BMW Performance Center Drive (2hrs)

[blaccm3]

Had a friend send this over to me via Groupon. Has anyone done it? Couldn't find any threads on just a 2hr session.

2hr Performance Center drive out at Thermal Club for $185

https://www.groupon.com/biz/coachell...ormance-center

[FriedPiston]

You'll drive nothing but M cars (M2, M3, M550i, X5M) with this deal, but I would recommend waiting for a Groupon 20% off sale before pulling the trigger.

I was able to buy 2 of these last year for $139 each after discounts. The experience was worth every penny at that price point.

[elinstylez]

It's a pretty fun experience. I didn't get to drive a couple of the cars because some idiot spun off course and wasted driving time. Not worth doing again imo if you already own an m car.

[FriedPiston]

This is actually back on sale again.

$148 using 20% off code GIFT3
$138.75 for Groupon Select (free for 1st month)

+ 6% cash back through eBates

[blaccm3]

Originally Posted by nars3000

This is actually back on sale again.

$148 using 20% off code GIFT3
$138.75 for Groupon Select (free for 1st month)

+ 6% cash back through eBates

Picked it up with the 20% code!

[dpgfunk]

how does scheduling work for this?

[Sd335i2007]

Originally Posted by nars3000

This is actually back on sale again.

$148 using 20% off code GIFT3
$138.75 for Groupon Select (free for 1st month)

+ 6% cash back through eBates

I did something like this in Orange County. It was not M school but we were able to drive M's.
330e, M240i, M2, M3 comp, M4 comp and one of the new SUV's.

The first 90 minuets was a simple straight away for 30 yards or so. Full throttle, then hard braking to show how good these cars can stop.
Fun maybe the first few times doing it.

The second 90 minuets was a small road course they set up. The course was so small the 330e was the most fun. Most of the M cars you couldn't really appreciate because the course size.
This event was free. So hoping your event entails more then this free event.

[dont_Mistak3]

Originally Posted by Sd335i2007

I did something like this in Orange County. It was not M school but we were able to drive M's.
330e, M240i, M2, M3 comp, M4 comp and one of the new SUV's.

The first 90 minuets was a simple straight away for 30 yards or so. Full throttle, then hard braking to show how good these cars can stop.
Fun maybe the first few times doing it.

The second 90 minuets was a small road course they set up. The course was so small the 330e was the most fun. Most of the M cars you couldn't really appreciate because the course size.
This event was free. So hoping your event entails more then this free event.

This looked really interesting since I'm visiting from the east coast so I gave them a call today and was told I would not be driving ///Ms with this event. So probably not worth it for me. Sucks!

[FriedPiston]

Originally Posted by Sd335i2007

I did something like this in Orange County. It was not M school but we were able to drive M's.
330e, M240i, M2, M3 comp, M4 comp and one of the new SUV's.

The first 90 minuets was a simple straight away for 30 yards or so. Full throttle, then hard braking to show how good these cars can stop.
Fun maybe the first few times doing it.

The second 90 minuets was a small road course they set up. The course was so small the 330e was the most fun. Most of the M cars you couldn't really appreciate because the course size.
This event was free. So hoping your event entails more then this free event.

You probably went to a BMW UDE, which is not bad for free. This one is for BMW Performance Center West located at The Thermal Club race track... you won't find any non-M series cars at the latter.

[blaccm3]

Originally Posted by dpgfunk

how does scheduling work for this?

You have 90days from date of purchase to claim. Check the calendar here and find a date with available spots for performance center drive then give them a call to reserve.

[blaccm3]

Originally Posted by mpower95

This looked really interesting since I'm visiting from the east coast so I gave them a call today and was told I would not be driving ///Ms with this event. So probably not worth it for me. Sucks!

Strange because the girl who reserved my spot said it's only M cars..

[dont_Mistak3]

Originally Posted by blaccm3

Strange because the girl who reserved my spot said it's only M cars..

