The Spartanburg plant is the only BMW plant in the United States. The X3, X5, X6 and Active Hybrid X6 vehicle models are produced at the Spartanburg facility. Opened in 1974, the plant has become a major employer in inland South Carolina, employing more than 5,000 people. Many tourists in the area enjoy visiting the BMW Performance Center and the Zentrum.
More than 50,000 visitors annually flock to the Zentrum, the only BMW museum in North America. Located next to the plant, the Zentrum presents the past, present and future of BMW. There are exhibits, movies, and rare classic models to see. Even the unique spiral architecture of the Zentrum attracts visitors. The museum’s gift shop sells BMW clothing. A cafeteria offers refreshments. The facility’s auditorium and conference room can be rented for special events. The Zentrum is open from Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Admission is free.
In addition to visiting the Zentrum, visitors can schedule a guided tour of the BMW plant. Tours are by reservation only and last approximately one hour. The cost of the tour is $7 and it is open to ages 12 and up. Participants must wear closed shoes and high heels are not allowed. Tours can be scheduled when the plant is open. The plant is closed on major holidays.
The BMW Performance Center offers several popular driving schools. Four driving courses are designed to develop specific skill sets. The Driver’s Program is designed for new high performance drivers. Instructors challenge attendees with a combination of exercises ranging from low to high speed. Maneuvers help develop confident and safe drivers. One and two day car control schools can be scheduled. The M School course allows more experienced performance drivers to work on skills used by professional drivers. Two-day and advanced courses can be scheduled. The Teen School places an emphasis on safety and precaution. Teenagers in these one- and two-day courses receive close supervision. A wide range of driving conditions are present, including panic stops and wet pavement. There are also Motorcycle Training Courses. Multi-day on-road and off-road classes cover braking, cornering, and accident prevention. Experienced riders can enjoy the 3 Day Motorcycle Tour. Participants will travel the back roads of the Carolinas and East Tennessee, including portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Many participants have found their experiences at the Performance Center to be fun and challenging.
The BMW Plant Spartanburg Museum and Zentrum is located at 1400 Highway 101 South in Greer, South Carolina. The Performance Center is located down the street at 1155 Highway 101 South. Both are very popular activities for visitors to the Spartanburg area.
