[c1pher]

Has anyone gone to Spartanburg recently? I am going in a few weeks to take advantage of my M Driver’s Package. I thought it was just one day, but apparently it’s three separate days. I was able to schedule them continuously. I don’t think I would have been able to take advantage of of of them otherwise.

[752002]

I was there yesterday for a one day M class (the actual city is Greer and we stayed in Greenville). I did the two day class last summer and got the one day class for my girlfriend. They had two no shows so I said what the heck and got in the class. It’s fun and educational. She had a blast (and her left leg is sore today &#128170. Reid was the schools lead instructor and he is very good. You’ll have a blast and have an idea of what your car can do. Enjoy ✌️

[TheSiege]

Yes, you will have a great time. Last time I was there I signed up for their private instruction and it was incredible. If anyone is interested in some thoughts on that experience:
Once you do a few of the M classes or track days, the most instructional bank for your buck will be to get 1:1 lessons. I spent 4 hours and it was incredible. I had an introduction and background call with their instructor before arriving and we came up with a lesson plan that focused on things I wanted to do. After arriving and assessing where I was, everything was tailored to work on whatever I wanted / needed. We spent about 25% of the time on the skidpad to work on drifting in an M4 and then did track laps (first lead follow then I'd lead) in the M8 comp. While you can buy a longer sesson, 4 hours was enough and very tiring since you're driving 100% of the time. Aside from getting feedback and working on what you exactly need to work on, it's really cool to have the track to yourself. We'd run one section, and once it was nailed down, just drive to another one and immediately start lapping - they had a cone/logistics team on the radio with the instructor setting up track sections (or picking up killed cones) as we went, so you really take advantage of every minute you pay for.

[c1pher]

Thank you both. Do they snap any photos or anything during the events?

[752002]

No photos at either of my events.

[ziggyz96]

I am also planning to use my new M2's voucher at the SC location. My dealer and the emails I received weren't too informative about the school, so I called today to see about class dates. The staff member I spoke to was rude and abrupt and asked me which school I was interested in (this was after I already told him that I'm a new M2 owner, with the 1 day voucher and interested in the 1 day M School). Can any of you tell me what to specifically ask for (I know there are different courses at the performance center) so I don't get barked at again by this person? I'm also planning on bringing one of my BMW buds with me and needed to know prices for a +1. The staff member wasn't really helpful. Thanks.

[NJbaitshop]

Originally Posted by c1pher

Has anyone gone to Spartanburg recently? I am going in a few weeks to take advantage of my M Driver’s Package. I thought it was just one day, but apparently it’s three separate days. I was able to schedule them continuously. I don’t think I would have been able to take advantage of of of them otherwise.

I also have the M-Drivers pack, and I just scheduled my track day at Spartanburg for January 19th. I got my confirmation email and it says 1-day M School.

Any additional details from your booking that show there's a multiple day option? I also just checked the BMW site and it says 1-day there as well. Just checking because I'd love multiple days if true.

[c1pher]

I was kind of surprised too. I thought it was just a single day. You also get a companion so my brother is going with me for the one day class. I just gave the person on the phone my voucher number and they said I had all of those classes. One was good for three years and the other two were only good for the first year of ownership. Let me pull up the emails and I can tell you the names of the courses.

[c1pher]

This is the email I got (personal info removed)
“Hello, Mr M Owner,

This is the BMW Performance Center, we found offers with your VIN.

New Owners Track Drive: This offer is complimentary for you and one guests, guests have to be 18 years and older with a valid driver’s license. If you wanted to bring a 3rd person it will be $299.00. This event is good for 12 months from your date of purchase date, we cannot go past that date. Offer is 2-3 hours long. Must provide, VIN, dealerships name, date of purchase date, when calling into book.

Performance Drive – This is a chance for participants to drive a variety of cars. It is oriented very similarly to the Handling Course where eyes, steering, and throttle control are emphasized.

X-Drive – This is our off-road course that showcases our X-series vehicles. Students learn about hill descent control, angle of attack, techniques for crossing water, and throttle control.

1 Hour of Q and A: Questions with an instructor.

BMWOR/ One Day School: my voucher number. Expires: 09/30/2024.

These are real world driving conditions and scenarios – wet pavement, emergency braking, lane changes, distracted driving, and more. There are 2 students per vehicle.
Exercises are:
Warm Up Slalom – Focuses on learning the cars and getting comfortable driving them, as well as seat position, steering, timing, and vision.

Skid Pad – Focuses on understeering/oversteering, where to look, and how to control and recover from a skid.

Emergency Braking – Students practice coming to a full ABS emergency stop. Instructors discuss the ABS braking system and situations where it is needed and why. It helps students get comfortable with serious, peddle to the floor braking.

Handling – Students learn basic car control skills, emphasis is placed on eyes, steering, technique, and throttle control.

Emergency Single Lane Change – This simulates an emergency lane change in a real situation. Again, eyes and steering are highly emphasized. Instructors discuss understeering and level of tire grip as well.
Rat Race – This is a fun head to head competition between drivers. While fun, it also teaches understeering/oversteering, as the techniques on the skid pad are reinforced.

Timed Runs – This is the same thing as Handling, just on the clock. It’s a chance to hone the skills learned in Handling, while also competing against other drivers for the fastest time.

