heading off from Malmsbury we were headed to Maldon, 45 k’s away, stopping at the Berryman’s Café & Tea Rooms for a delicious lunch. We were then able to meander through the township for a little while and we then proceeded through the town and drove up to the Mt Tarrengower Lookout (this was formerly a hill-climb track and still holds historic events).
After this great photo opportunity we proceeded onto Barham (203kms) where we were to spend the first night at the Club Barham River Motel, where after checking in we walked across the road to their restaurant and had a really nice dinner and a well-earned glass of wine, once again chatting amongst the members lots of laughs and stories . A great day organised by great people left us looking forward to heading to Horsham on Sunday
Margaret Fairweather BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Day 2 | Sunday, 9 June 2019 Visit to Catalina Flying Boat Museum – Lake Boga Victoria and Silo Drive
Waking up in our room at cluBarham River Motel, Sunday morning in the town of Barham, just a short five minute walk to the banks of the Murray River separating the NSW and Victoria border. Our temperature to start the day, a brisk 5°C with an expected top of 16°C. So a hot hotel room sachet instant coffee followed by a hot shower, and warm clothes was the order for our days planned journey.
Making our way across the road to the dining room at 8.30, the morning continued with a BMW Drivers Club Melbourne and club MINI Victoria catered breakfast, providing us with a warm meal and better COFFEE to fuel our energy for drive ahead.
Once the group gathered, the pre-ordered lunch distribution proved to be quite entertaining… Preparing our drive with a morning brief prior to leaving the dining room carpark, the organisation for the travel for the day (weekend) was well planned and communicated and we were introduced to our weekend dedicated convoy leader, (Itinerary master) Peter Williams in his blue M3 Coupe, following all the way behind at the rear of our 16 vehicle convey as ‘Charlie’ in a white X5 with a ‘tour guide style’ flag surpassing the X5 roofline, was Jo Mawson and (Drone Master) Graeme Bell, Who also supplied several two-way radios to convey to assist with keeping us all updated on our progress as a duel club convoy to our destinations.
Once on the road, our journey takes along a scenic drive that at times caused some small towns to witness their one and only ‘traffic’ rush hour (well, more like half hour at most) taking us to our first destination between Swan Hill and Kerang to the Flying museum on the shores of Lake Boga. This being previously the home to the No.1 Flying Boat Repair and Service Depot, A former facility that helped to keep Australia safe from 1941 to 1947 as an integral part of allied defence during World War II.
Extract from Lake Boga Flying Museum website:
Lake Boga – the No.1 Flying Boat Repair and Service Depot. Following the Japanese attacks on Broome in 1942, resulting in the loss of 16 flying boats, the establishment of a safe haven for flying boats and amphibians was deemed “Essential to the Defence of Australia.” - “South and inland” were prerequisites. Inspections of Lake Boga and Kangaroo Lake were made, Lake Boga being the preferred site as it was an ideal stretch of water for the flying boats and amphibious aircraft because it was almost circular (offering unlimited choice of landing/take off direction) and free of obstructions. The required infrastructure was already in place, vacant land around its foreshore, an adjacent railhead and highway, electricity from Swan Hill and telecommunication. A requisition of property, Priority A1.” was signed on 1st April, 1942. It had been decided to “build Lake Boga”. Multiple sites were required. The repair depot itself with workshops and hangars (on the foreshore), a stores area (on railway land near the Depot), living quarters (west of the township), sick quarters (at Castle Donnington), first-aid and dental post (on the foreshore), a radio transmitting station (on the Depot site) and a VHF transmitting station (west of the township). Construction started immediately. June 28th, 1942 saw the arrival of the first RAAF personnel under the command of F/Lt. G.S. Moffatt and on July 12th, 1942, the arrival of the first Catalina flying boat carrying a quantity of stores and equipment was flown in from Rathmines, N.S.W. Hangar construction had just begun. The design, an open-fronted, grandstand type hangar with a cantilevered canopy. Eight large steel-framed structures were erected, 120 feet wide by 58 feet deep. These were to be followed by structures to house activities such as administration, signals & cypher, airframe repair, electroplating, engine/hydraulics repair, drafting, metal work, photography, stores, armament repair, propeller testing, machining, crew rooms, control tower. The first Catalina to be serviced at Lake Boga was A24-17, which carried a crew of 4, plus 12 personnel on posting from Rathmines in New South Wales, arriving August 5th, 1942. During the Depot’s wartime life personnel undertook large volumes of work. 416 aircraft were serviced, repaired, restored, rebuilt or overhauled. These aircraft included Catalina, Dornier, Sikorsky KingFisher, Sunderland, Walrus and Martin Mariner. In the five years of Depot life, there were more than 1050 aircraft arrivals/departures and an estimated 800 test flights (plus associated “unofficial aerobatics”). In addition to RAAF aircraft, many allied flying boats used the Lake Boga Depot for repairs, including those of the United States of America and the Netherlands. At peak operation 39 Officers, 802 Airmen and 102 WAAAF’s staffed the depot. The base at Lake Boga closed in November of 1947.
Lake Boga – the No.1 Flying Boat Repair and Service Depot.
Following the Japanese attacks on Broome in 1942, resulting in the loss of 16 flying boats, the establishment of a safe haven for flying boats and amphibians was deemed “Essential to the Defence of Australia.” - “South and inland” were prerequisites.
Inspections of Lake Boga and Kangaroo Lake were made, Lake Boga being the preferred site as it was an ideal stretch of water for the flying boats and amphibious aircraft because it was almost circular (offering unlimited choice of landing/take off direction) and free of obstructions.
The required infrastructure was already in place, vacant land around its foreshore, an adjacent railhead and highway, electricity from Swan Hill and telecommunication.
A requisition of property, Priority A1.” was signed on 1st April, 1942. It had been decided to “build Lake Boga”. Multiple sites were required. The repair depot itself with workshops and hangars (on the foreshore), a stores area (on railway land near the Depot), living quarters (west of the township), sick quarters (at Castle Donnington), first-aid and dental post (on the foreshore), a radio transmitting station (on the Depot site) and a VHF transmitting station (west of the township). Construction started immediately.
June 28th, 1942 saw the arrival of the first RAAF personnel under the command of F/Lt. G.S. Moffatt and on July 12th, 1942, the arrival of the first Catalina flying boat carrying a quantity of stores and equipment was flown in from Rathmines, N.S.W. Hangar construction had just begun. The design, an open-fronted, grandstand type hangar with a cantilevered canopy. Eight large steel-framed structures were erected, 120 feet wide by 58 feet deep. These were to be followed by structures to house activities such as administration, signals & cypher, airframe repair, electroplating, engine/hydraulics repair, drafting, metal work, photography, stores, armament repair, propeller testing, machining, crew rooms, control tower. The first Catalina to be serviced at Lake Boga was A24-17, which carried a crew of 4, plus 12 personnel on posting from Rathmines in New South Wales, arriving August 5th, 1942.
During the Depot’s wartime life personnel undertook large volumes of work. 416 aircraft were serviced, repaired, restored, rebuilt or overhauled. These aircraft included Catalina, Dornier, Sikorsky KingFisher, Sunderland, Walrus and Martin Mariner.
In the five years of Depot life, there were more than 1050 aircraft arrivals/departures and an estimated 800 test flights (plus associated “unofficial aerobatics”). In addition to RAAF aircraft, many allied flying boats used the Lake Boga Depot for repairs, including those of the United States of America and the Netherlands.
At peak operation 39 Officers, 802 Airmen and 102 WAAAF’s staffed the depot.
The base at Lake Boga closed in November of 1947.
