After a couple very rainy days, the skies cleared to welcome a perfect day to cruise down to the Steeples Mornington with the family.
Unlike other today we would not be taking our E30’s but instead our 1971 Ford Falcon. Although other makes and models were welcome today, admittedly it did feel a little strange driving through the gates.
I asked Graeme and Lawrence where to park and they (jokingly) pointed somewhere into the distance away from all the BMW’s… it was a loaded question. All jokes aside within minutes of parking the kids were off looking for others to play with in the beautiful grassed area while Sandra and Imarvelled at our dream cars and mingled with members sharing our passion. It became apparent and comforting to me with the amount of members that were interested in reminiscing over our car and their (like mine) childhood memories. It was great to chat to other members that also owned a similar vehicle.
After a couple hours of car talk in the sun we all retired to the bistro where after a great lunch we were fortunate enough to win some awards that (although people choice was sku’ed by my larger families voting attendance) we were excited to accept being the first time we had ever had anyone judge our car.
Some raffle wins also made the day all the sweeter. We always attend club events with our kids (10 & 8) and it’s great to consistently meet up with welcoming, inclusive people and venues for young families. Overall we had a nice day and the kids had a great time.
Matt Gigliotti | Member #76 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
The BMW Group is working in close collaboration with power grid operator TenneT to devise groundbreaking solutions that will turn electric mobility into one of the mainstays of the energy revolution. An intelligent charge control system developed for BMW Charging can help to adapt electric vehicle charging in a way that keeps the power grid stable and makes optimum use of energy from renewable sources. Following successful deployment in the USA, the technology’s practicability has now also been demonstrated in Germany as part of a subsequent pilot project. Providing the platform for this new solution is the connectivity technology already included as standard in the all-electric BMW i3.
The BMW Group is aiming to offer its customers ways of charging their electrified vehicles as easily and cheaply as possible while minimising the associated emissions. The digital integration of electric vehicles into the power grid will make it possible to adjust vehicle charging with customers’ mobility requirements, grid stability and the availability of renewable energy all factored in. Intelligent charge control can therefore play a role in preventing power grid congestion and give priority to green electricity at the same time. As and when the customer’s mobility schedule allows, charging of suitably equipped electric vehicles can be briefly decreased – in the event of an electricity supply shortfall, for example – in order to reduce the load on the grid. Charging of the high-voltage battery will resume as soon as the supply bottleneck has been alleviated, ideally at a time when sufficient reserves of wind or solar energy have accumulated.
The system of charge control developed for BMW Charging acts as a link between car and power grid. It registers the grid requirements signalled by the operator, making it possible to control the charging of plugged-in electric vehicles for optimum results – whether the vehicle is hooked up to the electricity grid at a public charging station, via a BMW Wallbox or using a domestic power socket. The signals are processed by the digital charge control technology and the vehicle’s connected electronics.
In the latest pilot project, the team succeeded in recording and processing signals from grid operator and project partner TenneT that indicated an imminent grid overload. This allowed charging to be temporarily decreased in selected BMW i3 cars in response. Electricity from renewable sources could then be integrated into the grid to optimum effect and there was no need to use backup power plants running on fossil fuels. The results from the pilot project represent further progress towards digital integration of electric vehicles into the power grid and pave the way for implementing this solution on a larger scale.
As the number of electric vehicles on our roads continues to grow, so does the amount of electric power needed to fuel individual mobility. Considered in terms of total requirements, however, electric mobility is a relatively small factor. Independent studies predict that in Germany, for example, a fleet of two million electric vehicles would only increase electricity demand by around one per cent.
At the same time, intelligent charge control means electric mobility can help grid operators handle new challenges arising from the increasing input of renewable energy. These centre on precisely balancing supply and demand – i.e. power generation and consumption – both geographically and in terms of quantity. Wind electricity generated in the north of Germany, for instance, must be able to reach consumers in the south. This is made more difficult when the grid is already working at maximum capacity. Without intelligent charging, this can lead to congestion that has to be cleared rapidly. So, if a particular region is at risk of an electricity shortage, the usual response is to increase output from coal- or gas-fired power plants that can be brought on line at short notice.
Known as “redispatching”, these interventions in the power generation network generate costs in the region of €500 millions a year in Germany alone – and these must be met by the power grid operators. Intelligently controlled charging holds potential to cut these costs, as briefly decreasing vehicle charging eliminates the grid congestion, allowing wind power to flow smoothly and dispensing with the need to use fossil energy in power plants.
As integrating electric vehicles into the power grid and implementing intelligent charge control reduces redispatching costs, it can also help to limit expansion of the cross-regional network of power lines – and thereby restrict electricity price rises.
Contributions made to stabilisation of the power grid also provide the basis for energy-linked business models, as owners of electrified vehicles can actually earn money through intelligently controlled charging. This represents a milestone on the road to realising the BMW Group’s vision of offering electric vehicle drivers electricity for charging their cars that is both free and generated with zero emissions.
The BMW Group has been running a precursor to the pilot project in Germany for several years already. The ongoing BMW i Charge Forward initiative in California has seen intelligent charging control – according to the needs of both customers and the power grid – undergoing practical trials under everyday conditions with a fleet of over 300 electric vehicles. The local grid operator has backed the scheme with financial rewards. And as the drivers of the electric vehicles participating in the scheme ultimately pocket the bonuses, this is a win-win situation for all involved.
