is the M school worth going?

endofanera7 · 02-17-2009, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8MAN

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

+1 Since Im flying all the way from CA, might as well upgrade to a 2 day event.

Im thinking of going as well after reading all these posts and comments! Can someone let me know what is the number to call to reserve a date again? Appreciate your help.

sard · 02-17-2009, 11:41 PM

I was intending to go. I sent in all the paperwork and then was checking out the airfare. Guess what, it's like $500+ freaking A! Now I'm not sure if i'm going anymore. How much are you guys spending for airfare going from California??!!

mdrobc13 · 02-18-2009, 12:03 AM

Yes especially at their cost on their dime!

kalare · 02-18-2009, 06:10 AM

are these tickets transferrable at all?

hlmiii · 02-18-2009, 06:19 AM

Quote:

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

Yes, at the 2-day school. They are very high-quality, genuine helmets with a BMW-custom paint/stripe scheme. They'd run several hundred dollars @ retail, without the BMW design ...

FWIW - the 2-day experience is much more valuable than simply the increase in price. Going back for a second day reinforces and cements the lessons learned from a prior day - you quickly get to the point where the habits, maneuvers, and reactions are instinctual and not just academic. The instructors firmly agree. Highly recommended.

You also get a bag for the helmet. And other things.

Sedan_Clan · 02-18-2009, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

The guests are allowed to drive their own cars as well. I hope we get to keep our helmets in the 1-day school. I was originally scheduled to attend in March, but I'm now attending the April 13th track day. We'll fly in on the 12th, track day on the 13th, and head home on the 14th.

nullspace · 02-18-2009, 07:12 PM

I'm passing on the free school. I have several years of track experience, and from other people's descriptions I think you could get just as much from a single day of autocross. I can see how the M school would be useful if you're just getting started. Even then, I wouldn't spend too much money on a plane ticket. Otherwise I think you're better off going to several autocross events and getting a lot more practice.

smokinjoe64 · 02-18-2009, 08:38 PM

Quote:

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.

The upgrade to 2-day school sounds enticing and practical. Was this possible by paying the difference from 1 to 2 day or what? Is this something BMW is open to with the complimentary offer? Anyone have insight on the process? I'd opt for this option since it seems a more efficient approach than making possibly two trips (airfare, time etc.)

SF-M3 · 02-19-2009, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokinjoe64

The upgrade to 2-day school sounds enticing and practical. Was this possible by paying the difference from 1 to 2 day or what? Is this something BMW is open to with the complimentary offer? Anyone have insight on the process? I'd opt for this option since it seems a more efficient approach than making possibly two trips (airfare, time etc.)

Yes you can upgrade to the two day. They credit you the full price of the one day school towards the upgrade. If your a BMWCCA member they will then give you 20% off the remaining cost of the school. If your not join you will save way more than the cost to join.

You only get the helmet in the two day school. 1 day school no need to wear a helmet. We only wore helmets on the second day due to increased risk.

The helmet retails at the gift shop for $500 I am sure you can get a cheaper helmet elsewhere, but this one is cool!
You also get an M school jacket, polo shirt and cap and other schwag.

So if you deduct that from the cost to upgrade after the CCA discount, plus the extra night's stay, dinner lunch breakfast not to mention the fun and experience it's almost silly not to.

Or at least that's how I justified it...

smokinjoe64 · 02-21-2009, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SF-M3

Yes you can upgrade to the two day. They credit you the full price of the one day school towards the upgrade.

Cool

I'm goin' for ths 2-day program!!!

attbimmer · 02-21-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nullspace

I'm passing on the free school. I have several years of track experience, and from other people's descriptions I think you could get just as much from a single day of autocross. I can see how the M school would be useful if you're just getting started. Even then, I wouldn't spend too much money on a plane ticket. Otherwise I think you're better off going to several autocross events and getting a lot more practice.

I'm in the same boat. The 1 day school definitely doesn't seem worth the cross country trip. The 2 day school sounds like it might be a fun experience, but for the money I can do a lot of autox/track days around here, so I'm going to pass.

captainaudio · 02-22-2009, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by attbimmer

I'm in the same boat. The 1 day school definitely doesn't seem worth the cross country trip. The 2 day school sounds like it might be a fun experience, but for the money I can do a lot of autox/track days around here, so I'm going to pass.