The aircraft on display is a Catalina PBY5. It depicts the type and size of aircraft that were used as patrol bombers during World War II and was built in the USA by the Consolidated Aircraft Company. It was originally a Netherlands aircraft that was adopted by the Royal Australian Air Force in 1942 and given the registered number A24–30. After the war it was sold to Kingsford Smith Airlines, who used for spare parts. The body was sent to Lake Boga for scrap, but it was purchased by a local farmer and taken to Nyah. The farmer used some parts but left the rest lying under a tree for forty years. His family donated it to the Lake Boga Lions Club who has painstakingly assembled and semi-restored it to something of its former glory.
Other displays included models of Catalina’s, a ‘willy’s Jeep, a discovery centre that offered a theatrette, library and research area where some of our club members watched a short video of the Repair Depot and were invited to read about and research war history, As well as the original underground communications bunker that had been reconstructed from original memorabilia and old photos.
As our time ends at Lake Boga, The day has warmed up, as a convoy, we are led away driving as we pass small historical towns through the winding country roads. Our lead car brings us to a salt lake for a stretch, light lunch and photo opportunity. Some of us even learning how to style up a brief stop with seeing picnic rugs, tables and chairs that were well stored in driver’s cars (the experienced traveller).
This stop also provides the opportunity for a daily mid-drive brief on our progress, as well as updates and what is planned for the afternoon.
Arriving at our first silo, we exit our cars excited to explore the detail and think about the logistics it would have taken to utilise this Silo as the artist canvas. known as Patchewollock, Painted by the artist Fintan Magee of local sheep and grain farmer, Nick “Noodle” Hulland. Taking out our cameras, trying to find the best angle to get the whole grandeur of this Silo in the best shot.
Extract from Silo Trail Website:
Completed in late 2016, the artist’s depiction of the famously reserved Hulland portrays an image of the archetypal Aussie farmer – faded blue “flanny” (flannelette shirt) and all. Hulland’s solemn expression, sun-bleached hair and squinting gaze speak to the harshness of the environment and the challenges of life in the Wimmera Mallee.
So the first of our silo experience leaves us with a memory as we pull out of the dusty carpark and continue or road trip to our next destination.
Upon arrival at our second Silo, Known as Lascelles, by Melbourne/Geelong Artist Rone, The direction for our BMW’s and Mini’s to line up in a row as if in the town’s ad-hoc show and shine, displaying the variations of our vehicles, was a great photo opportunity with the ‘Lascelles’ Silo in the back ground, The timing for another club arriving behind us assisted in filling the car park with more BMW’s giving other visitors a unique display of the BMW and Mini Marque.
Lascelles Silo, Rone says that he wanted the mural to portray his subjects as wise and knowing, nurturing the town’s future with their vast farming experience and longstanding connection to the area. In order to capture the true essence of Lascelles, Melbourne-based artist, Rone knew that he had to learn about the town from those who were deeply connected to it. Here, he depicts local farming couple Geoff and Merrilyn Horman, part of a family that has lived and farmed in the area for four generations.
Lascelles Silo, Rone says that he wanted the mural to portray his subjects as wise and knowing, nurturing the town’s future with their vast farming experience and longstanding connection to the area.
In order to capture the true essence of Lascelles, Melbourne-based artist, Rone knew that he had to learn about the town from those who were deeply connected to it. Here, he depicts local farming couple Geoff and Merrilyn Horman, part of a family that has lived and farmed in the area for four generations.
After a bit of wonder, we returned back to our cars and commenced to follow each other in single file back onto the bitumen of the of the Sunraysia Highway to continue our journey.
Venturing along the highway, as the afternoon rain starts to make an appearance, our third Silo just out for the township of Hoptoun comes into view, Rosebery by Melbourne artist, Kaff-eine. This being a shorter stop than previously, due to the wet weather and drive in and out smaller car park.
Completed in late 2017, Kaff-eine’s artwork depicts themes that she says embody the region’s past, present and future. The silo on the left captures the grit, tenacity and character of the region’s young female farmers, who regularly face drought, fires and other hardships living and working in the Mallee. In her work shirt, jeans and turned-down cowboy boots, the strong young female sheep farmer symbolises the future. The silo on the right portrays a quiet moment between dear friends. The contemporary horseman appears in Akubra hat, Bogs boots and oilskin vest – common attire for Mallee farmers. Both man and horse are relaxed and facing downward, indicating their mutual trust, love and genuine connection. As we continue our trip back on the Highway, the rain ceased as quickly as it arrived, leaving grey clouds in its place as well as reducing the temperature for the remainder of the afternoon. Our fourth Silo, Brim by Guido van Helten, due to its size, gives us the opportunity to have another vehicle line up photo opportunity.
Completed in late 2017, Kaff-eine’s artwork depicts themes that she says embody the region’s past, present and future.
The silo on the left captures the grit, tenacity and character of the region’s young female farmers, who regularly face drought, fires and other hardships living and working in the Mallee. In her work shirt, jeans and turned-down cowboy boots, the strong young female sheep farmer symbolises the future.
The silo on the right portrays a quiet moment between dear friends. The contemporary horseman appears in Akubra hat, Bogs boots and oilskin vest – common attire for Mallee farmers. Both man and horse are relaxed and facing downward, indicating their mutual trust, love and genuine connection.
As we continue our trip back on the Highway, the rain ceased as quickly as it arrived, leaving grey clouds in its place as well as reducing the temperature for the remainder of the afternoon.
Our fourth Silo, Brim by Guido van Helten, due to its size, gives us the opportunity to have another vehicle line up photo opportunity.
Brim Silo was the first silo artwork to appear in Victoria, and soon infused the town’s community with newfound energy and optimism. After gaining widespread local and international attention, Brim’s silo art success shone a spotlight on the Wimmera Mallee region and inspired the establishment of the Silo Art Trail. Van Helten’s mural depicts an anonymous, multi-generational quartet of female and male farmers. Rendered across these four 1939-built GrainCorp silos, van Helten’s subjects bear expressions that exemplify the strength and resilience of the local farming community.
Back on the road, the enthusiasm still remains as we continue onto our fifth and most colourful Silo, Sheep Hills by Melbourne-based artist, Adnate. This time, we line our cars in a row on a raised car park, pointing out towards to entry, giving the opportunity for a weekend group photo in front of our cars, attempting to put another manufacture that’s more known for the Hilux series, jump in the air to shame..
Sheep Hills Silo by Adnate, depics of Wergaia Elder, Uncle Ron Marks, and Wotjobaluk Elder, Aunty Regina Hood, alongside two young children, Savannah Marks and Curtly McDonald celebrates the richness of the area’s Indigenous culture. The night sky represents elements of local dreaming and the overall image signifies the important exchange of wisdom, knowledge and customs from Elders to the next generation.
Sheep Hills Silo by Adnate, depics of Wergaia Elder, Uncle Ron Marks, and Wotjobaluk Elder, Aunty Regina Hood, alongside two young children, Savannah Marks and Curtly McDonald celebrates the richness of the area’s Indigenous culture.
The night sky represents elements of local dreaming and the overall image signifies the important exchange of wisdom, knowledge and customs from Elders to the next generation.
The afternoon is getting on and the best part of the daylight is making its daily farewell, with one more and unique Silo for the day, we make our way to the township of Rupanyup, showing us a delicately nuanced monochromatic rendered onto a squat pair of conjoined Australian Grain Export steel grain Silos. We line and park our cars on a bitumen side street, as this Silo is part of the town.
