It’s that time of the year—the one and only Monterey Car Week is upon us again, and here at BimmerLife, we wanted to give you a rundown on all the events BMW enthusiasts—and car enthusiasts in general—can look forward to this week.
Gooding & Co. Auction
August 24-25
There are a number of prominent auction houses that will send some incredible cars across the block this year, but for BMW fans, Gooding & Company has some choice lots. There’s this sub-500-mile E39 M5 that’s expected to fetch up to $180,000, this white 1981 BMW M1Â for about double that, plus a selection of other legendary (and investment-grade) BMWs. Our personal favorite might be this early-year, European-market, Olivgrun E24 633CSi, estimated to sell for a staggering $40-60,000.
Check out Gooding’s full list of offerings here.
Legends of the Autobahn Presented by Michelin
August 24
Oh, and BMW will be bringing an exclusive display of new models to the Nicklaus Club for Legends—be sure to swing by to check out your closest look yet at BMW’s latest vehicles.
Festorics Turn Five Corral Presented By Michelin
August 24-26, 2018
Outside of Sunday’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is probably the best-known event of Monterey Car Week. Held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the Rolex Reunion is positioned as one of the preeminent vintage racing festivals in the world—and what better way to experience hundreds of million-dollar cars running at full speed than at the exclusive trackside viewing area and car corral, Festorics? The corral itself will be filled with all kinds of BMWs, but there will be a special display by the track celebrating 40 years of the BMW M1 and 50 years of the BMW 2002.
The Quail
August 24
Pebble has the presence and global status of the world’s top Concours d’Elegance, but the world’s media—and the associated crowds—have followed. The Quail, on the other hand, has the quintessential high-class atmosphere that makes Monterey Car Week so surreal, and you’re welcome to experience it firsthand—for the right price.
Despite the high cost of entry, Quail comes with plenty of inimitable features, from free samples of exquisite, global cuisine to one-off vehicles from GM Futureliners to James Bond Aston Martins and coachbuilt Zagato masterpieces. BMW will also have a special display here, with more new cars.
Exotics On Cannery Row Presented by Michelin
August 25
One of the most packed events on the peninsula is Michelin’s free cruise-in of exotics on the water by Monterey’s famous Cannery Row. Everything from Spyker supercars to McLaren P1s to one-off supercar builds to widebody BMW M cars and aired-out Ferraris will be there, watching the sunset, bumping music, and enjoying a west coast evening.
Pebble Beach
August 26
What list of Monterey events would be complete without Pebble Beach? We have the scoop that the concept lawn will be the place for BMW enthusiasts to watch, but for the lawn itself, on the crashing waves of California’s central coast, it’s sure to be another spectacular event celebrating the finest automobiles ever made.
Car Throttle Livestream Presented by Michelin
August 23-26
If you can’t make it out to California this year, don’t worry! Viral automotive media giant Car Throttle is partnering with Michelin this year to livestream some of Michelin’s biggest events in Monterey, including Legends of the Autobahn, WERKS Reunion, and Exotics on Cannery Row, plus share the stories of plenty of Monterey attendees. Follow them on the Car Throttle Facebook page and YouTube channel to stay up to date on the latest streams!
You don’t need to attend Pebble Beach itself to have an unforgettable experience in Monterey. Our professional advice is that Monterey is what you make of it—and for BMW fans, there are going to be incredible events all around the peninsula Wednesday through Sunday. We can’t wait to see you there! —David Rose