I have never been to the BMW driving school but I have been in a number of situations where I was on a track with a professional coach. With all due respect to the BMWCCA and PCA track day instructors the professional instuctors at schools like the M school are just in a different league. There is a big difference between knowing how to do something and knowing how to teach someone else how to do something.

I can think of two other huge advantages to going to a high performance driving school.

1. Not your car
2. Not your tires.

CA

dhoggm3 · 02-22-2009, 07:31 AM

The free school has one huge advantage. You can take the spousal unit. It was the first time I ever got her into an HPDE situation. It's clearly HPDE light, but she emerged with a huge smile on her face, and for the first time gained an insight into why I find track time addictive.

Also, when they "demonstrated the advantages" of DSC, I told them I just wanted to turn it off and have some fun, and my instructor said OK. It was wonderful skidpad session in someone else's 335i.

sparkyg · 02-22-2009, 08:41 AM

Anyone doing the 2 day in April? I am coming down from Canada

gnatty8 · 02-22-2009, 12:19 PM

I didn't do the M school, but a few years ago one of our banks took us to the center in Greer to attend an all day driving event during which we drove the Z, 335, and X5 in a variety of situations.. At the end of the day they took volunteers out on the track in M3s but as passengers.. It was a blast, but obviously small on instruction and more on adrenaline..

thooooorgal · 03-10-2009, 02:07 PM

Here in Europa, you have the possibility to follow a one day M program. It cost a little less than EUR 600 .... not too expensive, but ..... you have to take your OWN car !

Has anybody tried this program ? i find it really expensive considering it is my car, does it worth EUR 600 ?

grizzy727 · 03-10-2009, 08:16 PM

I just did the M performance FREE school on Monday- It was a blast and worth every free penny-yes airfare but they pay 2 nights breakfast/dinner and you can bring a friend/spouse. You dirve M3/M5/M6s and yes half of it is safety features ABS and DSC but you still do some driving skills and track the m3 m5 and m6 thru mini road courses.
It would be stupid to pay 65k+ for a car and get a driving day and pass it up cause you pay for airfare.
Mike

ase2dais · 04-03-2009, 08:51 PM

+1

agree, just came back from the PC and it was all worth the time driving down there from DC. Its a must for M3 owners to full appreciate your new M. you leave there like a reborn man, pleased that you have a better understanding of your car capabilities and your new driving confidence

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236690

M3V8Driver · 04-05-2009, 09:35 PM

I'm going to the complimentry one-day event on April 13th. I'm driving there, not flying. The one lady with whom I spoke said they don't use helmets. She also said that you can sign up for the 2-day school instead, and the $1295(?) value of the 1-day school can be applied towards the cost. But to be honest, no 2-day school at VIR is worth the $3K+ they charge. You could sign-up for the top-notch MazdaDrivers.com event for about 1/4th that (shameless endorsemet

)

auggiem3 · 05-10-2009, 02:42 PM

Hey guys - I bought my new M3 in Oct of '08 and did the SC performance center delivery - am I eligible for the 1 day m school?

How were you alerted - via letter? Is there a number I can call to check on my eligibility?

Thanks!