Rupanyup by Russian mural artist, Julia Volchkova, turned her attention to the town’s youth and their great love of team sport. The work vividly captures the spirit of community and provides an accurate insight into rural youth culture. The featured faces are those of Rupanyup residents and local sporting team members, Ebony Baker and Jordan Weidemann. Fresh-faced and dressed in their sports attire (netball and Australian Rules football, respectively), Baker and Weidemann embody a youthful spirit of strength, hope and camaraderie.
Rupanyup by Russian mural artist, Julia Volchkova, turned her attention to the town’s youth and their great love of team sport. The work vividly captures the spirit of community and provides an accurate insight into rural youth culture.
The featured faces are those of Rupanyup residents and local sporting team members, Ebony Baker and Jordan Weidemann. Fresh-faced and dressed in their sports attire (netball and Australian Rules football, respectively), Baker and Weidemann embody a youthful spirit of strength, hope and camaraderie.
The clouds are looking darker hinting that the evening part of the day is almost upon us, also indicated by our car lights automatically switching from day driving lights to night driving. This stop over gives us the time to prepare to drive to our evening accommodation close out for the informative and appreciation of the history and unique artwork that brings essential tourism back into country Victoria.
The opportunity to share this road trip with members of who we have met previously, to the introduction to new members, the friendships now formed and shared experience has taken us away from our conventional lifestyle and will be a unique recollection collection that we tell our friends and family, as well as when we meet again.
Paul HollidayBMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Ok, after completing an additional 704km for work over the last two days it is my turn to upload my images from the join ClubMINI VIC and BWM drivers club.
So, I'll start with day 3 - yes, I do things in an odd order.
Day 3 of the Murray - Grampians Art Silo tour started with a wet morning matched by the underlying sense that today was the last day off what had been an amazing weekend. Starting the morning with a full tank of 98Ron and the traditional fluid checks the morning came to life with the undeniably sound of a R53 supercharger.
We all know the saying "if you walk away from your car and don't look back, you own the wrong car", well that is the same sentiment when I start the engine.
Day 3 was the shortest day as we departed Horsham for a drive over the Grampians to our lunch spot in Dunkeld. The radios cracked to life with the call that all cars where in the convoy and 16 cars departed. There was a sense of disappointment as we had to avoid the Horsham Antique shop. We made our way along the highway and turned right towards the Grampians. The roads where reasonable for drivers with stock suspension but the few drivers with a lowered sense found them to be less then comfortable but still enjoyable.
Whilst well made the roads where narrow so a few dust clouds and stones where raised. Reed Lookout was the first destination and as we ascended through the fog it was definitely a site to be seen. However, the ClubMINI VIC beanies came in very handy as the cold winds and mist certainly required a few extra layers. As we waited for Peter Williams, the resident photographer to move the sun across the scenery there was an awesome view across the valley. Unfortunately, the second lookout was not such a great vista, fog the natural enemy of good vision won out on that occasion.
We descended down the other side of the Grampians to Halls Gap, which as predicted was very busy so rather then add to the traffic congestion the team moved to the local reservoir to assemble for photos and drone time. As had become custom on our assembled park ups, we all stood pack and admired the fantastic vista of 16 proud vehicles looking at their caring owners.
The last stretch to Dunkeld was some very spirited roads providing brilliant opportunities for some drivers to use the forward and rearward dash cams to create great convoy footage. Lunch was a quaint cafe that provided comforting food and a sun warmed room.
Drivers departed to their home locations form here, our drive took as through Ararat and surprisingly for the weekend the first major police presence. The poor police officer had to bend over quite a way to lower the breathalyser through the window. Finally arriving home, the unpack begun. Each bag bringing back the memories of the little country stall or shop that we stopped at some near the silos and others just little cafe's or lolly shops.
All in all, if you ever get a chance to do a tour like this, don't just walk, run, get involved. The people are amazing, the cars are stunning, the views are breathtaking and the jokes well they are only appreciated by the humorous among us.
Thanks to ClubMINI VIC and BMWDCM for the experience. Jo Mawson and Peter Williams, you did an amazing job, and to everyone else, thanks for making what to me is normally less than happy long weekend a beautiful memory full of laughter, joy and some really funny stories.
Andrew Weir Club MINI
The rarefied world of car designers is a pretty select group, normally slaving away over sketch pads and clay models – inaccessible to the general public. We were fortunate enough to be invited by BMW Group Australia to meet Calvin Luk, the exterior designer of the X1, X3 and all-new Z4, and to have him explain the process and inspiration behind the third generation Z4.
But first he explained in brief how he got to be where his is.Calvin was born in Hong Kong but grew up in Australia and studied at the University of Technology Sydney. He and some friends tried to see how many of them could get into the boot of the then new MINI at the Sydney Motor Show, which lead to a conversation with a senior BMW AG employee who offered to pass on Calvin’s requests for information on how to become a car designer – requests that he had to race home to type up and deliver back to the stand.
Those requests were duly answered and one suggestion, which Calvin followed up on, was to study at Art Center College of Design, securing an internship from BMW along the way.
All this got Calvin into the BMW design team.
He explained that the process of designing a new car starts with a design brief which contains all the basic information: the car size, wheelbase, proposed engines, target market etc. All fairly fluid at this point but enough to establish the parameters to work from. There is also the BMW handbook of design guidelines, family features, etc.
Various designers work up concept sketches which show the character and basic looks of the car, from which the board of directors will choose one to go forward for more detailed work.
From here on its gets serious as all sorts of other departments get involved – engineering, production, safety, aero dynamists etc., all with their own particular requirements which must be met as the final design takes place.
These days that work is done using virtual reality software and 3D design tools culminating in clay full size models to get the true picture of what it looks like in various lighting conditions. The clay model is also used to verify the aerodynamic performance in a wind tunnel.
Calvin amazed us by sketching out a picture of the Z4 freehand on an electronic drawing tablet explaining how the character of the vehicle is built in, starting with the headlamps.
He explained that in the same way the eyes are the key to our face, the headlamps are key to the car’s face. And in this case the double headlamp design is stacked on to top of each other rather than side to side to emphasis the low kidney grilles and air intakes, giving the car a more aggressive front down appearance. Just little things he did whilst drawing changed the appearance dramatically.
Calvin drew in the central air intakes, pointing out that it was blacked out at either end allowing the radar sensors to be hidden behind, keeping the front end view clean and purposeful. Around the rear wheel arches a few carefully placed creases and scallops ahead of them gave the appearance of a much wider stance than is actually the case. It was astonishing to see and hear that so much detail is included in this process, before the real detailed work gets underway. For instance, the angle and height of the grilles and the slope of the bonnet have to accommodate pedestrian impact requirements.
I jokingly asked if the virtual reality simulations included detailed the new (apparently aeroplane shaped – nice touch) elements in the kidney grille as they look very fiddly to clean. He laughed and said, no, they did not. But, they do include a virtual automatic car wash to make sure that car can be cleaned and that the wash roller does not get caught up the grille. They did recess the grille slightly to prevent the car wash rollers damaging the grille element surface. They also had to refine the grille to make it easier to produce.
Although he did not talk about it I do know that BMW use virtual reality software to virtually assemble the entire car before it gets signed off for production.
As the lead designer, Calvin gets to stay with the project right up to job one on the production line, so any glitches along the way are learnt ready for next time.
At just 34 Calvin is about the youngest lead designer for BMW and he is obviously very good at his job to have won the competition to design 3 cars already. As with anyone really on top of their game he made it look easy, but clearly there is a lot too it and a lot of knowledge and thinking required to make it all happen. It was real delight to have the chance to see and hear how Calvin works, and our thanks go to BMW Group Australia.
