History of BMW Club QLD
1970

History of BMW Club Queensland

Ira Berk was the first BMW Dealership in Queensland and Horace Sierak was their first Manager. It was a difficult time for him as the public perception was that BMW only produced Motorcycles. (The first BMW Motorcycle Club in Queensland was established in 1958.)

After some time Horace managed to sell a few cars and decided to promote the marque by forming a BMW Club.

VIDEO - Horace Sierak - First Queensland BMW Salesman
1978

There were various day drives in and around Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, Maleny, Toowoomba and Somerset Dam. Many social events we held with wine & cheese night being one of the most popular.

Unfortunately, the club went into hiatus in 1978 when Horace moved to Mercedes.

1984

In 1984, Rowan Stanfield and Danny Boon, who owned a 2002 and a E12 528i respectively, resurrected the BMW Club in Queensland. The first meeting was at City BMW which was also the Mazda dealership in Melbourne Street, South Brisbane.

There still weren’t that many BMW’s about, so it was decided to have a Club business card printed up. On leaving those cards on BMW’s, interest grew exponentially, by 1989, we had 119 paid up Members.

Highlights of those early years were the publication of a BMW Club magazine in 1987/88 and one of the first ‘National’ meets with visiting BMW Clubs from down south. This was held on the Sunshine Coast in 1989.

BMWCQ Timeline

  • BMWCQ started

    1984

    Initially we held Club meetings at City BMW which shared floor space with Mazda; and circa 1984, then we had our meetings at the German Club, at the Gabba.

  • BMW Clubs Australia formed

    1988

    At the Nationals in Canberra, BMW Clubs Australia was formed, to be the overarching BMW Clubs Australia entity, inclusive of BMW Motorcycle Clubs if they so choose. They were wary of our newly formed ‘over-arching' body.

  • 1st Nationals Meet

    1989

    Sunshine in 1989

  • Nationals Caloundra

    2000

    April 21st-24th Page 8 BMWCQ Bimmer July August September.

  • Daniel Morcombe Charity Run

    2015

    Charity Run to Big Pineapple and presentation of cheque for $2,000 to parents of Daniel Morcombe.

  • 1st BMW Car Club of Queensland

    1970

    After gaining support from a few enthusiasts a new car club was formed, with all of 5 members to start. We had our first drive day in July 1973, with a trip up to Mary Cain Cross Park at Malaney, with a BBQ lunch. Ray Brown passed in 2018, he was the last remaining Member of the Club.

  • BMWCQ started

    1984

    Initially we held Club meetings at City BMW which shared floor space with Mazda; and circa 1984, then we had our meetings at the German Club, at the Gabba.

  • 1st Club grille badge

    1986

    One was presented to the BMW AG Representative at the International Council of BMW Clubs Meeting in Germany in 1990

  • BMW Clubs Australia formed

    1988

    At the Nationals in Canberra, BMW Clubs Australia was formed, to be the overarching BMW Clubs Australia entity, inclusive of BMW Motorcycle Clubs if they so choose. They were wary of our newly formed ‘over-arching' body.

  • Membership

    1989

    The club reached 119 Members by the end of the year. International Council of BMW Clubs was held in South Africa. Daniel Boon attended as “Observer

  • 1st Nationals Meet

    1989

    Sunshine in 1989

  • International Council of BMW Clubs

    1989

    South Africa, Daniel Boon, BMWCQ #001 Attended as "Observer"

  • Nationals Caloundra

    2000

    April 21st-24th Page 8 BMWCQ Bimmer July August September.

  • Germany Trip & Mobile Tradition

    2008

    August 15 - 28 BMW club members from Queensland and Victoria toured BMW Munich, Mobile Tradition and Nurbergring.

  • Daniel Morcombe Charity Run

    2015

    Charity Run to Big Pineapple and presentation of cheque for $2,000 to parents of Daniel Morcombe.

  • 30th Anniversary

    2021

    BMW Club Queensland was incorporated in 1991, number: QLD IA09599. A special Gala Awards night was held at Sirromet Winery at Mt Cotton to celebrate our 30 year anniversary. 100 invited guests, past presidents, member and friends gathered to reminisce and share memories of our history. The Club is in a very healthy & vibrant condition and we hope that there are many more years of BMW’s, fun and camaraderie to come.

EVOLUTION OF BMW CLUB QUEENSLAND LOGO

  • 1986

    The first Club grille badge was circa 1986, which was not an approved design (we were unaware of such formalities), but we were enthusiastic and to make amends, one was presented to the BMW AG Representative at the International Council of BMW Clubs Meeting in Germany in 1990.

  • 1991

    BMW AG decided to unify the logos for BMW Clubs worldwide so there was a basic design created with a space for the clubs name and symbol.

