Did you get an offer from BMW for a free one-day car control school?

[PhillyfaanM3]

I received the offer for the car control class and called and asked to attend the 1 day M school in Greer (outside Spartanburg SC). They credited me the price for the car control class and I had to pay less than 50% the cost of the 1 day M class as they also allowed me to leverage my BMW CCA discount.

I invited my brother in-law along, and we're going to make a weekend of it, drive the M3 down, drive the Skyline dr in the Shenandoah valley. Approx 12 hrs each way. I'm based outside of Philly (Doylestown Pa).

We'll be at the M class on Sept. 8, 2018

[Hachima]

Originally Posted by casperM4

Does anyone know if someone tags along, can they share the drive too or what can they do at driving school?

They can sit in the lounge and hang out with the parents of other students if there is a teen driving class on the same day. There really isn't anything to do for someone just tagging along.

If you don't upgrade you will also potentially be sharing your car with other students.

[SD ///M4]

Originally Posted by Hachima

They can sit in the lounge and hang out with the parents of other students if there is a teen driving class on the same day. There really isn't anything to do for someone just tagging along.

If you don't upgrade you will also potentially be sharing your car with other students.

Just to be clear, you're never driving YOUR car. You may have meant that the car that you drive will also be driven by other students because you rotate through different exercises in different cars. My wife and I have both attended the 1-day and 2-day M Schools and we were always in the same group and never shared the same car.

Tip: Since you have the same M2/M3/M4 depending on which exercise you're doing, save your settings in a profile or on a memory button. The next student that has that car will probably change the settings and you'll have to set everything back again if you don't save your settings.

[hotrod2448]

WTF? I've had 10 BMWs all through BMWFS, done european delivery, done PCD and live less than 2 hours away from the Spartanburg plant and no invite. I'm switching to Porsche.

[Hachima]

Originally Posted by SD ///M4

Just to be clear, you're never driving YOUR car. You may have meant that the car that you drive will also be driven by other students because you rotate through different exercises in different cars. My wife and I have both attended the 1-day and 2-day M Schools and we were always in the same group and never shared the same car.

Tip: Since you have the same M2/M3/M4 depending on which exercise you're doing, save your settings in a profile or on a memory button. The next student that has that car will probably change the settings and you'll have to set everything back again if you don't save your settings.

The thing I wanted to point out is the difference between the M classes and the performance driving classes (the free class that is offered before you upgrade) In the performance classes they may put another student in your assigned car depending on class size and you take turns driving or being the passenger. In the M classes you are the only one in the car (more track time).

[DrivingPassion]

As a new M3 owner, I was offered by BMW USA a one-day course at any of their Performance Center.

Which class is this? Is this a one-day M-class or a regular 1 day course?
Is it worth it to go?
Do they pay for hotel and air-fare?

[Hachima]

Originally Posted by DrivingPassion

As a new M3 owner, I was offered by BMW USA a one-day course at any of their Performance Center.

Which class is this? Is this a one-day M-class or a regular 1 day course?
Is it worth it to go?
Do they pay for hotel and air-fare?

It's not the M class. You are responsible for getting there. They will pay for the hotel if you are financing through BMW FS or if you upgrade to the 2 day M class. I think it's worth it.

[boi222]

How long did it takes you guys to register ? I called and they said they have to create an account etc... and would call me back in 2 days with dates? I would think everything is digital and should be instant now a days ???

[maniz]

Originally Posted by boi222

How long did it takes you guys to register ? I called and they said they have to create an account etc... and would call me back in 2 days with dates? I would think everything is digital and should be instant now a days ???

They took down my information and the car's VIN and said someone would get back to me after verifying the offer. No one called me back for 3 days, so I did and they apologized and said verification had been completed. I booked my class and paid the difference right away.

[boi222]

Originally Posted by maniz

They took down my information and the car's VIN and said someone would get back to me after verifying the offer. No one called me back for 3 days, so I did and they apologized and said verification had been completed. I booked my class and paid the difference right away.

Thanks. Yea, I didn't get a call back either. I had to call back and by then the date I wanted was taken. FYI for others ... I started a new lease end of last month and I got an email over the weekend. So the offer seems much quicker now

[Hachima]

Originally Posted by boi222

Thanks. Yea, I didn't get a call back either. I had to call back and by then the date I wanted was taken. FYI for others ... I started a new lease end of last month and I got an email over the weekend. So the offer seems much quicker now

Thanks for mentioning this I nearly missed that I also got the email invite this last weekend. The intro to the email wanted me to schedule a 'BMW Encore™ session' with my dealer. My guess is just some genius walk through so I disregarded the rest of the email which then mentioned the 1 year to schedule the free one day school/use it as credit.

I was expecting something in the mail with a special redemption code like my last two offers.