Lawrence Glynn | Member #3 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
A large part of the enjoyment of attending a live event or function is the atmosphere and interaction with others attending that event. It’s a very different experience to watching the same event on TV regardless of how big the screen is!
There is also the opportunity to see and do lots of things that the cameras do not cover, and I find those aspects to sometimes be more interesting at times than the event itself.
Which is why Shaaron and I made the trip to the Historic Winton race meeting where we met up with a group of friends from our days in Canberra.
As with most classic car race meetings there is a classic car display as well as the racing. So we took my BMW 700 on a trailer behind my E21 323i JPS Edition – which was an interesting experience in itself. The towing capacity of the E21 is 1200 kg and the 700 plus trailer is about 1000 kg, so not much room to play with. It actually towed OK, even if it struggled a little on the hills – level road happy speed being about 95 dropping to about 85 up hill - and there are a lot more hills on the route when one is towing!
A common compliant of “modern” car racing is that the cars don’t slide and one can not see the driver at work, which does not apply to the refreshingly old school classic cars. If you are a bit of a Luddite your deeply held suspicions of the advantages of so-called technical advancement can be sated by the sight of cars from the first generation of a particular formula beating the supposedly much faster later generation cars. Which actually proves that the driver is at least as important as the car and that preparation and setup may have a significant role too.
Historic Winton uses the short course layout, so the entire track is visible form several locations. The to and fro of battles can be watched right around the track. Some of the racing is very close, but the drivers seem to remember the age of their cars so it remains respectful although a bit of paint does get swapped from time to time.
Winton also has races for historic motorcycles, which looks terrifying, and side-car combinations, which looks borderline suicidal but strangely fascinating.
The event this year celebrated, amongst other things, 60 years of Mini, so there was a strong contingent on track both in the races and on the Sunday lunch break parade laps.
Selected cars from the display were invited to join the parade, using a set of criteria which is unknown to me and possibly to the organisers, but the 700 was selected which was nice (thankfully the JPS was not also selected otherwise I would have had to do a lot of running between cars!).
So, I can now truthfully say I have taken the 700 on the track! Although they were very successful in racing in the day I think they must have had a different clutch in the race cars and probably a lot less wear in the gear change mechanism.
My two cars attracted a lot of attention and positive comment which was nice. They were located in what is considered the premier display area for this event, by invitation only, handily placed for maximum exposure but a little dowdy.
Situated next to us was a display of ambulances from times gone by, complete with a compressed air driven CPR machine – “The Thumper”!
After dropping off the 700 and trailer at Hastings we made our home on the ferry – getting star treatment and a parking spot well away from any other car!
We enjoyed the weekend, a bit different from the Sandown Historic meeting and not as atmospheric as Phillip Island but still a great weekend away.
The new BMW M8 Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 10.6 – 10.5 l/100 km (26.6 – 26.9 mpg imp); CO2 emissions combined: 242 – 238 g/km) and new BMW M8 Competition Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 10.6 – 10.5 l/100 km (26.6 – 26.9 mpg imp); CO2 emissions combined: 242 – 238 g/km), plus the new BMW M8 Convertible (fuel consumption combined: 10.8 – 10.6 l/100 km (26.2 – 26.6 mpg imp); CO2 emissions combined: 246 – 241 g/km) and new BMW M8 Competition Convertible (fuel consumption combined: 10.8 – 10.6 l/100 km (26.2 – 26.6 mpg imp); CO2 emissions combined: 246 – 241 g/km).
The new models draw the energy for their exceptional performance exploits from the most powerful engine ever developed for a BMW M GmbH car. The high-revving V8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology develops 441 kW/600 hp in the new BMW M8 Coupe and new BMW M8 Convertible, and 460 kW/625 hp in the Competition models. The high-performance power unit teams up with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, and the engine’s power is channelled to the road via the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
The model-specific chassis technology has been designed and tuned with the specific demands of track use in mind. One of the features of the chassis that stands out in particular is a newly developed integrated braking system, an M-specific version of which presents the driver with two different brake pedal feel settings. The new range-topping models from BMW M GmbH will celebrate their world premieres as part of the BMW Group #NextGen event taking place at BMW Welt in Munich on 25 – 27 June 2019.
The precise interaction between powertrain, chassis technology and aerodynamics has been carefully honed over the course of intensive testing at the BMW Group’s test track in Miramas in southern France, the winter testing centre in Arjeplog, Sweden and the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit, along with other race circuits. Experience collected from the development of the BMW M8 GTE racing car also played a role in the configuration process. The performance-focused character of the engine, transmission and chassis allows the new BMW M8 Coupe and new BMW M8 Convertible to power from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.3 / 3.4 seconds. The new BMW M8 Competition Coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds, the new BMW M8 Competition Convertible in 3.3 seconds.
Fast responses, a thirst for revs, and sustained power delivery: V8 engine with signature M performance traits. The high-revving V8 engine presents a compelling blend of razor-sharp responses, a feverish appetite for revs and sustained power delivery across an extraordinarily wide rev band. The M TwinPower Turbo technology of the 4.4-litre unit includes a pair of turbochargers – positioned in the “V” between the cylinder banks and boasting optimised efficiency – and indirect charge air cooling, plus a direct fuel injection system working with maximum pressure of 350 bar. Another technological highlight is the cross-bank exhaust manifolds.
In the new BMW M8 Coupe and new BMW M8 Convertible, the engine serves up peak torque of 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) between 1,800 and 5,600 rpm – and goes on to deliver maximum output of 441 kW/600 hp at 6,000 rpm, en route to the 7,200 rpm cut-off. The power unit in the Competition models sustains its peak torque up to 5,800 rpm and develops maximum output of 460 kW/625 hp at 6,000 rpm, its race-derived, high-revving instincts taking an even more prominent lead. The most powerful variant of the V8 teams up with a special engine mounting for a more rigid connection with the vehicle structure. This results in even crisper engine response and also has a positive effect on the immediacy of turn-in and the transmission of engine noise into the cabin.
A sophisticated cooling system ensures optimum operating temperatures at all times, both in everyday use on urban routes and when the cars are stretching their legs on the track. The central cooling module, for example, is flanked by two high-temperature water circuits. And the system also features an additional engine oil cooler and separate transmission oil cooler. The particular challenges of track driving are reflected in the design of the oil supply system. The oil sump has a smaller front chamber, which steps in when extra capacity is needed. An additional suction stage allows the map-controlled oil pump to draw lubricant from the smaller chamber. This ensures a reliable supply of oil at all times, even under extreme lateral and longitudinal acceleration.
Eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and M xDrive. Power transfer is via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The Drivelogic button on the newly designed selector lever allows the driver to select from three modes with specific shift characteristics for particularly efficient, sporty or ultra-dynamic driving. There are also M gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.
Another factor in the enthralling performance of the new BMW M8 models is the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with its rear-biased setup. The centrally controlled interaction between M xDrive and the Active M Differential ensures loss-free transfer of the engine’s huge power to the road. And via the Setup menu, the driver can choose between the default 4WD setting and 4WD Sport mode, which diverts a larger slice of engine power to the rear wheels. Deactivating DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) brings 2WD mode into the equation. The transfer of power exclusively to the rear wheels and absence of stabilising inputs from the control systems add up to a driving experience of singular purity for the experienced wheelman.
M-specific chassis with extremely rigid mounting. The new BMW M8 models provide a fresh take on the characteristic M feeling that translates into unbeatable directional stability even in extremely dynamic situations, a linear build-up of transverse loads however strong the lateral acceleration, and neutral steering behaviour even at the limit. The chassis technology comprises model-specific components and a setup fine-tuned in intensive testing on race tracks. At the same time, the chassis also lives up to the expectations of luxury car customers when it comes to everyday and long-distance comfort.
