If you’ve been reading my articles for the past five years, you might have noticed that I am an enormous BMW enthusiast.
While I’ll always lust after a 964 Porsche Turbo or a 1967 Shelby Mustang, I can’t imagine ever parting with my BMW to own either. I bleed blue and white, plain and simple. So, it’s a bit embarrassing to admit that I 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 was officially opened to the public on October 17th, 2007. Sitting just across the road from BMW’s headquarters and museum, it has been a Munich icon ever since.
For all intents and purposes, BMW Welt is simply a beautiful BMW Group dealership. It’s home to all the brands under the BMW umbrella: from BMW production cars to Rolls-Royce, MINI, BMW M, and even BMW Motorrad, their motorcycle division.
With a dynamic display area – currently home to our very own Need for Speed BMW M3 GTR – for themed events and special occasions, BMW Welt seems to cover all bases when it comes to providing BMW customers with an entertaining experience surrounding their favourite brand.
The space is also used for external projects. For example, a gym wear advertising campaign was going on across from the M3 GTR display when I visited.
But what really sets BMW Welt apart is the experience it offers to customers collecting their new cars. Depending on the model and location, BMW owners can opt to take delivery of their new vehicles at BMW Welt instead of at a ‘regular’ dealership.
For those who do, there’s the chance to enjoy a factory tour, a visit to BMW Group Classic Center, a meal in the exclusive BMW Group restaurant, and even a private inspection of their new car in a bespoke viewing area.
I’ve heard of BMW M owners flying in from the US to take their new cars on a European road trip before shipping them back to the States.
Sadly, I wasn’t there to pick up a brand new M2, so I headed across the road to the iconic BMW ‘four-cylinder’ building instead…
…Or, more specifically, the BMW Museum beneath it. But I have to admit, the sight of an Inca Orange E12 parked under a Christmas tree stopped me in my tracks for a while. I used to own an E12, and I miss that car like crazy.
During my guided tour, led by one of BMW Welt’s marketing partners, I learned that the museum features rotating exhibits, with some displays changing seasonally or according to a particular theme. The cars on show during my visit were nothing short of spectacular.
From the very first BMW automobile – a license-built version of the Austin Seven, the 3/17 or ‘BMW Dixi’ – to Nick Heidfeld’s F1.08 displayed on the upper level, the museum tells the story of the brand I hold so dear to my heart.
As a proud E38 7 Series owner, it was awesome to see the prototype hydrogen-powered 750hL on display – something I’d only ever seen in my childhood automotive encyclopedia and online
Also on display was Jeff Koons’ stunning E92 M3 GT2, the first real BMW Art Car since Jenny Holzer’s 1999 BMW V12 LMR.
I’d encourage any BMW enthusiasts to make the pilgrimage to Munich. My time at BMW Welt and the BMW Museum was an unforgettable experience. And honestly, I’d go back in a heartbeat – even if the exhibits never change.
What an incredible place to visit.
Mario Christou
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