[aerostar]

Does BMW CCA give license plate #'s of cars attending these events to BMW?

Will going to these void your warranty?

[midlifecrisis]

No and no. In the past , I've been to many BMW CCA driver schools where BMW executives have instructed and/or participated. Of course, if you abuse your car at one of these schools it could be another story. Driving them fast isn't abuse. Also, at some point your dealer isn't going to replace your brake pads and rotors for free. Be prepared to buy these if you track the car regularly.

[rich8566]

Originally Posted by midlifecrisis

No and no. In the past , I've been to many BMW CCA driver schools where BMW executives have instructed and/or participated. Of course, if you abuse your car at one of these schools it could be another story. Driving them fast isn't abuse. Also, at some point your dealer isn't going to replace your brake pads and rotors for free. Be prepared to buy these if you track the car regularly.

Why would you say they won't replace pads and rotors under the warranty. That has not been my experience.

[midlifecrisis]

Originally Posted by rich8566

Why would you say they won't replace pads and rotors under the warranty. That has not been my experience.

They do replace pads and rotors under warranty, but it's my understanding there's a limit. An advanced driver can easily go through a set of stock pads every few driver schools, and so BMW might balk if you show up every month for a new set of free brake pads. This stuff gets addictive, so I recommend that anyone doing more than a school or two a year learns how to swap out pads and invest in a set that have greater heat tolerance than stock pads.

[rich8566]

Originally Posted by midlifecrisis

They do replace pads and rotors under warranty, but it's my understanding there's a limit. An advanced driver can easily go through a set of stock pads every few driver schools, and so BMW might balk if you show up every month for a new set of free brake pads. This stuff gets addictive, so I recommend that anyone doing more than a school or two a year learns how to swap out pads and invest in a set that have greater heat tolerance than stock pads.

They did my first set of pads around 6-7k miles. And then rotors and pads around 11k. And then again around 16k and yet another set of rotors and pads at about 22k and a set of pads at 28k. No issues ever - maybe is why they are discontinuing brakes in the maintenance program for MY2017 models.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by rich8566

They did my first set of pads around 6-7k miles. And then rotors and pads around 11k. And then again around 16k and yet another set of rotors and pads at about 22k and a set of pads at 28k. No issues ever - maybe is why they are discontinuing brakes in the maintenance program for MY2017 models.

Sounds like you have been having a lot of fun.

[aerostar]

What about insurance? If you crash the car during a CCA event will insurance cover you?

I have GEICO... or do you purchase insurance at the track?

Also, what's the set up like of those beginner HPDE events? Would it be okay to bring a friend or girlfriend or would they be bored out of their mind?

[midlifecrisis]

Originally Posted by rich8566

They did my first set of pads around 6-7k miles. And then rotors and pads around 11k. And then again around 16k and yet another set of rotors and pads at about 22k and a set of pads at 28k. No issues ever - maybe is why they are discontinuing brakes in the maintenance program for MY2017 models.

Ha ha. So you're the guy!

[midlifecrisis]

Originally Posted by aerostar

What about insurance? If you crash the car during a CCA event will insurance cover you?

I have GEICO... or do you purchase insurance at the track?

Also, what's the set up like of those beginner HPDE events? Would it be okay to bring a friend or girlfriend or would they be bored out of their mind?

Most insurance policies won't cover HPDE anymore, but you can buy an agreed value policy from Lockton that applies to CCA events. It's a high deductible, but worth it for a newer car. It's value only, no liability. You can usually buy it when you register for the event on motorsportreg.com.

At CCA events, you'll have classroom that your GF will be welcome to attend, and she can look at the cool cars when you're out on track, which will typically be in one of four groups running that day. Run sessions are usually 25-30 minutes. Most chapters are happy to give adult guests rides with an instructor. They won't allow guests in student cars.

[esp260]

How would I look for upcoming HPDE events? I'm guessing the biggest chapter for BMW CCA on the east coast is the Boston chapter?

[aerostar]

I think it might be the NJ or NC chapter on the East coast...

[rich8566]

Originally Posted by esp260

How would I look for upcoming HPDE events? I'm guessing the biggest chapter for BMW CCA on the east coast is the Boston chapter?

I drive with nearly all of them - Boston, NY, Patroon and New Jersey, not to mention Connecticut.

[midlifecrisis]

Originally Posted by esp260

How would I look for upcoming HPDE events? I'm guessing the biggest chapter for BMW CCA on the east coast is the Boston chapter?

I'm guessing you're not a CCA member. Your fist step would be to join. Based on your profile, you'll be in the Boston Chapter. They have a very active schedule at several locations. As a CCA member, you'd be welcome at any Chapter's events at just about every track in the Northeast. You can see the events at motorsportreg.com. Filter for BMW CCA and check driver schools. You'll find a lot of options.