  • 2013

    BMW AG refreshed the design of the logos worldwide with a new layout and guidelines for the use of our symbol and text.

  • 2021

    BMW changed their roundel so it was time to update the design with a new layout and font. Because of the shape of the area for the symbol, the Queensland map would not fit, so we updated it but retained the sun and Motorsport colours for Queensland.

BMW MOTORSPORT

  • 1974

    1974 BMW CSL

    The 1974 BMW CSL 3.0 litre is one of the first works of wonder to spring from BMW’s sports car branches. The CSL made its debut in February 1975 at the 24 Hours of Daytona race. With minimal upgrades about a year later, CSL won its first of many victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring race.

  • 1984

    1984 BMW M635 CSi

    The mighty M635 CSi was first launched in 1984 and right away, participated in the DTM race at the Zolder on 11th March. The sports car bagged around 4 victories. Later in the race series, during the Driver’s Championship, it was with the magnificent M635 CSi that the famous Volker Strycek was able to achieve his win.

  • 1994

    1994 BMW E36 M3-R

    Designed to participate in the Australian Super Production Series, about 15 exclusive BMW E36 M3-R edition cars were launched. This car boasted a power output of 240 KW and left the crowds awe-stricken.

  • 2004

    2004 BMW M3 GTR

    Developed in 2001 and updated in 2004, the BMW M3 GTR was one of a kind. With a V8 making 493 hp engine and Vmax of 280 km/h, this model achieved car race victories throughout the world. With its exceptional engine, speed and functionality, this motorsport vehicle is a favourite among the BMW fans.

  • 2020

    2020 BMW M8 GTE

    Programmed with cutting-edge technologies and brand-new concepts such as transaxle, driveshaft, axle assembly and transmission integration, the BMW M8 GTE is one of the most successful motorsports models developed by the brand. What adds to its specialness is that the M8 GTE is also the winner of the Daytona 24 hour race, making it one of the most sought-after models.

PAST PRESIDENTS

  • Gary CJ Schweikert

    2019-2023

  • Warwick Prince

    2017-2019

  • Ian Solomon

    2005-2017

  • Graham Miller

    1998-2000

  • Andrew West

    1994-1998

  • Larry Crouch

    1993-1994

  • Greg Minns

    1992-1993

  • Danny Boon

    1984-1992

2017-2019

Friend of the Club

Simon Harrex

Based on the model of the highest award of Friend of the Marque that can be bestowed on a Club Member by BMW Clubs International, BMW Club Queensland has its own version known as Friend of the Club and is nominations are on individual merit.

This is in recognition of a club member who has not necessarily been on the Committee as such but has substantially over a long period of time, contributed to the club at a high level with their participation in many aspects of club life. This personifies the essence of a Friend of the Club and has been duly recognized for their efforts.

