The M Chapter secured 50 spots for the Cars & Caffeine showcase as part of the BMW Classic display. Whether you have a vintage, classic, or modern car, we all live and bleed BMW. This opportunity will allow BMW CCA members to showcase their car at the historic Amelia Island Cars & Community event, which takes place on Sunday, March 8th, 2026. Please note that we are asking all participants to spend the weekend at this prestigious event, preferably Friday thru Sunday.

With 2026 being a huge anniversary year for several historic cars, we are looking for the following show-worthy BMWs: M3, 6 Series, and 1602-2002, as stated below:

• 40th Anniversary : BMW M3 (E30, E36, E46, E9X, F80, G80)
• 50th Anniversary: BMW 6 Series (any variant)
• 60th Anniversary: BMW 1602-2002 (any variant)

Please note that this registration doesn’t guarantee you one of the 50 allocated spots.

All submissions will be vetted and accepted members will be notified shortly after registration closes. There will also be a waitlist in case of any cancelations.

Your final date to sign up is Friday. January 10th. Click the flyer below to register.

The post Enter Now To Showcase Your Car In the BMW Classic Cars and Caffeine at the 2026 Amelia Island Concours appeared first on BimmerLife.

As the BMW CCA Foundation wraps up its highly successful Alpina exhibit, a display that brought together some of the rarest and most bespoke BMWs ever built, our Foundation President, Bruce Smith, is already looking ahead.

“The response to the Alpina exhibit was incredible,” Smith says. “It showed us once again that this community values history, rarity, and storytelling. We’ve crossed the 4000-visitor mark through the museum, and I hope we approach 5000 before the exhibit closes next month. But we know that for many, the passion will really be experienced when we curate the evolution of one iconic model.”

That is why, in May 2026, the BMW CCA Foundation will open its doors at The Ultimate Driving Museum to “BMW M3: 40 Years of Evolution.”

It is a massive pivot from the refined touring cars of Buchloe to the high-revving icons of Munich. The exhibit aims to tell the complete story of the car that defined the genre, from the original E30 M3 all the way to the turbocharged F81/82 M3 and G82/83 M4 of today. The exhibition will include the coupe, convertible, sedan, and a possible touring version along with unique special editions, customs, Motorsport versions of the iconic M3, and the passionate owners.

“The M3 isn’t just a car; it’s a culture,” Smith explains. “Curating this exhibit is a massive undertaking because the history is so rich. We are pulling cars from private collections and unique items from our archives to ensure we get it right.”

The Ultimate Driving Museum has quickly become a destination for automotive fans. For the second consecutive year, the museum was named “South Carolina’s Best Museum” in the 2025 Best of South Carolina Awards. And was recognized this year with the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, placing The Ultimate Driving Museum in the top 10 percent of global listings.

However, keeping a museum “Best in Class” isn’t easy. “I have to say that 2025 has been a challenging year for the entire non-profit sector. We’ve faced the same headwinds many have, and the cost of excellence is rising. To keep doing what we do, preserving history and creating award-winning experiences, we need the continued support of the BMW community,” Smith shares.

The Foundation is also gearing up for a critical year of Tire Rack Street Survival schools. As vehicle technology advances, the need for hands-on teen driver training remains urgent. “We have a dual mission: Saving Lives and Saving History,” says Smith. “Whether we are teaching a 16-year-old how to brake effectively or preserving the history of BMW, it all requires fuel. If you’ve ever volunteered for Street Survival, you know the difference between a teen who fears the skid and one who knows how to correct it.”

As the year closes, the Foundation is asking the BMW community to help them get to the starting line for 2026. “We want to hit the ground running in January,” Smith adds. “Every donation helps us get more safe teen drivers on the road and curate the M3 story.”

Click here to support the Foundation’s 2025 Year-End Campaign

The post Shifting Gears: How the BMW CCA Foundation Plans to Top the Alpina Exhibit appeared first on BimmerLife.

One of the things that all BMW owners share is an appreciation for cars “designed for driving pleasure.”