The rear axle also incorporates purpose-designed components to meet the exceptional handling dynamics required of high-performance sports cars. The M-specific forged links are one of the factors in the fleet-footed agility of the M8, while the precise responses of the suspension and damping elements are partly down to the anti-roll bars’ improved rigidity. Handling properties are given a further boost by the front end’s high torsional strength, which has been achieved with a tower-to-bulkhead strut and a newly developed, exceptionally rigid shear panel with integrated side sill connection. A steel X-brace and an aluminium transverse strut are fitted for an even more stable connection between the rear axle and the body.
The new BMW M8 models are also equipped as standard with M-specific Adaptive suspension including electronically controlled dampers and electromechanical M Servotronic steering. The DSC system hooks up with the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the Active M Differential and also offers M Dynamic mode. This mode allows a greater degree of wheel slip and combines with the M xDrive system’s rear-biased setup to deliver an exceptionally sporty drive complete with controlled drifts through corners. Standard specification also includes 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in twin‑spoke design and high-performance tyres (front: 275/35 R 20, rear: 285/35 R 20).
Integrated braking system with configurable pedal feel. As an alternative to the M compound brakes specified as standard, the new BMW M8 can also be ordered with optional M carbon-ceramic brakes. Both variants are fitted in conjunction with an M-specific version of an integrated braking system. Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, the brake activation, brake booster and braking control functions are brought together within a compact module. The brake pressure required is triggered by an electric actuator, which means it can be generated more dynamically, pedal feel is optimised and the interventions from the stability control system are significantly faster and more precise.
The version of the new braking system developed for BMW M models also presents the driver with two pedal settings. The driver can choose between a more comfort-oriented and a particularly direct, instantaneous pedal feel.
Distinctive design as an expression of dynamism and exclusivity. The exclusive aura of the new BMW M8 models is further enhanced by model-specific features geared to the functional requirements of high-performance sports cars. Large air intakes and the BMW kidney grille with familiar M double bars at the front end, lavishly flared front wheel arches, M gills in the front side panels, aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors, a rear spoiler and a rear apron with diffuser elements in a contrasting colour create a fitting visual showcase for the dynamic potential and exclusive status of the new M contenders. An M Carbon exterior package is offered as an option.
Character-defining features of the new BMW M8 Coupe include the double-bubble contour of its carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof, reminiscent of classic racing cars. Passengers in the new BMW M8 Convertible are protected from the elements by a high-quality fabric roof pulled taut over the cabin. The multi-layer soft-top opens and closes in 15 seconds at the touch of a button, even while on the move.
Interior: signature M cockpit and luxurious ambience. The interior of the new high-performance sports cars brings together an M‑specific cockpit design and progressive luxury. Standard specification for the BMW M8 Coupe, BMW M8 Convertible and Competition models includes model-specific leather upholstery options, the BMW Display Key, the BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific content, the Driving Assistant, the Parking Assistant and the BMW Live Cockpit Professional (with navigation system and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant). Additional driver assistance systems are available as options to provide a further boost to comfort and safety.
The new Setup button on the centre console enables direct access to the settings for the engine, dampers, steering, M xDrive and braking system so they can be tailored to personal preferences and the situation at hand. Two individually composed variants of this M setup can be stored permanently with the driver’s preferred settings for the engine sound, gearshift characteristics of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, driving stability control and Auto Start Stop function. The overall vehicle configuration can then be called up at any time by pressing one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel.
Another new feature is the M Mode button on the centre console, which the driver can use to adjust the driver assistance systems and the displays in the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display. M Mode allows the driver to activate ROAD and SPORT settings, while the Competition models also come with a TRACK setting designed exclusively for use on race circuits. Changing the mode 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.
BMW PRESS
As it develops its plans for the mobility of the future, the BMW Group is increasingly focusing on co-operations to help make next-level electrification technology more widely available to customers by the start of the coming decade. Cooperation between car manufacturers to share know-how and resources is important as the automotive industry tackles the significant technological challenges of autonomous driving, connectivity, electrification and services (ACES). After three years of Strategy NUMBER ONE > NEXT, the BMW Group remains firmly on track, having established a strong position as one of the world's top providers of e-mobility. The BMW Group is leading the global premium market with the largest portfolio of electrified vehicles and the biggest market share among traditional luxury rivals. Highly-integrated electric drive train The BMW Group and Jaguar Land Rover today confirmed they are joining forces to develop next generation electric drive units in a move that supports the advancement of electrification technologies necessary to transition to an ACES future. The BMW Group and Jaguar Land Rover share the same strategic vision of environmentally-friendly and future-oriented electric drive technologies. The BMW Group brings long experience of developing and producing several generations of electric drive units in-house since it launched the pioneering BMW i3 in 2013. Jaguar Land Rover has demonstrated its capability with this technology through the launch of the Jaguar I-Pace and its plug-in hybrid models. The BMW Group’s most sophisticated electrified technology to date features an electric motor, transmission and power electronics in one housing. This electric motor does not require rare earths, enabling the BMW Group to reduce its dependence on their availability as it continues to systematically broaden its range of electrified models. Starting next year, the BMW Group will introduce this electric drive unit, the fifth generation (“Gen 5”) of its eDrive technology, with the BMW iX3 Sports Activity Vehicle. The Gen 5 electric drive unit will be the propulsion system upon which subsequent evolutions launched together with Jaguar Land Rover will be based. “The automotive industry is undergoing a steep transformation. We see collaboration as a key for success, also in the field of electrification. With Jaguar Land Rover, we found a partner whose requirements for the future generation of electric drive units significantly match ours. Together, we have the opportunity to cater more effectively for customer needs by shortening development time and bringing vehicles and state-of-the-art technologies more rapidly to market,” said Klaus Fröhlich, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development. The cooperation allows the BMW Group and Jaguar Land Rover to take advantage of cost efficiencies arising from shared development of future evolutions and production planning costs as well as economies of scale from joint purchasing. A joint team of BMW Group and Jaguar Land Rover experts located in Munich will be tasked with further developing the Gen 5 power units with production of the electric drivetrains to be undertaken by each partner in their own manufacturing facilities. Both companies will seek to adhere to their own brand-specific propositions in any project. Technology openness The development of multiple new technologies is required for the company to meet customer and regulatory requirements around the world, which often vary by market. This means that the BMW Group will continue to improve its combustion engines, while also pushing forward the e-mobility strategy with both battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids and investing in new technologies such as fuel–cell powertrains.
Our June members meeting was hosted by South Yarra BMW. I would like to thank Riley Aickin for staying back and showing us all the wonderful new cars available and South Yarra BMW for the amazing treats.
we were also lucky to have Chris Sager, from Geelong Revival, who spoke about what is in plan for this year’s special event. We will be having a feature spot at the festival this year and also having a 2-day display with Saturday featuring the 8 fest and Sunday we will be having our BMW display. Make sure you come to Geelong to enjoy this wonderful event.
It was great to see so many new members attend, we look forward to seeing more of them at future events.
Jo Mawson | Member #2 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Event date: 4 June 2019
MONTH IN REVIEW
May has already come and gone and we're almost half way through the year! We kicked off May with our third round of the 2019 Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers' Championship. Rod Martin had a fantastic time for his first time in an E30 race car, while his own is being built "...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." Unfortunately we had to change our May Members Meeting with Mothers Car Care at late notice due to a cancellation. Instead we held a general members meeting where Graeme Bell gave a presentation on the BMW Clubs Australia AGM he recently attended. On the Saturday before Mother's Day, we invited all our members to bring along their mothers for our pre-mother's day drive. We began our day at McDonalds Whittelsea and finished at Yea with a number of stops in between. Despite the drizzly weather, it was a fun Saturday outing. We then finished our month with a bit of fun at Auskarts Racing. There was a lot of very competitive racing and the margins from first to last were very close! We can't wait to see what happens at our outdoor karting day later in the year. MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: 392 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.
