M5 DE, belated thanks - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

RNB · 30th May 2002, 16:07

I returned from the DE on May 15 and meant to post immediately, but other matters intervened. So, belatedly, here are my reactions.

First, the people at the performance center are WONDERFUL

. From the driver who picked me up at the airport, to the chef at the employee cafeteria, everyone was friendly and incredibly solicitious. The DE program people were extra special. I had a wonderful time.

How about this for above and beyond: Natalie ,one of the program directors, knew that I had a thing for ribs, southern style (but no open time in the schedule). As I was leaving for the airport, she handed me a take out container of truly excellent ribs to eat before my flight. She had asked her husband to stop at a restaurant after work, pick up ribs, and bring them to BMW. Was that thoughtful, or what?

Second, the enthusiasm was palpable regarding the new roadster. Although everyone was incredibly tight lipped with specifics, I got the impression that the new roadster will be both a performance and ergonomic improvement over the Z3. As a six footer tired of trying to stare throught the rear view mirror, an ergonomic improvement would be welcome.

Third, the marketing benefit to BMW from the DE is huge. Boy, do I feel appreciated as a customer, and convinced that BMW really does care that it builds great cars. No dark side for me, I like owning BMWs. Of course, I still think the new 7 is ugly with too much emphasis on gadgets.

Finally, we saw people taking delivery of several new cars. The difference between that delivery and what my dealer does is huge. Given the chance, I'm always going to take delivery in So. Carolina. I only wish that BMW sold directly, so I could never deal with a dealer again.

I have only one suggestion. I hesitate to say this because, after all, the DE is free (after you buy the M5), but... although the road trip is ok, the day could be better spent either with M5s on the skid pad and autocross or even better, the track.

Anyway, thanks BMW for the wonderful time. Great program. Great people.

Hope to get back some day soon, either for the racing school or for a pick up.

Richard

atomic80 · 30th May 2002, 16:30

Great write-up Richard! I'm glad to hear that you had a good time.

I liked the M5 DE so much that I went twice! Each time was every bit as enjoyable as the last. These guys over there really do know how to show us a good time. I can tell you that those folks will take the extra step to ensure that we enjoy ourselves as illustrated by Natalie getting you those tasty ribs! BTW, how did she know about that? I bet you just happened to mention it as an offhand remark.

Finally, how did you do during the teamed autocross race? The skidpad portion, I bet was tricky! My team won at the time. I don't remember what our times were though nor do I remember the times I got during the individual autocross course on the other side.

One interesting thing that I noted is that even though I went twice, the first time was different than the second time. For instance, last September they were not retooling the factory for the new "Z4" so we were all able to go on the factory tour. A nice bonus was seeing the 700 hp Lemans X5 in the central area!

Only one in existence sitting right there!

RNB · 30th May 2002, 16:54

Jason,

Alas, my team lost.

Did you know that Skip Barber does the same team autocross in their two day driving school?

If you look at everyone's lap times, it becomes apparrent that the determining factors in victory lie in fewer penalties, and especially in the entry and exit. Switching drivers generally takes as long a lap. I'd bet, that it is a rare race, where the times aren't real close. Certainly, lap times are the least important component.

I asked, and learned that at least half the instructors spent time as Skip Barber instructors before joining BMW. BMW has a better skid pad than Skip does (at least at Lime Rock, where I go), and better cars (how can you beat an M5?). Nevertheless, and taking nothing away from BMW, I really enjoyed the Skip Barber 2 day driving school.

The Barber school was much of the same stuff we got in Startenburg. Good instructors, great practice. I liked it so much, I'm going back in June to take the three day racing school. I then plan to take a one day car control course (I look forward to learning controlled slides).

By then, BMW should be offering the M racing school. Although pricey, I'd really like to see those folks again. Hell, if I didn't have kids in school here, I'd move to Spartenburg and try to get a job with BMW, just so they could look after my cars at the factory.

After all, I need all the seat time I can get. It is hard to teach this old dog new tricks.

MarkM5Lauderdale · 30th May 2002, 16:58

Richard,
As always it's good to hear the people at the M5 DE are keeping up the good work! It's hard to find a company that keeps that level of service going year after year. They should be congratulated and encouraged to continue.
More skid pad and auto cross time is a great suggestion. This goes directly to where the limits of the M5 are and learning them in a safe enviroment.
As for more track time. The M5 DE is a great beginner's course which is where we all need to start. This car has amazing horsepower on the track and you can get in serious trouble real quick, DSC or no. I would even reccomend you attend several more saftey schools in your area before you venture out on the track with your M5. Start off slow. There's no need to risk yourself or your precious M5 when playing and learning at the track.
I've now had my M5 for 2 1/2 years and just picked up my sign off for driving solo in driving schools. I have 6 Driving schools and 3 saftey schools under my belt with the M5. I know my car about as well as you can know it and feel comfortable pushing it to it's limits at the track. But it's still a dangerous proposition. I only push hard when I know I have lots of screw up room.
Most of all, go have some fun with your beast. That is what you bought it for!

RNB · 30th May 2002, 17:06

Mark,

Point noted and concern for both beast and self appreciated.

Just to be clear though, the racing school is in their Formula 1's.

At some time, I would like to get my beast on a track, not to race but just to practice in a controlled legal environment. I belong to one regional BMW club and plan to join another couple to take advantage of track days. There are frequently instructors present at these days.

I wish it were easy to find a skid pad to practice on for hours on end.

Johnny D · 30th May 2002, 17:09

Thanks for the nice write up. I'm planning on going in Dec. Glad to hear so many nice things.

MarkM5Lauderdale · 30th May 2002, 17:11

I do know NHIS has a skid pad. I'm not sure about anything closer to you though.

zoom · 31st May 2002, 05:59

The M5 DE is a great class. Sevreal years ago after I bought my 540/6 I did the 2 day at Lime Rock. The M5 DE is based largely on the Skip Barber program, and as correctly noted most instructors have done some time with Skip. But M5 DE is essentially a 1 day school with a 1 day side trip. A 2 day school would be awesome. But the big advantage was doing all the program in a similiar car to ours---an M5 and pushing it to the limit. Not pushing a modified Dodge Neon to the limit. For safety (most importantly) and fun, it is better to know how our car feels at the limit, not a different one (especially since I think that most M5 drivers at some point go over 55 mph on some roads). Also, a greta comraderie with the other participants since we alll drive M5s. Didn't have that at Barber.

Great class. Great instructors. Great participants. I can't wait to go back. Just need better food at Austins.