BMW PRESS
The new BMW 3 Series sets new standards for driving dynamics, aesthetic appeal and advanced technology in the areas of control/operation, driver assistance and connectivity. And the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Touring also lead the way in their class when it comes to safety. The latest-generation 3 Series has been awarded the maximum five-star rating in the recent round of Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash testing. Added to which, it emerged with the best ever result for adult occupant protection achieved by a “large family car” (midsize model) since the introduction of the current, extremely demanding Euro NCAP test format. The BMW 3 Series also recorded excellent results for child occupant protection, “Vulnerable Road User” (e.g. pedestrian) protection and standard safety equipment.
A five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing represents a glowing endorsement of the effectiveness of a vehicle’s integrated safety concept, which – in the new BMW 3 Series, as in other models – encompasses both the body structure and the restraint systems. Supporting structures with a weight-optimised design and a high load-bearing capacity combine with precisely engineered deformation paths in the new 3 Series to provide the ideal basis for preserving the passenger cell’s rigidity in various types of collision – i.e. for keeping the occupants’ survival space intact. In Euro NCAP testing, the aluminium/high-strength steel safety passenger cell of the new BMW 3 Series proved to be extremely robust – both in the frontal and side collisions and the side pole impact. In a frontal collision, the forces acting on the vehicle are diverted via multiple load paths in the floor assembly, side frame, bulkhead and roof, and absorbed by large deformation zones. Reinforced side structures in the B-pillars and side sill areas, high-strength side impact members in the doors and sturdy seat cross-members protect the occupants in the event of a side-on collision. The seats and head restraints have been specially designed to minimise the risk of whiplash injuries resulting from a collision against the rear of the vehicle. Strengthened pillars and roof members ensure that the passenger cell retains its rigidity if the car rolls over.
Central safety electronics control the functioning of the various restraint systems fitted in the new BMW 3 Series. This means the three-point inertia-reel seatbelts on all seats deploy as part of a precisely coordinated response with the front, side and head airbags – according to the type of impact and its severity. The testers’ evaluation of the crash test results revealed that the new BMW 3 Series offers exceptionally high levels of protection for adult occupants, with an almost perfect score of 97 per cent. They are therefore protected from injury to an outstanding degree, regardless of their height or the seat’s position.
The levels of safety for children also impressed the test team. ISOFIX child seat attachments for the outer seats in the rear of the new BMW 3 Series make this an extremely safe place for children to travel. With the relevant seat systems fitted for six- and ten-year-old passengers respectively, the readings showed the test dummies were exposed to extremely modest loads in both the frontal and side crashes. The new 3 Series scored 23.8 out of a maximum 24 points for this criterion.
Evaluating the protective measures for vulnerable road users (such as pedestrians and cyclists), also forms part of Euro NCAP crash testing. The new BMW 3 Series reduces the risk of injury to these groups with carefully contoured body elements and flexible structures around its front end. It also has an active bonnet, whose pyrotechnic release mechanism is triggered as soon as the sensor data indicates a relevant type of collision. This raises the bonnet, creating a deformation zone that prevents direct impact with unyielding components in the engine compartment.
The extensive active safety features fitted as standard on the new BMW 3 Series are another factor in its five-star rating. The collision and pedestrian warning with braking function managed to safely avert a collision in all test scenarios, earning it maximum points in the assessment. This technology forms part of the standard Active Guard system that also comprises Lane Departure Warning with lane return and the Speed Limit Display road sign detection system with no-overtaking indicator. Standard specification for the 3 Series also includes DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), a tyre pressure indicator showing the pressures for each wheel, the Attentiveness Assistant and intelligent emergency call with BMW Accident Assistance.
The joy of driving, the excitement of sports performance and the passion for racing will greet visitors to the BMW stand at the Los Angeles Auto Show, taking place on 22 November – 1 December 2019. Taking centre stage for the German premium carmaker are the world or show premieres of the latest new arrivals from BMW M GmbH. New high-performance models for the luxury class, Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) and premium compact segments add further variety to the line-up of models combining standout dynamics, agility and precision with unrestricted everyday usability.
The Los Angeles Auto Show 2019 is the venue for the world premiere of the BMW M8 Gran Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 10.7 l/100 km [26.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 244 g/km) and BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 10.7 l/100 km [26.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 244 g/km) four-door high-performance sports cars. It will also host the first public unveiling of the new BMW M2 CS (fuel consumption combined: 10.4 – 9.4 l/100 km [27.2 – 30.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 238 – 214 g/km), the exclusive special edition leading the way in the elite compact sports car class. Celebrating their show premieres, meanwhile, are the latest high-performance models from the BMW X family: the new BMW X5 M (fuel consumption combined: 13.0 – 12.8 l/100 km [21.7 – 22.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 296 – 291 g/km), new BMW X5 M Competition (fuel consumption combined: 13.0 – 12.8 l/100 km [21.7 – 22.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 296 – 291 g/km), new BMW X6 M (fuel consumption combined: 12.7 – 12.5 l/100 km [22.2 – 22.6 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 289 – 284 g/km) and new BMW X6 M Competition (fuel consumption combined: 12.7 – 12.5 l/100 km [22.2 – 22.6 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 289 – 284 g/km).
The world premiere of the first ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe sees BMW transporting its highly successful four-door coupe concept from higher up its model range into the premium compact segment. This more flamboyant alternative to classical sedans makes a bold statement in terms of individuality, aesthetics and emotionality, and adds innovative control/operation and connectivity, a high level of everyday practicality and the dynamic élan expected of a BMW. Another visitor attraction at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2019 will be the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18. This perfectly formed concept bike brings together the past and future of the BMW Motorrad brand in impressive style.
