Has anyone ever been to the BMW Ultimate Driving Experience that travels around? I am going to one this weekend here in Houston and was wondering what to expect and what I should try to get out of it.

Thanks

 

I went to one in Arlington Heights, IL (Arlington Park RaceTrack) a few months(?) ago. They had the new at the time 335i and X3 3.0si. It was an autocross for us w/ a nicely laid out track, couple turns, a hairpin, etc... They had a tent with BMW bobbles and cookies/coffee. You get a snazzy "press-pass" looking thing on a nice lanyard. They have track/race instructors that take you out for a hot lap or two to show you how to "really" give it some stick. Both the 335i's and X3's were autos (boo, but understandable).

During my session we were ushered into the tent to have a talk with the main instructor - nothing you wouldn't already know... typical BMW propaganda about how technically amazing it is, yadda yadda yadda (even they seemed bored with the pep talk). After about 10-15mins of that, it's out to the cars. They do control which gear you're in and give you little pointers and tips. My instructors told us "it's not your car, drive it like you stole it" - same as everyday (j/k). Of course, they control the flow of cars on the track, but they're fairly liberal about it - so long as you're not being a dork.

I personally thought it was a blast. My friend was a bit disappointed, but he's a track junkie and was pushing the limits of decorum out there (see dork reference above )

Hope you enjoy your session!

 

In Houston - Where? How did you get invited?

 

It's at Reliant Stadium. I received an invitation in the mail a few weeks ago and had to register online. Not sure if they still have any availability. Try calling 1-888-344-4BMW. That is the number on my reservation to cancel, but you may be able to find someone there to help you get in.

 

i went to one 2-3 years ago when the e90 came out. if you've ever done a bmwcca autocross event then you'll know what to expect.

 

Never did it but heard about it, sounds cool, enjoy.

 

I have never done this either but just recieved invite to drive the new 4.8 X5 at the Homestead International Speedway, I really want to do this

 

I called in the same day I got the invitation in the mail and they said it was full. they suck!

 

Same here. Pretty annoying. Why send invitations for something that is not available?

 

Ya if you're going to "mail" out something... BMW should have enough space to accommodate the mailed out invitations. I understand if I was trying to call in and get a first come first serve spot... and they should accommodate those of us who have been loyal BMW customers... with > 3 BMWs owned.