[RichF90M5C]

Unless you had confirmation in writing that you’d be in an M5, there’s not a lot you can do. I’d be seriously pissed if that happened to me though.

[pmsteinm]

I'm signed for the 2 day at thermal next month. Prior to this thread I was already preparing myself to not get an M5 since the car is about out of production and they have plenty of disclaimers about car options. I really hope for an M5 but I'm really not expecting one. I will just have to take mine to VIR after.

[micvite]

Originally Posted by pmsteinm

I'm signed for the 2 day at thermal next month. Prior to this thread I was already preparing myself to not get an M5 since the car is about out of production and they have plenty of disclaimers about car options. I really hope for an M5 but I'm really not expecting one. I will just have to take mine to VIR after.

They most likely have them since they have a larger fleet. Tbh south Carolina just got a new fleet of 2023 m5s they just have to get the break in done before they can be used.

[Greer]

To OP,

Yes, I understand why you are upset about not getting what you thought was coming. I have taken BMW M School at Thermal, CA and in South Carolina and they never guarantee the availability of cars. There is no legal action to take here and no grounds for a refund.

[Maverik259]

Ah yes. Let’s involve more lawyers so that more great things in this country can be taken away by companies for fear of being sued by people who don’t get their way. (Not that OP is suggesting this)

Don’t get me wrong. I completely understand and agree that I wouldn’t spend a dime on this “driving school” if couldn’t track at least the car I own with little to no risk to my own car.

But knowing I may not get to drive my car is all I would need to just not waste my moneys.

[micvite]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Ah yes. Let’s involve more lawyers so that more great things in this country can be taken away by companies for fear of being sued by people who don’t get their way. (Not that OP is suggesting this)

Don’t get me wrong. I completely understand and agree that I wouldn’t spend a dime on this “driving school” if couldn’t track at least the car I own with little to no risk to my own car.

But knowing I may not get to drive my car is all I would need to just not waste my moneys.

That's why it's better to just book private instruction, you get the track pretty much to yourself, and drive ANY car YOU choose including multiple cars.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by micvite

That's why it's better to just book private instruction, you get the track pretty much to yourself, and drive ANY car YOU choose including multiple cars

What that run you? I’m accepting new sponsors this quarter….if you’re interested. 😁

[micvite]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

What that run you? I’m accepting new sponsors this quarter….if you’re interested. 😁

Used to be 450 an hour for the first two then 400 per after that, now it's like 650 an hour for the first two and 600 after that I think. About the same price as the school realistically just much better value

[damianwo]

Sorry this happened to you OP. I would expect some sort of compensation on BMW part.

[shadewell]

Originally Posted by micvite

That's why it's better to just book private instruction, you get the track pretty much to yourself, and drive ANY car YOU choose including multiple cars.

This. Why complain about what you already said you were informed about ahead of time, VS paying for what you really want?

[LuvMyE92]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

... as the OP noted in his post, BMW states that the cars available to drive are based on availability. ... threatening legal action usually does not result in goodwill.

Originally Posted by pmsteinm

I will just have to take mine to VIR after.

Originally Posted by mm5300

Since I have an M5, I wanted to see what it could do on the track.

First of all, I've done schools at both SC and CA locations, and only got to drive an M5 in SC. As noted, it's not a really good track for such a large animal (still fun though!).

Second, do these schools through the BMW CCA and you'll get a hefty discount. We organize events at least twice a year.

Third, the OP and @pmsteinm you both live near awesome, world-class racetracks. You want to see how an M5 does on the track? DRIVE IT! You can do a HPDE with the BMW CCA (or PCA or whatever club you choose) for a lot less money, even after the cost of insurance. Sure, you'll risk a little bit of money (deductible) but you'll have in-car instruction and incidents are rare at BMW CCA events.

With the exception of running into a wall, you're not going to hurt your car - it's built for this! You'll wear your tires a bit and take some life off of the brakes, but it will still be cheaper than the performance center, and you'll likely have a lot more fun anyway!