Yeah that's very strange I was pretty clear in asking her if I would be driving Ms.

Regardless, I pulled the trigger on the event since I used the friends and family sale they had going on for the extra $46 off.

Guess I'll call again and double check that. I really hope I get to drive Ms!! Been out here driving a Kia for 2 weeks I miss my F80 so much

[dont_Mistak3]

Originally Posted by mpower95

Yeah that's very strange I was pretty clear in asking her if I would be driving Ms.

Regardless, I pulled the trigger on the event since I used the friends and family sale they had going on for the extra $46 off.

Guess I'll call again and double check that. I really hope I get to drive Ms!! Been out here driving a Kia for 2 weeks I miss my F80 so much

Just reserved my spot and once again they told me

Mostly 2,3,4 series and MAYBE some Ms depending on what they have on the track that day. Guess we shall find out.

Anyone going this Friday?

[blaccm3]

Originally Posted by mpower95

Just reserved my spot and once again they told me

Mostly 2,3,4 series and MAYBE some Ms depending on what they have on the track that day. Guess we shall find out.

Anyone going this Friday?

Pls give an update after your session! I won't be going until late Jan

[dont_Mistak3]

Originally Posted by blaccm3

Pls give an update after your session! I won't be going until late Jan

After a hectic morning (2 hrs driving there, 2 hours of non-stop adrenaline rushes, and 2 hrs driving back to San Diego) I am exhausted but let me tell you this was a great event!! Super happy I went for it. Here's what the day was like:

Get there and they have refreshments/snacks, short intro with the instructor for the day and you get straight to taking the following cars on an auto cross about 4 laps each - M2, M4, M550, X5M. They have radios in the car so the instructor can communicate instructions.

After that we moved on to timed laps on a M3 on a different course. For this they recommend MDM, Engine in sport throttle Sport+ and steering in comfort.

You finish off with hot laps!! The instructor shows you how these cars are meant to be driven.

Then I did some shopping at the store.

They had a one day M school going on today and that looked pretty fun too. Jealous they get a buffet for lunch! Will probably do that one day.

This made me look forward even more to going back to NJ to drive my M3. See some pics, DM me if you have any questions!

[FriedPiston]

Originally Posted by mpower95

Get there and they have refreshments/snacks, short intro with the instructor for the day and you get straight to taking the following cars on an auto cross about 4 laps each - M2, M4, M550, X5M.

This is exactly what I said in post #3

Originally Posted by nars3000

You'll drive nothing but M cars (M2, M3, M550i, X5M.

I like this option at Thermal, because factoring in tires/brakes/maintenance/wear and tear, this is about the cheapest 1.5-2 hour track day money can buy.

[dont_Mistak3]

Originally Posted by nars3000

This is exactly what I said in post #3

I like this option at Thermal, because factoring in tires/brakes/maintenance/wear and tear, this is about the cheapest 1.5-2 hour track day money can buy.

Yes you were right but when I called TWICE they told me otherwise

I agree though completely worth it. Especially if you can get the extra 20-25% off code.

[FriedPiston]

Originally Posted by mpower95

Yes you were right but when I called TWICE they told me otherwise

I agree though completely worth it. Especially if you can get the extra 20-25% off code.

No worries, I wouldn't trust what the reps say right now, because BMW recently switched to a new call center, so some of them are literally learning the system as they go.

When I called to schedule for two additional drivers (four drivers total), the rep who assisted me was so arrogant about being so good at "multitasking" then she ended up redeeming the wrong Groupon voucher on my account... the first rep actually verified the redemption code, but the second one was too sure of herself, that she just redeemed whatever code showed up on their Groupon master list. So now, I'm waiting for Groupon to undo the BMW rep's mistake.

[blaccm3]

Originally Posted by mpower95

Yes you were right but when I called TWICE they told me otherwise

I agree though completely worth it. Especially if you can get the extra 20-25% off code.

Glad you were able to make it out!! Looking forward to it