[Ibiza]

Background, I have already taken the 2 day M Driving School at Spartanburg, advanced M school at VIR and 3 BMW Driving Experience 2 day events in Germany.

As both cars in my fleet will be M's (F83&F85), Ibiza's wife who drives both of them is going to M school at Thermal, so I can also play golf in Palm Springs. What is the difference between the M Drivers Program and 1 day performance school? I know the M Drivers Program can be purchased/ordered with the vehicle, as both programs are the same price.

Has anyone repeated the 2 day M school and received a discount for passing on the helmet, which I already have? I have read the other threads regarding Thermal that both circuits are used for the 2 day school, and the smaller one for the 1 day schools.

I'm leaning towards either 1 day school, just need more info regarding the M Drivers Program for who has already completed.

I'm a BMWCCA life member, so I have the 15% discount and one 'free' driving school e-mail voucher from the F83. The F85 owners on the F85 forum have also received the $850 voucher credit, just waiting for the e-mail as F85 is a week 49 production.

[MN2///M]

You can confirm by calling the Performance Center, but I'm pretty sure the "M Drivers Program" is a European thing and a basic car control clinic similar to what you would get for the $849 course here at Spartanburg or Thermal.

It'll likely be months before you get the email for the F85...if you actually get one for that car.

Whether you do the one day or two day, you know your wife hopefully better than any of us. Many casual performance oriented drivers say that the one day is enough, more hardcore oriented will want the second day.

I opted for the one day for my wife and she was happy with only doing a day, but now wants to go back and do the two day.

Either way, it's a blast as you know and the more time on the track you have, the more you learn and improve.

[Ibiza]

The ONE-DAY M SCHOOL - $1,550
"Your day starts with a brief classroom session to cover the basics, then it’s out to the “flight line,” where M cars sit idling. Instructors will demonstrate each exercise in a car, then it’s your turn. Communicating via walkie-talkie, the instructors will give you tips both during and after sessions. Take a lunch break, then it’s time to head back out and explore the wet skid pad, autocross and, finally, timed laps. End the day with a grin that will last for weeks."

The ONE DAY M DRIVER’S PROGRAM – $1,550. description: "BMW M vehicles provide a dose of adrenaline each time you drive them, and the M Driver’s Program* will give you some insight into just how much performance potential these vehicles have.

This unique one-day class will pair you with one other driver as you start in a classroom learning the basics, from proper seating position and vision to the ideal driving line around the track. Then head out to the vehicle’s natural habitat: the racetrack. Experience wet skid-pad drifting, accelerating and high-speed lane changing while maintaining total vehicle control. You’ll also take part in lead-follow lapping – follow behind an instructor as you’re shown the ideal line and gradually increase speed."

Probably leaning towards the M Drivers Program, but what is the difference as the 1 and 2 day M school is a pre-req for advanced M school events (I have already participated in 2 Day M and advanced M).

My ED F83 went to status 111 with a confirmed ED date of 9/25/17 on April 17th, 2017. The e-mail voucher arrived on September 15th, 2017, as F83 finished production July 12th, 2017. BMW NA "Welcome" e-mal arrived May 24th, 2017. F85 went status 111 on October 12th, 2017 and BMW NA "Welcome" e-mailed arrived latter same day. Figure that the BMW NA Welcome e-mail triggers the one day drivers school, so F85 voucher should arrive 4 months post-welcome e-mail around mid February. Wonder if BMW NA would give me a credit back on my credit card if I purchased two driver events now with the 'stacked' F83 voucher and presented the F85 voucher prior to the event (? early April). Otherwise, I'll use the F85 voucher credit for a east coast advanced school.

[tke743]

Originally Posted by Ibiza

Has anyone repeated the 2 day M school and received a discount for passing on the helmet, which I already have?

They no longer use helmets at M-School. So there is no discount for not getting one as you no longer get one.

Originally Posted by Ibiza

The ONE-DAY M SCHOOL - $1,550
"Your day starts with a brief classroom session to cover the basics, then it’s out to the “flight line,” where M cars sit idling. Instructors will demonstrate each exercise in a car, then it’s your turn. Communicating via walkie-talkie, the instructors will give you tips both during and after sessions. Take a lunch break, then it’s time to head back out and explore the wet skid pad, autocross and, finally, timed laps. End the day with a grin that will last for weeks."

The ONE DAY M DRIVER’S PROGRAM – $1,550. description: "BMW M vehicles provide a dose of adrenaline each time you drive them, and the M Driver’s Program* will give you some insight into just how much performance potential these vehicles have.

This unique one-day class will pair you with one other driver as you start in a classroom learning the basics, from proper seating position and vision to the ideal driving line around the track. Then head out to the vehicle’s natural habitat: the racetrack. Experience wet skid-pad drifting, accelerating and high-speed lane changing while maintaining total vehicle control. You’ll also take part in lead-follow lapping – follow behind an instructor as you’re shown the ideal line and gradually increase speed."