MEMBER NOTICE:
Regretfully we must announce that due to low entries for our Sandown Come and Try Day, we have had to cancel the event.
We have been promoting this event widely, but unfortunately, we have had very little interest. It saddens us to have to cancel the event as it is one that we felt would benefit a lot of members.
If you have already registered, we will be sending you an individual email to notify you of refunds or entry transfer options.
Many apologies. BMWDCM Committee
THE MONTH AHEAD
Here's what we've got on for June:
EVENTS AHEAD
Keep an eye on our calendar for events coming up, we’re always adding something new.
NEWS | BLOG
idrive magazine
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.
MEMBER SERVICES
BMW CLASSIC NEWSLETTER
The official BMW Clubs around the world are supported by BMW through its BMW Clubs and Community Management section of BMW Classic. Click here to subscribe to their newsletter.
President | Graeme Bell 0407 186 296 Vice President | Jo Mawson 0412 661 900 Secretary | Lawrence Glynn 0414 563 290 Treasurer | Shaaron Glynn
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.
Proudly supported by:
Dear Members,
May has been a quieter month with only 4 events, but all of these had fantastic attendance.
We had a brilliant turn out at Sandown for the third Round of the Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers Championship, with a lot of team bonding and laughter with all who attended. I really love the way all our members and their families all just tuck in and help each other with set up of cars, to making bacon and eggs for breakfast, we have a great BMWDCM family unit happening.
Our May meeting was a general meeting, held at Shannons. It was great to meet some newer members and hear what they are interested in and also chat about all things BMW.
On 11 May we held a Pre-Mother’s Day drive. It looked like it was going to be a little wet, but by the time we got to our starting point, the sun was out and stayed out for the rest of the drive. As usual, fantastic driving instructions by our Drive Co-ordinator, Peter Williams, and delicious lunch at Toolangi Pub. It was great to be met there by some of the members who could not make the full drive but came and joined us for lunch anyway. It was also lovely to have a few family groups attend, some of the kids had fun on the radios calling directions and observing the wonderful Autumn countryside. Well done Elsie Taylor, your radio skills are brilliant. It's great to see whole families coming to our events. As, with all of our events, kids and partners are more than welcome, as are friends and non-members.
On 26 May we had a fun crew join us for Go Karting at Auskarts in Port Melbourne. There was a lot of very competitive racing and the margins from first to last were very close. Well done to the winners and look out for our outdoor karting day later this year.
June is going to be a busy month, we have the June Members Meeting at South Yarra BMW on Tuesday, then the long weekend away touring the countryside taking in the Murray Valley, Silo Art Trail and returning through the Grampians. I can’t wait to see what Peter has mapped out for us!
We then have Broadford for Round 4 of the 2019 Traction Tyres/Yokohama Driver’s Championship. If you want to get out on the track, make sure you register and come along and have some fun, along with the sprint groups there will be a driver training group, so you can have an instructor in the car with you if you want to. We will need officials and helpers as well, so even if you don’t want to drive, you can come and help out. Give us a call if you want to know more.
Membership is now at 392. I can’t believe how quickly our club has grown. I'm still very humbled as are all the members on our committee. Thank you for joining us and I look forward to seeing you all 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
Sporty, cool, safe and classy, sprinkled with fresh design and the latest in connectivity, the new BMW 1 Series is a proper BMW with a strong character all its own.
Cutting-edge chassis systems and innovative technologies, plus the integration of all key driving dynamics components and control systems, imbue the BMW 1 Series with an increase in agility that drivers of cars with both the new front-wheel-drive configuration and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive will clearly recognise. To this end, a five-year process of development has seen BMW channel all the experience amassed by the BMW Group over recent years with front-wheel-drive technology in other models into the new 1 Series. The result is a dynamic sharpness unprecedented in front-wheel-drive cars, with which it sets new standards in the premium compact class.
The third generation of the BMW 1 Series will be unveiled to the public for the first time on 25 – 27 June 2019 on the new BMW Group #NEXTGen presentation platform at BMW Welt in Munich. Hosting the show premiere of the new BMW 1 Series, meanwhile, will be the IAA event in Frankfurt am Main in September 2019. The worldwide launch will get underway on 28 September 2019.
More than 1.3 million examples of the BMW 1 Series have been produced in its first two generations, the car proving especially popular in Europe. The third-generation model offers significantly more space than its predecessor with little change to its exterior footprint, thanks to the cutting-edge BMW front-wheel-drive architecture. Passengers in the rear are the main beneficiaries, while a larger load compartment also results. Available as a five-door model only, the all-new BMW 1 Series is five millimetres shorter than its predecessor at 4,319 millimetres. In terms of width (now 1,799 millimetres), it has grown by 34 millimetres while its height (1,434 mm) has increased by 13 millimetres. At 2,670 millimetres, the wheelbase is 20 millimetres shorter than that of the second-generation model.
New face with larger BMW kidney grille. The new face of the BMW 1 Series and its fresh interpretation of iconic BMW features can be seen clearly from the front. The signature BMW kidney grille is now larger, with far greater presence. For the first time in this model range, the two kidneys now merge in the middle. The sporting flagship of the line-up is the BMW M135i xDrive (fuel consumption combined: 7.1 – 6.8 l/100 km [39.8 – 41.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 162 – 155 g/km*), which replaces the grille’s classical bars with a prominent three-dimensional mesh design inspired by racing cars. The headlights are now angled in design and lend the car a fresh and youthful feel. The optional full-LED lights – in adaptive guise, if desired – cut a particularly modern figure.
Pronounced shark nose and clear wedge shape. The flanks of the all-new BMW 1 Series stand out first and foremost with the familiar – and clearly defined – BMW shark nose, a strong hint of wedge shape and a slim window graphic culminating in the C-pillar with traditional Hofmeister kink. A small number of crisp and precise lines and boldly sculpted surfaces lend the new 1 Series an athletic appearance. The defining elements of the rear end are its broad-set lower section and the tapering effect further up. This creates a striking shoulderline, which gives the car a planted stance on the road. The wide, two-section rear lights enhance this impression and have a very modern look with their slender form and pared-back appearance. The optional full-LED rear lights provide a whole new take on the familiar “L” design courtesy of a single, slim light element with a striking sweep to the side. Expressively shaped surfaces and eye-catching tailpipes with a diameter of 90 millimetres (or 100 mm for the angle-cut items on the BMW M135i xDrive) set the seal on the sporting appearance of the rear section. The BMW 1 Series is available with an array of new light-alloy wheels starting from 16 inches in diameter. 19-inch items are available as an option for the first time.
Panoramic roof and backlit trim strips. The electric panoramic roof available for the first time on the BMW 1 Series lets more light into the interior, where more room and an enhanced feeling of spaciousness meet high-quality materials and innovative details. These include backlit trim strips, making their debut in a BMW as an option. They come in three different designs with six switchable colours and create compelling translucent effects. Grouped control clusters for the heating & climate functions and the various driving functions provide ease of use, while functional stowage options – such as the area in front of the gearshift lever, which can be specified with the Wireless Charging option for smartphones – deliver additional comfort and convenience.