With the official BMW Car Club of America (CCA) National Capital Chapter (NCC) – M Chapter 2026 Wall Calendar, enthusiasts can personalize their space, organize their schedule and admire BMW’s timeless German masterpieces every day of the year.

The new 2026 NCC – M Chapter Wall Calendar is filled with a wide variety of pictures from leading Concours Exhibitions and BMWs in race competition. This is a must-have for every club member and all BMW enthusiasts. Order a few, use them as gifts, and share them among your BMW friends.

The calendar will also come pre-populated with holidays and many of the club related events that we already have scheduled to take place in the upcoming year.

Calendars are 8.5 x 11 and priced at $15 each, $14 each for 2 and $13 each for 3.
Additional home delivery option 1-2 $12, 3+ $23
Be sure to pick up a calendar for yourself or for a loved one as a gift for the holidays or a treat for yourself (we won’t judge).

To order, register at MotorsportReg.com and include in the comments your name, mailing address, your intention to arrange to pick up or get your order delivered (there’s an additional cost for delivery), email, and telephone number along with the quantity of calendars that you would like to purchase. We will respond with a payment confirmation.

The post Time to Order Our Annual Wall Calendar appeared first on BimmerLife.

Boot up your memories. This isn’t a throwback… it’s a time warp. We’re taking you straight back to the garage menu of Gran Turismo 2, the car-select screen of Need for Speed II, and the golden age of true driver’s cars. All your sports magazines have Michael Jordan on the cover, and yes, the Dallas Cowboys were still America’s team. 

This year’s Classic Raffle grand prize is pure analog magic: a refreshed 1998 BMW E36 M3 Sedan, Alpine White over Dove Gray, 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive with no touchscreen in sight.

M3 Perfection. 4 Doors. 1 Winner. 

For a lot of our members, this is a sweet spot in the M3 lineage. Balanced. Responsive. Mechanical. The kind of car you feel before you even fire it up. And buttons – yes, there are there actual, physical buttons you can press. No touchscreens here. 

Whether you’re chasing apexes or chasing nostalgia, this refreshed E36 M3 delivers the kind of raw, rewarding drive that earned it a permanent spot in video games, tuner culture, and the hearts of BMW fans everywhere. 

And now? It could be yours.

BimmerWorld Refresh

This M3/4/5 was purchased earlier this year from longtime BMW CCA member and BimmerWorld team racer James Walker Jr., who kept the car in excellent condition with a detailed stack of service records. After a road trip from Texas to Virginia with James Clay and CCA President Jeff Caldwell, the car is now at the BimmerWorld Shop for a full refresh before heading off to its next lucky owner. In this first installment, James Clay teams up with our resident E36 expert Patrick Grace to inspect the car, review its history, and outline the plan to make this M3 the ultimate raffle prize.

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THIS CLASSIC BMW E36 M3!

TICKETS ARE $25 EACH! 

Raffle ticket sales for the 2025 Classic Raffle officially launch on Wednesday, October 1st and will remain open until Friday, December 12th. Tickets are just $25 and can be purchased online at bmwcca.org/classic-raffle. 

There’s no limit to how many tickets you can buy. The more you enter, the better your odds of driving away in this analog dream machine. 

SPECIAL DRAWING PRIZES! 

There are even more ways to win! Purchase a Classic Raffle ticket during a special drawing period and you’ll also be entered to win the associated prize. 

The National Office will contact drawing winners directly via email and/or phone. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date! 

The post Ends This Week!! Win a 1998 BMW E36 M3 Refreshed by BimmerWorld! Reveal Video!! appeared first on BimmerLife.

Cool cars are a big part of a garage, but we want to go a step further and give other members inspiration for their own ultimate garage builds. Let’s see your lift choices, HVAC options, lighting strategies, hangout space, AV setups, and more, because it’s not always about the cars. Our garages oftentimes turn into man caves, work shops, play areas, and take on a life of their own. And, of course, the cars are a big part of it too.

For those interested, please contact Paul Seto, paul.seto@nccbmwcca.org, and let him know why you should be considered. Submissions due November 30th.