02-17-2009, 11:41 PM	#46
sard Major 235 Rep 1,334 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Southern California iTrader: (1)	I was intending to go. I sent in all the paperwork and then was checking out the airfare. Guess what, it's like $500+ freaking A! Now I'm not sure if i'm going anymore. How much are you guys spending for airfare going from California??!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-18-2009, 12:03 AM	#47
mdrobc13 Colonel 338 Rep 2,232 Posts Drives: Made in Bavaria Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: On a base somewhere near or afar! iTrader: (8) Garage List 2021 BMW X3e [0.00] 2016 BMW M4 [9.00]	Yes especially at their cost on their dime! __________________ '22 BMW M4 Comp (SSG/Black) '16 BMW M4 (Shakir Orange/Black) - gone not forgotten '15 BMW M3 (Black/Black) - gone not forgotten '10 BMW X5M (Black/Black) - gone not forgotten '08 BMW M3 (Space Gray/Black) - gone not forgotten
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-18-2009, 06:10 AM	#48
kalare Private 3 Rep 57 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	are these tickets transferrable at all?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-18-2009, 07:12 PM	#51
nullspace Private First Class 42 Rep 120 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 m40i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Seattle Area iTrader: (0)	I'm passing on the free school. I have several years of track experience, and from other people's descriptions I think you could get just as much from a single day of autocross. I can see how the M school would be useful if you're just getting started. Even then, I wouldn't spend too much money on a plane ticket. Otherwise I think you're better off going to several autocross events and getting a lot more practice.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-22-2009, 07:31 AM	#57
dhoggm3 Major 269 Rep 1,282 Posts Drives: 850i C, Gated R8 5.2, E63 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Central PA iTrader: (1)	The free school has one huge advantage. You can take the spousal unit. It was the first time I ever got her into an HPDE situation. It's clearly HPDE light, but she emerged with a huge smile on her face, and for the first time gained an insight into why I find track time addictive. Also, when they "demonstrated the advantages" of DSC, I told them I just wanted to turn it off and have some fun, and my instructor said OK. It was wonderful skidpad session in someone else's 335i. __________________ M850i Vert with RaceChip E46 M3, Euro Headers, Rasp Pipe, Kassel Tune Alpina B8, zero performance mods
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-22-2009, 08:41 AM	#58
sparkyg Brigadier General 142 Rep 3,522 Posts Drives: work truck Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Oil Country iTrader: (5)	Anyone doing the 2 day in April? I am coming down from Canada
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-22-2009, 12:19 PM	#59
gnatty8 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 48 Posts Drives: E90 6MT Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Southeast iTrader: (0)	I didn't do the M school, but a few years ago one of our banks took us to the center in Greer to attend an all day driving event during which we drove the Z, 335, and X5 in a variety of situations.. At the end of the day they took volunteers out on the track in M3s but as passengers.. It was a blast, but obviously small on instruction and more on adrenaline..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-10-2009, 02:07 PM	#60
thooooorgal Private 8 Rep 86 Posts Drives: M3 E92 = delivery feb 2008 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Luxembourg iTrader: (0)	Here in Europa, you have the possibility to follow a one day M program. It cost a little less than EUR 600 .... not too expensive, but ..... you have to take your OWN car ! Has anybody tried this program ? i find it really expensive considering it is my car, does it worth EUR 600 ? Last edited by thooooorgal; 03-10-2009 at 05:35 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-10-2009, 08:16 PM	#61
grizzy727 Private 25 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 21 X3m, 20 XC90,18 JLU, 04 911 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: NNJ iTrader: (0)	I just did the M performance FREE school on Monday- It was a blast and worth every free penny-yes airfare but they pay 2 nights breakfast/dinner and you can bring a friend/spouse. You dirve M3/M5/M6s and yes half of it is safety features ABS and DSC but you still do some driving skills and track the m3 m5 and m6 thru mini road courses. It would be stupid to pay 65k+ for a car and get a driving day and pass it up cause you pay for airfare. Mike
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-03-2009, 08:51 PM	#62
ase2dais //Mdicted 346 Rep 9,988 Posts Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring iTrader: (18) Garage List 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [10.00] 2015 S-Works Roubaix [0.00] 2013 Trek Madone 5.9 [9.50] 2012 Scott - CR1-Pro [10.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [10.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [7.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [7.00] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [9.50]	+1 agree, just came back from the PC and it was all worth the time driving down there from DC. Its a must for M3 owners to full appreciate your new M. you leave there like a reborn man, pleased that you have a better understanding of your car capabilities and your new driving confidence http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236690 __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-05-2009, 09:35 PM	#63
M3V8Driver Captain 73 Rep 725 Posts Drives: E92 M3 - DCT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	I'm going to the complimentry one-day event on April 13th. I'm driving there, not flying. The one lady with whom I spoke said they don't use helmets. She also said that you can sign up for the 2-day school instead, and the $1295(?) value of the 1-day school can be applied towards the cost. But to be honest, no 2-day school at VIR is worth the $3K+ they charge. You could sign-up for the top-notch MazdaDrivers.com event for about 1/4th that (shameless endorsemet )
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-10-2009, 02:42 PM	#64
auggiem3 Captain 295 Rep 939 Posts Drives: F87 M2C & E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (1)	Hey guys - I bought my new M3 in Oct of '08 and did the SC performance center delivery - am I eligible for the 1 day m school? How were you alerted - via letter? Is there a number I can call to check on my eligibility? Thanks!
	Appreciate 0 Quote