ROLL OF HONOR

  • Most Supportive Members
    • Trevor Yule

      1985
    • Scott Robinson

      1986
    • Steve Callaghan

      1987
    • Danny Boon

      1988
    • Sue Burnett

      1989-1998
    • Geoff Davis

      1991
    • Dave Burnett

      1992
    • Graham Miller

      1993
    • Andrew West

      1994
    • Alan Kerr

      1995-1996
    • Jim Huet

      1997-1998
    • Ion Solomon

      1999
    • Mark Anderson

      2000
    • Ion Solomon

      2001
    • Greg Tymms

      2002-2004
    • Vic Crennan

      2005
    • Ion Solomon

      2006
    • Andrew West

      2007
    • Denis Weisz

      2008
    • Scott Knack

      2009
    • Gary Campbell

      2010
    • Craig Tindall

      2011
    • Rod Tyson

      2013-2014
    • Paul Young

      2015
    • Crystal Sheumack

      2016-2017
    • John Tait

      2018
    • Russell Dean

      2019
    • Russell Thomas

      2020
    • Lyn & Andrew Moeller

      2021
    • Ann & Robert Bradford

      2022
  • Life Members
    • Daniel Boon

    • Vic Crennan

    • Janene McGrath-Kerr

    • Graham Miller

    • Ian Solomon

    • Greg Tymms

    • Leanne Tymms

    • Denis Weisz

  • Vice Presidents
    • Leanne Tymms

      2000-2015
    • Ian Solomon

      2017-2019
    • Leanne Tymms

      2019-current
  • Club Captains
    • Vic Crennan

      2005-2010
    • Barry Kunowski

      2012-2014
    • Dave Ross

      2015-2017
    • Dan Hohnke

      2018
    • John Fairman

      2019-2020
    • Greg Tymms

      2021-current
  • Marketing Managers
    • No Record Found

  • Sponsorship Managers
    • Warwick Prince

      2015-2016
    • Joe Seychelle

      2017
    • Warwick Prince

      2018
    • Russell Dean

      2019-current
  • Membership Officers
    • Chris Sloane

      2005-2006
    • Bernie Figg

      2007-2008
    • Greg Tymms

      2009-2013
    • Mario Lamont

      2014
    • Michael Blankenburg

      2015-2016
    • Ian Solomon

      2017-2018
    • John Fairman

      2019
    • John Payne

      2020-current
  • National Delegates
    • Ian Solomon

      2005-2008
    • Leanne Tymms

      2009-2010
    • Leanne Tymms

      2011-2015
    • Ian Solomon

      2016
    • Warwick Prince

      2017-2018
    • Gary Schweikert

      2019-2022
    • John Fairman

      2023-current
  • Merchandise Managers
    • Vic Crennan

      2009-2010
    • Therese Young

      2012
    • Therese McKenzie Young

      2013-2015
    • Angela Seychell

      2016
    • Alex Knack

      2017
    • Alex Irvine

      2018-2022
  • Social Directors
    • Greg Tymms

      2006-2008
    • Jude Neibling

      2009-2011
    • Therese Young

      2012
    • Therese McKenzie Young

      2013
    • Dan Hohnke

      2014-2018
    • Leanne Tymms

      2019
    • Russell Thomas

      2020-current
  • Assistant Editors
    • No Record Found

  • Magazine Editor and Publishers
    • Simon Leigh

      2005-2006
    • Roland Porst

      2007
    • Ruth Farrar

      2008-2009
    • Mario Lamont

      2012-2016
    • Mario Lamont

      2018
    • Gary Schweikert

      2019-2020
    • Leanne Tymms

      2021
    • Darren Foster

      2022-current
  • Drive Coordinators
    • Paul Young

      2010-2014
    • Steve Ames

      2015-2016
    • Dan Hohnke

      2018
    • John Tait

      2019-2020
    • Greg Tymms

      2021
    • John Tait

      2022
  • Registers Coordinators
    • Alistar Third

      2005-2006
    • Greg Tymms

      2007-2009
    • Greg Tymms / Denis Weisz

      2010
    • Rob Battle/Denis Weisz

      2011-2012
    • Rob Battle / Matt Gresham

      2013
    • Rob Battle

      2014-2015
    • Mario Lamont

      2017-2018
    • John Fairman

      2019-2020
    • Greg Tymms

      2021-2022
    • Brian Alderton

      2023-current
  • Interclub Coordinators
    • Ray Allsop

      2016
    • Denis Weisz

      2017-2018
    • Larry Crouch

      2019
    • Vaughan Wishart

      2020
    • Christine Murphy

      2021-2022
    • Don Neibling

      2023-current
  • Motorsport Directors
    • Greg Tymms

      2005
    • Sean Smith

      2006-2007
    • Angus Chapel

      2008-2009
    • Richard Gresham / Scott Knack

      2010
    • Denis Weisz / Richard Gresham

      2012
    • Kris Steenstrup

      2013
    • Kris Steenstrup / Denis Weisz

      2014-2015
    • Denis Weisz

      2016
    • Kris Steenstrup / Denis Weisz

      2017
    • Denis Weisz

      2018
    • Jordan Carter

      2019
    • Denis Weisz

      2020-2022
    • Andrew Williams

      2023-current
  • Treasurers
    • Donna Callaghan

      1992-1993
    • Grant Adams

      1993-1994
    • Neil Altschwager

      1994-1997
    • Chris Sloane

      1997-2001
    • Phil Purnell-Webb

      2001-2005
    • Robyn Murphy-Crennan

      2005-2008
    • Leanne Tymms

      2008-2014
    • Melanie Waddell

      2014-2015
    • Craig Tindall

      2015-2016
    • Jose Ramirez

      2016-2016
    • Scott Knack

      2016-2017
    • Alex Knack

      2017-2018
    • John Tait

      2018-2019
    • John Tait

      2019-2020
    • Roman Miller

      2020-2021
    • John Tait

      2021-2022
    • Leanne Tymms

      2023-current
  • Secretaries
    • Steve Callaghan

      1992-1993
    • Larry Crouch

      1993-1994
    • Don Gear

      1994-1995
    • Debbie Hams

      1995-1996
    • Richard Gresham

      1996-1997
    • Chris Sloane

      1997-2000
    • Bruce Wilson