School Hot Lap - Experience a hot lap with one of our instructors behind the wheel. Ride shotgun as they turn, brake, and accelerate through the track and leave you with motoring euphoria


MDP/One Day M School: my voucher number. Expires: 09/30/2026.

There is 1 student per vehicle.
Exercises are:
Corner Entry – Practicing proper technique through a corner. Emphasis is placed on looking ahead (eyes), throttle control, and appropriate braking entering the corner.

Skid Pad – Focuses on understeering/oversteering, where to look, and how to control and recover from a skid.

Handling – Students learn basic car control skills, emphasis is placed on eyes, steering, technique, and throttle control.

Rat Race – This is a fun head to head competition between drivers. While fun, it also teaches understeering/oversteering, as the techniques on the skid pad are reinforced.

Timed Runs – This is the same thing as Handling, just on the clock. It’s a chance to hone the skills learned in Handling, while also competing against other drivers for the fastest time.

Big Track Lapping – This is a fast lapping exercise that allows students to bring together all the skills learned throughout the day such as proper braking, eyes, throttle control, and general car control.

M School Hot Lap - Experience a hot lap with one of our instructors behind the wheel. Ride shotgun as they turn, brake, and accelerate through the track and leave you with motoring euphoria

If you have any questions and are ready to book call us at 888-345-4269.

Sincerely,

BMW Performance Center Scheduling Team
1-888-345-4BMW // support@bmwpcds.com
BMW Performance Center-East
1155 Highway 101 South
Greer, SC 29651

[c1pher]

New Owner's Track Drive
One Day School
One Day M School

[ziggyz96]

Thanks, I will email them with my information and go from there.

[Good 4 2 reasons]

Originally Posted by ziggyz96

Thanks, I will email them with my information and go from there.

It's not the easiest online calendar to use, but you can select the location (I'm assuming SC) and the school you want to attend (one Day M for example) and see what days are available and how many spots are open.

If you know this is ahead of calling, it can be easier to guide the person on the phone towards booking what you want.

I could be wrong, but if you want to attend a multiple day class beyond what you have a "certificate" for, you can apply the value of that certificate towards a more expensive class. I know in previous threads some have done that.

[NJbaitshop]

Originally Posted by c1pher

New Owner's Track Drive
One Day School
One Day M School

Great info. Thanks.

[c1pher]

It seems like you can arrange these events concurrently. I was nearly able to do that. I have a one day gap between two of the events. I will use that day to explore the area.

[c1pher]

Wow what a blast! Definitely worth your time. I really fell in love with the M5 though. M2 was my second favorite.

[nerdthewise]

Anyone who has done this want to sound off on wheather it is worth traveling for? I just got the email for my drivers package day, but the closest location is southern CA (I’m in Seattle). Bought a local track day, curious how this differs.

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by nerdthewise

Anyone who has done this want to sound off on wheather it is worth traveling for? I just got the email for my drivers package day, but the closest location is southern CA (I’m in Seattle). Bought a local track day, curious how this differs.

Well, first you are driving the same kind of M car you bought plus other M cars. So you’re getting a real feel for what your car can truly do. Second, you’re getting some training on car settings, driving techniques, real time feedback as you’re driving via radio. Third, the team of trainers all have real world racing experience of some form or another so know some of what they’re talking about. Fourth, it’s in an enclosed and safe environment and they encourage you to go as fast as you can within the track. In fact they help you go as fast as you can.

[c1pher]

The cars I rotated through were M2, M3, M4, M5 and M8.

[nerdthewise]

Originally Posted by c1pher

Well, first you are driving the same kind of M car you bought plus other M cars. So you’re getting a real feel for what your car can truly do. Second, you’re getting some training on car settings, driving techniques, real time feedback as you’re driving via radio. Third, the team of trainers all have real world racing experience of some form or another so know some of what they’re talking about. Fourth, it’s in an enclosed and safe environment and they encourage you to go as fast as you can within the track. In fact they help you go as fast as you can.

Sounds like the justification I needed to plan a road trip! My partner (not thrilled by go fast) told me today my Christmas gift is her riding in the car at a track day. I actually saw BMW allows this for an additional fee. That might be the thing to take her to. I’d imagine they would put her behind the wheel as well, wonder if she’s up for that? Sounds like a blast either way.

I kind of assumed I would have to roll up in my car, do you use your car at all?

Thanks!

[M2M3M3]

try looking into High Performance Driving Events (HPDE) near you. BMWCCA and other organizations put them on. great program, in your car, with excellent instructors. a lot closer and less expensive that going all the way to the Performance Center.

(I have been an SCCA and BMWCCA HPDE and racing instructor for last 20+ years)

BTW - most organizations will not allow novice or intermediate level students to have a passenger in the car with them on track. She could get a ride with an instructor or an advanced student.

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by nerdthewise

Sounds like the justification I needed to plan a road trip! My partner (not thrilled by go fast) told me today my Christmas gift is her riding in the car at a track day. I actually saw BMW allows this for an additional fee. That might be the thing to take her to. I’d imagine they would put her behind the wheel as well, wonder if she’s up for that? Sounds like a blast either way.

I kind of assumed I would have to roll up in my car, do you use your car at all?

Thanks!

No. You use their cars, tires, brakes, gas.

[emm2wc]

Originally Posted by c1pher

No. You use their cars, tires, brakes, gas.

Thansk for the info. I have signed up a Two Day M School in Spartanburg next August (August 02), and these discussions are just awesome to prepare myself in.