In the early oughts, BimmerWorld’s James Clay recalls, a set of bushings for our E36 M3 project car opened the first diplomatic contact between our two companies. A third-page ad in our August 2004 issue featured some great deals on cool wheels, bushings, headers and early OBD tuning solution…
FYI, the inflation calculator I use tells me that those $599 headers, if bought today, would cost you a little over $1000 in today's money.
Wow. Certainly I had heard of Bimmerworld, but I had no idea they were big enough to occupy a Wal-Mart. Neither did I know they were located in SW VA.
Some BimmerWorld history here–plus old photos–as part of our M3 project: How BimmerWorld Grew a BMW Passion Into a BMW Business.
Wow, cool to see where I was buying parts from in the mid 2000s and the evolution since.
Watching the video I spotted an E36 with SSR Integrales under a car cover. I had those exact wheels!
What surprises me is that a Walmart closed.
I swear I've seen James racing on tv from time to time, perhaps even in person a time or two.
Glad the two companies have enjoyed a good business relationship for so long.
I'm not a BMW guy but I have a new found greater respect and love for Bimmerworld....
“The Chinese restaurant is DEFINITELY staying,” Clay says, in a move that we fully support. “And hopefully we can find a Mexican restaurant to move in, too.”
I can get behind this mix of German, Chinese, and Mexican. Seriously congrats guys!! I can assume I'll see you in the paddock at Laguna this weekend.
With much love,
Hardcore Chevy Camaro Guy
kb58 said:What surprises me is that a Walmart closed.
Looks like there’s another one a few minutes away.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
It's common for the old 90's Walmart to close up and move to the Mega-size Walmart down the street.
Datsun240ZGuy said:In reply to David S. Wallens :
It's common for the old 90's Walmart to close up and move to the Mega-size Walmart down the street.
Yeah that's what happened here. They closed this shopping-center based store and opened a Supercenter not far away. right near the former BimmerWorld location, actually.
Timothy Kay said:I'm not a BMW guy but I have a new found greater respect and love for Bimmerworld....
“The Chinese restaurant is DEFINITELY staying,” Clay says, in a move that we fully support. “And hopefully we can find a Mexican restaurant to move in, too.”
I can get behind this mix of German, Chinese, and Mexican. Seriously congrats guys!! I can assume I'll see you in the paddock at Laguna this weekend.
With much love,
Hardcore Chevy Camaro Guy
Hear me out: If Volkswagen can have a sausage with a part number, BimmerWorld should totally have a taco/burrito/enchilada with a part number, too.
I always thought they were a race parts kind of place. I see that they also carry mundane everyday stuff that would fit on a bone stock E39!
I may have to send them an order...
Great business move to own the entire property and have tenants occupying the smaller stores--they can pick and choose who opens up shop there. I agree with their Chinese and Mexican restaurant decisions :)
What I really like is seeing an after-market mega store for a brand like BMW. Now all we need is a similar concept for Nissan, Toyota, etc....
VERY impressivse! Congratulations from your old orthodontist Jamey...er James.
1988RedT2 said:I always thought they were a race parts kind of place. I see that they also carry mundane everyday stuff that would fit on a bone stock E39!
I may have to send them an order...
Yes, they carry OE parts, too. It’s where JG and I have been getting all sorts of “normal” things: filters and fluids, coils and spark plugs.
If they offer more than one brand–like they do for M3 ignition coils–you can call and ask which one they prefer. (Spoiler alert: Might not be the most expensive option.)
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