Probably leaning towards the M Drivers Program, but what is the difference as the 1 and 2 day M school is a pre-req for advanced M school events (I have already participated in 2 Day M and advanced M).

My ED F83 went to status 111 with a confirmed ED date of 9/25/17 on April 17th, 2017. The e-mail voucher arrived on September 15th, 2017, as F83 finished production July 12th, 2017. BMW NA "Welcome" e-mal arrived May 24th, 2017. F85 went status 111 on October 12th, 2017 and BMW NA "Welcome" e-mailed arrived latter same day. Figure that the BMW NA Welcome e-mail triggers the one day drivers school, so F85 voucher should arrive 4 months post-welcome e-mail around mid February. Wonder if BMW NA would give me a credit back on my credit card if I purchased two driver events now with the 'stacked' F83 voucher and presented the F85 voucher prior to the event (? early April). Otherwise, I'll use the F85 voucher credit for a east coast advanced school.

M-driver Program is basic skid school and emergency lane change training. With your background you will be beyond this. The 1 day M-school expects that people will have completed the M-driver Program or like training before attending. You should not be taking that class if you have already done the 2 day M-school, you will be bored to death.

[htc2000]

Did anyone get confirmation on the differences between the M Drivers vs. the 1 day M school?

I have vouchers for the M Drivers school ($1550) as well as a regular 1 day driver school ($849).

Seems I can change my M Drivers school to the 1 day M school since they are the same price but not sure which one is better.

Also, I can combine both my vouchers and do the 2 day M school ($3995) and pay the difference ($1600).

Any recommendations on which class is better or worth the money? This will be at Thermal, CA. Thanks.

[Ibiza]

Originally Posted by htc2000

Did anyone get confirmation on the differences between the M Drivers vs. the 1 day M school?

I have vouchers for the M Drivers school ($1550) as well as a regular 1 day driver school ($849).

Seems I can change my M Drivers school to the 1 day M school since they are the same price but not sure which one is better.

Also, I can combine both my vouchers and do the 2 day M school ($3995) and pay the difference ($1600).

Any recommendations on which class is better or worth the money? This will be at Thermal, CA. Thanks.

As per the chief PC driving instructor, 1 Day M school as your driving solo, the other programs you split track time. If doing the 2 day M school, then Thermal as the 2nd day its on the different track layouts.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by htc2000

Did anyone get confirmation on the differences between the M Drivers vs. the 1 day M school?

I have vouchers for the M Drivers school ($1550) as well as a regular 1 day driver school ($849).

Seems I can change my M Drivers school to the 1 day M school since they are the same price but not sure which one is better.

Also, I can combine both my vouchers and do the 2 day M school ($3995) and pay the difference ($1600).

Any recommendations on which class is better or worth the money? This will be at Thermal, CA. Thanks.

If you can get the 2-Day school for $1600 it's totally worth it.

[keylime503]

Is the non-M plain one day driving school worth making the trip to Thermal (I live in northern CA)? I have the voucher for the 1 day non-M school (~$850) and 2 nights hotel. Don't really feel like paying up for the 1-day M school so I'll either to the one day driving school or nothing at all.

[kimixhc]

Originally Posted by keylime503

Is the non-M plain one day driving school worth making the trip to Thermal (I live in northern CA)? I have the voucher for the 1 day non-M school (~$850) and 2 nights hotel. Don't really feel like paying up for the 1-day M school so I'll either to the one day driving school or nothing at all.

hello, mind sharing where/how you get the voucher? from the dealership?

[micvite]

Ok so time to clear the dust... m drivers PACAKGE that you get with the car is 2500$ you get a voucher for a 1 day M drivers course valued at 1550 (you can use this to get 1550 off any course you want to do, it's a gift card basicslly) AND the rest of the 950 goes into moving your top speed limit from 155 to 190 from the factory. THATS what the m drivers package is.

[keylime503]

Originally Posted by kimixhc

hello, mind sharing where/how you get the voucher? from the dealership?

I got an email from BMWNA after purchasing my M2C. IIRC, every single new BMW purchased in 2020 came with the free new owners track drive credit.

[chris719]

Originally Posted by keylime503

I got an email from BMWNA after purchasing my M2C. IIRC, every single new BMW purchased in 2020 came with the free new owners track drive credit.

Did this program carry over to 2021? I don't think I got any email, so assuming not.

[romero1990]

.

[micvite]

Originally Posted by chris719

Did this program carry over to 2021? I don't think I got any email, so assuming not.

AN EXCITING DEAL: CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASE A NEW BMW GET A FREE NEW OWNER’S TRACK DRIVE PROGRAM.

With the purchase of a new BMW you will receive 2 complimentary seats at the BMW Performance Center in either
South Carolina or Southern California—the School for accelerated learning. You and your guest will be treated to a 3-hour
experience that includes classroom instruction, driving on track in a few different models, an off-road excursion and an unbelievable
Hot Lap ride. It’s a $598 value (2 seats x $299) and it’s complimentary to all new owners

[TAZ007]

Bought a 2021 G29 and did not receive it so I would say no.