The new models sharing the spotlight on America’s west coast underscore the status of BMW as a maker of premium vehicles whose modern design language, sublime dynamics and ultra-advanced technology in the areas of driver assistance, control/operation and connectivity exude a powerful allure. The innovative talents of the BMW Group in the development fields D+ACES (Design, Automated Driving, Connectivity, Electrification and Services) – identified as central future-focused fields by the company in its NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy – are reflected more than ever in the BMW model line-up. Added to which, the brand’s stronger presence in the luxury segment and the continued success of the BMW X models are among the key pillars underpinning its enduring growth in the world’s car markets.
BMW M GmbH is adding a pair of four-door high-performance sports cars to its luxury-segment model range. The BMW M8 Gran Coupe and new BMW M8 Gran Coupe Competition fuse stunning power and superbly controllable dynamics with bold lines and progressive luxury. Defining elements of its striking appearance are a dynamically stretched silhouette, powerful shoulders, a distinctively sculpted rear end and M-specific features designed to deliver exceptional sporting prowess. A 200-millimetre-longer wheelbase than the two-door BMW M8 models creates a significantly greater feeling of space in the two full-size rear seats. And a third seat is also on hand in the rear compartment for shorter journeys.
The power behind the standout performance required of the new cars is provided by a high-revving 4.4-litre V8 engine with the latest M TwinPower Turbo technology, which develops 441 kW/600 hp in the new BMW M8 Gran Coupe and as much as 460 kW/625 hp in the new BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe. The all-wheel-drive system M xDrive channels the engine’s power onto the road with poise and authority via a centrally controlled interaction with the Active M Differential at the rear axle. Deactivating the stability control system brings 2WD mode into play, with drive fed exclusively through the rear wheels. The model-specific suite of chassis technology includes electronically controlled dampers and an integrated braking system enabling two different brake pedal settings. The new BMW M8 Gran Coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.3 seconds, while the new BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe needs just 3.2 seconds.
A characteristic M cockpit design and luxurious standard specification bring an exclusive sports-car ambience to the interior. The Setup button governing configuration of the engine, dampers, steering, M xDrive and brakes, the M Mode button – which allows the functional reach of the driver assistance systems and the display screens to be configured as required – and the standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional (complete with navigation system and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant) represent the latest advances in the areas of control/operation and connectivity.
Also offering exclusive ways to experience the signature performance attributes of BMW M cars are the newcomers to the luxury SAV and SAC segments. The BMW X5 M, BMW X5 M Competition, BMW X6 M and BMW X6 M Competition celebrate their joint show premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2019. An underlying concept laced with M-specific expertise imbues them with driving characteristics defined by supreme agility, dynamism and precision. And these talents are complemented by the versatility for which BMW X models are renowned, a bold design and modern interior luxury.
The third generation of the largest SAV and SAC models in the BMW M GmbH stable bring an even greater degree of dominance, fuelled both by their performance levels and their visual appearance. The high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology generates 441 kW/600 hp in the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M or 460 kW/625 hp in the Competition models. Engine power is transferred to the road by means of an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with bespoke tuning and an Active M Differential at the rear axle. The exceptionally precise power transfer, M-specific suspension – tailored to both the engine’s performance profile and the SAV / SAC vehicle concept – and design features taken from the M playbook ensure imposing power and supremely controllable handling, even at the dynamic limits. The BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds, while the Competition models complete the same sprint in 3.8 seconds.
Other ingredients in their imposing appearance include unmistakable SAV / SAC proportions and hallmark M features designed to optimise the supply of cooling air and aerodynamic efficiency. Once inside, customers can enjoy the sumptuous ambience created by the high levels of space, the variable-usage flexibility of the interior, the raised seating position, exquisite materials and build quality defined by precision craftsmanship. Standard equipment also includes M-specific displays and controls (e.g. the Setup button, gearshift paddles and M buttons on the steering wheel and the M Mode button), plus features such as M multifunction seats and the BMW Live Cockpit Professional.
The new BMW M2 CS is set to cut an extremely powerful, highly exclusive figure and exude a fascinating sense of racing authenticity at its world premiere in Los Angeles. The special-edition M2 CS brings the successful recipe embodied by the track-focused BMW M3 CS and BMW M4 CS models into the premium compact segment for the first time. And the new BMW M2 CS follows the lead of its larger siblings in setting new standards in its class for dynamic ability, agility and precision. It therefore also provides the basis for the new entry-level model from BMW M Motorsport. Designed for amateur racing and the new Clubsport segment, the BMW M2 CS Racing will be available from 2020.
Model-specific design elements also showcase the car’s distinctive character on the road. Foremost here are the carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof, an array of other CFRP components and the newly designed bonnet, under which resides the twin-turbo six-cylinder in-line engine developing a maximum 331 kW/450 hp – up 29 kW/40 hp on the output of the BMW M2 Competition.
The overall package of bespoke performance-maximising features on the road and track also includes Adaptive M suspension and 19-inch forged light-alloy wheels with Cup tyres. The new BMW M2 CS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds when equipped with the standard six-speed manual gearbox – or 4.0 seconds with the optional seven-speed M double-clutch transmission (M DCT). Likewise on the options list for the new BMW M2 CS are M Carbon ceramic brakes. Highlights of the pared-back cockpit design, meanwhile, include the centre console and door panel trim in CFRP, super-lightweight M Sport seats, Alcantara armrests and an interior trim strip with red “CS” badging.