Access to the optional infotainment features of the new BMW Operating System 7.0 – using gestures, if the relevant option is specified – is via a grouping of two displays, each of which have a screen diagonal measuring up to 10.25 inches in the case of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional. The new display design of this option mimics the newly designed BMW kidney grille in both form and arrangement. The central, touch-compatible Control Display is angled towards the driver in customary BMW style and is optimally positioned in their field of view. Added to which, the full-colour, 9.2-inch BMW Head-Up Display – available as an option for the first time on the BMW 1 Series – allows the driver to view information without taking their eyes off the road.
A giant leap in space. The interior of the all-new BMW 1 Series is much roomier than its predecessor, especially in the rear compartment. Getting in is easier and kneeroom for the rear passengers has increased by 33 millimetres. The rear offers a full 19 millimetres of extra headroom if the outward-opening sliding panoramic sunroof is specified. Rear passengers also enjoy 13 millimetres more elbowroom, while the driver and front passenger can look forward to an extra 42 millimetres in this respect. The load compartment capacity of 380 litres is 20 litres up on the outgoing car’s, and folding down the rear seat bench increases this to 1,200 litres. In addition, the minimum width of the boot has increased by 67 millimetres. And electric tailgate operation is offered on the BMW 1 Series for the first time.
Four equipment lines and one flagship model. The base Advantage model is joined in the new BMW 1 Series line-up by three other equipment lines, which differ from one another in both exterior and interior details. The Luxury Line model accentuates the classy and comfortable side to the car’s character with the help of body applications in Aluminium satinated and seat upholstery in Dakota leather. The Sport Line model with Black accents, window graphic in BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line and sports seats, and the M Sport model with accents in Aluminium satinated, front apron with specially shaped air intakes and BMW M rear apron in High-gloss Black lead the 1 Series up the dynamic ladder culminating in the BMW M135i xDrive. The flagship model stands out with features including a mesh-design BMW kidney grille, angle-cut tailpipe tips in Cerium Grey and a BMW M rear spoiler in body colour.
Cutting-edge BMW front-wheel-drive architecture with innovative powertrain technology. The third generation of the BMW 1 Series showcases the debut appearance of BMW’s cutting-edge new front-wheel-drive architecture. Benchmark driving dynamics for the segment and a far more spacious interior are the result. A five-year process of development has seen all the experience amassed over recent years with front-wheel-drive BMW Group models come together with a transfer of technology from BMW i to the BMW core brand to create a proper BMW with a character all its own. Whether front-wheel-drive or equipped with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, the new 1 Series has taken its agility to a level above its predecessor. Its fast and precise responses are clearly perceptible and serve to enhance the driving experience. An important factor here is the ARB (actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation) technology familiar from the BMW i3s (electric power consumption combined: 14.6 – 14 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km**), which is now making its debut in a combustion-engined vehicle and allows wheel slip to be controlled much more sensitively and swiftly than before. A standard feature of the BMW 1 Series, ARB uses a slip controller that is positioned directly in the engine control unit rather than in the control unit for the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system. Eliminating the long signal paths means that information is relayed three times quicker, while the driver perceives wheel slip being brought under control up to ten times faster. Actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation works in close tandem with the DSC system to bring about a clear reduction in the power understeer normally experienced in front-wheel-drive cars. The ARB technology is assisted in its task by BMW Performance Control (yaw moment distribution). This feature, also included as standard on the 1 Series, gives it more agile handling by applying the brakes as required at the wheels on the inside of the bend before the slip threshold has been reached. The result is neutral steering behaviour. Besides the standard suspension – which already has a dynamic set-up and is specially tuned to the different engine variants – and the M Sport suspension with a 10 mm reduction in ride height, the all-new BMW 1 Series can also be specified with the Adaptive suspension with VDC (Variable Damper Control) as an option. This particular variant lets the driver choose from two different damper response settings – Comfort or Sport – using the Driving Experience Control switch. All new BMW 1 Series models from the entry-level engine upwards are equipped with a multi-link rear axle.
Two models with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. ARB technology and BMW Performance Control are likewise included in the BMW 120d xDrive (fuel consumption combined: 4.7 – 4.5 l/100 km [60.1 – 62.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 124 – 117 g/km*) and BMW M135i xDrive, which feature intelligent all-wheel drive as standard. Standard specification for the M135i xDrive also includes a newly developed mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential, which gives the car an even sportier edge by creating a locking effect between the front wheels.
The differential is integrated into the standard-fit eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and also features a Launch Control mode that already puts the full peak torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) on tap in first and second gear. The even sharper response of the M Sport steering in the BMW M135i xDrive produces a further noticeable increase in the car’s agility and gives it an even bigger appetite for corners. And the M Sport brakes offer excellent fade resistance and abundant reserves of stopping power at all times. The M Sport steering and M Sport brakes are also available as optional extras for other BMW 1 Series models.
Three diesel engines and two petrol variants from launch. Customers can order their new BMW 1 Series with a choice of three- and four-cylinder engines from the latest-generation BMW EfficientDynamics family. A host of detail improvements give them better fuel economy, lower emissions and, in some cases, more power than before. Three diesel engines and two petrol units are available, developing from 85 kW (116 hp) in the BMW 116d (fuel consumption combined: 4.2 – 3.8 l/100 km [67.3 – 74.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 110 – 100 g/km*) to 225 kW (306 hp) in the BMW M135i xDrive. The new engine powering the latter model is the most powerful four-cylinder unit in the BMW Group line-up. The BMW M135i xDrive dispatches 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 4.8 seconds (4.7 seconds with M Performance package, available from 11/2019) on the way to a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Despite these impressive performance figures, combined fuel consumption is just 7.1 – 6.8 litres per 100 km [39.8 – 41.5 mpg imp] and CO2 emissions come in at only 162 – 155 grams per kilometre. All the engines available for the BMW 1 Series meet the strict Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard, while the BMW 116d is already Euro 6d-compliant. The petrol engines are equipped with a gasoline particulate filter and the diesels with a diesel particulate filter, NOx adsorption catalyst and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology.
Three different transmission technologies now available. The BMW 116d, BMW 118d and BMW 118i come as standard with the further-developed six-speed manual gearbox, while the state-of-the-art seven-speed dual-clutch Steptronic transmission can be specified as an option for the BMW 116d and BMW 118i. The eight-speed Steptronic transmission – available as an option for the BMW 118d and standard on the BMW 120d xDrive – and the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission of the BMW M135i xDrive boast further improved smoothness and acoustic properties. Intelligent connectivity allows both automatic transmissions to adapt their shift strategy to the route and traffic situation at hand.
Assistance systems from BMW models higher up the range. A large number of innovative driver assistance systems fitted in the BMW 1 Series have been taken from models higher up the BMW range to make their debuts in the premium compact class. Depending on the system in question, camera images and data gathered by radar and ultrasonic sensors are used to monitor the vehicle’s surrounding area and either alert the driver to hazards or minimise the risk of an accident by means of corrective braking and steering. Standard equipment in Europe includes collision and pedestrian warning with city braking function, which also alerts the driver to the presence of cyclists. Also fitted as standard is the Lane Departure Warning system with active lane return, which is operational from 70 to 210 km/h (44 – 130 mph). Options include Active Cruise Control usable up to 160 km/h (99 mph) – on cars with automatic transmission and Stop & Go function – plus the Driving Assistant, which comprises the Lane Change Warning system, rear collision warning and crossing traffic warning.
