BMW MX1 Weekend: All Things M and X

Update 7/14/2021: This event has been postponed due to COVID-19 to April 9th and 10th, 2021.

With BMWs North American manufacturing base just up the interstate about 2 hours away its actually a little surprising there are not more BMW centric events in the Spartanburg area, even if BMW corporate HQ is in New Jersey. In addition the BMW CCA (Car Club of America) is also based out of the Greenville/Spartanburg area. This upcoming event is presented by BMW CCA in partnership with BMW and sponsored by Michelin (with also has their US HQ in the Greenville/Spartanburg area). If you didn’t realize it by now, the region just 2 hours from Atlanta is a hub for cars and especially BMWs.

Needless to say, we were very excited and jumped on the chance to attend the new MX1 weekend. It’s happening August 14th and 15th and covers a number of driving and social experiences that make up the weekend. We’re going to run through what has been advertised and what we expect from each event. Be sure to check back because we’ll have coverage of our experiences. For us, this is a can’t miss event.

Driving Experiences

What we’d expect to be the highlight of the weekend are the two “After Hours” driving sessions. It provides hands on driving experiences with “several current M and X series models between five different driving stations”. While we would love to see the latest M3/M4 models included, for now we’re tempering our expectations that these will at best be the last generation Ms and Xs.

The 5 stations include the “rat race” where two Ms get to compete on a skid pad. There is a timed event for friendly competitions. There is also the opportunity to drive an M around a “handling course”. While we suspect this may be an Autocross style setup. That doesn’t mean it won’t be thrilling. In fact, if you’ve ever done an Autocross you know exactly how easy it is to get a shit eating grin navigating around cones in a parking lot.

For the Xs there is an offroad driving course where you’ll have the opportunity to take an X3 or X5 offroad. While X3 and X5 have notorious been mocked by the likes of Jeremy Clarkson for their offroad prowess, I have a feeling this won’t be a joke.

Finally the last experience is to be taken around by a professional instruction doing a hot lap around the BMW test track.

Spaces are limited and may even be sold out. So if you are interested in these experiences you’ll want to get on registering ASAP.

Social Experiences

As many clubs (including the local Atlanta CCA chapter) do, there will be a morning cars and coffee event. However, imagine literally hundreds (if not thousands) of BMWs. Non-BMWs will need to park in a separate lot. This will absolutely be one of the largest showings of BMWs in a single place you are likely to see.

As exciting as this though, the real treat is “During the Cars & Coffee, we will celebrate the launch of the BMW CCA’s new M and X chapters”. We expect this to be our first live look at the newest BMW Ms.

Finally, fans of BMW history will love the follow up event where you’ll have an opportunity to see a historical viewing of 23 BMW cars and motorcycles from the 20s to the 60s.

Expect swag giveaways, sales and plenty of fellow car enthusiasts throughout the weekend and specifically at the social events.

If we get to be one of the first members of the public to see the newest Ms in person, the entire experience will be worth it. Your move BMW CCA/BMW of America.

Revised Schedule Of Events

Below the expected schedule based on the revised dates. This information is not entirely set in stone with the rescheduling. We’ll update this information with confirmation of the final schedule or any changes.

FRIDAY

12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
BMW CCA Foundation
GENESIS: BMW from the Beginning
presented by The Werk Shop

4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Exclusive After Hours Event
at BMW Performance Center

SATURDAY

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cars & Coffee
at the BMW CCA Headquarters

12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
BMW CCA Foundation
GENESIS: BMW from the Beginning
presented by The Werk Shop

4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Exclusive After Hours Event
at BMW Performance Center

Registration and Events Details

One important detail if you MUST be a BMW CCA member (or guest, being registered by a member) in order to attend. If you own a BMW and are not a member you can pay your dues when you register (or just before). If you are a guest, better ask a friend before attempting to register.

When: April 9th and 10th, 2021

Where: Several sites including BMW CCA HQ and the BMW Experience Center

More Information and Registration: https://mx1.bmwcca.org/

The official website has more detailed schedules, hotel and policy information.