BMW is transferring the already successful four-door coupe concept from the upper echelons of its model range into the premium compact class. The first ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe brings a fresh dose of aesthetic appeal and individuality into this segment. Its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2019 will therefore reveal a design-focused, emotionally engaging alternative to classical sedans, one that will soon also be turning heads and stealing hearts on the road. A dynamically stretched silhouette, eye-catching shoulders and frameless side windows create an elegantly sporting appearance. But the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe also offers generous levels of space for passengers in the rear and a load compartment capacity of 430 litres. Market launch will get underway in March 2020, and the new model will be produced at BMW Plant Leipzig. In the shape of the BMW 228i xDrive and BMW M235i xDrive, the compact four-door car will serve as the entry-level model for the brand’s range in the US market.
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe combines its bold appearance with the sporting prowess expected of BMW, a high degree of everyday practicality and innovative control/operation and connectivity technology. It is based on the advanced front-wheel-drive architecture used by the BMW 1 Series. The perfectly orchestrated interaction between cutting-edge chassis engineering, innovative technologies and all of the integrated components and control systems that impact the car’s driving dynamics gives the car outstanding dynamism. One crucial element here is the near-actuator wheel slip limitation (ARB) technology familiar from the BMW i models and new BMW 1 Series, which allows wheel slip to be controlled much more precisely and swiftly. On the 225 kW/306 hp BMW M235i xDrive range topper (fuel consumption combined: 7.1 – 6.7 l/100 km [39.8 – 42.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 162 – 153 g/km), intelligent all-wheel drive and a mechanical limited-slip differential on the front axle further enhance the car’s sporting ability. Advanced driver assistance tech and the state-of-the-art operating system (available as an option with BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant) accentuate the high-class premium character of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.
The BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 brings the essence of big BMW Motorrad classics into the modern age, fusing historical motorcycle design with a contemporary, custom attitude in the process. It could be viewed as a return to the brand’s core, but given a modern twist. “With this dream bike, we are presenting our own vision of an emotional and authentic BMW Motorrad offering for the large cruiser segment,” says Dr Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, to describe the design. “The related production bike with the Big Boxer will follow in the second half of 2020, and be named the BMW R 18.”
The BMW Group unveiled the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the banks of Lake Como in Italy in early summer, treating the galleries to a pared-back, historically inspired take on the Big Boxer concept. Then at the world’s biggest motorcycle show – the EICMA in Milan – came the second sensational concept bike based on a big boxer engine: the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 (pronounced “slash two”). This was the stylistic opposite of the Concept R 18: a modern, dynamic custom cruiser with a performance appeal that is somewhat rougher round the edges. As such, the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 demonstrates yet another potential expression of the Heritage concept, providing an impressive example of the flexibility and wide-ranging customisation options offered by this basic architecture.
The BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 is immediately recognisable as a genuine BMW. The boxer engine, cradle frame, exposed universal shaft and teardrop-shaped fuel tank with its black paintwork and hand-applied contrast lines interpret typical design icons of BMW Motorrad classics confidently and with modern linearity. The balanced proportions are reminiscent of classics like the BMW R5, and convey – even from a distance – the timeless beauty that comes when things are consistently reduced to their bare essentials.
The success story continues: With the BMW M2 CS Racing, BMW M Motorsport continues its tradition of close-to-production customer racing vehicles. The BMW M2 CS Racing is convincing with impressive driving performance and offers motorsport beginners the performance of a pedigree racing car at an attractive price. The BMW M2 CS (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 10.4–9.4; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 238–214), also being presented to the global community today, is the perfect basis for the new entry-level model. The BMW M GmbH special edition is also set to make its US debut at the LA Autoshow in November.
“With the BMW M2 CS Racing, we are continuing the tradition of providing ambitious teams and drivers with an affordable gateway to racing – this time with a car that, with impressive performance data and the latest BMW Motorsport technology, meets all the requirements of a pedigree racing car, better than any previous entry-level model before it,” said BMW Group Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “Using the perfect base of the BMW M2 CS and in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH colleagues, BMW Motorsport engineers used many of the insights from the development of the BMW M4 GT4 to set totally new standards in the entry-level class with its little brother, the BMW M2 CS Racing. I am confident that we will continue the success story of BMW M Customer Racing vehicles with this car.”
Markus Flasch, President of BMW M GmbH, said: “The collaborative development of the BMW M2 CS and the BMW M2 CS Racing highlights the close integration of BMW Motorsport and BMW M GmbH. Our expertise meets halfway between high-performance cars for the road and pedigree racing cars, namely in the growing club racing sector. We are already taking account of this with various performance versions of the BMW M2 CS Racing, and we will be working in a similar direction for future BMW M special editions.”
The BMW M2 CS Racing is available from 95,000.00 Euros (plus value-added tax) and meets all the prerequisites for a successful entry-level model. The new customer racing car is powered by an S55 six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo Technology, which with a capacity of 2,979 cc in the racing version achieves between 280 hp (205 kW) and 365 hp (268 kW), depending on the Balance of Performance or Permit B classification. The maximum torque of 550 Nm is transmitted by a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which has been applied using specialist motorsport software.
Another highlight of the BMW M2 CS Racing is the engine management. As for the BMW M4 GT4, this will be via power sticks in the future, which enable various performance levels to be programmed and retrieved depending on the stipulated Balance of Performance.
Motorsport-specific driving aids such as ABS and DSC guarantee that newcomers will be able to handle the car safely. A mechanical limited slip differential with pre-load and separate cooling also comes as standard, as do specially manufactured drive shafts. Like its production counterpart, the roof is also made of carbon.
