BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > M3 (E90 / E92 / E93) > M3 Photos/Video/Media Gallery
 
BPM
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      09-15-2012, 06:56 AM   #1
M3 Piotr
Lieutenant Colonel
M3 Piotr's Avatar
Poland
398
Rep
1,858
Posts

Drives: F80 M3 Frozen Black F87 M2 LBB
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Florida, USA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Exclamation BMW Body and Paint Center and ///M Division in Garching visit + Akrapovic surprise

BIMMERPOST
     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com
I had an opportunity to visit BMW owned Body and Paint Center in Garching, Germany. This is the same city where the ///M Division HQ is located and they are about 400 meters away from each other.

Primary objective of the trip was to pick up my friend David Baker's US spec E90 M3 Frozen Gray that was involved in a minor incident where the entire right side of the car was scratched. David Baker is the Managing Director of Pentagon Car Sales and a true ///M enthusiast. Our journey started on Friday morning departing Pentagon Car Sales location in Ramstein-Miesenbach. For this trip we decided to drive his brand new US Spec F13 M6 with a first-ever series production Akrapovic Evo exhaust (more details below) to pick up his M3 in Garching. The car has already been properly broken in, and we were able to test the limits of the beast. However, due to the limiter, we were only able to reach speeds of 267km/h (165mph), but getting to the limit took no time and no effort. This thing is a true Autobahn monster. Our 500 kilometer trip took us about 4 hours to get to Garching (hit some major traffic jams on the way there). When we arrived at the BMW Body and Paint Center we were greeted by one of the reception managers, who took us directly to David's M3. The M3 was already waiting for us in the delivery bay, where we were given briefing on how the car was painted and what was done to the car. It was unfortunate that David had a minor incident, but fortunately he was able to capitalize on the incident. His entire right side, hood, front bumper was completely repainted according to the factory standards by the very own BMW Body and Paint Center. Since this is a US Spec car, David requested that the shop replaces the US Spec front bumper with the Euro spec bumper. He also ordered a BMW Performance rear spoiler and had the shop color match it to Frozen Gray. You can see the results below. It was time to proceed onto our secondary objective of the trip, but before that David handed me the keys to his ///M6 and told me that he wants me to drive it home (500 kilometers), while he drives his freshly painted M3. I couldn’t object, after all, what are friends for.

I almost forgot, after the briefing with the reception manager we grabbed a "quick" lunch near by. When we returned to collect the M3, we got a nice tour of the BMW Body & Paint Center. I was told by the manager to put the camera away as they do not allow pictures inside, because there might be some prototypes that came in for touch ups. The tour was pretty extensive, where the manager went into very fine details. This center is the biggest Body & Paint shop in the world owned by BMW. There are bays after bays and each bay has a specific purpose. When the car gets delivered for touch ups, repaint, or whatever it needs done to its damaged body, it goes through a series of bays. Everything is precisely tracked, documented, prepared and completed. And the center is just like BMW itself, very well organized, clean, purposeful and first class. I was very impressed with all the little details we were shown when it comes to repainting the car to the factory standards using very own BMW Paint Center. The center does around 600 cars a month, and there is nothing they can't paint. 20% of the cars coming in are from BMW company fleet. Any BMW color ever available, they can do. They can also do an Individual color if the customer couldn't get it originally from BMW, however when we asked about price, we were given estimate of 10K to 15K Euro. Manager told us that there have been brand new cars to the center, never driven by customer and got individual paint, since it wasn't available on the specific model.

Our secondary objective was to visit ///M Division Headquarters and the ///M Studio in Garching. So, after we picked up the M3 and I followed David in his M6, we drove 400 meters to the ///M Division HQ. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Philipp Grubelnig (M Divison Middle East Marketing Manager) and Alex (M Division European Market Manager). I quickly pulled my camera out and started snapping away pictures (6 series Grand Coupe in Frozen Bronze, etc), with standard entrance picture of the M Division HQ. Then we took Philipp and Alex over to David'’s M6. As I mentioned above, David’s M6 has something special installed recently by Akrapovic. I talk about it a little bit later. After showing them the M6, we went to visit ///M Studio. There we spent about 30 minutes taking a glance at what’s inside and exchanged some ideas about the cars. I was able to snap pictures inside the M Studio, however walking between the buildings my camera was taken away from me. Reason was there were about 4 new F80 M3 prototypes parked in there and due to security I wasn’t able to snap any pictures and they didn’t want me to snap them either. Oh well, at least I got to see what the future M3 sedan might look like. After the M Studio we talked for a little longer with Philipp and Alex. However, since we had a 500kilometer trip back home ahead of us on Friday afternoon, we had to end our tour. Plus, I couldn’t wait to start driving home, knowing that the mighty M6 is awaiting me right outside. We said goodbye to everybody, and left. I set all the settings in the M6 to my liking and off we went. I have to admit M6 is a piece of art, the power delivery is insane. M3 is great, but the M6 offers something totally different. The acceleration on the autobahn is beautiful, but you can tell right away it is a heavy car, especially in the turns. M3 is a lot more nimble and tossable.