Parking Assistant with innovative reversing assistant. The BMW 1 Series provides assistance with parking in the form of the optional Park Distance Control (PDC), rear view camera or Parking Assistant. The latter enables automatic assisted parking in spaces that are either parallel or perpendicular to the road, as well as automatic manoeuvring out of parallel parking spaces. Celebrating its premiere in the premium compact class is the innovative reversing assistant, which stores the steering movements for any section the car has just driven forward along at no more than 36 km/h (22 mph). The system is then able to steer the vehicle in reverse – for distances of up to 50 metres at up to 9 km/h (5.5 mph) – along exactly the same line it took when moving forward.
The smartphone as car key. The BMW 1 Series is available with the option of two new smart features that have previously only been seen in BMW models higher up the ladder: the BMW Digital Key and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Available as an option, the BMW Digital Key enables users to lock and unlock the vehicle from a smartphone using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, rendering the conventional car key surplus to requirements. Holding the smartphone up to the door handle opens the car – even if the phone battery is dead. The engine can be started as soon as the phone has been placed in the smartphone tray or wireless charging tray. The driver can share the BMW Digital Key with up to five other people or use the BMW Key Card with the same functionality. The BMW Digital Key is available for top-spec NFC-compatible Samsung Galaxy models running Android 8.0 and above.
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant: expert and conversation partner. Another new element has been added to the control and operating concept for the all-new BMW 1 Series in the form of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant first unveiled in the BMW 3 Series Sedan. The Intelligent Personal Assistant is a genuine BMW expert and is familiar with virtually all the car’s functions. After waking the system with the prompt “Hey BMW”, drivers can operate their car and access its functions and information simply by speaking. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is a digital character with his own personality, who can learn routines, preferred settings and habits – and subsequently apply them in the appropriate context or engage in casual conversation. One unique feature over other digital assistants is that drivers can give this one a name of their choice.
Connected Navigation for a more relaxed arrival. Connected Navigation services allow internal and external information to be factored into route planning. Drivers of the BMW 1 Series will be able to send destinations from various apps straight to their car’s navigation system, store them and synchronise them with the car. The Parking Space Assistant proposes various parking options to the driver in good time before the destination is reached. This service includes providing information on the nearest multi-storey car park as well as suggesting routes that offer a particularly good chance of finding a parking spot close to the destination. The existing On-Street Parking Information and PARK NOW services are integrated intelligently into the process. In selected cities, it is even possible to pay parking charges automatically.
Operation by iDrive Controller, touch, voice or gestures. The new BMW 1 Series lets drivers use a variety of operating methods, depending on the situation and personal preferences. In addition to the usual buttons on the centre console and steering wheel, other frontline control elements include the iDrive Controller – with touchpad from BMW Live Cockpit Plus upwards – and the standard 8.8-inch Control Display with touchscreen functionality. BMW Live Cockpit Plus also adds a navigation system and intelligent voice control with online speech processing. BMW Live Cockpit Professional, based on the new BMW Operating System 7.0, brings together the fully digital display and operating system (including two 10.25-inch displays) with maximum connectivity and customisability. Standout features include an adaptive navigation system and a hard-drive-based multimedia system. There is also the option of controlling the functions using seven different gestures.
“Marcello Gandini to me is one of the grandmasters of car design and his cars always have been an important source of inspiration for my work”, says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design, who has been intrigued by the BMW Garmisch since he first discovered a faded period picture of the car some years ago. “Building the BMW Garmisch for a second time gave us the opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. Gandini, recall one of his lesser-known cars and highlight Bertone’s stylistic influence on the evolution of BMW design. For me, that alone was reason enough to do this project – filling in the gaps and completing BMW’s history.”
Since the early days of the brand, BMW has been inspired and influenced by Italian design and coachbuilding culture. From the lightweight aluminium BMW 328 Mille Miglia created at Carrozzeria Touring in the late 1930s to the wedge-shaped BMW M1 designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, there has always been a vital exchange of concepts and ideas across the Alps. And just like many other Italian show cars of the 1960s and 1970s, the original BMW Garmisch was developed by Bertone as an independent design proposal intended to demonstrate the studio’s creativity. “The original idea came from Nuccio Bertone himself who wanted to consolidate our existing relationship with BMW by designing a surprise show car for the Geneva Motor Show”, remembers Marcello Gandini, who was in charge of Bertone’s design department at the time.
“We wanted to create a modern mid-sized coupe that was faithful to BMW’s design language, but that was also more dynamic and even a bit provocative.” While the side profile of the car was very sleek and clean, the most distinctive design feature of the BMW Garmisch was its bold, vertical and almost angular variation of BMW’s kidney-shaped radiator grill, which was flanked by square glass-covered headlights. Other unusual details included sports car-like louvres on the C-pillars and the honeycomb-patterned mesh cover for the rear window – a trademark element of Marcello Gandini’s style.
Although the car was created in just a couple of months, the design team did not let the opportunity pass to give the interior their special treatment as well. With its rather unusual vertical radio on the center console, a lavish fold-out mirror for the passenger and a flamboyant mix of colours and materials, the BMW Garmisch added an elegant Piemontese twist to the rather functional interior design habits of the time. According to Marcello Gandini, even the car’s name was chosen to impress: “We picked the name Garmisch because skiing was very popular in Italy at that time. It evoked dreams of winter sports and alpine elegance.”
Being faithful to the original car, the new BMW Garmisch is also a stunning showcase of BMW’s expertise in design research and prototype building. As original documents of the BMW Garmisch were sparse, the interdisciplinary team convoked from the BMW Group Design and BMW Classic departments had to retrace every detail of the car’s exterior and interior from a small selection of period images, most of them only available in black and white.
Marcello Gandini himself contributed to the research process with memories from the creation of the car, allowing the design team to refabricate key details such as the exterior colour – a light champagne metallic in line with Italian fashion trends of the time – and the interior materials and trim. And while the BMW Design team used the latest 3D modeling technologies to revive and specify the original structures and shapes, the BMW Garmisch was coach-built by skilled craftsmen in Turin – just like the original car almost 50 years ago.
“When I first heard that BMW wanted to recreate the BMW Garmisch, I was a bit surprised”, Marcello Gandini recalls of his first meeting with Adrian van Hooydonk, who visited him in Turin in the summer of 2018 to ask for the his approval. “Now I am very pleased that I was able to be part of this project and happy that BMW chose to recall this enjoyable past. Having seen the final car, it is hard for me to even distinguish it from the original.”
With its clean, reduced design language and precise use of lines and geometrical shapes, the BMW Garmisch is an archetype of the radical new style that was pioneered by Italian studios such as Bertone, Italdesign and Pininfarina in the late 1960s and early 1970s – and that is still an important reference point for car designers today. As an ambassador of avant-garde design thinking, the BMW Garmisch is also meant to inspire contemporary designers to keep on reimagining the shape of the automobile. “At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, we should reflect on the past, but we should also think about where we are going”, says Adrian van Hooydonk. “Marcello Gandini’s designs have always been very clear and very clean, but also very dramatic. This is why I find his work so inspiring. He was always able to create something spectacular using very few design elements. This approach of trying to accomplish a lot with less is quite modern still today.”
Born in 1938, Marcello Gandini is one of the most influential car designers of the 20th century. During his 14 years as Design Director of the Bertone design studios in Turin, he created some of the most daring and revolutionary automobiles of the era, including wedge-shaped concept cars like the Lancia Stratos Zero or the Alfa Romeo Carabo as well as iconic sports cars like the Lamborghini Miura which are sought-after by collectors and celebrated at concours events worldwide. Besides the BMW Garmisch, Marcello Gandini and his team at Bertone have worked on the BMW Spicup showcar and the first generation of the BMW 5 series, which was created under the lead of BMW’s former head of design Paul Bracq.
© 2025 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc. All Rights Reserved.
