It’s a paradox virtually every BMW driver experiences personally at one point or another: incredible performance possibilities but no legal place to test them out. To truly see what the engine can do will probably involve breaking the law. That is unless conducted on a closed course with all the proper safety precautions taken.

Such an experience is available to BMW enthusiasts across the world every year in an event known as M Track Days. As the name suggests, BMW Motorsport takes over an F1 track for a morning/early afternoon and participants get the chance to see what the latest models can do when pushed to their engineering limits.

So what’s the catch? Two things – one, it costs money to enter, of course. $250 in the United States. Two, as of the time of this writing there are only two scheduled U.S. M Track Days left for the year: at the Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington September 19th-26th and the Thermal Club in Thermal, California September 29th-October 6th.

Assuming some travel would be involved along with scoring admission tickets, folks probably want an idea as to what to expect at one of these events prior to making plans. Fair enough. Here is a simple breakdown of what those registered for a BMW M Track Day can hope to experience:

BMW Performance Parts Comparison

Before we get to the fun stuff, let’s focus on some practical performance vehicle ownership issues first. Mainly, the aforementioned conundrum wherein M series owners can’t really put their own BMW performance parts, like those ordered from stores like eEuroparts.com, to the test on public roads. The difference isn’t felt until one hits top speeds and heavy g-force-infused turns.

At M Track Days, BMW supplies participants with both factory floor M models and those fitted with the latest and greatest BMW performance parts. Registrants can literally do a side-by-side comparison, so long as they’ve brought along a companion to operate the other vehicle. A couple common upgraded BMW M performance parts include a less restrictive (and louder) exhaust system and coil-over suspension kits for tightened handling.

Activities

Readers might be rolling their eyes right now, unbelieving of the notion they could really get behind the wheel of a performance grade BMW on an F1 track. Yet it’s true. Of course, event coordinators and driving instructors expect participants to pay attention during some classes and training work at the start, but within a few hours, attendees will be on the track and behind the wheel.

Activities drivers get to experience at BMW M Track Days start with lead-follow drills. This is essentially the point where the student gets some field time. Once proven, participants move onto drag racing, hot laps, and autocross. Warning: time flies when you’re having fun.

Atmosphere

Classes? Did someone say classes? It might sound intimidating, but spending an hour or so to get to know the basics of track tips and safety isn’t too much to ask. In fact, any reasonable person would be glad to be taught on how to keep from wrecking out at high speed. And on the other end of that arrangement, any reasonable company allowing members of the public to operate their ultra-performance machines will want to make sure they’ve gone over the important stuff.

Luckily for participants, the atmosphere at these BMW M Track Days is relatively laid back, even during the instruction phase. According to those who managed to get to the Circuit of the Americas M Track Days in Austin, Texas, drivers are ultimately allowed to go full throttle without worrying about upsetting anyone. In fact, it’s kind of the point, right?

Additional Concerns

The vehicles available at M Track Days are as follows: BMW M2, M3, M4, M550i, M6 Convertible, M6 Gran Coupe, X5 M, and X6 M models. Expect to reach speeds in excess of 100mph. No passengers besides instructors. Meals will be provided. M Track Days occur rain or shine, but in the event of extreme weather may be canceled and not rescheduled.

Following the speed limit and other traffic laws becomes increasingly difficult the more horsepower under the hood. Few BMW drivers get the chance to see what their cars can do. Luckily there’s M Track Days, where, at least for an afternoon, they can experience first-hand what a performance BMW is really all about.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post M Track Days: Where to Go and What to Expect appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The most prominent figure that has been keeping the engines running at the BMW M Performance division ever since 2001, Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, as soon declared that his retiring is almost imminent, and that the German based carmaker must find a suitable replacer, that would carry on with the perfect job.

With the retiring of the “father” of the present BMW M3 Coupe and M4 Sedan, a lot of other important figures from the leading positions from BMW have announced their intentions of taking over the presidency of the M Performance division.