Not too long ago, David and I approached Akrapovic about possible business cooperation. I wont' go into much details, but Akrapovic asked David if he would be willing to give up his M6 for a photo shoot done at Akrapovic factory in Slovenia in exchange for a free Akra Evo exhaust system. David didn't hesitate, and after some talks, Akrapovic sent a truck to pick up the M6 in Germany and have it transported to Slovenia for a photo shoot. And Akrapovic, being the world class company, did exactly what they promised. They came with a truck, picked up M6, did a photoshoot, installed the Akra Evo (first ever production series), and returned the M6 to the rightful owner. They even went out of their way and delivered the car back to Munich per David's request. Reason being, David dropped off his M3 on Monday at the BMW Body & Paint Shop in Garching, and drove the M6 back to K-Town. That tells a lot about a company and how they go about business. Like I said, Akrapovic is a world class leader, in manufacturing, quality and customer service.

Also, if some of you will make it to the Paris Auto Show coming up soon, you might see this very ///M6 on the display.
Attached Images
             
__________________
2016 F80 M3 Frozen Black
2018 F87 M2 LBB

Follow me on Insta: M3Piotr

Last edited by M3 Piotr; 09-15-2012 at 10:02 AM..
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 06:57 AM   #2
M3 Piotr
Lieutenant Colonel
M3 Piotr's Avatar
Poland
398
Rep
1,858
Posts

Drives: F80 M3 Frozen Black F87 M2 LBB
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Florida, USA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Some more photos from the ///M Division HQ, ///M Studio, Frozen Bronze 6 series Grand Coupe and the ///M6 with Akra Evo.
Attached Images
            
__________________
2016 F80 M3 Frozen Black
2018 F87 M2 LBB

Follow me on Insta: M3Piotr

Last edited by M3 Piotr; 09-15-2012 at 07:10 AM..
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 09:21 AM   #3
kchu221
JDM whore
kchu221's Avatar
South Korea
184
Rep
3,341
Posts

Drives: 2009 997.1 Turbo
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: los angeles

iTrader: (11)

nice photos!
__________________
2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 09:30 AM   #4
armyav8tor
n1smo
armyav8tor's Avatar
United_States
97
Rep
1,483
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Huntsville, AL

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
You forgot to block out the license plate number on this pic. LOL

Last edited by armyav8tor; 09-15-2012 at 10:26 AM..
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 09:59 AM   #5
M3 Piotr
Lieutenant Colonel
M3 Piotr's Avatar
Poland
398
Rep
1,858
Posts

Drives: F80 M3 Frozen Black F87 M2 LBB
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Florida, USA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by armyav8tor View Post
You forgot to block out the license plate number on this pic. LOL
Thanks, but no need to call out like that. It's fixed.
__________________
2016 F80 M3 Frozen Black
2018 F87 M2 LBB

Follow me on Insta: M3Piotr

Last edited by M3 Piotr; 09-15-2012 at 10:05 AM..
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 10:27 AM   #6
armyav8tor
n1smo
armyav8tor's Avatar
United_States
97
Rep
1,483
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Huntsville, AL

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by M3 Piotr View Post
Thanks, but no need to call out like that. It's fixed.
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 10:49 AM   #7
NoM3ForMe
Major
NoM3ForMe's Avatar
United_States
37
Rep
1,440
Posts

Drives: '10 Legacy, '07 Kia Sorrento
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: ...location, location?

iTrader: (0)

Awesome!

Thank you for sharing!
__________________
try { Life.Live(); } catch (Experience exp) { Console.WriteLine(exp.ToString(); } finally { Brian.Dispose(); }
"There are only 10 kinds of people in the world; those that read binary, and those that don't."
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 11:20 AM   #8
GOLFFRR
GOLFFRR's Avatar
10687
Rep
27,506
Posts

Drives: GOLFFRR cart
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states

iTrader: (4)

awesome!!
__________________

BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, PM ME FIRST WE CAN HOOK YOU UP!
Jimmy Miller:Jimmym@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-509-2048
If you have any issues getting a hold of Jimmy M PLEASE PM me, I'm available everyday till 545pm!
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 11:49 AM   #9
Park2670
General
Park2670's Avatar
United_States
355
Rep
18,218
Posts

Drives: Tesla Model 3
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: UTAH

iTrader: (8)

Sometimes I wish I could live in Germany to experience these things! Thanks for taking us along!
__________________
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 11:53 AM   #10
rjd598
Banned
United_States
1770
Rep
6,696
Posts

Drives: F30 340i
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Diego,CA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2016 BMW 340i  [0.00]
where are the sound clips!!
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 12:02 PM   #11
crazy08
Private
12
Rep
89
Posts

Drives: 2013 M5
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2013 BMW M5  [10.00]
///M-Flight - w00t!!!!
__________________
'13 M5 Imperial Blue
Sold: '11 M3 IB / Fox Red
Sold: '05 M3 Mystic Blue / Cinnamon
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 12:07 PM   #12
tlp
Colonel
United_States
276
Rep
2,216
Posts

Drives: 991 GT3, Sold:'11 e92 M3 SG/FR
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Las Vegas/SoCal

iTrader: (6)

Garage List
Thanks for sharing.

