so I just got some paperwork with info to sign up for the free driving school in Spartanburg.
have any of you gone?
Is it worth going?
have any of you gone?
Is it worth going?
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05-10-2009LAST POST
100%!
Yes!
I thought it was a great school, very good instructors and probably the only chance I was going to have to push an M5 and M6 the way they encourage you to do. The M3's were not yet in their fleet, so we had Z4Ms for the stick shift portions. I did the 2 day course (was a gift), which is expensive until you figure the wear and tear on those cars.
In terms of pure enjoyment, vs learning, the M School was the most fun of the courses I've done (several BMW CCA schools and track sessions, and several years ago while posted to Germany I did three ADAC schools at their Nurburgring center--state-of-the-art facility back then with water walls and different grip surfaces--and two BMW sponsored schools at the 'Ring, including the "Winterperfectionstraining" which is done in the snow).
I would definitely recommend as a first driving school before going out in your own car. Plus that way you have the driving helmet from the beginning.
In terms of pure enjoyment, vs learning, the M School was the most fun of the courses I've done (several BMW CCA schools and track sessions, and several years ago while posted to Germany I did three ADAC schools at their Nurburgring center--state-of-the-art facility back then with water walls and different grip surfaces--and two BMW sponsored schools at the 'Ring, including the "Winterperfectionstraining" which is done in the snow).
I would definitely recommend as a first driving school before going out in your own car. Plus that way you have the driving helmet from the beginning.
Do you need to bring your own helmet to the M driving school?
sweet. sounds good.
I'm going to give it a try.
I'm going to give it a try.
You definitely don't need your own helmet, and it is definitely worth attending. I can't wait to go in the spring.
It's worth doing, especially if it's free, but if I were paying for it, I'd do a local BMWCCA track event. You have to use your own helmet, but that's only around $250-300 and you don't have to worry about what someone else may have in their hair who wore it before you.
The instruction I got at a CCA track event was much better since there was an instructor with you all the time, in every car. It's much cheaper too.
The instruction I got at a CCA track event was much better since there was an instructor with you all the time, in every car. It's much cheaper too.
Yes!
I'm waiting to go in March.
That reminds me. I need to buy flight tickets......
I'm waiting to go in March.
That reminds me. I need to buy flight tickets......
If you have the opportunity - seize it.
aus wroteYou get a new helmet, at least at the 2 day event, so you don't have to worry about cooties.It's worth doing, especially if it's free, but if I were paying for it, I'd do a local BMWCCA track event. You have to use your own helmet, but that's only around $250-300 and you don't have to worry about what someone else may have in their hair who wore it before you.
The instruction I got at a CCA track event was much better since there was an instructor with you all the time, in every car. It's much cheaper too.
sounds good. I am in!!!
maybe I'll see one of you there
maybe I'll see one of you there
I wouldn't back down from an experience like that. Go for it!
I'd love to go! Is it transferable? Would you let it go for a price?
its a wont miss event
EDIT ADD: heres my past summer trip report
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3015730#post3015730
EDIT ADD: heres my past summer trip report
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3015730#post3015730
you think there is a way to upgrade the free 1 day course to the 2 day course? Would it be worth the extra $$$? Im just asking because its a long trip from cali just for one day.
hmmm.. good question...
the 2 day would be sweet lol
I'm calling tomorrow for more info and to reserve a date
the write up and pics from achenator sealed it lol.... thank you!
the 2 day would be sweet lol
I'm calling tomorrow for more info and to reserve a date
the write up and pics from achenator sealed it lol.... thank you!
I called earlier this week, and they didn't have any dates past March yet and all the dates in March were taken.
Absolutely worth every $$$ and every minute.
Especially if you have never attended any similar class - I'd say it is near mandatory in order to fully appreciate what the car can do, how well it is engineered, and what you can do in the car in being in control.
The two day class is worth much more than the one day class. The first day's lessons only take full root with repetition on the second day, and you will be very pleased with how much differently you approach the car on the second day. The instructors very much agree with the value of the second day (in any of the schools, actually).
BMW custom helmet is provided on the second day. It is not needed on the first day. It is a very high-quality item, with custom paint.
[Reference - I attended the two-day Performance School a year earlier as a high school graduation present for my son. I was somewhat ambivalent about going through another two days that I felt might be repetitive and not fully useful. WRONG! The M school is much more race and stunt oriented.
]
Bottom Line -
(always wanted to use one of those ...)
Especially if you have never attended any similar class - I'd say it is near mandatory in order to fully appreciate what the car can do, how well it is engineered, and what you can do in the car in being in control.
The two day class is worth much more than the one day class. The first day's lessons only take full root with repetition on the second day, and you will be very pleased with how much differently you approach the car on the second day. The instructors very much agree with the value of the second day (in any of the schools, actually).
BMW custom helmet is provided on the second day. It is not needed on the first day. It is a very high-quality item, with custom paint.
[Reference - I attended the two-day Performance School a year earlier as a high school graduation present for my son. I was somewhat ambivalent about going through another two days that I felt might be repetitive and not fully useful. WRONG! The M school is much more race and stunt oriented.
]Bottom Line -
(always wanted to use one of those ...)
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.
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.
