There are as many BMW models as there are reasons why we drive them. It doesn’t matter if it’s a classic 2002, 3.0csi, Bavaria, or a 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, M, X or Z series, BMWs are simply amazing vehicles to own and drive. Whatever your reason - safety, engineering, craftsmanship, road feel, performance, luxury, status – or your level of insanity, we share a common bond and love for our BMW’s. Some of us drive them just ‘cuz they’re a car; some of us collect and keep them in showroom condition only to play with them on special days; others have their cars set up for max performance - lowered, chipped, blown, big wheels, big brakes, the list is too long. Regardless of what “level” you have reached; there are others just like you, maybe even worse! So I am happy to tell you there is a 67,000 member support group called the BMW Car Club of America (BMWCCA), and that this support group now exists in Vermont!
On May 10th 2004, 25 BMW owners gathered at the Thrush Tavern in Montpelier. Together we signed a petition that lead to the charter of Vermont’s first BMW Club - The Green Mountain Chapter of the BMWCCA. There are over 150 BMWCCA members in Vermont, and new members join every week as word spreads. About 40 of the BMWCCA members have already joined in activities with our Vermont chapter. The boring administrative start-up stuff is pretty much done, and now it’s time to plan some events and have some fun! It doesn’t matter if you’re not a gear head, a race fan, or BMW purist; the idea of the club is to get together with other BMW owners, learn more about our BMW’s, and learn to drive them better. Of course, we’ll meet new people, make new friends, and spend some time driving our cars in the awesome state we live in.
Here is a list of events people have expressed an interest in. I confidently say that there is a little something for everyone.
Driving tours through Vermont and New England - enjoying the scenic back roads, small towns, and bed and breakfasts, inns, and hotels along the way
Rallies and autocrosses
Trips to the Canadian Grand Prix Formula 1 race in Montreal, Quebec
Combined events with adjacent BMW chapters
Driving Schools, track events, go karting in Montreal
BMW Dealership Technical sessions
Instruction for do-it-yourself maintenance, upgrades, modifications, customization, etc.
Attending car shows through out Vermont and New England, including the Bavarian Autosport Show in Shine, the Rolex Vintage festival at Lime Rock
Combining driving events with brunches, dinners, BBQ’s, lobster and clam bakes, etc.
Creating a Green Mountain Chapter Concourse
BMW/M Day/night on the Church Street Marketplace in Burlington
Charity fund raisers, social events, wine and cheese, holiday party
You fill in this blank!
Membership in the BMWCCA gives you a number of things, not the least of which is the 140 page club magazine, Roundel. This is an incredible publication and has often been quoted as being the best car club publication in existence. I have been reading numerous automotive publications for the past 25 years and have found Roundel to be one of my favorites. I consider getting Roundel worth the price of membership alone! Members also receive discounts on parts and supplies at participating BMW dealerships, free Roundel classified ads that reach all BMWCCA members as well as non-member internet surfers, library and video services, assistance from technical and mechanical experts, distinctive BMWCCA membership and local club decals, and Ombudsmen assistance with BMW dealers or suppliers. BMWCCA membership makes you an automatic member in the Green Mountain Chapter. There are NO additional costs or dues to join and become a member of the Green Mountain Chapter if you are a member of the BMWCCA.
So now you’re hopefully thinking and asking yourself, how much does it cost and how do I join?
Membership cost is only $40 for one year and discounts for multi year membership. To join, click here, or visit www.bmwcca.org and double-click the JOIN icon. You can fill out the entire registration form and pay online, or you can print it out and fax or mail it in.
I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you at one of our upcoming events or meetings. For more information, please visit the Green Mountain Chapter website at www.vtbmwcca.org. It is always being updated and continually improving so check back often.