You can check out last year’s garage tour here:

The post Want To Show Off Your Garage? Submit Yours to Our Winter Garage Tour appeared first on BimmerLife.

Founded by philanthropists passionate about the BMW brand and giving back, the BMW CCA Foundation is committed to preserving the history of BMW, the BMW CCA, and dedicated to making a positive impact through the Tire Rack Street Survival school. Your contribution will support two vital areas: Tire Rack Street Survival®, our teen driver safety training, and The Ultimate Driving Museum’s Archives.

A Safer Tomorrow: Tire Rack Street Survival, Teen Driving School

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers. Our advanced teen driving school, Street Survival, teaches real-world skills like sliding control and emergency braking and encourages safe decision making.

Your donation helps us:

• Expand the school’s reach and impact on future teen drivers.
• Provide scholarships to families who can’t afford this life-saving training.
• Empower the next generation of drivers to be responsible, confident, and safe.

Honoring a Legacy: The Ultimate Driving Museum’s Archives

The history of BMW is rich with innovation, victories, Motorsports culture, and driving purists. Our Archives preserve memorabilia, documents, and stories – from the first issues of the Roundel Magazine to the most current issues to rare photography, and racing trophies.

Your donation helps us:

• Provide climate control and secure storage to prevent deterioration of priceless historical memorabilia.
• Guarantee the legacy of the BMW CCA enthusiasts’ culture, history, and passions.
• Enable future growth of the Archives to keep the spirit of BMW enthusiasts alive for future enthusiasts, historians, and engineers

Whether you support safety or history, your gift on Giving Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, drives our mission of Saving Lives, Saving History.

Join us on Giving Tuesday to Drive Forward and Give Back!

Donate here

The post How to Support the BMW CCA Foundation’s Future on Giving Tuesday appeared first on BimmerLife.

Sixteen National Capital Chapter instructors and advanced students participated in a Time Trial event at Summit Point Main Circuit on Halloween weekend.

Time Trials is a race against the clock where drivers compete to set the fastest lap time in their class over the course of multiple sessions throughout the weekend.  Time Trials adds a new challenge and competitive element to the typical HPDE, and is intended to be more accessible than wheel to wheel racing.  A driver can use any car meeting or exceeding the HPDE tech requirements. While extra safety equipment is always encouraged, a full roll cage is not mandatory.

This year marked the second TT event hosted by NCC, and the first since 2020.  The Chapter is looking to re-invigorate the program and plans to hold additional events in 2026.

This year’s class winners were Dan Atkins (E46 M3; 1:22.740), Heath Thumel (E90 M3; 1:19.457), Tommy Ivic (F87 M2CS; 1:19.104) and Brian Clarke (GR Supra; 1:16.913).

Dan Atkins reflected on the event, sharing “It was a great intro to “racing” and was a lot more fun than I expected. Super fun way to end the year – looking forward to the spring!”

Dean Thuline served as the Event Chair, Mirril McMullen served as the Competition Steward, Tim Bradford served as the Tech/Grid Steward, and Mike Saul served as the Timing and Scoring Steward. 

Group photo from awards ceremony (photo credit: Barrie McMullen)

The post A Brief Look at the National Capital Chapter’s Summit Point Time Trial appeared first on BimmerLife.

The BMW Car Club of America X Chapter enjoyed exclusive access to the dramatic conclusion of the 10th-edition of the Rebelle Rally, including the finish-line spectacle and the celebratory “Rebellation” gala. The privilege offered a front-row seat to one of the most distinctive and empowering motorsport events in North America.

Friday, Oct 17 saw the finish-line arrival of the competitors after eight grueling days of navigation-based off-road challenge. On Saturday, Oct 18, the formal “Rebellation” gala capped the weekend: awards, cocktails, camaraderie, and the electric energy of women who not only competed—but conquered.

For the BMW community, it was a moment to celebrate not only female-driven performance—but also the brand’s involvement and the momentum of women behind the wheel of capable BMW SAVs far away from their usual terrain.