Delivery of the first BMW M2 CS Racing is planned for mid 2020. As with the predecessor models, the BMW M235i Racing and the BMW M240i Racing, several platforms around the world will be available to the new car apart from its main stomping grounds, the VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring and the TC America. A Permit B version is planned for racing at the Nordschleife (GER) as part of the VLN.
BMW Motorsport is also already working on an upgrade package to increase performance to 450 hp. Further details and the start of delivery of these models will be announced at a later point in time.
“With this wide range of performance variants, and distribution through approved BMW M Motorsport dealers for the first time, we will be addressing an even wider target group in the future and tapping into a booming sector. I’m delighted that we are also able to break into this market with the BMW M2 CS Racing and expand our customer racing offering. Customer racing at BMW has never been as diverse as it will be as of next season,” said Marquardt.
In the BMW M2 CS road car, the dual charged six-cylinder in-line engine based on the power unit of the BMW M4 Competition achieves 450 hp (331 kW). The power is unleashed perfectly onto the racetrack and the road via the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 7-speed M dual-clutch gearbox, the adaptive M racing suspension previously reserved for the BMW M4 models, as well as cup tyres. The standard M racing brakes with painted red brake callipers or the optional M carbon ceramic brakes ensure the car slows down suitably.
In the interior, the lightweight M racing seat from the BMW M4 CS, with Merino and Alcantara leather covers, provide the driver with the perfect support even when they are bumped on the racetrack. The optional M sports steering wheel with an exclusive Alcantara covering, which like in a racing car has a red mark at the 12 o’clock position, gives that direct racing feeling.
The race car BMW M2 CS Racing has an intensive period of testing behind it. After initial outings at Miramas (FRA) and Portimão (POR) came the first appearance in race conditions at the fifth round of the VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring. At the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, the most demanding racetrack in the world, BMW Motorsport Junior Beitske Visser (NED) and Jörg Weidinger (GER), test and development engineer at BMW M GmbH and a very successful participant in the BMW Sports Trophy over many years himself, completed the first endurance test and provided the engineers with valuable insights under race conditions. Further outings at the ‘Green Hell’ came in the seventh and ninth round of the VLN.
Type: Six-cylinder in-line, four valves
Technology: BMW M TwinPower Turbo Technology, direct injection, Valvetronic
Capacity: 2,979 cc
Performance: 280 hp (205 kW) - 365 PS (268 kW) via power stick (depending on Balance of Performance or Permit B classification)
Torque: 550 Nm
Exhaust system: Motorsport-specific exhaust system with racing catalytic converters
Brakes
MONTH IN REVIEW
October was an exciting month for us, beginning with our first AGM at the German Club Tivoli. We had a great turnout of members to celebrate Oktoberfest and re-elect our current committee.
Next on the calendar was Motorclassica where we had a fantastic variety of cars, both old and new. As always, there was so much to see, do and eat! If you missed Motorclassica this year, make sure you put it in your calendar for next year!
On the same weekend but a few hundred kilometres away, BMWDCM had two teams attend the AROCA Winton 12 Hour. We had 9 club members competing and over 20 helpers for the weekend with one team finishing second and the other finishing 18th. Well done to all those who attended, it's a fantastic outcome!
The following weekend was the final round of the Garagistic E30 Racing Championship at Winton. Many of our members race in the E30 series and it was fantastic to see one of our members, Alex Jory finish the championship in second place after a very hard year of racing!
Our final event of the month was the Sandown Historics where we had over 50 cars on display over the weekend, despite the bad weather. One member, Kevin, also received a trophy for best on display! Well done Kevin.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: 417 MEMBERS
Welcome to all our new members, we look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event!
Don't forget to catch up with this month's update from our President, Graeme Bell here.
IMPORTANT MOTORSPORT NOTICE
There are some safety changes being introduced in 2020 that all existing and prospective competitors to club sprints should be aware of.
As all of our sprints and hill climbs are run under a CAMS permit and are classed as "Speed" events, the new regulations will affect some drivers that currently don't use Frontal Head Restraints, commonly known as HANS devices.
If you enter a Speed Event (a sprint or hill climb, etc) and your car either has a CAMS logbook or you run with a full harness and race seat, you must wear a Frontal Head Restraint and associated helmet.
If you drive a road registered car that only has standard seatbelts you will not have to wear a Frontal Head Restraint and associated helmet, you can use a helmet complying with AS 1698, as you can now.
So, for all events we run or take part in, you will need a proper motorsport helmet and FHR from Jan 1 2020 unless you drive a standard car with standard lap/sash seatbelt.
Click here to read the full update.
THE MONTH AHEAD
Here's our plans for November:
Sunday 17 November Castlemaine - Maldon Steam Train Drive Starting: McDonalds Wallan North Enjoy a drive along the back roads to the Victorian Goldfields, a trip in First Class on a heritage steam train and some time in the first 'notable town' in Victoria - Maldon.
Saturday 23 - Sunday 24 November Geelong Revival Geelong Two days of BMW displays, this year in prime position close to the pits and all the action! Saturday we are celebrating the 8 Series with an 8 Fest Display and Sunday we are celebrating the E30. Bring any car, any day, or both!
Friday 29 November - Sunday 2 December Multi Club Weekend Drive Join us for another fabulous weekend with our NSW and Canberra neighbours. The weekend will be based in beautiful Merimbula with plenty of scenic, sweeping drives. Click the event link for the full itinerary.
EVENTS AHEAD
Keep an eye on our calendar for events coming up, we’re always adding something new.
NEWS | BLOG
idrive magazine
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MEMBER SERVICES
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As always, thanks for reading, we look forward to seeing you at an event soon!
President | Graeme Bell 0407 186 296 Vice President | Jo Mawson 0412 661 900 Secretary | Lawrence Glynn 0414 563 290 Treasurer | Shaaron Glynn
Proudly supported by: Shannons Insurance, Traction Tyres and Zagame Autobody.
Dear Members,
There are some safety changes being introduced in 2020 that all existing or prospective competitors should be aware of.
As all of our sprints and hill climbs are run under CAMS Permits and are classed as "Speed" events, the new regulations will affect some drivers that currently don’t use Frontal Head Restraints (FHR), commonly known as HANS devices.
From 1 January 2020, it will become compulsory for all competitors in Speed events, such as club sprints, to wear a FHR in most circumstances.
The revised Schedule D can be found here.
The actual wording of the rule is as follows:
Frontal Head Restraints: The following changes to Schedule D of the CAMS Manual of Motor Sport have been issued in the Manual and in the February Edition of Speed Read (at page 42) as a recommendation for 2019, and will be compulsory as from 1/1/20: It is highly recommend that an FHR compliant with Standard A and a Helmet compliant with Standard A is worn when competing in:
a) Each 1st Category automobile, except for a Superkart or a 5th Category automobile which is exempt from the use of a FHR;
b) Each automobile the subject of a CAMS Log Book which applies a RACE, RALLY/ROAD, OFF ROAD or 5th CATEGORY classification whereby that automobile when used in an event applicable to its Log Book classification requires the mandatory use of a FHR.
NOTE: The use of a FHR is not required for a Road Registered automobile for a SPEED Event whereby the necessary equipment for the correct use of a FHR is not fitted to the automobile (i.e. 5/6 point safety harness).
The gist of it is, if you enter a Speed Event (a sprint or hill climb, etc) and your car either has a CAMS logbook or you run with a full harness and race seat, you must wear a FHR and associated helmet.
If you drive a road registered car that only has standard seatbelts you will not have to wear a FHR and associated helmet, you can use a helmet complying with AS 1698, as you can now.
So, for all events we run or take part in, you will need a motorsport helmet and FHR from 1 January 2020, unless you drive a standard car with standard lap/sash seatbelt.
Some may think it a little excessive, but what price do you put on your life in the event of an accident on a track? There have been a couple of big incidents on tracks in the last 12 months that show what can happen, and the results can be catastrophic if we don’t have the correct safety gear.
So, my advice is, keep an eye on the Christmas sales and the like at places like Revolution Racegear, the CAMS website and make sure you have an approved motorsport helmet and FHR ready to go for the first event next year, as you will not be able to compete if you don’t have them at an event.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Graeme Bell | President BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.
P.O. Box 81, TYABB, VICTORIA. 3913 Incorporated in Victoria #A0102695GBMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc is a member of:BMW Clubs Australia and the BMW Clubs International CouncilCAMS Affiliated Motorsport Club
October was a very exciting month, starting with our first AGM, at the German Club Tivoli. It was a great turn out of members for our first annual elections, with the committee turning out in their German outfits, all looking very cool for a bit of Oktoberfest fun. Not sure if that scared everyone off from nominating for committee, but all positions were filled by those that were already incumbent, with no other nominations. We all appreciate your continued support and are very honoured to continue giving you the Club you all want. Food and service at the Tivoli club was outstanding and we are sure to be using this venue again for our AGM in the future.
Motorclassica, again brought out some wonderful BMW’s and our club had a fantastic variety of cars, both old and new. Lawrence ran a wonderful display, as usual, and we had a lot of interest from the public and passers-by. Thank you all for presenting your beautiful cars for all to see.
Further north, on the same weekend, was the AROCA Winton 12 hour. With 9 Club members driving and a host of over 20 helpers on board to support the two teams. If you have never been to this event and want to get involved in motorsport, this is one that will get you hooked very quickly, as it is a real team event. Team 1 with four drivers who are very new to the sport coming in 18th out of 36 teams and Team 2 with five drivers, with more experience, coming away second outright. This was an amazing result as we only do this event once a year and I was so proud of all the drivers and our whole team, who worked so hard to achieve these results. We must thank Bell Motorsport and Traction Tyres/Yokohama for their support of our teams in this event. For anyone wanting to go from Club Sprints to real racing, this event is with out a doubt the best event to do to prepare you for what lies beyond single car sprints. We also must thank the Alfa Club, who continue to run these events and also continue to ask us to come and join them.
The following weekend was the last round of the Garagistic E30 Racing Championship at Winton. A lot of our Members race their E30’s in this Championship and we will be forging much closer ties with the E30 Racing Club next year and beyond, as we continue to develop a continuing pathway for members to go from Club Sprints to racing. Congratulations to Founding Member Alex Jory, for finishing the 2019 E30 Championship in second place, after a very hard year of racing. Well done Alex!
Sandown Historics last weekend turned out to be an awesome weekend, with over 50 cars on display and even more members attending, despite the bad Melbourne weather on Saturday particularly, we still had an amazing display on both days. I must say this was one of the best turn outs we have ever had at this event, well done guys and gals. A very special thank you to those that came on Saturday, even though the forecast was for storms and hail as well as rain. Just shows how dedicated our members are to come and support their Club. Thank you! There were a few members out competing too, so it was great to be there to watch them out on track, as well as all the other action and displays to see.
