Are you sick of talking about your beloved BMW to your wife or best mate, who just don’t share your enthusiasm? Well, this is the place for you.
Whether it’s the sleek design, unparalleled engineering or the history that has made BMW a global icon, this community is where BMW owners can share, learn and connect.
In 2019, SimplyBMWNZ was created for BMW enthusiasts across the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
SimplyBMWNZ has 17 regional branches, one of them being in the Bay of Plenty. Each branch is run by a dedicated host and the clubs organise monthly meets and scenic cruises.
It’s a place where members bond over their shared experiences, upcoming projects and, of course, their BMWs.
SimplyBMWNZ president Caleb Lond is a BMW collector with a passion for the brand. He founded the club after noticing a lack of representation of BMWs at car events around the country.
“We saw the need for a space where BMW lovers could come together,” he said. “Our members range from those who own classic models to modern performance beasts, and we welcome everyone in between.
“Our club brings together like-minded individuals who share a love for BMW, with 17 regional hosts organising monthly meets and cruises all across New Zealand, providing opportunities for members to connect, share stories and explore the roads of New Zealand,” said Caleb.
Caleb said the club is all about celebrating BMW’s legacy and craftsmanship.
“We extend an invitation to all BMW enthusiasts and owners whether you own a classic, modern beauty, or anything in-between.
“We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that celebrates the passion, craftsmanship, and heritage of BMW.
“Whether you’re a seasoned BMW aficionado or a new enthusiast or owner we invite you to join our thriving community with like-minded individuals.
“It’s great to talk with people who share the same passion for the brand and understand the nuances that make BMWs special.”
Caleb has been at some events for hours before, stuck in deep conversation with members about BMWs, even though the meets usually don’t last that long.
“I’ve spent hours at events, engrossed in conversation about engines, body kits, and driving experiences. It’s rare to find someone outside of your community who shares that level of interest.
“The majority of people can’t just chat to their wife about it or even their best mate because he might be into a different car, or he might not be into cars in general at all.”
He said owning a BMW is like an ailment, when you get one, you want more.
“It’s contagious, I gave it to several of my mates and now they own several BMWs,” he joked.
SimpleBMWNZ car meet. Photo supplied.
When asked what was so special about BMW specifically in comparison to other luxury brands, Caleb said, “BMW is one of the few car manufacturers that hasn’t been bought out by a larger conglomerate.
“They’re pretty much the only car company left in the world that hasn’t sold out.
“Ferrari is owned by Fiat, Lamborghini is owned by Volkswagen, alongside multiple other companies.
“They [BMW] have owned themselves since 1917 and have stuck to their roots of making outstanding vehicles.”
Another reason why drivers obsess over BMWs is the versatility and customisable options.
“BMWs are like Legos for adults.
“You can swap engines and parts between models because so many components are interchangeable. For example, the BMW E36 3 Series came with seven engine options and seven body styles — compare that to something like the Nissan Skyline R33, which has only four engine choices.”
Ultimately, BMWs have become a favourite for car lovers because of the ability to easily personalise them and the number of tuning companies that offer performance parts and body kits, such as Alpina, AC Schnitzer, Hamann, Dinan and more.
However, being a BMW collector is not a cheap hobby. “Some of our members have six or more BMWs, with cars ranging from a few thousand dollars to over six figures.
“BMW’s M series, developed by their motorsport division, takes standard models and transforms them into performance machines with more horsepower, enhanced suspension, and sporty interiors,” Caleb explained. “These are the cars that collectors dream of.
“My mate has an M5 E39 from the early 2000s. It’s not the rarest BMW in New Zealand but only 20,482 of the 1,448,038 made were M5 models, they’re worth about $60,000 today.”
Caleb said he also has a E39 but it’s a 540i M-sport model. The main difference is the motor that was produced by BMW Motorsport instead of BMW, which gives the M5 model an extra 100hp over the 540i.
“Some of those cars are ridiculously expensive and others suspiciously cheap,” said Caleb.
“A club member from Waikato owns an E30 M3 that’s currently up for sale on Trade Me for $120,000. But people love them because they’re such iconic cars.”
Some of these rare models command hefty price tags.
“There are some older ones in the club like 3.0CS E9s, 2800 E3s and a few 2002s, there was one E9 up for sale earlier this year for $200,000.
“I think there’s only four or six in the country, when people see them, their draws drop. They’re like a fine piece of art.”
For Caleb and many other members, the allure of BMW lies in its motorsport heritage and the timeless appeal of its classic models.
“From the rare 3.0CS E9 to the 2002 series, BMW’s legacy continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.”
To learn more or to join this passionate community of BMW lovers, visit the SimplyBMWNZ website at www.simply-bmwnz.com or find the club on Facebook at SimplyBMWClubNewZealand.