A Day At the BMW Welt (World)

 

 

 We successfully made our way to the BMW Welt (BMW World) via the U-Bahn, the Munich railway system. Bob had scoped out the route weeks ago and he got us there like we were locals. 

He was so excited when we finally arrived - at last a visit to the "mother-ship!" This is a huge facility and they manufacture 950 cars a day - one comes off the assembly line every minute. The entire process from start to finish takes about 40 hours.

However, the Welt is more than a factory, it is an entire experience with displays of most of their car models and motorcycles. 

Bob enjoyed the motorcycle exhibit.

 

There are four restaurants, a gift shop, museum and houses BMW's corporate headquarters. Customers from all over the world can also pick up the car they ordered right here - quite a unique experience for the new car buyer. 

Here is the delivery area.

 

A new car for this family.

And Bob found a new model that he liked. Don't even think about it Bob!

We also were treated to demonstration by a BMW motorcycle rider - he even rode it up an d down the stairs - don't try that at home. Of course Bob spent time kicking tires with him and sharing experiences. 

We took the factory tour - only available by advance reservation. Of course Bob had bought the tickets months in advance. Visitors are not allowed to take photos. The tour lasted two hours and we walked over 2 1/2 miles through the plant. Most impressive sights were the robots and the live co-workers along the line.

The tour started with seeing huge sheets of rolled steel being pressed into hoods, door panels and other body parts. Sparks flew as the parts were welded together by the robots. The painting process was truly remarkable. The assembled parts were washed and then sent down to a pressurized clean room where they were dusted by ostrich feathers (I am not kidding) to remove any lingering debris before being painted. We watched as huge arms delicately opened doors and painted inside and out of the cars.   

Once the cars are completed and all the wiring, windows, seats etc are added they are sent to a test area where they are put on rollers and driven up to speeds of 100 mph and with a final toot of a horn they are ready to be loaded onto a rail car for delivery.

We spent most of the day at the Welt and after resting back at our hotel for awhile - had a lovely meal and wine of course at a restaurant in the Marienplatz. A day well spent and no issues going to sleep. 

Just seeing if this will fit...um nope, not my style.