But the true winner seems to be Franciscus van Meel, pictured here, the former managing director of Audi Quattro GbH, the BMW`s direct rival which manufacturers the Ingolstadt`s performance versions, including the R8 as well as the RS lineup.

The new chairman Franciscus van Meel will be joining BMW on October 1, after a “short brief” from Nitschke, before he retires from the scene.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW M Division Changes Chairman appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

More information comes from Frankfurt Motor Show and BMW’s display. And it concerns the 4 Series model.

For the first time, the world is able to see the model wearing M Performance Parts.

The specific 4 Series put on display is the 435i, and features everything expected. The power was increased from 306 Hp to 340 Hp and 450 Nm of torque. While not quite the same as the M4, this power increase is substantial, making for a worthy purchase between the M4 and basic 4 Series.

The M Performance parts also modified the exterior of the BMW 435i. You get a new front spoiler with carbon fiber lip, a lot of M Performance logos, new side sills, and a new carbon fiber rear spoiler. The car was hoisted atop M Performance wheels and a new exhaust system was installed.

While not the best showpiece BMW brought to Frankfurt, it is a nice display nonetheless, and those that have waited for the 4 Series will be happy to receive this information.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW 4 Series with M Performance parts appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW decided to reveal a new series of M Performance Parts which will be available in the United States for the current generations of the 3 and 5 Series.

The F30 BMW 3 Series benefits from several exterior styling tweaks including new front splitter, rear diffuser, spoiler and rocker panel blades. Inside, customers will find carbon fiber brake handle, a new M Performance Electronic Steering Wheel, special floor mats and stainless steel exhaust system.

Last but not least, there will be new 20-inch alloy wheels, a new Brembo brake system and a retuned suspension fitted with improved coil springs lowering the ground clearance by 10mm.

The F10 BMW 5 Series also gets an M Sport Package Retrofit kit, a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser. A new set of alloy wheels fitted with Bridgestone Potenza RE050 A tires is available as well.

At the interior, BMW provides stainless steel pedals, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and carbon fiber trim.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW introduces new M Performance Parts for the U.S. appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The Germans from BMW decided to reveal the M3 DTM race car fitted with the M Performance Accessories at a private event held in Heidelberg, Germany. Only few guests and customers had the opportunity to get a preview of the BMW M Performance Accessories M3 DTM, a model which also made an appearance two days later at the season-ending DTM race held at the Hockenheim circuit.

The 2012 DTM season will see three BMW teams which will try to get the best results for the company, namely BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RMG and BMW Team RBM. Only two drivers, Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus have been confirmed so far but we have no doubt that we will get the complete list of drivers soon.

The 2012 DTM season is an important milestone for BMW as they return after 18 years of absence in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters competition.

“Old-school DTM fans will recognise from the typical BMW M stripes that the appearance is based on the original BMW M3 cars from the ‘old DTM’. We are very proud of this design. It is both traditional and modern in equal measures,” said the company.

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Marcus M.

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The post BMW M Performance Accessories M3 DTM announced appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

We know that the Germans from BMW are preparing some serious world premieres for the Frankfurt Auto Show, such as the new M5 generation but also the first two models within the new i range. We talk about the new fully electric i3 and the i8 hybrid supercar based on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept. However, the Munich-based company plans to introduce a new Performance Studie model at Frankfurt.

To be more precise, the special model is the standard 1 Series fitted with the Performance package including a new body kit with side skirts, a rear diffuser, front and rear bumpers but also a roof spoiler and black stripes.

At the interior, the new 1 Series Performance Concept comes with Alcantara leather, carbon fiber gear lever, sport pedals and a new steering wheel. Other features include a set of new 19-inch alloy wheels, a high performance braking system but also a sport suspension.

BMW will present the Performance M accessories for the current X5 M and X6 M models as well. This package provides new interior and exterior improvements such as side skirts, a black front grille, 21-inch alloy wheels and new steering wheel. More details to be revealed at the German auto show.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW brings new 1 Series Performance Studie at Frankfurt appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.