Founded in 2016, the Rebelle Rally is the longest off-road rally in the United States. It also happens to be the first all-women’s off-road navigation rally raid: eight days, remote terrain, no GPS (only map, compass, road-book), and a pure test of strategy, navigation and teamwork. Its mission has always been about skill, not speed.

The 2025 edition marked the 10th anniversary of the event—an occasion celebrated by organizers and competitors alike. This year the field comprised 67 teams, 134 competitors from 32 states/provinces and four countries, ages ranging from 23 to 78. Covering more than 2500 kilometers of rugged terrain across Nevada and California deserts, the rally again reinforced its philosophy: it’s not about who’s fastest, but who navigates best and stays steady.

Representing BMW in the event was Team #205, #R2D2: driver Rebecca Donaghe and navigator Rebecca Dalski, piloting the 2024 BMW X5 40i xDrive Silver Anniversary Edition (sponsored by BMW USA) in the X-Cross class. Team #205 achieved:

• 2nd place overall in the X-Cross class.
• The Bone Stock Award for competing without any modifications, with the exception of updated Rotiform wheels. A late rule update even required competing with factory tires. Minor, non mechanical, updates were made such as the addition of Morimoto lights but otherwise the X5 remained 100 percent stock.
• On Days 7 and 8 the team posted the highest scores in their class—an impressive late-rally surge.

For the BMW community this is a standout: not only did a BMW X5 take a podium, but the performance affirmed BMW’s capability in a rally environment.

For the X Chapter, the team’s results provide reinforcement to what we already know: BMW X vehicles are not just commuter machines, but also capable of off-road and other adventures —when in the hands of skilled drivers.

Results Summary

X-Cross Class (Crossover / Light SAV)

1. Team #200 – Carey Lando & Andrea Shaffer in a 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring.
2. Team #205 – Rebecca Donaghe / Rebecca Dalski in a 2024 BMW X5 40i xDrive.
3. Team #210 – Emme Hall & Kendra Miller in a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek.

The X-Cross class is designed for crossover and SAV-type vehicles, with emphasis on navigation and map/compass skills rather than outright speed. The BMW X5’s podium finish highlights its crossover performance credentials in an extreme setting.

4×4 Class (Traditional 4-Wheel Drive Off-Road Vehicles)

1. Team #129 – Nena Barlow & Teralin Petereit in a 2025 Jeep Gladiator.
2. Team #131 – Karisa Haydon & Trista Smith in a 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor.
3. Team #128 – Susan Pieper & Elise Young in a 2025 INEOS Grenadier.

The 4×4 class remains the “bread-and-butter” category of the Rebelle Rally—heavily modified off-road rigs, long days, demanding terrain and checkpoint navigation. Team #129’s win reflects both experience and consistency: they took four stage wins and held the top spot throughout.

Being on-site for the finish line on Friday and the gala on Saturday gave X Chapter attendees a chance to witness the final moments—teams arriving, embracing, and celebrating after eight days of navigation combat. It also reinforced what an amazing community founder Emily Miller has built and inspired in the 10 years of Rebelle.

The 10th edition of the Rebelle Rally may have been marketed as a milestone celebration—but for BMW CCA’s X Chapter, it was a moment to witness real-world relevance: BMW SAVs not just built for city or highway—but built for adventure, navigation, capability. With Team #205 on the podium, and the club’s presence at the finish and gala, it sets a powerful tone for what the BMW X family and its driver community can aspire to.

Invitation: “After the Dust Settles” Virtual Event

Want to learn more? We’re pleased to announce an Xclusive virtual event for BMW CCA members and friends: After the Dust Settles: BMW’s X5 at the 2025 Rebelle Rally on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Join us for an inside-look at the 2025 Rebelle Rally experience through the eyes of Team #205 in their BMW X5. You’ll hear from the entire passionate BMW USA team who brought this podium win to life, dive into rally navigation tactics, and see how BMW’s “X” family stands up to extreme adventure.

Register here: After the Dust Settles – BMW’s X5 at the 2025 Rebelle Rally

Whether you’re a BMW enthusiast, rally fan, or simply curious about how navigation-rally works, this event is for you. Don’t miss it!