I also had the same experience when scheduling my last class. They said they would call me back in a few days as they verified my eligibility but they never did. When I called back on my own everything went through fine though.

[casperM4]

Is there anyone who did the normal driving school instead of M? I don't plan to spend money for M school so wonder if it's still worth going there.

[Spritztour]

I will be in Thermal in a couple of weeks. M School.

[boi222]

Originally Posted by casperM4

Is there anyone who did the normal driving school instead of M? I don't plan to spend money for M school so wonder if it's still worth going there.

I did PCD before ... I assume it would be very similar ... it was still fun but all the exercises were short ... pcd was in an M since I took delivery of a M... the free class I don't think it's M cars

[Zayzel]

uhh still don't see a concise answer on this question: If I upgrade to 1 day M school and I bring my girlfriend, will my girlfriend be able to spend the day with me on the track or will she just sit around and twiddle her thumbs in the lobby?

[jimmydick]

Originally Posted by Zayzel

uhh still don't see a concise answer on this question: If I upgrade to 1 day M school and I bring my girlfriend, will my girlfriend be able to spend the day with me on the track or will she just sit around and twiddle her thumbs in the lobby?

I had the same question and had my wife ask when scheduling. The response was for the 2 day at thermal, she is not able to come and watch. She's going to stay at the spa and do girl stuff.

[Hachima]

Originally Posted by Zayzel

uhh still don't see a concise answer on this question: If I upgrade to 1 day M school and I bring my girlfriend, will my girlfriend be able to spend the day with me on the track or will she just sit around and twiddle her thumbs in the lobby?

Before the more modern website design the FAQ use to say "The school is designed for registered participants only. Your guest may lounge at our outdoor patio or enjoy our M café. They will not be permitted on the course."

Now with the Thermal location that statement isn't as applicable (no patio to lounge at) but I think the rule still applies.

[z3papa]

Originally Posted by Hachima

The thing I wanted to point out is the difference between the M classes and the performance driving classes (the free class that is offered before you upgrade) In the performance classes they may put another student in your assigned car depending on class size and you take turns driving or being the passenger. In the M classes you are the only one in the car (more track time).

If you go onto the BMWUSA site ( https://bmwperformancecenter.com/ ), you will see the difference between the schools. Previously, I was offered these but could not attend. This summer, my wife and I are planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC and decided to arrange the school at the same time. I wanted my wife to be able to take the school but they said she could not use the voucher as I was first on title. I've done two days at the PDC previously, compete Nat'l in autocross and instruct at a number of schools. IMO -- having someone else share your car so you can see their inputs and driving will only enhance your learning process, not take it away. I learn from and teach others from watching or showing them better than simply explaining.

[boi222]

Originally Posted by z3papa

If you go onto the BMWUSA site ( https://bmwperformancecenter.com/ ), you will see the difference between the schools. Previously, I was offered these but could not attend. This summer, my wife and I are planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC and decided to arrange the school at the same time. I wanted my wife to be able to take the school but they said she could not use the voucher as I was first on title. I've done two days at the PDC previously, compete Nat'l in autocross and instruct at a number of schools. IMO -- having someone else share your car so you can see their inputs and driving will only enhance your learning process, not take it away. I learn from and teach others from watching or showing them better than simply explaining.

I personally can't stomach being a passenger during crazy driving.. it gives me a headache

[PshhhhhMW]

Didn't read the whole thread but a heads up to the competitive ones going to the one day school. Towards the end of the day, be ready for a rat race competition and time attack fastest lap competition. Came in 2nd on the rat race but won fastest lap! The only drawback is they put you in a 340i and M240i for the one day school. They don't put you in the M cars.

The top 3 are all M3 owners


Super fun experience. The registration girl who helped me told me they invite people for every other car they lease or purchase.

Also, if you're going to Thermal, CA they set us up in the JW Marriot in Palm Desert. Well worth the trip to get there.

[jninja]

Originally Posted by PshhhhhMW

Didn't read the whole thread but a heads up to the competitive ones going to the one day school. Towards the end of the day, be ready for a rat race competition and time attack fastest lap competition. Came in 2nd on the rat race but won fastest lap! The only drawback is they put you in a 340i and M240i for the one day school. They don't put in the M cars.

The top 3 are all M3 owners


Super fun experience. The registration girl who helped me told me they invite people for every other car they lease or purchase.

Also, if you're going to Thermal, CA they set us up in the JW Marriot in Palm Desert. Well worth the trip to get there.

So basically....everyone has a 1 out of 2 chance of the free invite?

[PshhhhhMW]

Originally Posted by jninja

So basically....everyone has a 1 out of 2 chance of the free invite?

I think she meant the person gets invited on their 2nd, 4th, 6th cars. This was my 4th BMW when I got the invite. I don't think they had this program on my 1st and 2nd car.