Many of our members cars were awarded with best in class awards, which was a great result and made me very proud to see everyone there polishing and preening their cars even though it wasn’t the best of weather for it. Well done all.
Our Club is still growing, with membership now over 415 and I feel this is because of all our great turn outs at events and our friendly, welcoming members, who embraced all who come along and enquire about our club. The way you interact and treat prospective members is what makes us so strong and makes others want to be a part of our Club.
Coming up in November we have events such as Melbourne Cup SNS, Motors at the Mansion, November members meeting at Zagame Auto Body, Castlemaine – Maldon Steam Train Drive, Geelong Revival Weekend spectacular, Multi Club Weekend Away. Another very busy month ahead! As always, if you have an idea for an event, or go somewhere you think others would like, let us know. We are always open to suggestions and ideas for something new, or even something old we haven’t done for a while that you’d like to do again. All of the committee have their contact details on the web site and facebook group and are there for you to use anytime for any reason.
We have started on our 2020 calendar of events, both motorsport and social, so keep an eye on your emails or check the web site for coming events. We are working on some very, very exciting new events for 2020, so as soon as we have confirmation, we will let you know. But believe me, there are a couple of very special invitations we have received that everyone will want to get in on!
We now have our own bookings at Winton, Sandown, Broadford and Haunted Hills for our Drivers Championship, plus we are working on a trip to The Bend in South Australia, with the Drivers Club of SA., as well as a number of other events we are looking at trying to fit in to our championship calendar. In 2020 we will also be supporting the Alfa Club with running and entering some of their events, where we can, as we have in the past. As soon as we can confirm which events will make up our motorsport calendar, we will get it out to you all.
We have also had very positive discussions with a venue close to Melbourne, where we can run Motorkhana events and conduct low speed car control training next year. So again, keep an eye on the calendar for when we can schedule these days.
Looking like another very busy year in 2020 and I am sure you will love what we have in store for you.
Take care out there, see you at an event soon!
Although there is a lot of friendly rivalry between German car clubs we get on pretty well really. So it makes sense to have a combined German Auto Day. And the biggest German festival is Oktoberfest, so it makes sense to hold a German Auto Day in the Oktoberfest period.
You would have thought from the name that Oktoberfest takes place in October. But No! Just to prove that the Germans have a sense of humour it is predominantly in September. “Come to our Oktoberfest” “When in October is it?” “In September!” Hilarious.
Oktoberfest was originally a Bavarian celebration of the marriage of King Ludwig 1 in 1810 which got a bit out of hand and went on for a bit over two weeks. It still runs for two weeks but is now timed to end on or near German Unity Day (October 3 – marking the reunification of Germany) and celebrated in other parts of Germany and around the world.
But the joke does not seem to have made it outside Germany and most Oktoberfest events outside Germany (were a normal sense of humour prevails) are held in October.
As is the case with the Sydney German Auto Day, although it does not really claim to be an Oktoberfest event.
Shaaron and I had scheduled a return trip to our home of 32 years, Canberra, to see friends and attend a theatre performance we thought we would miss in Melbourne but in the event wouldn’t have but it was too late to book by then (don’t ask – too complicated) and I noticed that the NSW club had their annual Show and Shine at the Sydney German Auto Day on the Sunday at the end of our trip.
Well, Sydney is not much of a detour on the way home from Canberra. I know of three places which all truthfully claim to be halfway between Sydney and Melbourne – it just depends on the route.
So we tugged the 700 on a trailer up to Canberra. We left it in the safe hands of an ACT club member who just happens to run a car hotel (thanks Nick) so we could use my E90 320d to get about, and then picked it back up on Saturday afternoon to overnight in Sydney.
There are a few things about towing a trailer you may not think of until you try it. Such as parking at a motel. And not having to reverse back out of the car park! Where we stayed claimed to be bus and RV (recreational vehicle) friendly and had assured me by phone trailer parking would be reserved. Well, not really. At check in the guy pointed to one of the many CCTV screens covering the car park and pointed to 3 narrow right angle parking spaces “You can use these”. No way! Barely wide enough to parallel park the car by reversing and almost impossible to drive the car into forwards yet alone the trailer. Fortunately there was a completely empty rank of about 10 spaces which I could drive car and trailer into and out of and carry on around the building and out the other side (something I had checked was possible using satellite view on Google Maps).
The show itself was at the very scenic and expansive Gough Whitlam Park in Earlwood, just across the road from Tempe and close to the airport. It’s a very nice location with plenty of space.
Which is just as well as the show is big. There were over 100 BMWs there and easily 250 Mercedes. Canterbury BMW had their own display space which included the gorgeous M8 pre release car which was drool worthy in every respect apart from the trendy matte (sorry Frozen) finish which is not for me.
We were according a prime spot right at the entrance to the BMW area opposite a neat row of exquisite ‘02s. The range of cars was very good, from the 700 up to an i3 but there were more of the newer cars than I expected. There were 2 very nice JPS E30s that I spent some time taking to the owners of and a small collection of German micro cars (including Heinkel and NSU Prinz) which also provided grounds for an interesting chat.
We also caught up with a number of our friends in the NSW club and made a few new acquaintances.
The main purpose for making the trip was, as with all the shows I take the 700 to, is to let people see a car which is pretty rare (only 5 in Australia that I know of and only 2 ever go out and the other one not very often) and to tell the story of its role in saving BMW.
