is the M school worth going?

[hlmiii]

Excellent points. I should have made the difference clear.

[urbo73]

Originally Posted by geoff2010

Just one thing to clarify... the free "M Driving Experience" that they give with M5s and M6s (and a few lucky M3s) is VERY different than the paid M Driving School.

While the M Driving Experience was still a lot of fun, there was very little instruction. You spend about 50% of the time experiencing the safety features of the cars (DSC and ABS), then you get to spend the other 50% doing little track drills.

They don't actually teach you how to drive better... just let you drive harder and faster than you would on the street under similar conditions.

The paid school is worth every penny... but the free version may not be worth it if you have to pay a lot to travel to SC. Just my opinion.

But the pamphlet says it's the "One-day M School" - not sure what the "M Driving Experience" is. So it sounds just like the 1 day paid course no? I'm not going, but just to clarify.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by urbo73

But the pamphlet says it's the "One-day M School" - not sure what the "M Driving Experience" is. So it sounds just like the 1 day paid course no? I'm not going, but just to clarify.

Yes, it is the One-Day M School ($1295).

[urbo73]

Then "geoff2010" is incorrect.

[geoff2010]

i was under the impression i was doing the 1 day M-School... when I got there I ended up doing the M Experience. It was dissapointing, but fun regardless.

[Heat00]

interesting, looking at the paperwork now and it does say "one day M school".
whatever you are they call it.... from the write up of the guy above, looks fun either way! I also youtubed it and found some videos posted.... anytime you can take M3's, M5's & M6's that don't belong to you, and beat on them around a track where it is legal and encouraged.... can't be that bad can it??

[09E92M34ME]

I would do it if I had the opportunity

[nasa60]

I just signed up for Oct 28th. All the 1 day M schools are filled up through August. It is an incredible offer, especially when you are allowed to take a companion also. I'm driving up from North Alabama through the Smoky mountains so it ought to be a beautiful drive at that time of the year. This will be my third trip to the PC. I took delivery of my 07 530i there in March 2007 then did the 1 day driver control school in August 2007.

[ase2dais]

few m3post mid-atlantic guys are headed the first wk of March

Anybody else for the East Coast?

[AZ-BMW]

Originally Posted by Heat00

interesting, looking at the paperwork now and it does say "one day M school".

My letter also states One Day M school, not a M Driving Experience (which I assume is like the PCD ~3 hour experience). The letter states: "Your time will be well spent in developing driving skills in our controlled environment. Constant dialog is maintained between you and the instructors to monitor and develop your skills."

So for those of you whom have already completed it, is this complimentary class really just an M Driving Experience? Does your guest get to concurrently drive another M or is it like in the PCD class where the guest and you just swap time in the same car?

[V8MAN]

I will be going on August 14th, ping me if anyone else here will be there during that time, would be cool to meet some of you guys.

Hey, I have the same question. Does the guest get to drive also or is it a maybe..maybe not thing?

Originally Posted by AZ-BMW

My letter also states One Day M school, not a M Driving Experience (which I assume is like the PCD ~3 hour experience). The letter states: "Your time will be well spent in developing driving skills in our controlled environment. Constant dialog is maintained between you and the instructors to monitor and develop your skills."

So for those of you whom have already completed it, is this complimentary class really just an M Driving Experience? Does your guest get to concurrently drive another M or is it like in the PCD class where the guest and you just swap time in the same car?

[Eliminator]

I'm signed up for the July 6th class. Hope to see an M3 poster there.

[02fireman]

I'm a little lost. Do they give you this class when you buy any M car ? I may be in the market for a new M3 soon so this would be nice!

[Mr.Metak2you]

Originally Posted by Deda

100%!

So you went? care to share your driving impressions with us?

[FrenchBoy]

I am signed up for May 14th!

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by 02fireman

I'm a little lost. Do they give you this class when you buy any M car ? I may be in the market for a new M3 soon so this would be nice!

Sorry you missed your chance. It was for cars delivered or purchased off the lot between September and December of last year.

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by Eliminator

I'm signed up for the July 6th class. Hope to see an M3 poster there.

Hey, Eliminator - I'm booked too. Are flyin' or drivin'? I havn't decided yet...

[Socale92]

im there may 7-9!

[02fireman]

Originally Posted by King Tut

Sorry you missed your chance. It was for cars delivered or purchased off the lot between September and December of last year.

Damn, guess I'm just gonna have to settle for the new ED discounts and my BMW CCA rebate...would have been the icing on the big ole cake!

[SF-M3]

I took delivery of my M3 at the end of Nov 2008. This entitled me to the one day m school. I figured if I am flying out to Spartenburg might as well upgrade to the 2 day school. Used the 20% BMWCCA discount to keep the price down.

I did the 2 day m school January 9th and 10th.

I spoke to the instructors about the difference between the free one day and the two day M school when I was in at the dinner at the end of the first day. They said the first day was the same as the one day school.

I really enjoyed the 2 day day school, I was (still am?) a complete novice at performance driving. The instructors and facility is top notch.

First timed autox competition i managed first place in my group, 4th overall in the class.

Made 3rd overall in the full track M5 race.

By the last event (wet figure 8, 10 lap race) I got the fastest lap and won the event.

I would say this is huge endorsement for the abilities of the instructors to take me to this level in two days. Bear in mind several class members had prior track day experience and one had competed in many events/years with the SCCA.

Everyone one had a great time and learned a lot about driving dynamics and car control. Definitely helps to know your using someone's car, tires etc. When they tell you to drive harder, brake later and push it.

[V8MAN]

If you don't mind me asking, how much did you end up paying to upgrade to the 2 day school?

Originally Posted by SF-M3

I took delivery of my M3 at the end of Nov 2008. This entitled me to the one day m school. I figured if I am flying out to Spartenburg might as well upgrade to the 2 day school. Used the 20% BMWCCA discount to keep the price down.

I did the 2 day m school January 9th and 10th.

I spoke to the instructors about the difference between the free one day and the two day M school when I was in at the dinner at the end of the first day. They said the first day was the same as the one day school.

I really enjoyed the 2 day day school, I was (still am?) a complete novice at performance driving. The instructors and facility is top notch.

First timed autox competition i managed first place in my group, 4th overall in the class.

Made 3rd overall in the full track M5 race.

By the last event (wet figure 8, 10 lap race) I got the fastest lap and won the event.

I would say this is huge endorsement for the abilities of the instructors to take me to this level in two days. Bear in mind several class members had prior track day experience and one had competed in many events/years with the SCCA.

Everyone one had a great time and learned a lot about driving dynamics and car control. Definitely helps to know your using someone's car, tires etc. When they tell you to drive harder, brake later and push it.

[rouxeny]

You don't get to keep the helmet do you?

And I'm still confused if the guest gets to drive? I would think not.