It's hard to describe M-Fest 3 in words. You really need to be there in person to experience its true splendor - over 300 M owners, accommodations at the Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, private track day at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch, show 'n shine at the Venetian, insane raffle prizes (such as a free supercharger kit) and an official party at the world-famous Tao Nightclub... The first M-Fest started 13 months ago with 120 cars, but on its third try the event has gained momentum to become perhaps the premier experience for diehard "M" owners.
The formula for M-Fest is simple - leave your drama at home, then come hang out and party in Las Vegas with your fellow M comrades for a three-day weekend.
M-Fest 3 ignited with eight caravans congregating in Barstow, CA - 90min outside the Nevada state line. From there, the line of BMWs stretched as far as the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and traveled up I-15 to the Vegas Strip.
Private underground parking was reserved at the Palazzo as M-Fest participants took over the property. After a tiring day of driving, many people headed to the Lamborghini dealership situated within the hotel, where a classy dinner was served; however, others enjoyed a boy's night out at one of Sin City's finest establishments. Let's just say, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!
On day two, everybody headed west to Spring Mountain where M owners put their cars to the test. Typically, the private ranch is quiet since only 150 members have full access. However, the M-Fest organizers collaborated with the track to gain complete access on the 3.5-mile road course, skid pad, autocross and clubhouse amenities. So if you didn't want to go all-out on the track, you could tackle a short autocross as often as you wanted for free. The skid pad was also entertaining to watch, with M owners practicing their drift and donut techniques.
After an exhausting day at the track, we were reminded that M-Fest wasn't completely about cars, but about lifestyle as well. And that's why most M owners spent the night at Tao Nightclub in the Venetian. If you're not familiar with Vegas, Tao is rated as one of the most popular clubs off the Strip and it was where the M-Fest family celebrated in style.
The show 'n shine on the final day was the icing on the cake. Sponsors such as RPI, JLevi, Group 5 Motorsport, VIP Status, Southbay Autohaus and Eurodyne showed off their latest products. Chris Bergemann from HorsepowerFreaks displayed his 900whp M3 (et 4/09) along with several customer cars.
He also introduced a new carbon air duct that directs air to the correct side of the motor for turbo kits. There was also a new carbon intake pipe.
BMW tuner Gintani came out in full force with a few new project cars, including its E92 M3 showcasing a new supercharger kit, three-piece forged wheels and full exhaust.
Vorsteiner had plenty of carbon exterior parts on display and debuted its vented hood for the E92 M3.
And we can't forget VF-Engineering. Nik Saran from VF debuted his '08 M3 in matte silver paint, with Vorsteiner parts and a prototype Vortech V3 supercharger kit capable of 600hp. For the E46 M3, VF's new products included a more affordable Street Sport supercharger kit priced at $5900, plus new cold-air intake with GIAC software. And nobody left the show 'n shine early because VF raffled an E46 M3 stage 1 supercharger kit worth $10k!
After three days of high-powered adrenaline, M-Fest has built a circle of close friends who have as much love for each other as they are passionate about the cars they drive. Until M-Fest 4...
www.eurotuner.comWe couldn't fit the hundreds of photos taken at M-Fest 3 here, so visit our website for the gallery of the caravan, car show, track events, nightlife and more.
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