Until then—keep your compass aligned, your tires aired, and your spirit adventurous.

The following partners helped make this year’s Rebelle Rally win possible:

• BMW Credit Cards
• BMW Protection Products
• BMW Women in Motion
• BMW Performance Center
• BMW Car Club of America and BMW CCA X Chapter
• XPEL
• Falken
• Rotiform
• Morimoto
• Thule

The post Join the X Chapter for an Inside Look at the Rebelle Rally appeared first on BimmerLife.

Find even more events on the official BMW Car Club of America Event Calendar.

October 24-26, 2025 – Make Some Noise Drifting Event – Sandlapper Chapter

Later this month, the Sandlapper Chapter is going to take to the track at Carolina Motorsports Park in South Carolina for something totally new: a drifting event in addition to the traditional club racing and HPDE. That’s right, it’s the first opportunity from any of our chapters for you to get out there and get sideways in your own car in a controlled environment.

The drift portion of the weekend will take place on CMP’s kart track and is limited to 50 cars, which ensures a ton of time to see how much tire smoke you can make. There’s even a two hour session on Saturday night under the lights, which promises to be a lot of fun. That portion is exclusively for CCA members, but if you sign up at the event you can get a full year membership for just $29. Registration for the drifting sessions ends on October 11th, so be sure to sign up here before spots run out.

Of course, there will also be an HPDE and club racing over the course of the weekend if you’d rather not spend your time on track sideways. Signups for the HPDE and club races are still open as well. The event runs October 24 – 26. Get in there!

Full info below:

Sandlapper Drift, Morehead Speedworks Club Race, and Todd Newcomer Memorial HPDE

Enjoy a drift weekend on the Kart Track at CMP. We are limiting entries to 50 people, which means a lot of track time for participants.

Meet professional drifters!
Johan Swartz: the drift world record holder, sharing his world record-setting experiences.
James Clay: race driver, drifter and founder/ owner of BimmerWorld

Drift Under the Lights!
On Saturday evening, we’ll have a special two-hour track time to drift under the lights for BMW CCA members. Not a current member? We’ve arranged a half-price sign up for this event only. For $29 you can be a BMW CCA member for a year.

Live entertainment on Saturday night
Free Camping: Camping is allowed at the track, and they have 20 (free) and 30 (for a fee) amp service. There are ample restrooms and showers on site. You can reserve sites and electricity on the CMP Site
Halloween Weekend: This weekend event is traditionally our Halloween celebration weekend, so if you like, decorate your paddock spaces. If you have kids, trick-or-treating is the norm. It’s always a fun weekend.
Buffet Dinner Saturday night (additional cost for drift, included for HPDE and club racers) Otherwise, there’s a snack bar serving food from 8 to 3 each day.
HPDE: Eight sessions on track, plus classroom sessions. Free open track time for instructors on Friday.

Oct. 25, 2025: BMW Foundation: The Seven ALPINA Wonders of Plant Spartanburg

Join the BMW CCA Foundation for an exclusive evening at BMW Zentrum to celebrate the legacy of ALPINA Automotive excellence. “The Seven ALPINA Wonders of Plant Spartanburg” is an enlightening event where you’ll get an in-depth look at seven truly special vehicles, all born from the BMW Plant Spartanburg Factory.

This isn’t just a dinner event; it’s a deep dive into the untold stories behind these remarkable machines. The Seven ALPINA Wonders of Plant Spartanburg evening will be focused on telling the insider tales of the X5 4.6iS and 4.8iS, the ALPINA Roadster S, the XD3 (two generations), the XD4, and the XB7. We’ll reveal the passion, the challenges, and the triumphs that led to their creation. You’ll hear from the very people who made them, including ALPINA VIPs, BMW VIP’s and others who had a hand in shaping automotive history.