[mm5300]

Originally Posted by micvite

They most likely have them since they have a larger fleet. Tbh south Carolina just got a new fleet of 2023 m5s they just have to get the break in done before they can be used.

One of the instructors mentioned this when I was there. Kinda made me a little more angry.

And I wasn't really looking to get any lawyers or credit card companies involved, I was just seeing what people thought. And yes, it's because I didn't read it properly, but they have big, huge pictures on the website when you click on "What you'll drive" of the M3, M4, and M5 Comp. They mention availability, but if that's the case, they should show that the M2 might be used as well.

[mm5300]

Originally Posted by crypto

Disappointed and upset — hell yeah. I would want the full experience and 110% want track time in the M5 to go along with what I own. How about you let everyone drive the M5s and guess what you do if one has to be taken out:

Option 1: just swap an m5 with an m2
Option 2: switch them all to m2s now
Option 3: send the unlucky car driver home early


See I got 3 viable options. Lol

I was thinking the same thing for your options. None of the M2, M3, or M4 had any issues during the 2 days, so why not at least try the M5's and if it happens, then change over. I think using that as an excuse is kinda BS.

[mm5300]

I know I'm jumping in a little late on some of these, but I was out of the country and just got back last night. I actually did get a call from the driving school and they offer either a one day M school where I would def get to drive an M5 or a 2 hour private lesson. I'm guessing the one day would be similar to what I did at the 2 day. I was thinking the private lesson would be the way to go, but wondering what you guys thought. Especially those who have gotten the private lessons.

[LORDLODOSS]

If you wanted to see what your M5 can do on the track then why not just take it to the track?

[micvite]

Originally Posted by mm5300

I know I'm jumping in a little late on some of these, but I was out of the country and just got back last night. I actually did get a call from the driving school and they offer either a one day M school where I would def get to drive an M5 or a 2 hour private lesson. I'm guessing the one day would be similar to what I did at the 2 day. I was thinking the private lesson would be the way to go, but wondering what you guys thought. Especially those who have gotten the private lessons.

100% do private and ask to do it in thermal if you have the option since they have an actual track

[mm5300]

Originally Posted by LORDLODOSS

If you wanted to see what your M5 can do on the track then why not just take it to the track?

I think I would rather push the limits of the car on theirs rather than my own. If I break a motor on theirs, I don't have to pay for it.

[mm5300]

Originally Posted by micvite

100% do private and ask to do it in thermal if you have the option since they have an actual track

Ok, I was thinking the private was the way to go. I'm only about 90 mins from the SC track, so it would be more practical to go there, but I can look into Thermal.

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

Originally Posted by mm5300

I know I'm jumping in a little late on some of these, but I was out of the country and just got back last night. I actually did get a call from the driving school and they offer either a one day M school where I would def get to drive an M5 or a 2 hour private lesson. I'm guessing the one day would be similar to what I did at the 2 day. I was thinking the private lesson would be the way to go, but wondering what you guys thought. Especially those who have gotten the private lessons.

This seems like a reasonable resolution and was the kind of thing I was hoping you’d get if you had to be a little heavy handed (which it seems like you didn’t). Enjoy it!

[mm5300]

Originally Posted by ResIpsaLoquitur

This seems like a reasonable resolution and was the kind of thing I was hoping you’d get if you had to be a little heavy handed (which it seems like you didn’t). Enjoy it!

It was a reasonable resolution. I didn't really want the whole thing refund, but I wanted something that would allow me to drive one of their M5's. So all in all I think it worked out.

[99-ls1-ss]

Originally Posted by ResIpsaLoquitur

This is very frustrating. Even if the M2 is better on track, you own an M5 and the whole purpose of your visit was to experience/push an M5 and learn it’s limits.

This is exactly how I would look at it. I purchased a M5 because I wanted an M5. If I wanted to safely test the limits of an M5, driving an M2 does me no good whatsoever. I would be very irritated.

[M5F90]

I'd feel totally scammed, but only in the case when I specifically chose an M5 and was given something else. Knowing that I can be given an M3, an M4 or an M5 - that's another story.