If you’ve been reading my articles over the past five years, you may have noticed that I have a enormous BMW enthusiast.
Although I will always long for a 964 Porsche Turbo or a 1967 Shelby Mustang, I can’t imagine ever saying goodbye to my BMW. I bleeding blue and white, plain and simple. So it’s a little embarrassing to admit that I’ve waited 26 years to visit the holy grail of BMW fandom: BMW Welt.
Okay, maybe not quite 26, since BMW Welt only came into existence after a design competition in 2001. Construction began in 2003 and the building officially opened to the public on October 17, 2007. Located across the street from BMW’s headquarters and museum, it has been ever since it is an icon of Munich.
In all respects, BMW Welt is simply a wonderful BMW Group dealer. It is home to all brands under the BMW umbrella: from BMW production cars to Rolls-Royce, MINI, BMW M and even BMW Motorrad, their motorcycle division.
Featuring a dynamic exhibition space – currently home to our own exhibition Need for speed BMW M3 GTR – for themed events and special occasions, BMW Welt seems to have it all when it comes to offering BMW customers an entertaining experience around their favorite brand.
The space is also used for external projects. For example, when I visited there was a sportswear advertising campaign going on opposite the M3 GTR display.
But what really sets BMW Welt apart is the experience it offers to customers picking up their new cars. Depending on the model and location, BMW owners can choose to receive their new car at BMW Welt instead of at a ‘normal’ dealer.
For those who do, there is the chance to enjoy a factory tour, a visit to the BMW Group Classic Center, a meal in the exclusive BMW Group restaurant and even a private inspection of their new car in a bespoke created viewing space.
I’ve heard of BMW M owners who have flown in from the US to take their new cars on a European road trip before shipping them back to the States.
Unfortunately I wasn’t there to pick up a brand new M2 so I headed across the road to the iconic BMW ‘four cylinder’ building…
…Or, more specifically, the BMW Museum underneath. But I have to admit that the sight of an Inca Orange E12 parked under a Christmas tree stopped me in my tracks for a while. I used to have an E12 and I really miss that car.
During my tour, led by one of BMW Welt’s marketing partners, I learned that the museum has rotating exhibitions, with some exhibits changing seasonally or according to a specific theme. The cars on display during my visit were nothing short of spectacular.
From the very first BMW car – a license-built version of the Austin Seven, the 3/17 or ‘BMW Dixi’ – to Nick Heidfeld’s F1.08 on the top floor: the museum tells the story of the brand I possession, so dear to my heart.
As a proud owner of the E38 7 Series, it was great to have the hydrogen 750hL prototype on display – something I had only seen in my childhood car encyclopedia and online
Also on display was Jeff Koons’ beautiful E92 M3 GT2, the first Real BMW Art Car since Jenny Holzer’s 1999 BMW V12 LMR.
I would encourage all BMW enthusiasts to make the pilgrimage to Munich. My time at BMW Welt and the BMW Museum was an unforgettable experience. And honestly, I would go back in a heartbeat – even if the exhibits never change.
What an incredible place to visit.
Mario Christou
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