Your ticket offers more than just a fascinating look back. You’ll have the chance to win incredible giveaways and support a great cause, as all proceeds benefit the BMW CCA Foundation.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
• Time: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
• Location: BMW Zentrum
• Tickets: $145

The evening festivities will include:

• A discourse led by Matt Russell to interview ALPINA VIPs
• Door Prizes
• Heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine will be served
• Each registered guest will receive complimentary admission to the ALPINA: 60 Years of Excellence exhibition.
• Each purchased ticket will have a chance to win a set of Continental Tires
• A portion of the evening is sponsored by Hagerty

Secure your spot now for an unforgettable night of cars, stories, and community.

https://events.humanitix.com/the-seven-alpina-wonders-of-plant-spartanburg

Oct. 26, 2025 – BMW Performance Center Classic and Motorsports Festival

Get ready to celebrate BMWs of past and present at the BMW Performance Center Classic and Motorsports Festival at the BMW Performance Center, 1155 Highway 101 South, Greer, South Carolina. Festival admission costs $50. Driving Experiences led by pro instructors will be from 8 am – 10 am and 10 am – 12 pm. Price for the Driving Experience with Festival Admission Ticket is $250. Driving experience includes a two-hour driving experience, professional instruction, off-road experience, entrance to Festival Exhibit, and cookout lunch buffet. Exhibition runs by display cars will be from 1 pm – 3 pm. From 3 pm onward attendees can purchase charity tickets for hot laps in BMW racecars with pro drivers, including Bill Auberlen. Ticket sales for hot laps will benefit the BMW CCA Foundation.

To purchase Driving Experience and Festival Tickets, call 888-345-4269 or visit BMWPerformanceCenter.com.

EXHIBITS

Peterson Automotive Museum Celebrates 50 Years of the BMW 3 Series in Motorsports

BMW CCA Foundation Ultimate Driving Museum Exhibit: ALPINA

Don’t miss out! BMW CCA members can find hundreds more events at bmwcca.org/calendar.

Not a BMW CCA member yet? You can get all the benefits of membership for less than $5 a month! Visit bmwcca.org/jointoday to join the world’s largest official BMW enthusiast club today!

The post BMW CCA Events: Drifting Event, Foundation Zentrum ALPINA Event, BMW Performance Center Event appeared first on BimmerLife.

Throughout the history of the BMW CCA, outstanding individuals, chapters and businesses have supported The Club in many ways. It is appropriate that this passion, enthusiasm and commitment to The Club be recognized. The BMW CCA recognizes and honors individual club members for outstanding achievements and exceptional dedication. Within the structure of the Club, some Chapters go far beyond BMW CCA Minimum Standards. A Chapter that consistently exceeds expectations may be recognized for that achievement. The Club also recognizes and honors members of Industry whose contributions to the Club and its members go far above and beyond normal business practices.

Friend of the Club: Eddy Funahashi

The BMW CCA Friend of the Club Award is the Club’s highest national tribute to an individual. The award recognizes a member who demonstrates extraordinary commitment and dedication. This year, Eddy Funahashi receives the award, recognizing his years of service and commitment to the BMW CCA.

BMW CCA Executive Director Frank Patek stated, “His selfless services over multiple decades as a local, regional and national volunteer have made Eddy Funahashi a singularly deserving winner of BMW CCA’s prestigious Friend of the Club Award. As a co-founder of Legends of the Autobahn he has created a lasting legacy in honor of the marque. Ultimately, it is his devotion, generosity, respect and kindness towards all that makes him a benchmark “Friend of the Club.”

Eddy Funahashi (center), accepts the BMW CCA Friend of the Club Award from Frank Patek, BMW CCA Executive Director. BMW CCA Executive Vice President Brian Thomason speaks while Pacific Region VP James Crivelone and Head of BMW Group Classic USA Tom Plucinsky attend.

Other award presentations

BMW CCA members can nominate volunteers, officers, BMW centers, or independent shops to recognize their outstanding support of the Club and BMW enthusiasm through the BMW CCA Recognition Program. Details about the awards, rules for nomination, and member-exclusive nomination forms at the web page for the BMW CCA Recognition Program.

The post BMW CCA Recognition Awards Recipients Announced appeared first on BimmerLife.