Thankfully, it seems to attract a lot of attention, many of whom had no knowledge of the car or the history. And this was the case in Sydney too, so job done.
A great event and an enjoyable day which was well worth the effort to go to.
On a slightly nerdy note, the trailer I used to get to Adelaide has a closed in front, all the better for protecting the car being carried. I was pretty pleased to get 10.1 l/100 km for the entire trip. The trailer I took to Canberra does not have a close in front, the route has many more significant grades, yet the overall trip consumption was 8.3 l/100 km. Still very good for a combo unit and a graphic example of the role of aerodynamic drag.
Lawrence Glynn | Member #3 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
City traffic is really its forte but sometimes the MINI simply has to get out and about. Enjoying some fresh air, shaking off the everyday blues – a day’s excursion or a weekend trip generally does the trick. In northern Germany, the MINI is usually drawn to the coast, a region where “moin” is generally the right greeting whatever the time of day. There’s almost always a refreshing breeze, and large numbers of wind turbines are making a significant contribution to the energy turnaround. In this landscape, the first all-electric model from the British premium brand is naturally enough a particularly good fit. And thanks to the latest battery-cell technology, there’s no impediment to taking the new MINI Cooper SE (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined electricity consumption: 16.8 – 14.8 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) on the short trip from the Hanseatic city of Hamburg to the island of Sylt in the North Sea.
In fact, with its range of between 235 and 270 kilometres, the new MINI Cooper SE is absolutely ideal for getting out of town, and enjoying local zero-emission driving fun through the surrounding countryside. Powered by its 135 kW/184 hp electric motor, the car only reaches its limit on fast-moving motorway stages at 150 km/h – an artificial limit established for reasons of efficiency. The energy required for this is provided by a high-voltage battery designed specifically for this model and with the latest cell technology delivering gross energy content of 32.6 kilowatt hours. It is made up of twelve modules arranged in a T-shaped configuration deep in the floor of the new MINI Cooper SE. The volume of the luggage compartment of between 211 and 731 litres is consequently just as big as in the conventionally powered MINI 3-door automobile.
The trip to Sylt, or “to the island”, as it is known by local people from Hamburg, can commence with fully charged battery and comfortably stowed weekend luggage. A journey of just under 200 kilometres takes you from the Hamburg city limits to the holiday island located at the top left-hand side of a map of Germany, although the all-electric MINI will not have to do the last leg of the journey under its own steam. In Niebüll, it is loaded onto the Sylt Shuttle run by German Rail. The train rattles to its destination on the single-track causeway along the Hindenburg Dam. The mud flats can be seen stretching for kilometres on end to the right and left, while the remaining kilowatt hours stored in the battery of the new MINI cooper SE can be saved for an introductory foray across the island.
Naturally, enough electricity is also available on Sylt. And contrary to a lot of other things, power is no more expensive than on the mainland. The most valuable commodity here is time. Every minute on Germany’s northernmost island deserves to be savoured. And the best way to enjoy that time is to embark on an excursion among the wonderful world of dunes. There are no electric sockets for miles and miles but the energy generated by the waves and the wind is a very real presence.
Anybody who wants to get to know Sylt needs to experience both sides of the island. There is the dune landscape with kilometre after kilometre of sandy beaches stretching from Hörnum in the south to the “Elbow” spit beyond List in the north. Then there is the side of the island bordering the mud flats with their lush green meadows, the fashionable Hanseatic town of Keitum and picturesque harbours like Munkmarsch. The busy streets of the island’s capital of Westerland, the stylish bars and traditional restaurants in Kampen, and the untouched natural world on the Morsum cliff are best explored on foot, while the MINI Cooper SE is connected to the power grid to have its batteries charged for the return journey. Three and a half hours connected to a wall box are sufficient for a full charge – but nobody wants to be in a hurry on Sylt. A conventional household electricity socket is also sufficient. And if you happen to be in a tearing hurry, the battery of the new MINI Cooper SE can be recharged to 80 percent at a quick-charging station with power of up to 50 kW in just 35 minutes.
Most visitors can never get enough of the fresh air on the North Sea. A diversion is therefore selected for the trip back home. From List, a ferry takes visitors back to the mainland. It makes a stop on the Danish island of Rømø. Insider information: A charging station has been installed on board the “Sylt Express” and this allows the MINI Cooper SE to recharge its high voltage battery with electricity right “to the brim”. The crossing lasts 40 minutes and is quite long enough. The additional charge of electricity is included in the price of the crossing.
Recharged with new vigour, the MINI Cooper SE rolls along the causeway that connects Rømø with the mainland and then travels south across the border between Denmark and Germany. The all-electric car is particularly economical in its GREEN+ drive mode. Additional range can be gained with the accelerator response optimised for efficiency and deactivated heating or air-conditioning. Just before the Dithmarscher Geest motorway parking layby, a wonderfully long right-hand bend on a slight ascent encourages a rather higher speed. Ultimately, the vehicle’s low centre of gravity means that the MINI Cooper SE hugs the road. Otherwise, it cruises along and on the descent from the bridge over the canal between the North Sea and the Baltic, the batteries can even undergo modest recuperation.
The car then continues its journey to the centre of Hamburg. A multicoloured sea of light along the Reeperbahn entertainment mile gives the impression that electricity is limitless. Conversely, it’s about time the MINI Cooper SE was recharged. Fortunately, the Hanseatic city has a relatively good supply of charging stations and it’s easy to find a parking space with a charging point, with a bit of luck near the harbour. You never know, maybe the driver would like to breathe in a bit more bracing sea air.
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