Back from Munich - BMW Welt/factory tour

[earlyMLC]

Just got back from Munich today. Did not see one coupe/convertible 1 series on the road the whole week I was there. Took the chance to visit BMW WELT - Wow, what an experience:

BMW WELT
Entrance is free. This is basically a showroom/lifestyle shop in an amazing building where you can see all the latest models etc. In the 'double cone' there is a display dedicated to the 1 series coupe/cab.


BMW museum.
12 Euros entry and worth every euro cent. Fantastic tour of the BMW from inception to modern day. Every major model is available for viewing. Wonderful overview of engine technology etc

BMW factory tour
8 Euros entry and absolutely the jewel in the crown. The 1 series coupe/convertible is not produced here (Leipzig). We saw the 3 series sedan/touring being built instead (900 a day!!). Some tips: Book well ahead as the tours are very
popular. We didn't book but got there at 8:30 am and was lucky to nab some tickets. I suspect they withold a handful for people that just show up. Whole thing takes 2+ hours and you walk 2+kms. You cannot take pictures or film so I have
nothing to show you. The guide we had (Volker) was hilarious and so informative. For example, he steped us through the best break-in methods for new engines etc. The tour gets you close and dirty (protective glasses and all) to the major
steps of the process - sheet metal pressing, robotic assembly of body, painting, seats, engine assembly, drive chain marrying to body, cold engine testing, just in time logistics,... just to name a few. I was mesmorised
I came away from this tour with a real sense of the expertise and precision that goes into BMW production. Total quality assurance at every step.

[2QIK4U]

Wow,

Awesome pics, seems like a good excuse for a return to Europe. Did you get to see the new Porsche factory/museum at Stuttgart?

[Wraith]

Wow awesome, love the pic of the clay model above - I've worked with several industrial designers in the past who've mocked up similar clay models - exciting stuff :smile:

Does BMW Aust. offer the ED (European Delivery) thingy like the yanks get ???

That would be an enticing offer to consider, local brands such as our HSV offer a factory tour when you purchase one of their cars and you can actually visit whilst your car is being assembled on the production line - again a very exciting experience :smile:

[volk613]

Thanks for sharing

[earlyMLC]

Didn't make it up to Stuttgart although my friend who was in town at the same time and had just bought an Audi S5 visited Ingolstadt and reported a good experience.

Some more piccies:

[professor]

Wow, this is a visual feast worthy of a king. Thanks!!

My favorites here have got to be the 507 and the 1600. (Sentimental sucker, I know...)

[The Voice of Reason]

Nice!

Must add this to the to-do list next time I travel to Europe for work!

I imagine the LHD/RHD issue might complicate things for a European delivery arrangement for us Aussies.

[RobLS]

awesome

[dclee1]

gorgeous! man, i wish the museum was open while i was there this year...guess for the next ED i do i'll go take a look!

[andrew@southernBM]

Wow thanks for sharing, a member of Final Inspection forum recently returned from a trip there as well and the staff couldn't stop talking about the pics for a few days

[ONE]

Thanks! and Info