It’s Bimmer Invasion—We’ve Got Company!

Are you ready for Bimmer Invasion this coming weekend? BMW CCA sure is, as we’ll have multi-chapter representation attending this rapidly growing Bimmer bash, including Florida SunCoast, Sunshine Bimmers, National Capital, and M Chapters.

What is Bimmer Invasion? It’s a BMW-centric event that started in 2020, catering to enthusiasts with a focus on bringing the BMW community closer together. This Saturday, February 18th, 2023, the invasion returns to Orlando’s Dezerland Park, an 800,000 square-foot mixed-use facility that includes a car museum, an indoor go-kart track, places to eat, and more. BMWs registered for the event will be displayed throughout Dezerland Park, inside and out.

The event brings plenty of activities, with a show and shine, judged car show, burnout contest, and exhaust competition, just to name a few. And with a sizable list of high-profile sponsors and vendors, including our very own Florida SunCoast Chapter (FSC) and M Chapter, there’s ample opportunity to chat with fellow hardcore BMW enthusiasts and preview new performance gear coming onto the market.

Similar to Kyle van Hoften’s live blog from Daytona a few short weeks ago, BimmerLife will be live blogging from Bimmer Invasion. National Capital Chapter President Paul Seto and M Chapter President Esteban Valentin will be in attendance, sharing photos and video of amazing BMW builds, chats with BMW CCA members and their rides, sponsor showcases, and coverage of the event as it happens. In addition to the BimmerLife live blog, be sure to check out BMW CCA, M Chapter, and FSC’s social media channels for additional content.

This will be Valentin’s third time attending Bimmer Invasion. He says he’s looking forward to “seeing all the great builds in addition to the foot traffic through the [M Chapter] tent,” where they’ll be welcoming both current and new members to the club. According to Valentin, the M Chapter will have five cars on display this year and he’ll be bringing one of his own—”likely either 2002 or E30 since we already have E46 M3 and an M2 Comp [registered for display.]”

Beyond the show itself, there are a multitude of related activities to enjoy during Bimmer Invasion. Valentin points out, “many caravans are organized to reach the event the days prior, which have been a success based on the feedback we’ve heard. They also just announced an after party right after the event.”

Seto will be a first-time attendee at Bimmer Invasion. He says, “I’m pumped up about it. With all the social media coverage and word of mouth excitement over the past years, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be there on behalf of CCA and M Chapter.” With many other national events on his automotive calendar this year, he’ll be flying into Orlando instead of making the 900-plus mile drive, but I’m more than sure his tastefully modded E92 or F80 M3s would be right at home with some many other outstanding Ms.

“Being one the best BMW tuner shows in the country, obviously checking out the cars will be my first priority. Seeing how people mod their cars shows how much creativity and love they have for the brand. But, we’re also here to introduce this BMW crowd to BMW CCA and hopefully have them join the family and lifestyle of all things BMW,” Seto adds.

Yet another BMW CCA chapter president that needs no introduction, FCS’s President Stan Dale, will be amongst the BMW CCA fanatics enjoying the event. Dale says, “This will be FSC’s first official sponsorship and showing at Bimmer Invasion. Kevin Tipton is a newly elected board member to FSC and a significant co-producer of the invasion.  Thanks to Kevin FSC is making the big show this year.” While at the event, Dale and his team will be supporting the Performance Center and working with the M Chapter to represent BMW CCA. Dale is excited for the event and says, “I’m looking forward to seeing some dynamic BMW’s this weekend, meeting old friends, and making new friends—it should be a blast!”

FSC member Tom Klee’s 2001 BMW Z8.

Make sure to check out FSC’s coverage of the event via their Friday e-blast and Facebook page to see some great cars. As a sneak peak, Dale shared some of the FSC cars that will be on display. He’s bringing his 2008 DINAN 550i, which he describes as “a sleeper.” Chris Schroeder will be bringing two special BMWs, 41 years apart—a 1972 3.0Csi (that was featured in BimmerLife) and a six-speed manual 2013 Lime Rock Park Edition M3. Tom Klee will bring his 2001 BMW Z8. Will Vargas will have his h2007 Z4 M coupe on display. And to add to the excitement of the event, Lukas Clayton will be unveiling a brand new “M surprise” that just came off the assembly line.

FSC members Chris Schroeder’s 1972 3.0Csi.

In addition to attending the show itself, some chapters have pre-and-post show activities planned. If you need to give your BMW a final clean before rolling up to the main event, the Sunshine Bimmers Chapter and SunCoast Chapter have a show and shine scheduled for Saturday morning.  So, check with your chapter to find out the latest extra-circular BMW activities scheduled in the Orlando area.

Whether you’re planning to attend or will be joining us virtually, stay tuned to BimmerLife’s live blog and BMW CCA social media channels to see what Bimmer Invasion is all about. If you’re one of lucky people experiencing the Invasion first hand, make sure to stop by both the M and FSC tents to say hello!—Mike Bevels

[Photos courtesy of BMW CCA M Chapter and Florida SunCoast Chapter.]

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