      2000-2002
    • Don Neibling

      2002-2003
    • Richard Poppleston

      2003-2004
    • David Ross

      2004-2005
    • Anne Smith

      2005-2006
    • Don Neibling

      2006-2013
    • David Ross

      2013-2014
    • Therese McKenzie-Young

      2014-2015
    • Melanie Blankenberg

      2015-2017
    • Brian Ross

      2017-2018
    • Rebecca Welch

      2018-2019
    • Leanne Tymms

      2019-2021
    • Kerri Thomas

      2021-current
visit our shop

30TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTS

History of BMW

Establishment of BMW

The official founding date of the German motor vehicle manufacturer BMW is 7 March 1916, when an aircraft producer called Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (formerly Otto Flugmaschinenfabrik) was established. This company was renamed to Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) in 1922. However, the BMW name dates back to 1917, when Rapp Motorenwerke changed its name to Bayerische Motoren Werke. BMW's first product was a straight-six aircraft engine called the BMW IIIa. Following the end of World War I, BMW remained in business by producing motorcycle engines, farm equipment, household items and railway brakes. The company produced its first motorcycle, the BMW R32, in 1923.

BMW Logos

  • 1913 - 1916

  • 1916 - 1933

  • 1923 - 1953

  • 1936 - 1963

  • 1963 - 1997

  • 1970 - 1989

  • 1997 - Now

  • 2020 - Now

  • 1917

    Establishment of BMW

    Motorenwerke's engine-production assets were transferred to Bayerische Flugzeugwerke in 1922, who adopted the name the same year.[3] BMW's first product was a straight-six aircraft engine called the BMW IIIa, designed in the spring of 1917 by engineer Max Friz.

  • 1923

    BMW R32

    Following the end of World War I, BMW remained in business by producing motorcycle engines, farm equipment, household items and railway brakes. The company produced its first motorcycle, the BMW R32, in 1923.

  • 1928

    Start of production

    BMW's production of automobiles began in 1928, when the company purchased the Automobilwerk Eisenach car company from Gothaer Waggonfabrik. Eisenach's current model was the Dixi 3/15 a licensed copy of the Austin 7 which had begun production in 1927. Following the takeover, the Dixi 3/15 became the BMW 3/15, BMW's first production car.

  • 1968

    Production of the BMW M30 engine

    In 1968, production of the BMW M30 engine began, BMW's first straight-six engine since World War II which would remain in production for 24 years. This engine coincided with the launch of the New Six large sedans (the predecessor to the 7 Series)and New Six CS large coupes (the predecessor to the 6 Series).

  • 1978

    M division

    The 1978 BMW M1 was BMW's first mid-engined sports car and was developed in conjunction with Lamborghini. It was also the first road car produced by BMW's motorsport division, BMW M. In 1980, the M division produced its first model based on a regular production vehicle, the E12 5 Series M535i. The M535i is the predecessor to the BMW M5, which was introduced in 1985 based on the E28 5 Series platform.

  • 1989

    8 Series, hatchbacks

    The 8 Series range of large coupes was introduced in 1989 and in 1992 was the first application of BMW's first V8 engine in 25 years, the BMW M60. It was also the first BMW to use a multi-link rear suspension, a design which was implemented for mass-production in 1990 E36 3 Series.

  • 1994

    Rover ownership

    The purchase of Rover was not successful. Already struggling after years of industrial disputes, Rover had a poor reputation but in trying to improve its image it would become a rival to the BMW market segment. BMW found it difficult to reposition the English automaker alongside its own products and the Rover division was faced with endless changes in its marketing strategy.

  • 1999

    SUV models

    BMW's first SUV, the X5, was introduced in 1999. The X5 was a large departure from BMW's image of sporting "driver’s cars", however, it was very successful and resulted in other SUVs being introduced, such as the smaller X3 in 2003.

  • 2003

    Rolls-Royce

    2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom was the first Rolls-Royce vehicle produced under BMW ownership.This was the end result of complicated contractual negotiations that began in 1998 when Rolls-Royce plc licensed use of the Rolls-Royce name and logo to BMW, but Vickers sold the remaining elements of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars to Volkswagen.

  • 2006

    Shift to turbocharged engines

    BMW's first mass-production turbocharged petrol engine was the six-cylinder BMW N54, which debuted in the 2006 E92 3 Series 335i model. In 2011, the F30 3 Series was released, with turbocharged engines being used on all models. This shift to turbocharging and smaller engines was reflective of general automotive industry trends.

  • 2013

    Present

    Electric/hybrid/fuel-cell power

    BMW released their first electric car, the BMW i3 city car, in 2013. The i3 is also the first mass-production car to have a structure mostly made from carbon-fiber. BMW's first hybrid sportscar (and their first mid-engined car since the M1) is called the BMW i8 and was introduced in 2014. The i8 is also the first car to use BMW's first inline-three engine, the BMW B38.

Designed and development by

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software