Seems like yesterday when I was sitting in a GTS at the ///M Studio in Garching during my visit & ED.
__________________
991 GT3, Sold: '11 e92 M3 SG/FR ZCP|ZCV|ZP2|2MK|494|415|6NR|752
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 12:08 PM   #13
crazy08
Private
12
Rep
89
Posts

Drives: 2013 M5
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2013 BMW M5  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by rjd598 View Post
where are the sound clips!!
__________________
'13 M5 Imperial Blue
Sold: '11 M3 IB / Fox Red
Sold: '05 M3 Mystic Blue / Cinnamon
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 12:08 PM   #14
PrimoM3
Chemofski
PrimoM3's Avatar
United_States
54
Rep
1,295
Posts

Drives: '13 X5M
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: West Coast, U.S.

iTrader: (0)

Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

I'm trying as hard as I can to make a visit to ///M happen while I'm in Germany next week for my ED. They tell me they're closed, but I will make the drive to Garching anyway to at least take a photo of my car out front.
__________________
'13 Individual Frozen Brilliant White ///M3 Coupe
Ordered 2/15/12 | Euro Delivery on 9/21/12 | U.S. Redelivery on 12/6/12 | Motor Dead on 7/15/13

'13 Space Gray/Mugello Red X5///M
Pavement Punisher | Snow Muncher | Family and Board Hauler | Roadtripper
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 12:27 PM   #15
jamze132
Second Lieutenant
jamze132's Avatar
Germany
20
Rep
265
Posts

Drives: 228i
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX

iTrader: (0)

Yeah Piotr, thanks for "sharing". LOL
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 12:27 PM   #16
Powerbeast
Lieutenant General
Powerbeast's Avatar
United_States
5394
Rep
10,824
Posts

Drives: F80 M3 RarriRot
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (4)

Sweet cars
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 02:27 PM   #17
THE TECH
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
THE TECH's Avatar
307
Rep
13,093
Posts


Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kansas

iTrader: (45)

Garage List
Very cool.
Appreciate 0
      09-15-2012, 02:33 PM   #18
M3 Piotr
Lieutenant Colonel
M3 Piotr's Avatar
Poland
398
Rep
1,858
Posts

Drives: F80 M3 Frozen Black F87 M2 LBB
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Florida, USA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamze132
Yeah Piotr, thanks for "sharing". LOL
Dont hate James. Appreciate!
__________________
2016 F80 M3 Frozen Black
2018 F87 M2 LBB

Follow me on Insta: M3Piotr
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2012, 02:16 PM   #19
Mike van D
Major
Mike van D's Avatar
Germany
18
Rep
1,112
Posts

Drives: SG X6 35i; MW e92 M3
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

Great write up Piotr! still haven't heard it since he got it back.

Mike...
__________________
...just enjoying life.
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2012, 02:47 PM   #20
M3 Piotr
Lieutenant Colonel
M3 Piotr's Avatar
Poland
398
Rep
1,858
Posts

Drives: F80 M3 Frozen Black F87 M2 LBB
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Florida, USA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by rjd598 View Post
where are the sound clips!!
Since you asked, I have to go and record it and make some clips....
__________________
2016 F80 M3 Frozen Black
2018 F87 M2 LBB

Follow me on Insta: M3Piotr
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2012, 04:37 PM   #21
Factoy Pilot
Factory Pilot
Factoy Pilot's Avatar
Netherlands
4
Rep
60
Posts

Drives: E92 Jerez Blk ZCP 6MT
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: The Netherlands

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 528i  [0.00]
2013 M328i  [0.00]
2011 M3  [6.00]
Thanks for sharing- outstanding story.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2012, 08:55 AM   #22
kdbryce
I have to return some video tapes
kdbryce's Avatar
United_States
360
Rep
4,712
Posts

Drives: e70 X5M
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Albany, NY

iTrader: (0)

awesome!

that m6 is just so amazing. looks sick with the akrapovic exhaust. i bet it sounds amazing too
__________________
13 Carbon Black e70 X5M - 13 Black Sapphire e92 335i - 10 Le Mans Blue e92 335i - 09 Monaco Blue e92 328i xdrive - 07 Sparkling Graphite e92 328xi
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:01 PM.




m3post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST